Maintenence

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I Don’t Want to Grow Up…

01/24/2012 in Beauty, Maintenence, Product, Tricks of the Trade by Lauren | 2 comments

No, seriously.  I don’t want to get any older.  I just hit 31 and that is ENOUGH. 

Let’s be honest – I’ve been obsessed with skin for a while, but I’ve noticed that as my age advanced…so has my obsession. 

Here are my latest tricks of the trade:

I have to thank Jenn Falik for recommending the first two.  Are you guys following her?  She’s amazing.) 

1. iT Cosmetics “No-Tug™” Heavenly Luxe Dual Eyeshadow Brush 

Ok so here’s the Q+DD: this is the “first ever” anti-aging and age preventative shadow brush that won’t pull on your delicate eye skin while applying your shadow.  Am I 100% convinced?  No.  Will I try absolutely everything?  You betcha.

It’s actually a pretty great brush, too.  It’s dual-sided for contouring.  For $24 – I’d say give it a go. 

2. Vichy 3-in-1 Cleanser

 

It’s a cleanser, toning lotion, and an eye makeup remover all in one.  You can actually wipe it off with a cloth once you’ve cleansed or rinse with water.  My skin has been AMAZING with this.  So super soft and fantastic. 

3. Natura Bisse “The Cure” Cleanser

So, at $57 a bottle (to Vichy’s $20) this cleanser is definitely less economical, but it’s great also.  Its a little less “milky” and I still feel like I need to use a separate eye makeup remover when I use it.  But, not only does it clean, but it detoxifies skin and is extremely gentle as well.  PLUS: when I use it with my Clairsonic Mia – there’s virtually NO residue left over when I’m done and I feel squeaky clean.  (Without the squeak, of course.)

It also has Green Tea Extract, which is lovely and supposedly neutralizes the effects of free radicals, “diminishing irritation and dryness.”

4.  Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Cream with SPF

I’ve blogged about it before and I’ll probably blog about it again.  I absolutely love this stuff.  It’s a foundation.  It’s a moisturizer.  It’s a SPF.  It’s a firming treatment. It’s amazing.  Get it today.  You will thank me.  (many of you already have!)

5. Water.

Yep.  Good old H-Two-Oh.  I’ve been drinking it like a fiend.  Just like they always tell you to and I can tell a huge difference in my skin! (somewhere in Birmingham my mom is saying “I told you so.”) 

There you have it.  My new plan for reverse aging.  Who knows.  Next year I might just turn 29 again!  (nah, 31 has been pretty awesome so far)

La and me at my 31st birthday last Saturday

Enjoy, lovelies!

xx, L

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Exhale True Facial + Anne-Marie Awesomeness!

01/19/2012 in Beauty, Exercise, Midtown, Random Musings, Spa, What we're Doing by Lindsay | No comments

(Just a little more today re. Exhale.)  You would think that we were getting paid from them or something…  Note: We are NOT, but maybe we should be??  :)

Y’all know how much I heart my second home in Atlanta, Exhale Spa.  Y’all know.  (And, welcome LK!  So happy you’ve joined!!) 

Well, I had my first facial at Exhale last week and JUST when I thought I couldn’t love it any more there, I fell even more head over heels!

It was the absolute greatest facial.  The greatest!  The one I got was the 60-Minute True Facial w/ a Cool Beam Treatment. 

Here are the deets:

True Facial: Enliven your skin with our customized facial appropriate for all skin types.  We use a layer of our most coveted mushroom enzyme mask to lift away all dull, tired skin and reveal a fresher, brighter version of you!  Trust that all of your need will be thoroughly addressed in this one hour facial – a true transformation!

Cool Beam Treatment: Monochromatic coherent light penetrates into the dermis sparking a physiological collagenic growth spurt.  This healing therapy inflates fine lines while simultaneously reducing post-surgical inflammation and decreasing hyperpigmentation and cystic acne.

My therapist, Kathryn, was absolutely amazing, too.  I highly, highly recommend getting a facial at Exhale.  My skin has been glowing since and feels like silk!

