Tara "The Librarian" B.'s Profile

What the store may lack in size, it more than makes up for in customer service. I must have called this store 3 times in the span of 4 hours - once to check and see if they had what I was looking for - once to see where they were located and once from a parking lot catty-corner from their location lost and panicking. In each instance, they were polite and patient!

They set aside my treasures when I called and I was overjoyed to have a choice between multiple covers. They went above and beyond to make sure I had what I needed. I also bought a few more comic books while there, but was greatly impressed by their graphic novel collection.

I don't get out to Westminster often, but when I do I visit this comic book store.

Since we spend my birthday in Idaho Springs every year, Marion's is generally where I eat breakfast in jubilation the day after. I am a huge fan of their breakfast burrito.

The atmosphere is warm and friendly and definitely geared toward the whole family. The service is great. They always make sure your coffee is warm and full. They serve up so much food I've never been able to clean my plate.

If you are in the Idaho Springs area and need a good hearty meal, I recommend Marion's.

I might never have tried a new experience it weren't for Hawt on Yelp week!

I knew I was going to great service because I love Mop Factory Salon. I've gotten my hair cut there before but never taken advantage of any of their other talents. Because of the special, I got to be experimental!

I'm purposely being elusive about which deal I took advantage of. You'll just have to wonder and guess next time you see me. ;)

Thanks, Hawt on Yelp and Mop Factory!

Just got home from a rockin' show at the Gothic and have to update my review because 3 stars is not nearly good enough for this intimate venue. I am loathe to tell the world this because it will make it harder for me to find my favorite spots but I suggest the balcony. You are close to the bar and the bathroom and have an unmarred view of the stage.

This place can be a hotbox so I strongly recommend leaving the heavy coats at home and adding an extra layer of deodorant. The bathroom upstairs tonight was absolutely pristine and line free which made me do a doubletake because that it not what I expect when attending a concert. The bar staff is genial and while the beverages are pricey it could be worse.

The parking is still a bit of a nightmare so I recommend carpooling or checking out the side streets but watch out for the resident only Englewood permit action.

Don't count out the Gothic when looking at concert venues. They still have great shows like They Might Be Giants and can guarantee a great night of music and merriment.

Once upon a time, a little grey kitty got knocked up before she was even one year old. Looking for some kind human to take her in and protect her from the cruel world she wandered through the bitter wind to a hotel. Her piteous cries melted no hearts but led to a Craigslist posting by a curious bystander. A woman with a heart as big as all outdoors and the best petsitting business in the land read the post and planned her rescue.

After the beautiful young cat was rescued and taken to the local veterinarian and her "situation" was discovered, the woman with the heart as big as all outdoors didn't know what to do because her dogs, though kind, could frighten the pregnant waif. And that is where I, your noble narrator joins the story!

With a spare room and a pile of books as high as your head, we embarked on a journey through the mildly traumatic world of cat pregnancy, birthing and infancy. And everyone lived happily ever after.

***

I could NOT have done it without the help of Dr. Monica Watterud and the kind people at the Hampden Family Pet Hospital. I was greeted warmly upon each visit (and I was visiting almost weekly for awhile there) and absolutely adored they way they handled the cats and explained everything to me. They even take pictures of the cats to attach to their files. The building is brand new and the equipment all thoroughly modern. Their prices are extremely fair and they were very generous to me and my little cat family.

Up until this experience, I have only ever taken my cats to another vet whom I also like, but where Hampden Family Pet Hospital has them beat hands down are the hours and the availability of emergency services until 10pm. Emergency services are never fun but being able to take your pet someplace close, with excellent service and care and reasonable prices can be an incomparable relief.

I unreservedly recommend these vets as they care for your pets and you like you are family and don't take advantage of that when it's time to pay the bill. It's hard to imagine, but it's almost fun to have a vet visit now almost like a social visit with friends. It's not as important for me to have a good visit as my cat does, but it's certainly a bonus that I enjoy it as well.

Pet overpopulation is a staggering problem even in smart cities like Denver. The best way to save hundreds of pets' lives is to have your pet spayed or neutered. I'm not trying to steal Bob Barker's thunder, but it is very important. Within a year, one homeless intact cat can become 30 homeless intact cats (if all babies are females and get pregnant which can happen as young as 6 months of age).

Thank your stars there are organizations out there like SpayToday! For only $40 a cat, $70 a dog or $75 a rabbit you can help end the pet overpopulation problem, extend your pet's life and preserve your sanity. Providing low cost ways to care for your pet is something I am very thankful for. In addition to providing surgery, they offer vaccination clinics as well.

