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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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Ritz Carlton Lodge Weekend (2 of 2): Heaven Found in the Georgia Woods

11/10/2011 in Appetizers, Chocolate, Cocktails, Event Space, Holidays, Hotels, Out of Town, Spa, Vacation, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 4 comments

So, continuing from yesterday… Kevin + I spent Halloween weekend at the Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation.

As a recap, the Ritz Lodge is located in Northern Georgia, just 75 miles east of Atlanta on the shores of Lake Oconee – Georgia’s second largest lake.  Luxury merges with quintessential Southern hospitality at the stunning 251-room resort.  Nestled in the woods, the Ritz Lodge is surrounded by water on three sides, offering commanding lake views.  Draped in beds of ivy and edged by towering pines, blooming crepe myrtles and colorful caladiums, the five-story main building fronts the glistening lake, while six separate lakeside cottages and a presidential house with four master suites overlooks the Oconee Golf Course.  Lodge guests have full access to a complete gamut of activities and amenities, including a state-of-the-art Spa, tennis, two swimming pools, two full-service marinas, hiking trails and 99 holes of championship-caliber golf.

model view of the lake oconee area

We arrived late on Friday evening, but just in time to have the most delicious dinner at Linger Longer Steakhouse.  We checked in, grabbed another drink at the Lobby Lounge bar, and then headed upstairs to check out our room. 

When we woke up in the morning, we realized that we were on Club Level (holla!).  And, we had a private terrace with an outstanding lakeside view! 

Check out THIS gorgeousness:

ritz carlton lodge

room w/ a view

We spent a significant amount of the morning sitting on our balcony staring at our breathtaking view of Lake Oconee and the Ritz Lodge grounds.  It was the most relaxed I’ve been in a long time.

When our hunger finally got the better of us, we walked over to Club to get some grub (I totally recommend staying on Club Level*) + then we went out exploring. 

*Club Level: The Ritz Carlton Club Level features both deluxe guest rooms and suites, with a spacious lounge and personal concierge and staff, as well as four complimentary food and beverage offerings daily: continental breakfast, a light snack, hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails + evening cordials.  The Club Level is accessible only with a special key.

Just look at how magnificent the property is:

the set up for chiminea dining

heated infinity pool overlooking lake oconee (my favorite part of the whole property)

hot tub

We were overtaken by our beautiful surroundings + so many amazing amenities.  We walked a bit further, and then Kev dropped me off at the Ritz Lodge Spa for my Long Winter’s Nap treatment. 

The Spa is an adventure in and of itself.  An expansive 26,000 square feet, the Ritz Lodge Spa is adjacent to the hotel and features 19 private treatment rooms, one couples spa suite, four wet treatment rooms – including one hydrotherapy room – male and female relaxation areas with lockers and changing facilities, an indoor lap pool, saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, a relaxation terrace, a full-service salon + a spa boutique.  Named one of America’s top resort spas by Conde Nast Traveler, this state-of-the-art sanctuary offers more than 90 health and wellness treatments, many of them utilizing ingredients indigenous to the area, such as rosemary, pine, fir and geranium, and extracts gleaned from gemstones such as smithsonite and malachite.

Here’s a peek inside:

spa lobby

spa pool

spa relaxation lounge

It was heavenly, to say the least.

My treatment, the Long Winter’s Nap, was perfect for the chilly October afternoon.  Here’s the description: A blend of essential oils add to this traditional hot stone massage to create a relaxed dream-like state, melting away stress and muscle tension.  Continue the sweet dreams with a nap that enhances the repair process.  Um, yes, I’ll take two!  (Kidding.)  It was SO enjoyable – I definitely recommend.

By the time I left the Spa it was pushing up to the Florida vs. Georgia game, so Kev + I scooted over to Gaby’s by the Lake to stake out seats. 

Gaby’s is a newly-renovated outdoor venue offering sweeping views of Lake Oconee, as well as a full menu of casual favorites and cocktails throughout the day.  Guests are seated at the water’s edge and can catch a spectacular sunset most evenings.  “Come-as-you-are” attire for lunch and dinner.

As soon as we walked in, we fell in love with Gaby’s.  It was so open and casual, and had large TV screens over the bar for us to watch the game.  I’m OBSESSED with Gaby’s chairs - incredibly comfortable and such a cool design!