Also newsworthy at Exhale is…one of my favorite Atlantans + fitness gurus, Anne-Marie Berte, Manager of Guest Experience for the spa.  Do you know her?  Do you know her?  You should!  Y’all have seen me reference her in every single one of my Exhale-related posts, but you guys REALLY need to know how awesome Anne-Marie is! 

anne-marie berte

In addition to all her responsibilities at Exhale, she is also the ambassador for the 100 Women Project, the Lease Luxury Properties lifestyle & wellness concierge, and all around excellent person.  Anne-Marie is really into brand marketing and promotions, and is constantly working to connect people and create relationships and cross promotions for brands.  She has a contagiously positive and uplifting personality – this girl is going places, people!! 

super-fit, A-M!

Stay tuned for more Anne-Marie awesomeness – you are sure to see her around the ATL as the “fit girl blogger” bringing you up to date on the latest and greatest workouts to try, studios, and healthy lifestyle tips!

Love, love, love Exhale + Anne-Marie!  Just the best in 2012. 

xx, L

Exhale Atlanta
Anne-Marie Berte, Manager of Guest Experience: amberte@exhalespa.com
1065 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA  30309
404.720.5000
http://www.exhalespa.com/Locations/GAtlanta/Default.aspx

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A Little Reckless Holiday Spending, Anyone?

12/29/2011 in Beauty, Guilty Pleasures, Hair, Maintenence, Product, PSAs, Random Musings, Tricks of the Trade by Lauren | 2 comments

December 29 is a dangerous time.  Santa was good to you…particularly with gifts that come in envelopes.  Or maybe you’ve got that extra check from Grandma or a little Hanukkah gelt left in you pocket (and I don’t mean the chocolate kind…)  What to do? 

I’m pretty sure if you ask Greg, he’d suggest a lovely Orange Savings Account or a Roth IRA but if I were you, I might opt for the following: 

1. Oribe Royal Blowout

I am pretty much obsessed with Oribe.  It all started with the Anti-Humidity spray (blogged about here) and then the “Beautiful Color” shampoo and conditioner.  But I was recently introduced to Royal Blowout and I’m never turning back.  You just spritz a little of this weightless-greaseless product into damp hair and bampf! – perfectly straight, glossy-yet-somewhat-voluminous hair.  And of course it has the signature Oribe scent which is AMAZING.  I love this stuff.

2. Trish McEvoy Beta Hydroxy Pads  

These are the most amazing exfoliating pads…ever.  I used them forever ago, but I quit because at $65 for 40 pads…they’re pretty pricey.  But I’m back on the bandwagon now.  My skin looks absolutely amazing and I feel like these babies take care of those hard-to-exfoliate places like around your nose and such.  Basically, they dissolve dead skin cells to make your face glowy and help to prevent breakouts.  So worth it.  

3. Hammitt Viper Holiday Clutch  

You guys – I had never even HEARD of Hammitt before I fell in love with this clutch and now I’m planning nights out just so I can carry it.  The leather is DELICIOUS, it’s SO spacious (I love the new “oversized clutch” trend.) and it’s the perfect amount of glam and rock and roll.  The entire line is to die for – but this clutch made me really happy.  (I got mine at Gus Mayer in Birmingham– but you can find them on Facebook or search for them on your Google Machine)

 

4. Alora Reed Diffuser in Due 

G got me one of these as part of my Hanukkah gift and I LOVE IT.  First of all, it’s gorgeous.  Secondly, it smells absolutely AMAZING – jasmine, cucumber, basil and ylang ylang.  (What is a ylang ylang, you ask?  I have no idea.  But it smells good.)  The best part is how the scent fills my whole room without overpowering it.  I recommend.

So there you have it.  Nothing you need…but all fun stuff.  Happy December 29th!

xx, L

 

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Tomorrow: 2nd Annual Market Mash-Up!

10/14/2011 in Buckhead, Events, Product, Vendors, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lauren | No comments

TOMORROW, October 15th from 9:00 – 12:00 in addition to the regular Saturday morning fabulousness, Peachtree Road Farmers Market will be holding the 2nd annual Market Mash-Up aiming to “bring together farmers and culinary community for a cause.”

Here’s the Q+DD:  Local farmers and purveyors of locally made foods will team up to whip up custom dishes that incorporate their specialties and will be judged by CELEBRITY JUDGES*!  There are 10 competing teams including: Spotted Trotter, Red Queen Tarts and Indian Ridge, Hope’s Gardens, Riverview Farms, H&F Bread, Greenleaf Farms, & Il Bel Cuore!  

Love your logo!

