Showing posts with label Local Businesses. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Local Businesses. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Friday, August 14, 2009
North Paws Veterinary Center
Trust. It’s the single most important feeling a person must have in order to continue to use the services of another. At North Paws Veterinary Center we found exactly that. We had been looking for a quality vet for a long time and I’m happy to say the search has ended. Dr David Bergmann immediately put us at ease with his calm demeanor and informative conversation. He took the time to really listen to what we had to say, ask lots of questions and addressed each of our concerns… all the while paying particular attention to our dog, Grux.
It’s so important to feel heard when visiting any doctor. I’m not just talking about telling the assistants what’s ailing your pet or explaining to the doctor why you’re in their office. I’m talking about really being heard. I feel that it’s a lost art in any service industry, so when you experience it, make sure to hold on with both hands because that’s usually someone who really cares about what they do and how they do it. Dr Bergmann and his technician Wendy were simply amazing in many ways, but most importantly the way they instilled trust in us. On the ride home Melissa and I kept talking about how impressed we were with both of them and how we couldn’t wait to get our cat Dave over there to be seen by Dr Bergmann as well.
I’m sure there are a few pet owners out there who are looking for reassurance that their pet is in good hands. With North Paws Veterinary Center you can feel confident that your pet’s needs are being met and you’ll sleep easier knowing they actually care about Fido’s health. Thanks, North Paws.
It’s so important to feel heard when visiting any doctor. I’m not just talking about telling the assistants what’s ailing your pet or explaining to the doctor why you’re in their office. I’m talking about really being heard. I feel that it’s a lost art in any service industry, so when you experience it, make sure to hold on with both hands because that’s usually someone who really cares about what they do and how they do it. Dr Bergmann and his technician Wendy were simply amazing in many ways, but most importantly the way they instilled trust in us. On the ride home Melissa and I kept talking about how impressed we were with both of them and how we couldn’t wait to get our cat Dave over there to be seen by Dr Bergmann as well.
I’m sure there are a few pet owners out there who are looking for reassurance that their pet is in good hands. With North Paws Veterinary Center you can feel confident that your pet’s needs are being met and you’ll sleep easier knowing they actually care about Fido’s health. Thanks, North Paws.
564 Putnam Pike
Greenville, RI 02828
401-949-5030
Bob Black REALTOR Williams & Stuart Real Estate 870 Oaklawn Ave Cranston, RI, 02920 | Work: 401.942.0200 ext 28 Mobile: 401.261.1599 Bob@BobBlackOnline.com | |
Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate       | ||
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Sunday, May 3, 2009
Springtime Farmer's Market
It’s almost time for the farmer’s markets to begin! Pretty soon, we’ll be able to go out on a Saturday morning and pick up some fresh and local berries, beans, cucumbers, eggplant… but in the meantime, we took a drive over to the Winter/Spring Farmer’s Market in Pawtucket last weekend.
We were pleasantly surprised by the number of vendors! Here’s a short list of our favorites:
Narragansett Creamery: The Best Ricotta in the World. That’s what the woman standing next to us said. And… I imagine she’s right. It was definitely the best I’ve ever had. That night, Melissa made us some spaghetti with her sauce, and a little ricotta mixed in. It really was unbelievable. But probably the best way to really get the whole ricotta experience was when we mixed it up with a little sugar and dipped strawberries in it. Wow.
Allen Farms: Have you ever had pea greens? Neither had I, until I stopped by this booth. These are from snow peas, and we were won over immediately. We scooped up a container, and also a pot of cat grass for Dave – which he loves. We used the pea greens in a salad with spinach, kalamata olives, cucumbers and feta from Narragansett Creamery. We’ll definitely be buying these again.
Barden Family Orchard: We grabbed some apples – I wish I could remember what kind they were. Guess we’ll have to go back and get more.
Stony Hill Cattle Company: While Melissa wandered over to Purple Pear of Providence, I took some time talking to the ladies here – and ended up with a Porterhouse steak. It’s in the freezer still, but I’m going to grill it up soon.
The Spring/Winter Farmer’s Market runs through the end of May.
Hope Artiste Village
1005 Main St.Pawtucket
10-1pm
Several other farmer’s markets begin in May. Click here for a list.
