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My husband and I have been looking for a GOOD local Italian restaurant. On a recommendation of a friend and babysitter with the little ones, we went to Tropea in Redmond.
We got one of the last...
My husband and I have been looking for a GOOD local Italian restaurant. On a recommendation of a friend and babysitter with the little ones, we went to Tropea in Redmond.
We got one of the last tables at 6:30 on a Saturday evening. The crowd of Redmondites were casually dressed in this low lit cozy restaurant. The waiter, who my husband swore was hispanic, greeted us with an Italian accent. He was charming and attentive. I don't care if the accent was fake, I enjoyed it!
The house wines were delicious--we enjoyed two glasses each. The rustic bread went great with the very garlicky olive oil.
We ordered the breaded calamari which, unfortunately was not so good. The calamari was a bit rubbery and the breading was tossed on the top. It wasn't what we expected, which is fine, but it also wasn't good. We think it was burned...but since everything else was good, we'll chock it up to an off plate.
My husband ordered a creamy tortellini with proccutio
which had a delicious smokey flavor. It was very heavy. I had the veal marsala which came with a side of rotini. I would have preferred spaghetti with red sauce, but this was fine. The veal was tender and delicious.
We had tiramisu for dessert which is probaby the best tiramisu I have ever had. You could really taste the espresso which had us buzzing all night!! The waiter said it was homemade.
The ambiance, service and food made for a wonderful dinner. The prices were very reasonable and we will be back...maybe with the kids because they do have high chairs!
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I've had luck with watch and jewelry repair at Plateau Jewelers in Sammamish. They've replaced my battery (and even told me not to worry about the $5 when I left my purse at home) and resized some...
I've had luck with watch and jewelry repair at Plateau Jewelers in Sammamish. They've replaced my battery (and even told me not to worry about the $5 when I left my purse at home) and resized some rings.
They seem very honest and I didn't think they were overpriced.
There's even a small area for the kiddos to play.
I've never bought any jewelry there, but it looks lovely.
http://www.plateaujewelers.com/
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I can't tell you how many times I've talked to moms who have said, "I didn't need La Leche League, I didn't have any problems breastfeeding." or, "La Leche League couldn't help me, I just didn't...
I can't tell you how many times I've talked to moms who have said, "I didn't need La Leche League, I didn't have any problems breastfeeding." or, "La Leche League couldn't help me, I just didn't have enough milk."
La Leche League is for every breastfeeding mother who could use some support, encouragement and information. Even if things are going swimmingly, chatting about mothering through breastfeeding is always important to new moms and things come up, even if they are minor, its likely another mother has experienced what you are going through.
As for milk supply, there are rare true occasions of insufficient milk supply, but they are generally linked to a hormonal issue or severe hemmorhaging during childbirth. Often times breastfeeding management is the culprit and LLL can help put things in perspective.
La Leche League is an international, nonprofit, nonsectarian organization dedicated to providing education, information, support, and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed.
Membership in La Leche League International is $40 for one year. Membership fees help to support your local Group and the international organization. The benefits of membership include a one-year subscription to NEW BEGINNINGS magazine.
However, there is no requirement to pay for help. All phone help and meetings are free. All Leaders are volunteer moms. If you find a Leader you just don't click with..try another meeting or call another Leader.
La Leche League Leaders are experienced mothers who have breastfed their own babies and who have been trained and accredited by La Leche League International to help mothers and mothers-to-be with all aspects of breastfeeding. They are available by phone whenever you have breastfeeding questions or concerns.
La Leche League is a valuable resource for breastfeeding and expectant mothers. The best thing to do is to check out a group near you when you are in your last trimester (or earlier). That way, you get a network of support in place BEFORE you have the baby for those crucial early days.
The Seattle Helpline is 206-522-1336. You can find a group in your area here: http://www.lalecheleague.org/Web/Washington.html
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I used to go to Gene Juarez or the Spa at Pro Sports--while I still go to Pro Sports for that relaxing facial, I go to In Spa for waxing. It's inexpensive, they do a decent job and there is no...
I used to go to Gene Juarez or the Spa at Pro Sports--while I still go to Pro Sports for that relaxing facial, I go to In Spa for waxing. It's inexpensive, they do a decent job and there is no tipping! It may not be as cheap as your local nail place, but it's very sanitary and just like a regular spa with private rooms and licensed aethesticians.
Just like anywhere, it depends on who you get...I've had an excellent experience there the 5 out of 6 times I've gone.
There are locations all over the greater Seattle area, and there's a new one in Redmond at the just opened Whole Foods Center.
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Pomegranate is my family's favorite Eastside Restaurant for any occasion--we've been their at least a dozen times since they opened. Whether it's a special celebration, a mom's night out (they'll...
Pomegranate is my family's favorite Eastside Restaurant for any occasion--we've been their at least a dozen times since they opened. Whether it's a special celebration, a mom's night out (they'll divide up the check...even when you are sharing a dish) or just grabbing a bite, Pomegranate is sure to please.
Lisa Dupar, famous for her catering, and her husband, Jonathan Zimmer, opened this family bistro in the industrial office park off of 202 just across from E. Lake Sammamish Parkway the Spring of 2005.
Bright green and pomegranate colored walls and tablecloths compliment the rich dark wood chairs. While the restaurant is open and lively, it's also cozy and warm. You may have to wait a bit, so it may be prudent to call ahead and put your name on the list.
You can dress up or wear a t-shirt and flip flops. Either way you'll feel right at home at this bustling, casually stylish restaurant. There are a few toys for the kiddos at the hostess station to keep the young ones occupied while they wait. You can always gaze through a huge window looking into the Lisa Dupar Catering kitchen to see what's cooking. My favorite is when they are concocting chocolaty treats.
Everything is good on the menu. It was as if the creators tasted, tasted and tested, tested and added a bit of genius to the menu. The menu changes seasonally and is sure to please. You can choose from their affordable firebread menu (firebread is a flat bread---like a cross between pizza crust and focaccia) which has pizza like selections along with sandwiches, their small plates ($6-$11) or their large plates ($13-$28).
Flavors from the Northwest to the Southeast are mingled throughout the offerings. Don't like those peppers in that salad? Have an allergy to dairy and eggs? They will happily accommodate you.
The kid's meals come on a hard plastic TV tray. My kids--normally very picky eaters--devour their handmade fried chicken with mashed potatoes, veggies, gummy bears and raisins and the sweet treat.
At $6.50 plus the cost of a beverage, it's not a cheap, but I know my kids are getting a wholesome dinner that they'll actually eat.
Then there is dessert. The retro recreations are my favorites. While menus change, I've had homemade berry pop tarts and a chocolate soup with a side of homemade nutter butters to die for.
Then there is brunch. Oh, brunch! Why go to IHOP when you can have anything from and egg and hempler bacon firebread sandwich to lemon candied ginger oatcakes or, my favorite, carolina shrimp and stone ground grits with scrambled eggs and toast. The flavor was just incredible. In the summer, get the bowl of fresh berries for just $3.00. It's huge and comes in a slightly sweet sauce.
The wine list and cocktail menu is extensive. Pomegranate was recently awarded the WA Wine Award of Distinction at the WA Wine Restaurant Awards 2006 (according to their website). The cocktails are delicious...try the Pomerita or their Watermelon Mojito.
No time for a meal? Pick up a coffee (Victor's) and a treat at their express counter.
Pomegranate is a customizable experience for whatever you want. We are certainly lucky to have such a treat on the Eastside.
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Try Dr. Maplethorpe at Lakeside Family Physicians in Sammamish (they may be considered Issaquah--just south of Pine Lake). While she isn't a naturopath, she is very open to all kinds of treatment...
Try Dr. Maplethorpe at Lakeside Family Physicians in Sammamish (they may be considered Issaquah--just south of Pine Lake). While she isn't a naturopath, she is very open to all kinds of treatment and is very knowledgeable about breastfeeding, natural childbirth, natural supplements, etc.
www.lakeside-family-physicians.com
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I found a great dentist!
Dr. Ron Sherman at First Impressions Dental in Issaquah is great! He's professional, up front with pricing, conservative and treats you great while in the chair...
I found a great dentist!
Dr. Ron Sherman at First Impressions Dental in Issaquah is great! He's professional, up front with pricing, conservative and treats you great while in the chair (lavender neck warmer, warm blankets, dvds, etc.)
He wants to get things right. When a inlay of mine didn't work out to his satisfaction, we decided to make it a crown at no extra charge to me!
His waiting room is very comfortable (though I've never waited very long) with a fridge full of water and juice and plates of cookies to snack on. There are toys and videos for the kids.
The restroom has disposable toothbrushes in case you are just coming from lunch!
I've recommended many friends here--and oh, they have a great referral program--gift certificates to Bellevue Square every time you refer someone.
I have NEVER EVER liked a dentist so much. I am very picky.
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I have had one good doctor in the Women's Center and many poor experiences. They are very by the book and don't really look at the whole picture. The wait is not much, but there are much, much...
I have had one good doctor in the Women's Center and many poor experiences. They are very by the book and don't really look at the whole picture. The wait is not much, but there are much, much better doctors out there.
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We love Tree House. They are very picky about what they take, so it's easy to find good quality clothing.
Once you learn the "rules" (nothing wrinkled, only in style, no scuffed shoes, 10...
We love Tree House. They are very picky about what they take, so it's easy to find good quality clothing.
Once you learn the "rules" (nothing wrinkled, only in style, no scuffed shoes, 10 items at a time, etc.) consigning is a snap.
My kids drawers and closets are overflowing with Gap, Gymboree, Hanna Andersen, etc. I can say yes to something that I normally wouldn't waste my money on, for example a hot pink Barbie swimsuit, because it's only $2!
They are also a great place for dance items, Girl Scouts and dress up. We got a gorgeous dress for my daughter for $40--brand new.
There are toys for kids to play with when they go, too.
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