• The Brazilian Blowout

As you might recall, I am a Keratin Believer.  Please witness my previous post here.   A wise woman named Mara once said to me after her own treatment, “Now I have more time to focus on world peace because I don’t have to wonder whether or not it’s going to be a good hair day.  They are ALL good hair days.”

It’s the truth – the treatment is amazing. But the three days you spend as a Gremlin while this stuff works on your hair? Torture. So when Lindsay informed me that her salon, Mint, was offering the 2 day Keratin Treatment you better believe I was all about it.  I figured, any second I could shave off that process would be a vast improvement so 24 extra hours?  Yes, please.  I was outrageously and pleasantly suprised when I called in and discovered they have also very recently started to offer the Brazilian Blowout, which is 100% complete when you walk out of the salon, no downtime!  AMAZING. It took about 3 hours, and the process was similar: wash, apply product, blow out, bake in strand by strand with a flat iron…

Mary Joyce at Mint Salon working her magic

…and the result is EXACTLY the same. I recommend 100%.  I’ll let you know in a month or two if it lasts as long as the Keratin, but for right now at 2 weeks out, I am THRILLED.  Oh, but please note: you must stay away from Sodium Chloride products (as you do with the Keratin) but you must also stay away from Sulfide products as well.  Mary, who performed my treatment at Mint, recommended Prive Concept Vert for my shampoo and conditioner:

You may remember how obsessed I am with Prive as a line, but this stuff takes the cake.  It’s 3 liters of product jammed into this little bottle.  Yowza!  The tiniest bit of this product, mixed with a little water, expands to an entire handful and definitely more than enough for one use. Plus, it smells SPECTACULAR.

Call Mary Joyce at Mint Salon for an appointment 404.724.9669.  Tell her the Q+DD sent ya!

• OPI Axxium soak-off gel nail polish
  

I didn’t think I could do this.  I am a commitment-averse person.  I can barely decide on a pair of shoes for an evening, let alone a nail polish color for 3 weeks, but I finally bit the bullet and tried OPI’s new gel colors.

Not to be confused with Gel Nails or Acrylics, this gel is painted on like a polish, but dries under the UV light to a smooth, hard finish like the aformentioned products, but with no damage to your actual nail!

A few things to note: once the polish is applied, it must be soaked off like acrylics or gel nails.

Also, the colors are MUCH lighter than they appear. If you are choosing a neutral shade like Bubble Bath, it will dry almost clear.

Now, since I am not and will never be a naked nail girl, AND since i was in an 80’s kind of mood when I was doing this, I went with HOT pink. I had to have them soaked off early because I could no longer stand the color, but I could have easily gone another week.  Check it:

After 2 weeks!

If you think gel color may be for you, there are several salons offering this in town including Nail and Toe Spa in Buckhead, Top Nail in Toco Hills, and Hammond Nails in Sandy Springs.

Finally, the last beauty product I need to share with you is…

• The Clairsonic Mia

From the creators of the Sonicare toothbrush, this little hand-held wonder ensures that my mug gets a thorough 1-minute cleaning at least once a day!

It’s completely waterproof, so if you want to use it in the shower that is a-ok and the charge lasts a REALLY long time! My mom brought it in as a gift when she came to visit, and I absolutely LOVE it.  I can definitely tell a difference in my skin and it makes my nightly routine SO much easier.  I use it with my glycolic cleanser from my dermy and plain ol’ Cetaphil…the Mia works great with both!

Ok, that’s all I’ve got for now.  I’ll continue to look into the open sea of beauty possibilities and report back.

Further bulletins as events warrant.

xx, L

However, that didn’t stop me from having the TIME OF MY LIFE this weekend celebrating Randi’s BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday, Randela!

If you happen to be making a trip to NYC anytime soon, let me point out a few highlights from my trip:

1.    Soul Cycle – It’s like a dance club and a spin class all rolled into one.  My girls have been RAVING about it forever and now I know why!  It’s an AMAZING workout and we had a BLAST.  If you have the opportunity to try it out, I recommend it 100%.  3 NYC locations: Upper East, Upper West, and Tribeca (even one in the Hamptons!) Visit Soul Cycle for more information and be sure to reserve a bike well ahead of time, there wasn’t a seat to be had!

