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I was recently introduced to Er'Go Candles. I first saw them in one of my beauty industry magazines and after contacting the company, was sent a wholesale sampler kit (I am a business, the sampler...
I was recently introduced to Er'Go Candles. I first saw them in one of my beauty industry magazines and after contacting the company, was sent a wholesale sampler kit (I am a business, the sampler would not be available to anyone without a tax ID number).
Wow! Can I say impressive? The lady I spoke with sent me just a smattering of scents but all were absolutely fabulous!
I have received sampler packs from other companies that don't even recommend bothering to burn the small candles they send. They recommend that you just use them to smell the scents. There was no such note with the Er'Go candles so I fired up the Cinnamon Bark scent. Heavenly! The most real, rich cinnamon scent I have ever come across aside from the real thing! And the tiny promo tin size scented my ENTIRE living room/dining area! I could even smell it down the hall!
Er'Go candles are created from pure soy wax with premium scents in a wide array. Everything from spices, flowers, bakery, citrus, beverages, fruits, seasonal and more...Lush, beautiful and true. Very pure burning and good for the environment as well.
Er'Go is worth checking out for worthy high-end candles.
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I haven't slept for years...
At least that would be the first thing my mouth would want to say if you asked me about it. Yeah...slight exaggeration but to me, it doesn't feel like it.
My family on...
I haven't slept for years...
At least that would be the first thing my mouth would want to say if you asked me about it. Yeah...slight exaggeration but to me, it doesn't feel like it.
My family on my dad's side is pretty much nocturnal. I was raised in a house with my mom, dad, and paternal grandmother so I got to witness their shining example of being up all night and then doing your damnest to interact somewhat normally the rest of the day until you could sneak off and catch a few zzz's. Then, whenever you had free time, you spent it sleeping or if you were really lucky, in a depressive fit...no doubt enhanced by lack of sleep.
So now flash forward to my adult life.
I sleep badly. No doubt this is made more of an issue by the fact that both my oldest (when she was a baby) and my youngest (who still is a baby) held the firm belief that keeping me up all night and waking me over and over and over ad nauseum if I did happen to fall asleep was the best idea ever. Tack onto that intense depression both of the hereditary and situational variety wrecking havoc with my emotions during a very unhealthy first marriage. Now that is resolved but my new husband has severe sleep apnea . His disorder was just recently diagnosed after years of me staring at him with murder in my eyes throughout all the hours of the night and many of the hours of the day. Would forensic specialists be able to figure out that my husband passed away because I stuck my fingers up his nose and pinched his lips shut?
Ok, I am kidding and thoughts of that nature would never enter my head as funny generally speaking but night after night after night after endless, insufferable night of listening to roof raising, earth shattering, shake the very foundation of the house snores made worse by the fact that my husband views me as his teddy bear so he hugs me into his massive chest so the snores reverberate through him, making me enveloped in a veritable cacophony of crushing snores have made me a little...er...'special.' >.<
Next comes the hitching pause where he totally quits breathing for many, many seconds at a time. Of course, even if I could sleep through his snoring rampage, I can't sleep through him not breathing generally speaking but if I could...well, there is the next step that would surely make sleep completely and utterly impossible...and that is the end of the hitching non-breathing where he suddenly gasps, wheezes, snorts and/or chokes himself back into breathing.
Now imagine night after endless night so bad that I made my husband I adore sleep in the living room just so I could sleep a little, teensy bit. This didn't work either btw...I could hear him from the living room!
So...his doctor recommends a sleep study and off we go.
First stop is a visit to the pulmonologist Dr. Cox. Dr. Cox is the most amazingly friendly doctor I have ever met. His is so wonderful that you have to believe that he is a truly good man in all aspects of his life, not just his work but that is a review for another day.
He recommends that my husband have a sleep study done at Steven's Sleep Center and that is where the review portion of this seeming article begins.
My husband goes to the sleep study where he is going to stay all night. The staff arranges for him to have a late bedtime because they don't want him too off of his normal schedule. He usually doesn't get home from work until 11:30pm and not to bed until 2am so they want him bed around 12:30-ish if possible. He had a very nice technician named Ir who was very friendly, knowledgeable and made us feel like he really cared. He was also just fun to talk to in general. Ir spent about 45 minutes hooking Tim up to a bunch of electrodes and leads. This involves skin prep, hooking up, and testing everything. I spent all my time making fun of how my hubby looked with all the wires and goofy stuff all over his head :D You know he appreciated it:D
I got to stay with Tim until he went to bed but until then, we watched TV, movies, ate stuff that the clinic provided to both of us even though I wasn't the patient. We filled out paperwork and mostly relaxed. Tim was nervous because he doesn't like to sleep without me. I was excited to actually get to sleep a bit for once!
