Panera Bread

Confession time, I'm a Panera Bread addict. I eat lunch there almost every day. There are several reasons for my habit. I work from home, alone most of the day, so I need a break and a little interaction. Lunch at Panera has become my go-to reason for getting dressed (I have been known to work in my yoga pants and t-shirt through dinner) and getting out even if it's for an hour. I'm also an iced tea fanatic and Panera makes the BEST iced tea around--no sugar, lots of lemon please. Refilling my large cup on the way out takes me through the rest of my day. Plus, Panera's food is good. The portions are fair, the food is well made and I like the choices even if I get the same thing every day.

But the real reason I like Panera so much is the excellent service. They have the nicest employees anywhere. They're friendly, helpful and remember your name and order. They always have a nice comment and seem to really enjoy doing their job. It's obvious that the company has an excellent training program and good management--they've found their niche and they fill it well. Great job! 

Heather at Dolce Vita Hair Salon

I have had more bad haircuts than I can count. One dismal experience after another with stylists who didn't listen to me and cut deep layers in my hair (why do they always do that?!) or cut too much or cut unevenly. You know exactly what I mean when I remind you of that horrible sinking feeling you have when you leave the salon feeling unattractive and ripped off yet again.

So, it's with profound happiness I report that I just had my third appointment at Dolce Vita Hair Salon and I'm pleased, so pleased! My stylist is the salon owner, Heather (in the interest of disclosure she is an advertiser of the magazine). Heather is a sweet as can be, with a personality that is perfect for the job. She's calm, personable and an interesting conversationalist. And, boy can she do her job! 

I have fine, limp hair that needs special care. Heather has been helping me move it along from a short cut to a shoulder length layered one step by step. She's clearly listening to me and it's nice to have "in between" hair that looks good. A huge bonus: Heather is an expert colorist. I have no idea what the term is for how she colors my hair but she blends several rich brown shades to create a weave of color that looks natural and shiny without that highlighted look that seems dated. 

I want to mention that the customer service at the salon is excellent. Doug manages the salon and is very thorough and competent. He calls you the day before to remind you of the appointment, is sure to offer you a cold drink when you're in the chair and generally caters to your needs in a quiet, relaxing way. The salon is simple and comfortable and conveniently located in the KMart shopping center on 41.

You can reach Heather at 659-0600. Tell her Andrea sent you.

It's a new theme!

I've been thinking a lot about this blog and how it can best serve the community. After having a terrific experience recently with a local business owner (read about that experience in the next blog entry!) I realized that one way I can do that is to share good news with readers. There are some really terrific businesses and organizations in this area and they deserve to be publicized and thanked. I hope you'll join me and add your thoughts. Tell us about the coffeehouse barista who made your day a little better, the teacher who touched your child's life, the neighbor who mowed your lawn when you were sick. Let's share the news with each other about all the gracious, special people who live in this area. We all could use a little good news and it's just plain nice to thank people.

It's almost over...

The election is tomorrow and whichever "side" you are on I hope you will get out and vote if you haven't already. It's a little distressing to me that it's been so difficult for Floridians to vote and I hope that there will be a lot of talk after the election about fixing a system that requires people to stand for hours in line. There are elderly people who don't have the physical strength to do that, college students who don't have flexible transportation and plenty of working folks who simply can't give up 2-6 hours of work to wait their turn. I heard someone call the waiting a "poll tax" and I have to agree with them--it just shouldn't be this difficult. Hopefully, tomorrow will go smoothly for those who haven't yet voted. And, come Wednesday, the election ads will be off the air!