Tricks of the Trade

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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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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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Don’t Forget About Zuma Sushi (Old Fourth Ward)

12/28/2011 in Guilty Pleasures, Old 4th Ward, Tricks of the Trade, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | No comments

Fact: I had the best sushi roll I’ve eaten in months at Zuma Sushi in Old Fourth Ward on Sunday night.

BEHOLD…in all its glory…the Viagra Roll.  (Yeah, it’s really called that.)

Eel, cream cheese, avocado + tobiko.  It was very simple, really fresh + totally perfect…and gone in the blink of an eye.  Woosh!  This place is GOOD.

Know before you go: (1) “Zuma” means “running horse.”  (2) Service staff can be slow.  (3) Sitting at the bar with the chefs is the way to go in my humble opinion.  (4) The Zuma Sushi in Old Fourth has better atmosphere than the one in Toco Hills.  (5) It’s on Scoutmob!  Yea!

xx, L

Zuma Sushi
701 Highland Avenue NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30312
404.381.1180
http://www.zumasushibar.com/

Zuma on Urbanspoon

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Print Your Instagram Photos w/ Printstagram.

12/16/2011 in Random Musings, Technology, Tricks of the Trade, Vacation, Vendors, What we're Doing by Lindsay | 1 comment

So, there I was.  In a dilemma.

(lindsay. obviously.)

I’d just returned from this super-incredible vacation and I had all of these fantastic-amazing photos of it that I took on my trusty iPhone 2.  Naturally, I’d run almost all of them through the Instagram App that I love so dearly because every photo looks better with a vintage filter.  Am I right?  AM I RIGHT?  I’m right. 

instagram? we're pals.

Anyway, I thought I might order some prints of my doctored-up photographic achievements.  I logged onto Snapfish, uploaded my photos, and BAMMM – they look terrible.  I could order them if I wanted, but Instagram had resized them to the cute square shape I adore, and they would be blurry if I printed them out myself. DRATS!  I shook my fists in the air.

No way, I didn’t want to order 200+ blurry photos!  But, I liked my Instagram-ed photos better than my actual ones.  Dilemma…

I did some light googling along the lines of “how the heck am I going to get my Instagram prints now??” and I eventually found my answer: Printstagram.

Good news!  Lucky day!  By way of Printstagram, I had ENDLESS (okay, five) options of what I could do with my Instagram-ed photos.

I could order a large, high-quality poster made with my Instagram photos.  It’s 20″ x 40″ in size, and can accommodate anywhere between 50-400 photos.  Printstagram sizes them to fit the full poster size and arranges them in a clean grid.  All for only $25. 

STICKERS were another option.  Heck yes!  You get 252 stickers per order, so you’ll be able to use them liberally without breaking a sweat…or the bank.  A slick $10 will seal the deal.

The Tinybook.  Is there any cuter way to show off your pictures than THIS?  The photo quality is great, and tinybooks even magnet to your fridge.  Order 3 tinybooks with 24 photos in each for $10.

Tinybook too small?  No problemo.  Prinstagram offers the Minibook, as well.  The photos are printed back to back on card stock with a glossy photo-finish.  Photos are printed at just about the same size as they appear on your iPhone.  Order 2 minibooks with 50 photos in each for $12.

Or, you can opt for what I purchased: Miniprints.  Instagram miniprints are printed on card stock with a matte finish and just the right amount of weight to them.  It’s a simple and classy way to showcase your artistry.  Give them away to your friends, stick them in a scrapbook or on your walls, or carry a few in your wallet.  Order a set of 48 prints for $12.

my miniprints

Mine just arrived today!  So excited.  (Take note, future Printstagrammers: They ship from Taiwan, so expect for them to take their sweet time getting to you.) 

Check out Printstagram HERE.
Watch Printstagram’s product video HERE.
See what else Printstagram is doing with the Instagram platform HERE.

I’m a Printstagram FAN.  :)

xx, L

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Rent the Runway!

05/24/2011 in Deals + Steals, Tricks of the Trade, Vendors, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | No comments

Last week, Q+DD friend + owner of RAW Organic Bronzing Studio, Tiffany Terranova, told me about a website she frequents to find the perfect dress for an event.  In a similar vein as Bag, Borrow or Steal, Rent the Runway gives you access to a dream wardrobe that you can rent for a special occasion. 

