Three Atlanta-based women (all of whom are realer than Bravo’s Real Housewives posse) embarked on a liberating journey to spa, relax and beautify all in the name of wellness.

Each were assigned the very complicated task of covering… and uncovering… a wellness treatment that’s available during Spa Week in Atlanta for $50 this week. The pursuit was for wellness, and each found it in a different way. Read each of their experiences by clicking below, and remember that beauty may fade, but wellness lasts forever.

Christie Crowder of Inside the Chatterbox investigated Microdermabrasion

Her recap: WELLNESS, a dreamy reality

SpaDreams Day Spa
2595 Sandy Plains Road Suite 7
Marietta, GA 30066
678.236.0900

Lorraine Robertson of Ask Wifey scoped out energy healing and massage

Her recap: WELLNESS, Inside and Out

Steve Hightower Hair Artist’s Studio & Spa
60 Min Massage and/or Energy Healing
Steve Hightower
646 Lindbergh Way North East
Atlanta, GA 30324
404.264.9006

Jennifer Hutcheson of Mami 2 Mommy uncovered Skin Rejuvenation

Her recap: WELLNESS, a first-ever facial

Dr. Q Cosmetics
Skin Bella Rejuvenating Facial Treatment
2675 North Decatur Road, Suite 609
Decatur, GA 30033
404.501.9170

Guest Contributor: Miss Cozy

As the winds change, it is likely that your skin will be exposed to dryness and chapping. Look to the produce of the season to prepare a nourishing mask for your skin. Pumpkin is ideal – not only is it high in vitamin A, C and antioxidants, it has wonderful moisturizing properties. Prepare a mask of 2 Tbs cooked pumpkin and 1 Tbs honey. Apply it all over your face and leave for about 10-15 minutes before washing off.

Check out CozyWallet.com for more swank ways to save money, and look good doing it.

If you have the chance, try to stop by one of these great events this weekend:

San Diego, California – The Adams Avenue Street Fair is debuting this weekend, September 25th – 26th, as a diverse music and arts festival in a street fair setting. There will be 70 artists performing over eight blocks for over 100,000 people for two days, with music ranging from folk to Cajun to country to rock to blues, in a true “street scene” in the funkiest of urban neighborhoods, Normal Heights. There will be three beer gardens, Giant Carnival rides, plus 300 craft and food vendors.. Most importantly, it’s a FREE event! Now known as Southern California’s largest free street festival. The 29th annual 2010 Adams Avenue Street Fair will be held Saturday, September 25th 10 am til 9 pm, and Sunday, September 26th 10 am til 6 pm, from Adams Avenue at 32nd Street on the west to 35th Street on the east and one block south on Mansfield Street in the Normal Heights community of San Diego. Click here for more info.

Denver, Colorado – Now that Fall is officially here, the Denver Botanic Gardens has put together one of the most ‘attended’ corn mazes in the country! “Maze design is cut in the shape of a marmot (a large ground squirrel native to the Rocky Mountains that is also the mascot for the new Mordecai Children’s Garden at the Gardens’ York Street location).” Enjoy tasty fall treats from their food vendors, two observation bridges that provide a bird’s eye view to help you navigate, and Hayrides as well as pony rides will be available on the weekends for an additional cost. Click here for more info.

Washington, DC – September is known as Hispanic Heritage Month, so to celebrate traditions, this weekend – September 26th 2010, enjoy the Latino Festival hosted in Washington DC, also known as Fiesta DC. This is an annual celebration featuring highlights of the Latino culture with a Parade of Nations, a children’s festival, a science fair, a diplomatic pavilion for embassies and consulates, arts & crafts, and international cuisine. The free festival is huge and takes over the Columbia Heights neighborhood bringing together dozens of non profit organizations, community leaders, and members of the community. This Sunday, September 26th from 11 am til 7 pm Parade: 1:30 pm til 3:30 pm – Located at Mt. Pleasant St. NW, between Argonne Pl. and Park Rd., Washington, DC. Click here for more info.

Atlanta, Georgia – Fall couldn’t be a more perfect time of year to enjoy an outdoors-y afternoon with friends, without heat exhaustion! This Saturday, September 25th 2010, check out the Miller Lite Chili Cookoff Festival at Stone Mountain. Running from 10am until 7pm, stop by for a fun filled day of beer, music and chili from around 300 chili booths that will be providing free samples. Located at Stone Mountain Park, GA; Coliseum Meadow (Special Events Area) Click here for more info.