We ordered beers + the housemade potato chips with bourbon BBQ, blue cheese and Vidalia onion dips.  The bartender also threw in a bowl of boiled peanuts.  We were set.

We met some friendly folks at the bar who were also rooting for the Gators + we became fast friends.  However, Kev couldn’t bear to see his Gators lose, so we eventually closed out our bill and decided to head back to Club to see what was going on in there. 

We stopped to take this picture along the way:

We ate dinner in Club, poured some wine + headed downstairs to the campfire for 8:00 p.m. S’mores!  All the kids staying at the resort (and Kevin and I, naturally) got in line to prepare our special evening snack over the campfire.  We had such a fun time doing this + pretending that we also had a kid around somewhere making s’mores…  Kids at heart?!  Yeaaaaaaa! 

We went back up to Club, poured some more wine (don’t judge), changed into our swimsuits + ran down to the hot tub to spend the next few hours hanging out outside and enjoying our last night on the property.

In the morning, we were both feeling pretty gluttonous.  So, we decided to go for a walk on the Oconee Trail after breakfast in Club. 

Our walk was eventful. 

We got about 5 miles of exercise on the winding trail…

We saw the leaves turning on the towering Georgia pine trees…

Kev whittled a walking stick (that now calls our condo balcony home)…

And, we plotted how we could stay at the Ritz Lodge F.O.R.E.V.E.R.!! 

(We couldn’t come up with a way…  We are already dying to go back.)

It was so hard to leave, but it only took us about an hour and a half to get back to Atlanta + now we have such great memories from our relaxing weekend in the Georgia woods. 

If you haven’t been to the Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation – you absolutely MUST go!  There is so much to do there; perfect for adults and kids alike.  The Ritz Lodge is a relaxing Southern paradise that makes you feel so far away from your worries and stressors, but it’s merely a 75-mile drive from Atlanta!  Visit soon! 

Oh, also, (as if there isn’t enough to do there already) the Ritz Lodge is building an ice skating rink on property for winter!  More info here: WINTER AT THE RITZ LODGE.

xx, L

Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation
1 Lake Oconee Trail
Greensboro, Georgia  30642
706.467.7196
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/ReynoldsPlantation/Default.htm

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A Few of My Favorite Things

05/10/2011 in Birmingham, Deals + Steals, Guilty Pleasures, Hair, Jewelry, Spa, Where we're Shopping by Lauren | 4 comments

Ok, so I’m not Oprah. (ssssigh.) but I did make it home to Birmingham over the weekend where I did some SHOPPING at Gus Mayer….so have a few recent Favorite Things to share with you!

Without further ado, here are the loves of my life right now:

Brightly Twisted Scarves

Check out these gorgeous one of a kind hand tie-dyed summer scarves:


I am obsessed. Gus has an amazing supply, but you can get also these darlings at Intermix or Tootsie’s here in Atlanta.

Oribe Hair Products

Ok I have blogged about the Anti-Humidity spray before (check it) and I still swear by it… I just picked up some “beautiful color” shampoo and conditioner and it’s amazing.

My color looks great, my hair feels super healthy and This. Stuff. Smells. Incredible.

Shoes!: I am the proud new owner of a couple of pairs of fantastic wedges for summer!

First, to continue the tie dye trend – I scooped a pair of these bad boys by Bacio 61:

Bacoli Tie Dye Wedge in Lily Purple

I happened to wear a pair of white pants and a black top Saturday when I spotted these and they complimented my outfit so much – I asked Katie to box up my Torys so I could wear them out! Who (past the age of 6) does that?

I also scored super cute pair of black and raffia Franco Sartos I plan to LIVE in this summer:


Trish Beauty Booster Cream with SPF15

I’ve officially replaced my regular SPF15 moisturizer with this marvelous “Anti-Fatigue” cream, which acts as a moisturizer and primer while brightening and firming… and protecting you from the sun’s harmful rays. Talk about a bang for your buck!

(Helpful hint for Alabamians: All of the above can be found at Gus Mayer at the Summit in Birmingham!)

Other recent MVPs:

The gorgeous and perfectly neutral Kendra Scott earrings I wore with my watercolor Halston Heritage dress to Camp Dance:

(Scored them at Nordy's)

My new Laura Mercier lipstick/gloss combo:

Hibiscus Bloom Gel Lip Color/ Bellini Lip Glace

and the Triple Oxygen facial at Bliss Spa.