I made fun of him when they tried a CPAP machine on him because when he tried to talk, it sounded really funny. He really appreciated that part too:D
The bed was very comfy and all the rooms looked like nice mid-scale hotel rooms but with much better mattresses. They videotape you the entire time you are there and they can also hear you the entire time. Once you are in bed, they put you through a series of tests to be sure all the sensors are working and that they can track your movements and then you sleep.
Tim had to go back to have a second sleep study because he was found to be severely apneaic with his oxygen dropping to very alarming levels. The second study was to titrate a CPAP machine for him which he is now using and I am finally getting a bit more sleep although I can't say he is yet because he is still getting used to his machine.
The service at the Sleep Center was equally as excellent as before. Tim had Ir again as his technician and his service was excellent.
Now here is where I get my come-uppance.
I recently went to my doctor to discuss some of my issues when she looks at me and says 'I think maybe you should do your own sleep study.' Now you have to understand...I did not jump to the obvious conclusion at all. I look at her blankly (because she couldn't possibly mean the obvious, right?) and say 'how would I conduct my own sleep study?' She laughs and tells me that she means I need to go in to the clinic and have an actual study done like my husband just did >.<
I am horrified because of all my making fun of him I did! I go to see Dr. Cox and he is as wonderful as he was before. He recommends a different type of study for me. Not only do I have the all night one but I also get an all day one where I have to take a series of naps throughout the day! OMG!
So I arrive. I have a different tech named Jamie. He totally rocks and is a blast. This is nice since I get to spend so much time with him. He is also very knowledgable and efficient. I have a late bedtime too so Tim and I get to hang out while Jamie takes care of the other patient he is overseeing for the night. I am dreading the hookup. I am dreading the CPAP trial. I am dreading most of it because I made so much fun of Tim >.< My doctor told me that I was going to have to eat crow and get over it ! Hmph!
Then it begins. Now I have very sensitized skin and as an esthetician, I have professional exfoliation treatments done to my skin on a regular basis so I don't want the rather aggressive exfoliation they do before they put the electrodes on because for me, that would just be too much. I was also dreading the alcohol they put all over Tim's face and how they sprayed him down with antiperspirant. The did none of these things with my skin and took my concerns very seriously. If a piece of tape was bugging me, they fixed it without acting like I was being too high maintenance. Tim only giggled a little bit and tried to make me talk while I was testing out the CPAP which I am sure I won't need because I don't even snore but we shall see >.<
I did my night study and then in the morning, I was handed off to one of the day techs named Stephanie. I had met Stephanie before and she was equally great. Very kind and considerate but also making me feel comfortable as I am walking all over the place with no makeup on, my stupid non-matching pjs, my hair full of glue and electrodes coupled with no conditioner or styling products because you can't have those in your hair so it's super frizzy. I looked ridiculous but they made it bearable. I was awakened at 8am, up for a bit and then back down for a nap. This went on all day until I finally went home.
The experience was interesting. Good people, very comfy beds, nice rooms which all helps balance the itchy tape, paste in your hair, nose tubes and more:)
Steven's Hospital Sleep Center was great. If you need a sleep study and are in our area, I would highly recommend them.
They even have a website: http://www.stevenshealthcare.org/ab_sleep_lab.php
Just don't make fun of your partner if they need a sleep study...it is funny as all get out but you may be NEXT!
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My husband and I finally got an opportunity to stop by Pho Alderwood. First off, we couldn't find it and when we called to find out what they were next to, we got some interesting answers. As luck...
My husband and I finally got an opportunity to stop by Pho Alderwood. First off, we couldn't find it and when we called to find out what they were next to, we got some interesting answers. As luck would have it, we were right next to it practically but because they told us it was by Target, we were on the wrong side of the street >.<
We were seated by the door which was freezing but really couldn't be helped because the place was FULL.
The menu is lovely because they offer pictures for just about everything and the pictures really are good representations of both the looks of the food and the size of the portions.
