Edited by author 10-10-2003 02:58 PM

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING:

TOPICS: When posting please use a subject header to make it easier to search. Review the list of suggested subject headers below. Additional topics may be created as required.

FUNCTIONALITY: Add a recommendation for a local business or service anonymously. There is no need to register, but if you do, you may log in and edit or delete your own posts at any time. If you have not registered with the Quicktopics site and wish to delete a recommendation, contact the HD Web Administrator via the HD website. You can also choose to receive, post or stop Recommendation Board email. Click on the arrow next to "Messages" to view newest messages at either the top or bottom of the list.

GENERAL: Members can use this list to post recommendations for local businesses and services. This page is accessible from the Her Domain website: http://herdomain.org/contents.html. If you have problems using this board, please contact the HD Web Administrator via the HD website.

SEARCH CAPABILITY: This board is searchable only by clicking on "All Messages" to load all recommendations on one page, and using the Edit/Find feature on your browser.

PLEASE BE ACUTELY AWARE that any email address on the web has an excellent chance of ending up on a spam list.
Thanks!
Teri Raiford, HD Web Admin
-----------------------
Suggested Subject Headers:
ACCUPUNCTURIST, ALT. MEDICINE, BUSINESS CARDS, COUNSELOR, DECORATING, DENTIST, DERMATOLOGIST, DOMAINS, ELECTRICIAN, HANDYPERSON, HEATING/AC, HOUSEKEEPER, HOME REPAIR, INSURANCE-AUTO, INSURANCE-HEALTH, INSURANCE-HOME, LAWYER, LANDSCAPER, MECHANIC, MORTGAGE BROKER, MOVER, OB-GYN, OBSTETRICIAN, OPHTHALMOLOGIST, ORGANIZER, PET SERVICES, ROOFER, SEAMSTRESS, SOFTWARE, SPAM, SPRINKLER SYST, PAINTER, PEDIATRICIAN, PLUMBER, PRINTER, PUBLISHER, VETERINARIAN, WEB, WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS.

Edited by author 02-25-2003 06:18 PM
Format Example:
TYPE OF RECOMMENDATION:
business name, address, phone number
member comments

DOCTOR RECOMMENDATIONS:

Dr. Laura Politz, 454-5721
1301 W 38th St., Ste. 300
 
Central Family Clinic
801 W 34th
371-9260

Dr. Charles Ron Byrd on Bee Caves Road

Dr. Erica Moeller-Ruiz
12221 N. MoPac, 1st Floor South Entrance
512/901-4026

These were recommended to me by other Herdomainers. I have been to Dr. Moeller-Ruiz when she had her own practice and really liked her. Now, though, she's with Austin Diagnostic whichI really do not like--the times I've been, the doctors are too busy and the staff is really unhelpful and rude.

Dentist Recommendation:

Dr. Donald H Naeve, DDS
4000 Manchaca Road
Austin, TX 78704
512-441-2098

DENTIST RECOMMENDATION:
Dr. Dennis Goehring, DDS, PC
3421 West William Cannon, Ste. 141
Austin, TX 78745
512.892.8822
Believes in painless dentistry. I hate people touching my teeth and I love this guy! He even once called me at home after I'd had some work done to check to see how I was feeling. Very up on latest dentistry trends as well.

CHIROPRACTOR RECOMMENDATIONS:
Given by HerDomainers and their additional comments about the care that was received.

Patzer Chiropractic
Bart Patzer
2700 Anderson Lane Suite 509
Austin, TX 78757
512) 452-7681
Bart Patzer is very personable and fixed my wrists after Physical Therapy signed off on my RSI with 20-35% reduction in strength. I got back to 100% under his care. I've seen 4 chiropractors over the years as a regular patient and Bart made the biggest difference. He has helped the children of several friends, when the kids suffered from repeated ear infections. They are all now regulars.


Barton Springs Chiropractic
Dr. Todd Whipple
5184 Hwy. 290 W. Suite A
Austin, TX 78735
512-448-0900
www.docwhipple.com
Uses Applied Kinesiology techniques (muscle testing). He also does nutritional counseling. In the 2 months since I first started seeing him, I have seen a distinct shift in my headaches (before treatment I had migraines at least 5-6 times a month) and in my moods(I had seen a doc for antidepressants with terrible results). Now I don't have headaches, my neck feels great, my energy level is up, my allergies are down, my depression is almost non-existent (except 2 days before my period) and I feel hopeful about my health. I especially appreciate the time and attention Todd spends with me. I was so impressed, that I sent my best friend (who has seen improvement in her incredible allergies) and my grown son(who has ADD. They are getting great results too.


Dr. Simon Forster
5973 Hiline Rd
Austin, TX 78734
512-266-4601


Deb Logan
9800 N. Lamar Ste. 140
Austin,TX 78753
512) 873-9355
www.loganchiropractic.topchiro.com


Zygmont Chiropractic
Colette Zygmont
1700 S. Lamar Suite 301
Austin, TX 78704
512-908-9194
www.zygmontchiropractic.com
I've used her 2x for acute conditions. The first was tendonitis (computer related) & after 3 sessions I was all better :-) It was shooting pains up my arm & between shoulder blades & neck on other side - all related.
The second was after a car accident - whiplash - took a few months (3 or 4)of going 2x a week, then 1x a week, then 1x every 2wks, then 1x a month. I had to go a couple more times over the next year when I'd wake up unable to
move my neck. I'm all good now - just go in for occasional adjustments(preventative maintenance, like an oil change!).


Dr. John Martin, D.C.
4608 S. Lamar
Austin 78745
512-892-3585

CPA Rec

Roland Wawrzyniak, Inc. CPA's
9951 Anderson Mill Road, Suite 103
Austin, TX 78750
512-258-3678

Linda Wyche's email: lswyche@askthecpapro.com
Tell her you are from Herdomain and she will know who sent you. They do taxes, payroll, financial planning, and more. I believe they also train people using Quickbooks Pro.

Recommended to other Herdomainers with at least one using them with success.

LANDSCAPER RECOMMENDATIONS by HerDomainers, including comments snips

Suzi Sands [HerDomain member]
Simply Wild
suzi@sandscreative.com
512.912.0747

"A synthesis of gardening, animals, and design, offering affordable, environmentally friendly landscapes and gardens....Emphasis on native plants and easy care, along with a look that is harmonious with client needs, the house, and the neighborhood. Flexibility, customer service, and affordability are important components of the Simply Wild offering....A client can opt for a consultation and design, for instance, then do the digging him or herself. Or, a client can opt for the full range of consultation, design, and installation. Along with selecting the plants, Simply Wild also helps clients create compost, prepare soil, maintain their garden, and control garden pests in an environmentally friendly manner."