I’ve blogged about it before, and I’ll blog about it again. Go to the midtown location inside the W Hotel.  Ask for Anila. Tell her I sent you.  You can thank me later.

And that, as they say, is that!

Enjoy!

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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Let The Sunshine In!

03/21/2011 in Beauty, Health, Maintenence, Spa by Lauren | 1 comment

After a fabulous weekend playing outside (I mean, how nice was our weather on Saturday?)…almost everyone was lamenting the presence of very interesting farmer’s tans.  (Or “executive tans” as my friend Hakim likes to call them)

Shanon...with ALMOST all the park essentials. Cute shirt... maybe some creative tan lines?

Despite my best sunscreen efforts, I’m rocking weird, oddly placed bright pink shapes, like a triangle at my neckline from my shirt collar, a random rectangle on my right arm, and so on… I’m a geometry class of sunburn.


I’m just going to go ahead and file that under “N”… for NOT HOT. (that goes for the tan lines AND the math joke)

You know what IS hot?  A perfectly even, perfectly natural-looking and 100% organic and sun-free tan from RAW Organic Bronzing Studio in Inman Park.

Here’s the Q+DD on RAW: Founded by Melanoma survivor, Tiffany Terranova, Raw offers up a completely organic, all natural airbrush tanning experience.  No harmful chemicals, no smelly formulas, and best of all – no cancer- and wrinkle causing rays.

Oh – and no judgments either. Even though Tiffany is this teeny tiny gorgeous willowy beauty, I felt 100% comfortable in my skivvys as she airbrushed me from Pasty McPasterson to bronzed goddess!

Here’s the other thing about Tiff – she’s a total perfectionist. I’ve been to her twice now and I have not had one streak, one smear, or one PIECE of my tan that didn’t look 100% natural.  Swear.  She won’t let you go too dark, either.  (Tiff doesn’t shy away from “real talk.” Which I love. I need that in a hairdresser – I’d be platinum if someone didn’t stop me – and an airbrush tanner.  No Cheetos skin hues here!)

At present, RAW is located inside the supercool loft in which Tiffany and her Hubs live, but it will be moving very soon to the space next to Wax on Elizabeth. I got the grand tour of the space…it’s going to be QUITE the tanning experience!

I love Tiffany’s whole philosophy – making tanning less of a production  More natural, healthier for you, and affordable.  She figures – if she can make tanning on par with a mani/pedi, we can make sunless tanning part of our regular beauty routine – not just special events.  I mean, let’s be honest – who doesn’t feel better with a tan? Get bronzed at RAW for a mere $35 a pop.  Amazing!

Fun bonus: Since her hubs is the co-owner of The Albert – Tiffany has access to an abundance of really cool wine bottles which she’s cutting and re-purposing as home-made candles and selling in her store.  Check it:

You KNOW I had to take this one home with me:

(Thanks, Tiffers!)

If it isn’t apparent – I have a total girl crush on Tiffany. You’ll love her too.  Call her up and go get your bronze on!  Tell her the Q+DD sent ya!

xx, L

RAW Bronzing Studio
280 Elizabeth St  Ste A103
Atlanta, GA 30307
(770) 683-8267
www.rawbronzingstudio.com

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The Ritz Carlton Holiday Experience.

12/10/2010 in Buckhead, Cocktails, Holidays, Hotels, Spa, Vendors, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 7 comments

My friend, Jessica Gorman, is flat out amazing.  She is a concierge at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead, and has worked for the hotel in various positions for over six years.  (They love her there.)  Her job has always sounded pretty amazing to me.  While the hours aren’t necessarily typical, the function she serves for the hotel + its guests is critical.  She’s a lady who can get. things. done.  Even her friends rely on her for it, as she’s very successfully planned + made sure that everything was perfect for several of their marriage proposals + bachelorette parties at various Ritz properties.

Jess regularly helps hotel guests decide where they want to go for dinner + make reservations, arrange for transportation, get their hands on theatre/ symphony/ various show tickets, plan a fun day in Atlanta, impress a significant other with thoughtful surprises, etc.  She’s like your fairy godmother, but clad in a crisp Ritz Carlton uniform.

To help me better understand what she does day-to-day, Jess invited me to join her for the Ritz’s Holiday Sunday Brunch + an afternoon at the new Ritz Carlton Spa, Buckhead.  (!!!) 

