Alicia "OMG Becky!" H.'s Profile
Date
Always great to catch up with Carlos and he even let my friend and her daughter join us in the room (her and her husband have had multiple tats done there) . The piercing didn't even hurt and went quick. Not much else to say about that, really. good conversation with Carlos, though. :)
A couple months after the piercing I needed to take it out and when it came time to put it back in I could not get the ball back, not even with my roommates' help. I stopped in Essential Ink really quick and Anna helped me out. Yeeeah! Saved me, 'cause I looked a bit ridiculous with the ring sans ball.
No more piercings for me (I'm content with this perfect one) but one day..there'll be another tat or two. I have them planned out already.
1 Previous Review:
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4/21/2008 First to Review
To sum it up, this place rocks! I can't remember the names of the others guys inside but Carlos and Pam, the owners, are so very nice and helpful. I met Carlos at the neighboring Powerhouse Gym during bagboxing (don't mess with me, just ask him, I've got a mean right hook) and for months he suggested I come in. He insisted his wife, Pam, would give me an awesome tattoo, just say it, she'll do it.
It's not that I didn't believe him, it's just that I didn't have the money, nor did I know exactly what I wanted. Eventually, I met a couple other friends at the gym (Spin class, who'd have thunk), and one night went out to Pechanga to nicely counteract our hours at the gym. While enjoying our buzz, we started discussing tattoos...I wanted one, my friend had three...and she proceeded to show them all to me (partially disrobing, weee, everybody look at us). They looked awesome, vibrant color and extreme detail...they kicked ass.
So that night got my head ticking and over the next few weeks I contemplated what I wanted. Then, one morning, I woke up and knew. I just KNEW what it had to be. So i stopped by Essential Ink and talked to Pam. We worked out a simple sketch from my idea, she gave me a quote and I made an appointment.
The day of, I wasn't too nervous since my friend was there getting one of her touched up. As I sat there in her room, trying not to make her laugh, Pam took a minute here and there to explain to me what was going on. When it came time for my turn I was just afraid I'd start laughing and never stop and had no problem whatsoever.
Pam let me have a break a couple times, for her sake and then mine, as I was propping myself up with my hands on the table. When the process was done she explained how to take care of it, gave a tube of gel to place on the tat, along with a card of the same information.
Essential Ink is a very friendly and casual atmosphere but the staff is professional and the private rooms are very clean, new needles each person, etc. Rockin' music, and even video games to play if you're interested. The only reason I haven't gone back is lack of funds because as they said, once you get one, you just can't stop. I already have my next two tattoos planned...it's only a matter of time, and when that is, I'll be returning to Essential Ink.
Oh yes, they also do piercings, permanent eye makeup and custom designs.
Murrieta, CA 92562
(951) 677-4748
Temecula Valley OB/Gyn Medical Associates Inc
Categories:
Obstetricians and Gynecologists,
Hair Removal
The only reason I'm not giving a five star rating is due to the scheduling issues. To set up the appointment for the procedure I had to work with the surgery coordinator. Unfortunately, she does not work out of the office and I spent many weeks, yes, weeks, playing phone tag with her. Finally, when we did reach each other she gave me info I needed and when I could schedule it was set up as soon as possible.
Day of the procedure started early in the morning. I showed up with my prescriptions which I was instructed to take their in the office. Valium and codeine. Woo hoo! As I told them when asked, I was "peachy" (yes, I was required to have a ride home).
Dr. Elfelt and the nurses were extremely relaxing, friendly and comforting during the whole process (and that's not just the drugs talking). All went smoothly though I did have some extreme pain after. No matter, after I recovered, they helped my friend take me to the car where I proceeded to go home, curl up in fetal position and sleep in drug induced numbness.
A side note: the office is beautiful, spacious and definitely not the usual sterile type of medical office. Also, some days they are open until 7PM, a huge plus for those who work during the day (my first visit was at 5:30PM).
Wow. I just wrote a review for an ob/gyn office. Definitely a first.
I still work out at NC3 multiple times a week, thoroughly enjoying the Spinning classes in the mornings and the Step class on Wednesdays. The floor, with all the weights and machines is still working perfectly for me and has yet to be overcrowded like most other gyms I've used in the past. The front desk people have even improved, though I'm not sure what's up with taking their chairs away. How cruel to the employees!