________________________________________________
Paula Middleton [Her Domain Member]
Red Bird Design
http://www.redbirdesign.com/
pcm@redbirdesign.com
301-7100

"...work includes custom gardens, living spaces, and landscapes - essentially working with clients to help develop a better connection with the natural areas in and around their homes. The process is always a collaborative process based primarily on what client wants and needs, using plants suitable for the specific site and growing conditions (soil, sun/shade, appearance, size, wildlife, low maintenance, xeric, etc)...a basic consultation landscape design consultation helps guide clients through their own design, avoid pitfalls and identify critical issues (like drainage, plant selection, maintenance) that may have been overlooked....they can then proceed with confidence and build out their landscape as time and money allow. They can do as much of the work themselves as they like, and I can take care of the rest..."

________________________________________________
Dan Becnall
Hill Country Landscape

"He did a great job on my yard!"

Edited by author 03-30-2003 12:51 PM
Photographers: Wedding, People and Pets!

Katy Roth Photography
www.katyroth.com

Sara Vela Photography
512-689-1896

Patty Mora Photography
pattymora@artcorestudio.com
(512) 970-4514
www.artcorestudio.com

Nell Carroll
ncarroll@statesman.com
I am a professional. I have been the photo editor here at the Statesman for 6 years and worked as the sports photo editor at USA TODAY previous. I do this on the side because I miss shooting and love to meet new folks.

Carol Jean Marine
carol@caroljeanart.com
www.caroljeanart.com
272-5015
I am mainly a portrait artist, and I paint people on canvas with oil, but I have painted and photographed a few pets as well. I work at home, and have a pretty open schedule.


www.bustedcrayons.com
Genia Bonyon
707-7466.
{pet portraits}Her prices are very reasonable- she is also out at 1st Thursday on South Congress regularly. She works from photos.

Edited by author 04-03-2003 09:32 AM
ACCOUNTING: John Stern has an undergraduate degree in accounting and passed the CPA exam many years ago and has several years experience in corporate and private accounting. He has training and experience in income taxes and can help you in that area. Currently, he consults on the Quickbooks software and can show you how to use it yourself to get the most out of this powerful program. He can answer questions about various aspects of Quickbooks or update your books on a periodic basis. He can often help with other accounting software too. His rates are reasonable.
    You can contact John at 512-731-4786 or JStern1028@yahoo.com

REALTOR

If you are looking for a good Real Estate Agent who specializes in Central Austin homes. I HIGHLY recommend Kay Walker of Turnquist Partners. Her numbers are:

cell: 751-4529
office: 328-3939
voice mail: 615-3080
email kay@turnquistpartners.com

Registered Massage Therapist...

Paul L. Fazenbaker
2520 Longview, Ste. 212
Austin, TX 78705
512.826.7900*
Nob Hill Clinic
*Leave a voicemail with your availability, needs, contact info, etc. and he will call back. I sometimes play phone tag and never speak with him until I arrive at the appt.

I find him to have a great healing energy which includes traditional massage, aromatherapy and reiki. He likely uses other tools/skills, but I am unaware of them.

Please let him know that I recommended him. I want him to know that I appreciate his skill and talent.

Bonnie :)

Edited by author 04-23-2003 02:01 PM
House Cleaner:

Clean Commando
Matthew Hunke
699-7828

Reliable, puntual, good duster, and reasonable rates. Doesn't nickle & dime you on extras (fans, baseboards, etc).

web hosting:

Affordable & Professional!
http://www.usmhosting.com/

Carpentry, specializing in trim work....

...interior doors, locks, shelving and all trim installations

James Lopez
JLopez2377@aol.com

Personal trainer:

Very experienced in strength and conditioning as well as nutrition . Great guy. Helps you achieve your goals. Many female clients of all ages....

Kirby Sams @ Hyde Park Gym
http://www.kirbysams.com/
452.6533

Mover Recommendation:
LeapFrogMoving.com -

Excellent service, took personal care of our items, On-time and efficient. They even give you free boxes!

Leap Frog Moving and Storage
9201 Brown Lane, Ste #190
Austin, Texas 78754
Phone: 512.833.MOVE
Fax: 512.833.6172
contact@leapfrogmoving.com

Awesome Registered Massage Therapist!

Brandy Credeur
http://www.takeamassage.com
732-8210

She works wonders, and I always feel better afterwards. She helped make my pregnancy an easier one!

Amy Holte, MEd
423-8411
aholte@mail.utexas.edu

Yoga and T'ai Chi Instruction
available for private lessons and consultation

Amy has studied Tantra and Hatha Yoga with teachers at ashrams in India, California and Brazil and T'ai Chi with teachers here in Austin and Houston. She teaches Yoga, T'ai Chi and Biopsychology classes.

Biopsychology is the science of how the chakras or psychic energy centers, are related to our psychology (love, anger, hope, fear, etc.) and biology (endocrine glands and hormones and the nervous system).

The next class is at the Hills Fitness Center on Sunday, May 18,
1-4pm, $30.
Call the Hills to register at 327-4881.

GYNECOLOGISTS
these recommendations were compiled from herdomainers:

*****

Try Roberta Braun

*****
I adore my OB/GYN, Dr. Jeffrey Youngkin.

http://www.austinfertilitycenter.com/

Don't let the URL fool you--his practice is not limited to infertility patients. I see him only for my well woman exams. He's an absolute doll, and his staff has had a very low turnover in the 5 years I've been his patient.

*****
I dont know about his openness to holistic remedies
because it has never come up...but I really like my
GYN...his name is Clive Polon, he is extremely kind
and good at discussing issues.

I also like his location, right next to st Davids on
red river.

*****

My recommendation is for Barbara Christman, 443-3033, email shine@io.com.1715 Norris Drive, Austin, TX 78704. Barbara is not for a gyno, but
rather a Nurse Practioner who specializes in women's health and has a twenty-year history as mid-wife. She is in private practice, does complete exams,pap-smears, prescriptions, etc., and operates under the supervision of an MD, a woman internist. Coming from a family filled with AMA specialists, I've always only gone to specialists until this year. After getting recommendations from two women friends, I went for an annual checkup with Barbara. I learned more about my own health from that one visit than I ever
did seeing an MD. She's quite inexpensive ($75 for a 50-minute exam/consultation) and offers a panel of blood tests for just $50. Her South Austin office is a real charmer.

*****
Any of the women at Women Partners in Health are
excellent. Dr. Rhadi Kakarla is my physician and she
is absolutely wonderful. She is patient, understanding, and really listens. Also, they are not opposed to alternative treatments. I have seen several of the doctors and midwives in the office and they are all good. They even have a web site at
http://www.wpih.net.

*****
Connie Ryan RN. I have been going to her for years. She is with the Central Austin Family Practice.

Clean Commando is horrible. All around strange guy, don't trust him around my belongings.

