4/20/10 Store/Shopping Re~Vuu On The Run (Not for me)

NOTE: I realize that everyone's experience in a paarticular situation IS different. I am ONLY sharing MY experience with the manager, Mr. Gerardo Mora at On the Run ~ Pearland. So not hate comments please.

On The Run in Pearland
10009 Broadway Street Suite 101
Pearland, TX 77584
(713)340-0505
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10:00a to 6:30p, Sun. 12:00noon to 5:00p

OK for a new runner the world of running, whether it be 5k's, 10k's 1/2 or full marathons can be overwhelming to say the least. There is a wealth of information to be had and GIVEN from so many people. It is hard to focus in on one or 2 sources to trust. I am fortunate enough to have 4 friends who are avid runners & have been more than kind enough to answer questions I may have, as well as find a website or 2 that I feel stirs me right.

I have been at this running thing since Aug. 09 (w/ a 2 mon. hideous) that being said I figured that the next logical step was to go and get my foot fitted for a running shoe right? So I was planning a trip next month after this race (4/24/10). Well late last week I got a call from a friend who had a WONDERFUL experience with On the Run in Pearland. Well her excitement was contagious. So the next day bright & early I went to the same place & was hoping for a grand experience.

Well I arrived & it was ....ordinary to say the least it was nice but nothing like what my friend had exp. I was a tad disappointed. I chalked it up to "Hey different people + different sales guy = diff. exp." No biggie.

Well 2 days later I went to D.P for my weekly run. Shoes/ new socks felt fine the first 1.5 miles then it happened I felt a "hot spot" aka starting of a blister in a NEW place. So I finished the walk a little more than 4 miles that day.

My first call was to the store on the way home to let them know about it and to see if I could exchange the shoes. No Answer. Came home and blogged and my "team" told me to return the shoe...I did today and if it was not a horrible and downright embarrassing experience I don’t know what else would have been.

Emailed the manager and he said the blister may not be bcs of the shoe per say but to come in and we will see what we can do.

Got there he was less than welcoming.....Refreshed his memory as to our e-mail. He was firm & adamant in saying "You know that when you run on a blister that it will aggravate it more...if you get new shoes today that doesn’t mean the blister will be gone?" WANTED to say "NO YOU dumb idiot I thought that if i bought some NIKE MEDICATED it would make all my foot aliments disappear" but alas I settled for "Uh huh"

He asked “Well did you know these were a wide? That is probably the problem" Me: No I didn’t ask for a wide I have no idea what they were I just bought what Bryan suggested.

I finally stopped him bcs he just had this tone with me ya know? SO I said "Look I know you have alot of knowledge in this area and obviously people like me who come in from off the street don’t know this..Thus the reason for coming here, paying a little more and putting our trust in your hands. There is so much info out there and to tell you the truth I am a little overwhelmed I just want your help" And I did it I did what any self respecting girl would never do in this situation...I started to cry...WHAT THE HECK? Yes GURL I did. I was not meaning too I was just feeling very lost ans stupid at this point and it just hit me. REGARDLESS this is how the rest of it went:

Let me just hit on the "Hot spots" of the rest of the visit between me &Mr. Gerardo Mora  .

1. "You know sometimes people get started in this field and they get obsessed with it and have no idea what they are doing. This can lead to injury and blisters. It’s just a blister after all."

2. "Perhaps you are pushing yourself to hard causing you to get blisters"
To which I said "Dude do you see the size I am? Do you REALLY think I am going all Carl Lewis out there Come on really?"

3. "Well maybe bcs of your weight and you running this is causing blisters."

4. "Sometimes it is just best if you stick with the shoes you have...I mean some people say that when you find what works why change it?"

5. " How many miles a week do you run?" (Me: 12-18 mi/wk) "Well you shoe (that I am currently in Nike Torch5) is considered a Neutral shoe and that is basically a lazy man’s shoe and it allows your foot to do whatever it wants no supporting it in any given way...when you are running more and it becomes more serious then maybe think about coming back and getting a shoe"

6. "I've never heard of that shoe anyway (The Nike Torch5) I was wearing"

7. "It's not like there is this Holy Grail of all shoes find what you like"

8. "This isnt an exact science sometimes you just go with what works for you"

Me: "Alrighttty then...Um Can I just get my money back then..You know it was probably more my fault bcs I tried to do this on a week bf I had a run and I just bit off more than I could chew...no harm no fail."

