Z Med Spa Of Pasadena

I will always give someone a second chance. But when Z Med Spa called me to offer a complimentary massage because my experience was so bad, I refused to return. Yes, even for a free massage.

I usually go to Massage Envy in Glendale. But I was feeling lazy and Z Med is really close to home. So I shelled out $25 more dollars than usual for a massage.

The massage itself was eh. Not bad, just not good. However, I think the therapist used a full bottle of lotion. So I was really disgustingly slimy by the end. She gave me a wet, warm towel which I appreciated but would much rather have preferred not to require. I went straight home and showered and had to scrub to get the lotion off. Also, she didn't listen to my request for firmer pressure, which was a little frustrating. But this wasn't the part that really burned me.

Throughout the massage, there were people hollering in the hallway right outside the room. They were banging metal containers around, and at one point, someone even got into a little verbal scuffle. They also slammed doors. It was horrible. And then, to add insult to injury, someone actually came in the treatment room during the massage. ????? And then she closed the door and cackled to her noisy little friend that someone had been in there. It was the most unprofessional environment I've ever experienced. And for an $80 massage, I expect at the very least, a quiet environment.

They handled it appropriately by calling to offer a free redo, but with people who behave like that in a spa setting, I wanted no part of it.

Cole Plumbing Services

My mom is having plumbing hell right now. She has pipe issues in the main line under the kitchen. A few years ago, there was a hole in the kitchen. Actually, it turned out to be TWO holes in the pipe, so there were two holes dug in the kitchen. It was a pain to fix back up.

This time, my mom called Cole's because they recently fixed a clog in the garage. They found the issue, and had to cut up the brand-new carpet to get to it, but they said they should be able to re-lay it when they are finished.

They also found another problem in the newly redesigned bathroom, under the pretty sink. My mom was worried that she may not have enough tile to repair the floor, and they said that they've never broken a single tile when they've had to remove it to drill through the floor.

She loves them. Also, this (as you can gather from drilling through floor talk) is going to be expensive. They finance! It's one year like cash. No interest. Amazing.

My mom wants to adopt one of the plumbers, so they're also nice.

PROS: Great service, very knowledgeable
CONS:

University Of Redlands

From the moment I visited Redlands, I was welcomed. Current students and alumni phoned me, a professor, the Dean of Admissions, the track coaches... I was welcomed. In my four years at Redlands, I was able to take advantage of a world-class education in a small-town environment. The first (and LAST!) time I missed a class, my professor called me to make sure I was okay. Uhh...

Classes were about 15 students on average, and you recognize outsiders. There are few students there - about 2000 from what I understand today - and so you get to know everyone, at least by sight.

I spent many happy times at professors' homes, and travelled abroad to study. I took classes through the independent Johnston College, and was an honors student through the honors program.

I ran track, was recruited for cross-country even though I'd never run more than a mile at a time, and basically, welcomed. There's nothing like Redlands.

However, there were several people who hated it - if you are looking for a big, party school, don't even bother. It's too expensive, too academic, and far too remote for that. L.A. is an hour away - without traffic (and how often is THAT a reality). But for a general chill, you can get to the mountains, the beaches, or L.A. pretty conveniently. Just don't think you'll be partying there every night cuz it ain't gonna happen.

PROS: Small classes, dedicated professors
CONS: Some people would rather party

Broadmoor Spa

My hairdresser is here, so I'm here pretty often. I decided to finally get my nails done, and they did such a great job for so little!

I just found a one-stop shop for hair and nails. They specialize in coloring and doing dramatic, wearable hair. For nails, they specialize in aaaaahhhhh.

PROS: Good prices, can always get an appt
CONS: Bustling - may not have first choice for appt

Kataoka, Joy E, Od - First Optometry Eye Care Ctr

I love Dr. Hardy. I wear contacts, and we talk about the benefits of that vs lasik surgery. He's had lasik, but doesn't pressure me to have it.

He cares for each patient individually, and is pretty darned funny. His staff is wonderful, and you have a wide selection of eyeglasses to choose from.

He was also the first guy who mentioned that my (other) contacts were probably uncomfortable because I have a slight astigmatism, so he suggested different ones and they solved the problem!

PROS: Great, take all insurance
CONS:

Fountain Valley-F V Family Chiropractic

I love my chiropractor. He's awesome, and cares about every one of his patients. I've been going to him for years. He has massage people who use his office to give you a massage. He will work on whatever body part is ailing you. He's helped me with knee, ankle, foot, TMJ, and shoulder injuries... I'm a little accident prone.

He takes insurance, and always has little promotions to donate gifts or food to local needy organizations. Call for an appointment today!

PROS: Very knowledgeable
CONS:

Doggietown Usa

I went with my friend who'd returned from vacation to pick up his dog from Doggietown. I just had to see it because it sounded like an amusement park!

Basically, this IS Doggie fun land. The staff is totally dog crazy, and care so much about the pets. We got a full dissertation on my friend's dog, and the fun he'd had. It felt like picking up a child from summer camp!

There's apparently someone there 24/7, and all employees are trained for medical emergencies. I couldn't believe it - I wish there was a place like this for cats... except that cats have too big attitudes!!

PROS: Doggie fun for everyone
CONS: It's for dogs

Kemper Manufacturing Inc

So the location isn't premier... in Chino, past the prison, you'll find this great pottery/ceramic supply place.

They have paints, brushes, books, lessons, kilns, and miles of greenware. True, you have to fire the things you buy before you paint them, but that's not that unusual.

It's amazing to go here. It's like an amusement park for creatives. They have greenware that I've never seen anywhere else, and that's saying something!

Every once in a while, it's worth a trek to Chino to visit this place. It totally looks like they wouldn't accept the public, but we're welcome. No worries. Just call before you go to make sure they're open!!

PROS: Everything you need for arting
CONS: Way out there

H.B. Beauty Supply & Salon

I went here because my hairdresser moved over here, but I wandered into the supply portion one night and only recently wandered out!

They have EVERYTHING. And if they don't carry it, they can order it. The people are so nice, and so helpful. Just don't sample product - they get a little teachery if you're opening the wares.

PROS: You can get anything here
CONS: Too many options - I want to buy it all!

Orange Coast Beauty Supply

So I happened in here on accident one time. I'd seen it for years, but thought perhaps it was a supply store for beauticians.

It's of that same level of detail and supplies, but anyone can shop there. Not only do they stock all the shampoos, conditioners, and styling tools, they have great prices, and a discount card! Everytime you spend money, you get a stamp. When your card is filled, you get a discount! YAY!

PROS: Selection, discount card!
CONS: