Every year, on May 8th, people all over the country celebrate National Have a Coke Day, which coincides with the 138th anniversary of Coca-Cola. 

To celebrate this special day, World of Coca-Cola offers a massive ticket discount to Atlanta locals and tourists.

Individuals can purchase general admission tickets for $13.80 each on Wednesday, May 8th. This offer is valid for one day only and applies to tickets purchased on that date for visits through June. 

This is an excellent opportunity for Atlantans and visitors to explore World of Coca-Cola's unique collection of experiences. Visitors can get behind-the-scenes access to the world's most famous beverage, including the recently opened Beverage Lab exhibit.

Check out our visits to the World of Coca-Cola.

Special Offer Details:   

• On May 8th, World of Coca-Cola will offer tickets for $13.80 to celebrate National Have a Coke Day and the 138th anniversary of Coca-Cola.

• The one-day-only offer is valid all day on May 8th and will apply to tickets purchased on that date for visits through June.  

• Bottle Cap Café will offer buy one, get one fountain drinks and a free glow cube with purchase all day on May 8th to complement the offer.

• To take advantage of this special offer, remember to purchase your tickets online. Please note that some exclusions may apply.

Purchase tickets here.

We meet again Toyota Crown!

Is this a sign that I must hurry and review the Toyota Crown?

If you remember, I shared my first impressions about the 2024 Toyota Crown and how it returned to the US after a 51-year hiatus!

We reunited during a Toyota party at the Atlanta Botanical Garden I recently attended this week.

Also, while at the event, I was introduced to the first-ever 2025 Crown Signia, the crossover hybrid SUV.  

The first impression that caught my eye about the Signia was how stylish and sporty it was. It's definitely an eye-catcher! 

You know I'm all about legroom and space to store my belongings. With the Crown Signia, there is enough legroom for passengers, even tall ones, and the trunk has ample space; plus, you can fold the back seats for more room.  

The Crown Signia is perfect for families and road trips. It can handle all the towing we need. 

Another thing I noticed is the shift gears are similar to Lexus with the park push-button. I'm not a big fan of that, but you get used to it after a while.

And about the party! It was decorated beautifully with Alice in Wonderland topiary-like mosaiculture sculptures surrounding the vehicles, providing a perfect backdrop for my photos. 

There was a bloom cart to create floral crowns and bouquets, music from an award-winning violinist, tea party-inspired food, refreshments, and a dessert bar.

It was a fantastic event to preview both Crown vehicles and mingle with fellow Atlanta bloggers and influencers to usher in May!

If you're in the Atlanta area, visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden and see the Alice's Wonderland Returns exhibition to see the seven installations of 38 topiary-like mosaiculture pieces throughout the Garden. The exhibit will be there from May 11th – September 15th.

There is a new Korean BBQ in town called Thrill Korean Steak & Bar!  And when I saw the sign on the new building in Buford, in The Exchange shopping center, I knew I needed to check them out.  Plus, since it's in my area, I like to try each new food establishment at least once to give my support.

I'm not going to lie; when I read the Thrill Korean Steak & Bar sign on the building, I thought it would be like a steakhouse.  

Honestly, I wish it was.  The reason is that there are so many Korean BBQs all over Duluth and Suwanee, and now trickling into Buford.

It's not that I don't like Korean BBQs; I actually eat at different locations with my family three times a month because it's so good and fulfilling.  I just wanted a new Korean dining experience and style of cuisine.

Related Post- Seoul of the South Korean Food Tour

I visited Thrill Korean Steak & Bar with my youngest daughter during their soft opening weekend.  Walking inside, I loved the sophisticated atmosphere and the dark, contemporary, modern decor.  The perfect setting for date nights and parties.

When we arrived at our table, I found out it was a Korean BBQ since there were grills at each table.

Then, looking at the menu, I saw that it was an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ.  I try to avoid all-you-can-eat Korean BBQs because they are notorious for serving poor-quality meats.

But we were already seated, so I kept an open mind and did not try to be biased. 

When I looked at the menu, I noticed a variety of unmarinated and marinated proteins, including beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, and calamari, as well as a wide selection of appetizers.

And I can't forget the sides!  A great selection of side dishes that automatically serve at your table.

So, everything on the menu, including soft drinks, sides,  appetizers, and proteins, are all included for $45 per person (Dinner Price).  A good price!  And you can eat up to 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to try out all the foods.

Now, a la carte items like fried rice, wings, and desserts are on the menu for an extra fee.  (I've never seen dessert options at Korean BBQs).

Now, it's time to eat!

We could only choose two proteins at a time, and the protein size is the number of people at your table; for example, we picked marinated Galbi, and our server brought out two slices of beef ribs and then cut them up on the grill.

This goes for all meats, like the thinly sliced briskets, which are enough for how many guests you have at your table.

But no worries, you can keep ordering proteins over and over for two hours, and to be honest, I was full way before that time.

My favorite meats on the menu are the marinated Galbi bone-in, Beef Belly, Beef Bulgogi, Cajun shrimp, and Beef Brisket.

And I was very impressed with the quality!  These meats are premium, just more thinly sliced and in smaller portions.  The marinated meats are seasoned very well and full of flavor.

