George N. Riffle III

I would not recomend this urologist. My husband went and had it done. It was a bad experience because it was suppose to take a half an hour and it took an hour. My husband came out pale as a ghost and in severe pain. It was terrible. The doctor has out dated medical chairs. My husband had to hold himself up while the doctor did the surgery. The doctor asked my husband to bring a sample of some sperm. I asked him for a sterile cup and he said ...just bring it in a film canister. It was a bad experience.

PROS: none
CONS: creepy office

Great Cuts

Great Cuts is located right by the Carlsbad Mall, so if you have some shopping to do, stop by and get a great cut. However, there is only one person I trust there. His name is Marcelo. He is the sweetest guy and always aims to please. He is very carefull not to cut to much off. He has spent many hours in beauty school, so he knows what is in style. You can't go wrong with Marcelo. It's walk-in, but Marcelo is always busy. It's probably best to call first to book an appointment with him. As of July 2005. The price for a hair cut is $10.00.

PROS: great price
CONS: none with Marcelo

North County Lawnmower

North County Lawn Mower doesn't provide prompt service and prices are not very reasonable. We once took a hedger in for repair and not only was it late, but it still wasn't working properly. We took it back and they fixed it, but to have to take something back again is very time consuming and frustrating.

ABC Mower & Supply

This shop is the best in Escondido. We have been doing business with them for 8 years and they always offered prompt, honest service. Paul, the owner, really gives his all to satisfy his customers. For instance, we took our mower in because there there was a bolt that needed to come out. Paul took it to the back cut it off and replaced it with a new one for free.

PROS: honest, reliable
CONS: none

Calumet Photographic Inc

North County Camara is a very large camara store in Escondido. It's right off the freeway and is easy to find. The cost of photo supplies are very reasonable and employees there are helpfull and friendly. However, some basic photo supplies a bit over priced. For example, just the basic camara film that you can find in Target in Wallmart is close to twice as much, but the more advanced film and other specialty photo supplies that you can't find in other stores are pretty reasonable at North County Camara.

PROS: Large selection
CONS: some supplies over priced

Carlsbad Village Camera

Carlsbad Village Camara is a very small shop in Carlsbad. It's a family owned
business and has some good used camaras for an ok price. Since it is a family
owned business, you may be able to talk the owner into lowering the price and
working out a good deal. However, once you buy the camara there are no
refunds just exchanges. The photography supplies are over priced. So, if your
looking for supplies you better off going somewhere else.

PROS: good used camaras
CONS: expensive supplies

Barnes & Noble Booksellers

Barnes and Noble in Ocean is nice because I have kids of all ages who can spend hours there. It's a great place to go on a rainy day. The little ones can play at the back of the store where they have a train set and theater area where little ones can pretend to be part of a play. They have little chairs and tables too. Starbucks is located inside the coffee shop for those who would like to study and have some coffee. What I really like about Barnes and Noble is there great customer service and return policy. As long as the book isn't abused. You can exchange it. It you have the reciept you can get a full refund, if it is within 30 days.

PROS: open late
CONS: none

Palomar College

This is the best Junior College in San Diego County. Palomar College Main Campus is located in San Marcos, but has education centers through out San Diego County. What I like most about Palomar College is the support they have for the students. I worked there for a couple of years and really got to know alot of the counselors. R.O.P. classes are also offerd at Palomar for those who want to go straight into a trade. Palomar also has a very nice lap pool, gym, and track to keep fit.

PROS: many classes to chose from
CONS: the good ones fill fast

Sprouts Farmers Market

I really like Sprouts Farmers Market because the have super great deals on Vitamins, Fruits, Vegatables, Meats with no msg (U.S.D.A. Choice)and many more health products. I compare the prices to local grocery stores and Sprouts has the best prices and quality. It's best to go on a weekday morning. Since, weekends are very busy, much of the produce gets picked through. They have a deli there too with real good sandwichs. The sandwiches are not so cheap, but taste real good. If your into health. you gotta go to Spouts.

PROS: good deals fast check out
CONS: none

Kiddie Kandids

This Portrait Studio is one of the best in North County. If your expecting a new baby you can register with Babies-R-Us and receive some FREE picture- birth anouncements when your baby is born. It's a picture with the name, birthday, and weight of the baby. Also, you can join the birthday club and receive a free 8x10 every year. It's easy to join on-line. What I like most about Kiddie Kandids, is that it's done on a walk in basis and the portraits are done and ready to go in about 15 minutes after the picture is taken. The quality is super.

PROS: Friendy staff/no sitting fee for birthday club
CONS: week ends are probably not the best time to go. Very busy.