DENTISTS FOR KIDS <snipped>:

[1] *** (3 recs, merged here) Steven White on Far West Blvd is absolutely wonderful with kids. (a) Everything is kid-oriented and they make up funny names for what they do. My grandaughter let him file down her teeth to improve her bite and she didn't complain a bit, plus they taught her cute little tricks to use to practice her "right bite" before she came back for a check. (b) Very gentle, soft spoken man. My daughter has had to have two baby teeth removed--totally non-traumatic and she is very fearful of any medical/dental procedure. (c) He and his staff have always been patient and considerate. We started with him when my almost-three-year-old was found to have cavities, and needed someone other than my regular dentist to attend to him. My very shy daughter made a get-acquainted visit or two before any real tooth cleaning took place. I remember we made one visit "just to get her teeth counted." Planning ahead - He shares an office suite with an orthodontist, Stephan Ramsay, so it's one stop shopping.

[2] Dr. Venus Rouhani, "Austin's Downtown Dentist." Takes most insurance and is great with kids and nervous adults. She's very kind and nonthreatening. She has an all-female staff and has great patience. 322-0010.

[3] Scott Franklin, on 38th and Mopac. We started with another pediatric dentist with horrible results: couldn't go back with him, had to sign a release that they could
restrain him! Jonathan had 5 cavities and Dr. Franklin's staff was FANTASTIC. Even called the evening after his filling to check up on him!

[4] Babineau Family Dentistry, at Davenport Village off of
360. They use digital imaging to take the pictures. They have a tv hanging from the ceiling in front of the chair so you can see the pictures as they make them. It was very entertaining for my children 4 and 6. They were very creative in gaining my children's cooperation. I highly recommend them. 306-8900.

AC/Heating

I can *highly* recommend:

Mike Luker
Covenant A/C & Heating
[Office] 512-515-6946
[Mobile] 512-748-4177

He is very reasonably priced, very trustworthy and very experienced. I have recommended him to about 3 other people who also liked him enough to put a new AC system in their house. They are still happy!

Please let him know that I recommended him, I really want him to know that I am confident in his work.

Good luck!

Bonnie Glendinning

Rodney Chesnutt bought a place in San Angelo and sold his business. Bill Nelson is the new owner and is in the process of changing over the company information. The phone number is the same (It forwards to their cell) 837-6735.

Bill was great! I had to have my front brakes done and other mechanic wanted to add the price of the rotors. Mienikie wanted $394 (they insisted on turning the rotors which wears down the life of the rotors). Riethmeyers wanted $160. He called shortly after picking up my truck and told me the rotors did not need turning and fixed my brakes in record time. Great thing is that they came to my work, took it to a place they could work on it (my work would not allow the repairs to be done in the garage), and returned within a couple of hours. No waiting in a lobby for them to get to it or trying to find a ride back to work and back again. On top of that, even with the $35 service call charge he was $123 - 33 dollars cheaper than my regular mechanic.

No waiting in a lounge or taking time out of work. I'm single with one car and I needed this type service in a bad way. I can't use him for warranty work (they insist on a formal garage for that) but for maintenance work Bill was perfect and very polite and professional. He even showed me my old pads w/o me asking. His wife Sheila works with him so he does not travel along. She is very sweet. I discussed other items with him and he showed a strong knowledge of my truck.

So I highly recommend to continue to use Austin Mobile Auto Repair, now under Bill Nelson, for your auto maintenance needs. Put them in your car for emergency needs.

houscleaning: Clean Commando
               3209 Dolphin Drive
               Austin TX 78704
               512.699.7828
               cleancommando@hotmail.com
                 

I have used Matt at Clean Commando for about a year and I am very satisfied. He is flexible about scheduling, responsive to calls/emails, does a thorough job, and doesn't charge extra for little stuff. I highly recommend.

Edited by author 06-20-2003 02:36 AM
Massage Therapist:
Geneva Sampson
gsampson@aggienetwork.com
She is awesome! She comes to your house with her own massage table, and makes you feel very comfortable. I also like the essential oils she uses.

Dentist:
Dr. Steven Lindley, DDS
345-2170
7121 Chimney Corners Dr. 78731 (off Far West)
The atmosphere is not stuffy, there are only two dentists who work there, and you feel very comfortable and welcome. As opposed to dentists offices where you feel like they won't remember who you are the next time you come.

Hair Stylist :
Stacie South
Russ & Co. Hair Salon
1805 West Ave.
472-6961
Stacie is great! She has very reasonable prices, and does very good work...she is good at working with you until your hair is exactly the way you want it. She never makes you feel rushed, and has a good eye for style. She knows what is in, and you will NOT leave with a dippy do...

Artist/Illustrator/Cartoonist/Fine Artist:
Ryan Hennessee
ryanzipzapmail@yahoo.com
You should see his art! His illustrations are amazing, and the characters he creates come to life...he also sculpts amazing characters out of clay. If you ever need an illustrator or fine artist, he is your man!

Web host:
Page-Zone.com
http://www.Page-Zone.com
$3.48 for 1 domain with 100mb of storage
$4.95 for 200 mb storage and 2 domains allowed
So many other features...for that price, might as well check it out!

Professional Organizor
Sarah Vela
orchid8@earthlink.netI highly recommend Sarah. She will help you with any and all issues with clutter, organization, time management, organizing your computer...you name it! She gave me so many awesome suggestions in our one four-hour session, and her prices are so reasonable! She works with YOUR style, not just the left-brained style.

Edited by author 07-25-2003 01:09 AM

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING:

SEARCH CAPABILITY: This board is searchable only by clicking on "All Messages" to load all recommendations on one page, and using the Edit/Find feature on your browser.

TOPICS: When posting please use a subject header to make it easier to search. Review the list of suggested subject headers below. Additional topics may be created as required.

FUNCTIONALITY: Add a recommendation for a local business or service anonymously. There is no need to register, but if you do, you may log in and edit or delete your own posts at any time. If you have not registered with the Quicktopics site and wish to delete a recommendation, contact the HD Web Administrator via the HD website. You can also choose to receive, post or stop Recommendation Board email. Click on the arrow next to "Messages" to view newest messages at either the top or bottom of the list.

GENERAL: Members can use this list to post recommendations for local businesses and services. This page is accessible from the Her Domain website: http://herdomain.org/contents.html. If you have problems using this board, please contact the HD Web Administrator via the HD website.

Thanks!
Teri Raiford, HD Web Admin
-----------------------
Suggested Subject Headers:
ACCUPUNCTURIST, ALT. MEDICINE, BUSINESS CARDS, COUNSELOR, DECORATING, DENTIST, DERMATOLOGIST, DOMAINS, ELECTRICIAN, HANDYPERSON, HEATING/AC, HOUSEKEEPER, HOME REPAIR, INSURANCE-AUTO, INSURANCE-HEALTH, INSURANCE-HOME, LAWYER, LANDSCAPER, MECHANIC, MORTGAGE BROKER, MOVER, OB-GYN, OBSTETRICIAN, OPHTHALMOLOGIST, ORGANIZER, PET SERVICES, ROOFER, SEAMSTRESS, SOFTWARE, SPAM, SPRINKLER SYST, PAINTER, PEDIATRICIAN, PLUMBER, PRINTER, PUBLISHER, VETERINARIAN, WEB, WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS.