Through a series of happy accidents I became a cat foster mommy for a nine month old pregnant kitty. I had a great time checking out books from the library and learning all I could about cat pregnancy, birth and nutrition along with anything else I could. Along the way, I learned about the importance of spaying and neutering your pets and swore to support places that could keep this from happening to other cats. Many cats are put to sleep each year because there is no one to adopt them. SpayToday has a great deal for people in situations like mine because if you spay the mom for $40, you can get the babies fixed for only $10 each!

The pet store Quality Paws, told me about SpayToday. Being recommended by another great place that assists in controlling the feral cat population told me that I was in good hands. When I arrived, I was pleased to see how clean and open the office and surgical area was. Being able to see through the glass to the surgical area comforted me and told me they knew what they were doing. The staff was welcoming and kind. I felt absolutely comfortable leaving my pet in their care for her operation and will be taking her babies there to be fixed too!

I left with a happy cat, a goody bag full of candy and catnip toys, instructions on her care and pain medication for her for the next three days. They went over the instructions with me to make sure I understood. This is no slap-dash spay factory, they really care about your pet.

It's not very often you can do the right thing, get good service and not spend a lot of money; SpayToday truly deserves a Woohoo! As good as it gets!

Why's this place gotta be so good? The line is usually out the door and the wait usually approaching a half an hour no matter what time you go. It's worth it though, but be sure to keep this in mind when planning your visit to Scrumptious Town. Have a mimosa or a Bloody Mary and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere.

The mimosas are made with pomegranate liquer and have a big ole berry floating in it. The Bloody Mary's can be made with this spicy vodka they have on the counter just ooozing with peppery goodness. The coffee is also amazing and imported special from Guatemala. I recommend reading the insert on the tables about how special this coffee really is.

I love their hashbrowns. They are mouth-watering muffin sized circles of perfect potato goodness, crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside. I've had the omelet and the scramble and love their fresh ingredients. I also had a bite of Todd's Surf and Turf and was impressed with how good steak and shrimp for breakfast really is.

The pancakes... oh, God, The pancakes are amazing. I don't know what it is, but they are unbelievable. Fluffy like baby kittens, these pancakes are otherworldly. I love that they have a special flavor every day. I've had the Strawberry and the Apple Pie ones.

The perfect day? Spend a few hours drinking and eating at Snooze, then sleep it off in your car for a few more hours then grab a few slices of Anthony's pizza right next door and head off to a movie or the park. Enjoy.

If you live in Broomfield, you probably already know how awesome your library is. As a visitor though, I was very impressed. The wireless is quick and easy to use, the staff eager to help you and the environment welcomes use and relaxation. They show films, offer storytime and have book groups all of types and kinds!

One stop shopping for research, databases, events, wireless and leisure reading! It's a beautiful building humming with activity. Despite the large lot, parking was still a challenge which I find to be a testament to it's usefulness. If you are in Broomfield, it's worth a visit!

I hate hot dogs. They are a lower echelon of food in my opinion. I can not bring myself to call Biker Jim's fare "hot dogs." It's too painful, and it feels insulting to these yummy meaty friends of mine. For less than $5 you can be so full, a nap is an absolute requirement. The Jalapeno Cheddar Elk ones are really pretty spicy though, so make sure you get a beverage!

It does feel a little weird to eat reindeer or elk, especially for someone who was vegetarian for awhile. But they don't taste weird. The spices that they must add are what you actually taste. They are of such high quality that I don't care what animal I am eating, it just tastes damn good.

The toppings are phenomenal too! Yummy Yummy cream cheese and onions cooked until perfect. I usually HATE cooked onions too, but something about the combo here knocks my socks off! They have other more traditional toppings including diced jalapenos!

Even with all these fabulous things going for them, what I love the most is talking to Biker Jim himself. He always has some hilarious quip, story or anecdote to share that makes me smile. Since coming to the South Pearl Street Farmer's Market, I've made quite a nuisance of myself... and I love every minute of it. But don't tell anyone I ate a "hot dog." Ewwww.....

Goodbye, Denver Book Mall; Hello, Broadway Book Mall. Maybe the happiest of circumstances didn't bring you to your new location a few blocks down from your old location, but I love how you are settling in. Stuffed floor to rafters with excellent books in pristine condition and many many of them signed, perusing your inventory is one of my favorite pastimes.

Though they don't have their new sign up outside yet, and their Grand Opening is just around the corner over Labor Day, they are open for business. With many of the great booksellers you loved from the former location, this location has MUCH BETTER parking and is close to another love of mine, Fahrenheit's Books!

Be sure to ask about their author events as these are stunning occasions and a rare opportunity to hob-nob with local authors!