Innnnterrrrestingggg…”tell me more!”  Okay?  Okay.

I conducted some research, AND…

Here’s the Q+DD on Rent the Runway (RtR):
Rent the Runway was built so that every woman could have her very own fashion moment.  Try a new brand, a new trend or a bold color, while keeping in mind that every day is an occasion to look and feel your best.

Using RtR you can:
 - Search for the prefer dress + accessories online from an extensive list of designers.
 - Speak to expert stylists about what looks will best fit your body type or what to wear to your event. 
 - Keep up with the latest trends.  RtR will send you e-mails with fashion news, trends and tips, plus you can visit their blog to join in on the conversation.

A few of my favorite designers on their site include…

Moschino
Rachel Roy
Vera Wang
Diane von Furstenberg
Herve Leger
Christian Siriano  :)

Here’s what the site looks like:

Delivering to you before your special event is RtR’s top priority.  They guarantee delivery to your doorstep on the day that you request. 

Further, less than 1% of their customers experience fit issues as they always send you a second size in whatever dress you order absolutely free.  In the unlikely event that your dress doesn’t fit when you receive it, they’ll ship you another one prior to your event – no matter what!

Sound interesting?  Want to know more?  Ready to rent?

You can join the Rent the Runway community today for FREE here:
http://www.renttherunway.com/referral/lindsayrob

I think this site seems very, very cool.

Happy renting!  (And thanks, Tiffany, for the scoop!)

xx, L

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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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Tragedy.

04/05/2011 in Tricks of the Trade, Where we're Shopping by Lauren | 2 comments

I finally broke my beloved Dita sunglasses.

You know how sometimes people say, “I never spend money on sunglasses – I just break them or lose them.” That’s not me. I keep mine FOREVER.  I got my Ditas (style: Supa Dupa Color: black with cream accents, a discontinued combination) at Barney’s Co-Op in 2006 and they have been around the world with me until they sadly bit the dust at brunch one day in January.

RIP Supa Dupa. You were, indeed, supa dupa.

I’ve been filling the hole in my heart with all kinds of imposters, but I finally found a suitable (GORGEOUS) replacement pair.

Witness: Yep, I’m back to Chanel sunglasses.  I’ve had a few pairs over the years.  In fact, I rocked a similar pair to these bad boys for the better part of the early 2000s:


…until I decided they looked like welding goggles and the logo got a liiiiittle too large for my taste.

I’ve been loving my new tortoise shell beauties (“Dark Havana”…they really read black when they’re on).  They’re totally classic and perfect, but of COURSE 70′s inspired shades are all the rage this season, making me nostalgic for my SDs…

Perhaps I’ll supplement my sunglasses wardrobe with this delightful (and fairly inexpensive!) pair by Marc Jacobs:

Hello, lover.

What sunnies are you rocking this summer?

xx, L

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My New Uniform…

03/07/2011 in PSAs, Tricks of the Trade, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | 3 comments

In preparation for Spring, I’ve been doing quite a bit of shopping lately + have purchased some solid transitional items to help me get from cold to warmer weather.  One item - or four of the same, in particular, has become my new post-work uniform.

Behold its greatness!

I’m o.b.s.e.s.s.e.d with my new collection of J Crew Vintage Cotton V-Neck Tees!

OBSESSED.  In fact, I’ve been wearing them in a strategic rotation pattern almost every day since I bought them last weekend!  For only $29.50 each, these amazingly-comfortable-slouchy-and-airy-yet-fitted-just-right-and-somehow-still-classy shirts are kinda changing my life…

The grey is my fav, but it also comes in a bunch of other splendid colors: black, white, hawthorn green, ripe avocado, blush stone, coral, dark navy, hthr graphite, Persian violet, island aqua + lemon pulp. 

Purchase here: Heck Yes, I Want a Uniform, Too! or visit J. Crew @ Lenox or Perimeter Malls before I buy all of them out…

xx, L

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The Yogli Mogli Experience

02/24/2011 in Chocolate, Guilty Pleasures, Highlands, Tricks of the Trade, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 7 comments

Move over Paolo’s Gelato – there’s some serious competition who’s just landed across the street from you…

Easy-peasy, self-serve yogurt with a much more fun name to say!  Aloha, Yogli Mogli.  So nice of you to take over the sketchy dentist’s office who used to occupy the space.  (I’m sure he’d be thrilled to know that a sugar shack opened up where he formerly filled cavities on a daily basis.)  Oh, the irony… 

Slick, some of his buddies + I ventured out to the Highlands on Saturday to enjoy the gorgeous Atlanta weather.  Lunch at Yeah! Burger followed by some super tasty yogurt at Yogli Mogli.  Below are our pictures + a brief instructional:

Geoff demonstrates how to select a yogurt flavor + properly fill up your yogurt cup.

Then, make your way to the toppings counter + go to town!

Don’t forget the mochi…  (My fav!)

On to the register.  Yogurt at Yogli Mogli is 39 cents an ounce, which doesn’t seem that significant…

…but consider yourself warned, it can add up (see below).

Ouch.  It’s worth it, though, because YM yogurt is totally delicious, there are so many fun flavors to try (i.e. Root Beer) + you feel exceptionally independent having complete freedom to stock pile your toppings! 

Feel free to share with friends…

…or don’t.  Up to you, selfish.

And, enjoy!  :)

Trick of the trade: Select different toppings to compliment your various yogurt flavors.  (Andes Mints were delish on Chocolate, but not so much on Cookies + Creme.)

Yogli Mogli – you’ve arrived. 

xx, L

Yogli Mogli
1002 N. Highland Ave.
Atlanta, GA  30306
404.347.3100
www.yoglimogli.com

Yogli Mogli on Urbanspoon

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Good Things Come in Threes…

02/21/2011 in Beauty, Britney Spears, Guilty Pleasures, Maintenence, Pampered Pooches, Product, Random Musings, Tricks of the Trade, What we're Doing, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | 4 comments

…like this post!

Readers:  Here are three things that I’m seriously loving recently + that you NEED to know about…  No really, you do.

1) Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer

While in Ulta the other day, I was on a mission to replace my Smashbox primer.  I love the weightless, silky feel of the Photo Finish clear primer I’ve been using + was planning to just grab another of the same, but was pleasantly surprised to see that Smashbox has pretty extensively extended their primer line to include a whole bunch of options!

Smashbox Primers

I spent a good ten minutes reading the descriptions for each of the new primers + ended up selecting one that could help me cut some of the red out of my skin from years and years of THIS…

What can I say?  As a former Texan whose skin craves those harmful UVs, I’m now trying to correct all of those Saturdays spent at the pool without enough sunblock to protect me from Mr. Sun.  (Please shine down on ME!)  Anyway, I totally appreciate that my primer is dual-functioning + can help keep my makeup from sliding off of my face while also cutting down on the redness in my skin.

It’s also sorta fun that it’s green.  (If you put a bunch on at once, you kind of feel like the Incredible Hulk for a few minutes before it seeps into your pores.  Awesomeness.)  Check it out at Ulta.  Your skin will start to crave it. 

2) David Yurman Eau de Parfum for Women

This little chickadee celebrated her birthday last week.  Happy belated B, Gormsie!

Over the weekend, she had a get together + received a bottle of David Yurman for Women.

Now I know I am no authority on perfume (love you always, BritBrit!), but my taste HAS been evolving with my recent J’adore purchase (look at me in my fancy PANTS!) + I can at least opine on the subject…  DY for Women is abso-freaking-lutely incredible!  It smells like sexy should smell.  I made Slick, who is a bit scent sensitive, smell it + he thought it was very special, too.  Oh Mr. Yurman, I just want everything with your name on it…  Check out David Yurman for Women at Bloomingdales ASAP!

3) Pete Jozwiak

He’s my sister’s dog.  Is he handsome or WHAT?!

I’ve never been a small dog person (although, Olive is an exception), but Sir Pete pretty much stole my heart last week when I was in Houston.  I’m a total Chihuahua lover now!  Oy.  Who knew?

And, you’re welcome.  :)

xx, L

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More on Spaghetti Squash…

02/04/2011 in Health, Tricks of the Trade, What we're Cooking by Lindsay | No comments

I’ve been thrilled to hear that my post a few months ago about spaghetti squash has inspired many of you to try it out for yourselves! 

S. squash is still one of my favorite healthy items, but I’ve recently changed up my very plain preparation of it to something a bit fancier, thanks to Bethenny Frankel.

love you. mean it.