Edited by author 06-21-2003 07:22 PM
Realtor
Amy Thompson
Coldwell Banker/Richard Smith Realtors
4807 Spicewood Springs Rd. Ste 1100
Austin 78759
Ph: 512-343-7500

We chose Amy Thompson out of the phone book because her office was close to our apartment, but she turned out to be a diligent and capable realtor!

She emailed us pages of listings in the areas we were interested in and after we chose which ones we wanted to see, she patiently drove us around. Over the course of several weeks, we saw close to 40 houses before we finally decided on one.

You will find Amy very professional, fair and informative about the Austin area real estate market and the home buying process. We found her to be very flexible as well as prompt in returning email and phone calls. As bonus, she can refer you to just about any type of service a new homeowner will need from movers to home inspections. If you need something - just ask her! I'll bet she can help you out. When you call her, please tell her I happily recommended her! - Teri Raiford

Insurance -- Health; summary of requested recommendations

I highly recommend Katherine Williams at 346-9944,
kw@katherinewilliams.com. She's an independent insurance broker and financial consultant. I've worked with her for years and she's wonderful: honest, caring, and responsive.

Pitt Garrett is the bomb! He handles all of my company's needs. He even called me with Blue Cross Blue Shield's rates skyrocketed to initiate changing to a different company without me having to call him first! On top of great service he is a lot of fun to deal with. I originally got the recommendation to work with him from someone else on this list so I'm sure some other hers will have great things to say about him too. His info follows, Debbie is his daughter who works with him also. She is equally as fantastic.
Pitt (and Debbie) Garrett
Austin Brokerage Co.
1410 Lance Way
Austin, TX 78758
Telephone
Work: (512) 835-9439
Work fax: (512) 835-9789

Mary Starr of Benefit Designers helped me arrange my health insurance. Her phone number is 512-894-6545. She was recommended to me by a fellow HerDomainer some time ago. She will help you find the best insurance for your situation within your budget.

I ended up with an agent that represents several company's and found her to be helpful and got a decent deal for me at the time. Marsha McGrath ; 250-0933 ; She lives/works out of her home

I'm an insurance agent. I would be happy to help you find an individual policy. You might check out my UniCare website: www.health-agent.us for information. I'm in the process of getting licensed with Blue Cross also. I have Blue Cross myself, and have some information on the plans.
Valerie Mitchell
349-0990

Here's the info I received for Handy Chicks:
Joanna Cash (512) 912-1080 or handychicks@hotmail.com

Movers
(replies to a request for positive experiences with movers, preferably those who pack, too)

I've used Apple and Blue Whale. I've had good results with both -- they showed up when they said they would, moved everything fairly quickly and didn't break anything. But I also feel there were extra charges I wasn't expecting. I think it's a tough, unrewarding job so it's not surprising so many people have unhappy experiences.
-----
I loved Stagecoach Movers. They were by far the cheapest and fast, plus super nice. They didn't pack but they were awesome movers.
-----
Two Men and a Truck packed up my stuff in my house into a moving truck last Dec. They did a great job--honest, careful, reasonably priced. Unfortunately the company I hired to unpack me here in Tennessee was not so good and definitely not honest. They pulled a typical bait and switch. They gave me one price on the phone. When they showed up to unpack my truck the price had doubled. It was a Sunday afternoon and no other movers were available. My house here is in the heart of the city...not a place to be keeping a full moving truck over night. I did not their quote in writing, so I was stuck. Two Men in Austin sent me a written quote prior to my move on their own volition. Word to the wise, whoever your friend uses to move, please advise them to get their quote in writing.

Additional collection of notes on movers
I just moved last week. Alligator moving was another Her recommendation. I was very pleased. They were 10 mins early and finished very quickly. I would use them again.

I love Aardvark movers. And summer and the Christmas holiday are the best with them, because the owner's son is off school and he is an extra (free!) body that helps with the moves. Really nice guy, reasonable rates.

Blue Whale, who used to be good, are good no more..they broke a bunch of my furniture and never reimbursed me! The story is much longer and pretty awful, but that
should do for now...sorry I don't have a positive recommendation, however....

LAWNMOWERS

Sonny
391-9105
Call Sonny 391-9105 for inexpensive Mexican labor. He mows/trims the front and back yard, trims, etc for my tenants in Travis Heights at $20/ visit.

Osmond Wescarth
pager 783.4024
my guy is osmond wescarth. he's great!

Enrique Saenz
835-9163
I've had an independent guy doing our lawn and landscaping for the past 3 years and we've been so happy with him. We always get compliments on our yard and people can't believe how reasonably priced he is (so much less than the major companies in town and even less than most other independents).

Carles Zanetti
699-3262 cell
447-3538
Give Carles (pronounced Car-less) Zanetti a call at 699-3262 cell or 447-3538. He is amazing, a great guy and can take care of all your lawn care OR handyman projects.

Edited by author 07-18-2003 01:07 PM
/m41 Another Realtor Recommendation
Virginia Ivey, vrivey@earthlink.net
cell: 658-1146; office: 447-3336.

Virginia is the kind of realtor you dream about...endlessly patient yet sharp, skilled and knows Austin like the back of her hand. She also cares about this town...she was a board member for SOS for six years. Yada yada on the credentials stuff. She helped my husband buy our house and chances are, she probably helped someone you know. She is one of the coolest people I know (and she's never been stricken with realtor "hair"). ;-)

TREE TRIMMERS

Nevit of They might be Monkeys
445-2614
You can try Nevit of They might be Monkeys at 445-2614, they are pretty reasonable and my neighbors and I have used them.

Carles Zanetti
699-3262 cell
447-3538
Give Carles (pronounced Car-less) Zanetti a call at 699-3262 cell or 447-3538. He is amazing, a great guy and can take care of all your lawn care OR handyman projects.

Willie Johnson Tree Service
443-6220.
Very good; they will give you an estimate and do a safe, professional job without harming your trees.

Johnny Barnett
374-9926

Joanna
handychicks@hotmail.com
TEL: 512.441.1038

C & R Lawn Service
636-3440.

