Lash Envy (Denver) Review

LASH ENVY

My Opinions: I wasn't sure I would find a comparable lash company in Denver, but Aly Warren's Lash Envy office (near the Cherry Creek Mall) does great work. They use Xtreme Lashes and my stylist, Jacque, is able to artfully apply a significant amount of lashes to make my lash line look full and natural.

The office is located in an apartment building, this surprised me on my first visit because I was not advised, but once inside, Aly maintains a clean and calming environment for you to get your application done. The prices are fair and they even sell some great products like a natural lash stimulator formula, brow pencils and grooming tools. To note: I've been happy with the staying power these lashes have. I can go 4-5 weeks before another application, and they use a quick drying glue that reduces irritation.

Desirability: 5 of 6 acclamations

Most Recent Visit: 10/18/2011
Amount Visited: 2
Experiences: Lash Application

Address: 3329 E. Bayaud Avenue, Suite 804, Denver, CO 80209 (multiple locations)
Website:  LashEnvyinc.com  Phone: (303) 717-5247
Social Networking: Facebook /Lash Envy

Exhale Spa (Boston) Review

EXHALE SPA

My Opinions:  Congrats on opening up its newest location in Battery Wharf! I am looking forward to trying out the extra large yoga studios.

As a whole, this spa has impressed me. The layout is serene, the products used are quality, and the facilities are exceptionally maintained. They offer a great variety of services including yoga classes, acupuncture, lash extensions (what I primarily come here for), herbal cleansing, and more. The staff is always formal, well trained and kind. I am not impressed with the front desk's professionalism, but it's probably due to having a high turnover rate. Thankfully, they are a minimal part of the experience here.

To be fair, if you're looking for a wide variety of lash types and add-on products, then this place is not the right fit for you. If you're looking for luxurious surroundings, then opt for Exhale. Also, they can accept American Express cards and their lash fills are significantly cheaper than what's charged at LuxLash.

Experiences: Lash Application, Deep Tissue Massage, Body Glow, Yoga

Address:  28 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116 (multiple locations)
Website: exhalespa.com  Phone: (617) 532-7000
Social Networking: Twitter @ExhaleBoston  –  Facebook /ExhaleSpa

Previous Posts:  September 2010  -  August 2010

Hotel Teatro Review

HOTEL TEATRO

My Opinions:  Free water bottles in the room? Free mini-fridge? Free fresh fruit in the gym? ... SOLD!

What a wonderful boutique hotel. Located across from the new Four Seasons Denver, Teatro offers excellent service, sizable rooms, and finishing touches like a gym, two restaurants, being pet friendly, and being EPA Certified.

I am looking forward to staying here again very soon.

Address: 1100 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202
Website: www.hotelteatro.com  Phone: (303) 228-1100
Social Networking: Twitter @HotelTeatro  –  Facebook /Hotel Teatro

Southwest Airline Review

SOUTHWEST AIRLINE

My Opinions:  WOW - I just realized how much I like Jet Blue. 

I did not know that there were major airlines still in operation that employed the "don't-cut-the-line" approach to boarding, fight-for-your-seat assignments, no televisions, tight legroom, anti-handicap-sized bathrooms, and no food to purchase sustenance-program! (If you're rolling your eyes, then roll away, because I was starving.)

This was certainly one of my most unpleasant flight experiences that I can remember. It is family-friendly ... rather, family-heavy ... but the prices have risen to the point that any other airline I can think of will be my next go-to. Also, unless you are extremely particular to which tiny seat you want, paying their upgrade fee is ineffective. <DING!>

Website: www.southwest.com  Phone: (800) 435-9792
Social Networking: Twitter @SouthwestAir  –  Facebook /Southwest Airlines

Holiday Help

HOLIDAY HELP (... and beyond)

Party Planning: Fleur Irisee (shameless, I know! We can plan an unforgettable gathering for you, or simply assist you in the day-of management.)
Flowers: Winston Flowers (Holidays are the time to showcase arrangements that make an impact, be it hosting a party, surprising a loved one or impressing clients - these flowers are pieces of art and can compete with all the other holiday glitz.)
Memories: Generations Cinemastories (Capture your precious moments with this talented group ... you're sure to discover some missed moments or witness some funny unplanned follies that will entertain everyone for years to come!)
Fashion for Men: Macy's (They have a great selection of suits, ties, slacks and blazers at affordable prices - better still, they can tailor your outfits as well.)
Fashion for Women: Lord & Taylors and Saks (If you're not into boutique shopping, Lord & Taylors has a large variety of dresses to choose from, and Saks' shoe and accessory department is unbeatable!)
Gifts: The Little Pearl (Special times call for a special gift and caviar is a symbol of indulgence) and Cambria Cove (Has fun and reasonably priced gifts for co-workers and family alike.)
Dine: Menton, L'Espalier and O Ya (These are all impressive restaurants for a special occasion or romantic rendezvous.)
Donate: Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) and Children's Trust Fund (Give a selfless gift that warms your heart and helps someone in need.)

Peapod Service Review

Peapod by Stop & Shop

My Opinions: I have come to trust and appreciate this food delivery service since moving into a Boston apartment where close parking is hard to come by. It's difficult for me to carry heavy bags, and I don't like to make multiple trips, so this is a perfect service for me.  They bring everything up to my apartment, and not just to the front door of my building.

I was initially concerned with ordering fresh items like fruits and vegetables because I was not there to pick out the freshest looking ones, but they have done a nice job. I have never gotten anything that was bruised or expired. I also like their customer retention program, product information, online specials, and discounted delivery times.

My only hope is that they continue to add to the on-line inventory of items they typically have in stock at the store. I recommend giving this a try (don't forget to tip the delivery person!).

Website: www.peapod.com  Phone: (800) 573-2763
Social Networking: Twitter @PeapodDelivers  –  Facebook /Peapod Delivers

Exhale Spa (Boston) Review

EXHALE SPA

My Opinions:  In my last entry, I claimed that Exhale "is now officially my new favorite spa in the city!", and my affection grows for it after today's lash application here. I was certainly nervous to switch from LuxLash lashes to another, less known, lash application, but I needed a switch. The pleasant surprise was that my lashes looked fuller than they ever got from LuxLash!

To be fair, if you're looking for a wide variety of lash types and add-on products, then this place is not the right fit for you. If you're looking for quality and luxurious surroundings, then opt for Exhale. Also, they can accept American Express cards and their lash fills are significantly cheaper than what's charged at LuxLash.

On a whole, the spa's layout is spacious and the service list is rich with the basic services, yoga classes, and more exclusive treatments like acupuncture, lash extensions, herbal cleansing, and more.

Experiences: Lash Application, Deep Tissue Massage, Body Glow, Yoga

Address:  28 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116 (multiple locations)
Website: www.exhalespa.com  Phone: (617) 532-7000
Social Networking: Twitter @ExhaleBoston  –  Facebook /ExhaleSpa

Previous Posts:  August 2010

Exhale Spa (Boston) Review

EXHALE SPA

My Opinions:  Self-pampering is a great way to beautify a rainy gray day in Boston, don't you think?  I hear that if you look better, it helps make the city look better. <wink>  To be serious though, this is now officially my new favorite spa in the city! 

The layout is spacious and the service list is rich with the basic services, yoga classes, and more exclusive treatments like acupuncture, lash extensions (look out LuxLash), herbal cleansing, and more.

Matthew was a fantastic masseuse, the first one in years that impressed me as much as my regular gent. The Body Glow was the best exfoliating treatment I've ever received, but you have to be ready for a little discomfort for a lot of benefit. It was an hour of brushing, scrubbing, rubbing and buffing ... much like I image a luxury car feels after getting detailed! This would be a great treatment to get once or twice a month.  Unfortunately they don't offer packages, but the facilities and staff are top notch, so the pricing is worth it.

Experiences: Deep Tissue Massage, Body Glow

Address:  28 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116 (multiple locations)
Website: www.exhalespa.com  Phone: (617) 532-7000
Social Networking: Twitter @ExhaleBoston  –  Facebook /ExhaleSpa

LuxLash Review

LuxLash

My Opinions: It's time for my monthly lash appointment, but I going to pass <gulp>. I've been going to LuxLash for months, but in less than a year, they've increased their prices and gotten rid of their customer retention program, something that comes off as a bit greedy, mismanaged and is turning me off.  I'd rather they start high and maintain their rate for at least a full year.  Yes, they currently charge more in Beverly Hills, but that doesn't change my opinion about their frequent price increases here in Boston, and, as a fellow business woman, if you know your price point, why not start there?

To their point, they are fantastic lashes, and the women working there are great, but there other places that do lash applications that I may now try and the self-application lashes are getting better and better.

P.S. This is a great service to get done, especially a few days before a wedding or party! They offer  bridal packages, temporary lashes, lash extensions (what I have), waxing and even semi-permanent make-up. There are also products to support your quest for beauty secrets.

Experiences: Lash Extensions

Address: 232 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116 (multiple locations)
Website: http://www.luxlash.com  Phone: (617) 587-5274
Social Networking: Twitter @LuxLashBoston – Facebook /LuxLash, Inc.

Older Posts: June 2010

Wedding Vendor: Taylor Creative

Click on the image to see photos of the furniture I rented from Taylor Creative for a wedding I planned at the Boston Harbor Hotel (July 2010). They were reliable and did a great job setting up.

LuxLash Review

LuxLash

My Opinions: So for those who didn't know, I'm a "lash addict". I have very thin and short lashes, and I've tried everything from mascara to strip lashes but was never happy with the results, so when I found this solution I was hooked - They have a lovely and accessible storefront on Newbury Street and you always get friendly service - I am excited that they just started offering manis & pedis while you get your lash extensions applied because you're there for about an hour or so - Lash extensions last as long as your natural lashes do (so about 6 weeks) and you don't have to wear mascara ... I'm off to schedule my lash fill - see you there!

P.S. This is a great service to get done, especially a few days before a wedding or party! They offer  bridal packages, temporary lashes and lash extensions (what I have), waxing and even semi-permanent make-up. There are also products to support your quest for beauty secrets.

Experiences: Lash Extensions

Address: 232 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116 (multiple locations)
Website: http://www.luxlash.com  Phone: (617) 587-5274
Social Networking: Twitter @LuxLashBoston – Facebook /LuxLash, Inc.

Bridal Carriage Company

When a limo is not enough ...

One of my favorite transportation vendors, Bridal Carriage Company, just added me to their website under "Of Interest" column - I'm so pleased!

Sally is a fantastic business woman and has such a big heart ... a perfect person to work with for a one-of-a-kind special day.

Bridal Carriage Company offers horse drawn carriages for weddings and other special events.  The drivers are classy, punctual and dressed to impress. Their carriages are comfortable and maintained in picture-perfect condition. And, unlike some other companies, their horses and carriages are licensed through the department of Public Safety, and are inspected annually. All of their horses have valid certificates of good health issued each year by their veterinarian as well.