2Amy's Neapolitan Pizzeria- Washington D.C.

I had dinner at 2 Amy's near DuPont Circle in D.C.  While it's not the best pizza I've had, I have to say, it was a good dining experience.  The pizza is D.O.C (you'll have to read the back of their menu to fully appreciate this Italian pizza cooking process) but suffice it to say, the pizzas tasted to me like Italy.  I have been to Italy so I was sold!   They were mouth watering and yummy!  The salad was okay - the arugula one was good but a little dry- needed some.... veggies!  The calzones are too messy to share - stick to the pizzas.  They call the calzones stuffed pizzas on their menu.  I would just stick with the pizzas and make sure you get yourself an entire pie instead of trying to share this $12.50 pizza... because trust me, you will want to eat the whole thing!

A local eatery, this place is popular, so get there early and weekdays are better if you do not want to wait.  They do not take reservations but the pizza may just be worth the wait!

Rasika Restaurant - Indian Fusion in D.C.

I recently was back in our nation's capital and had a chance to visit Rasika Restaurant in D.C.  Romantically lit (ie. it was a bit dark in there) and sheekly decorated, Rasika is a very crowded restaurant that boasts a new trend in cuisines:  INDIAN FUSION.  Indian Fusion is quite good and innovative.  I only had appetizers and not a main course so I will speak to those but like Amber in San Francisco, this restaurant is quite retro and the food is equally amazing.  Among the appetizers, the sev batata poori and Palak Chaat is quite good.  I would stay away from the Ragra Patis but the main dishes that others had looked quite appetizing too - with a side of basmati rice, the main courses are probably quite filling.  The Naan Breads were innovative too! Boasting breads like Goat Cheese Kulcha, Rasika fuses the best flavors of India together in with modern ingredients and I have to say my mouth is watering just thinking of my recent experience there.  While the prices are on the high side, folks, this is Washington, D.C.  I am not sure if this place was overrated but you could not get reservations on a Tuesday OR Wednesday night!   Rasika is a must visit in D.C. if you're in the mood for some spice and fusion- Indian style!

Sew Snug - What a great small business!

As a working mom, I really do not have time to do the finer things - my kids have book bags for school and daycare and I thought it would be cute to get them embroidered.  My husband found a stay at home who has her own business and operates out of her home right near our home!   She did a fantastic job on his bags, my bags and the kids too!  And the price is right too! We had embroidery done on our own bags but she has her own website and company name:  Sew Snug - I know, cute!    She not only sells personalized products but can embroider or sew on most things you already have so you can personalize your child's backpack, blanket, your own yoga bag, and more!   She can embroider on clothing including T-shirts, and the skies the limit! 

Give her a call or send her an email and let's give this small business a shout out!  Thanks, Sew Snug, for a job well done!

Target Stores- smaller is better!

I have experiences at a few Targets - the Super Target in Superior, Colorado, for example- the Super Target near Colorado Mills in Golden, and by far, my favorite Target is the one on 80th and Wadsworth in Arvada.  I have never met a friendlier more knowledgeable staff in the pharmacy and throughout the store.  The biggest plus is that it is NOT a super target.  You tend to get lost in Super stores - often, parading through the stores for hours to find something.  The regular targets are perfect for my lifestyle- quick and easy, in and out and the lines are always manageable too.  Some of them even carry just enough frozen, dairy, and fresh foods to make it very convenient for me.  I like the smaller targets and there are just not enough of them is my biggest to Target Corp - bring back small -- when it comes to convenience, ease and a busy lifestyle, SMALL IS BEST!

I think the same way about Wal-marts too.  By going Super, all of these stores lose a little ... something. 

A review of Wal-Marts in Lakewood Colorado - when you want something quickly---SLOW!

My general experience with Walmarts just about everywhere has been their lack of customer service - it's quite piss poor no matter which Walmart you're at.... but amazingly enough, there is one Wal-Mart in the Greater Broomfield area near FlatIrons Mall that is the exception and not the rule.  When it comes to Wal-Mart - you generally know what you get:  Cheap prices on low quality goods, long lines, piss poor customer service (returns that take forever), and perhaps employees who do not get paid enough.  I like wal-mart's prices for the run of the mill products but they are quite the pain to deal with when you try to use a coupon or do returns.  Target and King Sooper's has the best policies when it comes to those two things.  In any case, we end up still shopping at Wal-Marts so I decided to take a shot at rating the different Wal-Mart stores.

I have visited a Wal-Mart in Arvada (Sheridan and 72nd), in Broomfield (near Flat Irons mall), in Lakewood (2 locations- one right off of 6th Avenue and one on the corner of Wadsworth & Colfax), and one in Wheat Ridge (not a super Walmart and a great in and out place).  My worst experiences, thus far, are the Wal-Marts in Lakewood.  I am not sure if the customers who frequent there are just as strange as the employees but repeatedly, I get the worst service, the worst assistance, and can never find what I am looking for.  It seems like it takes an eternity whereas at the other locations, it just seems easier.  Maybe it's cause I am running my errands at the Lakewood stores at lunch and that is a buiser time.  In any case, whatever the factors and variables may be, I have concluded that it is not easy to get in and out of Wal-Mart.  First, if you want to get in and out of a Wal-Mart, pick a location that is not a SUPER one unless you need a grocery item.  Second, try not to go to the ones in Lakewood if you can possibly avoid it, and Third, pick off-hours to do returns - times when you think the least amount of person would be there - lunch is a bad time, and perhaps first thing when they open. 

The Octopus Car Wash- Lakewood Colorado on Wadsworth & Colfax

The Octopus Car Wash is quite prominent- can't miss it.  They are on the corner of Wadsworth and Colfax in Lakewood, Colorado.  This car wash is amazing!  I have been going there for a couple years now.  For $6.99 the basic wash is so extensive, I am amazed- you get the inside vacuumed and cleaned and the outside washed and dried.  I gotta say, this is a screaming deal!

The lines are often long though so get there early or after the lunch crowd but even with a line, you can get through in 30 minutes.  When it's not busy, try 10 minutes.  It is a great place to get your car cleaned especially if you have kids who are ready to throw down immediately after its clean.  There is no rain guarantee on the outside wash but at $6.99 for what you get, it is so worth it.  They have other deals on the full car washes too (which also include an air freshener and wax).  At these prices, and with the friendly staff, Octopus Car Wash is the perfect place to get your car cleaned.  Mine looks like new right now and I love it!