The service is excellent, and I noticed that the servers work as a team.  I sometimes had a few servers helping with food requests and cooking our food on the grill so there wouldn't be any wasted time.

Due to this, you'll notice the servers running around different tables a lot.  This restaurant is definitely fast-paced.

Remember my concern about the meat quality since it's an all-you-can-eat establishment?

I met the owner, and she assured me that the meat quality would stay the same, just like her popular Sandy Springs location, which has been around for several years.

That's great to know.  I now have a new Korean BBQ spot to add to my growing list of favorites.

I noticed that Thrill appears more Americanized and doesn't quite offer the actual Korean BBQ experience.  Even the majority of diners eating there seemed to be Americans.  

I mention this because, in my experience, seeing other Koreans dining at a Korean restaurant is a good sign that you're getting an authentic experience.  Therefore, I would recommend Thrill for those who are just starting to explore Korean cuisine.

And even if you are a Korean BBQ enthusiast like myself, it's still a great place to eat.  I even went for a second time during the grand opening weekend with both of my daughters in tow, and they loved it!

Good food, excellent service, and fun experience!  I highly recommend it!

And if you like breakfast foods, make sure to check Snooze across the parking lot of Thrill.

Thrill Korean Steak & Bar

2925 Buford Dr. Ste# 1300

Buford, GA 30519

She’s coming back, Bravo viewers.

On Tuesday, the cable network announced that Porsha Williams will be a full-time cast member on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, although she’ll be going by her official married name this time around.

That would be Porsha Williams Guobadia.

Williams Guobadia was a fan favorite on The Real Housewives of Atlanta from Seasons five through 13.

She left the show on her own accord in September 2021.

At the time, she was getting set to marry husband Simon and said she wanted to be more present for her daughter, Pilar.

“I just want as much time with her as possible,” Porsha told Variety back then.

“And with me in the past dealing with mental health, I knew that I needed to be as healthy mentally as I could be. No drama, etc. Just in a happy peaceful place for my baby girl.”

Porsha was clear two-plus years ago that she wasn’t closing the door on an eventual return, however.

And here she is now.

“I’m incredibly thankful for the vision and faith NBCUniversal has put in me to be a larger part of their family,” Porsha said on Instagram this afternoon.

“I’m looking forward to being back on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and showing the world my new world!”

According to her new agreement with NBCUniversal Entertainment., Porsha will exclusively collaborate with this studio for scripted projects spanning the company’s broadcast and streaming platforms.

Last July, the reality star spoke with Entertainment Tonight about possibly returning to the Bravo hit series, emphasizing that she was basically just waiting until the right deal was in place.

“I love that people want to see me. I love that people are still interested in my life and who I am,” she said last summer.

“I’ve never written it off, I’ve never talked down on the show. I love what the girls are doing. I love that the brand is still as strong as it was before, and you just never know.”

Andy Cohen previously said that The Real Housewives of Atlanta cast will look a bit different on Season 16.

We already know that Kandi Burruss is walking away after an epic run on the program.

“I decided I’m not coming back this year,” Kandi said on the red carpet of this year’s Grammy Awards.

“It’s been 14 seasons, and they allowed us to sit around for a little too long, but during that time I had started working on a lot of other things.

“I got some nice big projects coming soon, so I’m super excited about those things.”

Aside from Porsha, Bravo has not yet announced who will be a cast member on new episodes, which are expected to go into production later this year.

Porsha Williams Confirms Return to The Real Housewives of Atlanta! With a Twist! was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

Convention season is back here in Atlanta, and Lauren and I enjoy starting the year by attending the ATL Comic Convention.

It used to be the summertime when the Atlanta Comic Con would come to town (now rebranded to ATL Comic Convention), but I like to begin the year by having something fun to do instead of waiting until May for the MomoCon Convention.

We have been attending for several years, and the convention keeps getting better.

We went last year, but I didn't write a review about it since we went on a Sunday, the last day of the convention, with shorter hours. We rushed to see as much as possible and hoped to score some last-minute merch.

But this year, we had a game plan, attend on Saturday and have the ATL Comic Convention app to create our own schedule for the day.

About ATL Comic Convention

The ATL Comic Convention is a popular 3-day event that takes place annually in Atlanta, Georgia. It is a gathering of comic book enthusiasts, collectors, cosplayers, and vendors from all over the country. The convention features various activities, including panel discussions, autograph sessions, cosplay contests, and more. It's an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded people and celebrate your love of all things comic book-related, TV shows, anime, and more.

Here is What We Did at the ATL Comic Convention

We had a game plan of what we would do while at ATL Comic Convention, hit up a few panels, explore the vendor hall so Lauren could do some shopping, and maybe even check out some celebrities.

Our day started on Saturday at 2pm to see our favorite improv comedy group, Penguin Knife Fight.

The hour-long show had me in tears of laughter throughout! What a fantastic way to kickstart our time at the convention.

After the show, we went down to the 3rd floor for Lauren to do her shopping at the vendor hall.

And, thank goodness, she now has her own money, so she doesn't blow all of mine!

While browsing the aisles, we noticed that many vendors sell those Funko Pop figures; it's like we see rows of them everywhere we turn. Are they still that popular? They must be.

