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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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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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.

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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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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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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