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Debbie R.
Hometown:
Antelope, CA, 95843
InsiderRank: 9,789
First Reviews: 8
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Treasured Memories
Wow! I always have to hunt out scrapbook stores wherever I go and so it stood to reason I would do the same on a recent trip to Reno. I expected a hole in the wall store (which I got), full of junk. What I found was a hole in the wall store filled with wonderful, trendy, well-priced treasures.I couldn't believe I had lucked into such a place.
Although when I was there, the place was packed full and there was so much inventory, I sometimes found it packed on the floors and I had to step over it. One might think this a negative, but I was willing to do this because I was so thrilled I had found this treasure of a store.
I wa looking for a particular album and not only did they find it for me, they tracked down in their just-delivered inventory some refills I also needed. The staff was pleasant, helpful, extremely knowledgeable and professional. I think I might have spent $40, but I felt like I got about $60 to $75 worth of goodies. Excellent little store!
Heirloom Inn
Although the town of Ione is nothing to write home about, and this B & B is set along a residential street, once inside, you forget where you are and soak into the beautiful ambiance of the place.
My husband I spent our wedding night here and came back for our anniversary each year for three years.It's absolutely lovely once you go down the gravel driveway and get hidden among the trees and cobblestone walkways. I've attended two weddings there, and among the twinkling lights at dusk, it's beautiful.
I can only speak for the rooms in the cottage -- there are two -- because that's where we have stayed. We haven't stayed in the main house. The cottage rooms are charming and really evoke an old-world feel without feeling "old". No TVs here, this is for true quiet and relaxation. EXCELLENT, to write home about, breakfasts.
Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa
We had plans to attend a concert at the Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa, so we booked a room there as well. We had planned to bring the kids and make a full, fun weekend of it, but decided after reading reviews of the place, to make an adult-only weekend and stay elsewhere.
For a concert venue, this place is surprisingly excellent. Our concert was indoors, and ticket prices include dinner. This seemed a bit strange, but dinner was surprisingly good and the sound quality was fantastic. All in all, a great (though different) venue.
We checked out the resort & spa part of the facility. I would hardly call this place a resort OR a spa. It's more like a Motel 6 set on the banks of a beautiful lake. If you come here, come for the concert (outoor or indoor) and stay somewhere else (see my review of Gingerbread Cottages on the other side of the lake).
Gingerbread Cottages B & B
So, this might not be a 5-star resort, but as far as B & Bs go, this is first class all the way. This isn't a place full of expensive bedding or fancy food. This B & B sits on a lake that's a haven for bass fisherman, so it's down home, comfortable, cozy.
But in that light, this perfect. We visited last July and all we wanted was R & R. The innkeepers are around, but keep their distance if you seem to indicate that's what you need. All the cottages are self-sufficient and ours included a small kitchen, living room, bedroom and kitchen. Breakfast is brought the night before and consists of several items that you choose -- the banana bread was wonderful and the breakfast pie thing, forget what it was called, was to die for. Some of the items were more like desserts so we'd enjoy those in the evening and save the breakfast items for breakfast. Along with the food items, orange juice is delivered.
The setting is idealic and quiet. I spent half an afternoon sitting on our deck reading magazines, and saw just one person. Even the lake was quiet, strange for a July afternoon. This place is romantic, quiet and super charming. Recommend all the way!
Ivy House
This store will likely have just about anything you're looking for. I buy gifts here quite frequently and especially like the kitchen items, both practical and for decor. Check out the selection of dishes and picture frames -- both would be great for a wedding gift. My only complaints would be the service, sometimes non-existent or snooty, and the location, which is a bit hard to get to sometimes and once I just drove right past it.
Mad About Scrapbooks
This store is much improved in its new location (not that new now, many years later). It's bright, light and convenient, right next to Chucke Cheese! The selection has improved in recent years, with more "trendy" accents and papers added to the stock. I often don't find what I'm looking for however, so I think fewer stickers (lots of stickers at this store and most scrapbookers don't use them much anymore) and more page accents would be good.
Now, as to the staff, I find them unhelpful, uneducated and uninterested. I have asked specific questions about products, only to be greeted with a blank stare. These are things that anyone in the scrapbooking world would know about (I don't work in a store and yet I've often felt like I'm more up to date on things than they are), so I find that annoying and unprofessional.
Scrapbook Station
Love the wood floors inside this store! I don't know why that's the first thing that I think of, but it makes the store appear clean, bright and friendly.
The staff here is knowledgeable, which is refreshing, and extremely helpful. Love how if I buy a particular accent, the clerk will offer other things that might work with it. Of course, that means I spend a bit more money, but that's the fun of shopping for scrapbook supplies!
I generally find what I'm looking for here, but I always feel like something is missing... I don't know what. I wish there were fewer stickers, more accents, and better paper. Each time I go in there, it seems the paper selection has improved, so maybe they are working on that. Convenient location means I can do my grocery shopping and my scrabook shopping at the same time!
Hoshall's Salon & Spa
Part of the appeal of the Hoshall salon is the beautiful interior. You truly feel pampered from the moment you step in the door and I think that's part of what they're going for. The tile is beautiful, the paints and other color schemes are relaxing and feel rich. The staff is gracious and professional.
I have had my hair cut there 3 times, each time by a different "level" haircutter and I found no difference in the quality of my cut. The highest price cut (therefore allegedly done by a higher trained stylist), was awful and I was really unhappy for weeks until I had my hair cut again. For the price ($45 cuts), I think I should get a better cut.
Gordon L Douglass Inc
Unfortunately, I have had a lot of dental work done over the years by a variety of dentists. I have found many of them aren't that gentle and this dentist falls in that category. He just gets in there and gets the job done (which is a good thing as the job gets done a bit sooner) but it was painful and uncomfortable and one of my most difficult dental visits ever. Recovery was also long. It might have been the work that was done, but I did find him to be a bit less than gentle and beside manner is a bit gruff and cool.
On the good side, this is a very professional operation and the office staff is extremely accommodating about helping you with payment, ie., really spending time figuring out insurance benefits and how they can help you the most in that regard.
Paramount's Great America
This amusement park is more than than I remember. Last time I was there I was in the 9th grade and it was just OK, but returning this past summer returned with my children. I was really surprised by all the children's rides and activities and they enjoyed the Nick theme -- Dora and Spongebob! Wow!
The food is overpriced and bad. I recommend taking a picnic and enjoy outside the park before going in or leaving just for that purpose. But sometimes it can't be avoided -- eating inside an amusement park -- so try the pizza joint in the food court.
The Demon is a MUST-ride rollercoaster and the water rides are excellent.