We were pleasantly surprised by the number of vendors! Here’s a short list of our favorites:
Narragansett Creamery: The Best Ricotta in the World. That’s what the woman standing next to us said. And… I imagine she’s right. It was definitely the best I’ve ever had. That night, Melissa made us some spaghetti with her sauce, and a little ricotta mixed in. It really was unbelievable. But probably the best way to really get the whole ricotta experience was when we mixed it up with a little sugar and dipped strawberries in it. Wow.
Allen Farms: Have you ever had pea greens? Neither had I, until I stopped by this booth. These are from snow peas, and we were won over immediately. We scooped up a container, and also a pot of cat grass for Dave – which he loves. We used the pea greens in a salad with spinach, kalamata olives, cucumbers and feta from Narragansett Creamery. We’ll definitely be buying these again.
Barden Family Orchard: We grabbed some apples – I wish I could remember what kind they were. Guess we’ll have to go back and get more.
Stony Hill Cattle Company: While Melissa wandered over to Purple Pear of Providence, I took some time talking to the ladies here – and ended up with a Porterhouse steak. It’s in the freezer still, but I’m going to grill it up soon.
The Spring/Winter Farmer’s Market runs through the end of May.
Hope Artiste Village
1005 Main St.Pawtucket
10-1pm
Several other farmer’s markets begin in May. Click here for a list.
Bob Black REALTOR Williams & Stuart Real Estate 870 Oaklawn Ave Cranston, RI, 02920 | Work: 401.942.0200 ext 28 Mobile: 401.261.1599 Bob@BobBlackOnline.com | |
Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate | ||
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Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Enchanted Yesteryears - Scituate, RI
Being a thirty-something such as myself, I never could have imagined that I’d have interest in going into an antique shop. Apparently I’ve held a prejudice that all antique shops are, for lack of a better term, dull. I mean - who needs an iron from the 1800’s that can’t be used for anything in the modern world except maybe a doorstop? I guess it’s because I’ve always wanted to be an archeologist and I’d rather be out finding the relics and documenting my journey that I never took the time to fully appreciate what these stores have to offer.
Today, I sit here writing this story a changed man. In the quaint little center of historic North Scituate Village at the intersections of Rt. 116 and Danielson Pike, sits a shop filled with curiosity and passion; Enchanted Yesteryears. It’s located at the very heart of the Scituate Art Festival, which by many accounts is the grandest art festival in all of Rhode Island. Owned and operated by Lois Bardsley-Sirois from its inception 3 years ago, I found the store to be more than inviting and meeting Lois I immediately understood why. She was quick with a smile and to make me feel comfortable as I toured the shop.
Today, I sit here writing this story a changed man. In the quaint little center of historic North Scituate Village at the intersections of Rt. 116 and Danielson Pike, sits a shop filled with curiosity and passion; Enchanted Yesteryears. It’s located at the very heart of the Scituate Art Festival, which by many accounts is the grandest art festival in all of Rhode Island. Owned and operated by Lois Bardsley-Sirois from its inception 3 years ago, I found the store to be more than inviting and meeting Lois I immediately understood why. She was quick with a smile and to make me feel comfortable as I toured the shop.
I was brought to Enchanted Yesteryears by one of its vendors, Linda Dillon, whom I had met at an open house a few weeks prior. When I’m holding an open house, I’m not just there to sell the house or meet a potential client; I’m also looking for my next story about anything Rhode Island. And after meeting Linda and experiencing her excitement about being part of Enchanted Yesteryears, I knew that I had to see this place for myself.
I arrived with cautious optimism not really knowing what to expect and only having my existing prejudice to guide me. Walking up to the counter I was greeted by Lois with a friendly hello as she sped off to tell Linda that I had arrived. My soon-to-be tour guide, who is lovingly dubbed the “Resident Magpie” because of her incredible knowledge of everything going on in the store and in the village for that matter, emerged from the back room to greet me. After brief introductions, Linda led the way. I was introduced to the in house “Artiste” Joan Marie Hanson, whom I found to be very talented and ridiculously nice.
“All I Ask of You,” from Phantom of the Opera played in the background as Linda showed me around. The store holds around 22 vendors currently, and has room for up to 2 more come April 1. There are two levels; the main floor, which greets you as you walk in from the street, and a lower level that I’m guessing used to be a basement but bears no resemblance now thanks to all of the artists.