The vendor hall also had a section of celebrity booths where people could get pictures and autographs from celebrities who attended the show.

This year, the convention had some well-known celebrities in attendance. Even Lauren recognized almost half of them.

But I was surprised to see Alec Baldwin there. Wasn't he charged with involuntary manslaughter? Maybe due to his circumstances, his career came to a halt, and he needed to supplement his current income. 

But still, he had a line of fans wanting to meet him. However, there were still people walking past, calling him a murderer under their breath.

During our walk around to check out all the celebrities in attendance, Lauren saw the shortest woman in the world, Jyoti Amge, and wanted to take a photo of her.

Jyoti Amge was charging $60 for the photo op. You can take as many photos as you want, like a selfie with her, a picture just of her, and photos with more than one other person with you.

We chose to do a photo with only her and a photo with me posing with her.

Jyoti Amge is an Indian actress and the world's smallest living woman, according to Guinness World Records. She stands at just 2 feet 0.6 inches tall. Despite her small stature, she has accomplished a lot in her life and has become an inspiration to many.

Upon meeting her in person, I was taken aback by her petite stature. As she placed her small, delicate hand, which was no larger than that of a newborn baby, into mine, I was amazed at how her entire life has been lived at this size, even at the age of 30.  

She is a true testament to the fact that one can accomplish anything in life despite one's physical limitations or disabilities.

After taking photos with Jyoti Amge, we walked around the vendor hall a little more. Although the vendor hall is mostly people selling goods, there were also other attractions like feeding butterflies at a small butterfly exhibit and pet snakes at a reptile rescue booth.

After exploring the vendor hall, it was time to visit another panel, the Maid Cafe!

I always look forward to attending Maid Cafe events at anime conventions, but it's usually sold out, so we end up missing it. Fortunately, we were able to experience it this time at the ATL Comic Convention!

I paid Lauren and me to be VIPs at the Maid Cafe, where we got first priority, extra snacks, and front-row seats.

It was enjoyable to watch the maids dance and play games with us. I highly recommend attending this type of event.

I wish we could attend all three days because we missed so much.

I appreciate that the ATL Comic Convention offers a variety of activities for all attendees.

Here are some tips to make your time enjoyable:

1. Download the ATL Comic Convention App so you can build your schedule and know where everything will be

2. Pay for your parking ahead of time. The Red Deck and Green Deck are the closets to the convention.

3. Pay for tickets online to save money because it costs more at the door.

4. Wear comfortable shoes because there is a lot of walking at the event.

5. Bring cash because some vendors and celebrity guests only accept it.

In conclusion, attending the ATL Comic Convention was a fantastic experience for us. We enjoyed exploring the vendor hall, attending panels, and meeting celebrities. The Maid Cafe was a highlight, and we highly recommend attending if you get the chance.  

The convention offers a wide range of activities for all attendees, making it an enjoyable experience for everyone. If you plan on attending, make sure to follow the tips we mentioned to make the most out of your time.  

We can't wait to attend again next year!

Kandi Burruss made an appearance at the 2024 Grammy Awards on Sunday night.

And, as a result, Bravo viewers are now singing a very sad tune.

Burruss, who has been a lead cast member on The Real Housewives of Atlanta since 2009, shocked Variety editor Marc Malkin on the red carpet ahead of this historic event by saying the following:

She QUITS!

“I’m not really keeping up right now,” Burruss told Malkin of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

“I’m not keeping up… I decided I’m not coming back this year. It’s been 14 seasons, and they allowed us to sit around for a little too long, but during that time I had started working on a lot of other things, and I got some nice big projects coming soon, so I’m super excited about those things.”

Wow, huh?

According to People Magazine, Burruss really is leaving of her own accord.

She was offered a contract, this outlet report, but chose to turn it down.

Throughout her 14 seasons on this beloeved series, Burruss met her husband, Todd Tucker, and welcomed two children: son Ace Wells, 7, and daughter Blaze, 3.

It’s unclear what sort of projects Kandi has been working on — but she’s a very successful musician.

As a songwriter, Burruss has received writing credits on Destiny’s Child’s “Bills, Bills, Bills,” Pink’s “There You Go,” Ariana Grande’s “Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored” and Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” among other hit tracks.

The reality star even won a best R&B song Grammy in 2000 for writing TLC’s smash single “No Scrubs.”

Continued Burruss on Sunday evening:

“It’s just like, after you really have time to think, and a friend of mine was like, ‘Why do you keep doing it?’ And I was like,

“‘Well, I think because I’ve just been doing it for so long, it feels weird to think not to do it?’

“So I was just like, ‘You know what? I’m going to take a break, I’m going to take a moment… I’m not coming back this year.'”

It doesn’t sound as if Burruss is ruling out a return to the program someday.

Aside from Kandi, season 15 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta featured Drew Sidora, Marlo Hampton, Shereé Whitfield, Kenya Moore and Sanya Richards-Ross.

Andy Cohen, however, has already stated that the show will be retooled and a bunch of cast changes will be made ahead of season 16.

Back in November, meanwhile, Burruss recalled to Variety how painful it was to be accused awhile back by Porsha Williams that she and Tucker had drugged and sexually assaulted women.