AS he is ringing me out (credit back) he says "You know I once had a girlfriend who no matter WHAT she bought whether it be a bed or a service or shoes or whatever she was never satisfied with it..."

I wanted to say "Thus the reason for her break up with you?" But "Uh Huh" came out instead!

SO that was my deal-io today and I thought that along with everything else I would share it with you!

So Mr. Gerardo Mora at On the Run in Pearland and I did not see eye to eye that is ok but really as manager with more than 30 Years running experience (ran the 300th Annivesary of the Boston Marathon and runs 60 miles a week) I would think that he could have been a little more nicer to say the least. not to mention professional...i mean when was the last time you were compared to a mangers ex-girlfriend as you were returning an item?

So I did just what he suggested i went to another store and bought shoes that felt good for me. After all I am just a lazy man running small time here right? maybe one day when i am serious i will be worthy of his help???

I am outta here...........

3/1/10 Small Business Re~Vuu Created Inspirations

Callin all SERIOUS Jewelry Makers and Bead Junkies.......We have a new place in town!


Created Inspirations
135 E. Mulberry (HWY 35)
Angleton, Texas 77515
PHONE: 979 -849-BEAD (2323)
Owner & Manager
Donna & Mr. Ditges


I heard of this place from My friend Monica. She raved about it for a while so my mom and i decided to stop on in.
We arrived about 30 mins. before closing time and they ended up stay 30 mins passed closing time! We were like kids in a candy store!

As soon as you walk in you are welcomed with gospel music and a slight hint of a pleasing aroma of flowers and everything "nice'. Once you walk in you forget that you are in Angleton or even walking in in in front of a busy Hwy!

From front to back of the store and left to right all you can see are beads beads beads and MORE beads. All different shapes, colors and finishes. Now dont get me wrong i am no expert I amd a complete newbie at all this but it was Overwhelmingly BEAUTIFUL!

The owners Donna and her hubby are so nice and outgoing. We found ourselves trading ideas and such for things from necklaces to metal clay!

They offer classes at thier store on week-ends. If they do not have a class in your area of interest Donna said just talk to her and she will see what she can do.

We signed in in their guest book and she told us she would let us know when her website was up and running.

I had a blast sitting and seperating some beads i purchased for a "project" I am going to do. In this particular bend you could search for beads and they were 10 cents or 25 cents depending on the size.

Donna and some of her own handy work has been featured in "STRINGING Magazine" Who knew we have a famous Jewelry maker righ here among us! I saw the magaine and her necklace featured in it and it was GORGEOUS.

Why go to Harwin when we have Mulberry?

You know how i love to shop local whenever possible lets support or local and new bussinesses. Go take a look at all her beautiful stuff. Pass the word.

1/15/10 Salon Re~Vuu Gingers Salon & Spa

I recently paid a visit to a local salon and had a fab expierence and would like to share it with you. If you are interested read on.......


Thursday1/14/10 @11:00am
Appt: With Shannon Jones
Gingers Salon
700 North Front Street
Angleton, Texas 77515
979-849-0488

When I went in to see Shannon I was in SAD shape and that is being kind. Over a year and a half ago my hair went from a mop to a "Victoria Becken" cut by a lady in Houston who I found thru a friend. All was well until I noticed that once I really got to know my own hair and started feeling more daring I would tell her what to do and she kinda still did her own thing. THIS coupled with the fact it was a 60 MILE trip one way and she charged a SUBSTANTIAL amount I had second thoughts. SO i made an appt w/ Shannon...Shaggy grown own pathetic "Victoria" cut and all!

Walking in was like walking in to Old Hollywood immediately i felt relaxed and at ease. The lines in the place were clean cut and fresh. The elegant touches such as the Chandeliers, softly played feel good music, pop of black finishings and matallic sky blue wall are perfect. i felt like I was in a place that could really take care of my hair. I was greeted by a sweet young receptionist and then lead over to Shannon's chair.

I brought pictures which i never know if Stylist like or not but to each thier own. So we talked a lot about why I was there and what I wanted to see happen to my hair. She listened and even asked questions about what we talked about THAT right there showed me she was aiming to achieve what i wanted.