Great Neck, New York – Antique Cars for sale, international food and live music by the Meade Brothers – what more could you ask for from a Car Festival?? This Sunday from 12pm til 5pm, stop by the Great Neck Plaza Autofest/Festival. There will also be a petting zoo, pony rides and carnival rides. Classic cars like the Alco-6 Racer – winner of the 1909 and 1910 Long Island Vanderbilt Cup Race, will be displayed as well. Click here for more info.

So you packed your summer out, and just realized that Labor Day came out of nowhere!  Don’t worry – you can still get one more weekend of relaxation in.

Miss Cozy’s Tip of the Day: Labor Day was actually intended as a day of rest, so before you head to the beach or a BBQ, try to sleep in this weekend.  Recent studies have shown that catching up on your sleep can help reverse the effects of sleep deprivation. Getting enough sleep also helps you look more refreshed by reducing dark circles, under-eye puffiness, and bloodshot eyes.

(Check out CozyWallet.com for swank ways to save money and look good doing it)

If you have the chance, try to stop by one of these great events this weekend, brought to you by Miss Cozy:

Atlanta, Georgia – Have you looked at today’s date??  Its 9-02-10!  It shouldn’t go unnoticed!  So SweetWater Brewery has created a 90′s themed event to celebrate.  Hosted by Metromix and SweetWater, tonight the Peach Pit comes to Atlanta for an all out 90′s bash - to celebrate America’s favorite past time: 90210!  Go big or go home and dress up like Kelly, Steve, David, Donna, Brandon, Dylan, Valerie or Andrea, because everyone in costume will receive half off their entrance fee.  (You must be 21+ – Entrance is $8)  The theme is original 90210, so the more 90′s the better: Jean jackets, gelled hair and mini dresses are not only appropriate, they are highly encouraged.  Get some SweetWater goodies for the best dressed and best looking couple.  SweetWater Brewery is located at 195 Ottley Drive Northeast – Atlanta. For more information visit sweetwaterbrew.com

Phoenix, Arizona – Kick off Hispanic Heritage month this Saturday, September 4th 2010 from 11 am to 6 pm, as the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce sponsors the annual 21st Fiesta de Septiembre. The event takes place in Historic downtown Wickenburg, and includes Mariachi groups, folklorico dancers, salsa and margarita contests, outdoor mercado, food and beverage cantina, historic photo exhibits, and a food fair!  Wickenburg Community Center 160 N. Valentine Street. For more information visit outwickenburgway.com

Boston, Massachusetts – If you’re in Boston this weekend, the one event to check out is their traditional Gloucester Schooner Festival.  This 26th annual schooner festival takes place in America’s oldest seaport. Running from September 3rd until September 6th, close to 50 ships are expected to participate in two days of racing, celebration and events, including Sunday’s “Mayor’s Race.” Sponsored by Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, enjoy a full schedule of activities from sailing, tours, fireworks display over Gloucester Harbor, a festival party, and more! For more information visit capeannevacations.com.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Stop by the 45th Annual Polish-American Family Festival and County Fair to enjoy a three-day festival of all things Polish. Running from September 4th until September 6th 2010, this event is infused with the Polish spirit, featuring vendors, kielbasa, pierogi, loads of entertainment (yes, there’s polka), and much more. Located at 654 Ferry Road Doylestown, PA 18901. For more information vist czestochowa.us

Columbus, Ohio – The mission of the Native American Indian Center is to preserve, protect and promote Native American culture, spirituality and philosophy. This has been accomplished through traditional Powwow’s, as they are the greatest expression of Native American Indian art. Join them during their traditional Labor Day Powwow, to encompass the values, traditions and spirituality of many native cultures. This weekend, from September 4th until September 6th 2010, enjoy traditions including Native American dancing, singing, food and crafts.  Located at Franklin County Fairgrounds, 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard – Weekend pass: $15, Adults: $7. For more information visit naicco.org

The Château Élan in Braselton, Georgia is the perfect mix of sophistication and southern hospitality. Doesn’t the name just evoke luxury? The quaint winery resort stationed just 30 minutes shy of Atlanta just this month completed a $1.5 million renovation on the spa alone. From the start, owners Donald and Nancy Panoz had their hearts set on opening a resort and spa that marries the charm of the south and European luxury. The tale of the how the two met explains it all. The Panozes met in West Virginia and both served in Japan; Donald as an Army Intelligence Officer and Nancy as a Counter Intelligence Secretary.

Full Couples Room at the Newly Renovated Spa Haven

While traveling the world, Georgia became a frequent pit stop. During one of their stays they tasted Muscadine wine made from indigenous Muscadine grapes. They questioned why no one grew vinifera grapes and were told that it couldn’t be done in the region. The Panozes proved that theory wrong by opening the Château Élan winery resort, which stands on 3,500 acres and has won hundreds of national and international awards.