2.   Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa – Jess and I had massages at the Flagship 5th Avenue Red Door Spa

between 54th and 55th

…complete with complimentary makeup touch ups by Monique…a Sophia Loren lookalike who has been working at the spa since…well…suffice it to say she’s been there a long time and has done a TON of makeup. So when Monique recommended the Flawless Finish Mousse Makeup, who were we to refuse?  SO glad we took her advice, it’s perfect for summer. The makeup comes out light and airy and it doesn’t sit on your skin like most foundations will in hot humid weather.  LOVE.

3.    Blow-Outs at Salon Nouvelle – I hesitate to tell you because I think this is the city’s best kept secret. Amazing hair for a mere $30 at this discreet little salon on 1st Avenue at 61st street.  (212) 813-0736 for an appointment.

(Another option: if you’re closer to Murray Hill…I used to be a blow-out regular at Monhair on 3rd Avenue between 36th and 37th.  I heard today my girl is still there!  Ask for Lolita and tell her Lorena sent you! (212) 447-7744 for an appointment)

4.    Dinner at Lure Fishbar – It was love at first bite. Lure is the cutest little seafood restaurant located directly underneath the SoHo Prada store at Mercer and Prince. I chose the miso-glazed salmon over crispy soba noodles and it was to DIE for.  I was able to steal bites of the girls seafood platters, scallops, and various other fish dishes – everything was excellent.  Plus, inside is cute and swank all at the same time…perfect place for our perfect dinner!

Lure Fishbar
(212) 431-7676
142 Mercer St
New York, NY 10012

5.    Drinks at Betel in the West Village– LOVED Betel.  This Asian-Fusion resto was a really fun location for post-dinner drinks.   It’s very nondescript (in fact, you could easily miss it!) and understated and with ample bar seating for a small-ish joint, it was the perfect place to accommodate the flood of people who showed up to celebrate Randi’s birth!  The drinks were DELICIOUS – we especially liked the Tart ‘n Tasty – made with lychee juice and ginger (You know how I usually shy away from anything with a kitchy name…but this drink was fantastic and not too sweet!)

(The cutie in the middle is Randy's Mister!)

Betel
(212) 352-0460
51 Grove St
New York, NY 10014

6.    Brunch at The Smith – catty-corner from my old East Village Karaoke standby – Nevada Smith’s – The Smith really hit the spot for brunch. Mostly, I just loved hanging with 4 of my favorite people over egg white mushroom and fontina omelets and complimentary bloody marys!

The Smith
(212) 420-9800
55 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10003

I’m so glad I had the opportunity to see my girls and the wonderful guys they love…

but I have to say – of all the cute couples I know in The City, my favorite pair is undoubtedly these two:

…Don’t worry, A+E…Aunt LK will be back soon!

xx, L


"If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter!"

announcements announcements annooouuunnnceeements!  a terrible way to die a terrible way to die a terrible way to be bored to death a terrible way to die! (Does anyone else still sing that in their head when announcements are made?)

Anyway.  Now that’s out of my system…

1. Lindsay and I will both be out of town this weekend.  Please hold down the fort.

2. Don’t forget about Spiral X-Mas in July this Saturday night at Red Door! Use promo code “kraselskyxmas” for $5 off your ticket! 

3. Also, PLEASE don’t forget to vote for us in Creative Loafing’s “Best Of” Survey.

Remember:

Being the Best of Atlanta is pretty much our life goal and we can’t do it without you!

Please vote for us by clicking here:

http://bit.ly/bu3bo8

Best Local Bloggers: Lauren Kraselsky and Lindsay Roberts
Best Local Blog: “The Quick + Dirty Dirty” or “Q+DD”

You have to vote for 5 things in order for your ballot to count.

3. While we’re shamelessly self-promoting: Make our day by “Liking” us on Facebook by clicking here!

(I have over 1600 Facebook friends and the Q+DD has just under 200 fans. I’m about to start deleting friends. Kidding!   Sort of.)

