Shango L.

Sunbreak Real Estate Services

In an industry that relies on clear communication and financial integrity, Sunbreak Real Estate Services remains a leader by providing extraordinary and personal property management services to a limited amount of choice clients. Unlike their competitors who grow their business to the point that they can no longer provide reliable customer service, they carefully manage their growth so that business remains predictable and their high level of service remains intact.

PROS: Great Communication, Competitve Rates, Good Investment Advice
CONS: Small Company, No Website

Twice Sold Tales

The best thing about Twice Sold Tales is that they have many locations. I love to trade in my books and then have the opportunity to check the other stores to see who has the books I am looking for. It makes for a much wider selection.

With that being said, the worst thing is that the stores all have cats and tend to stink of them. I have to really moderate how much time I spend in the store because of my allergies too. Books are covered in dander if they have been around awhile and the air is thick with catness.

However, the staff is very helpful if not overly helpful sometimes and that at least means that I am in and out quite quickly.

PROS: Many Locations
CONS: Cats

Borseno's Barber Shop

The owner, Stormy, was once stage crew for several rock bands you know. You get that vibe of being in the know as soon as you get there. The place is decorated with incedible art she got before the artists were famous. Everyone there is connected. The hip hop- bario flavor is great. It is not uncommon to see a lowrider chined up out front.

As far as the haircuts, mine have been great. Usually get the same person each time but even the rare occasion when I don't, I can be sure that the skills will be there. I used to go to Rudy's but they became too random in quality.

PROS: Music, Great magazines while you wait
CONS: Her bread and butter are frat boys and sometimes the wait is long if there is a UW event coming up.

Center For Spiritual Living

I have attended CSL a handful of times over the last year. Being brought up Catholic, it was a truly astonishing experience to see folks celebrating in such an open and casual enviroment. Dress as you wish. The music is great and draws from all faiths and even some contemporary stuff. Same goes for the core beliefs. A couple parts Buddhist, a bit of Judaism, some Christianity, some humanism and a healthy dose of Earth reverance and what comes out is a faith based on just being a good human. The congregation is VERY inclusive incorporating all sexual preferances, ages, styles and demeanors. It is worth it to check it out just for the experience of seeing it in action.

PROS: Pro-People. Not sin focused. Diversity.
CONS: Kinda cheesy-pc sometimes.

Daniel Smith Inc

It doesn't get any better than this as far as selection and quality goes. Whether you are shopping through their catalog or in their huge SODO retail location, Daniel Smith has got the coolest products around. From the highest quality paints and canvas to neato desks, portfolios and kids supplies, DS never ceases to wow. The staff there is near fanatical in knowledge and if they happen to not know something they will find someone on staff that does.

Additionally, they have in-house classes taughton an array of topics by some great local talent.

If there is any downside to DS it is the premium prices but you get what you pay for. Their materials never let me down when I rely on them.

Utrecht Art Supplies

Utrecht carries very high quality materials including paint by Golden Acrylics. Their house brand is also high end without the high end price. The best aspect to Utrecht is their competitive pricing. Several times I have done price comparisons with the other local retailers on key materials I use from various brands and every time Utrecht has come out on top.

If you are looking for rare colors or very niche products Utrecht may not be the place for you but for excellent prices and service on professional grade materials there is none better in town.

PROS: Price, Service, Return Policy
CONS: Selection

David Lawrence Inc

There are but very few places in Seattle to actually purchase the clothes you will see on men in GQ or Esquire. There are even less that carry the more flashy items. At David Lawrence located just off the shopping corridor, you can enjoy the best from Versace and Hugo Boss while enjoying the kind of service usually obtained at boutiques in New York. From suits to casual shirt and jackets to underwear and accesories, David Lawrence has everything for a modern monied stylish man.

PROS: Brand Names, Service, Location
CONS: Small amount of sizes