Olma M.'s Profile

Holy Glutinous Gluttony Batman!  

Peachey Perfection's latest Coconut Mochi Cake is perfectly textured with just-right chewiness topped with flaky coconut-flake crunchiness.  They had a table with little squares for sale at Spark of Creation's latest recital and I heard nothing but rave reviews.

I picked up (2) cake pans @ $10 each the other day because I'm a good aunt and wanted my niece to have her own (ok, really, I wanted my own)!  Practicing serious restraint making my one cake round last more than 24 hours, but I'm trying.  I *triple dog dare* you to get one for yourself and loved ones!

My germophobia usually keeps me from taking children to playgrounds, but I also recognize the significance of play time and the cost-effective nature of playgrounds especially when babysitting as often as I do (note: Moss Beach Park provided some seriously good times for a 14 year old recently).

Five HUGE stars because:

- It's a community built playground;
- It was built by volunteers;
- It's completely accessible and ADA compliant;
- It's designed by children in the local community;
- Free fun for children of all ages.

Dubbed as a "cutting-edge fantasy environment," the park contains a multi-leveled wooden play area and includes such features as "a castle, a whale slide, a lighthouse, a pirate ship, a sunken-treasure maze, and a rock wall for climbing.  I especially love how the entire space seems so conducive to creative thinking.

And I love seeing more wood than plastic in any play structure.  Congratulations to the small coastal town of Moss Beach on a successful community project.  I would definitely encourage other parents and caregivers to go out of their way to visit this park.  Photos posted.

More info. here: http://mossbeachpark.c...

Hurts so Good!!!

I'm a firm believer in communication - I don't like to complain after the fact unless I know that I did whatever I could to prevent a negative experience.  This is especially true for a place like this.  I really appreciated communicating with my massage therapist every step of the way.

After weeks of having pain in my lower back and extremely tense shoulders and lower neck, I found myself here after someone left a coupon on my desk at work for an introductory $19.99 60-minute reflexology session for new members.  I was immediately sold on the idea!

I called in on a Tuesday eve. at about 5:45 p.m. and asked if they had any vacancies:

(Receptionist) Sure.  For what time?
(me) Um, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!?
(Receptionist) OK, we have an opening at 6:30.

Score! (They take walk-ins if they're able, but prefer appts.)

It was pretty busy around that time because of the fitness-clad members of the neighboring 24 Hour Fitness Gym, so street parking was challenging.  I opted for the underground garage instead, which had plenty of open spots.  I took the elevator to the 2nd floor, and approached the front counter.

Yes, they encourage you to become a "member" which basically just means buying sessions in bulk for a discounted price - they have great rates but I just wasn't willing to commit.  They ask you how much pressure you'd like for your session - Medium?  Deep Tissue? Deep Tissue for sure!  They also asked if I wanted them to focus the massage on specific areas.  I didn't  have to pay yet but was given a receipt with a number on it.  I waited in the lobby which was pretty clean and open.  Smooth lines with just-dim-enough lighting.  I have to say, I was immediately relaxed.  The ginormous flat panel screen in the waiting area didn't belong - it was really distracting for me, but... my mind and body had already escaped so it really didn't kill my mood (there was also no sound from the tv).  

A few minutes later, Victoria came out dressed all in white, and called my number.  I followed her to the space beside the front office, and behind some dark brown draped curtain dividers.  Ahhhh.  I sat  in my chair (# F1 - how apropos!) and e x h a l e d...

I remember some moving images projected onto a large wall, with no volume, relaxing music and about three rows of super comfy recliners.  Lighting was perfect and I just melted away under Victoria's Bionic fingers.  About two times, I'd felt as if maybe I just wouldn't be able to handle one more second of the pressure, but I would just stay mindful of my breathing and would let my body just soak it all in.  I, quite literally, felt like I was floating on air throughout the session.

After wards, I followed Victoria to room 12 for my massage for which I requested emphasis on my lower back and shoulders/lower neck.  She quickly prepped the table and left me for a few minutes to disrobe and position myself on the table (they ask you to please keep on your underwear).  Victoria returned and fortunately, for me, she did not appear to be tired at all.  She worked my shoulders and lower back until the knots and tension just sloughed off.  She was a persistent mo-fo and my body felt renewed.  She was also very mindful and asked me twice if it hurt (it never did).  

Wow - the one hour foot reflexology followed by the one hour full body massage kicked my a**!  I never understood what people meant when they'd say/write "it really hurt but it was worth it" when referring to a foot reflexology... until I met Victoria!  Her demeanor was very calming and we probably only said 10 words to each other throughout our two hours together; but boy did she have some strong fingers and hands.  

It's true, this place is no major spa, but I really think I'd prefer this place for some maintenance massages over some others in the peninsula.

Introductory specials: $19.99 for a 60-minute foot reflexology session for your first time (small print at the counter indicates that there's a price increase after 5:30 p.m. on weeknights but I just asked nicely when I first called in, and I was good to go); $48 for a 60-minute body massage for your first time.

Live Hawaiian jams with spontaneous uke playin, guest singers and dancers... that can never be a bad thing!

Great cozy space in Japantown - we got there past 9:30 on a Saturday night, so we only had the appetizer menu to work with.  I wasn't even hungry but I just *had* to try the Hawaiian Salt edamame and Cheese Fries!  One of my super petite gal pals admitted to practically finishing the entire serving of Kalua Pork Cheese Fries (it's a pretty huge serving - check out the photo posted).

Menu description:
Kalua Pig Cheese Fries - a heaping portion of fries topped with kalua pig/cabbage and smothered with cheese 6.95;
Garlic Hawaiian Salt Edamame - pan seared with sesame seed oil, hawaiian chilies and lots of garlic, or just plain hawaiian sea salt 5.95.

