Haute Travel Tips on 11 Alive News!

There is still time to plan a last minute getaway or some simple fun close to home for Memorial Day weekend with tips from Haute Travels Creator Marian Anderson, Valerie Hoff reports.

Click here Memorial Day Travel Deals to view segment

Haute Travels Makes News!

NABJDigital Profiles Marian Anderson of Haute Travels Blog

http://nabjdigital.wordpress.com/2010/05/25/nabjdigital-profiles-marian-anderson-of-haute-travels-blog/

Bringing Back The Haute Natural!

When it comes to managing natural hair things can get unruly. But taming natural hair may be easier than you think. TAG Concept Salons in Atlanta’s chic Buckhead community introduces a new line of products that promise to do the unthinkable—tame natural hair. Although the definition for “natural” hair has changed to include strands free of relaxers, chemicals and weaves, it still boils down to hair that more often than not has a natural curl pattern that can make styling challenging.

The new TAG Concept Salons’ products include an organic line of sulfate-free shampoos, conditioners, leave in protectants and intensive treatment hair masks. “We have products that allow you to easily maintain your own natural hair,” says Gilda Salmon, Co-Owner and Co-Artistic Director of TAG Concept Salons. She also says TAG specializes in transitioning damaged hair into silky, soft curly or straight tresses that are chemical-free. Now, that’s music to a girl’s ears especially if she has extremely course hair. But, the key according to Salmon is intensive hydration. “It all boils down to building the moisture content in the hair,” adds Tracy Robertson, Co-Owner of TAG Concept Salons. Take inventory of your hair care needs… look at products, tools and the stylists that you use to determine the health and integrity of your strands. The focus should be on strengthening and building the state of the hair.

Both Salmon and Robertson say there are many things that we do to keep our hair in an unhealthy state. “I’ve had to correct so many mistakes by other hair stylists where the focus is more on culture and not healthy hair care,” adds Salmon. One of the biggest reasons that many women of color suffer with unruly hair has to do with using too much heat which often causes entire sections of hair to come out. “Many women go to salons where the price point is very low, although they leave with pretty hair, over time all of that heat damages the hair and causes excessive breakage.”

TAG Concept Salons pride itself in leading the way toward natural hair care giving women choices that go far beyond locs and twists. “Today, women are better educated and more aware of their options when it comes to hairstyles,” says Salmon. The girls in New York love to embrace their afros, while the ladies in Atlanta like to keep it straight.” Most of us just want bouncing and behaving hair with movement and shine without the FRIZZ and now it’s achievable naturally.

To learn more about TAG Concept Salons visit http://tagconceptsalons.com/

Are you going natural?

My Haute Glow!

It may not be summer, but it certainly feels like it in Atlanta. As I spend my time moving from one haute spot to another… the sun can be harsh on my skin. But in order to get the glow that makes my skin look sun-kissed, I get a little help from Clarins. One of my all-time favorite products is the Clarins' After Sun Moisturizer with Self-Tanner. I use it every time I travel to Mexico, the Caribbean or the Bahamas after spending a day on the beach. It locks in my tan to reveal even tone that makes my skin look more radiant. It even adds hydration to the skin. In fact, I don’t even have to wear much makeup… just a little lip gloss and a dusting of mineral or bronzing powder.

After years of being an unofficial "brand advocate" for Clarins... it’s no wonder they asked me to try their new Delectable Self Tanning Mousse with Mirabelle Oil. I was more than happy to help out. When my products arrived at my door, I was ready to pop the top and start using it.

Here's my review of Clarins' Delectable Self Tanning Mousse:

I generally find that many self tanning products are messy and don’t spread or spray on evenly. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the new Delectable Self Tanning Mousse is not only luxurious with a whipped creamy texture, but it pampers the skin taking the art of tanning without the sun to an entirely different level. This 3 in 1 product offers self-tanner, moisturizer and sun care with SPF 15. After a few days of using it, my skin gradually took on a bronze-like hue. I can even apply it to my face to get it GLOWING. This product offers the best solution to tanning without the sun. I love it!

Retails $42 To learn more visit http://us.clarins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/clarins-cosmetics_10051_10204_-1

Are you thinking about trying Clarins Delectable Self Tanning Mousse or After Sun Moisturizer Self Tanner?

More Haute Stuff!

The new noise cancelling headphones by Audio-Technica and a window seat are all you need for a pleasant flight. I tried out a complimentary pair of the ATH-ANC27 and found them to actually cut out the ambient noise surrounding me almost to the point of silence. Its battery operated, however, the headphones function pretty well in a passive mode without the battery. But what I love the most… it’s travel-ready. The headphones come in a compact design that fits snug inside my carryon tote. That’s right no more pulling out a few bucks for the cheap headphones on the plane. You can use these headphones with MP3, CD and DVD and in-flight entertainment systems along with your laptop, desktop computers and many other devices. They’re also compatible with the Apple® iPod®, iPhone™ and iPod touch®. It’s good to know Audio-Technica is always listening!

Retails $119.95 To learn more visit http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/headphones/ab757e7f4775b932/index.html

Will you try Audio-Technica’s new noise cancelling headphones?

Haute Luxury Boutique Hotel in Midtown Atlanta

Hotel Palomar in Atlanta’s Midtown is haute! It’s the first hotel from the Kimpton Hotel group in the “A” offering an exciting new level of style and sophistication, plus it is eco-friendly. The 21-story Palomar has 304 guest rooms and allows easy access to restaurants, museums and bars. Its four-star level of service makes this a top pick for those with discriminating taste.

On my visit to Hotel Palomar, I sampled some amazing dishes in the Pacci Ristorante by Chef Keira Moritz, one of the few female chefs in Atlanta. She’s so warm and friendly and her personality shines through in her food. Everything was wonderful from the Warm Bruschetta and grilled Caeser salad (the lettuce is actually grilled) to my spaghetti and meatballs, but it was the amazing Chocolate Strata with pecan, cocoa nib, vanilla gelato that took my breath away. I'm making it my mission to come back for more after all Hotel Palomar is an experience!

If you’re looking for a great new place to escape in Atlanta… try the rooftop for a cocktail and view of the city. And don’t forget the complimentary wine tastings in the lobby from 5-6pm for visitors and guests.

Will you visit Hotel Palomar in Atlanta?

Haute Tip: Hotel Palomar is pet-friendly

Play Pretty Beauty is Haute Stuff!

Four years ago Danielle Knox and her sister turned their skin care issues into a business. As little girls, they battled eczema, dry itchy patches and blotchiness. To make matters worse there was nothing on the market that helped. As adults, the ladies tried a lot of different products, but still no solution in sight until one day fate intervened. One of the sisters received a natural remedy book containing recipes for homemade hair and body care products. The pair spent hours in the kitchen creating recipes for creams, lotions and potions that they tested on family and friends. In the process, they cooked up a recipe for relief for their troubled skin. After testing their nature-inspired remedies their skin cleared up. They soon realized their creams worked because they were free of harsh, irritating, synthetic ingredients and artificial colors common in commercially made body care products.

The sisters decided to market their products to others who sought similar relief for irritating skin. In 2006, they launched Play Pretty Beauty. The name came from something they remembered their grandmother saying to them as little girls who played like tomboys in her backyard. “When we were thinking of a name for our company, we wanted something that was feminine, yet headstrong, joyful and unforgettable. All the things our grandmother embodied… Play Pretty was perfect,” says Danielle Knox, Co-Owner of Play Pretty Beauty.

To learn more visit http://www.playprettybeauty.com/about

Will you try Play Pretty Beauty?