Sip

Don't sip on this. Pardon my phrasing, but I have better places to go for a smoothie than this overpriced juice bar. I went one day last month and I was told to tell the barista, for lack of a better word, that I was suffering from allergies and to ask her to recommend something. She proceeded to ask me what my allergies were and I explained what I was told. But the barista didn't have any recommendations. In fact, she looked like a deer in headlights so I picked something and then left with my gross $7 smoothie. Usually, when an employee knows a restaurant, as for a recommendation and you will get one. This place was a mess.

Capelli Salon

I am very sad that Smooch Beauty Boutique closed in May. I was happy to hear there was a plan in place for everyone who purchased a package or gift card, but I was not happy to hear Capelli Salon is where all the Smooch clients will be going.

I went to Capelli once years ago and once was more than enough. I will never go to Capelli again because I got the worst service ever. I got a great hair cut, but I also tried to purchase product and that did not go over well with the employees. I was surprised no one tried to sell me products after my hair cut. But what happened next when I tried again to purchase product made me realize, this place is just unfriendly.

Before Ulta began selling Butter London, Capelli was my only option and so I told the receptionist to put me on the list for a bottle of Chancer. The receptionist took down my information and said she would call me when it came in. I called a month after placing the order to see if the polish arrived. The woman who answered said, "No...did we call you?" I replied, "No, but it has been a month so I wanted to know of the order has been placed." The woman on the phone responded, "If we didn't call you, we don't have it." I thought seriously?! I can't even inquire about the polish? So you don't want to sell me anything? I think that conversation took place two years ago. Not only have I not forgotten it, I tell everyone I can. I have never had someone get upset for me just innocently asking about something I want to buy. I also never got called back about the polish. So, go anywhere other than Capelli. Lots of places offer hair cuts and better service.

Trillium: A Complete Salon and Day Spa

Run to Trillium. In fact, if you're in Boyne City, run to Petoskey. Trillium is an amazing place for the price. The service and quality of the products are excellent. I was in awe of the facilities. 

An acquaintance suggested Solace Spa. Then I saw the price and decided no upcoming graduate student should spend that much money. I had been dealing with a stiff neck which didn't help since I used to have severe back problems and I didn't do anything to end up in that kind of shape. So I thought, get a 90-minute massage. 

Pat Junker was my massage therapist. She was incredibly well-trained. I was surprised to learn that her daughter was the owner and that she and her husband were missionaries in Japan around World War II. I knew the owner's parents were missionaries, but I didn't expect her mother to be working at the salon. I am glad I met Pat. She was so sweet, kind, professional, and very effective. I wish I lived in Petoskey for this reason alone. It was the best massage I have ever had, not that I have had a ton, but I have definitely had my fair share. A few years ago I was in physical therapy for months for my back and this session with Pat was much more effective. The plus side is that I received a very kind thank you note. It was hand written. In this day and age, how often do you get this kind of service and gratitude? Stop by Trillium today. 

Eco Smoothie Café

Eco Smoothie Café is a fairly new smoothie shop in Petoskey that I had the pleasure of visiting everyday on my vacation. I love smoothies and I try to eat healthy as much as possible, so a smoothie shop in this lovely vacation town is a huge blessing.

However, the owner's down in the dumps mood made this visit to the shop depressing. My first visit to the store when I innocently inquired to the dairy products in the smoothies, I was told in a snarky manner how I am not the only person going dairy free. I just asked a question. So, I hope Ryan Nelson, the owner, sees the return of his business partner and maybe this will be the perfect smoothie shop. 

The smoothies themselves are delicious and healthy. I might try adding Emergen-C to a smoothie the next time I am in town, but I have a sneaking suspicion that this might bomb. Emergen-C packets that I have had in the past as a singer always trying to stay healthy have given drinks a carbonated kick. But overall, all five smoothies that I had on my trip were delicious. Granted, some didn't look appetizing as you'll see in the picture below, but I grew up on Barley Green as a childhood drink so everything looks delicious to me. 

And an added bonus is the free admission to the blender museum. 

Stop by Eco Smoothie today which is located at 200 Petoskey Street in Petoskey, Michigan and stay healthy on your vacation.

Dear Prudence

Dear Prudence is a reasonably priced cute boutique in overpriced East Grand Rapids. 

The above picture is from their wall of $30 and under finds. Often, the jewelry is sold in sets. I love the sets so I never have to think about how to look presentable if I am in a hurry. 

The owner, Prudence, features local artists in her store as well. Even though she isn't a Michigan native, I appreciate how she welcomes the locals warmly with this gesture. Not all business owners have this positive mentality. This is how Prudence and I became friends. So yes, while I am unbiased on my blogs, I like to be honest where there could be bias.

Unfortunately, like all products that you don't make yourself, things fall apart or come out the wrong color. The great thing is that Prudence and her staff are understanding and work with you to get you looking like a million bucks for a lot less and remedy all repairs.

Mandarin Chinese Restaurant

I love Chinese food, but I don't like buffets. I think buffets serve poorly prepared food for the masses. But if I review a buffet, this means the buffet is delicious and fresh because I would not be caught dead at a buffet otherwise. I love the buffet at Mandarin Chinese Restaurant and I go there any weekend that I can afford to stock up on crawfish.

While I am sure a number of items are not fresh and probably came in frozen, the food doesn't taste or look like it was sitting out all day under a heat lamp. The clean interior and comfy booth seats and nice tables attribute to the restaurant not having that typical cheap Chinese buffet joint feel. Those restaurants feel like they are borderline hole in the wall joints. (I still argue the only hole in the wall in the US is The Hole in The Wall by The University of Texas-Austin campus.)

Here are some pictures of the variety you will find at Mandarin Chinese Restaurant.

Even though this is a Chinese restaurant, they also serve sushi. 

The lunch buffet price is incredibly reasonable. On Monday through Friday, lunch buffet is $6.50 and dinner is $9.50 Monday through Thursday. For the weekend, prices go up with a change in the buffet selection. I can't comment on all the changes, but I know that crawfish is added on Friday evenings and is available on Sarurday and Sunday. Buffet on the weekends is $10.99. If you're in a rush and don't feel like placing an order, take out buffet is available. On Monday through Friday, lunch buffet to go is $4.99 per pound without seafood and $5.99 per pound with seafood. On Monday through Friday, dinner buffet to go is $7.99. On Saturday and Sunday, when crawfish is available, take out buffet is $7.99 per pound. 

The restaurant also offers a wide variety of dishes aside from the buffet. Don't overlook their menu. I love the steamed dumplings. Most people order potstickers, but steaming is the healthier way to go. Unfortunately, I am on a dairy free diet, but my friends rave about the crab cheese. I used to love crab cheese until I started this diet, so you will have to take their word for it. 

For more information, visit Mandarin Chinese Restaurant's website at http://mandaringrandrapids.com or stop by the restaurant at 2460 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI  49512. In fact, stop by the restaurant, you won't regret it. The staff is super friendly and kind, especially the owners. The restaurant is owned by a husband and wife and their middle-aged daughter and sometimes I think the mother sweetly greets all her customers like they are her own children.