Marcie "The Beach Bum" M.'s Profile

I am a huge fan of Dr. Leigh Meltzer and the staff at American Health Network.  I prefer this facility over many others and love that it is associated with IU Health North, one of (if not) the best hospital on the north side...come on, it's where the NFL wives give birth! :)

I love Leigh Meltzer b/c she is honest, up front, and doesn't speak to me like I'm a child.  She is a good listener and accommodating.  She doesn't push her baby-having agenda which I really like.

Dr. Mary Pease actually was the doctor on call when I had my 2nd child. She was incredibly calm, patient and very funny during my labor which made me more relaxed and overall have an enjoyable experience (especially compared to my 1st!).

I would highly recommend this practice minus one doctor (feel free to message me about him - hint, it's not Dr. Meltzer's hubby).

If I were having more kiddos (not in the life plan) I would absolutely go back to American Health Network to do so.  

From the front desk to the nurses to the doctors, everyone is very good at what they do, there is very little turnover and I rarely had to wait which I find to be HUGE when you are ginormously pregnant and annoyed most days (especially at the end!).

OK, so this is not about Starbucks coffee or lattes. This is about service...quality or lack thereof.  I am a past Starbucks employee so I do have higher standards, but I do believe that if I spend $700/year in Starbucks and a significant portion of it at this store, I want more for my money. This store inevitably gets my drink wrong once a month (at least). They are slow through the drive through and they do not offer the "experience" or "third place" that Starbucks boasts. They generally aren't very friendly and are ALWAYS (no matter what time of day it is) behind in orders, where it seems they only make drinks off one machine.  I wish that they would take note of these issues and correct them. I know it's a smaller store, but that doesn't mean that there are less customers.

As far as parking, forget it.  It's near impossible to find and getting in and out is somewhat difficult since the redesign of the roundabout at Keystone Parkway.

I love me some Starbucks but I only stop here if I "HAVE" to.

Yes, I know - 1st world problems.

So, I'm a working mom in Carmel.  This means a lot of things but mostly it means, I had to find a good daycare for my two kiddos, a 2 year old and an infant and let's just say it's not easy OR cheap to do this. I was looking for consistency, reliability and convenient location.  I wasn't looking for my child to learn four languages, have algebra mastered by age 4 or memorize the 50 states so a few of those were immediately eliminated. I looked for caring individuals who love children and genuinely want to ensure my kiddos are well taken care of for 9 hours a day.  

I have interviewed, talked to or met with about 14 daycares in the area.  I'm an over-researcher in this area.  I did the in-home thing, the nanny thing and now I'm doing the daycare thing and it works the best.  It just does.  

The Kindercare on Hazel Dell is wonderful!  The teachers care very much, there is not too much turnover, and the director, Terri, is great. Her door is LITERALLY always open and she is always super friendly, willing to work with my ever-changing/flexible schedule and they allow part-time for babies, which is pretty rare overall with daycares.

I also get the best discount offered in the area.  It's not much for two kids but 10% off each's tuition is a savings of nearly $300 a month.  That is nothing to sniffle at.

I won't say it's cheap.  It's not...but good daycare never is. But that is why it gets 4 stars, b/c HOLY HELL it's a second mortgage and I'm not going to pretend like I like that. But I know for the money we are paying goes towards everything I need in daycare...and that makes it worth it.

For my 2 year old, he went from not saying more than 10 words to a full vocabulary in less than four months.  He may have gotten there on his own, but I do warrant a constant attention to the matter and the teachers b/c they knew it was something we were concerned about.  He has learned structure and lessons in listening.  He has outdoor play and indoor play and naps once a day.  They give balanced full meals and pay very close attention to his needs.

They also help with potty training which is HUGE and not something every daycare offers.  Frankly I cannot believe they don't, b/c HOW is a working family supposed to dedicate their time to it if the daycare doesn't step up and help too??

With the infant room, my child has her own crib, plenty of areas to lay, play and a swing for relaxation. I love the teachers in her room and I get a sheet for each child every day telling me how their day went.  

I overall have been very happy with Kindercare.  While no daycare situation is perfect and while we struggle with whether daycare is the right decision for us, Kindercare makes our lives easier and the joy on Max's face at drop off each day gives me peace of mind.  

I would HIGHLY recommend the Kindercare in Carmel at 131st and Hazel Dell.  I cannot speak for the others but Terri and her staff are amazing, friendly and always make my life easier when I need them.

