Gabi "Yummy Mummy" M.'s Profile

"Wax On. Wax Off."  Does anyone else instantly think Karate Kid upon seeing the name of this place?  That may age me, but oh well... I liked that movie and I liked this waxing spa too!

I found myself staying next door to this place (at the Ace) when I was in Seattle last week.  As soon as I saw their storefront, I was reminded that I was long overdue for a brow wax, so when I had a few extra minutes on Tuesday morning, I was so happy that Christa could squeeze me in!

The woman at the front desk was friendly, as was Christa.  She was professional as well, offering her opinion when asked but really listening to what I was looking for.  I ended up getting both brows and lip done.  If I'd had more time, I totally would have trusted Christa to do a Brazilian as well!  In addition, I did allow Christa to upsell me an expensive night time moisturizer for my (dry) face, but she wasn't pushy at all.

After my experience, I checked out the WOS website, and noticed the "our staff" section, which was super cool.  I also learned that they have a total of four locations Seattle, two in Portland and one in Boulder.  I would love for them to open their next one in Scottsdale!

The Ace hotel has no gym, so I headed over to SAC one morning during my stay in Seattle... (For Ace guests, it's a $15 daily fee, which isn't too bad considering this gym has everything you need and more to get a great workout in).  I was bummed that there weren't any classes that appealed to me during the time that worked for my schedule, but I managed to motivate and get my own little interval workout going on the treadmill.

The gym itself is a bit outdated, but the staff is super friendly.  The front desk people were warm and bubbly as was the woman working at the little cafe downstairs.

I can't compare SAC to other gyms in the area, but I was pleased with my experience and wouldn't hesitate to return again... next time, I hope to either take a class or take advantage of the indoor pool.  I love checking out gyms around the country when I travel and SAC is no exception!

The Ace Hotel came highly recommended so it wasn't even a question where I would stay during my recent trip to Seattle...

Katy H told me a bit about the history of the hotel and of course, that it's the "original" Ace.  Crystal told me to request a basement room with a courtyard and behind-the-bed shower.  I did as I was told and was not disappointed!

When I walked in, I was greeted by Richard.  He and the rest of the staff were extremely friendly.  As I walked to my room, I got a feel for the uniqueness of the hotel - it's not your big chain my any means.  It's got a hipster / European / indie vibe to it.  Some of the rooms do not have private bathrooms, so if that is something important to you, I recommend requesting a room with a private bathroom.  And while my room (#130) did have a bathroom, a little courtyard, and a funky shower, it didn't have a hairdryer, and the robe that is in the room is thin - not warm and cozy as I've experienced elsewhere.  One more thing worth mentioning is that the walls are thin at the Ace.  I could hear people in the hallways, above me, and in other rooms.  

I used the free wifi at the hotel without any issues - huge perk there!  I didn't take full advantage of the continental breakfast, but I did check out the community room and took some fruit and granola to snack on during my stay.  The hotel is located in Belltown, which is a super cool area with lots of shops and restaurants.  It's about a 15 minute walk from Pike Place Market.  

I usually stay in hotels that have some sort of gym/fitness center and while the Ace is lacking in that department, they are only a 15 minute walk from Seattle Athletic Club and it's a $15 daily rate to take advantage of their facility.

I'm definitely a fan of the Ace but if you go, just don't keep your expectations in check; it's no luxury hotel, but the room rate, service, vibe, and uniqueness make it worth it in my book!

"I need coffee!"

That was the first thing that came to mind today when I woke up...
and so, I went on a hunt to find it.  I happened upon Bedlam, just a few blocks from my hotel, and was just about to order my typical americano when the lavender mocha caught my eye...

But since I'm not really a mocha kind of girl, the friendly employees at Bedlam offered me a lavender latte instead, and let me tell you - I have a new favorite drink!  I took it to go and I've been savoring it sip by sip ever since.  

Now, if only I can find a Bedlam (or an alternative that makes a solid lavender latte) somewhere closer to home, I'll be one happy girl!

It took me seven years, but I finally made my way to this train park, and I was very impressed!  My eight month old son was too... it was his first time on the swings!

We met some friends there super early, so there weren't many people there... but because we were so early, the train wasn't going yet and neither was the carousel.  The restroom was open though, and it was clean.  

I will definitely return during normal hours to see this place in action... hopefully before it gets too hot!

