Liz "I said what I meant and I meant what I said" M.'s Profile

I'm forever in search of my "dream handyman" and now I think I've found him (knock on the wood). After several years of disappointing experiences with handymen, I started to believe that there is no such thing as a good handyman.  Thanks to Yelp (and "no" this is not a advertisement for Yelp) I'm hopeful that I've finally found my "go to" man for repairs big and small. I called Troy in a time of desperation, needing to get several repairs to my home before my renters moved in.  He arrived in the morning, worked for eight straight hours, and checked off everything on my list.  When I discovered a few more things, he returned within a few days, and finished those jobs as well. Troy seems committed to saving clients money whenever possible ... based on my experience with him. He bills hourly, works fast and his rate is reasonable. Based on his service, and all of his positive reviews on Yelp, I'm sure Troy must be a very busy handyman, but somehow he still made me feel like a "preferred" client.  I rarely post reviews on Yelp, but in this case, a rave review is definitely in order.  Thanks Troy!

Do you want to know what's faring well in this crappy economy? Old shoes, and Tony's Shoe Repair (case in point: me dropping off a favorite pair of old sandals).

I haven't been to Tony's Shoe Repair since I was a wee little kid, and then it was only to accompany my Mom who frequented the place. (Big family, modest income, six kids, 12 active feet).  

So when I dropped off a sandal that needed repairs - it was like visiting my past, and there was a line of customers who were likely feeling the same way.  

Business may be thriving for Tony's Shoe Repair - but they aren't taking it for granted.  Tony's still offers the same quick, honest assessment of the needed repair, relatively low repair costs, and no frills customer service.  

When I returned to pick up my sandals, he remembered me (as well as the multicolored button sandal I had dropped off), stuck it in a brown paper bag, and told me the amount due.  I handed him a $5 bill, got lots of change back, and walked out feeling pretty darn proud of myself for beating the recession.

Ordinarily, I have an aversion to associating "Sun Devil" with any positive experiences, but in the case of Sun Devil Auto, I'll make an exception.  I'm yelping on behalf of my non-yelping son who purchased a new battery for his car, but was mechanically challenged when it came to installation. He drove over to Sun Devil Auto at 7th St. & Bethany Home Road to get some assistance, and they did it right there, on the spot, and without charging a dime.  While installing the battery, they also noticed that one brake light was out ... so they replaced that at no cost too!!!

In times like these, when consumers and businesses are in survival mode, this was a totally appreciated and unexpected gesture ... especially from a "so-named" business.  It just goes to show - you really can't judge a book by its cover ... or a business by its name!!!

A salon is only as good as your personal hair stylist, and it's for that reason Panache Salon (read that: Meagan) is the best around.  I love love love Meagan! She's a great conversationalist, squeezes me in more often than I care to admit making the request, hasn't raised her prices in several years, delivered a beautiful floral arrangement when I got some depressing news ... and oh yes ... she really knows hair.   I'm always incredibly pleased with my hair style and color, as well as the magic she works on every friend, relative (including my daughter and her friends) that I've referred her way.  She's created a band of loyal customers who will follow her wherever she goes.  

Don't ever leave Arizona, Meagan.  I like it here!!!

A cocktail lounge on The Beatitudes Campus ... who'd a thunk?!  The truth is - that cocktail lounge is just one of the amenities at the Promenade that's making my parents' transition to an assisted living community far more palatable.  No - my parents aren't big drinkers! They're just regular people like you and I who have enjoyed the good life, but can't get around and socialize the way they did when they were living in the foothills of Tucson, near their alma mater and fellow Wildcat alums.  

Life at 80 and 84 isn't easy for my parents, or their six adult children who are watching them age very quickly. But life happens, and when it does, it's nice to know that places like the Promenade exist.

My parents invited me and my siblings to a night on the town yesterday, but within the boundaries of the Promenade community. We had drinks in the cocktail lounge, watched the D-Backs on a big screen, and then moved into Elaine's restaurant for a fine dining experience.  Maybe it was the beer followed by two glasses of wine, but I must say, I totally forgot that we were enjoying ourselves on The Beatitudes Campus.  If you're a boomer with aging parents who can't bear the thought of giving up their independence but should - check out the Promenade. The community is filled with residents who no doubt felt the same, but are now adjusting to and enjoying life in a community where they are meeting new friends, socializing and staying active, but in a setting that ensures they are well cared for when the need arises. (BONUS YELP: My mom says the staff is friendly, attentive and helpful ... and that's saying a lot considering the "squeaky wheel" reputation my Mom wears like a badge of honor.)