“I mean, I don’t even like to talk about it, really, to be honest with you,” Burruss said at the time.

“It was a crazy situation that just exploded, and a situation I never thought I’d see myself in, happening on the show. And that was one the times where I really felt like, ‘I can’t do this anymore.’

“But we made it through.”

Kandi Burruss: I’m Leaving The Real Housewives of Atlanta! was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

Looking for something to do in Atlanta this weekend?

Right now is the best time to visit World of Coca-Cola as they are offering a "Friends and Family Four-Pack" deal. From Thursday, February 1st through Monday, February 19th, you can purchase four general admission tickets for just $50, which saves you up to $34.

Whether you choose to enjoy the new Beverage Lab exhibit with friends and family or make it your Valentine's Day double date spot, World of Coca-Cola offers unique immersive experiences and the chance to taste over 200 drinks from around the world.

World of Coca-Cola Special Offer Details

• To take advantage of the 4 for $50 plus tax offer, guests must purchase tickets online at the World of Coke website starting from February 1st, 2024. No promo code is required.

• Each transaction allows a maximum of 8 promo-priced tickets, limited to 2 offers/four-packs. 

• Promotional pricing does not apply to individual tickets; regular general admission pricing applies to tickets purchased in addition to four-packs. 

• Valid for visits February 1st through February 19th, 2024, only. 

• This offer is not valid with any other offers or discounts.

About World of Coca-Cola

The Toyota Crown has made a triumphant return with all its glory intact! 

After leaving the US market in 1972, the new Crown was reintroduced in 2023, boasting a sleek and modern design, advanced technology, and cutting-edge safety features that make it one of the most desirable cars available. In addition, the Toyota Crown is a midsize luxury vehicle that features a hybrid drivetrain. (Starting price is $40,000)

The reason behind Toyota Crown's departure was the lack of demand for luxury cars at that time. And now, it's replacing the Toyota Avalon as the new leader of Toyota's luxury lineup.

During Toyota's End of the Year Luncheon hosted at 5Church Buckhead restaurant, I had the opportunity to take a first look at the 2024 Toyota Crown.  

My First Impression of the 2024 Toyota Crown

I must say, it's a sharp-looking crossover. Although I still require the space of a Highlander, I could see myself driving this vehicle once I become an empty nester.

Based on its appearance, I can tell this car would be enjoyable to drive around town and on road trips. Additionally, I appreciate the large moonroof that allows all passengers to enjoy the breeze and sunshine.

I noticed that there is ample legroom available for everyone in the car. However, I still need to check the cargo space. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to see the trunk and take the car for a test drive soon. This will allow me to get a better understanding of the vehicle.

I love seeing the evolution of Toyota's lineup of cars. Some of the Toyota vehicles come and go, but when they return, they return better than ever!

And I also like the fact that Toyota gives consumers options, like choices of Hybrids, EVs, and Gas powered vehicles. They have vehicles to fit everyone's lifestyle.

During lunch, I learned about Toyota's new Beyond Zero. Producing a diverse range of electrified vehicles moves them closer to this vision because it helps them maximize their use of limited battery resources while reducing carbon emissions.

Toyota's Beyond Zero Vision

"Beyond Zero" is Toyota's ambitious goal to go beyond carbon neutrality through its products, services, and operations and discover innovative ways to positively impact our planet and society. Currently, they offer more low and zero-emission vehicles combined than any other automaker. This gives customers a variety of choices to reduce their carbon footprint.

My Thoughts on 5Church Buckhead Restaurant

5Church Buckhead is a restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. The restaurant is known for its innovative cuisine, artistic decor, and outstanding service.

The restaurant offers modern American cuisine with global influences in an upscale atmosphere. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and serves both lunch and dinner.

Also, 5Church Buckhead offers a brunch menu on weekends and a happy hour menu from Monday to Friday.  

The restaurant's interior is also notable, featuring a stunning stained-glass window sunroom, floral garden displays, with a beautiful skyline view of Atlanta.

Our lunch was served family-style. It started with a mixed green salad, followed by two entrees, including seared salmon and grilled hanger steak, two sides of whipped potatoes, and broccolini, and ended with Chef's Choice of Petite Fors.

Although the restaurant is aesthetically pleasing, I thought the food was okay, as if I could get a meal like this from any other upscale American restaurant.   

One of the dishes I didn't care for was the broccolini; it had a weird, bitter taste.

Since I wasn't impressed with the food, I didn't stay for dessert.

I have noticed that certain restaurants prioritize the establishment's appearance over the quality of their food. Besides, 5Church, located in the heart of Buckhead, is bound to receive a lot of foot traffic regardless of how the food tastes.  

The restaurant would be suitable for lunch meetings and events, but not much else.

As some of you may know, Lauren and I love going to anime conventions together. We usually go to three a year: MomoCon, Anime Weekend Atlanta, and Atlanta Anime Day.

I don't recall discussing Anime Day on this blog, but it's worth mentioning. It's a small, relaxed kind of convention that feels intimate, making it perfect for unwinding after the hectic Thanksgiving day and Black Friday shopping.

We began attending this convention in 2017 when it was held at the Wyndham Atlanta Galleria, now known as Wingate by Wyndham Atlanta Galleria/Ballpark. I'm pleased that the event has been relocated to Duluth. It is closer to my home and all the international cuisines my daughters and I enjoy dining at after the convention.

And here is a fun fact: Atlanta Anime Day is our first Anime Convention experience! And because of this event, it is what got us hooked!

About Atlanta Anime Day 

Atlanta Anime Day is a small anime convention held annually in Duluth, Georgia, at the Gas South District Convention Center. It's a more intimate event than other anime conventions and offers attendees a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. 

The convention features a variety of activities, such as cosplay contests, panels, gaming tournaments, and vendors selling anime merchandise. 

Even though it's not as large as other conventions, Atlanta Anime Day still attracts a passionate and enthusiastic crowd of anime fans. 

Many attendees appreciate the smaller size of the convention as it allows for more interaction with fellow fans and guests. 

The entrance fee is only $5, with an additional $5 for parking on the deck. So it costs little to enter, leaving you with extra cash to spend on merchandise.

The event starts at 10:30 am and concludes at 6:00 pm.

Our Experience at Atlanta Anime Day

Lauren had plenty of time to shop at Atlanta Anime Day since the marketplace was open the entire time. She browsed every aisle multiple times to ensure she had everything she needed.

We also made it to a panel called "Name that Anime!" where Lauren was one of the participants and even won one of the rounds! She had to listen to snippets of anime show openers and guest the tunes. They have this kind of panel at every anime convention we attend, and this is Lauren's favorite one since she watches quite a bit of anime shows and movies.

While I appreciate the convenience of having all activities in one place during the convention, I must point out that the timing of Atlanta Anime Day, being held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, may not be convenient for everyone due to work or travel constraints.

But the timing works perfectly for us, and we love the fact that there are no crowds; leave that for the other conventions.

Is Atlanta Anime Day Worth Attending?

Atlanta Anime Day is a fantastic event for anime and manga fans who seek a more relaxed convention experience; I highly recommend it!

Also, this mini-con happens in several cities throughout the year:

• Orlando, Florida
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Jacksonville, Florida
• Tampa, Florida
• Knoxville, Tennessee
• Huntsville, Alabama
• Mobile, Alabama
• Greenville, South Carolina

If you plan to attend an anime convention, check out this one-day event in these cities.

Atlanta Anime Day

Gas South District Convention Center

6400 Sugarloaf Parkway

Duluth, GA 30097

Rolling Out Magazine and Lexus invited Mr. M and I for an evening of luxury and technology with an exclusive event showcasing the first-ever 2024 Lexus TX 350. 

Also, Rolling Out featured their AI Music Lab. This new generative AI platform enables users to create royalty-free samples and tracks. Perfect for content creators.

I heard samples of the custom AI playlist, which was pretty cool, with a genre of different beats to suit all tastes. And with the music you create, you can play it in the Lexus.

During the event, Mr. M shared his thoughts about Rolling Out's AI Music Lab. According to him, he believes that it may not become popular. I agree with him. While it may be useful for those who create video content, I don't think it will be widely adopted by everyday users.

My First Thoughts about the 2024 Lexus TX 350

Now, about my impressions of the 2024 Lexus TX 350. My first thought is that the exterior resembles the Toyota Grand Highlander. Now, that's not a bad thing, but it doesn't give that luxury look, more sporty, for the casual drivers.

The car's interior resembles the Grand Highlander, as well, but is enhanced with suede accents. The cabin is spacious, and the seats are comfortable. One of the best features is the power-folding third-row seats; I wish I had that in my car. And the infotainment display screen is 12.3, making it larger than other Lexus vehicles I've seen.

If you remember, I was shopping for a new vehicle a few months back, and a Lexus was in the front running. I was in the market for the Lexus RX but was shocked to see how small the 2023 Lexus RX has gotten.

The salesman told me that because the 2024 Lexus TX is coming soon, it will replace RX's original size, and RX will downsize.

That is one of the reasons why I no longer wanted the Lexus RX and instead opted for the 2023 Toyota Highlander.

If you're interested in purchasing the 2024 Lexus TX 350, the starting price is $55K, and the SUV showcased at the event is $70K.

It's so impressive how far along technology has gone, especially when it comes to AI.

Technology has simplified the world and increased connectivity. However, it has also led to job losses and content theft by AI. Despite this, technology has its pros and cons.

I look forward to seeing where technology will take us next.

What a way to bring in Halloween weekend as well as finishing off Lauren's 18th birthday celebration at Anime Weekend Atlanta!

This was our third time attending this massive convention, and Lauren and I had a fantastic time! Like they say, "Third time a charm!"

Related Post- Anime Weekend Atlanta Recap

About Anime Weekend Atlanta

Anime Weekend Atlanta is a four-day Japanese animation convention held annually in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center.  

It typically takes place in late September or early October, but this year, it was hosted during Halloween weekend. Anime Weekend Atlanta is the Southeast's largest anime convention. The convention features various events and activities, including cosplay contests, gaming tournaments, guest panels, and a massive dealer's room with vendors selling all sorts of anime-related merchandise. It's a great place for anime fans to come together and celebrate their shared interests.

