Category Archives: Product / Company Reviews

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My visit to K-9 Closet in Waldo, MO

I realize that many of us are guilty of not exploring the area closest to our home. I have been making an effort to change that. I have driven down Wornall in Waldo many times and noticed a business titled K-9 Closet. Whenever I see it, I think, I need to check that place out….but I never do; until today.

I parked in the back (plenty of parking and easy to access) and walked around to the entrance. The location is small, but tastefully laid out with some nice items. I was greeted immediately. I was going to just look around, but as I saw cute Halloween costumes right up at the front, I decided to inquire about how large the costumes went up to. I was told X-large, which didn’t work for me, so figured I would just look around. I started to chalk the store up to another froo froo dog place that caters to the small dog owner. The associate, seeing that I didn’t seem satisfied, inquired as to what I was looking for. After explaining that I was looking for a boy/girl costume that the girl one would be big enough for Bella, my Neapolitan Mastiff, and the boy costume small enough for my Jack Russell Terrier. She took more information from me, including Bella’s measurements, said she would talk to the owner and one of them would get back with me. She went on to explain that the owner was also the designer of all of their collars along the wall and the photographer of all the photos hanging all over as decorations.

Let’s talk about the collars first. There was a multitude of colors, designs, and thicknesses. In addition to that, there was three styles as far as getting the best fit and control of your dog. In addition, I was told that I could request any color/design fabric I saw made into any of the styles they offered. I LOVED the fact that they had thick collars in really cute, “girly” colors. When you have a large dog, that is a big deal because so often, the larger dogs have to settle for a mean look, i.e. Skull and crossbones, spikes, etc or dark “boy” colors. Sometimes a basic pink, but nothing as cute as these collars. I didn’t see a lot of leashes but the associate told me they could also make those to match the collar. (I am regretting not getting her name. If I go back in there and she is working, I will update this post)

The collars are reasonably priced for the styles and colors. A little more expensive then your average collar, but they can be customized, made locally, and appear to be great quality; all traits that warrant spending a little more. I found a couple fabrics I liked but told the associate I’d like to bring Bella in to see the color against her fur before I had the collar made for her. She was very enthusiastic about that and said they love when the dogs come to visit them. I am hesitant because the store is so small and Bella is so big, but I will take her in to look at collars and then maybe take Zipper in at a different time. I won’t do it at the same time, that would be too much for that little store!

I continued looking around and the associate chatted with me some more about their products and shared personal experiences with some of the product. She had a big dog as well. They had some adorable toys, reasonably priced. Not the huge mark up you see in most small businesses. I spied these cute lips and long tongue dog toys that I couldn’t stop going back to. I eventually ended up buying them!

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I looked at their clothing line (I’m a sucker for a cute dog coat or sweater). Zipper has so many but Bella only has one that fits her. They had an adorable pink/black thick winter coat but it only went up to an x-large. Too small for Bella but I would have bought it if it had been available. It was one of the cutest girl dog coats I had seen.

The store also has a wide variety of treats, the typical manufactured ones and some adorable home made ones. They had birthday cakes, cookies, rice crispy treats, just to name a few.

Going back to the photos I mentioned earlier….looking around, I was impressed by all of them. Being a hobby photographer, I appreciate photos that catch my attention. What I noticed the most was how happy and lively the dogs appeared to be in the photos. The photographer caught the spirit of each one. They were bright and cheerful scattered tastefully around the store. One thought I had was….I wonder if she could find a way to capture all three of my babies (Luke, my horse, is my third) in one photo? Hmmm, I may have to ask if she expands beyond dogs! The owner and/or her merchandisers did a great job showcasing the variety of things they offer while maximizing their minimal space without giving it a cluttered feel.

As I was walking up to the counter to pay for the two toys, I spied the food that Bella eats out of the corner of my eye. I asked the associate how much it was and we walked back to the food area. It was comparable to what I was currently spending and asked about the type of food Zipper eats (they eat two different kinds). Imagine my surprise that they actually carried it! Up until today, I only knew of one pet store that offered it in town. The price was about the same. (In fairness, I believe one food was about $1.00 higher and the other was about $1.00 less than where I currently purchase it). I am so happy to know I have another choice to purchase it so depending on what area of town I am, I can pick up dog food. That is a big deal when the hours are limited and locations may not be right near where I am shopping. I also appreciated that she genuinely seemed to care that one price seemed higher and said she would pass it on to the owner.

I was finishing my shopping and went to pay for my new dog toys. The associate gave me a goodie bag with four fairly large dog treats to take home to my babies. I was pleasantly surprised as they weren’t the typical small boring samples stores give out.

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I thanked her. As I was leaving she thanked me and reminded me that I would hear back from them regarding the costumes.

I went out to my vehicle and found them on Facebook, liked their page, and tweeted about them.

I will definitely be back. I’m happy I took the time to stop in and visit this cute Waldo business.

Link to K-9 Closet

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Outback Steakhouse – Lee’s Summit, MO

I don’t usually think that a blog about a restaurant is exciting so I tend to just do a review and move on, but I think tonight’s outing calls for a little more than a basic review.

