I love you.

It feels good to say it out loud.  

How obsessed am I, you ask?  Well, I’ll tell you.  For the last 7+ months, I’ve been driving up, up, up 400 to exit TEN to ALPHARETTA on the regular just to see him.  Yep, he is OTP BIG time…and I couldn’t care less.  I’m pretty sure I’d travel further because my hair has NEVER been better.

This weekend, I left with much more than bright, shiny, bright blonde hair!   I also made three purchases that I’m very excited about:

1. Kerastase Ciment Thermique  Daniel turned me on to this product months ago and it’s doing wonders for my poor, processed locks.  It’s a leave-in protective reconstructive cream for your hair and I adore it.   I use the tiniest amount, and though this little tube will run you upwards of $40 – it lasts forever.  I recommend 100%. 

2. Youngblood Mineral Lengthening Mascara

Whether or not this mascara’s “volumising formula” or “conditioning benefits” remains to be seen since I’ve only had it for a few days.  But what I can tell you is this – it’s a fantastic mascara.  In my opinion, the trick is to apply one coat and allow it to dry before applying the second.  Trust me – if you do this, you will have a gorgeous set of full, lush lashes that will NOT flake or smudge.  I love this stuff already –and if it improves the health of my lashes – well that?  That’ll just be gravy.      

3. Iso Clamp-less Curling Iron

I love my big heated rollers, but I feel like all they do is give me volume and lift and when I use a regular curling iron, I feel like I look like I’m an adult contestant in Toddlers and Tiaras…

…with tightly twisted curls in place of the the soft beachy waves I’m craving.  Well, no more – with this “twister,” I can finally achieve them!  This tool is amazing and I absolutely love it.  BIG time bonus: it’s blonde-proof.   It comes with a nifty glove so you literally CAN’T burn your fingers.  Genius.

And that?  Is all I have for you today.  Go forth with longer lashes and stronger, bouncier hair, my friends.

xx, L

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 29^th!

xx, L

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

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

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

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

Witness:

The result was amazing!  She was thrilled! 

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

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

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

The End.

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

xx, L

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

xx, L

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

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

]]> http://www.thequickanddirtydirty.com/a-few-of-my-favorite-things/feed/ 3 http://www.thequickanddirtydirty.com/warning-serious-update-overload/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=warning-serious-update-overload http://www.thequickanddirtydirty.com/warning-serious-update-overload/#comments Thu, 05 May 2011 16:55:04 +0000 Lindsay http://thequickanddirtydirty.com/?p=13950 Continue reading →]]> 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

"but DADDY, i want a golden goose NOW!!"

Could someone PLEASE open a Drybar in Atlanta?  I can’t believe that we don’t have one yet + I really think it would do SO well in the ATL!

What’s a Drybar?  Check it out here…it will blow you away!  (Get it?  No seriously, get it?!?)

In addition, I really want an in-town BYOB mini-golf course.  I think there would be such a big ITP market for it…and it would be so much fun!  Great third or fourth date potential.

we want something just like YOU!

Mini-golf is one of my most favorite activities.  Behold:

(Esp. when stuff like this happens…)

While I’m at it, I’d also really like a dueling piano bar – Pete’s in Texas + Vegas, in particular.  And, let’s put it smack dab in the middle of the Buckhead bars. 

Just think of all the business they’d do here with bachelor + bachelorette parties ALONE!

shauna's bachelorette @ pete's in dallas

Sooooo, who’s with me?!  

Investors – I’m ready to do your press…

No really, I am.

xx, L

The hair that grows out of my head, however? Something more like…

Sideshow Bob.

Over the years, I’ve learned how to beat my mane into submission, but between the straightening irons, curling irons, hot rollers, velcro rollers, blowdryers, highlights, lowlights, bi-yearly Keratin treatments and products, products, products… My poor hair takes a LOT of abuse.

Eventually, it starts looking and feeling well, a little like…

…you know what I mean.

Friends, I have FOUND A MIRACLE PRODUCT:

Redken Smooth Down Butter Treat

Here’s the Q+DD: You can use this product either as a leave-in conditioner OR a masque-type treatment. The instructions say that if you are using it as a leave-in, to apply a dime sized amount to towel dried hair before styling. If you’re using it as a treatment, apply liberally to your hair and leave in for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.

But being from the school of “More is Better”, I have been sleeping in gobs of this stuff for the last 3 nights and my hair did a 180!

No lie, I picked Linds up last night and she asked me if I had in extensions. My hair isn’t any longer, it’s just healthier and shinier and fuller.

If you are having haystack head problems, I am begging you to run out to your nearest CVS and pick some up. Just so you don’t have sticker shock, it’ll run you about $20, which seems like a lot for something you don’t get at a fancy-pants salon, but just do it, ok?

In short: Celebrity Hair, HERE I COME!