They serve a very light tea that I enjoyed a lot...I am not certain what kind it was and should have asked but it was very light and pleasant (especially sitting next to the door >.<)
We hadn't eaten at all that day so we ordered pretty big with the sampler platter and pho soup with rare steak.
The sampler platter was absolutely delicious. It is a combination of spring rolls (which they do VERY well), meat skewers which were heavenly, Some yummy fried shrimp rolls, egg rolls, peanut sauce and more.
My apologies because I actually got one of their take out menus so I could remember what all was in the sampler but I seem to have misplaced it.
One thing I didn't like was that they didn't serve any kind of plate with the sampler so you were stuck eating off of the serving plate which is fine at home but not what I look forward to when eating out with someone else who is also having to share the serving plate >.<
They also didn't speak English very well so asking for a plate or like another customer who was there when we were, anything other than the obvious menu items, was just about impossible (the other customer just gave up).
The pho with rare steak was interesting. The steak wasn't remotely rare. Usually when I get rare steak pho, the steak is sliced super thin and added completely raw to the hot soup and just cooks while it's on it's way to the table. This looked as if maybe it was full cooked brisket or something. The meat was good though. The soup was served with the traditional bean sprouts, fresh basil and jalapeno peppers. The broth was not very flavorful but once I added some sriracha and hoisin sauce, it tasted good. They serve their pho with a lot of noodles. My husband usually orders extra noodles which he also did this time but he said that he actually had too many for once!
All in all, I would be very interested in checking Pho Alderwood out a few times to get a good, solid picture of their pho...maybe try out the other varieties while I am at it (I love pho ga). The appetizers are delicious and definitely worth trying out.
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I love Oriental Trading Company! I have shopped with them for years for all kinds of things and got my mom hooked on them as well. She buys stuff for her church's birthday present box and as funny...
I love Oriental Trading Company! I have shopped with them for years for all kinds of things and got my mom hooked on them as well. She buys stuff for her church's birthday present box and as funny as it may seem to have blow up fishes, plastic bracelets and mostly little kid junk toys..the kids AND adults love it!
I use Oriental Trading mostly for Halloween and Easter...I also planned a luau for my mom and bought all the decorations from them.
Oriental Trading Company is really great when you need lots of little party gifts for cheap.
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I love Birthday Express! I first became aware of them through their catalog but was pleased to find out that they are located not too far from me in Kirkland.
When I first walked through their...
I love Birthday Express! I first became aware of them through their catalog but was pleased to find out that they are located not too far from me in Kirkland.
When I first walked through their doors I was shocked. They have a lot more going for them than most birthday/party shops and everything is at pretty good prices! In their catalog and on their website, they offer packs but in the store, you can make your own theme packs and buy everything in the quantities that you need.
They have tons of fun gift bag toys and so many neat craft kits that it is hard to walk out without a lot more than what you need. They also have all the popular children's theme party goods as well as nicer gift items and really neat costumes.
I love going there when they are having a sale. Last time, I bought gorgeous well made fairy costumes for all my daughters at excellent prices. These weren't the cheapo costumes either. Absolutely gorgeous and well worth the drive.
If you need fun items and ideas for a party, Birthday Express is the way to go!
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My family has lived in Mountlake Terrace for over 30 years.
We love Double DD Meats! They have a fabulous spice and hot sauce selection. If you love this kind of thing, plan to spend awhile. If you...
My family has lived in Mountlake Terrace for over 30 years.
We love Double DD Meats! They have a fabulous spice and hot sauce selection. If you love this kind of thing, plan to spend awhile. If you are a meat eater, the smell will knock your socks off just walking through the door.
I am not a big meat eater but every time I am pregnant, one of the few things I actually want to eat is raw meat. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't indulge in this particular craving but just walking through the door of DD Meats is enough to make me salivate.
Love this shop and hope they never leave good ole MLT.
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I went to school with Audra when she was getting her esthetician's license. She is licensed to do acupuncture facial rejuvenation and wanted to also be able to offer regular facials for a more...
I went to school with Audra when she was getting her esthetician's license. She is licensed to do acupuncture facial rejuvenation and wanted to also be able to offer regular facials for a more complete treatment but she treats the gamut and is amazing!