Dinner tonight was a long time coming. My mom and I were out running errands all over the Kansas City Metro area. We started out in Leawood / Overland Park and ended up in Lee’s Summit by way of Independence. For those not from KC, it equals one end the metro area to the other.

We had just left Raytown Wal-Mart and I had suggested going to dinner before we ran to the barn so I could feed the horses. Mom suggested going to the barn first so that I wouldn’t have to feed them in the dark. I felt bad because it would mean we would be eating even later, but she said that was fine.

We left the barn with a destination of Monetti’s in Lee’s Summit in mind. Outback had entered my mind (in Independence) but I wanted to do a local restaurant. Imagine my surprise to find it was closed and a German restaurant was coming soon. As we passed the Outback to get to Monetti’s, I commented to my mom that I had forgotten about that location but I wasn’t sure why when I always think it’s the best one in the KC area every time I eat there. She asked if it was because the food was better and I said, “No, the food at most Outbacks are about the same but there is something about the service at that one….it’s better…even though most Outbacks have good service”. We left it at that and continued down the road to Monetti’s.

After finding it closed, I said, I’m too hungry to find another local restaurant and we headed to Outback.

I have to say that I am VERY happy that we ended up there tonight. It started with a very friendly waitress named Jamie. My mom saw that the tilapia came with a lump of lobster or crab (I can’t remember) but she doesn’t like that, so she was going with the Mahi even though she had never had it before. While I am all for her trying something new, I know my mom. She will NOT send something back, even if she does not like it or if it is prepared wrong. I knew she was hungry, so I wanted her to get something she would enjoy. Jamie was great and understood the problem and came up with a solution for my mom. She was able to key the Tilapia in without the additional items so mom would like her meal.

As we were waiting for our soup / salad, I checked my emails and realized I had received a coupon for a free dessert from Outback for my birthday. Even better!

Our entrees came out and they both looked great. As I do not eat anything from the water, it’s sometimes difficult for me to comment on any fish or seafood meal, but I have to say mom’s tilapia looked picture perfect. As I went to fold the butter and cheese into my mashed potatoes I noticed it didn’t melt right away. I wasn’t concerned until I went to take a bite. They weren’t cold, but just a little cool. I cut into my steak, ordered medium rare, and took a bite. It too was a little cool. Not cold. Just slightly cool. Not the standard I’m used to from Outback but I decided to eat it rather than send it back and have it cooked more. Jamie came out and I inquired if my meal had sat out a little waiting for the tilapia. She said it hadn’t. She offered to get me some new potatoes but I told her it was ok. I am not shy to send something back if it isn’t right. I chose not to send this back because it was prepared so well, just cool.

A few minutes later, John, the manager came out and inquired about our meals. I said they were fine but he asked me again so I repeated my story. He again offered to fix it. I appreciated his concern but said they were fine. He then offered us a dessert on him. I smiled and explained the email for the free dessert. He said to save the email for another visit and let him take care of the dessert. I thanked him and he left.

A few minutes later, Jamie came out with some fresh, hot, potatoes for me. I was surprised and thanked her. Surprisingly, they were not OVERHEATED. They were perfect.

We ordered our dessert (the sampler) which was great as well.

While I was waiting for the dessert, I started this post. I wanted to make sure to recognize the outstanding service provided to us tonight. So often, we are quick to point out negative and not always highlight the positive.

As we left, I commented to my mom that the service we received was the example of why I say that location is one of my favorite locations. As we discussed it a little more; it hit me. It’s not just the service they provide there, it’s the Sincerity in their service.

Thank you Outback for allowing your associates the ability to handle all situations, not just the complaints and thank you to Jaime and John for your outstanding attention to excellence.

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Washer and Dryer Bliss

I had been putting off saying anything about this because I didn’t want to hear “wow, for someone not working, you are buying a lot” but I don’t care. I want to share my happiness. I had been nursing my washer & dryer for almost a year. The washer drained water into my basement every time it washed. It only worked on one speed and cycle and sometimes even that didn’t work if you didn’t balance the clothes in there just right. If they did get unbalanced, it would sound like a jackhammer. A couple weeks ago, my mom & I went to Nebraska Furniture Mart. I had done my research. Had the one I wanted picked out, etc. I completely changed my mind & ended up with a 4.8 cubic foot Samsung washer & Dryer. A week later, they were delivered. I LOVE it. I just wish they had mentioned the steam part on the dryer would need a longer hose than it came with if your water hook ups weren’t in the middle. I still don’t have that part hooked up. It is so nice to be able to put every bit of the darks in one load once a week (I used to do laundry about every 2-3 days) Of course it also helps that I’ve lost weight so I have more clothes to choose from. LOL I know it’s crazy to be so excited about a washer & dryer but I am. I love the look, the sounds they make (yes, that’s the geek in me), the efficiency. I even love the color of the lights on it! LOL It is the little things that excite me sometimes! Even the dryer lights up blue when you open it instead of boring white! It has a clear lid so I COULD watch my clothes wash the entire time. I haven’t done that YET but I’m sure I will at some point. LOL