Unfortunately, the other morning and evening classes are constantly being rearranged, added, changed, dropped and there is no consistency. Some of my favorite classes have been dropped for no apparent reason, or after a few low-count days. To be honest...I prefer classes that aren't completely full as it easier to move around and enjoy myself, rather than feel stifled and crowded. The Spinning classes haven't been touched, yet, but if they mess with them, I will end up leaving.
I already know a few current members who are shopping around other gyms because the group X class selection is lacking and I completely understand. If I only used the gym for classes, I'd be in the same situation. Having the vast weight area and options available to me is what keeps me here (well, and my Spinning classes...the instructors are awesome).
Additionally, the pushy, salespeople and trainers are in full force and becoming annoying. Today, one approached me in the locker room and offered up her training to me. Sure, might not annoy others, but considering I'm there nearly every day, have seen and am quite aware of her, you'd think she'd realize I know what I'm doing and don't want to be bothered. The reason I left 24 hour Fitness in the past? Because of the pushy in-your-face atmosphere, and if that continues here, it'll be another reason to check other gyms out.
I really want to say completely positive things about this gym as I've been with it since it opened and for the most part enjoy the atmosphere and facilities. But they need to stop making so many changes, and let feedback from members actually mean something. If the new management would get their act together then NC3 could go back to the five stars it used to be.
Listed in: Creature of Habit
3 Previous Reviews:
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8/16/2009
Powerhouse of Murrieta has now changed their name to NC3 or NCTHREE as the new uniforms on all the staff show.
Still a friendly staff and instructors...they get rid of the good ones I don't know what I'll do.
EDIT: I take that back about the staff. Well, some of the staff are nice but a lot of the girls at the front desk have been quite rude and snobbish as of late. Perhaps there feeling of sudden importance now that they're wearing uniforms. -
5/23/2009
I still love this gym and drive fifteen minutes to workout here. While there have been some changes in the last year to change my original rating from five to four stars, as of yet it's not enough to scare me away.
The staff continues to be friendly and helpful as ever. I really appreciate that and it's made the largest impact on whether I return even though I manage to move further away every year.
Unfortunately, the change in ownership within the last few months has affected the atmosphere some. Somewhat annoying, there seems to be more advertising for other businesses and products within the gym. While I realize they probably do this in order to provide additional income besides memberships, it's distracting.
Additionally, the religious reading material throughout the locker room has increased and grown quite tiresome. Sure, other random magazines are available but it's in your face and feels preachy. Yes, it's a private business and they can do what they please, but if they start displaying scriptures or other religious items on their walls like some other gyms I've sampled in the area I'll have to change where I work out.
On the plus side of changes, the original smoothies they had were based off of powder and though they're slightly costlier, they are now completely made with fresh fruit. I don't get them often, but when i do it's been a nice treat.
To the actual facilities: I attend classes more so now than before and have specific recommendations. For Spinning (indoor cycling) I highly suggest Helen (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning) and Kelly (Monday and Wednesday mornings, and sometimes subs at night). I also encourage taking an TurboKick class with Rebecca (Monday night, Friday morning), or trying her Bagboxing on Wednesday nights. The Bagboxing is not what I originally started with a couple years ago. Previously it was an hour of boxing, changed to thirty minutes of boxing; currently it's morphed into an hour of circuit training mixed with some bagboxing throughout. I don't mind the changes as much but I really do miss the full hour of bagboxing. To make up for it I try to make it in to the gym when I can go at the bags on my own.
There are numerous other classes such as BodyBar, Yoga, etc, but they just don't work for me and my knees. One, Zoomba seems to be the newest hit but I tried it and left, unimpressed with the instructor's lack of rhythm (something you would expect with the type of music playing).
Overall, I still enjoy Powerhouse, and hope any more changes are for the better. -
5/15/2007 First to Review
I joined as a Charter member November 2005 and the gym opened up January 2006. I love Powerhouse and will miss it if I actually move away from this location. The staff is extremely friendly, encouraging, and even notice when I've been away for a couple weeks. So far, the only negatives about this gym is the lack of a pool and shorter hours compared to other chains but it's definitely worth it!
When it comes to cardio machines there are plenty, from stair climbers, both types of bikes, to ellipticals and treadmills. All have their own tv screen attached and provide a place to plug in headphones and change channels/volume. There is a large section of machines though I only use the back ones as I use the free weights mostly. And speaking of free weights, there are at least five benches, a long wall full of dumbells, and plenty of options available even during busy times.
