Parking Concepts, Inc. - Concord, CA

6/9/15
Parking Concepts, 1575 Grant Street, Concord

This parking garage is only a block off of Clayton Road, near the Concord BART station. They have parking for monthly tenants and also guests who can pay by the hour. Two lanes of guest traffic flow into the garage and you take a ticket as you enter. The first time I pulled in, the ticketing machine on one guest side wasn't working and it took a few minutes for the car behind me to figure out that I had my reverse lights on for a reason. They gave me room to back out, then pulled up themselves to the broken machine instead of following me to the other side. Ha!
Parking rates are really reasonable - $1/hr, and you can pay quickly with your credit card as you exit. Don't lose your ticket. (And perhaps you can ask for validation, depending on where you are going?) Guest parking has a lot of "compact spots" and our Altima is more of a mid-size car, but fits in the little spots pretty nicely as long as the surrounding cars aren't on the line (which they always seem to be).



It's a convenient garage for visiting friends in the Bank of America corporate building, and a short walk to Todos Santos Plaza. The garage itself is really pretty on the outside with green vines decorating one side of the building. The stairs are clean and there are also elevators to move between floors. The doors are automatic so push the big button to walk out of the garage - but do NOT push on the doors themselves. (There are signs to remind you of the auto feature). And don't forget to pay attention to where you are when you park - it's a big garage with many levels.

New Day Spa Massage, Walnut Creek

6/9/15 - New Day Spa Massage, Walnut Creek


This day spa is connected to the building where I work. I walk by it all the time, promising myself that "one day" I'll stop in and treat myself to a massage. I usually take very short lunch breaks so I have been putting off this promise to myself for over a year. On my lunch break a few weeks ago I walked over and decided to get a foot massage - I didn't have time for the full hour, but told the woman working I was happy to pay full price for half an hour of treatment. The woman offered a better solution to my dilemma, and she and another girl working simultaneously rubbed my tired feet. (It was slow that afternoon so this isn't their usual practice, but I really appreciated the extra special treatment and excellent customer service.)

The massage was nice and started with my feet soaking in warm water before being dried, massaged, and then hydrated with a nice lotion. They didn't forget my calves and I really enjoyed a lower leg massage as well, leaving me feeling spoiled and refreshed as I walked a few yards back to the entrance of my office building. I received a few compliments from the woman on my legs and skin condition as I paid (perhaps because that's about the time you start calculating tip?) :) Either way, it was all around a terrific way to spend a short lunch break.

Club 21 - A's Coliseum, Oakland

4/12/15 - Club 21 - A's Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA

The Oakland A's 2015 baseball season kicked off on April 13th at home, and we watched the unveiling of the new and improved scoreboard from the brand new and quite impressive Club 21 suite.





The Coliseum's brand new suite is nicknamed the Presidential Suite, and once you're in there that makes perfect sense. The view of the field is outstanding; seats are comfortable, plush, black leather. There is lots of room for standing, counter space for food and drinks, and a terrific staff tending to your needs.

Elaine and Martin were working in the suite for Game 1, hosted by LexisNexis. Hot food and cold food were beautifully displayed, and they happily opened wine and refilled glasses. They were both friendly and attentive.

This was my first experience in a suite, and it was pretty impressive to be in a brand new one for the first game of the season. The experience was really memorable and so much fun!

Plaza Bonita, Concord

4/26/15 - Plaza Bonita, Concord, CA


You could easily drive past this shopping plaza on Monument without stopping. It sits between Costco and Todos Santos Plaza, not far from the Concord Police Department and across the street from the skate park.  Las Montanas is a family-owned grocery store and in the biggest building in the plaza. They share space with Ruby's Nails and Spa, Guanatos Ice cream, a phone store, florist, and some small vendors selling goods like painting and piñatas. There are also some small rides for children for $0.50, the kind that used to decorate the front of supermarkets.

There are several other businesses in Plaza Bonita. Restaurants include El Yahualica taqueria, Red Onion burgers and shakes, and Chopan Kabob. And there is also a Laundromat, computer repair, Yelena's Signs, and the Michael Chavez Center for Economic Opportunity. The parking lot is shared between all of the business and it's usually easy to find parking, but be warned, you'll probably be asked by someone for change when you get out of your car. A big man smoking a car today asked my husband for change, but had to settle for a smile.

This isn't the kind of plaza I'd go out of my way to stop in, but if youre in the neighborhood, you can find some great food and services, and terrific deals!

Southwest Airlines, Oakland Airport

5/4/15 - Southwest Airlines - 1 Airport Drive, Oakland, CA 94621

Spent Friday night in Orange County and didn't feel like driving six hours each way from the Bay Area for a one-day get-away.  Southwest to the rescue. We received texts before takeoff saying our flight would be delayed an hour. Guess Southwest didn't want to the pay the after-hours fine to John Wayne airport because our flight was back on track and left at the scheduled time.

I love the two carry-on allowance, but seriously Southwest, some of these "carry-ons" are really, really big. I know that you have a box they are supposed to fit in, so why don't your employees ever check the bags that aren't within the limits you set?

Southwest has consistently friendly in-flight service. Perhaps our return flight from John Wayne to Oakland on Saturday night had a lot of room for improvement. The stewardess was more concerned about getting her frilly, pink apron on, than asking if we'd like something else to drink. She never came back, so when I wanted to use my final free drink coupon, we were getting ready to land and she said no. Guess I shouldn't be shy about pressing the call button when it's apparent someone isn't zealous about doing their job.

All in all we love flying Southwest. Had some bad experiences on other airlines, and really we've just had good ones with these guys. Very sad news for fliers: No more SkyMall.   :(    Your flight just got longer!

American Family Hot Tube & Massage, Pleasant Hill

5/9/15 American Family Hot Tub & Massage and Sauna, Pleasant Hill, CA

This place has been on my "to-do" list for waaay too long. I kind of want to keep it a secret from everyone, but it's just too awesome not to share the love.

My home-sweet-home is a condo association with an ice cold pool and no hot tub, and sometimes, a girl's just gotta soak! This beautiful outdoor garden has private spas for rent to small groups, couples, or individuals. They also have a sauna on-site for hour rental, by reservation. Massages and couples packages are available too.

The spa my husband rented for us was $15 per hour pp. We picked the uncovered option, but they have covered spas also. There are showers next to the spa so you can rinse out before and after you get in. Also a bench for the provided towels and a little privacy if you need it for changing. The spa area itself is completely private with high walls around the tub and a locking wooden latch door. The attendant will notify you when your hour is up.

The temperature was great! Very hot water with strong jets!! Place was clean, pretty, and very refreshing. I can't wait to go back. It's the perfect place to date, or double date!

Euro Hut, Honolulu, HI

Euro Hut, Honolulu, HI - 5/9/15

This store is a little bit small, so it's kind of cramped as you walk through looking at all the sparkly jewelry and treasures. But don't let that stop you from coming inside.

I found some wonderful, comfortable sandals for less than $10. Also some accessories, gifts, and jewelry. Toe rings and anklets and crystal and shell necklaces - everything they sell will help remind you you're on vacation - (like you need a reminder!)

This is a great touristy stop for folks wanting to take home a little part of Hawaii with them. The sales associate was very helpful and friendly. Just make sure you have a small group -- very little room to move around once inside!