Do you remember 15 years ago when you had young, innocent skin? Do you remember – ha – what your parents said, “Clean, tone, moisturize before you go to bed?” And if not, break the cycle! This Memorial Day weekend, it’s time to remember the time like it was yesterday. Then check out Skin and Body Balance before June 1 to experience the glorious restoration of every cell and the shrinking of every pore. Kristin Ballantine, founder and primary service provider, launched this day spa and yoga studio after years of experience providing these services for hundreds of clients. But be forewarned, …

If you didn’t manage to book tea for two this Mother’s Day weekend, here’s another refreshing idea for you – Yoforia for Mom's euphoria.  Treat Mom to the most delicious, nutritious treat that she’d dare to eat even if she’s avoiding sweets.  Now, for some of you, giving this little treat will be a breeze. However, some of you will have a different experience: Has your mom ever asked you a question and no matter what the answer, she has an opinion that is contrary to yours?  Or does she keep little tidbits of information to herself until you don’t need them – when you really would prefer not …

Terra Terroir or Terra Grille as it is referenced on the shopping complex sign near Peachtree Road is ‘terra’fic if you feel the need get out of town for few hours.  Whether  you’re staycationing or anxiously awaiting your next vacation, Brookhaven’s Terra Terroir Grille & Wine Patio can transport you from the everyday of Atlanta to a soothing oasis where fine wine flows like fountains, desirable delicacies delight the buds, and the patio wraps its loving arms around you as you sway rhythmically to the beat of the music. The old real estate mantra of location, location, location may lead to …

While last week was the trickiest secret shopping experience yet with Solar Dimensions Tanning Salon, this week’s secret shopping report is my toughest to write. I am a bit at a loss for words when it comes to being virtually invisible. Such was the case at Hastings Nature and Garden Center the afternoon of Monday, April 4th.  Upon exiting my vehicle, I noticed a Hastings employee loading a customer’s trunk with quite a few items. ‘What wonderful service,’ I thought. ‘This is going to be quite the experience indeed.’  And it was albeit not totally positive. Hastings, a 122-year-old company…

While at a local park, a woman told her husband, “I’m burning up! I should have worn shorts but would have scared everyone with my white legs.” So I began to wonder, how does one reenter shorts season without trepidation like this? This was sure to be among my most crafty secret shopping operations because tanning comes just after being overcharged on my wish list. Discover a toasty little spot directly across the street from the Brookhaven MARTA Station called Solar Dimensions, a tanning destination with 14 locations across metro Atlanta. How on earth would I convince Solar Dimensions to …

Happy April Fools Day! Today can be the first day of the rest of your sweet life if you consider the abundance of tasty joy to be found at the 9-month-old dessert  and coffee shop, Sugar Shack - no fooling! Not only do they offer practically every type of sugary chewable that your taste buds could crave, they serve up delectable sandwiches for breakfast, lunch or dinner, along with soups, salads and coffees.  Take some back to the office with their boxed lunches as well. And if you’re not necessarily the coffee type, there is an assortment of cold beverages available. For starters, the Sugar …

Spring is officially here and the season is always a great opportunity for a fresh start.  Speaking of fresh starts, that's exactly the feeling I experienced upon opening the door to The Mercantile - a home design store on Dresden Drive that embraces fresh, clean lines for a "transitional home interior." Welcome to Secret Shopper sneaky note #6! The Mercantile is indeed an avenue to a happy home. Fulfilling the mission of its name, the store beckons you inward and entices you to buy-buy-buy. There are hundreds if not thousands - if you include their customization services - of options from …

The first day of Spring is just two days away so prepare to let the toes out to play. These hoofs, you say? No cracked corn way!  Sound familar? If you enjoy the thrill of seasonal surprises, then you'll love the fact that Spring has almost sprung.  On Sunday, March 20th at exactly 7:21 p.m. EDT, the Northern Hemisphere will welcome this new season.  Brookhaven residents needn't fear because 10TEN natural remedies are near. So, in the spirit of the season, I sprang into action at Natural Body Spa and Shop's 10TEN boutique to complete my secret shopping and site brand assessment activities. I …

Imagine the treasures to be found in a little hideaway where collectors have worked together for 45 years to bring the most interesting finds to its customers. That's exactly what Scavenger Hunt brings to Brookhaven - a treasure trove of some of the most unique gifts and must-haves-but-you-didn't-realize-it-until-you-found-it items for your home all at unbeatable prices. When you enter The Hunt you need only be armed with plenty of time, comfortable shoes, and whatever budget you choose. Upon pulling into the parking lot next to the antique fire truck that bore a for sale sign, I was …

When you just need to get away and hang with the boys, what better place to drop in for lunch than a sports bar where you can break the diet without breaking the bank – all to the unawares of those who’d prefer to scrutinize your meal choices? Ah yes, Hudson Grille is the perfect little getaway in the middle of the day to kick back, unwind and indulge as if you were front and center at the ball game! My secret little shop drop into Hudson Grille uncovered many insights into the world of business ballers.  First of all, the entry was absolutely perfect for feeling right at home - a real home …

Secret shopping is such a joy because it uncovers the good, the bad and the ugly sides of customer service. Welcome to our second weekly installment of Secret Shopper Brookhaven where S.S. Aqua stealthily shops a Brookhaven business and gives the fly on the wall perspective of the entire affair! This week is all about shopping with man and woman's best friend. If you and your dog seem unable to agree on what to do on any given day, allow City Dog Market to present a compromise. End the telepathic mind struggles where your dog typically has the upper paw, and submit to the loving lull of the …

At Verde Taqueria, going green in a whole new way has never been more fun.  From the warm and inviting staff to the upbeat rhythms that tickle the ears, the ambiance beckons the seekers of sustenance to advance. The staff is all smiles - real smiles, not those smiles that disappear the minute that the server faces a different direction. Kudos to the bartender, Jaylene for her perseverance despite the likely low tip, low activity night. She was upbeat, positive, engaging and generous despite serving a pitiful bar order for a Shirley Temple. C'est moi! She shared that she was long overdue for a…