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chicksandsalsablog

The Pop Up Life is the Best Life

I chase life through experiences; I always have. I love to ride whatever wave comes my way.  As I get older, I get more passionate about these experiences and share them with the ones I love most, my family.  Atlanta has been home to me for almost 10 years, and this city never fails to disappoint.  There is always something literally POPPING up.  There is always something exciting to see and do, from the Winky Lux installation to Slime City, the Selfie Museum, the Van Gogh exhibit, and now Candytopia.  

The excitement of a temporary installation is totally different from traditional museums that you put on your list to visit eventually.  I need the pressure to get things done in life and at work (I live for deadlines).

With so many things to do in Atlanta at any given time, be sure to check these two Pop-Ups happening now before they are gone. The Illuminarium is next on my list!

The Illuminarium

Step off the beltline and into an African Safari experience like no other! This immersive Safari is something that the whole family is sure to love! For tickets, click here.

Van Gogh

I HIGHLY recommend this experience to everyone.  The Van Gogh exhibit is a truly a unique artist profile has an immersive exhibit that is unlike anything I have ever experienced and a well-coordinated virtual reality experience.  Get tickets for this event here.

Candytopia

Candytopia

This family-friendly pop-up was a HUGE hit with the kids.  After reading this review, I knew I had to take them. This was a fun visit with a very Willy Wonka vibe and statues made 100% of candy.  They also have a photosystem set up with QR codes that allow professional photos taken during your visit to be sent directly to your phone for free. To learn more, visit https://tickets.candytopia.com/event/candytopiaatl

Here is my video with a few other (not pop up) Atlanta favorites. 

Also, if you are looking to shop, check out my post on Shops Around Lenox here.

Your Chick,

Rina

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Shopping Day at the Shops Around Lenox

After a very long, very isolating year, I FINALLY got out of the house for all my favorite “F’s” – Friends, Food, Fun, and Fashion!!  The Shops Around Lenox are located right along Lenox Mall itself and boasts a designer corner with all your favorites such as Lululemon, Fabrik, West Elm, Kendra Scott, and so much more! 

I got so many compliments on my outfit, so I have linked it here for you. I am now an Express Ambassador, a partnership I have wanted for several years, so expect to see lots of looks from Express from me this year, starting with this top (which also comes in this pretty rust color).

As always you can shop all my looks on the blog here or on LikeToKnow.It.

Shops Around Lenox

I was excited to start my day at BLO Dry Bar, where I was spoiled by Alfred with a “Pillow Talk” blowout.  These glamorous blowouts start at $45, and they have a membership program for regulars!

Blo Out

Next, I visited Draper James.  This brand is owned by domestic goddess Reese Witherspoon and is SO WELL branded.  They have furniture in the store that she actually has in her house to really hit home that this is truly representative of her style.  The prints are adorable, and the qualities of the designs are amazing.  I tried on several dresses in hopes of places to wear them in the coming months. 

Shop this Dress Here

My last stop was for lunch with a friend at Seven Lamps restaurant.  They have indoor and outdoor seating that is both trendy and casual to suit the weather and your mood.  My favorite part was obviously the craft cocktail menu.  I ordered the Pistol Pete, a blueberry and basil margarita, and it was AH-mazing. 

Thanks for stopping by Chicks and Salsa!

Your Chick,

Rina

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The Juggle is Real

We have all heard about work-life balance, particularly now, but what can you do when work and home are happening all under the same roof!?!

As a work-from-home mom with a full-time career in digital marketing and two kids who have been virtually learning since March 2019, I have definitely had to learn a few tough lessons.  Thankfully, these have taught me to work smarter, not necessarily harder.  Read on to see how I am doing my best to pull it all off.

Cut Yourself Some Slack

I pride myself on productivity.  During the pandemic, my sense of accomplishment took a hit, and now, I am ok with doing just enough.  That means letting the laundry sit an extra day (or two), taking some shortcuts in the kitchen, and generally just chilling out.  

Harness the Power of Technology

I have been fighting the need to do this for years, but THIS YEAR, I have finally integrated all of my work and family calendars on Google and also picked up a few tricks to help with the clutter on my desk.  I recently purchased one of these cases for my iPad which has made doing work on the go much easier.  I also purchased an Apple Pencil to eliminate all the notebooks, notepads, sticky notes that clutter my desk.  Pro Tip: Good Notes is an app that has helped me clear my desk by allowing me to write and store them digitally.    

When my personal space is a mess, my mind is a mess.  So I have been doing little things to keep your physical and mental space tidy.

The WEE Hours

For the last few months when I wake up before everyone else, I make a cup of coffee and enjoy the peace and quiet.  The 30-40 minutes I have with my thoughts in the morning really set the tone for the rest of my day.  I use this time to JUST SIT, I look outside, check the news, maybe social media and within 30 minutes I already feel caught up and ready for whatever is in store for the day ahead. 

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I am sure all of this seems easier said than done, but after doing these things for several months, they have become a habit.  A habit, I intend to keep long after things get back to normal.

Your Chick,

Rina