YUM Pho Sure! - Cafe Lotus Review

The Yelp reviews for this place were amazing, so my husband and I had to try it. We were immediately greeted at the door and offered to order at the counter or be waited on in their dinning room.

We were in a rush but decided to be seated any way. Their service was prompt which put a good taste in my mouth before any food did. I started with the spring rolls and a Strawberry Smoothie. (Smoothie pictured Below)

We shared a bowl of Beef Pho and a plate of Fried Rice with Shrimp. Everything was wonderful!! All the dishes were beautifully seasoned and flavorful. The service was kind and attentive, prices were right on and this is now a favorite spot of mine. 

(Pho Pictured Below)

Cafe Lotus

325 Old Newport Blvd
Newport Beach, CA 92663

(949) 574-2479

You can find my other YELP Reviews here > http://bit.ly/Imp9iz

Loving Art & Creativity for Healing

The time spent thus far volunteering with the organization has been a blast. This Friday will be my first time volunteering for their workshops. I’m looking forward to helping in anyway I can.

I was able to take a workshop myself and had an amazing time. Here is the review I wrote on Yelp of my experience:

Art & Creativity for is Healing is a warm & welcoming environment for creative expression. I took the HeARTs for Healing Painting Workshop and had a great time.

The instructors and volunteers are charming. Classes are great for both those with art experience and without. The goal to express yourself thru paint and enjoy the positive feelings from the process makes any of their workshops a good time.

I’m thinking of signing me and my husband up for a workshop and make it a great date night alternative to a movie.

- Cheers

The Lackluster of Online Shopping

ULTA Online Purchase Review

DISCLAIMER: I am well known for being an anti-online consumer. 
This is my first time ordering from ulta.com.

I recently purchased a toner and eye makeup remover from ulta.com. I usually avoid purchasing online but wanted to see the FREE with purchase Ulta Beauty Sample Bag (Pictured Above, Usually $25). The bag only had 2 decent size samples. I am surprised that someone would purchase this bag for $25.00.

CON: Unappealing packaging (Pictured Above)! I remember working for Kiehl’s a few years back and every package we sent to a customer no matter how small the purchase was, we packaged it in a branded box, tissue paper and a bow (for free)… then added that box to the ugly cardboard box. I wish Ulta would have had the same attention to detail. There are other ways to save money then the first impression of a purchase.

CON: The products were DIRTY!! I could tell that whoever packaged the purchase had dirty hands. I spent the first couple of minutes cleaning off my products. There is nothing worse than receiving dirty products, especially beauty.
(Pictured Below)

CON: The FREE Beauty bag that was used as the promotional piece along with the free shipping over $25.00 was disappointing with only two “jumbo size” samples.
I would not recommend purchasing the bag.
Maybe try is if it ever goes back on promotion.

PRO: When you purchase through their website you get to pick three samples out of about 10 options. (Pictured Below)

Conclusion: Still not a happy online shopper. Will an online purchase ever meet my high standards of retail?

Eva’s A Caribbean Kitchen Review

Eva’s A Caribbean Kitchen
(Visit My Yelp Page For More Restaurant Reviews)

31732 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA. 92651
http://www.evascaribbeankitchen.com

Love it here! I’ve been to Eva’s twice now and both visits have been unbelievably good. The menu is slightly expensive but the quality of the food and service are worth it. The location is small but cozy and the decor feels like you’re on a tropical island vacation. I don’t remember the exact prices and the website doesn’t list them but entrees are $18 and up.

What I Ate:

APPETIZER
Cajun Prawns ( HANDS DOWN FAVORITE!!) (Had at both visits)
The appetizer is perfect for sharing although you’re not going to want to. The dish is extremely spicy and flavorful. The prawns swim in this amazing sauce. Bread comes to the table and makes for a perfect way to finish off the cajun sauce.

ENTREE
Blackened Salmon (Had at both visits)
Cooked well and seasoned perfectly.

DESSERT
Chocolate Bread Pudding (1st visit)
Coconut Crème brûlée (2nd visit & on the house)
Really good and not too sweet

DRINK     
Tropical Splendor Juice (Blend of mango, guava & passion fruit)
This drink has the consistency of syrup and is really sweet. I LOVE IT, but be warned it’s like drinking flavored pancake syrup.

Moo Printing Review

As a designer, I’m always looking for new ways to print.

I came across a company called Moo while looking for a fast online printer.

Moo is an online printing company that differentiates themselves with what they call ‘Printfinity’, there unique printing technology, allowing you to print a different image on every card in a pack. Click Here to See the Video on the Homepage.

I’ve used their services twice now, both times purchasing their mini-cards. Because I was in a hurry both times I didn’t use the custom editor allowing you to choose multiple backgrounds for you card. However I did choose from one of their really great background option sets.

I’ve broken down my review into a few short categories:

PRICE: Average printing costs but extremely worth the money if you use the “Printfnity” to your advantage. IDEA: Use the back of the card to show the names & contact info of your many employees. Then use the other side of the card to show the company info that stays the same for each employee.

QUALITY: Great for digital printing. Don’t expect any fancy printing techniques like foils or embossing, although while visiting their site today I saw they now offer rounded corners.

ORDERING:  Very user friendly. The design platform is pleasant and easy to use. The checkout process was fast and efficient.

TIME: Like many of the other online printing companies they give the option for rushed printing and shipping. The time was average, no better or worse than most online companies. The packaging was nice and kept the business cards safe from bending.

OVERALL: The company is great, and I would recommend using their services. I’m even thinking about joining their affiliate program. I don’t have any ad space on my site but when I do add space I will be diligent to only show interesting, positive and useful companies and personalities.

The above picture shows how I display my business cards. I purchased this pup from an antique store in Shelby, NC. I would encourage anyone to get creative when displaying their calling cards.