After hearing that the owners of Perk Eatery were from Michigan, I think I got my hopes up that they'd be able to make fluffy omelettes like I get back home... unfortunately, that wasn't the case.  However, I did enjoy my meal at this little locally owned restaurant.  

I met a friend at Perk for a weekday lunch last Wednesday.  I'd been wanting to try it for awhile and wasn't surprised to find it hiding in a strip mall (like so many little gems here in AZ).  The atmosphere was nothing special but we chose to sit outside as it was a beautiful day.  My friend had an omelette and I had a Greek Salad.  The service was not attentive despite the fact that there were few patrons while we were there.  (I have a feeling they get slammed for weekend brunches though).  The food was good; not mindblowing, but decent.  I like the fact that they use fresh, local, and organic ingredients.  One more perk is that I believe they have free wi-fi (but I cannot attest to using it).

Would I return? Sure.  
Am I rushing back? No, but I don't want to deter you from checking it out.  And please let me know if you are more "perked up" after dining at Perk than I am!

Two words: adult pigtails.

Fine... I'll write more than that!

Lindsey and I went to Primp and Blow last week to have our hair done for the Ultimate pleYdate event, and I was pleased with the experience.  Lauren did my hair and gave me adult pigtails per my request.  She did a really great job.  She was professional, friendly, and gave a good little massage as she shampooed as well.  I rarely ever have time to get my hair done or even blow it out on my own now that I've got a kid, so this was a real treat.

I'd definitely return to Primp and Blow in the future, and perhaps I'll even try some of their other services too!  Or, I may just stick with the adult pigtail look; you can't go wrong with that.  Thanks again, Lauren!

I've been to Distrito twice now... once for a grand opening party and once for breakfast.  Both times I was super impressed.  I'm a huge fan of the modern decor, bright colors, moderate prices, and friendly staff.  And I was super impressed with the food as well!

I met Chef Jose Garces (yes - the distinguished Iron Chef) at the grand opening party, and while I don't follow the chef scene too closely outside of Arizona, it was an honor to see him in action!  A couple of glasses of their sangria made the experience even more fun!

When I returned recently for breakfast, I had a lovely experience dining outside on the patio overlooking the park.  The (Garces Trading Co) coffee was fabulous, as was my order... the Huevos Rancheros.  Service from Manny was spot-on as well.

My husband is a frequent luncher at Distrito; he finds the $15 lunch deal to be quite a bargain.  Maybe one of these days I'll get lucky and he'll take me back on a lunch date!  

While Distrito may not be top of mind when it comes to choosing a restaurant in Old Town, I hope it does well.  But not well enough that I can't get a table when I choose to return!  (I kid, I kid... kind of!)

Fabulous Italian food in Tucson? Who would've thought?

I ended up at Tavolino for lunch on Friday and had a wonderful experience... The service was attentive and entertaining (thanks Karla), the food was delicious, and the company was great as well.

My party of three started with the bruschetta and the burrata.  I highly recommend both of these; they are melt-in-your-mouth delicious and great for sharing!  Karla also brought out fresh bread and olive oil.  Mmmmm!

For my entree, I had the Nizza, basically a salmon nicoise salad - it was a large salad and extremely filling.  The others at my table had a pasta special and a panini and both seemed pleased.  Unfortunately, none of us saved room for dessert, but I will definitely return... looking forward to it already!

I spent a few hours at the Tucson Cartel today while conducting interviews for the next Tucson CM position.  One of the candidates suggested this place and I give her kudos for the yelpy suggestion.  The space is large, warehouse-like, modern, and has a very cool vibe to it.  I can't speak to their coffee as I went with tea today, but since it's part of the Scottsdale/Tempe Cartel family, I know it's the good stuff!

What I can speak to, is:
*love that the counter has hooks for your bag/purse
*two clean bathrooms (I know because I used them both!)
*friendly staff
*they use square for payment, so you can have your receipt texted or emailed to you
*they have a decent looking menu with both sweet and savory snacks/meals
*free wifi (although when prompted for the password, you'll get the reminder that they want you to purchase something every two hours)

We did have to remind them about one of our drinks (that they forgot to make), but they were speedy once we did.  

If you find yourself in Tucson jonesing for a good cup of coffee or a cool place to do some work, I highly recommend this spot.  I'll be back for sure!