They have tons of classes available: Spinning, Body Bar, Turbo Kick, Bag Boxing, Cardio Sculpt, Pilates, Yoga and others added all the time. I never participated in classes at prior gyms but the instructors are so exciting I couldn't help it, so now I am obsessed with Spinning and BagBoxing. There are morning and evening options for Spinning which is important for me since my schedule changes all the time and I love the varying options.
The women's locker room is spacious and also has a sauna and five shower stalls (one handicap equipped). They even provide spray deodorant, hair spray, mouth wash, and tampons and pads (ooh, options, nice).
My five-year-old loves the childcare area and looks forward to going to the gym as much as I do. You can either pay for it each use or have it added to your dues monthly, which is what I do and definitely a cost saver.
Gym hours:
Mon-Thurs 5am - 11pm
Fri 5am - 10pm
Sat & Sun 6am - 8pm
Childcare hours:
Mon-Thurs 8am - 12pm, 4-8pm
Fri 8am - 12pm, 4-7pm
Sat 8-12pm
Sun Closed
Their facebook page says "Cafe' Bravo Murrieta Store is moving to a new location. This will be announced in the coming days. Please check in on facebook for updates and details. Thanks to all of our loyal customers for your encouragement and support - we love all of you!!"
I really don't care why they closed, whether they had to or not. What business, being run properly, relocates and closes their shop down without notifying customers beforehand?
I will change my rating to a better one if they re-open in a new location and continue to provide the service and coffee I am used to. Until then, I'm annoyed and frustrated because there was no notice to customers. Thanks for NOT supporting your loyal customers!
Listed in: Creature of Habit
3 Previous Reviews:
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1/23/2010
Had to add that the bag of coffee I picked up from Cafe Bravo yesterday and brewed this morning is the next best thing to enjoying their coffee in the shop. Yum! definitely a step up from what we were used to having at home.
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12/21/2009
Just had to add that I went back with my friend and ordered the mocha this time. Best damn mocha I've ever had! And that says a lot since I usually get a peppermint one at Starbucks just to cover the taste of their mochas. Yummy mocha, brought to us on the swank white couch, rocked my day.
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12/11/2009
Yeeeah!!! Finally, a local coffee shop worth writing about. Thankyouthankyouthan kyou!
Cafe Bravo has a total 60s vibe to it but done which class. Bold brown and orange cover this shop but it is the additional white details and furniture that made my design self squeal inside with joy.
The private "bonus" room off to the left of the main entrance had me planning a future session with my people. Is it a bit too much to say I adored that room? *Sigh* Orange drapes frame the triangular space, filled with a yummy white couch and small table and chairs. Lower than most couches, it was just right for relaxing, close enough to the table yet far enough to stretch out the legs. it did get a little chilly in there, so bring a sweater or jacket if you plan on using the side room.
Oh, right, the coffee. I can't speak for the fancy drinks, as I only ordered drip, but my friend said her latte was yummy and tasted very fresh. My 12oz coffee in a mug (on a plate!) was brought out to me (along with the half and half) and was very tasty indeed. The coffee's flavor was bold yet not bitter like I'm accustomed to. I drank it down quite quickly because it was smooth and tasted so, so good.
Even when the cafe business picked up the atmosphere didn't seem crazy or rushed. There was plenty of space inside in additional to the small room, and a number of outside seating available as well.
The staff was a friendly bunch, and like I mentioned earlier, offered to bring our drinks to us once we stated we were staying.
The location is a bit out of my way during my usual routine (I live in Menifee), but I'll be stopping there regularly when make my trips to Eclectic Books down the road. Perhaps I'll even bring along my laptop to enjoy the free wi-fi. Because, oh yes, Cafe Bravo rocked my socks off and I'm going back for more.
Listed in: Creature of Habit
1 Previous Review:
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11/23/2009
By far my favorite self-serve frozen yogurt place in the Inland Valley area. I've tried White Lime & Xtreme (still yummy), really disliked Whimsical, and apparently, this is just what I've been looking for!
My friends and I met up here last Saturday and stayed for quite awhile. Not only was the yogurt perfect, but the atmosphere was fun and welcoming. White Lime always bugged me because the inside seating area was tiny. Not an issue at FroYoLand! Four bright orange chairs, along with a couple small table & chair sets, a kids table, plus plenty of walking room. This is huge and very important to me. I don't like feeling cramped and that other customers are going to bump into me while I'm enjoying my yummy goodness. Again, not an issue here, and my friends and I were comfy on our two couches hanging out for over an hour.