Tree Tamers
266-7910

Chris Ford.
cmonee@yahoo.com
He and his friend do stuff like that. Very reasonable

MEDICINE

some past recommendations for motion sickness relief

------------
Have you ever tried Bonine? It's works much better for me than dramamine, and is very long-lasting. Sometimes I just take half a tablet, and it keeps me from getting sick at all. I don't notice any effects of sleepiness, etc. from it.
-----------------------
I spent some time living in the Caribbean and wanted to sail so badly but I got sick every time I went out on a boat. Dramamine didn't help so I got the acupressure wrist band thingies at Wal-Mart for about $10. The best $10 I
ever spent in my life!!! They work great for me and you can probably find them just about anywhere.
-----------------------
One of the things that I've found very helpful is gingko (which most folks take for memory improvement). The deal with most herbal remedies, though, is that you don't just take them when your symptoms appear, you take them regularly
as a preventative measure. So you'd want to start taking it up to 3 weeks before your trip. Most dosage recommendations for commercially prepared gingko tell you to take 3
doses per day. In my experience, this is excessive and expensive. For my vertigo, I usually take 1 dose everyday (definitely *after* a meal) and then when symptoms occur, I take additional doses. This has been very effective
for me.
-------------------------
Another solution that has been *very* effective for me in times of severe dizziness/motion sickness is a prescription drug called Antivert, which blocks the sensation of dizziness without the accompanying drowsiness/drugged
feeling that you get with Dramamine. Antivert is considered a fairly safe drug and if you have a regular physician, I bet you could get a prescription without needing an office visit.
----------------------
You may want to try a Scopalamine patch, which you can
wear for 24 hours. It does make you loopy <g> like
Dramamine, but you can apply it the night before you
travel and basically be over the sleepiness by
morning. It's prescription only, unfortunately.
-----------------------
I've been out on boats with people who swear by these patches they wear behind their ears. I don't know what they are but you can buy them over the counter.
--------------
My boyfriend eats a few pieces of pickled sushi ginger when he feels nauseous or has motion sickness.

MECHANIC

some previously posted recommendations for mechanics:

South Area-
 Robert Harlon
 477-2204
 
 Don's
 near south 1st
 
  Frank Eisneberg
  448-2221
 
Central--
 Flamingo Automotive
  459-9917
  foreign only
 
  Dodd's Automotive
  453-3535

Semi-North--
  Nasser (?) (Somewhere near Ohlen)
  467-7363

  Dyer Automotive (n.Lamar)
  458-6177
 
Cedar Park--
  Love's Car Care
  336-7402
 
Someone also recommended checking the car talk website,
 
  http://cartalk.com/about/garage/intro

MEDICINE

some previously posted recommendations for gynecologists

++++++++
Dr. Carla Ortique
ADC Women's Center (north) 901-4013
++++++++
Dr. Alinda Cox
Seton Medical Park Tower
++++++++
Dr. Stephanie Reich
                 Women Partners in Health
                 1305 W. 34th Street , Austin
                 (512) 459-8082
++++++++
Shelley Campbell is a certified nurse-midwife who owns All God's Babies in South Austin. She is a great midwife who also does well-woman exams at a reasonable price. Her website is: allgodsbabies.com
She is not an MD.
++++++++
dr. roberta m. braun
472.5500
central at st.david's plaza.
++++++++
Catherine Parr
Round Rock on 620, just W of IH-35--that medical center by the hospital 512.927.2676
++++++++
Laura Merritt Women's Renaissance Center
++++++++
Patrick Pevoto 478-1377, his office is in Central
Austin on 32nd Street, in a converted old house.
++++++++
Mary Gasal
472-7685
Plaza St. David
++++++++
Nancy Turner
462-1717
4101 James Casey St.
++++++++
Sherry Neyman at Renaissance Women's Center
++++++++
Dr. Jeff Youngkin
His office is just down the road from St. David's Hospital
++++++++

ACCOUNTING

these recommendations were compiled from herdomainers:

====================
Jack Schulze on Medical Arts 472-8299

Lee Anderson located in South Austin, off Mopac near the
Best Buy. 899-4500

CPA, Garland Shelton http://www.sheltoncpa.com/

Mary Nell Mathis, 231-0550

==================

DENTIST

these recommendations were compiled from herdomainers:

Dr. Joe Smith on Western Trails Blvd

Dr. Steve Parker

Ann Lyons manchaca and Wm. Cannon

dr bell 327.7750

Dr. Tommy Thompson on Exposition Blvd

Richard M. Jones 328-0155
He's on South Capital of Texas Hwy, down the ways from Barton Creek.
 
Venus Rouhani, DDS
1401 Lavaca St.
322-0010

Dr. Griffin Cole on West 25th Street 472-3565.

Dr. Tom Hassell

Charles Elizondo, DDS - Dentistry - General
3301 Northland Dr Ste 201
Austin, TX 78731
(217) 583-6288

Steven Van Wicklen
3901 S. Lamar, 448-3131

Dr. Michael Bell

MECHANIC

these recommendations were compiled from herdomainers:

Cliff Dunn of Bluebonnet Auto (So. Lamar and Goodrich): Specializes in Toyotas. Family-run business. 445-5566

Joe at Flamingo Automotive (35th and Guadalupe): Imports only. Must call for an appointment.

Mobile mechanic: Based in Far West area
Brian McMurray
266-8040
636-1676 cell

Kenny Hill (South Austin): Web site:
http://www.kennyhill.citysearch.com/1.html

Dave's Auto Perfection in South Austin

DAY SPAS

these recommendations were compiled from herdomainers:

Local Day Spa Listings...
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aziz is really nice and you feel very pampered. Salon 505 is also very good.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
ancient way day spa/ on burnet
~~~~~~~~~~~~
There's a day spa called called "Onion Creek Spa" out toward
Wimberley/Dripping Springs that is fantastic.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
MV, my favorites in Austin are Aziz and Lake Austin
Spa Resort. Neither of these are cheap, though! I
remember hearing about some kind of discount day spa
on the north side of town (Healing Circle or something
like that), but don't know anything about it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Milennium Day Spa... www.milenniumdayspa.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Austin's Body & Soul - a day spa
13276 Research Boulevard , Austin
(512) 331-9111
~~~~~~~~~~~~
*The Onion Creek Inn has a great spa day thing. It's out toward Driftwood. http://www.ocsalonanddayspa.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rodney Austin, Owner
Austins' Collision & Custom Body Works
4110 Felter Lane
Austin, TX 78744
512-385-1930

Edited by author 08-06-2003 09:42 AM
FINANCIAL ADVISOR/FINANCIAL PLANNER

My husband is a Financial Advisor at American Express:

Leif Brown
Financial Advisor
American Express Financial Advisors
Arboretum Plaza One, Suite 800
9442 Capital of Texas Hwy
346-5400

It sounds like American Express has some special deals for small businesses that help them provide benefits for their employees at no cost to the business. I know many of you have small businesses so I wanted to share this with you in case anyone finds it beneficial.

Of course, he can also help you with all manner of financial advising including, but not limited to, debt management, budgeting, planning for retirement, saving for a house or kids' education, business finances, etc.

Edited by author 08-10-2003 11:18 AM
MAID/HOUSE CLEANING

Dawn Wilson: 302-4288, dkiddwilson@hotmail.com (phone is probably best, but she does check email too).
comments: neither the number nor email are good

Genia Bonyun: bustedcrayons@hotmail.com, phone 707-7466
comments: She would charge extra for me because I'm NW Austin. She only had 4 hours scheduled for me, so I didn't really feel like I had someone in to clean after she left.

www.txhouseworks.com or 331-6487
email: Robin@txhouseworks.com
comments: my phone call was never returned.

