Friday, August 21, 2015

Make New Friends...

Last night, I went out with my Book Club for a fun evening. We ate some amazing food at Better Half, talked about our lives, and drank several glasses of Pinot Noir (from The Pinot Project). Yes, we're one of those Book Clubs that only talks about an actual book every other time we meet.

I have made friends with these amazing ladies only in the last few years, and I am so thrilled to know each person in our group. I'm sure you will agree: As you get older, it does get harder to meet people. I have Chapin, of course, and my mom and sisters, and a few other friends I've had forever, but I wanted the kind of Sex and the City camaraderie that comes with just hanging out with people who enjoy your company and who like you just for you.

I had a group of friends that I was close with during my 20s and early 30s, but the group sort of ostracized me over time as I made different choices... mainly, having a career over having a family. The ladies in my Book Club are all highly educated, and have a wonderful work/life balance. Some have kids, some don't - and I'm never made to feel small because I don't have any children.

Life is too short to waste time on people who would rather criticize and belittle you than celebrate your choices. That's just my two cents for today.

The Outfit:


Dress: Trina Turk Patterned Organza Fit and Flare Dress in Candy

The dress is a size four, my normal size, but it's honestly a little big on me. If you choose to get it, I would size down.

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Atlas Patent Leather Crisscross Platform Sandals

I absolutely adore these Jimmy Choo sandals: the color and the style. They look like fancy ballerina slippers!

Clutch: BCBGMaxAzria Lulu Square Stone Clutch

I love this little clutch, and I can actually fit my iPhone in it. Not all clutches are big enough for some of the new phone sizes. The clutch is available in a different color on Gilt.com (message me for an invite), or you can check out this similar style.

The Meal:

My dinner at Better Half was all gluten-free! The restaurant was extremely accommodating when I explained I have Celiac. The waiter even brought me cucumber slices instead of the normal crackers (standing in for the bread basket), which was served with a black bean butter (so yummy).

Appetizer: Crispy gordita, duck confit, white cheddar soft scrambled egg, hot pepper jelly

Entree: Roasted wreckfish with shrimp, shellfish tapioca, creamy polenta, charred tomato

Roasted Wreckfish at Better Half in Atlanta, Georgia