Full Jacuzzi

The spa fit for royalty has 35 treatment rooms, relaxation areas and couples rooms. There are also 14 themed overnight rooms and its own restaurant, Fleur de Lis. The spa itself runs on a team of 95 people, providing extensive European style treatments including massage and wellness therapies, hydrotherapy, sauna, steam room and much more.

Take a break in the Relaxation Room

Of course, if you live in Georgia you’ll be able to take in the luxury yourself with $50 treatments during Spa Week on the East Coast, October 11-17. Château Élan is poised to book up fast, so make sure you’re ready to dial come September 13th, when the Spa Week directory launches on Spaweek.com.

For more information about the Château Élan experience click here.

So it’s mid-summer, you’re back from your mini Fourth of July getaway, looking forward to that concert in late August, and you’ve run out of ideas of how to celebrate your freedom.  Miss Cozy (check out CozyWallet.com for more swank ways to save money) is here to offer you some great ideas on how to curb any and all mid-summer boredom.

Time to start enjoying some of the amazing events going on! (Even if that means just listening to a small concert by that gnarly guitar player at the beach.)

Miss Cozy’s Beauty Tip of the Day: Heat usually means sweat, so antiperspirant is key! To make it more powerful, swipe it on at night. (It’s absorbed better in the PM) First blast the area (whether underarms or feet) with a hair dryer on cool to zap excess moisture. Cover your skin with plastic wrap. This locks the antiperspirant into sweat ducts so it’ll work better the next day. Reapply in the AM – Glide on two more layers after you shower.

Here’s a rundown of some amazing things going on this weekend:

Los Angeles, CA – Brazil might not have made it to the World Cup finals, but Brazilian music is still getting the crowd excited through a free show at the LACMA this Saturday. As part of the LA County Arts Commission’s 78 free summer concerts (at various venues around the city), infectious Brazilian tunes will flow throughout the Los Angeles County Museum Outdoor Amphitheater, at 5905 Wilshire Blvd. Catch the dancing bug from 5-7 p.m. Visit LA County Arts Commission.

Atlanta, Georgia– Only on July 12th – Members of the Phantom of the Opera national touring cast will present a cabaret featuring an array of popular Broadway hits at the Balzer Theatre at Herren’s to benefit Playmaking for Girls. This intimate, one-night-only performance is sure to provide a unique musical experience for all who attend while also giving back to the community. Playmaking for Girls is a community outreach program dedicated to engaging young women in the creation of theatre as a tool for creative expression, community healing and personal growth. Visit Synchronicity.

Detroit, MI - In it’s 31st year, Plymouth’s Art in the Park has grown to rival Ann Arbor’s. In fact, it is the second largest art festival in the state. In addition to the art and crafts showcased, Art in the Park features musical artists and kids activities. “Art in the Park is Michigan’s second largest art fair and has been rated as one of the “Gems of the Great Lakes” by AAA Magazine. Visitors have enjoyed Plymouth Art in the Park since its inaugural event in 1980.” Enjoy this amazing festival from July 9th until July 11th Visitors coming to Art in the Park are encouraged to park at the ACH Plant (formerly Visteon Plant) located at 14425 Sheldon Road, just off of M-14 in Plymouth and take the free round trip shuttle service. The shuttle will run continuously all weekend. The drop off point will be Plymouth City Hall conveniently located in the heart of the art fair. Visit Art in the Park.

Art in the Park Shuttle Schedule:
Friday, July 9: 10:30 am – 8:30 pm
Saturday, July 10: 9:30 am – 7:30 pm
Sunday, July 11: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm

San Antonio, TX – Tejano Music 2010 Weekend- where The Association of Tejano Artists and Musicians present an entire weekend of events (July 9th – July 11th) with the crown jewel being the 30th Annual Tejano Music Awards. “The Convention has an industry track discussing issues in the Tejano music industry. Tejano fans enjoy seminars that bring them ‘up close” to hear their favorite artist describe their career journey and achievements.” Visit Tejano Music 2010.

Salt Lake City, Utah – Bambara’s presents the second cooking class in its quarterly “Discover, Gather, Cook” series by Chef Nathan Powers. Classes include a live cooking demonstration in Bambara’s exhibition kitchen and a late lunch. This summer’s class will focus on organic summer squashes, melons and tomatoes from local sustainable, organic gardener Jane Jensen.
July 10, 2010, 1-4 p.m. – 202 S. Main St. – 801-363-5454 – (Cost: $55, not including tax, alcoholic beverages or gratuity. $5 per participant goes to Water for Wildlife) Visit Bambara SLC.