Don’t mind if I do…

I’ve been to the Ritz’s Lobby Lounge a few times for drinks, but I’ve never been to the hotel during the holidays.  It was like a Christmas explosion!  You felt warm + festive the minute you set foot inside.

Jess set up the menorah + lit/ blessed the candles with a few guests throughout each night of Hanukkah!

The hotel’s engineers created this impressive holiday train set display.

The pastry chef whipped up this precious gingerbread house, which is stationed next to hot apple cider beside the hotel’s registration desk.

After spending a significant amount of time admiring the hotel’s luxurious holiday decorations, we made our way over to The Cafe to start putting some of that holiday cheer into our stomachs.

As anticipated, the brunch spread was absolutely unbelievable!  Here’s a peek of a few of their over 50 brunch selections from traditional breakfast favorites to an array of seasonal desserts created by the hotel’s elite culinary team…

Everything looked + smelled DELICIOUS!  I could hardly fit it all on one plate…and I tried.  So, I went back for seconds.  Here’s my first plate.

And, my second.

During brunch, Jess went into detail about her responsibilities at the hotel, and how she frequently collaborates with folks in various departments at the Ritz to ensure that their guests have a truly incredible experience.  Meanwhile, The Cafe manager, Brian Willoughby, approached our table with a bubbling red martini filled with something very exciting-looking!

Jess had done some research + found out that my favorite alcoholic drink is an Aviation.  She informed Brian before our brunch, and he worked with the bartenders to whip up the Ritz Carlton’s very own version of my fancy martini + surprised me with it!  I was shocked!  Jess does stuff like this every day for guests, but it made me feel like a SUPERSTAR!

We stayed at brunch for quite a while, chatting away + finishing up our delicious meal.  On our way out of The Cafe, we walked through the Lobby Lounge, which was being set up for the hotel’s Holiday Afternoon Tea. 

It’s one of the Ritz’s most popular traditions.  Santa oversees the festivities, including musical entertainment + caroling by the Dickens Singers.  It looked lovely.

Then, we ran into HIM!  :)

He was a fantastic Santa!  I just love the ones w/ real beards.

Finally, it was spa time.  (My favorite time!)  We headed upstairs to the hotel’s new spa + were pleasantly greeted by our treatment specialists who presented each of us with a very cute bag of organic dark chocolate-covered almonds. 

They led us back to our respective treatment rooms where we were instructed to change into our robes + slippers and meet back up in a common area to relax + sip champagne.  (There was not a doubt in my mind that Jess had arranged for this…)

And, again…don’t mind if I do!

Off of the Spa’s extensive Holiday Spa Treatment list, I selected the Cinnamon Vanilla Scrub: Indulge the senses with holiday aromas of vanilla and cinnamon along with brown sugar and honey to exfoliate and hydrate the skin.  This experience leaves the skin incredibly silky and soft.  Ninety minute service includes a full body massage.

Jess opted for the Warm Vanilla Bean Massage: Take some time out of the busy holiday season to relax and unwind with a customized massage filled with delicate notes of vanilla.

Both of us were in HEAVEN.  The treatments were absolutely amazing!  It was very, very difficult to leave when they were over – so instead, we went back to the common area + sat around for another hour chatting + sipping champagne.  HEAVEN.

On the way out of the hotel, Jess walked me into the Gift Shop to show me what the hotel had to offer guests at a moment’s notice + I spotted my #1 favorite candle EVER – The Ritz’s Signature Pomegranate Citrus candle!

My first roommate in Atlanta had a few of these + used to burn them all the time.  It is truly an outstanding candle + I always talk about how great it is to anyone associated with the hotel.  However I didn’t get to oogle it for long, because Jess pulled me out of the Gift Shop to introduce me to two celebrities staying at the hotel…

These were the best-behaved dogs I’ve ever met!  Definitely Ritz Carlton-quality.  They were very popular, too, with a number of people getting in line for photos with them!  (They handled the paparazzi very well…)

Sadly, it was time to leave.  Our WONDERFUL day had come to a close. 

OH – Did I mention that Jess arranged for me to get picked up + dropped off in Midtown by the spectacular chauffeur, Mr. Gary Weaver?  Well, she did.

The license plate was my favorite…

RCMB #1 = Ritz Carlton Mercedes Benz #1  :)

As we got into the car, Jess presented me with a bag full of incredibly thoughtful gifts from the hotel + Spa – one of which was the pomegranate candle!  (This was just another example of the arrangements she makes for guests.)  I was so excited about the candle + have been burning it at home all week long!

