5 Places In Atlanta For The Perfect Valentine’s Date Night
Yes, it may be true that I haven’t been on a date since dinosaurs walked the earth, nor have I visited Atlanta in months, but one thing I do have at my disposal is a very ‘well-pinned’ Pinterest board and an Instagram app bookmarked with my most wanted date night spots in Atlanta. The southern town that has become the mecca of all things culinary and refined- Atlanta has truly centralized the best of all cuisine options to include a balance in ambiance, style, decor, and of course, food selections.
Here is a list of a few places that I have saved in my Instagram profiles for whenever I finally meet the perfect match on Hinge.
St. Cecilia (3455 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta, GA)
This European-posh restaurant is fit for clean girl aesthetics and a sophisticated palate. St. Cecilia offers a picturesque menu that captivates delightful and filling sea-to-table fare. For the model couple that loves taking Instagram photos sans the filter, this is a fresh ingredient complimentary ode to what happens when you combine good flavors and design. From their oyster dishes to their fresh pasta and pastries. The aesthetically beautiful restaurant nestled in Buckhead’s Pinnacle Building is a local trip to Europe that will leave you satisfied without the travel fees.
The James Room (661 Auburn Ave. NE, Suite 280, Atlanta, GA)
The James Room reminds me of opening a fresh bottle of Apple Crown Royal on a dark and stormy night. It’s just that sexy and mature! This sophisticated cocktail lounge is very Noir Atlanta with a speakeasy vibe by night and a cafe by day. A place for the couple that doesn’t mind starting the line dance in the club- The James Room as described by their website is “a vibe.” They create this vibe through the love of music and food colliding to create the perfect accompaniment. With a nostalgic R&B vibe, patrons can create their own grown and sexy conversation amongst a variety of food options including- charcuterie boards, salads, and crab cakes, just to name a few.
The Wisteria (471 North Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA)
A true southern classic that reads like a storybook- The Wisteria is a coastal Georgian’s date night palace. If you’re a couple looking to be swept away into the moss trees of the low country like royalty, the Wisteria’s adaptation of rich, fried southern cuisines does not disappoint. This date night spot is a satisfying classic that aims to please. Featuring signature bar drinks and an elevated take on southern classics like fried chicken, Brussels sprouts, and oysters that will bring joy and comfort to you and your date. This is a spot for the couple who need a reason to get dressed up before they Netflix and chill.
The Capital Grille (225 East Paces Ferry Road NE, Atlanta, GA)
Combine work and play life at Capital Grille. This regional American steakhouse is a classic spot for those who want good food in a signature location with a wide variety of wine and steak options. This place is great for traditional couples who love good eateries that have a consistent and nostalgic taste. The food here is an experience that many want to indulge in far beyond Valentine’s Day.
Read Shop by the Merchant (4300 Paces Ferry Road SE #125, Atlanta, GA)
Sometimes the best Valentine’s date is one that involves peace, much like what Read Shop by the Merchant provides. This darling bookstore is the perfect place to turn off your brain and relax in satisfying bliss while reading or enjoying a hot beverage. This might even be a cute place to write how much you love your honey for V-day while you both enjoy your favorite novels.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by MesquitaFMS/ Getty Images
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:
Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
Momo Productions/Getty
Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Courtney Hale/Getty Images