I've had a lot of massages at a lot of spa/salon locations around town and I have to say, this place DESERVES the 5 stars for many reasons, but solely, the EXPERIENCE was fantastic.  I am very high maintenance when it comes to spa expectations.  Traveling to spa resorts all over the Caribbean and Mexico have spoiled me.  I am used to spas outside of Indy has being welcoming, smelling amazing (like lavender and jasmine with a splash of something sweet)and a staff that makes you feel like you are on vacation (because I usually am).  I don't mind dropping a "benjamin" on a really good massage at one of these resorts b/c the spa itself sets a tone of relaxation, calmness and quiet....which allows the mind to turn off and the tension to melt away.

I have yet to find this anywhere locally and although I've had some GOOD massages I prefer an overall experience when I'm spending a lot of money.  I want nice sheets, warm even. I want dark lighting and comfortable waiting areas.  I want a polite and low key staff that I can't hear talking about the latest celebrity gossip.  I want it to smell delicious and I want to RELAX.

Most spas are inside of salons where it's loud, often rowdy and where lounge areas are nonexistent.  Even at David and Mary's where I spent nearly $300 on a spa day, I had to wait in an uncomfortable high backed chair in the lobby area where everyone was coming and going.  I didn't get to relax until I was getting changed and even then, it was "go go go".

Woodhouse Day Spa is the exact expectation for re-lax-a-tion.  Say it slowly now...b/c you are going to be taken on a journey.  From entering the spa, I was taken on a small tour where they showed me where the NICE ladies changing area was (clean shower, bathroom and generously sized lockers in dark wood), the sitting area where you wait for your treatments.  You can show up early and read a book before your treatment or just close your eyes and have some sweet dreams.  There are massage and treatment rooms in a dark, low lit hallway and the aromatherapy wafting through IMMEDIATELY allows you to release the pressure you might be carrying in your shoulders.

I was able to get undressed leisurely (and there were a size 7 slipper and a small robe waiting for me as they asked this info over the phone when I made my appointment) and then I filled out my paperwork in peace in the lounge area.  They had multiple beverages (all of the relaxing nature) waiting for those interested from hot tea to fresh lemon water.  All very tasty!

And the waiting area was COMFY.  Large oversized chairs, a couple of nice couches, books to read and other nice pieces made for comfort and really setting the tone of the overall experience.

My massage was nothing short of brilliant, lasting 80 minutes.  I was in spa heaven.  I loved the massage table, which was gloved in heavy count cotton sheets that were soft and warm.  The room was perfect temperature and the therapist was talented and the technique was right on.

Woodhouse really knows what it is doing.  It's not trying to be everything to everyone.  It's a spa offering SPA services, not every service under the sun. The staff is polite and professional.  The facility is clean and welcoming.

My hubby recently asked me what I wanted for our 5 year anniversary.  Hands down - a gift card for a facial, massage and pedicure from Woodhouse would suffice, b/c once a quarter, I definitely need an escape from the stress of being a mom of two, working 60 hours a week and my constantly dinging emails on my Iphone.  Gimmmmmeeee.  Can't wait to go back!  Worth every penny!

Hey hot mamas....do you have hips and thighs and rounder body parts than the stick figures you see in Victoria's Secrets?  Well, I can tell you that skip right on by VS and head to Soma Intimates.  Since having kiddos, this is my go-to place for all things under the clothes and even for a few fun dress up wardrobe pieces from dresses to jackets!  I love the quality of fabrics, the no slip undies, the perfect fit (no back fat) bras, the super soft comfort of the PJs, the fun slippers, amazing robes....awwwweeee sigh.  

I am not a shopper so to get me out of my house and off the internet is something of  a miracle.  I love the ladies who work in this store.  They are always very nice, accommodating and helpful.  Overall, I highly recommend this store where you should find some kind of underwear comfort and who the hell doesn't need that?!?!?!

That's what I thought.  Now, go. You won't regret it.

Last week, I was at Lacy Boggs Optometry in downtown Lebanon and she offered to show me a cute local cafe for a quick lunch bite.  I'm so glad she did!  The owners are two young entrepreneurial go-getters.  Friendly, fun and trendy, the couple has created a lovely ambiance in a beautiful space just off the square.  I got the Northwood which is a pork loin sandwich with blueberry BBQ sauce and Ohhhh Myyyy Gooooodnesssssss....it was absolutely delectable!  The bun was warm and fresh!  Yummmo.

There was an array of desserts that also caught my eye but my ass told me to stay put and avoid them. I am sad I did.  It's a good thing I am going to pick up my glasses in a week or so b/c I can't stop dreaming of those lovely brownies and cookies and get a true taste!

For a perfectly affordable price, this is worth a stop in if you are in or out of the area.  Support this local couple and enjoy this adorable cafe which is unique and welcoming!  You won't regret it.

Pregnant girls!  Do not pass go.  Do not collect $200.  Go directly to Grille 39 in Carmel.  My mom's group, Mamas Helping Mamas spend a few Mondays a month having martinis here (none for you PG ladies), and I have to tell you, aside from those, I looooooooooove the apple crisp dessert which comes in a large hot bowl of deliciousness full of crispy delightful flavors that burst in your mouth and then a sweet cool refreshing vanilla bean ice cream to cleanse your pallet.  OMG.  I want one now.  

For starters, the salads are always wonderful and I've had the salmon on multiple occasions and it is sooooo good.  

The service is consistent and the restaurant is quiet, trendy and romantic if you want something a little more intimate.  For medium groups, they have a semi-private room which is great for couples dinners out and they don't charge for the space.

Overall, this is a great meeting place for a nice meal if you want to hear yourselves talk or if you are looking for a fun, hot dessert to make your belly happy.

I cannot believe I have never Yelped this place.  It is seriously my FAVORIT-O Mexican restaurant in Indy....it was so sad when it burnt to the ground.  But it is BACK and better than ever! I cannot believe how beautiful, fun and updated it is.  It's twice the size and the bar is incredible!  I was so blown away at my visit this week.  I took my Beach Bum team in for lunch and we all had wonderful authentic fresh meals that came out faster than ever.  The cheese dip is awesome, the fajita chicken salad is my favorite with juuuuuui-say chunks of chicken and not too greasy.  

I love the large glasses that they refill endlessly and the staff is always great.

Rafael the owner is so honest and helpful, friendly and excited about his business.  I absolutely adore him and his new place!

If you are in the area, you cannot miss this Mexican restaurant!

Disappointing, overpriced and overrated.  They do this one day a year.  They charge $10 per person over 10 at the door and then nail you on overpriced food/drinks inside as well.  NOTHING is really free except face painting and fake tattoos.  I was sorely disappointed.  It was crowded which made it LOOK like a lot more fun than it was.

I'm sorry but the likes of Stoneycreek and Stuckey are sure to be better experiences, especially when they don't charge to get into the event.  

Every single time I go to Trader's Point Creamery I am disappointed (except at Christmas to see Santa).  I don't think there is much else to be said.

I am having a slumber party tonight (sorry guys, no pillow fights here) with my sister, her friend and our kiddos.  We were discussing a few awesome food experiences when we remembered we had not yelped our awful experience at Creation Cafe a few weeks ago.  So, I hopped on and read Jon's awful experience and realize he is calling all yelpers to remind them that customers should come first.

Here's the shitastic experience:
- Reservations the night of a concert and were seated 15 minutes late.
- Ordered our appetizers to share at 6:05...
......7:05, no food nor had we had a drink refill due to no one waiting on our table of 8....(employed people with money to spend on drinks - girls night out - hello!)

...Asked waiter (goofy lookin' guy) if he could check on our order and he said that four other tables were in front of us even though two tables who sat AFTER us had received their food.  We then explained we had tickets to a concert and would like him to ask the kitchen to expedite our orders.

He didn't come back so I got up and asked to speak to the manager about paying for our drinks and leave so we could get to the concert (after waiting another 15 minutes).

The hostess was supposed to help us but she didn't...we waited another 15 minutes and then out came our food WITH THE MANAGER (the evil blond) - after 7:30 (which means the concert was already starting).

We explained why we were upset and wondering why we had to wait so long while other tables were served before us despite our reservation. She never gave us an answer.

She would not remove the gratuity despite our requests even though we received HORRIBLE service.  Instead of apologizing to us, she laughed at us and reprimanded us for not planning our evening better and expecting quicker dinner service on a Saturday night...she made us feel like we should not get our dinner any faster than 2 hours after we ordered it.  Remember, we had a reservation nearly 2 hours (!!!) before the concert....

So, let's recap....reservation (seated late), ordered immediately (no appetizers for an hour), waited another 30 minutes for an answer as to no food, food came, and when we expressed concerned, we were told how wrong we were to be there.

It's really sad b/c the beautiful setting + the gorgeous restaurant really draws you in but the terrible service RUINED the vibe of the evening.  

I 100% agree with Jon ...but I'm not sure why he has given them the extra star...seriously, take that other star off!! This place sucks.

It is the worst service I've ever had in my beloved downtown. :(  

This place need a Restaurant Impossible make-over...stat.