She works in the Seattle Healing Arts building. A Chinese friend of ours said that Audra practices acupuncture like she is an old Chinese man...which, in this case, is definitely a compliment.
Audra is colorful, lively and has a refreshing personality. She is also brilliant and well schooled with an intense passion for continuing education and knowledge.
Audra was put in remission from Crohn's disease by acupuncture after trying all the mainstream methods to no avail. This led her to pursue a career in acupuncture.
I would highly recommend her!
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I enjoy Yankee Candle Company but I cannot stand the smell of the place when I walk by in the mall. It is a huge mix of scents that individually are great but all smooshed together..well...they...
I enjoy Yankee Candle Company but I cannot stand the smell of the place when I walk by in the mall. It is a huge mix of scents that individually are great but all smooshed together..well...they pretty much stink.
I LOVE the seasonal knick knacks they offer...super cute Halloween stuff right now!
The staff is usually nice and helpful. I love their regular scents as well as their limited time scents (Witches Brew anyone?).
I have no complaints...except for the horrendous amalgam of odors that I wish somehow could be avoided.
The store has been in Alderwood Mall for years and it has ALWAYS smelled bad enough to make me hold my breath and move to the other side of the walk way.
It begins as a mild off whiff..."Is there sugar burning somewhere?" and as you move closer, still trying to figure out where the smell could be coming from..suddenly, you are directly in front of the olfactory onslaught and you realize that it's coming from the darling candle shop!
If you can't be drawn in by the pretty colors and darling gifts you are likely to run away..not screaming..oh no! Not Screaming! because that would mean you would have to breathe in more of the horrifying burned caramel corn and syrup smell coming from the door front of the store.
I can't imagine working in there but they say you can get used to anything.
I have ventured in on at least 6 occasions because the gifty stuff and candles were just too much to resist and my stomach was feeling caste in iron for once but I RRREEEAAALLLYYY wish they could do something about the Oversmell.
Yes, with a capital O.
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I love The Green Bean Coffee House. The ladies who own the non-profit business are always friendly and ready with a smile. They are also generous, not only with their patrons but also with the...
I love The Green Bean Coffee House. The ladies who own the non-profit business are always friendly and ready with a smile. They are also generous, not only with their patrons but also with the charities and organizations that they help support. Most, if not all, of their tips go to various projects, they carry all organic, fair trade coffees and they always have interesting gifts that are made by people from around the world.
The coffee is very good, the pastries are delightful...the quiche is yummy and always interesting. They also had a chef come in at one point and create these cookies just for them...I don't know how to describe these cookies but the word 'orgasmic' comes to mind every time I think about them. They were like chocolate chip cookies but only in the vaguest and best sense of the word. They had very finely ground coffee beans in them, chunks of rich deep chocolate, plenty of butter but part of the butter was replaced with cream cheese. Topped with more chocolate and whole coffee beans...they were amazing. They haven't had them there since but I have told them that I want to be put on the waiting list!
Oftentimes you will walk into the Green Bean and there will be folk singers jamming or someone playing the piano. None of these people are paid, they just come and play and the end result is wonderful. They also host classes sometimes for different things.
Peaceful, cheery, comfortable, delicious and friendly...5 stars for the Green Bean!
Lisa and Hayden ROCK!
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I went out one night with 2 of my friends after clubbing into the wee hours. Denny's was what was close by and still open for a dawn breaking gnosh.
First off, when my order arrived, the cheese on...
I went out one night with 2 of my friends after clubbing into the wee hours. Denny's was what was close by and still open for a dawn breaking gnosh.
First off, when my order arrived, the cheese on the skillet dish was entirely moldy.
I complained so they take it back...it took absolutely forever to get my meal and my friends were just about done when mine finally arrived...this time, they brought me the wrong meal!
After all this, the waiter brings us the wrong bill which at this point, I was happy to have because it only had a dessert and cup of coffee on it, much less than ours would be buy my friend mentioned something about it so they brought us the right bill...and refused to not charge me even though they had completely messed up my meal! >.<
I hate Denny's and do my best to not go there if there is ANY other option.
When I was little, I had lots of good Denny's memories. I don't know if this is just the oblivion of youth talking but on the other hand, I know my Grandmother always liked to go there for breakfast so it couldn't have been all bad. It sure seems to be now.
Poor food, poor service and priced too high for what they offer unless you have a special coupon.
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