4. You’re awesome.

5.  I CAN’T WAIT TO BE IN NYC THIS WEEKEND and stomp around my old stomping ground see all my PEEPS!

Happy BIRTHDAY, Randi!

A+E, Aunt LK's a-coming!

Leaving the peaches behind for a weekend...I’m heading to the BIG APPLE!

xx, L

I'm pretty much Donna Reed.

On the menu: jalapeño raspberry salmon, Brussels sprouts, and tomato avocado salad.

I know many of you who know me well may be raising an eyebrow since you know that DK was in town mere hours earlier and I have been known to pass her creations off as my own…but this dinner was so easy I was able to pull it off solo! (ok, fine.  Greg chopped a few things.  Big whoop.)

I have to tell you, the true hero of the evening was the Emily G’s Jam of Love Jalapeño Raspberry Jam we found at the Peachtree Road Farmer’s Market!  

Easy peasy: I just threw a couple of salmon fillets in the oven for about 10 minutes at 375 degrees, took them out to spread a dollop of this amazingness on the top of each, and popped them back in the oven for another 5 minutes or so while the jam caramelized and worked its magic.   DELICIOUS.

Here’s the Q+DD on EGJoL: DK and I got the full story from a very adorable Emily (though not THE Emily) on Saturday at the Farmer’s Market.  Local to Dunwoody, Emily G’s jam is not mass-produced, but made in small batches and hand-poured into the cutest jar you have ever seen!
They use the freshest, most seasonable ingredients available and patronize local Georgia farms whenever possible. The jams are all-natural and Emily promises you will “taste the love in every jar!”

At $8 a jar, I wish I had picked up a few more flavors. Among their most popular: Jalapeno Raspberry, Blueberry, Triple Berry, Tipsy Onion + Garlic and Roasted Red Pepper. I also tried the Chipotle Strawberry and it knocked my socks off.

I just had no idea jam was so versatile! The Emily G’s website has LOTS of recipes for each of their jams. DK purchased a jar of the tomato jam for use on BLTs, scallops, and meatloaf.  Bonus: lots of Atlanta restaurants are using EGJoL in their menus, witness by clicking here!

I’m in LOVE!  I’m a believer! Jalapeño Raspberry is my new JAM!  (Pun intended.)

Enjoy!

xx, L

P.S. Complete the meal:
1.    Salad: SO simple, SO delicious:  Romaine lettuce.  Halved grape tomatoes.  Chopped avocado.  Fresh lemon juice.  Olive oil.  Salt + pepper.  Fin.
2.    Brussels sprouts: (for the record, I was going to do asparagus.  But they were so teeny I made a game-time decision for the BS.  So glad I did because I love them and now I believe Greg is now a Brussels sprouts convert!)   I just halve ‘em, toss ‘em in a little e.v.o.o., and throw them on a tin-foiled and Pam-ed cookie sheet with a little salt and pepper and pop ‘em in the oven at 375 for 20 minutes or so.  (Sometimes I’ll dice a green apple and throw it in there for a little variety.)
3.    Bodega Norton 2007 Malbec.  (ok, ok and half a bottle of Trader Joe’s Two Buck Chuck Shiraz.)

Hanging out with her "granddogger"

Then you do the following:

1. Dinner at the bar at 4th and Swift

Amazingness.

We both acknowledge that a bottle of red wine, a cheese plate, and an order of ceviche would not qualify as dinner when men are present…which is why we enjoyed every. last. bite.

2. IMAX and Martinis at the Fernbank

It was “Salsa Night.” 

Honestly, it was a little loud for our tastes, I much prefer the light jazz.  However, it was fun to see all the dancing and all the outfits while we sipped on our martinis.  (Love that DK and I drink exactly the same: Vodka Martini.  Up. Olives. Fin.) Plus, after a martini or two…I find IMAX movies hilarious. (Friday was no different. Cirque was a riot.)