The early bird gets the worm: only 250 tasting tickets are available for sale starting at 9:00AM for a mere $5 a piece!  The tasting will run from 10:00 – 11:00 or until they run out. 

*This year’s celebrity Judges include:

Kim Severson, Atlanta bureau chief of The New York Times and Author of Spoon Fed

Christiane Lauterbach, Dining Critic, Atlanta Magazine & Knife & Fork

Jennifer Zyman, Editor, The Blissful Glutton and Eater Atlanta

Emily Smith, CNN Eatocracy Contributor

The best part: The proceeds from the Market Mash-Up will help fund the Peachtree Road Farmers Market’s 2012 city permit fees and city required police officer.PRFM hopes to raise the $5,750 needed to cover these expenses so we can avoid raising vendor fees.

Guys, PRFM is not only a super cool and awesome way to get fresh, fabulous fare – but I think it’s really important to recognize the importance of supporting our local farmers.   

PRFM strives to support local farmers and provide a welcoming community for them, and believes it is “essential to the health and well being of this community to know the both the farmer and the food they grow.”  Lauren Carey, Peachtree Road Farmers Market Manager adds,“Accessibility to fresh local produce is a gift; it means so much more to shake the hand of the farmer that grew the vegetables on your dinner plate.”  How true!

I’ll be there – I hope to see you guys too!

xx, L

Special thanks to my dear friend Adrienne, Peachtree Road Farmers Market volunteer and all-around awesome person, for bringing this fantastic event to my attention!

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A Hair-Raising Tale: Powder Puff Magic!

10/07/2011 in Hair, Maintenence, Midtown, Product, Vendors by Lindsay | 2 comments

It all starts with an obsessive blogger fair princess (much more accurate, obv.) who went to the enchanted castle salon to get her hair did before traveling to DC to visit friends.

Said princess has stick-straight princess hair, but as a long-time admirer of Goldilocks + Snooki, alike, she has always dreamed of having massive New Jersey-ish volume in her long princess tresses.

(Did I mention that she is a PRINCESS??!)  :)

On a fateful Thursday evening, she visited her fairy godmother beloved hairstylist, Daniel Carter at Mint Salon, who used a MAGICAL potion from a far-away land (Kevin Murphy Powder Puff Volumizing Powder) to help the fair princess achieve the volume she so dearly longed for.

Daniel skillfully applied the mysterious potion to her hair – and just like magic – the princess’s locks grew taller and taller + more voluminous right before her very eyes!! 

Witness:

The result was amazing!  She was thrilled! 

this was NOT a great picture of the princess's face, but it SURE WAS of her hair!!

Not only was the potion incredibly effective on her stubbornly-straight hair, but also the wizard who designed it used super cute pink packaging - the princess’s favorite color.  How convenient!

The princess thoroughly recommends trying Kevin Murphy’s Powder Puff (especially during the upcoming humidity free months) + visiting her fairy godmother fabulous stylist, Daniel Carter, at Mint Salon!

The End.

(Oh yeah, and everyone lived ABSOLUTELY happily ever after!)

xx, L

Mint Salon – Daniel Carter
985 Monroe Drive (Midtown)
Atlanta, GA  30308
404.724.9669
http://www.mintsalon.net/

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Challenge Your Taste Buds @ Sheik Burritos n Kabobs!

08/17/2011 in Beauty, Cheshire Bridge, Hair, Maintenence, Midtown, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | No comments

Two weeks ago now, I got a keratin treatment and bunkered up for the following two days of processing until my hair transformed into a pretty princess mane.  Slick dragged me out for lunch one afternoon under the condition that we were going to go some place that he promised I would enjoy + where I wouldn’t run into anyone who I knew.  We went to Sheik Burritos n Kabobs.

Sheik serves fresh Persian and Southwestern cuisine, and they make an effort to use local and organic foods.  Slick had dined at Sheik once before and remembered really enjoying it and wanting to bring me as soon as he had the opportunity to choose a restaurant (which is nearly always my job).  I had never even noticed the restaurant, which is situated on Piedmont Ave. near Cheshire Bridge - an area I pass multiple times a week.  It’s a small space, but there is a lot going on in there + I knew I liked it as soon as I walked in and saw the King of Pops served here sign!

Sheik’s walls are covered with a whimsical Persian mural.  This is my favorite section…

Slick ordered Sheik tea over ice with honey and we listened closely as our enthusiastic server walked us through the unfamiliar menu.  As this was my very first Persian food experience, I needed a bit of hand-holding to make sure that I knew what I was getting into. 