It was such a spectacular day.  Thank you so much, Jess, for showing me the Ritz Carlton holiday experience!  You are an incredible concierge + friend!

If you are a Ritz kind-of-person, I definitely suggest checking out the Spa’s holiday treatment list + visiting the hotel for their Holiday Sunday Brunch or Afternoon Tea!  The hotel also offers a Children’s Nutcracker Tea, Christmas Eve Dinner, Christmas Day Brunch, Christmas Dinner, New Year’s Eve Dinner + New Year’s Day Brunch.  Reservations are required, so book early!

FINALLY, this is my favorite thing I heard about during my day @ the hotel…

Give your child a personal visit from Santa!  Overnight guests may surprise their child with an unexpected visit from Santa on selected evenings in December.  Santa will knock on the guestroom door at a pre-set time, spend a couple of enchanting minutes with the child + leave a treat-filled stocking.  Santa Tuck-ins are offered the evenings of December 11, 17 + 18 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  $50 per visit + includes a stocking.  (Jess, of course, makes these arrangements.)

This really is the life.  Made possible by your fabulous Ritz Carlton concierge, Jessica Gorman.

xx, L

The Ritz Carlton – Buckhead
Jessica Gorman, Concierge
3434 Peachtree Road, NE
Atlanta, GA  30326
404.237.2700
www.ritzcarlton.com

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Christopher Columbus of Beauty

07/29/2010 in Beauty, Hair, Maintenence, Nails, Product, Spa, Tricks of the Trade by Lauren | 14 comments

Like dear ol’ Chris, I have been braving a few New Worlds of Beauty as of late and I’d like to share my findings with you!

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 a Keratin treatment which required a reduced amount of time for the product to set in, you better believe I was all about it.  I figured, any second I could shave off that process would be a vast improvement!   

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…

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

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Putting on Our Fancy Pants

04/08/2010 in Buckhead, Guilty Pleasures, Hotels, Midtown, Spa, Westside, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 7 comments

Slick and I just had our one year anniversary, and we celebrated it in style.  :)

we are wearing fancy pants

On the actual day of our anniversary, we had an amazing dinner at Bacchanalia.  I love the Star Provisions restaurants, of which Bacchanalia is my favorite.  In fact, it is my favorite restaurant in Atlanta.  And, you can quote me.

are you my mother?

Dinner at Bacchanalia is an incredibly fancy meal, but somehow it feels laid back.  It’s white tablecloth, but jackets are not necessary in the restaurant – in fact the folks sitting next to us were wearing jeans.  The service and food are both incomparable in Atlanta in my humble opinion. 

bacchanalia

Quinones, Bacchanalia’s private room, is an outstanding meal, but the restaurant and the overall dining experience felt a tad geriatric to me when I had the honor of eating there a few years ago.  Personally, I prefer the youthful energy at Bacchanalia.  Without further adieu, here’s what we ate…

Cocktails:
Predictably, I ordered a vodka Gimlet (Would have gotten an Aviation, but they said they didn’t have maraschino cherry liquor…)  Slick got a filthy martini.

Appetizers:
Gulf Crab Fritter, Citrus, Thai Pepper Essence
Wine Pairing: Riesling, Waterbrook, Columbia Valley 2001

Kumamoto Oysters
Compressed Cucumber, Caviar
Wine Paring: Champagne, Piper Heidsieck, Cuvee 1785, Reims, France

Entrees:
Local Berkshire Pork Loin, Crispy Belly, Anson Mills White Grits, Fresh Andouille Sausage, Summerland Farm Greens, Pot Likker Jus
Wine Paring: Pinot Nior, Archery Summit, Premier Cuvee, Williamette Valley 2007

Wood Grilled Lamb Loin Chops, Morel Mushrooms, Fava Beans, Fiddlehead Ferns, Pickled Onions
Wine Paring: Merlot, Chateau Preuillac, Bordeaux 2005

Cheese + Compliment:
Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano, Medjool Dates

Chantal, Jumbo California Asparagus, Soft Farm Egg, Bread Crumbs Chervil

Desserts:
Orange Souffle, Tarragon Custard, Pistachio Florentine

Valrhona Chocolate Cake w/ Mint Ice Cream

anniversary dinner @ bacchanalia

The meal was so wonderful.  In between each of the prix fixe courses, the chef sent out a little intermezzo course.  So needless to say, when we left the restaurant we were stuffed beyond belief.  It was a super special evening. 

thank you, BY!

