New Years Top Ten Best!

Trendiego’s 10 Best Consumer Experiences of 2010 

        10) Bare Minerals Cosmetics – Great products, easy website, fun features and clever communications. My favorites: how-to information for new looks and special releases of “kits”. The makeup is forgiving so even if you are not a professional makeup artist, you can manage to look great. Very responsive to customer feedback too... I emailed looking for a makeup kit and received a quick, friendly personalized response.

        9) Alaska Airlines – I was clenched and ready for another flight from hell (a side-affect of being man handled by the major airlines on a regular basis.) But then, micro brews and wine from the Pacific Northwest… flight attendants who check on you just to see how you are doing… food that is tasty… happy employees… what is this land called Alaska Airlines? I almost felt... human! I know they have received some bad press (diaper incident) but maybe it was a rogue meanie amongst their ranks. I have had great experiences with Alaska.

        8) Sephora – This is like a candy-store of makeup for grownups. So many choices. There are two reasons I like Sephora more than the average cosmetics store. First, you can sample a wide variety of products from makeup to perfume. Second, there are a number of very helpful associates to assist you. In the past they have been very accurate with product recommendations, color choices and the tools needed to successfully get the look you want. If you are overwhelmed by the number of choices available at Sephora, talk to an associate first.

        7) Cycle City Motorsports, Irvine CA - First, they earn points for having a decent amount of gear for female riders. But what sets them apart is the great service. "Hi, how are you?" when you walk in the door. Just the right mix of letting you browse and " Can I help you?". The guys are really knowledgible and if they don't have what you are lookng for, they offer to order it for you. And if after all of this, you end up with something that is not quite right, the exchanges are fast, painless and without question. Support this small business- you won't regret it!

        6) Discount Tire– Buying new tires (or having existing tires rotated) has very little appeal to me. I would rather go to the dentist- and I hate going to the dentist. I went to Discount Tire in Pacific Beach on a Saturday morning expecting the worst… a hard sell for items/services I did not need, long waits, stinky waiting room and a bad lingering odor in my car interior after the service was completed. I was wrong. The man at the counter was helpful and courteous. I sat down and started to read a novel I had brought along for the wait- I only got through two pages before my car was finished. They drove it to the door… it was clean and sweet smelling. I have already been back for a free tire rotation and the experience was the same. They get you in and out with minimal hassle. Who would have thought a tire place would make my top ten?

        5) Movin Shoes, Pacific Beach CA - I started running again in earnest a couple of years ago. As my 5Ks turned into 10Ks and then into half marathons and marathons, it quickly became apparent that my sneakers were woefully inadequate. Oh, and then there is the fact that no matter how lie, I am really not getting any younger and things started to ache. It was time to get serious about my running shoes. I heard of Movin Shoes and thought, well... I might as well spend the extra money to avoid injury and get some really great, really expensive running shoes. Not only was I expertly fitted, the folks at Movin Shoes also had me run around the parking lot so they could observe the fit of the shoes in action. I found the perfect pair and to my surprise, the prices were comperable to the big chains. You can even join them for a run every Wednesday night (be warned... I think they are part Gazelle). Great product, expert fit.. fun folks who love to run.

        4) Trader Joe’s - I stopped shopping at a conventional supermarket two years ago when we switched to Trader Joes. The food is great quality, tasty, fresh and creative. There are seasonal surprises like Egg Nog cookies (opened the pack even before we got through the checkout) and a sample corner with treats and super-fres, inexpensive flowers. There is no risk in trying new things- if you don't like it you can get your money back. TJ in Pacific Beach also has an employee who I am convinced is the original Spicoli. (He alternates name tags... Spicoli and Robert Plante). Take time to notice the local artwork on the walls and signs. The only drawback to this place is if you have a very large family... there are few bulk portions so you may need to suppliment at Costco for a few items. Its nice to shop where the employees appear to be having fun.

        3) Padres Stadium - I am a Yankees fan. Still, I can't help but love this ballpark. Maybe I am used to paying exorbanent ticket prices at Yankees Stadium and Fenway, (only to top it off with an $8 hotdog and $12 beer) .I was amazed the first time I went to see a Padres game... inexpensive tickets, unobstructe views, sunny warm weather and inexpensive concessions. They have family friendly promotions so you can take your whole clan AND still have enough leftover to spring for some hotdogs. Lots of entertainment value for what you would pay for a movie. Even the cheap seats have an advantage- the bleachers feature beach sand for the kiddies.

        2) Pharmaca - I never really gave this place much thought since I do not use homeopathic or natural medicine but my husband got a (standard medicine) prescription filled here one day instead of CVS. We have been hooked ever since. The pharmacist KNOWS you after a couple of visits and takes the time to let you know about your medicine... not in the corporate-mandated way CVS does- she really chats with you! We buy standard over the counter medicines, our prescriptions and now even vitamins. Have not ventured into the homeopathic/natural section but if we want to, there are experts to answer our questions. (There is NO pressure to do so and they don't look down on you like other places that cater to that crowd). I have also found two items I can no longer live without- one is a chocolate bar and the other is this fabulous brand of soap. If they are out of either item, they give me a personal call when they get some in. Then they remember me when I go in to buy it. Amazing. Really friendly people and one terrific golden retriever. Great place whether you go natural or conventional. You'll never go back to CVS.

         1) MyTights.com - Based in the UK, this online store carries tights, stockings, sock and more in styles, colors and textures not easily found state-side. I have been ordering from this website for years and I have never been disappointed. The site has changed (it is bigger with more navigation and search options) but the service is still speedy and accurate. Beware- completely addictive.