One theme that I found interesting was the support of local business in the village. Linda, Joan Marie and Lois all spoke so highly of their neighbors including Village Bean Cafe, which I’m told, serves the best coffee and pastry ever…in the history of the world. Ok, so that was an embellishment but I’m sure it’s fantastic and I can’t wait to try it out when Melissa and I go back to visit. I was also told about Rhode Island’s only Bald Eagle nest that sits high in the trees just down the road from the shop. You can bet I’ll be writing about that soon.
Crafts are another common theme of the many vendors who set up shop here. They range from your standard carved wooden door and wall hangings to detailed hand painted bottles or completely refurbished furniture. I’m sure many of these craftspeople, antique dealers and artists will be displaying their wares across New England this summer in places like the Brimfield Fair or the Gaspee Days Arts and Crafts Festival. If you’re at all familiar with RI, you know that we love our crafts shows.
As we walked from area to area I began to realize that it wasn’t about the many things that sat on the shelves or hung from the walls, it was about the people who took the time to display those items or paint those pictures. People like Linda, Joan Marie and Lois. It was about the passion and love for what they do everyday that makes this place so special.
Bob Black REALTOR Williams & Stuart Real Estate 870 Oaklawn Ave Cranston, RI, 02920 | Work: 401.942.0200 ext 28 Mobile: 401.261.1599 Bob@BobBlackOnline.com | |
Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate | ||
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Sunday, February 22, 2009
Frugal RI Mama
Through the magic of Facebook, I have recenty reconnected with lots of old friends. It's really fun catching up with everyone and seeing what people are up to.
Just tonight, I was talking with my friend Karen. Karen and I met sophomore year of high school. She was always the one we knew would turn out to be a great mother (she has); she always had that maternal instinct. She came from a great family was well liked in our circle of friends.
Right after high school, a group of us rented a beach house two summers in a row in Point Judith. It was a really fun time, and a great way to feel like adults and experience South County.
Karen is now all grown up and has a wonderful family. She also happens to be the author of two great blogs:
and
Check them out when you get a chance!
Bob Black REALTOR Williams & Stuart Real Estate 870 Oaklawn Ave Cranston, RI, 02920 | Work: 401.942.0200 ext 28 Mobile: 401.261.1599 Bob@BobBlackOnline.com | |
Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate | ||
| Visit MyBlogLog and get a signature like this! | ||
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Green Envy - Newport, RI
Newport’s annual Winter Festival is going on right now (Feb 13-22), and Melissa and I took advantage of this opportunity over the weekend. We didn’t really know what to expect, but we knew we wanted to see the ice sculpture demonstrations taking place at Brick Market. After driving around and almost throwing in the towel, I was lucky enough to grab a spot right on Thames, which never happens. This led us to the many shops of Brick Market - including perhaps the most amazing new shop in all of Newport.
Green Envy is the brainchild of Rachel Lessne, whose passion for sustainability, fashion and making a difference in the world are evident the second you walk into the store. Melissa and I were greeted with a kind smile and a welcoming hello and we both knew we had come to the right place. So often you walk into shops in Newport and because of the status of the area being a playground for the wealthy, you’re made to feel like they’re doing you a favor for allowing you to shop their store. This wasn’t the case with Rachel and Green Envy. Any hint of the pretentious side of Newport was checked at the door.
Her shop is filled with amazing products from around the world with one general theme…organic, fair trade, and eco-friendly. After looking throughout at the many clean burning soy candles (they happened to be Melissa's favorite- Soy Candles by Phebes - and we had never seen them in a store) and organic cotton t-shirts, we found a table of books made of leaves and bound with twigs and branches. Of course this piqued our interest and we immediately started looking at what turned out to be journals and date books made in the Philippines using fair trade practices and sustainable materials - which if left outside long enough would biodegrade. Very cool and perfect for our friends birthday.
