Sunday, September 14, 2008

Dog Beauty Salon?

Have been thinking about taking my dog Kimo (poi) to be groomed. Always thought this was an indulgence of AKC show breeds. Well, much to my delight, and Kimo's enjoyment, Apple Puppy Dog Beauty Salon in Kaimuki was a great experience. Yuri and Sally are two young ladies with much experience in dog grooming.

It was my first experience too, and not knowing what to expect, I asked for them to show me what they do and how they groom. I left feeling comfortable and knowing Kimo would be in good hands.

He was washed, trimmed, nails clipped, glands expressed and tummy shaved--turning out a clean-cut, good looking dog. They do not rush or overbook and it was a quiet environment (except when Kimo found a friend to play with). So the 3 hours Kimo spent there was well-worth the very reasonable price.

Great location and parking lot! 1126 12th Ave. suite 201. 808-734-8282

Friday, September 5, 2008

A Hidden Day Spa with Super Kamaaina Rates


Ville de Coco
, in the Luana Hotel at the edge of Waikiki. Don't let the thought of driving into Waikiki stop you, there is free parking in the building and it's at the edge of Waikiki, just across the statue of Kalakaua.

Coco's pedicure is like nothing I have ever experienced, even at fancy resort spas. Here attention to detail is apparent as soon as you walk in the door. It's not Hawaii, it's serene, quiet, soothing like I thought a spa should be. Soft music, candlelight enhance the sunlit entrance. Gentle water features calm and relax me at once. I'm greeted, seated and asked to choose from three aromatherapy scents; these will be used as a scrub and massage in the pedicure. I feel like a queen seated on a raised banquette with my feet in a specially designed bath. Then the magic begins. As Coco works on my feet (won't go into details of my toes) the stress drains from my body and I relax back into the comfy pillows and almost fall asleep thru the cleaning, massage, and painting. My friend goes for the bling-bling crystals on her toes! She has very lovely feet!

Coco is famed for her nail art--please watch the video in the reception area, it's amazing! Most of these styles, she has developed herself and won awards for creativity and technique. Best of all, you will be thrilled with the very reasonable Kamaaina rates. (pls tell them when making appointment, that you are a resident and heard about her from me). Coco is a stunning, tall Japanese lady who has built a fabulous spa that is hidden and still undiscovered....
http://www.villedecoco.com/
2045 Kalakaua Ave # M150
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 941-3732

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Need a new hair style/stylist?


It's about updating, not fearing change. Asked a friend for a recommendation and was very pleased with the results. No, nothing radical, still rather conservative, but then this was the first visit.

K's Hair, owner, Kaoru Hanazawa is from Chiba, Japan and his technique is totally different than the familiar American style. From the reverse fitting drape/cape to the small towel to protect my face when washing my hair; I was not expecting this! Then he started cutting. We communicated in fractured English and Japanese but I left everything in his hands. He cut the silhouette edge of my wet hair with quick snips of his scissors; dried my hair and started snipping again. Having fought my super-straight Japanese paintbrush hair all my life, and trying to bend and shape waves and curls fruitlessly with hot irons and tragic perms, Kaoru told me I had natural curls--Not!? But lo and behold, as he dried my hair, bends and waves formed without aid of a brush or gel or mousse or anything!

The only product he used on my dried hair was a bit of Japanese hair cream. No, nothing greasy, just enough to scrunch and add a little tousle to my new cut. I guess Asian hair is different than Caucasian after all. wow! I am very happy and love the easy care, quick drying and no-work to this cut! Most of all I love the waves I thought I'd never have!
K's Hair Honolulu
McCully Shopping Center #202
808-951-6903
http://www.kshair.net/