Minda Lane

I'd never heard of this company either, but the reviews were stellar so I gave them a chance. So glad I did! This toaster is fast and accurate. That is, it toasts to the degree of doneness you want, according to the setting. You know, like the way toasters are supposed to work. I have a Cuisinart toaster that requires multiple toastings or it burns the toast, every time. But the Cusibox? Just perfect. Every. Single. Slice.

If you're looking for organic linens that are as planet-friendly as they are you-friendly, try Coyuchi. I've been so pleased with every purchase (towels, bed linens, a nightshirt)—they arrived quickly, exceeded my expectations in terms of softness and durability, and their customer service is responsive and thorough. Great company I'm glad to recommend.

I recently started using Maelove's The Glow Maker antioxidant serum after hearing about it on the Everything is Fine podcast. All that talk about topical vitamin C had me thinking I'd skipped right past some fountain of youth. Still, I didn't expect it was actually going to, you know, do anything. And honestly, I can't even really tell you what it does. But I can say with certainty that whenever I use this product I will, almost inevitably, catch my skin in the mirror the next day and think "my you look lovely today!" So whatever it's doing, I think it's good.

I love this one. You can adjust basically all of the settings (brightness of the display and the wake up light, volume) and it’s easy to use. And the little wake up songs it plays are lovely and sweet.

I guess their motto, "By drinkers, for drinkers" is meant to convince you of just how legit their fake booze really is, but I think its probably way more compelling to nondrinkers who are sick of sugary options and La Croix. There a couple things I miss about booze, like the short cut to feeling relaxed, and the ritual of mixing a cocktail. Though I have so far not found anything else that delivers the warm fuzzy feeling that a full proof drink used to, Ritual definitely scratches the itch for pomp and circumstance. The flavor is spicy and complex, and while it lacks some of the depth and richness of tequila, it's formulated so well I think the two are easily interchangeable in cocktails you know and love for their stand-out tequila star (margaritas, Palomas). Think of Ritual as the up-and-coming understudy...that threatens to steal the show.

Another users question about comfort while running made me think about these, which I've used in my tennis shoes for years. Athletic shoe inserts have a little padding but no actual support—it's all in the sole and footbed. By using these arch support my feet feel much kore stable and comfortable whether I'm walking or running. They also have a hard plastic option for heels. They make such a difference!

I use several products by The Ordinary and love them all...squalene cleanser, hyaluronic acid + B5 serum, moisturing factors + hyaluronic acid hydrator, and the cold pressed rose hip seed oil. My skin looks better than it has in my adult life and breakouts have remained minimal. Oh, and they're all so reasonably priced. I've never been loyal to a skincare line, until now!

Touche éclat is a long time fave for me!

Cristina's treatments include acupuncture, massage, and cupping. She's very thorough and listens carefully to provide the best treatment possible. And she takes (some?) insurance. Highly recommended!

Felice was with us through two pregnancies, one with a very sad outcome. She was stellar in every circumstance and we collaborated really well together throughout both pregnancies. I love her so much it almost makes me want to have another baby just to see her again! Just kidding. But she's great, and highly recommended.

Dr. Bridgman is kind, thorough, and explains things comprehensively. I HATE going to the dentist but actually look forward to seeing him. He's very compassionate and gentle and never makes me feels bad for not flossing. Sometimes. Only sometimes I don't floss.

I am not in a mental institution and never have been. Probably never will be. Also, I like my family and they like me. Joann might have something to do with this.

No doctor is more knowledgable or compassionate. I have referred several friends to Dr. McLogan with absolute confidence, and now I shall do the same for you. Whatever's ailing you, Dr. McLogan will fix you right up.

Cristina Lang at Synergy Healing Arts uses several modalities in her treatments, including cupping (also acupuncture and massage). She’s wonderful, and has helped me so much with various aches and pains. She’s in West Seattle—could either be very convenient or very inconvenient depending where you live. But her treatments are worth the trip!

Dr. Dueck and Dr. Sasaki are both great. The traction table is awesome (also free—perk!). I think getting your neck cracked is all kinds of wrong, but if you are in pain there's a good chance they can help.

There is no Amy here, but Phuong and Kim will make your nails look better than ever!

Jude is incredible. They are a very talented artist and easy to work with. If you are wondering if your tattoo will hurt: it will. But Jude will make you laugh and then you won't feel so bad about how much your skin effing hurts.