Seriously – thank you, BF(F?)!

So here it goes, s. squash lovers…

Bethenny Frankel’s Delicious Spaghetti Squash

bethenny's squash

Ingredients:
1 medium to large spaghetti squash
3 T C store-bought pesto
1 T toasted pine nuts (quickly warm in pan until golden)
3 T shredded parmesan, asiago or grana padana cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 T shredded fresh basil

Directions:
Fill a Pyrex with salted water. Cut squash in half with serrated knife, remove seed portion and place face down in water.  Microwave for 12 – 14 minutes.  Allow to cool enough to handle.

Using a fork going lengthwise, scrape entire squash until only left with skin.  Discard skin.  While still warm, add pesto, 2 T of the cheese and salt and pepper and toss.  Warm pine nuts in saute pan.  Sprinkle the squash with nuts, remaining cheese and basil.  Serve + enjoy!

Super simple, right?  Here’s the best part…

Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 148.4
Fat: 9.5 g
Carbs: 12.7 g
Dietary Fiber: 2.7 g
Protein: 4.6 g

Now that is something to celebrate!  It’s so yummy, too, and looks much fancier than it actually is (which is always nice)!  The pesto is a great compliment to the crunchy spaghetti squash strands + the pine nuts are a perfect final touch to the dish.  Slick eats almost an entire squash by himself when I make it Bethenny’s way.  It’s definitely a pleaser!

Enjoy, budding chefs!  :)

xx, L

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F-Factor: Fiber Fabulous

02/01/2011 in Health, Product, PSAs, Tricks of the Trade by Lauren | 1 comment

It’s been a glorious MONTH of celebrations.  I am one lucky girl. I can’t say that I haven’t enjoyed every minute…or every bite…but alas, it had become obviously apparent that it was time to get things back in control.

So the invitation to dinner with Registered Dietitian and author of the F-Factor Diet Tanya Zuckerbrot was nothing short of divine intervention.  (Even though dinner with a dietitian sounds like a test to me…)

Gorgeous Tanya

I had no idea what to expect, but I found her at the bar of the Glenn Hotel downtown sipping Sauvignon Blanc.  The F-Factor Diet was looking up already.

She. Was. Fantastic! Over dinner, she gave me the low-down on her background, her practice, and of course the diet plan.  In a nutshell – you’re looking at a somewhat reduced calorie plan which is very high in fiber to keep you fuller longer (among other amazing health benefits)  It’s a 3-phase program and many women lose 10 pounds in their first month! (I personally like plans like these because you can always go back to Phase 1 if you REALLY need to rein it in or have a special event, etc.)

Bonus: Tanya has partnered with the Hain Celestial Group to produce her OWN line of delicious high-fiber foods!  You can find them NOW at Kroger…or my pantry.  I hit the motherload and was gifted an ample supply of F-Factor foods on which I have been LIVING. Rest assured I will be running straight to Kroger to replenish as soon as my stock runs out!

My personal faves:

Skinnys ‘n Fruit: It’s a high fiber cereal with bits of freeze-dried fruits.  I have been throwing a handful in my Greek yogurt every morning and not only do they add a satisfying crunch, but I stay full SO much longer.

Banana Walnut Bars: I always get a little hungry right around 4pm and I’ve been happily popping one of these babies when those hunger pangs strike.   They’re a total treat and chock full of fiber and I am begging you to run out and grab a box today – I LOVE THEM.   I like the Apple Cinnamon too, but the Banana Walnuts are DELISH.

I had such a nice evening with Tanya where she taught me LOTS of fun tricks of the trade. Plus, she’s absolutely adorable.  I’m sure you won’t find this in the F-Factor Diet… but she gave me the cure-all solution for a fat/ugly/bad hair day: drink yourself fabulous! If you’re feeling gross – just have a couple glasses of wine.  Beer goggles work on the mirror, too!
In all seriousness – alcohol is not forbidden on the F-Factor Diet, which is a hallmark of a live-able diet for me.  She teaches you how to have your cocktails and your skinny jeans, too!

Tanya is SO PLU.  I suggest you check out her book, The F-Factor Diet, her line of delicious F-Factor foods at Kroger, and her blog – Skinny in the City!

Now, if you’ll excuse me – with all this rain today I am going to have to find a round brush…or a nice Cabernet.

xx, L

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