Our server suggested that we start off with chips and eggplant with herbs dip.  The eggplant’s texture and flavor was unusual to me, but in a good way.  The small cup of dip was not around for long!

After much deliberation, Slick + I deferred to the server to select our entrees.  He split two tasty burritos between us. 

On the left: La Dirka-Dirka – lamb sirloin, bad-man-jon, and red spinach served Persian style (wrapped in Persian flat bread with Basmati rice and yogurt).

On the right: La Camelback – local chicken breast, feast-n-june, Persian salsa, maroon and gold beets, and feta in a whole wheat tortilla.

They arrived with chips and a small cup of Persian salsa: tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, mint, olive oil + citrus.

We very quickly devoured both burritos.  They were delicious and filled with unique flavors. 

I think it’s important to challenge your taste buds, AND I think it’s important to have a restaurant that you can escape to when you have a keratin treatment slathered all over your head + you don’t want to see anyone you know.  Sheik was a perfect escape for both.  Keep an eye out for it on Piedmont Ave.  It’s a gem and worthy of a visit.  Heck, it’s King of Pops and Q+DD approved!  You can’t really beat that…  :)

xx, L

Sheik Burritos n Kabobs
1877 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
404.975.4314
www.sheikburritos.com

Sheik Burritos n Kabobs on Urbanspoon

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Vintage Post: I’ll Keep You My Dirty Little Secret

08/11/2011 in Maintenence, Product, Vintage Q+DD by Lauren | No comments

Note: I have had several questions regarding my self-administered fake-tanning lately, that I thought I’d bring back this post – circa this time 2009. For the record – I’d rather have someone else administer a spray tan on me, but sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands. 

Enjoy!

I’ll admit it: I suffer from bouts of tan-orexia. I will sometimes sit in the sun or frequent my local tanning salon until I am a bronzed goddess and still look in the mirror and see a pale person.

(Note: this is when things get ugly. Just before my sister’s wedding I was dangerously teetering on the verge of looking like Magda from There’s Something About Mary. True story.)

magda

You should know the glow I crave is not something that is effortless for me to achieve. My eyes are green, my hair is blonde, my skin is…see-through.

It’s not an exact science. Mistakes are often made. Case in point: once or twice in a summer I will inevitably sport a glorious lobster-colored sunburn which I think we can all agree is Not. Cute.

I can't decide if a decent tan is worth the possible melanoma

Before someone alerts my dermy (I love you, Dr. Weisman!) or my mother, please also know I am becoming increasingly fearful of wrinkles. I have become positively m.i.l.i.t.a.n.t. about my skincare routine and tanning unfortunately does not jive with my plan to look like this when I’m 80.

Here’s the answer: St. Tropez Self Tanner!

www.sttropeztan.com

www.sttropeztan.com

I like the mousse. I had been using the lotion forever, but my mom recently turned me onto this air-whipped version of the same product. It is virtually blonde-proof.

Here’s the Q+DD on how to apply: First, invest in some disposable rubber gloves, this stuff is impossible to get off of your palms, and that is a fake-tan dead giveaway. I literally just slap it on at night, sleep in it, and shower it off in the morning. It doesn’t even have to be even when it goes on. The only tricky parts are your feet, ankles, knees, wrists, and
elbows.Just go lighter on these areas.

If you are lucky enough to live with someone who does not mind helping you with this application, you can enlist them to apply the product to your hard-to-reach areas, but you can also use a product such as this:

www.domyback.com

www.domyback.com

I know what you’re wondering and here are the answers:

A: It does rub off on your sheets and clothing, but washes right out.

A: As far as self-tanners go, the scent is pretty darn good. I mean, I wouldn’t trade my Jo Malone (Or L’s Brit Scent!) for it, but it’s pleasant enough.

A: It looks natural: bronze not orange! Witness the picture below from a recent “White Party,” a situation in which a tan is definitely mandatory:

whiteparty

Happy (safe) Tanning!

xx, L

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High-Tech Hair

06/09/2011 in Beauty, Maintenence, Product, Technology, Trend Alert by Lauren | No comments

Judy Jetson is a bit of an enigma to me.