Martha Calderon: 928-8301
comments: phone call not returned.

PODIATRISTS:

I asked for recs for podiatrists, preferably south, and preferably on UT's health insurance. All the recs I got were on UT's insurance.

--Dr. Michael Golf and Dr. Anne Ames are great podiatrists. Golf's office is on James Casey.

--I really like Dr. Brace. He's in Westlake Hills.

--Christos Loullis
Jefferson Bldg (1600 w 38th, ste 300
380-9555

--I had surgery by Dr. Grimm last December. I was pleased with the results. He is with Foot Associates of Central Texas. He is listed on this website:
http://www.whymyfoothurts.com

ORGANIC PEST CONTROL

Aztec Organic Pest Service, 443-0123, is great!

I've been using their services for several years, and their organic approach is effective and safer than others for people, pets, and the environment. They are also very reliable and reasonably priced.

Edited by author 08-18-2003 11:49 PM
BEFORE POSTING YOUR RECOMMENDATION, please click "All Messages" (blue text above). This will display all listings on one screen including the posting instructions shown in green text.
TO SEARCH LISTINGS: With all messages displayed, use the browser's Edit/Find feature.

VETERNARIAN:

Century Animal Hospital Inc
801 East William Cannon Drive
Austin, TX 78745
512-442-9518

VETERINARIANS
---
I live out in Dripping Springs. For those folks out this way, I recommend:

Sunset Canyon Veterinary Clinic
3799 Hwy 290
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
(512) 894-0266

I have been bringing my black lab there since we moved here in 1998 and have been very pleased with their service and prices.
---
> The vet I work for is is in Manor, but I really like
> Dr Susan Culp at
> Griffith Small Animal Hospital in Austin (on 2222
> and Mopac). She is
> supportive of a fresh foods diet and is really
> wonderful and
> compassionate.
---
Northwest Hill pet clinic
3426 greystone drive
345-5067
I got my cat spayed for $26.00...(you may want to call and verify if it's still the same price)
You do have to pay extra for the after surgery pain medication, and I think you're required to be up to date on their rabies shot.
---
Elgin Vet is great. Worth the drive to Elgin. Then I believe there is Janet Arlett with Live Oak.
---
Emancipet also does low cost spay/neuter. ATA is great though.
http://www.ccsi.com/~tcaill/spayNeuter.html
---
If you're up north in Cedar Park/Leander area, I highly recommend this vet:

Block House Creek Animal Hospital
Small, Large and Exotic Animals
Office and Emergency Service - Ranch and House Calls - Appointments
Preferred
2200 N. Bell
Cedar Park, TX 78613
(512) 259-4200

Buddy (don't ask me to spell or say his last name but it starts with a U) is the main vet and has owned the place since sometime in the 1980s when he first opened business. My family has used him since the 80s and have always been pleased with the friendly service and the concern for my pets. I have taken cats, dogs, and birds to him. I believe he also takes care of horses and pretty much anything else. He has at least 3 or 4 vets working with him and many vet techs. It is a very busy place as they are so good. I talked
with one of his vets and she drives (or at least did at the time) all the way from north of Waco to work at his animal hospital since it is such a good place.
---
I can recommend Dr. Parker at AM/PM Animal Hospital on S. Lamar, near Oltorf. She and her staff are very knowledgeable and compassionate, whether you're there for routine care or an emergency. And I've made more
than my fair share of frantic help-my-cat-is-crazy-and-hurting-himself calls.

I can also say that I used Dr. Hanks (?) at West Lynn Vet for 2 years, and switched to AM/PM because through negligence of one of the techs at West Lynn my cat was injured and they sent him home without telling me about the
injury. He had an abcessed (sp?) wound that required emergency treatment.

When I called them to ask if anything had happened while he was boarded there THEN they tracked down the tech who told me that yeah, maybe he'd hurt his foot. I was and still am furious with them.
---
I highly recommend Dr. Rick Lusk at Westgate Pet &
Bird Hospital located next to Central Market.

Westgate Pet & Bird Hospital
4534 W Gate Blvd Ste 103
Austin, TX 78745
Mon-Fri 7:00am- 7:00pm
Sat 8:00am- 2:00pm
(512) 892-4463
(877) 993-4449
---
Deborah Besch at the Austin Veterinary Hospital (Central: I35 & 30th) has been taking care of my cats for many years. Friends with dogs are also well taken care of. I highly recommend her.
---

Edited by author 08-31-2003 01:09 PM
Web Hosting

http://www.mc2hosts.com/
 
A friend of mine runs this and I use them. They are local, very friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and reasonably priced.
 
Contact: Nigel Gandy at nigel@mc2games.com

Housecleaner Available:

Save time and bring more joy into your home!

Delores Sandoval is a reliable and efficient housecleaner backed by 10 years of pleased families with wonderfully clean homes.

Call Alicia to set up an appointment or email her at phytomedaustin@hotmail.com, 689-4995.

HANDYMAN & YARD CARE GUY

Rudy Martinez will cheerfully clear out garages, mow lawns, replace windows, do light carpentry, hang Christmas lights, and paint all over town.

He can be reached at 243-0114.

Edited by author 10-10-2003 02:55 PM
BEFORE POSTING YOUR RECOMMENDATION, please click "All Messages" (blue text above). This will display all listings on one screen including the posting instructions shown in green text at the very bottom.
TO SEARCH LISTINGS: With all messages displayed, use the browser's Edit/Find feature.<br>
Please be acutely aware that any email address on the web has an excellent chance of ending up on a spam list.

TREE TRIMMERS/ARBORISTS

I highly recommend The Tree Tender, owned by Arborist Nickey Bishop. His current cell number is 512-280-1958; the number in the phone book is also correct. Nickey is the closest thing to a tree shaman I've ever met. He will NOT kill a tree, no matter how strained it is--he never gives up. But he's been known to "make it more comfortable" at no charge. His regular work is $35/hour, they're very fast and efficient, and he made recommendations about the best way to feed and water trees, as well!

Estimates on your own trees are free. He will also evaulate the trees at a house you've put an option on for $50. I haven't asked him to do that yet, so I don't know if that $50 can be applied to tree trimming, if you do buy the property.

Here are the Family Practictioners recs that I received from a few of you. Thank you. -Geneva

--My brother, Dr. David T. Butler, is a board certified family practitioner.
He is one of two doctors at Primary Physicians of Austin, 380-9441 (the
other is Dr. Craig Berent, an internal medicine doc). His address is 715
W. 34th St. Neither one of them is much on unnecessary prescriptions.