My Review of Anime Weekend Atlanta 2023

Although Anime Weekend is a 4-day convention (Thursday-Sunday), we could only do 1 day, Friday, due to Lauren's work schedule.

And even though we only did the evening of Friday, we still got to do a lot.

Since Lauren had school on Friday, we quickly went to the convention after school dismissal and tried to beat rush hour traffic.

It was a good thing once we arrived; there was plenty of parking in the parking deck because I remember previous times of having a hard time finding parking, taking us hours!

Since I didn't know what Lauren's work schedule would look like before the event, I had to buy our tickets at the door. And tickets were cash only, or we had to pay on our phones.

That wasn't a problem, even though I didn't have cash; I paid on my phone and then went to registration to pick up our wristbands.

After getting our wristbands, we started walking to find the dealer hall, and what I noticed was fewer crowds. We weren't bumping into people like how it was in previous years.  

The hotel may have implemented stricter rules this year, which required us to display our badges or wristbands everywhere we went. We noticed that there was security at every entrance door and escalator. Anime Weekend should continue this rule in the future since it's unfair for those who have paid to attend the event while others who haven't paid get to hang around.

We went into the dealer hall for Lauren to do her favorite thing at these conventions: shopping!

Due to the dealer hall closing at 7 p.m., and it was already about 6 p.m. when we arrived, we were rushing to see everything.

The dealer hall should close at 8 or 9 p.m., especially on weekdays since attendees are coming from school or work. Lauren mainly attends these conventions to shop for anime merchandise, and if we had missed the dealer hall, she would have been upset.

After the dealer hall closed, we hit up different panels and the game room. Also, checked out Itasha cars outside the venue.

I appreciated the fact that, late in the evening, there were panels for those younger than 18. Families bring their children to this convention, and even though it can be a bit more Adult-theme in the evenings, there were still things to do for families with younger children. Because I remember once it hit about 10 p.m. back in the day, I would get both Lauren and Michelle out of there due to all the heavy partying and drinking.

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Overall, this was our best Anime Weekend experience, even better than MomoCon! Our only complaint is that we wished the dealer hall was open longer, and we needed better cell phone signal.

But the poor cell phone signal will be a thing of the past because after 20 years of Anime Weekend Atlanta being held at Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center (wow, that's half my life!), they are now moving to the Georgia World Congress Center!

That is a great decision to move the event there. More space and more parking! I love seeing how these conventions we attend grow over the years and get bigger and better!

The only thing is Anime Weekend Atlanta 2024 will be in December (December 12th-15th) during the winter and holidays. Timing is not suitable for those working retail or traveling during this time. I feel next year will have fewer attendees. I'm even hoping Lauren will be able to go.

I hope that they reconsider their decision and choose to return to either September or October in the future. 

Have you visited The Tutankhamun: His Tomb and Treasures Museum, which is located in Atlanta (Actually located in Doraville)?

While Michelle was on a field trip out of state for the weekend, and Lauren was off work, Lauren decided for her and I to visit The Tutankhamun museum after searching for things to do for the evening.

Lauren and I love going to museums and learning about the history of the past.

About The Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures Museum

The Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures Museum is dedicated to the famous Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun. The exhibit houses a vast collection of artifacts and treasures in his tomb, such as his golden death mask, jewelry, sarcophagus, and other notable items. The exhibits provide a glimpse into the life and legacy of Tutankhamun and the history and culture of the ancient Egyptian civilization. This museum is a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts, with its impressive displays and educational programs.

The museum is located inside of Exhibition Hub Art Center Atlanta.

My Review of The Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures Museum

When I first arrived at the Exhibition Hub Art Center Atlanta, I felt like the location of this museum was out of place. You would think that a museum like this would be in Atlanta.

One positive aspect of visiting this place is ample free parking, and you don't have to deal with the heavy traffic of Atlanta (although there may still be some traffic on Buford Highway). Additionally, after your visit, you can explore the variety of international cuisines on the strip, as Buford Highway is well-known for being a foodie destination.

We didn't have tickets, but the museum accepts walk-ins if they are not at capacity. I recommend buying tickets online just to be safe.

While inside, I noticed another exhibit; Van Gogh was on one side, and Tutankhamun was on the opposite.

Which one to choose? I asked guest services which exhibit would be the best option.  

I was told both exhibits were good, but Tutankhamun was better because there was more to do. So, I agreed to stick with going to The Tutankhamun exhibit.

Upon entering the museum, we were handed a free audio remote. This device allows you to listen to descriptions of each exhibit section by typing in the corresponding number. However, you are given the option to read the information instead of listening to the audio.

In the second room, we watched a 10-minute video about British archaeologist Howard Carter and his discoveries. 

The third room was an audio tour of The Tomb of Tutankhamun and his treasures. 

In the fourth and fifth rooms, you're on your own to explore more of ancient Egypt and the pharaohs.

There are hundreds of replicas of breathtaking objects and decorations from the era of the pharaohs throughout the exhibit. Each room gets better and better! The exhibition is beautifully done and presented well!  

To explore the whole museum, it takes about two hours.

I highly recommend visiting the Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures Museum. It is suitable for all ages and an excellent spot for a date night in the evenings. I can't wait to go back and see the other exhibit.