…and just in time for the Oscars!

xx, L

best hair dryer ever

Here’s the Q+DD on my Elchim 2001 Professional Hair Dryer (aka Elchim Classic):

The Elchim Classic 2001 is a high pressure hair dryer – the only hair dryer in the world that reduces drying time by 50%.  It also protects hair by producing a high flow of air that does not overheat to the point of harming the hair.  The dryer is fitted with top quality components that include a very long-lasting double balanced motor and a Swedish Kanthal wire heating element.  Elchim Classic’s exterior is made of shock and flame resistant polycarbonate plastic which is non-aging.  The dryer has been manufactured according to EEC specifications with double insulation.

Features and Benefits:

• Seven switch combinations for ranges of fan speed and temperature
• 1800 watts of power (yowza!)
• Lightweight
• Air flow of 40 liters per second
• Concentrator nozzle
• Removable lint filter

This hair dryer actually makes me look forward to getting ready in the morning!

I don’t have the longest hair in the world (although I am trying), but I have a lot of it.  My new Elchim has cut down my drying time by roughly 5 minutes!  Swear to it.  It’s like a leaf blower.  And, we all know that time is money…  My Elchim + an excessive amount of Biosilk + my new Sebastian “Drench” shampoo/conditioner = silkier hair than I’ve had in years.  

Pick up an Elchim at www.folica.com for a Benjamin or use a Bed Bath + Beyond coupon, like I did, and get it at BBB in Buckhead Station for only $78.  (I am sure you can find an Elchim other places, but these are the two I know of off-hand.)  Your hair is definitely worth it. 

Happy hair days to you! 

xx, L

When your day starts at 5:00 and ends at midnight or later…the hardest part is not showing it on your face. What’s the use in going anywhere at all if you look like something the cat drug in? (I can’t be the only one who feels that way?)

Plus, there are those mornings when you hit “snooze” a few too many times or you remember your 7:45a breakfast meeting at 7:15a…we’ve all been there.

Here are a few little lifesavers I have picked up over the years:

1. Dry Shampoo

1(a). Unite 7 Seconds Dry Shampoo

Ok, I JUST discovered Unite 7 Seconds Dry Shampoo

It’s an alcohol mist and here are the campaign promises:
“1. Aids in preserving hair color
2. Removes excess oil
3. Increases Volume
4. No visible powder
5. Refreshes hair without the use of water
6. You’ll never be late for Happy Hour again!”

All true. In an effort to keep my superblonde hair from looking like a haystack, I’ve been making an effort NOT to wash my hair daily and this product has really helps. Unlike powder dry shampoos, my hair really does feel cleaner and genuinely refreshed.. Plus, skipping my normal blowdry session has awarded me an extra hour or so every other day….which is HUGE.

Available at Studio Todd G in midtown…which may or may not be my new hair salon. OK, fine. It is. But if all of y’all start going there and I can’t get an appointment, I will be u.p.s.e.t. Nobody wants that. Trust.

1(b). Powder dry shampoo

For YEARS I have used the following:
Burt’s Bee’s Dusting Powder. I know it’s old-school, but when I lived in NYC I could make a good blow out stretch almost a week! I would just dust a little baby powder on my roots and voila! Good as new. Now, this is not a solution for everyone, but if you happen to be nearly platinum, such as myself, I recommend it.

However, Bumble and Bumble makes the gold standard in dry shampoos for all hair hues: Hair Powder
It comes in 4 shades: blondish, brown, black, and red. Available wherever Bumble and Bumble is sold. (Such as Natural Body Spas, Michele Coulter Salon, and James Madison Salon.)

2. Click-Stick.

Yves Saint Laurent had the original, I believe.
YSL’s “Touche Éclat” is a pen that distributes a bright, light concealor. It’s not for blemishes – You want to use a concealor that matched your skin color for those, obvi. This is just for brightening and giving your tired mug a little lift.

You just slick it under your eyes, on top of your cheek bones, and in your t-zone for INSTANT results. It truly is like 8 hours of sleep in a pen.

FYI, YSL’s is available for $40 but almost everyone, Bobbi Brown ($38), Chanel ($38), Trish McEvoy ($38) has a version of their own.

3. Portable perfume.

Listen, I am in no, way, shape, or form condoning the use of perfume in lieu of a good old fashioned shower. However, I have miniature bottles of my 2 signature perfumes in a Ziploc my handbag at all times for when I’m in need of a post-work spritz!

Ralph Lauren BlueJo Malone – (I use Nectarine Blossom and Honey)

OK, once you have these things, all you need to do is master the perfect day-to-evening wardrobe and bada bing-bada boom, you’re fresh (-ish) as a daisy!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go. I have an afternoon meeting, 239481 post-work errands, dinner with the girls, then drinks...

Happy Friday afternoon, everyone!

xx, L