I mean, besides chat on the phone, all the girl seemed to do was  shop… and yet she rocked the exact same midriff-bearing pink space suit every. single day.

The bigger mystery for me, however, is how she bleached her hair to ultimate platinum levels and never, ever seemed to have as much as one split end!

I’m not sure… but I’m pretty sure Judy Jetson’s haircare is available today…at Muse Salon in Alpharetta. (BTW – Muse is absolutely gorgeous and full of pretty people.  I like that in a salon.)

I went up to Muse and placed my tired tresses in the hands of salon co-owner Daniel and stylist Megan and I am here to tell you my hair did a 180.  I am talking noticeable, marked difference.

Enter Kérastase Chronologiste  and the Kérastase Diagnostic Camera.

First, Megan analyzed my hair and scalp with the super magnifying camera and it…was scary.   Breakage everywhere.  Witness:

My actual hair. Yikes.

Then they hooked it up to this bigger computer and I answered a few short questions and it was able to make recommendations on products and treatments based on both the health of my hair and my personal beauty priorities.

That’s when the magic began.  First of all, the Chronologiste treatment looks like a little dish of caviar:

Megan mixed all the ingredients into a paste a paste and massaged into my hair (which was heavenly!) After a few minutes under the heat lamps and a fabulous blowdry… my hair was healthy, bouncy, swingy perfection. More than that – my color looks brighter and my blowdry was quicker. Facts, both!  I totally recommend this treatment.

Bonus: they’re also doing that “Featherlocks” thing up there.  Have you seen this?

The first person I saw with a feather was Greg’s brother’s incredibly stylish lady-friend Emma. Check it:

Since then, I have seen no less than a bazillion girls with all kinds of different colored feathers secured to their own hair with silicone beads.  Apparently, the feathers perform just like your own hair for 8 weeks!  “Bundles” go for $35/bundle and the average “Featherlock” is 2 bundles.

They are pretty discreet, but f I can figure out how to completely hide a hot pink feather M through F I am ALL ABOUT IT. Just saying.

Listen, go check out Muse.  They’re incredibly cutting edge, elegant and…high tech.

Just like my girl Judy.

xx, L

Muse Salon

4620 Kimball Bridge Rd # 5
Alpharetta, GA 30005

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The Nail Files: Cuticle Couture

05/23/2011 in Beauty, Guilty Pleasures, L+L Report, Maintenence, Product, What we're Watching by Lauren | 1 comment

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know that while we love a LOT of things… there are few things the Q+DD girls love more than a good mani/pedi (Love YOU, Lily.  Mean it.)  So I’m sure you can imagine my delight at the opportunity to chat with the delightful Katie Cazorla, owner of The Painted Nail – an ultra posh, ultra clean, ultra popular LA nail salon:

Shabby chic and super glam featuring celeb sightings, free cocktails and WiFi? Yes, please.

And the star of TV Guide’s new reality series, The Nail Files!

Produced by The Jersey Shore’s creators, The Nail Files will follow blonde bombshell Katie, Walter Afanasioff, the Grammy®-winning love of her life (Not to be gauche, but You. Should. See. Her. Ring.), her growing business…and everything that comes with the trio.

I was so super psyched to sit down with Katie and discuss some very pressing issues: eco-friendly nail products, Big A$$ rings, “Crusty Troll Feet” and other important things of that nature.

Ok, so first things first: homegirl was in town as the inaugural stop on her country-wide tour…in a big ol’ mobile spa.  Check it:

Katie with her bus... parked in 'phretta!

And let me just tell you - Katie is amazeballs. I loved everything about her.  She’s originally a small-town girl with whose big aspirations and desire to succeed landed her in the major leagues…  and she’s passionate about pretty feet.  She says, “if you sound like you’re tap dancing, and your feet are bare…that’s a problem.”

She let me in on her biggest pet peeve, “Valet Feet.” You know- when you’re waiting for your car at the valet, and you look down and you see a woman in couture and Louboutins… with busted feet.  You know you’ve witnessed it: bird-like feet. Katie says, “Nobody wants to see you perch.  Grody.” I couldn’t agree more.

 

Ick.

Also on the hit list: Acrylics.  She tells me, “I want to start a group called Acrylics Anonymous – make that available to everyone” to help wean these ladies off their pink and whites to something more modern.

No. Just no.