3. Peachtree Road Farmer’s Market

As I suspected, DK LOVED it. All the fresh produce, local wares, and homemade treats were RIGHT up her ally.  We split a mint lemonade, had breakfast pizza, and DK had a Cucumber Basil Fresco Pop.  It was great! Bonus: we ran into a zillion friends (and lots of people who came per the Q+DD reccomendation…which obviously made my day...including this young man and his parents, whom I adore:

lil' Flounder. Son of Flounder and Jen Flounder

DK made out like a bandit (and consequently, so did I!) check out her loot:

Emily G's Jam of Love, classic and chipolte bacon, I heart bacon shirt for Brian, and an assortment of cheeses from Calyroad Creamery

4. Shopping. Major shopping happened on Saturday afternoon. Mostly my bed got a makeover.  Witness:

IN LOVE with my new aqua coverlet, my watercolor duvet cover, and quilted euro shams.  Also exciting: I scored a Calvin Klein Khaki Collection down duvet for $80 at Macy’s.  (I shopped 3 other places, this was the cheapest BY FAR.)  Macy’s is having a crazy linen sale. I replaced every pillow on my bed. Check it. Trust.

5. Lovely lunch at Prime. I always forget about this resto because it’s in the mall.  But DK loved her sushi and I had a great lump crab meat and bibb lettuce salad.  Deeeeeelish.

6. Drinks + Dinner at Holeman + Finch: in that order.  We met my friend Victoria and her husband Hakim, who were visiting from Chicago…because they are MOVING HERE! WOOT!

Reunited...and it feeeeels so good!

It didn’t seem that crowded, but we definitely got there at 8:30 and weren’t seated until our burger (yes.  singular.  We scored the last one. Thanks, Reagan!)  was  served.  (10:30ish?) But we had a great time at the bar. DK LOVED the Aviation and I enjoyed the Shrub (blackberry + tequila on Saturday night).  We demolished a pretty amazing charcuterie plate, I rediscovered the pancetta carbonara, and we tried 2 things that I LOVE that somehow I have never ordered at H+F: the steak tartare and the mussels.  Both were PHENOM. Special thanks to Hakim for showing me how to eat mussels with other mussels.  (ie sans tiny fork.)  I’m so euro now!

Sidebar: Everyone in the WORLD was at Holeman on Saturday night.  Including Eli Kirshstein (from Top Chef.  Yes, we are both obsessed.) and Lauren…my neighbor from Birmingham!

+ about 934829235 other people! fun!

7. Brunch at Craftbar with La + Shecky

The company alone would have made this brunch phenomenal. However, there was nothing to be desired.  At the end of the day, I think Craftbar is so gorgeous and our food was incredible.  We started with biscuits and fresh blackberry jam

I had shortribs and baked eggs, La and Shecks had poached eggs and steak, and DK (true to form) ordered exactly what I wanted: bacon gravy and biscuits.  Everything was perfect: the coffee, the food, the service.  It was a lovely brunch.

8. More shopping. No pictures.  I was too busy taking full advantage of my last few precious hours with DK.  Sorry not sorry.

LOVED having my mom in town. I’m a lucky girl to have my own personal stylist, decorator, role model, and best friend all rolled up into one woman!  Thanks for coming to play!

and thanks for showing me how people sharpened their lipliner in the olden days!

Bonus: Today is my parents’ anniversary!  Happy, happy anniversary to the cutest couple I know!

I love you!

xx, L

I am here to tell you that before G even woke up, I had made my way to the Peachtree Road Farmers Market and back.  It’s even weirder still because when I awoke at 9am with this burning desire to check out fresh produce under tents, I was completely without transportation. Yep, Olive and I CABBED IT to the Cathedral of St Philip (across from Fellini’s on Peachtree) to meet Seth…

Seth Says!

…check out the local wares, and witness a cooking demonstration from Mr. Kevin Gillespie himself.

You guys! That early morning cab ride was $10 well spent.  The Peachtree Road Farmers Market was SO FUN! I ran into a zillion friends (life before noon on a Saturday…who knew?) and learned a LOT about our local farmers and artisans.   After killing a delicious fresh-squeezed Mint Lemonade from the Native Juice Bar

Made with fresh whole apples, oranges and lemons with fresh ginger and mint

Seth, who Farmers Market-s it every weekend, took me on a tour!  I expected to see a lot of fresh produce, which I did, but I also found local cheesemakers, flowers, charcuteries, bakeries, and all kinds of other cool stuff!