There were a variety of flavors, but I'm a simple person, so stuck with my vanilla. (I tried peppermint...was lovely, but wouldn't have meshed well with my favorite fruit toppings). I don't use all the candy toppings, (ok, I love the cheesecake bites), but there were oodles. I go straight to the fruit and not only did they have strawberry and kiwi, my favorites, but they had mango. Ultra Yum!
Friendly service, bright, colorful and spacious atmosphere and the yogurt was creamy. Perfect. Definitely going to be the new "meetup" place for me and my friends.
Shortly after we were all seated a waiter took our drink orders and delivered them a few minutes later. That was the last time we saw them at our table for nearly thirty minutes. At one point, one of my friends attempted to get someone to come to our table and finally got the attention of a girl behind the bar. She looked up, said "I'm sorry" and shook her head, said something about letting him (the waiter) know and walked away. Minutes later, our table of five still without any attention, I turned around in search of a waiter, waitress, anybody.
I caught the eye of one woman as she was walking behind me and asked again if we could get someone to take our order. All I received was an "I'm sorry." Not even a lame excuse as to what was going on, why we were being ignored, just "I'm sorry." I tried again. "Could you please find someone that can help us, then?" "I'm sorry..." and she shook her head and held her hands out, as if to say, sorry, I don't understand what you're saying, lalala, you're bothering me. Woah.
We were antsy but we hadn't walked out because our outing that night was supposed to be a pick-me-up night for the gang. A get-away-from-the-crap-we-deal-with-during-the-wee ks good time". We were chatting and enjoying conversation and just happy to be out away from our stresses, all five of us together for the first time in weeks. That being said, I was not going to sit and be ignored and dammit, we were hungry.
My button was pushed, my "mommy voice" came out, and I stated we wanted someone to come to our table and take our order, now. She stopped, said "I'm sorry" again, and I interjected with "I don't care if you're sorry, we need some service and if we don't get it, we were going to leave." The girl scurried off, but not before we caught her rolling her eyes. Really? Not even my daughter gets away with doing that in front of me. How childish and very unprofessional.
Luckily, for everyone's sake, one of the girls came out a minute later with a notepad and took our orders. I ordered my favorite Thai dish, Cashew Nut entree with chicken; one friend ordered the Sweet ' N Sour Chicken; another the Green Curry; the two others ordered Pad Thai. We also started with the Aiyara's Sampler, a combination platter of satay, spring rolls, naked shrimps, lady fingers, and fried wontons. The wontons were perfect (one of my favorite appetizers all around), and the spring rolls were nothing special, but did taste good with the sweet sauce. I didn't have any lady fingers, but my friends enjoyed them dipped in the peanut sauce. What had us all stop and hesitate were the naked shrimps. First, they were not completely naked as they were wrapped in egg noodles. Completely wrapped that it took some investigating to see it was actually shrimp inside the massive bundle of noodles. They were awkward to eat, not horrible, and kinda bland to taste.
Considering how long it took to order, we were happy it didn't take as much to receive our food. My Cashew Nut Chicken was awesome, and I was glad I'd selected mild as it was a perfect balance of taste with spice. Oh, and tons of cashews, something other Thai restaurants tend to forget, usually sprinkling a few in to satisfy the cashew aspect. My friend was disappointed his Sweet N Sour Chicken wasn't breaded but I tried it and still thought it tasted yummy. Another friend gave her Curry a thumbs up and I even sampled the Pad Thai and was pleasantly surprised.
A few additional notes about the evening: Two other couples left while they were waiting to be waited on, and the majority of the expressions on other patrons was of annoyance. Also, the piece of artwork on the back wall is quite pornographic if you look at it long enough, which we did, because that's how we are.
The only reason Aiyara is getting three stars is because the food was really good and reasonably priced. If it was up to service, they'd be getting a lone star and that's for the decor and atmosphere. I go to a restaurant for the whole experience, not just the food and they failed miserably in that area. I'm not even sure why my friends left a decent tip, when it was so undeserved. I can see myself ordering over the phone and picking up a delicious meal from Aiyara if I plan on being in the area, but that is it. The aftertaste of the service will probably linger, though, and I doubt I'll ever return.
Summation: Splendid food, craptacular (with a side of attitude) service.
La Mesa, CA 91941
(619) 741-6230
La Torta Cafe
Category:
Mexican
Neighborhood: La Mesa
My friend ordered a Bud Light and Lorena's Torta (sounded so dirty at the time), and I selected the Hawaiiana after much deliberation (definitely trying the El Poyo Pibil next time). Really, the whole menu made me drool. The seating was roomy, there was a salsa bar, and service was fairly quick.