It was at this point when I realized that Katie and I were kindred spirits. I got the lowdown on her upcoming line of eco-friendly products (including a “shimmer cream” and organic sugar scrub!), and…of course – what she selected for her own nails:

A gel layer (to hold the polish) and Malibu Dreams on her hands

And “Electric Blue” (named for Debbie Gibson!) on her toes.

Katie's actual tootsies.

The Nail Files premieres on the ever-evolving TV Guide channel on Tuesday 06/21 at 10:00PM EST and since I am obviously obsessed with this woman… I can’t WAIT for her show.

In the meantime, you can catch Katie and her mobile spa on tour on the following schedule:

Boston: Wednesday, May 25
Philadelphia: Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29
Cleveland: Saturday, June 4
New York: Monday, June 13, Tuesday, June 14, and Wednesday, June 15
Los Angeles: Tuesday, June 21, Wednesday, June 22, and Thursday, June 23
Las Vegas: Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26
Phoenix: Wednesday, June 29
Houston: Sunday, July 3 and Monday, July 4

I’m looking forward to seeing Katie, her fabulous staff, her high-powered man (who is so involved that he was once mistaken for the janitor!) and celebrity clientele go from manic… to manicured!

Catch ya on Tuesdays at 10!

xx, L

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Warning: Serious Update OVERLOAD!

05/05/2011 in Baby Chic, Beauty, Buckhead, Cocktails, Deals + Steals, Events, Exercise, Festivals, Guilty Pleasures, Hair, Hotels, Inman Park, Maintenence, Midtown, On the Street, Out of Town, Random Musings, Spa, Trader Joe's, Vacation, Vendors, What we're Doing, What we're Reading, Where we're Eating, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | 5 comments

Oy.  You might need to sit down for this one.

I didn’t post for an entire week + now I feel like there’s almost too much to update you all on and it’s not exactly stringing together clearly…  So bear with me, folks.  I’m just going to lay it all out there + make of it what you will. 

The weather is getting gorgeous, the hemlines are getting shorter + there are more and more reasons to play outside, try new restaurants + spring into summer!  (I feel like I just wrote an Old Navy commercial.)

Ready or not – here I go!  Wheeeee…..

Ms. Reynolds, Sayako + I recently recruiter summit-ed at Victory Sandwich Bar in Inman Park, which has been all over Urban Spoon, etc., and we really enjoyed it!

Pictured below are our sandwiches, all of which are meant to be eaten in multiples (i.e. you don’t order just one sandwich – they are small-ish) at only $4.00 a piece.

We tried the New Bomb Turkey: turkey, arugula, avocado spread + baconaisse; The Hambo: prosciutto, mozzarella, arugula, apple + reduced balsamic; and the Castro: slow-roasted pork, ham, fontina cheese + yellow mustard. 

I love this place for a casual lunch and strongly recommend trying it out!

Victory Sandwich Bar
280 Elizabeth Street
Atlanta, GA  30307
770.676.7287
http://www.vicsandwich.com/
Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Victory Sandwich Bar on Urbanspoon

Next up, Bloomingdale’s just started showing some gorgeous turquoise-y blue stone necklaces.  So cute for summer!  Here’s a shot of the one I bought on Monday.  It’s my new favorite accessory.

Moving right along…

On my Palm Springs/ L.A. flights, I started reading John Kennedy Toole’s “A Confederacy of Dunces.”  I will admit that I fall in love with most books I read + can’t put them down until they’re finished, and that remains the case with this Pulitzer Prize winner.  It’s so thoughtfully written and a great (albeit very wordy) read.  The story of how the book came to fruition after JKT’s suicide is super interesting, as well. 

Let’s talk food trucks.

Slick + I got tacos at Tex’s Tacos recently, the new food truck in Buckhead, which urbandaddy.com dubbed the “Antonio Banderas” of food trucks.  Cute.

Tex’s is a fully-equipped kitchen + restaurant on wheels serving up an array of “Nueva Texicana” eats w/ “style + grace.”

While I’ll admit that they weren’t the best tacos I’ve ever eaten, they did the job.  Tex’s will be a goldmine for late night Buckhead frat boys who need to cut through the alcohol a bit before stumbling into bed.  And it’s not just stationed in Buckhead, which is why food truckin’ is so exciting.  Check out Tex’s schedule here: http://www.texstacos.com/

Speaking of food trucks…  When I was in Palm Springs, the Nom Nom truck drove up from L.A. and I got to try it!  Not familiar w/ the famous Nom Nom truck?