Homemade Jerky? Yes please!

Fresh yogurt and cheeses

Even homemade treats for Olive!

Also at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market: super creative homemade jams, fresh crepes, artisan soaps, and all kinds of other fun things including FRESCO POPS!

Ohhh yeah

I’ve been dying to hop on the paleta train for eons and Saturday? TOOT TOOT! Strawberry Lavender Lemonade, my friends.

Strawberry Lavendar Lemonade, my friends.

So, after Seth drove me to my car, I made my way home with two delicious Holeman + Finch Bread Co. bagels

AND THE MOST DELICIOUS BACON I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED:

Chipolte Applewood smoked Bacon from Pine Street Market. AMAZING.

Needless to say… I was a TOTAL brunch hero on Saturday.  And I had a DELIGHTFUL morning doing it. Whoddathunkit? In fact, I’m taking DK back this Saturday… come join us!  (10am Chef Demo with Keira Moritz of Pacci and live music by David Stephens & John Mickelson!)

Lauren: What do you like better?  Wedding Season or the Q+DD?
Lindsay: (raises hand)
Lauren: Miss Roberts?
Lindsay: Yes, um, the answer would be, um, The Q+DD?
Lauren: Bingo.

Being the Best of Atlanta is pretty much our life goal and we can’t do it without you!

Please vote for us by clicking here:

http://bit.ly/bu3bo8

Best Local Bloggers: Lauren Kraselsky and Lindsay Roberts
Best Local Blog: “The Quick + Dirty Dirty” or “Q+DD”

You have to vote for 5 things in order for your ballot to count. If you need help figuring out what to vote for…please feel free to ask us.  We have LOTS of opinions on every category!  (What the hey?   You could even vote for us for local personalities to follow on Twitter!  @LaurenKAtlanta and @LindsayWhat44 that takes care of 3 right there!)

But listen, don’t do it just because we told you to. We want you to make an educated decision before casting your vote.  Please review our political platform below to know our stance on ALL the important issues.

L+L  are:

FOR: Happy hour, excessive use of exclamation points for emphasis, feminism and chivalry, anything from the 1980’s, Mexican food, enormous sunglasses, mussels and muscles, beer-related competitive gaming, Peace on Earth, bubble baths, 3-day weekends, puppies, costume parties, costumes and parties independently, hair products, brunch cocktails, Texas, anything neon, renewable energy, being awesome, human rights, strategic accessorizing, reducing the escalating price of movie tickets, fedoras, mandatory workday nap time, silly moustaches, hot vampires, and your mom.

AGAINST: Alarm clocks, being put on hold, giraffe purses, camping, humidity, most things OTP, cats, children carrying guns, Canada, denim on denim, serious moustaches, Atlantans referring to queso as “cheese dip,” man-sandals, and of course, any sandals worn with socks.

UNDECIDED: Texting, parking vehicles on Cheshire Bridge, eating club sandwiches when you have NOT been invited to the club (note: we are generally FOR club sandwiches and frilly toothpicks), “free” yoga classes, pirates v. ninjas, belly dancing, and where to go for dinner most nights…

(So basically, if you hate man-sandals and love your mom and being awesome…the choice is clear. VOTE FOR US!)

Oh, and while we’re shamelessly self-promoting, please “Like” us on Facebook by clicking here.   Thanks! (if each of you had a “like” button, you better believe we’d click it!)

Thanks…and…we love you.  We do.

xx, L + L

The tone was set early by the totally rad 80’s mix compiled by one Elizabeth Ceaser (of Phliz fame) which included every memorable song from the years 1979 to 1991. We enjoyed Blow Pops and Pop Rocks (ok no Pop Rocks, but that would have been awesome.  Where do you find them, anyway?) as we jammed out to Liz’s mix

(Photobomb: Lumpy)

Ted: 80's Cowboy.

Strike a pose there's nothing to it: Vogue.

Ellen: So Strong! (PS I'd like to buy a vowel...)

If only we had any idea what was waiting for us at Sweetwater…

There were fanny packs, taffeta...

dance offs...