After visiting the museum, visitors can browse through the gift shop for Tutankhamun merchandise and enjoy light bites and drinks at the cafe.

Hours

Ticket Prices

Ticket prices start at $24.90 for adults and $17.90 for children. They do offer student discounts.

Exhibition Hub Atlanta Art Center

5660 Buford Hwy NE 

Doraville, GA 30340

Make sure to check out other museums we visited.

Rivian has opened its ninth space at Ponce City Market in Atlanta!  I had the opportunity to tour this new space during the media preview, and it is very welcoming for everyone to enjoy and learn more about these electric vehicles that were founded in 2009.

About Rivian

Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer that specializes in producing adventure vehicles.  The R1 vehicles, which include trucks (R1T) and SUVs (R1S), have been highly acclaimed for their stylish design and roomy interiors.  These electric vehicles are specifically designed to cater to the needs of adventure and outdoor enthusiasts.  Rivian cars are gaining popularity due to their unique blend of style, performance, and sustainability.

If you want to know more about Rivian, you can visit the 5,000-square-foot space in Ponce City Market and talk to an experienced specialist.  You can also shop for Rivian gear, learn about electric vehicle trip planning, and even schedule a test drive!

While in the showroom and outside the Rivian space, I saw the vehicles in person, even getting inside and touching around.

From what I saw, I'm very impressed with the styling, comfortability, and space, especially the storage space in the front, back, and even on the side of the vehicles.

I was surprised to find the gear shift on the steering wheel instead of on the right side of the driver's seat.  As someone used to gas-powered cars, I must familiarize myself with all-electric vehicles.  So far, I have only driven one all-electric vehicle, the Chevy Bolt.  It was similar to gas-powered cars, except for the charging process.

I've seen many of these vehicles on the roads since they became popular in my area.  Every time I see them, I point out how much I would love to drive a Rivian and see if they are worth the high price tag.

For Black Business Month, I attended a pop-up event at Nordstrom Phipps Plaza to explore featured brands.

One particular brand that caught my eye was Tribal Eyes, an innovative eyewear brand in Atlanta that is changing the narrative in the eyewear industry.

Tribal Eyes is an eyewear brand founded in 2020 by US designer Ona Utuama. The brand incorporates ethnic designs into acetate frames, offering a unique concept in the eyewear industry.

Ona Utuama is a physician who loves form-fitting eyewear. She used her knowledge of nasal anatomy and West African heritage to create the eyewear.

Tribal Eyes offers a diverse range of sunglasses, which include:

• Moody Aviator Orange Lens Sunglasses

• Amal Oversized Cat Eye Reflectors Sunglasses

• Afi Oversized Multicolor Cat Eye Sunglasses

One of the notable features of this eyewear brand is that it caters to individuals with larger noses, wider nasal bridges, high cheekbones, or no nasal bridges. Ona Utuama recognizes that eyewear is not a universal or uniform fashion accessory and offers options for a range of facial structures.

At the pop-up event, I looked through the selection. I admired the various sunglasses shapes and designs, particularly the oversized frames that suited my style.

These glasses are durable and sturdy, able to withstand jolts in my purse and even falls. Additionally, they have a higher quality than my more expensive Prada sunglasses. Also, they are 100% UV protection, so you can enjoy the sun safely while still looking fabulous.

Due to the high quality and style, I had to purchase a pair of the brand's sunglasses to complement my current wardrobe. I got the Champagne oversized sunglasses.

So, no more ill-fitting sunglasses or dull-looking ones; Tribal Eyes are fashion statements to one's personality, a reflection of culture, and a guardian of vision.

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I highly suggest checking out Tribal Eyes if you're looking for stunning, aesthetically pleasing sunglasses that fit your face comfortably. 

If you wear prescription glasses, Tribal Eyes have a collection of eyeglasses that come in various shapes and colors to complete your look. You can also put the prescription in the sunglasses.

Just shy of two years ago, Porsha Williams bid an emotional farewell to The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

She is an iconic Bravolebrity. Many of RHOA‘s remaining viewers miss her.

Season 16 is on the horizon, and the word is that Bravo has some changes in mind.

They’d love to have Porsha back. But if they want her to reclaim her peach, they’re going to need to pay up.

You can’t make a peach cobbler without a lot of dough.

According to a new report from Entertainment Tonight, Bravo will have to make RHOA worth her while to get her to return.

“Bravo has been trying to get Porsha to come back to The Real Housewives of Atlanta for the possible cast shakeup,” an insider confirms.

“But,” the source describes, “she’s playing hardball.”

And she’s not just asking for a payday. Porsha apparently has higher aspirations.

“Bravo offered Porsha a lot of money to return,” the insider dished. “But she declined.”

“Porsha is telling friends she wants to be the highest-paid Housewife on any franchise,” the insider gossiped.

“Porsha could return,” the source added.

“But as of now,” the insider went on to share, “she and Bravo have not come to an agreement.”

Just to be clear, that report does not say that Porsha is telling Bravo that she’ll only return if she makes more than any other Housewife.

Instead, we’re hearing that she’s telling friends that she’d like to be the highest-paid Housewife. Which … yeah. Who wouldn’t want that?

A lot of networks have used a lot of tricks — even dirty ones — to underpay the people who enrich them. Everyone deserves just rewards for what they contribute.