It’s a L.A.-based mobile food truck specializing in Vietnamese food, especially banh mi.  Nom Nom was the runner-up in season one of the Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race.

Their food is RIDIC. 

On Easter Sunday, Slick + I had a date night at Ecco, one of my favorite Midtown restaurants to order up a load of small plates + drinks.  (Also, to potentially spot the Vampire Diaries cast…)

As usual, our meal was predictably delicious.  To accompany it, I ordered a glass of pinot gris.  Slick, however, ordered one of the most interesting cocktails I’ve ever seen.  Here’s the description of it from the menu:

ZAFARAN: Gabriel Boudier Saffron Gin, housemade Shindeldecker tonic + a custom icy hot cube will remind you that, while temptation is a reality, there are repercussions in all things we do.

It was so different and had a very special, unique flavor.  You guys have to try it!

I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again.  I’m obsessed with mochi ice cream.  Recently, I’ve been satisfying my sweet tooth with an all natural strawberry flavor found at Trader Joe’s.  Um, yum!

Y’all, today is Thursday which means…

So, back to food trucks + street food.  Can we?  Thanks. 

My favorite Midtown Street Food Thursday vendor is definitely The King of Pops!

I get so excited when I see the Pops cart!  And you know who else does…

slick: king of the mountain (stone mountain, that is)

He LOVES KoPs!  Our favorite flavors are: Mexican Chocolate, Banana Pudding, Sea Salt Chocolate + Pineapple Ginger.  You must, must try a pop!

It really is perfect popsicle weather, too.  Speaking of perfect weather, I had it in California.  The entire week was truly gorgeous!  Although the main purpose of my trip was to meet Mrs. Wolkove’s adorable new addition to her family, I did have time to enjoy the outdoors when I went on a hike at Fryman Canyon Park located in the Santa Monica Mountains with Mrs. W’s madre.  The views were amazing + the workout was seriously intense.  I work out quite a bit in Atlanta, but I almost never go hiking.  I have to say that my legs were throbbing the morning after our hike.  If anyone knows of good hiking spots in Atlanta, please let me know. 

Even while hiking in the heat, my hair looked pretty perfect.  (OMG, what a bragger!)  But, I have to credit that to Daniel Carter at Mint Salon who does my 2-day keratin treatments.  (LK goes to Mint, too, for hers.)  Daniel is a fantastic stylists who has also started to do my cuts + color.  If you happen to be looking for a new stylist, I highly recommend Daniel!  Tell him you heard about him on the Q+DD!

Mint Salon
Stylist: Daniel Carter
404.724.9669
www.mintsalon.net

Since we’re focusing now on “maintenance,” I’m really looking forward to my spray tan today at RAW Organic Bronzing Studio.  (LK is a fan, too!)  I adore the owner, Tiffany Terranova, and have been very pleased with my tans!  They are made from 100% organic ingredients that are actually beneficial to the skin.  Read more about RAW Organic Bronzing Studio here: LK’s post about RAW.

And, RAW is conveniently located right next door to Victory Sandwich Bar in Inman Park!  Bringing it all together.  :)

Skipping around skipping around…

I’m in the market for a french press.  I drank french pressed coffee several times during my L.A. trip + don’t think I can go back to my Keurig any more.  It’s like two entirely different planets of coffee!  This Bodum one is pretty cute.  (Hint, hint.)

OH!  And isn’t this the most precious picture you’ve ever seen or what?!  Mrs. Wolkove, her one week old (who obv. cannot fit into those yet) + I all rock the glitter TOMS!  Love.

We’ll focus on this much more as it draws closer, but who’s pumped for the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival?! 

THIS event is going to be nothing short of incredible.  Can’t wait! 

More info here: Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

And finally (have I worn you out yet?), the Q+DD has some very special news to share!  One of our best readers, Jessica Gorman: Concierge at the Ritz Carlton – Buckhead, was featured in the newest edition of The Atlantan Magazine!

Click here to see the article mentioning Jess on page 36 of the new issue today!  (Reading Instructions for the Online Version: Click on the link mentioned in the previous sentence.  Type in page 36.  Full screen view + click magnifying glass to zoom in.  Silly technology…)  We are very proud of you, Jess!