A'Cuttin she went. She took her time with me and never ,made me feel rushed. In the end she gave me the exact cut I have been wanting for sooooo long. I felt confident, happy, refreshed and FIERCE when I left there that day.

So make an appointment you will not be dissapointed. Ask for Shannon Jones

PROS:

The price (for wash, cut, blow dry and style..Lets say under 45.00 YOU call for ur price)
Atmosphere
Stylists (Ginger and Shannon and Nail Techs Cookie and his wife more on Cookie later)
Parking is plentiful
Variety of services (Nails, hair, Massages and more)

CONS:
Location IF you are not familiar with the Angleton area you may over look it BUT once you go you wont forget. ACROSS FORM CVS

GO AS SOON AS YOU CAN. LET HER KNOW YOU READ THIS RE~VUU...I WOULD JUST BE INTERESTED IN HOW MANY READ IT IS ALL.

RIGHT NOW THEY HAVE A COUPLE OF SPECIALS GOING ON
ONE FOR PEDICURES

1/11/10 Restaurant Re~Vuu Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse

Tonight I had a girls night out with Mari and one Rani we tried a new local (Lake Jackson hey its still local) restaurant


Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse
602 E. Hwy 332
Lake Jackson, Texas 77566
979-297-9988
Across the street form Buccees.
HOURS: Unknown..not on take out menu or website.

Tokyo is like the "Other" Chinese restaurants in Houson that have chefs prepare the meal infront of you. What I found here are the following:
1.) NICER wait staff ....and it started from the greeters in the entrance to the waitstaff that refilled our drinks.
2.) FRIENDLIER Hostess...She explained the way the set up worked as well as the diff. meals on the menu. She checked on us frequantly without being too pesky.
3.) More room at the Hibachi style area. 8-10 people could be sat per Chef.
4.) Enthusiastic Hibachi Chef's. He was actually taking pride in his "Art" and made the meal a very pleasant experience for all involved. There were adults, toddlers, and teens at our station and he made every one of us laugh.
5.) Portions of food were great. The rice and veggies that most everyone gets with thier orders are fabulous.

The "Other" place pales in compairson. They almost make you feel as if you are bothering then and they HAVE TO cook for you. I think they will have a run for thier money with Tokyo.

Price: It is a little pricey but it is so well worth it. Woulnd't go EVERY night but for sure for date night or for a change up in the norm.  Also this prices could reflect the fact that all the food is prepared in front of you and with what seemed to be the freshest ingrediendts.

YOU do have a choice to sit at a regular table or the Hibachi station.

The salad you get before your meal (at teh Hibachi station) is great and has a wonderful dressing BUT they are a bit HEAVY HANDED with it so you may wanna ask for them to go easy on it.
The Atmosphere was awesome. You felt the energy there. There were people and families of all ages. A great place for a date night, celerbration or for the girls!
Parking was fine but with as popular as this place will get they may wanna look into getting more.

So if you are reading this please take a moment to go and try Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse as soos as possible! I think this will be my new place to eat!

Sample Menu:

APPETIZERS

Edamame (Yumm) 2.95
Tokyo Scallops (fried) 6.95
Tempura shirmp 4.95
Yaki Tori (grilled Chicken on skewers) 4.95
Miso Soup 1.99
Combo. Bento 13.95 (choice of 3 items like sushi)
Most come with Soup of the day
House Salad
Vegie Tempura
Steamed or fried rice

8/27/09 Restaurant Re~Vuu Masa Sushi Sake Bar

Masa Sushi Sake Bar
Japanese Restaurant

1804 W. FM 646 Suite R
Dickinson Texas 77539
Phone: 281 -337 -1288

Well I first discovered this place when I had a "hankerin" for some sushi. We stopped in real quick and placed a to go order. It took about 10 mins to get this order...but it was worth the wait.
The rolls were rolled by hand and as I ordered none of this pre-made stuff. It was veeeery good. So I made a mental note and decided to try the dine in expierence ASAP.

My hubby and I had a recnet Date night. No reservations no call aheads we just dropped in.
Masa Sushi is in a strip center and this may put some people off at first bcs you would assume that being located there it is a fly by night place but one the doors open and you cross the threshold you are transported to a chic loungish atmosphere that is relaxing and welcoming.