My sandwich (grilled chicken, hickory ham slice, pineapple, mozzarella, "the works) was very delicious, though I eventually gave up eating with my hands and using a knife and fork. Not too messy, but when I get talking with all my animated gestures, it can be dangerous. The potato slices were good, great spices, but I was so full from my sandwich I barely touched them.
I can't say the meal was orgasmic, but definitely a nice tease. Oh, yes, I'll return!
San Diego, CA 92113
(619) 702-8888
Angelo's Towing
Category:
Towing
Neighborhood: Barrio Logan
I called AAA to have someone come out and put air in my flat spare tire. When Angelo's came out with a response truck (pretty much everything but towing available) the guy helped me out as much as he could. Turns out the tire wouldn't hold the air, so he called in a tow truck to get things situated.
The first guy (wish I could remember his name, especially since he was a cutie) was extremely nice and patient with me. Stay around until the tow truck showed up ten minutes later.
I ended up riding with the tow truck all the way home (he towed from Fairemont up to my place in Menifee) and had no issues. He was friendly, even stopped and got me a cup of coffee before we hit the 15 North.
Oh, and I left my favorite Camelbak water bottle in the truck and he came back a few minutes later to return it to me. Yeeeah!
No trouble, explained what they were doing and were quick about it.
Any Starbucks review of mine is based on atmosphere and friendliness of the people working there. Considering the person helping me didn't even crack a half-ass smile nor look at me, this store didn't fare too well. Two stars only because of the large amount of outdoor seating which provided some entertaining people and dog watching to pass time.
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"I splash and giggle in the shallow end."
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90 Useful, 28 Funny, and 28 Cool
Temecula, CA
Yelping SinceApril 2007
Things I LovePeople watching, dancing, board games
Find Me InMurrieta, Temecula, San Diego
My HometownSeattle, WA
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping...I go crazy in this valley of nothing to do!
Why You Should Read My ReviewsBecause I'm lazy so when I take the time to share I mean business!
The Last Great Book I ReadCollapse by Jared Diamond
My First ConcertUB40 @ Bumbershoot '92
My Favorite MovieDark City, Henry and June, Secretary, Office Space
My Last Meal On EarthDon't care about anything but homemade creamy mashed potatoes and gravy.
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...Red Vines make me happy.
Most Recent DiscoveryCashew Chicken
Current CrushAirheads
I discovered Rick last year when he was doing some training at my other gym, NC3, and enjoyed his technique during the one session I had. Taking advantage of his special, I signed up and have attending classes on average four times a week. (I would be there five or six but I tackle Zumba and Spin on other days).
There are morning and evening classes but evening works best for me. Each session starts with "warm up" on the TRX, covering serious core work, chest and leg workouts as well. I have attempted to do core work over the months but nothing quite like the TRX helps you realize how out of shape the core is. Holy moley. Some days I'm ready to go home after the TRX but I stick it out.
Next up, we pair up (Rick is really good at matching up newbies with those who can help them out and balancing the power between the two) and do combos on the hanging bags. After those we split up in groups and tackle the three stations: heavy ropes, knee bags and punching on the bags. The knee bags are very misleading, seemingly easy but usually end up knocking the wind outta me if I don't focus on correct breathing. Bags, well, love it, usually more focused combos. Then, there's the heavy ropes. Oh, my love hate relationship with these is strong. Hate the ropes for their difficulty but I love the benefits and near instantaneous results I get in my arms/shoulders. After the stations we're back at the bags and doing combos or focusing on individual punches.
I had some worn (dusty) gloves when I joined up but my membership special came with some great quality of wraps and gloves. Take advantage of this special as it makes a difference when you're punching that bag.
I'm in my thirties and I've seen kids, teens, adults in their fifties, men, woman, been working out for years or just starting now. Rick has amazing patience (I have issues adjusting the TRX, still working on it) and is extremely encouraging and supportive of all. Kickboxing has helped me drop a pant size in a few weeks but most importantly it's been a mental benefit as well. Had a rough day/week? Go sweat, hit it out. So very worth it!
Added: Just wanted to note that if you were to look at BEST Kickboxing in Murrieta, all three 2010 reviews of the gym reference Rick, when he was teaching there. Thus, he rocks, no matter where he is.