Porsha just addressed the idea of returning last month. But she was leery of sounding too eager and ending up embarrassing herself.

“I mean, listen, it’s so [good] to be missed. It would be bad if it’s brought up and you’re like, ‘No, she can stay where she is,'” she reasoned.

“I love that people want to see me,” Porsha affirmed. “I love that people are still interested in my life and who I am.”

“I’ve never written it off, I’ve never talked down on the show,” Porsha emphasized.

“I love what the girls are doing,” she affirmed. “I love that the brand is still as strong as it was before.”

“And,” Porsha added, “you just never know. I will say [that] I’ll never say ‘never.'”

Meanwhile, reports have said that Bravo is planning a shakeup of RHOA. Possibly one as drastic as what they did to RHONY — especially since RHONY 14 is such a refreshing change.

This isn’t just something that production is whispering. Reportedly, the cast themselves received warnings ahead of their recent Reunion.

It’s possible that one or two of them might get to stick around during a major shakeup. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll see Porsha again.

Is Porsha Williams Returning to The Real Housewives of Atlanta? Only if Bravo Pays Up! was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

During the week when I was reviewing the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD Sport, I decided to take my daughters on a quick day trip to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains for some off-road driving at Atlanta Safari Park, located in Commerce, Georgia. 

The Atlanta Safari Park spans 156 acres and is home to various free-roaming animals from around the world.  The drive-thru safari is over 2 miles which took us about an hour 1/2 to drive through the experience.

When we first arrived at the safari park, I purchased tickets for myself and my daughters, three feed buckets full of pellets, and three parakeet seed sticks for the walk-in parakeet aviary.

I'm not going to lie; I was nervous about the animals damaging the car since this Safari does have wild breed of animals.  But, the lady at the ticket booth assured me she hadn't encountered any animals that damaged a vehicle or injured anyone.

At the start of the drive, an ostrich spotted us and quickly came to the car, so I rolled down the window and gave my bucket for it to eat the pellets.  And then, one of the ostrich friends came for food as well.

Those ostriches are aggressive eaters, making a mess all over the inside of the car!  It made my daughters scared that the ostriches might peck them by mistake.  Even one of the ostriches stuck its whole head and neck inside the car making the girls scream in terror!

But the ostriches were friendly, and when they were done eating, they left for more food from the vehicle behind us.

Next up were the Llamas in a herd together, and they, too quickly, came up to the car for food.  They were more gentle when eating from our buckets and even allowed us to touch them.

Throughout our time on the Safari, we also fed zebras, emus, and alpacas.  The other animals we saw, like the Watusi, Blackbuck, Gazelle, and Eland, were off doing their own thing, not interested in coming to our car.  

It's great that animals are not forced to come to cars and can live more naturally by grazing through the plains.

I was pleasantly surprised by how many animals approached the car without me needing to lure them with pellets.

I liked that the animals looked healthy and had no bad smell around them.  The grounds were well-maintained, and the view of the rolling hills was breathtaking.  It felt like an authentic safari experience.

Fortunately, there was no damage to the car.  However, it did require a carwash to remove the dust and vacuum the scattered pellets off the car's floor.

After our drive-thru experience, we parked and walked down a small hill to check out the petting zoo with Kune Kune Pigs, Boer Goat, Jacob's Sheep, Baby Emus, and Nigerian Dwarf Goat.  With the pellets we had left, we fed the rest to the petting zoo animals.  

Also, we stopped at the gift shop for some water and ice cream to cool us off from the heat.

The last attraction was the Parakeet Aviary, where we hand-fed so many colorful birds our seed sticks.

The overall experience was exhilarating!  An experience we will never forget!  

What Kinds of Animals Are at Atlanta Safari Park?

• Llama

• Nilgai

• Red Lechwe

• Banteng

• Bison

• Water Buffalo

• Watusi

• Scottish Highland Cow

• Emu

• Ostrich

• Alpaca

• Blue Wildebeest

• Grant's Zebra

• Blackbuck

• Thomson's Gazelle

• Eland

• Scimitar Horned Oryx

• Parakeet

• Kune Kune Pig

• Boar Goat

• Jacob's Sheep

• Nigerian Dwarf Goat

• Indian Peafowl

• Eurasian Eagle Owl

• Reticulated Giraffe (Coming Soon)

How Much Are Tickets at Atlanta Safari Park?

Ticket prices start at $12.99 per child (children under 2 are free) and $15.99 per adult.  Each feed bucket is $5.00, and each Parakeet Seed Stick is $2.00.   The park is open seven days a week.

At Atlanta Safari Park, protecting endangered species is their top priority.  They are committed to safeguarding wildlife, and some of the admission sales support animal conservation efforts in the wild.  Their contribution to the Zoological Association of America's conservation programs has a global impact and helps make a difference.

What are the Rules at Atlanta Safari Park?

• One of the biggest rules is to remain in your vehicle!

• To avoid bites, feed the animals from buckets only, not your hands.

• All doors must remain closed at all times.

• No service animals are allowed.

• No outside animal feed is allowed.

• Never roll up the window on an animal attempting to be fed.

• Drive five mph through the park to keep the animals safe.