...complete with break dancing...

Amazing makeup

and lots of 80's love

Sidebar: I just don't know who I love more: Liz for putting this outfit together or Phil for wearing it...

Demon eyes courtesy of my iPhone

Miami Vice Joe

He mowed 200 yards to save my white suede outfit!

It was a GREAT night and my friends Jason and Lila, two of the organizers of this amazing party, told me they raised a HUGE chunk of change for the Elliott Galloway Scholarship Fund…nice work!

Bonus: Our Electric Ladyland SAVE FERRIS coozies came in quite handy the next day as we recovered poolside, trust.

Electric Ladyland, THANKS for a great night! We can’t wait for next year!

xx, L

P.S. Do you like us?  We like you!  Please make it official by “Liking” us on Facebook!  Click here to make our day!

It is halfway through 2010 and even though it’s been a great year…if I am completely honest with you, I’ve just been feeling a little incomplete. Yes, I’ve had a nagging emptiness in my soul, a teeny tiny hole in my heart… and until recently, I just didn’t know why.  All I knew was that something was missing and I couldn’t put my finger on it…

UNTIL NOW.

Can you believe we have gone 7 months without an 80’s themed event?

I mean, I LIVE for the 80’s.

Q: Who has an 80’s themed Passover Seder? A: Lindsay and I do!

I just don’t know how I went an entire 7 months without breaking out the leg warmers and crinoline, but all is right with the world because this FRIDAY I will be attending:
I just couldn’t be more excited.

The Q+DD is this: This Friday, July 9th Electric Ladyland presents the 2nd Annual 80’s Prom (How did I miss the first one?) at the Sweetwater Brewery.  All proceeds will go to Elliott Galloway Scholarship Fund for under-privileged teenagers (which is awesome because frankly, I didn’t need a reason.)

Admission Prices:
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL – $30 (first 100 purchases get their single ticket at $30 value)
Couples tickets – $30 (Two tickets at $30 each, for you and your dream date)
Stag ticket – $35 (single ticket price)
At the door – $40
At the door WITHOUT an 80’s costume – $8,675,309
Cash ONLY at the door. Credit/Debit cards accepted for presale tickets through Paypal.

Your ticket price includes Sweetwater Beer tastings and the following totally rad schedule of events:

9PM- Doors Open
9:01PM- Prom Pictures begin
9:30PM- You should be half-way to the moon
10:00PM- Timed Rubiks Cube Contest
10:30PM- Arrival on the MOON
10:45PM- Moonwalk Contest
11:00PM- Prom King and Queen will be announced
11:30PM- Break Dance Contest
Midnight- Walk of Shame
Get your tickets RIGHT NOW by clicking here and visit the Facebook invitation by clicking here.

In anticipation of my first 80’s event this year, I’ll be participating an a fun-filled night of 80’s movie bliss at Phliz’s crib on Thursday.

Phil + Liz = Phliz. Duh.

Gotta love a couple who displays 100% Theme Commitment.  I pity the fool who doesn’t.

I can only hope for a photo as cool as this one:

Total Eclipse of My Heart,
and
xx,

L

Scoops: “Scoops are simply white shoes. Usually ultra white tennis shoes with minimal color if any at all. Scoops are not limited to only tennis shoes but the best ones can be found with dark colored jeans. If you are lucky enough you will spot them with jean shorts*.”Ups: “Ups are nothing more than socks that are pulled up high.

This isn’t a great example, but when combined with the power of Scoops and shorts they are almost unstoppable. See the line on the floor there? That man has just crossed it and he doesn’t give a dang.”

Jorts*: Jean Shorts = Jorts.  Just in case you grew up under a rock.
I encourage you to read the entire Scoops and Ups post by Josh by clicking here. (and while you’re at it, read everything else he wrote.  The man is a comic genius.  Then send him hate mail until he starts writing again. Thanks.)

For a while, whenever I saw Scoops and/or Ups, I would snap a photo and send it on to ol’ Josh.  I thought my fascination had died… until today when I witnessed THIS at the Syracuse airport:

Thank you, New York.  Just…thank you.

xx, L