Television screens are strategically located throughout the place - I was thrown off a bit by the large flat panel immediately behind the mini stage area, but ultimately, I just kinda phased it out 'cuz there was some high quality island jammin.

I'll definitely find my way back here again to try a more substantial meal.  Plus, they have a bar but it's also kid-friendly - it was great to see young kids enjoying the live music on a late Saturday night 'cuz that opportunity's pretty rare.

Musicians were from Spirit of Polynesia with guest, G. V. on bass - Honu's was a fun, low-key venue for family and friends to share in the spirit of aloha and I can't wait to visit again.

Um, it's attached to a mall AND it has ginormous Kung Fu Panda and Hulk statues!!!

First impressions had me wanting to start my review with "If you want every ounce of energy sucked out of you on a sunny Saturday morning eagerly awaiting to see Indiana Jones... come here..."

HOWEVER... the fabulous theater, excellent sound system, convenient parking, proximity to public transportation hubs (SamTrans and BART) and the SB Police department are all huge features relative to the initial impression from the concession stands.  I also acknowledge that they're still new so hopefully, they'll work out the kinks within the next few months.

Plus, IT'S ATTACHED TO THE FOOD COURT AREA OF THE MALL!

Beautiful theater in the renovated and rejuvenated downtown Redwood City area.  Very clean, open layout with an underground garage and plenty of nearby dining areas within walking distance (and yes, there is a Beard Papa steps from the entrance!).

Saw Sex and the City here on a Monday evening and our theater was huge;  just wish there weren't so many commercials before the official previews (I felt like I was watching a huge t.v.) - I really just wanted to see the previews and film, complete with surround sound.

Clean and spacious restrooms - that's almost three stars on its own!  I'll definitely go out of my way to visit this theater again.  I prefer it over the San Mateo one; but I will likely frequent the latest Century addition to the Shops at Tanforan in San Bruno since it's super convenient from home.

At our latest staff appreciation event, Cody and Alexis provided 10-minute chair massages at our Burlingame office.

Now I'm never one to pass up any kind of massage, but when I saw that they didn't even have their own chairs - you know the kind where you can lay your head, face down on a donut-shaped cushion - I was a bit hesitant, but...  Cody's magic touch helped me forget that I was actually at work or in an office, for that matter!

Seriously.  She started off with some gentle massage and then - BAM - not as in "woah. startling, simmah down bam;" but a "woah, where am I, eyes rolling back, bam!"  She hit some point with the perfect amount of pressure and I felt tingles up the back of my neck and my whole upper back - clearly the sign of someone who knows how to "read" trouble spots.

She started off introducing herself, shaking my hand and ended by expressing her pleasure at meeting me and a little piece of advice with hushed voice: "You *do* need a massage."  I couldn't agree more and look forward to visiting their office within the next month.

I'm told their website is "in process" (as of 05/29/2008).

A friend needed to mail in a notarized request for her child's birth certificate - a mutual accountant friend suggested this place.  Not only was it super convenient but one of the owners who helped us today was extremely friendly and efficient.

There is always a notary here so no need to make an appointment!  We were in and out in a matter of five minutes - ok, maybe 10 mins.  (she had to provide her driver's license and they took a thumbprint; $10 dollars later the form was notarized).

Great local peninsula resource.  Closed on Sundays - just submitted business hours to yelp for posting.

Great local spot off Burlingame's Broadway Avenue - every once in a while, I like to visit Broadway for the small town vibe it offers.  Broadway Grill is closer to El Camino Real and, seemingly, a favorite of older Burlingamers.  Seriously - this was THE place to be for senior citizens this one sunny afternoon.

The outdoor seating setup is quaint but today we opted for indoor booth seating.  Service was prompt, though we did have to ask for our bread basket - yummy buttery glazed little pieces of carb heaven.

Our party of four today enjoyed the following dishes - all of our orders had the option of adding fries, fruit or salad:

- Grilled Vegetable sandwich: veggies grilled to perfection, but... I asked for no aioli which is mayonnaise-based, and they still spread mayo on all four pieces of bread - my bad for not clarifying further but the mishap tainted my entire meal experience;  my side Caesar was not tossed (dressing on the side and it just seemed to thick);

- BLT with avocado: looked perfect to me and my lunchmate gobbled it all up;

- Philly Prime Rib: "Screamin'!" and fries were decent;

- Thai Chicken sandwich: adequately dressed (didn't require any additional spread or seasoning), flavorful and tender chicken; the fresh fruit accompanying the meal looked fabulous.

All in all, I think I'm curious enough to return to this local joint to experience some of their breakfast items.  

And, as a sidenote, this place was good enough for Congresswoman Jackie Speier on this sunny Tuesday afternoon.

International Organic Cuisine in downtown Half Moon Bay - YUMMMMMM MEEEEEE!  Had a lovely lunch in the patio in the back - foggy day so the heat lamp was super comfy.  

I can NOT wait to try more at this place - today I had the portabello panini and the side of chips was SCRUMDILLYUMPTIOUS (see photo).  Also had a taste of the Asparagus and Lentil soup served with pita bread.  I must come back here for the flan and the black bean soup and the minestrone and the fish tacos and the enchiladas verde, ahhh... the list goes on.

I'm not sure what the deal is with the purported confusing menu - I looked at the menu, saw what I wanted and ordered it.  Maybe people are eating too many pesticide-laden meals and can't think straight.  Organic rocks.

My order today: "Portabello Sandwich"
Portabello mushroom grilled and layered with caramelized onions, roasted peppers and braised greens, on house made focaccia bread topped with a piquillo-pecan spread. $8