--Robert Thoreson, D.O.
11410 Jollyville Road, Ste. 3101
346-0761
Will do as much as he can with supplements and homeopathic remedies but also
willing to work with pharmaceuticals if that is your preference. Very
receptive to patient recommendations and participation in treatment.


--I love my doctoer, Roberta Herman, on Jollyville, 258-6144. Very good listener and knowledgeable about holistic methods. I have fibromyalgia and tried four doctors here in Austin who literally told me it was all in my head. She admitted there was no sure treatment, no cure, but would work with me until we found something that worked. She has and I can't tell you the relief I feel just knowing I can call her when I have a flare.


--I love my doctor, Dr. Stephen Blair. His clinic is on Western Trails. He's awesome, really listens and spends some time with you.

AUTO BODY

Burleson Auto Body did a very good job for my husband at a very reasonable rate (fender restore and complete paint job on a Honda Civic for $900). 243-6339. 9292 FM 812 (behind the Bergstrom Airport).

Edited by author 11-28-2003 10:58 AM
Plus Sized Women's clothing

Avenue was good when I lived there --- it was on Brodie Lane.
----
Have you tried Foley's, Nordstrom, The Avenue, Dress Barn Woman? Those are the places I usually hit. Also, the Ross just north of Parmer @ I-35 has a large selection of dresses.
----
May I suggest Talbots? If the store in town doesn't stock the necessary sizes, be assured that the on-line version does. The measurements are very faithful to what they say they are.
----
I buy almost all of my clothes at Dillards
----
Last Call and T.J. Maxx. W/T.J. Maxx, I'd call and ask
for the manager, tell them what you want, and I'll bet they could give you a good idea of whether they have anything approaching what you want. If you call they T.J. Maxx by the Arboretum, try to speak w/Mr. Punches.
Arabic Bazaar
Nordstrom
----
My favorite clothing store is actually a website http://www.elisabeth.com The website for Elisabeth the plus sized line of Liz Claiborne - conservative but stylish. I haven't purchased a single thing for work that is not from this line in over 5 years and I am often complemented on my wardrobe. There is an Elisabeth Outlet store in the outlet mall in San Marcos. Foley's and
Dillards also carry a limited selection of clothing from this line -- the best stuff goes quickly and for full price. The website also has the full line of regular and petite plus sizes 14P - 24P and I never pay full price.

My all time favorite is Ulla Popken http://www.ullapopken.com stylish size 12 to 34 clothing but alas they cut way back on their petite sizes so haven't bought anything from them in well 5 years or so. They do not have any stores in Texas.

If you want something dressy I would recommend http://www.iqvc.com the Victor Costa line. They have other designer lines you may want to look at as well -
"Koos, of Course" in sizes 8 to 34 and Josephine Chaus up to size 28. Their own brands such as Denim & Company and Dialogue are very popular and come in a full range of sizes. They also have good selection and prices sleep and
loungewear at good prices from Stan Herman and Carol Hochman. Also Dennis Basso outerwear. They have a wide range of sizes in these lines, except petites. QVC is also on television but I prefer the website for the most part. Regular QVC prices are much less then full price at Dillards or Foleys and the selection and size range is better.

Just my size also has a very reasonably priced line of plus sized clothing http://www.justmysize.com . Their sizes are 18 to 32.

I have had excellent luck shopping online at both these merchants - their customer service is excellent and you cannot beat the convenience, quality and price. My only complaint about QVC is the cost of the shipping. Elisabeth has spoiled me with all their free shipping offers. Also the
clothes from Elisabeth are very well boxed. They are on hangers, covered in plastic then loosely folded together into the box with tissue paper. You can literally remove them from the box hang them remove the plastic, cut off the
tags and wear them.
----
My daugther and I have been going to Catos for years.
They have "younger" styles in larger sizes. I got this
kick butt pair of bell bottom jeans with leather
stitching up the side in size 14. She is 18 wore
clothing in the 20-22 range and always walked out with
a bag full. Catos is located in two places.

San Marcos: SuperWalmart Shopping Center Hwy 80
  
Pflugerville: H.E.B. Shopping Center
900 E. Pecan Street
Phone 512/251-9772
----
I would like to plug a woman owned boutique, The
Wardrobe in the 26 Doors Shopping Center on 38th
Street near Kerby Lane,
http://portal1.wardrobe-boutique.com/location.htm . It
carries plus sizes as well as smaller sizes. One of
the lines is Flax, but it has other unique lines not
sold in big boxes. The clothing is expensive, but the
sales are good.

I also recommend the Dillard's Women's sections at
Highland and Barton Creek Malls. I saw some beautiful
outfits on sale at the Dillard's in Barton Creek Mall
recently. There's probably a similar sale at the
Highland Mall location.
----
Goodwill, Next To New, and Second Time Around

Russ Martin, plumber in South Austin, did a great job for me. He showed up right away and replaces valves and faucets and offered clear, good advice on other plumbing issues. He knows old buildings. I think he is a journeyman plumber and was a master plumber in Illinois, son of a plumber. He is very willing to work with you on price and quick to run out to a supplier for parts. Call 326-1745.

Bookkeeper Rec

I HIGHLY recommend Jenna Decker. You can reach her at jennatonic@mac.com

She does the books for our small marketing agency. She's great with all aspects of bookkeeping. She not only does the everyday work, but also keeps us abreast of job profitability, budgeting, collections, etc. She is our financial right arm.

Price-wise, she's extremely reasonable.

For an accountant, I recommend Vicki Faust. She's incredible.

Jenna does our day to day bookkeeping, Vicki helps us with long term planning and keeping the tax man happy.

Good luck, great bookkeepers and accountants are hard to find!

Edited by author 12-15-2003 01:46 AM
Realtor/Buyer's Agent Rec

I HIGHLY recommend Roberta Keosheyan of Sierra Homes! I have dealt with five realtors/buyer's agents prior to this, and Roberta stands above them head and shoulders. She is friendly, efficient, thorough, and tireless--we spent six months total looking within certain geographical, physical and financial parameters, and she finally found us a great house. Roberta is a font of important info you might not find out easily--such as, septic systems have to be inspected regularly ($$$), but in some counties, you can take an inexpensive class and be certified to examine your own tank! She has a file of great inspectors, people who do estimates--if she doesn't know something, she'll go out and find an answer. She even eliminated the really ugly houses that looked in the MIL like they might work for us, saving us hours of looking (although she had great stories about them.) I cannot recommend this individual highly enough. She's at 512.619.8456, and RaKeosheyan(AT)austin.rr.com. Also www.Sierra-Homes.net .

Plus Sized Women clothing stores

I might have missed it, but it looks like no one mentioned my favorite, it is right across from Northcross Mall...
Catherines
2438 W ANDERSON LANE #C-2
AUSTIN, TX 78757
Phone: (512) 458-4185


Their sales are great - I don't know when I've bought clothes elsewhere. You can also get a "Perks" card that gives you 15% discount off of ANYTHING you buy - even if it is on sale. The card costs about $25 bucks and is good for one year.