To make it even more memorable, Slick, who knows by now that I’d much rather have an “experience” gift over a “material” gift, surprised me and told me that we were going to continue the celebration over the weekend at my favorite hotel in town, the gorgeous St. Regis!  To say that I was very excited would be a gross understatement…

We’d stayed at the St. Regis in September for the Shapiro’s wedding and I fell deeply in love with it. 

@ the st. regis for the shapiro wedding in september

The rooms are gorgeous and everything is incredibly luxurious about it - but my heart truly belongs to the beautiful pool piazza.

st. regis pool piazza

Slick was on a roll.  On Saturday, we checked into the hotel and when I went up to the room it was filled with surprise goodies for me.  Pirate’s Booty, a nice bottle of wine, gorgeous flowers, champagne, truffles + strawberries…Slick had been very sneaky planning all of this! 

waiting for us in our room

starting off the weekend just right

We threw some champagne into our OJ and almost immediately made a B line for the pool.  We spent the remainder of the morning and afternoon poolside enjoying the gorgeous weather. 

@ the st. regis pool

Later that evening, we had dinner at Lobster Bar – which is walking distance from the St. Regis.  It was my first time at the restaurant and I really enjoyed my meal. 

We had an enormous amount of food from the prix fixe lobster menu.  I mean, there was probably enough food to feed four people – and I’d be lying if I said we didn’t make a serious dent in it. 

lobster bar

As much as I enjoyed stuffing myself with lobster, I have to say that the desserts were the highlight of the meal for me.  We had the bread pudding, the toffee cake and the creme brulee.  (Don’t judge…)  They were all divine.

desserts @ lobster bar

Unfortunately, though, I think I may have recently developed a lobster allergy.  For the third time after a lobster-heavy meal (not sure why it’s taken me this long to admit it), I got pretty violently ill.  I still thought the meal was great, though!  However, I’m officially OFF of lobster…

@ lobster bar prior to my face-in-toilet episode :(

On Sunday, we ordered brunch into our room and watched Nat Geo to our hearts content.  Mid-morning, we made our way downstairs for a couples massage at the St. Regis’ spa, Remede.  I’ve been to spas all over Atlanta, Blue Med Spa is my favorite, but the massage I had at Remede was the best I’ve ever had in my life.  I’m not exaggerating.  If you are in the mood for a super luxurious spa day, I strongly recommend Remede.  It was as close to heaven as I’ve ever been.

paradise

Slick had to leave shortly thereafter to play golf with some buddies, but I wasn’t ready to leave quite yet.  Instead, I parked myself at the pool for the following four hours or so. 

exactly how i spent the remainder of my time @ the st. regis pool...

Pretty much, it was the greatest weekend ever.

i'm a v. lucky girl, indeed

Happy one year anniversary, Slick!  Thank you for such an amazing celebration! 

xx, L

Bacchanalia
1198 Howell Mill Road NW
Atlanta, GA  30318
404.365.0410
www.starprovisions.com

Bacchanalia on Urbanspoon


Lobster Bar
70 West Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta, GA  30305
404.262.2675
www.chopslobsterbar.com

Lobster Bar on Urbanspoon


St. Regis Atlanta
88 West Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta, GA  30305
404.563.7900
http://bit.ly/KZyph

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What Recession?

12/03/2009 in Guilty Pleasures, Maintenence, Nails, Product, Spa, What we're Doing by Lindsay | No comments

A colleague and I treated ourselves to a little slice of heaven the other day: manis + pedis @ The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta.  AMAZING!  It was amazing.  I was not at all surprised that Atlanta Magazine recently rated it the city’s best luxury spa.

The Spa is incredibly luxurious and feels a bit European.  It is not cheap, either, as they use some of the finest spa products available by names like Arcona, Karita, Bulgari, Kai and Sodashi.  They will even let you tailor spa services to your specific needs.  (Love ordering “off the menu!”)  However, I might feel a little ridiculous booking a 60-minute appointment for someone to just rub my feet, although that = my heaven…

The Spa, itself, is relatively small in size, but that makes it feel more intimate - not like you are at a factory.  And, it’s open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  and you only need to give them an hour or so notice for most services.  How nice - a spa that works around your schedule!

Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta Spa
The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

Here’s the Q+DD on The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta:

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta reflects the ultimate in luxury and serenity.  The tranquil setting allows your stresses to melt away and promises to replenish your total being. Designed for peace and privacy, the facility’s ten treatment rooms, including the nail suite, are soundproofed for a secluded retreat.  The colour palette throughout the Spa, including the couples suite, aesthetics room and nail suite, mirrors nature’s calming influence. Materials reflect a dedication to beauty and excellence.

Services are performed by highly trained, intuitive staff who bring you to a place of complete relaxation and renewal.  Indulge your senses.  Whatever spa services you choose, the experience will be beyond compare. Complimentary fresh fruit and juice are available in the quiet room where guests unwind before and after treatments.  Guests can also enjoy a light spa lunch while sunbathing just steps away on the sun terrace.

A list of spa services + prices can be found here:
http://www.fourseasons.com/atlanta/spa.html#image-atlanta-hotel-ATL_083

Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta Spa

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

The nail technicians used the most incredible polish on our fingers and toesies made by SPARITUAL.  I loved it so much – I couldn’t leave without a bottle of my own.  SPARITUAL is a vegan nail lacquer free of DBP, formaldehyde and toluene.  They have about 80 different colors and are only sold at the Four Seasons and Callaway Gardens in and around Atlanta.  The color I used and purchased was “Flower Child” shimmer – it’s a perfect purple-based color for winter. 

Find out more about SPARITUAL here:
http://www.sparitual.com/nail_lacquers/

earth-friendly nail polish

earth-friendly nail polish

Fight the winter blues by treating yourself to a little spa splurge at The Spa at Four Seasons Atlanta.  And, make sure to ask for SPARITUAL nail polish!  It’s just divine, dah-ling.  :)

xx, L

Logo_F_1

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
75 Fourteenth Street
Atlanta, GA  30309
404.253.3848
www.fourseasons.com

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Sheer “Bliss.”

09/14/2009 in Beauty, Maintenence, Product, Spa, Vendors by Lauren | 1 comment

For my birthday (01/21…write it down) my fabulous colleagues gave me a gift certificate to Bliss Spa…which has Atlanta locations either in the W Midtown or W Downtown.
blissI had been saving it for a special occasion, but it was this Saturday when I finally got around to noticing how dull and tired my skin was looking after all of this running around, so I booked an appointment in Midtown for the “triple oxygen treatment™” immediately.

Y’all. Now THIS is a spa.

I walked in to their adorable reception area and my ADD kicked in at once. Their products have the cutest packaging, they really suck you in. (But bonus: they’re also amazing. I have been purchasing their skin masks for eons at Sephora. DK turned me on to them and homegirl does NOT mess around when it comes to her skin.)

blissreception
The bubbly and gracious receptionist led me to their lounge area and showed me where I would wait for my esthetician – a bright, cheery, lavendar-scented room where an array of herbal teas, chilled water, and snacks (brownie bites, cucumber slices, wheat crackers, and a cheese tray!) awaited me.

She then directed me to the bathroom where I found a spacious locker in which to store my stuff and a velvety robe and “spa slippers” in my size. (The “spa slippers” were a pair of blue Havianas. I slid my silver ones off and theirs on…) She also showed me their pristine showers (complete with a eucalyptus button and a steamer) and their sauna. Oh, and the sinks are equipped with pumps with every kind of Bliss product you could ever wish for. I’d move in tomorrow.

Anyway, I sat reading all my favorite magazines (they even had Oprah!) for a few moments and then Tamiko, my esthetician, came to get me.

Then I proceeded to have THE BEST FACIAL OF MY LIFE.

Ok here’s what Bliss has to say about this facial:

the triple oxygen treatment™
Our most famous (and red-carpet-revered) facial!

Get your glow on with this perennially popular all-around complexion reviver. It includes an intensive cleansing, exfoliating fruit acid wash, pre-extraction oxygen wrap, necessary extractions, calming oxygen milk mask, hydrating enzyme pack, and vitaminized oxygen spray. It’s like a breath of fresh air for your face, literally.

I had to really try to stay awake for all of it, I was so relaxed. All of the treatments felt (and smelled!) divine, you also receive a neck and shoulder, scalp, hand, and foot massage over the 75 minute treatment.

Oh and my skin? Amazing. I’m a new woman for real.