Nello for cuts, Jonathan for color. Best ever. I have been going to them for years and years and will never go anywhere else.

Adding my voice to the chorus—Melissa at Smooth Sugaring Studio is so good. Her technique makes the process nearly painless...I honestly didn't notice she was pulling my hair out until a few minutes in when it occurred to me it didn't hurt! She's skillful, professional, and a pleasure to talk with. Five stars!

Ask for Linnea. She knows you're not there to be best friends with the person removing hair from your lady parts, but she'll make you feel like a bestie, anyway, while efficiently... doing what you're paying her to do.

This is a local (Seattle), family-owned business with more options than I knew existed in the world of beds and bedding. Their salespeople are professional and knowledgable and helpful, without being burdensome or overly sales-y. Their showroom is huge, so you don't have to just pick and guess how a piece will look in your home, and they offer a variety of styles to suit your decor. If you're feeling Victorian and flush, they even sell an $80k bed made of horsehair.

Kevin Flynn at Raymark must be one of the best humans on the planet. He is a cornerstone of the local rugby community and committed to including everyone in the positive spirit of sport. What does this have to do with his trade as a plumber? Just that he’s full of integrity, and no stranger to the hard work and occasional discomfort required by the job. With years of experience you can rest assured the job will be done well for the right price. And I guarantee your day will be made just by by meeting him.

We just used Rey Valle for our house near Lincoln Park. He and his crew did a nice job and finished in one day.

If you want a dose of heart-centered social justice with your active (and challenging) vinyasa practice, Terilyn Wyre is your person. A force of nature. A rebel with a cause. A firey blast of love and goodness. Go!

Lovely, clean studio with a nice variety of classes and styles.

I love this place. It's family and community and the locker rooms are warm and smell like cheap shampoo and for some reason that always comforts me. Also, it's clean. Lots of equipment always in good repair, and great classes/instructors.

Josh is a phenomenal musician, but the reasons I recommend him are his heart and his ears. Josh is one of the most present, generous people I know, and he hears what isn’t said. He knows how to connect with students no matter why they want to learn music, and he makes it fun and meaningful. If you want an excellent teacher and person, Josh is the one to call.

Three Little Birds is a great consignment store in West Seattle with new and used items, great for used kids clothes.

I received a floral arrangement from Martha E. Harris this week and they've actually gotten more beautiful as the week has worn on. The arrangement is modern and bright and makes my insides smile every time I see it. They have a lovely selection of gifts, as well—imported soaps and candles, beautiful linens, elegant housewares, etc. Martha E. Harris is a worthwhile stop (or call) the next time you need a special gift or bouquet.

Unique swimwear, a great selection of foundations—both practical and not-so-practical, and a number of other fine accessories (jewelry, hosiery, etc.). Both times I've stopped in co-owner Shadia was there to help me with warmth and kindness without being over the top. I highly recommend this local boutique in Madison Valley.

Mike Meggyesy at DA Davidson is great to work with and has done an excellent job for us! He’s level-headed and unswayed by market volatility. He’s too humble to talk himself up very much but he consistently has higher returns than his peers.

Since I found Kelly via FRESH CHALK (!) I have been excited to recommend her to anyone seeking an agent, especially if you are in South/West Seattle, which has been her focus for over nine years. Our experience with Kelly was excellent. She helped us identify what we could do to get the price we wanted, project managed getting the work done, and the service people she referred—from painting to carpeting to odd jobs—were all top notch. She was knowledgeable and communicative throughout the entire process, which was particularly challenging sale because of Covid. Just two days before we planned to list we got word of the lockdown: there could be no open houses or walk throughs for the indefinite future. Half an hour later they announced the West Seattle bridge had been closed. Selling our West Seattle home felt nearly impossible. Kelly managed our anxiety through all of this with professionalism and a positive attitude. She was realistic and grounded but steadfast in her determination to get our house sold. As soon as the restrictions around home tours eased, Kelly advised us to list. And our house sold, for more than asking, in TWO DAYS! When the first-time buyers had cold feet just six days before closing, Kelly showed up for that, too—a true embodiment of grace under fire. By working with the buyer’s agent she was able to get things back on track, and we ended up closing five days earlier than initially planned. Kelly is absolutely the person you want next to you as you wade into the real estate market. Thank you FRESH CHALK for helping us make this connection!