Dollar Tree

I always find great art projects to keep my kids entertained at this dollar store. They have a good rotating selection of projects - all priced a dollar! Before I take a family trip I stop by here too and stock up on odds and ends to keep them amused during the flight or at the hotel. Because it is so cheap I don't mind If parts get lost or we have to throw things out. This story is usually fairly tidy.

PROS: good selection, usualy fairly tidy
CONS: some times long lines to check out

Santana Row

Our mother's group had a great day at this spa. The treatments were excellent. The facilities very nice, and big enough to comfortably host all of us (10 people) plus all the other guests. The facial that I received was outstanding.
All the small details, like having a phone booth area where I could make a business call from, made this spa super.

PROS: good treatments, great facilities
CONS:

Granlibakken Resort & Conf Ctr

Our family has really enjoyed the last few years at Granlibakken resort. It is great for us because we can walk down to the snow and the ski run. No need to haul the kids all over the place to get to the ski resort. The ski hill is great because it is not crowded, so it is super for learners. The drive to bigger resorts is short for those advance skiers. The breakfast that is included is super. One year we did have a condo filled with lumpy beds, but last year the same condo's beds were fine.

PROS: close to snow and skiing, super family resort
CONS:

Nu Image Furniture

I love the furniture at Nu Image. It is very well made, very stylish and fun. The service we have received during installation, and on adjustments has been excellent.

PROS: good quality furniture, good service
CONS:

Budget Blinds of San Jose

David installed accordion blinds into all of our rooms. The bedrooms received black out blinds. We love the blinds. It makes such a difference when we sleep especially when we want to sleep late. We received great service from David when my son broke one of the strings on the blind.

Brothers Home Improvement

Brother's replaced our windows about 4 years ago. The window's have been excellent - making our home quite, cooler and nicer looking. Brother's service has been awesome. They come out during a major rainstorm and sealed a small leak over the kitchen box window.

PROS: good product, excellent service
CONS:

maple leaf donuts

Maple Leaf has good fresh donuts. