|
Great Harvest Bread Company is a business that I write about with some reluctance. I love them so much, that I am afraid if word gets out about them, I won't be able to get near the place.
They...
Great Harvest Bread Company is a business that I write about with some reluctance. I love them so much, that I am afraid if word gets out about them, I won't be able to get near the place.
They are a business that represents themselves well. They bake a darned good loaf of bread and take care of their customers. It is a simple thing and their breads are one of my simple pleasures.
They bake a variety of bread, but some of my favorites are Honey Whole Wheat, Brownie Bread and Chocolate Babka. The Cinnamon Swirl is always a delectable choice as well. I go weekly and make my purchases. One loaf of the Honey Whole Wheat lasts about a week.
They have a calendar that they give out to patrons that shows the breads that will be made each month, and which breads will be available on specific days. I keep it on the fridge and scheme which bread will be coming home with me each week. The calendars aren't the only things that they give out. When you walk into the bakery you're cheerfully greeted and asked if you would like to try a free sample of their fresh bread. Imagine the surprise on a first timer's face when they are handed an entire slice of bread! I am not exaggerating on this, they cut a full slice for you to sample.
Prices are average for a large loaf of bakery fresh bread. About $4.00 for sandwich breads and slightly more for dessert type breads. It is worth every penny when you try that first slice (on them). They also give back to the community with charitable contributions earned from their "Baker for a Day" program. Which shows that they not only care about the bread they bake, but the people who will eat it.
Hide
|
|
If you have the opportunity to do business with New England Federal Credit Union, I would urge you to do so. They have a friendly and helpful staff from the tellers to the loan departments. I have...
If you have the opportunity to do business with New England Federal Credit Union, I would urge you to do so. They have a friendly and helpful staff from the tellers to the loan departments. I have never been treated like anything less than their best customer (and believe me, I am sure they have better).
They provide services that you won't find with most credit unions. A car loan over the phone, and they'll deliver the loan check to you?!? Hallelujah!
Finally, there is a business left that cares about service in this "self serve" world that we have created. They feature low rates on loan products, extended hours of operation, free seminars about home buying, car buying and retirement (to name a few), and a variety of ways to do your banking.
Hide
|
|
Okay, you got me. I am a coupon fiend. I love to save money. Since this is part of my genetic make-up, this grocery store is for me.
They double $1.00 coupons, and triple coupons up to .99 in...
Okay, you got me. I am a coupon fiend. I love to save money. Since this is part of my genetic make-up, this grocery store is for me.
They double $1.00 coupons, and triple coupons up to .99 in specific locations. When they run sale items it is often geared to work with the coupons you've clipped so sale items are often free or nearly free.
I'm not talking about free beef roasts, but the occasional free toothbrush or box of tissue isn't a bad thing, right? I know they do this to get me in the store and it works.
The variety there is fair, but since they aim to be lowest in prices, they have to make up for it by not always having every brand you're looking for. I prefer to purchase organic when ever possible, and they have become better at having these offerings- but it is still rather scant.
The produce departments are usually tidy, but the quality doesn't blow my hair back. It is fair and that's about all I can say. The meats and fish are fresh and the butchers/fish mongers are very informed and pleasant to deal with. The deli is usually courteous and moves patrons through the larger lines at the deli counter.
So go, clip coupons, and save- but make sure you have an Advantage Card, or you won't be able to partake of the sales.
Hide
|
|
You've seen the commercials, women fawning over the bargain that they are getting on an item that they didn't even know they needed. The way they talk, you would think that the retailer was giving...
You've seen the commercials, women fawning over the bargain that they are getting on an item that they didn't even know they needed. The way they talk, you would think that the retailer was giving the item away. This is not so dear reader.
While Christmas Tree Shops are a haven of savings on items from potato chips to patio tables and chairs, much of their merchandise is tomorrow's yard sale items.
I would recommend a trip to Christmas Tree Shop if you are looking for nice gift wrap (all occasions), note cards, photo albums, picture frames, cheap toys, baskets or specialty food items. They have great prices on these items and an abundance of them.
I cannot speak for the quality of their larger items like patio furniture, but I have seen similar items at the local Wal-Mart for similar prices. I think that much of their home decor items are "disposable" items which you will get limited use of, and then need to go back to Christmas Tree Shop to purchase another disposable item! It is a fun place to browse, if you are in the shopping mood, but go with a list and don't' lose your head!!
Hide
|
|
If you are looking for a professional salon/spa that works with the Aveda product line, Stephen and Burns in Burlington, VT is the right place for you. I have been a client at the salon for the last...
If you are looking for a professional salon/spa that works with the Aveda product line, Stephen and Burns in Burlington, VT is the right place for you. I have been a client at the salon for the last 10 years.
The stylists are professional, and dare I say, some of the most talented in the area. Each haircut begins with a neck and head massage with an Aveda aromatherapy oil. Clients are offered tea, coffee or water upon arrival in the salon, and it is a state of the art salon. They have taken the time to make it a comfortable space for clients and stylists. The shampoo chairs are actually relaxing and you don't need to crane your neck to be comfortable in them. (Think "Lazy Boy Recliner" with a shampoo bowl on the end!). The floors are rubberized so that the staff is comfortable on their feet all day, and watching them sweep up hair is an experience. There are special spots in the floor boards with vacuums installed, and they simply sweep the hair to the spot and it sucks it up in a second! They are located in an old bank building and the architecture is beautiful with old tin type high ceilings and murals on the walls.
A haircut will set you back about $45 and a one hour massage about $65, these are prices without a tip, which you will want to include because the service is top notch. The only drawback to this salon is that the waiting area faces the front door, which is great during warmer months and a bummer during the colder months. (You will get a cold blast every time a new client comes in.) The good news is that they typically do not keep you waiting, if at all.
Hide
|
|
If you are a fan of gourmet Chinese/Cantonese/Szechuan cuisine, this is the place for you to go. I don't eat out often but when I do, I only go for the best food out there. Joyce's offers fresh...
If you are a fan of gourmet Chinese/Cantonese/Szechuan cuisine, this is the place for you to go. I don't eat out often but when I do, I only go for the best food out there. Joyce's offers fresh Asian cuisine cooked in 100% vegetable oil and no MSG. Their vegetable spring rolls are to die for! Thin, crispy, and not greasy or heavy. They have an interesting assortment of veggies inside. Baby peas and corn kernels are a few of the veggie surprises rolled inside. These veggie rolls are only better if you choose to dip them in the duck sauce that Joyce's supplies with them. If you go to Joyce's and don't try the vegetable spring rolls, it is like going to the Louvre and missing the Mona Lisa!
If you like it spicy, this is also the restaurant for you! They will adjust the heat to your desired temperature, but be warned, what they consider average is a bit hotter by most restaurants' standards. The Kung Pau bean curd with peanuts is delectable as well as carnivorous pursuits such as the beef and broccoli. They don't skimp on the vegetables and they are always fresh and cooked to perfection.
Check out Joyce's Noodle House when you are in town. You will be glad you did. They aren't expensive, but know it is not "cheap eats" ordering off the menu a la carte. They do offer a good value with their Combination Dinners that are offered all day, ranging in price from $6.25 to $6.75.
Joyce's is located at 5 Carmichael St in Essex Jct.
Hide
|