Other hot new items that we loved included the solar powered tote bags and backpacks. That’s right, a tote bag or backpack that you can use to recharge your cell phone, iPod or camera and I’m sure that’s not all. Oh…did I mention that the materials used to make the tote bags are also biodegradable or can be reclaimed or reused? Given that Melissa and I love to hike and be out on the trail taking pictures, I’m sure it won’t be long before we have either one of these bags. We got the feeling that so much thought and care has gone into the opening of Green Envy, and I think it’s this attention to detail that makes the difference in the retail world.
We went in with the intention of looking for a birthday gift for a friend, which we found, and left feeling so thankful that people like Rachel Lessne care enough about putting a product out there that makes the world a better place.
Bob Black REALTOR Williams & Stuart Real Estate 870 Oaklawn Ave Cranston, RI, 02920 | Work: 401.942.0200 ext 28 Mobile: 401.261.1599 Bob@BobBlackOnline.com | |
Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate | ||
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Sunday, February 1, 2009
Unique Total Body - Johnston, RI
The best way I know how to begin the process of getting healthy is to start eating the right foods. Now, I’ve always known which foods are best for me but as with anything it’s been a matter of finances in order to make it work. Quality food is usually a bit more expensive than the pre-packaged chemical laden junk that you can find on the shelves. One tip I can give is to stick to the perimeter of the market that you’re in, that’s usually where you’ll find the healthiest foods. In no way am I saying that I’m going on a “diet” because that’s just setting myself up for failure. Diets never work; the human psyche isn’t programmed to follow one specific “diet”.
So with a plan of attack for food my next step will be to find a place to work off those pounds. I’m a research freak and I think I’ve found it.
Unique Total Body located at 190 Putnam Pike in Johnston, RI is just the place. It’s a brand new business that has, for lack of a better term, a “unique” format. They combine the peace and harmony of a top-level day spa with the added bonus of elite personal trainers and top of the line equipment in every room. What really sets them apart from the competition is the addition of a full yoga studio, which doubles as a cardio/aerobics room and the commitment to a healthier more personal exercise and relaxation experience that you won’t find anywhere else. And for the record I’ve been into yoga for about a year now but I haven’t gone to a class in some time.
I know you’re probably saying, “Bob, what the hell are you talking about? The gym I go to now offers this stuff too.” Well you could say that but you’d be wrong. The gym you go to now has hundreds of people who are vying for a space in yoga class or are muscling their way in on one of the seemingly endless rows of cardio machines. The gym you go to now doesn’t offer a “Relaxation Room” complete with fresh hot herbal tea and burning candles. The gym you go to now doesn’t have the best professionals in their respective fields performing the tasks for which you so generously pay. It just my opinion but I think once I start going here it’ll be the perfect fit.
“Better Living Through Beauty, Fitness & Wellness” is the mantra of Unique Total Body and I find it very fitting. One look at the website will make you understand the quality that you’re dealing with, it’s not your run of the mill gym or spa website where they hide what they don’t want you to see. Whenever I’m trying to make a decision regarding a particular business I always check out the website first. If they seem to have it together there then I’ve found more often then not, they know what they’re doing. Don’t just take my word for it, check out the website for yourself: http://www.uniquetotalbody.com/.
The concept for the business is the brainchild of owner/manager Kelli Campellone. Who, I can say, is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in my life. When Melissa and I were given the guided tour of the facility, by Kelli herself, we came to understand her passion for her business. It’s this passion that translates into the quality of the experience.
Sure you could go to another place that’s offering what seems to be a great deal but it’s not until you see the fine print that you realize you’ve been hosed. In this day and age of instant gratification and “I want it now”, I find that a place like this is a way to leave your troubles at the door in order to build a better you.
I know I’m not the picture of perfection when it comes to the human form, but having found this place will hopefully make a difference in my life once I start working out there. It’s like they say at Unique: “achieve a feeling of relaxation while restoring balance in your mind, body and soul.” All anyone can ask for are the tools by which to make this happen, the rest is up to them.
Unique Total Body
190 Putnam Pike (Rt 44)
Johnston, RI 02919
401-233-2348
Bob Black REALTOR Williams & Stuart Real Estate 870 Oaklawn Ave Cranston, RI, 02920 | Work: 401.942.0200 ext 28 Mobile: 401.261.1599 Bob@BobBlackOnline.com | |
Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate | ||
| Visit MyBlogLog and get a signature like this! | ||
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