They also have a web site, www.catherines.com - I've never bought anything from the site.
Elissa Beach

Compilation of Spanish immersion schools in Mexico -- sorry for length.

Instituto Hispano Americana, San Miguel de Allende: highly recommended by my boss as a place with personable teachers and flexible programs. She also told me that San Miguel is a beautiful town with a fair number of Americans and other expats, and reassured me that a young woman there alone would be as safe as she would be in Austin. (rec. from Nedra Stuckey)

Re San Miguel, I enjoyed language class (and day camp for my 8 yr old) at Centro Bilingue...run by Sara, a good educator. Her sister runs Josefina's, a newer school that seemed to have a good rep for kids, not sure re adults. There is a Warren Harding or some such school there that lots of adults seemed to like for their intense approach, but I only did Centro Bilingue and it's good for combing vacation & lang school on a week by week approach. Don't know about Cuernavaca.... Good luck! Susan
 
P.S. I'm teaching a Texas Union Informal class on going to San Miguel w/kids March 31st if anyone's interested....sign up via UT. :) (rec. from Lisa Hinely)

I spent a couple of months in Mexico last spring to learn Spanish. I'm
afraid the only school rec I can offer is a strong non-recomendation for Universal, in Cuernavaca. (Rec. also by Lisa Hinely, who offered more info about traveling to Mex in general; contact her for more info – too long to include here)

btw, i have one more. the academia hispano Americana in san miguel de allende has a wonderful intensive
spanish language immersion program. i learned a lot and the price was great. one caveat: the office
staff can be a tad rude, just be aware if you have to deal with them. (Rec. from shilanda)

Nedra, in 1999 I spent a month in San Miguel de Allende at Habla Hispana learning Spanish. I loved the teachers there and felt it was really a worthwhile experience. It was great being there and I had a wonderful time--in fact, didn't want to come back some days. I lived with a family who spoke no English, so was forced to speak in Spanish at meals and family interaction. It was a great way to learn, and if I had had a few months there, I think I could have become fluent. I have no idea whether the school is still operating--it was very small and fairly new at the time I was there. I am curious to see what othere recommendations you got from other HerDomainers--did anybody else mention Habla Hispana? I'd like to go back again sometime--there or somewhere else. (Rec. from Sue Wetherold)

The one in San Miguel de Allende is part of a program with the Spanish dept. at UT.... so there is info on
the UT Spanish dept. website (Rec. by J.E. Haywood)

I've been twice to Habla Hispana is San Miguel de Allende and we are planning a third trip. The URL is http://www.mexicospanish.com/. Both times the school has arranged for us to stay with a local family, which an experience I highly recommend. It's a great way to learn the language faster but you also end up meeting more people and becoming more of a part of the community, instead of a tourist. (Rec. from Mary Haskett)

hi nedra. the one i went to is instituto allende. gorgeous courtyard with art classes all around. (Rec. by alicia post)

I can't recommend a specific one, but you can find a list of all such schools on the LANIC website at UT: http://www.lanic.utexas.edu/la/region/lprograms/ (Rec. from Tamara)

I asked for recommendations of hair stylists/salons, in South Austin and/or who do well with very fine hair. I got the following responses:

-- Senon's on South Lamar ROCKS! I went there for years! Virginia cut and highlighted my hair when I lived in Austin. Very good salon uses only Aveda products.

-- Stacie Smith. She's not South, she's on Guadalupe near 18th street in the Guad Arts building -- she and another woman share one of the studios. She's very down to earth, not extremely chatty, and cuts hair very well. A good listener. And she's not chi chi fru fru blah blah like some of these salons. 431-0543

-- I have very fine hair and have had great experiences at INNU Salon. They are at 4207 Medical Parkway (not south for sure) and do not have the typical frenzied salon atmosphere. They carry bumble+bumble products and there are at least 2 that are great for thin hair (the thickening lotion and the styling lotion). I have seen Gina and Alexis and would recommend them both.

One other person (whose message I lost) recommended the J Thomas Salon in the Westgate shopping center. 899-8311

Edited by author 02-12-2004 10:44 PM
PLEASE INCLUDE A SUBJECT HEADER WITH YOUR RECOMMENDATION. Click "All Messages" to display all listings on one screen INCLUDING THE POSTING INSTRUCTIONS. Scroll to the bottom to see the instructions in green text.
TO SEARCH LISTINGS: With all messages displayed, use the browser's Edit/Find feature.
Realize that any email address you leave on the web has an excellent chance of ending up on a spam list.

Realtor Recommendation:

Ryan Morris
Realtor
Keller Williams
c: 512.964.9186
o: 512.448.4111
rmorris@kw.com

He is highly motivated and personable. He also is very dedicated to customer service and has been known to show clients around houses until 10 at night! You will not be disappointed in him; he believes his success depends on your satisfaction.

PET SITTERS, NORTH AUSTIN

These are the recommendations I got:

Allison Hornung, 258-7359. She is great if she
is not too busy. She is a pet communicator as well
and really, really loves animals.

Robin Boozer, http://txhouseworks.com/
Affordable, reliable, loves animals. Great lawn care, too.

I have been using Companion Care for years. This is a young couple with a small crew and excellent service. I feel very comfortable leaving my 3 cats with Christina Merryman. You can call them at 459-2273. They may not be accepting new clients since they are generally booked especially for
holidays.

Edited by author 03-21-2004 06:14 PM
Realtor Recommendation:

Helena Chaniotis -
http://www.austindwelling.com
She is wonderful and even pre-screens properties to make sure that they meet your criteria before you waste your time looking at things that aren't a right fit.

Gena Scurry-
http://www.spanishovercoffee.com
Spanish classes here in town that a fun way to learn...
The classes include experiences to integrate spanish into your everyday life here in Austin.

My Doctor - Dr. Robitaille - in Lakeway.
She is wonderful. She is very comprehensive and caring.
http://www.myhealth.com/myDoctor/indexB.js...ST=73&preview=false


Good Luck - Veronica Barrio - http://www.veronicabarrio.com

This is a compilation of recommendations for a therapist that can/does/is willing to take a spiritual approach to therapy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Samaritan Counseling and Pastoral Care, on Houston and Burnet (across the street from Thundercloud subs). I've been working with De Sellers for about a year and a half, and she's amazing. I'm not even religious, but the fact that understands that there is more to life than that which we can see and touch really makes it a lot easier to talk to her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wynette Barton. Best therapist I've ever been to. Uses a Jungian approach.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Genia Simmons, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
3004 S. 1st St.
Austin TX 78704
512.462.1392
annae@ccsi.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Charlie Love <omvision@austin.rr.com> 327-8196
Sandi Stringer <stillmind@austintx.com> 306-8422

They listen carefully and are of the mind to see the highest in each other... to direct you toward your innate wellness.