They of course have the some Japanese decor around but it is not alllll over the place or done in a tacky way. The hostess is dress in her regular clothes (drees up very nicely) and the wait staff is dressed in all balck (if i recall correctly)...all look very sharp.

We are quickly welcomed and escorted to our table. They have it set up with tables in the center and the looooong wrap around "booth seating" along the wall and chair across form the booth (So one person is in the booth & the other in a chair).

We were welcomed by our waiter and told of the specials and given time to order. When we ordered this is what we had

Edamame $2.99
House Special Soup $1.50
Rock N Roll $5.50 (Shrip Tampura, Cucmber, Green onion & Avacado)
Spider $6.75 (Soft Shell Crab, cucumber, Green onion & Avacado)
Philadelphia $5.50 (Smoked samon, cream cheese & avacado)
1 more roll I forgot what it was called but yummy nevertheless

Needless to say we were stuuuuuffffffed. We had t take some home. The wait was a little bit lenghty BUT I assure you it was worth the wait. It was not enough to make you never wanna go back. I am thinking it may have just been an off day. I will try again soon and see if that was the case or if this is the norm.

Funny thing was that in the background they played classic rock...Bon Jovi and Posion I think heee hee

Jason , My hubby, said it was had an industrial adult feel bcs of the lighting and music.

The magr. Michelle did walk around and greet people, but it wasnt like at other places where they just ask"How is everything?" you say "Oh good." then walked off to the next table. During the course of the evening I saw her go to each and everytable and really take some time and speak and interact with the table of people. She made it seem like she was just there talking not working.

We did try an appitizer; it had a bit too much onion in it so when she came around i mentioned this to her and she really took my comment into consideration.
She compted that portion of the ticket and gave us a little something else as a thank you for our feed back.
I would say what the appitizer was till I try it again BCS i think they are REALLLLY on to something and given that change I feel like this could be one of thier great items they are known for Much like the blommin onnion is for Outback...I cant wait to try it again.

So to close I say go go go!

PRO's:

Something Different
LARGE Variety of foods
GREAT Prices
Great Atmosphere
Plenty of parking
Staff
Michelle the Mngr
Portions are awesome
Qaulity of food is top notch


CONS:

In a strip center (so may turn people off or some may not try it simply bcs they think it is a fly by night place)
Table's (the table booth combo's only) are too close together...PPL next to you know EVERYthing you are talking about

All else is great

8/18/09 Restaurant Re~Vuu Chef Marc Anthony's Kitchen & Bakery

I had lunch today with a friend and we tried a new local restaurant

Chef Marc Anthony's Kitchen & Bakery
503 West Mulberry
Angleton, Texas 77515
979-848-9844

Next door to Jack n the Box.

HOURS: 11am to 2:30 pm AND 4:30 pm to 9 pm TUES thru SAT.

Chef Marc Anthony's is in an old Pizza Hut, but have really tried to put a different touch to it.
I was immediatelygreated when I came in. They had a simple 2 sided menu with great descriptions of food. I saw things you dont normally see at local places like Chili's such as:

Fried Green Tomatoes
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes
Gumbo
Thai Chicken Salad
Open faced pot Roast
Cajun Herb Crusted Salmon
AND Desserts

The prices were very affordable...$4.99 to $9.99

I had he Tostada Salad with Spicy Ranch MMMMMM MMMMMMMM good. It was packed with fresh veggies that were all well washed and cut by caring hand in the nearby and very open kitchen.
The wait staff were very friendly but not overly bothersome as in other places. The atmosphere was nice and on the quieter side but with soft rumble of other customers talking.


This place is family owened and Operated and the chef is a local AHS alumni that attended Culinary school and "Came back to feed the people of his home town"

I had actually tried there food for the first time at the wedding of some amazing people (Kent & Roberta Phillips last month). The staff there were the same staff working today and they were just as nice and professional today as they were on the wedding day.

The wedding day menu consisted of :
TO DIE FOR artichoke dip
Grilled Veggies
a fruit mix
bacon wrapped chicken
AWESOME.

So if you are reading this please take a moment to go and try Chef Marc Anthony's as soos as possible! I think this will be my new place to eat!