At the end of my treatment, Tamiko discreetly mentioned that she remembered that I said I felt like my skin was dull and suffering from my stage makeup, so she suggested I try the “Steep Clean” masque once a week to combat that problem.

steepcleanmaskI decided to purchase this product, but I really appreciated the fact that my facial did not feel like a prolonged marketing presentation, as it sometimes does with other spas. I’m picky about my skincare and while I appreciate suggestions, I don’t want to come out of there feeling pressured to buy an entire new skin regimen and…I kind of don’t want to talk while I’m having my facial. :) Tamiko was perfect. I adored her personality and she really knew what she was doing.

It IS a little pricier than most facials around town ($160 as opposed to $130 for the custom facial at the Spa Intercontinental at the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead, my other favorite, or $85 at Natural Body which is also lovely) but it really was fantastic and amazing and precisely what I needed. I recommend Bliss 110%.

Happy spahhhhhhh day! (oh, and thanks again for the gift, girls!)

xx, L
schedulesomeyoutime

Bliss Spa Atlanta
www.blissworld.com
188 14th St NE
Atlanta, GA 30361-2003
(404) 685-3510

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Pro, Con, Pro…

08/13/2009 in Maintenence, Product, Spa, Vendors by Lauren | 1 comment

At the risk of sounding like an overgrown sorority girl, at the Phi house, whenever we didn’t have anything 100% positive to say, we would use the “sandwich” method of delivering unpleasant opinions and occasionally, I still employ it to this day.

housebunnySo here’s the deal. I’ve got to “Pro-Con-Pro” Spa Sydell. I have a real love/hate relationship with SS and y’all, I generally feel like spas are like pizza: even if they’re not the best, how bad could they really be? Well…

Here we go.

Pro: I adore their airbrush tan. Best in the city. I have mentioned my tan-obsession and my favorite recessionista-esque way to DIY to a (safe, wrinkle-free) gorgeous tan. But sometimes the stakes are higher and you need to call in a professional. This is when I book Kim at the Buckhead Spa Sydell location. I’ll spare you the deets and the countless other locations, technicians and spray tans I have tried. Listen, I have done my research. Trust me: Kim is very detail oriented and really knows her stuff and after she is through ordering you into a zillion positions, your tan will look ah-ma-zing. Fact. It costs $50 and lasts about a week.

Con: Let’s face it: the facilities are a little busted and the service isn’t that great. Now, the VP of my company (who is, in my opinion, the be-all-end-all in all things fabulous) tells me that in Spa Sydell’s glory days, when there were just one or two locations, it was spectacular and zen-like and everything an Atlanta-caliber spa should be. However, it seems that over the years and through the expansions, they have unfortunately lost a little in translation. I tried them a few times for facials and massages, and I have personally never had a truly relaxing experience. It definitely isn’t a discount salon and at their prices, there are certainly better places to go. When I went last week for my tan, I sat in the “Tranquility Room” (looking at old, strewn-about Jezebel magazines and a half-full carafe of warm water with chunks of old lemon floating in it…and no glasses) for 45 minutes until I ventured out to find someone to ask about the hold up when I was finally told that they had run out of tanning solution and someone was driving to Alpharetta (at 6:00 on a Thursday) to retrieve some. The lack of communication, disorganization, and the dirty waiting room are not my only beef. I have to tell you, the bathroom and showers were grimy, the robes were threadbare, neither hand towels nor toilet tissue were anywhere to be found, I got the “ick” from the flops they want you to put on, and I’d have to do a whole new pro-con-pro to describe their receptionist. Sorry. It had to be said.

and finally…

Pro: Flo Massage Creme. Kim turned me onto it to help me keep my tan and it is f.a.b.u.l.o.u.s. I use it as a daily moisturizer and it is the very best I have EVER found. My skin stays super soft, never greasy, and the one I use, Soy Comfort, has a subtle vanilla scent (L+L are huge suckers for vanilla-scented lotions.) The only place to get it, as far as I can tell, is Spa Sydell. And ok, y’all, this 8oz jar is only $12. Fab, fab, fab. DK even has me import it to Birmingham whenever I come.

flosoy
In short, Spa Sydell, I think you’re nice. I’m just not sure you’re QUITE L+L material. You can come back for pref night, though.

xx, L

Spa Sydell

Buckhead Plaza
www.spasydell.com
3060 Peachtree Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30305-2234
(404) 237-2505

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