So…did you get all that?!  It was pretty beastly.  (TWHS? Sorry, mom…)

There WILL be a quiz later.  It’s great to be back! 

xx, L

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Exhale Introduces Core Fusion Boot Camp

04/22/2011 in Health, Maintenence, Midtown, Random Musings, Sports, What we're Doing by Lindsay | 1 comment

I have been an Exhale member for over four months now + I am convinced that their Core Fusion classes are the most challenging workouts I’ve ever done.

What’s Core Fusion?  Allow me to enlighten you…

Core Fusion is a technique which fuses the disciplines of core conditioning, pilates*, the Lotte Berk Method, interval cardio training + yoga to produce long, lean muscles and an athletic body.  The focus, intensity + challenge of Exhale’s one-hour classes allow the participant to work from the inside out, creating a unique, results-oriented experience.

*Personal note: I’ve always had a special place in my heart for the word “pilates,” b/c of how closely it’s spelled to “pirates.”  Just saying…

I am totally sucked in.  And, I am so, so, so FAR from being anywhere near the best in the classes, which has actually been very motivating to me.  (Seriously, I’m the person in the back trying to get through everything w/ wide eyes thinking, “uh, you want me to do what with my leg?” but still doing it.) 

I frequent the Core Cycling, Core Fusion Cardio + Core Fusion Open classes.  (I almost passed out in Core Fusion Sport, but I know people who love that class.)

Read more about Exhale’s variety of Core Fusion classes here: Core Fusion or BUST!

famous chicks who swear by core fusion

This coming Thursday, April 28th, Exhale is rolling out a new class to their growing program: Core Fusion Boot Camp!  It sounds great.  Here’s a little blurb from Fred DeVito, one of the Core Fusion creators…

fred

“[Core Fusion Boot Camp] is a heart-pumping cardio and strength training program that will give you ripped abs, sculpted arms, shapely legs + a firm backside.  The class brings variety galore!  We do athletic Plyometric-type jump-backs with a core ball, planks and push ups on a core ball + then we do yoga flow movements for breath work + elongating of the muscles.  Also the ab work in this class is the toughest that we do…but after all, that’s what Boot Camp is [all about], right?!”

Read more about Core Fusion Boot Camp here: There’s Nothing Else Like Exhale Atlanta!

Interested in trying out a class?  Contact our friend + Exhale’s Manager of Guest Experience, Anne-Marie Berte @ amberte@exhalespa.com.  (Tell her that you read about Core Fusion on the Q+DD!)

Come check out Exhale’s new Boot Camp class with instructor Lis Halpaff at 5:30 p.m. on April 28th followed by a post-class party!  Sign up early as rumor has it that this class is filling up fast…  :)

xx, L

Exhale Atlanta
Anne-Marie Berte, Manager of Guest Experience: amberte@exhalespa.com
1065 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA  30309
404.720.5000
http://www.exhalespa.com/Locations/GAtlanta/Default.aspx

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The Blowout: A Surefire Beauty Pick-Me-Up

04/21/2011 in Beauty, Guilty Pleasures, Maintenence, Tricks of the Trade by Lauren | No comments

Mani/Pedi. Spray Tan. And to complete the instant beauty fix trifecta…

The Salon Blowout.

Listen. I have been a student of hair styling since I decided my natural hair just wouldn’t do…around age 12.  Need I remind you of the hair that grows out of my head naturally?  It’s less Carrie Underwood…


and more…

Sideshow Bob.

Aaaaaanyway.  Suffice it to say – my bathroom home to an arsenal of round brushes, flat irons, blow dryers, hot rollers, etcetera… but still, nothing thrills me more than having someone else do my hair!

Enter Van Michael Salon.

There’s a location in Sandy Springs about a half a second from my office, and last Friday I was able to zip in and out on the lunch hour while darling Dustin styled my tresses to perfection.

Yep – starting with a divine scalp massage and ending with shining bouncing waves – I was a new woman in a mere 60 minutes.

Oh and FYI – VM is a full service salon, of course – so if you’re looking for a new stylist, Van Michael has one at just about every price point since they groom their master stylists in the “New Talents” program and everyone at every level is priced accordingly!

And with locations in Buckhead, the Highlands, Sandy Springs, Norcross and East Cobb… I’ll betcha there’s a Van Michael in YOUR hood!

For when you need some Friday fabulous…for under fifty bucks!

xx, L

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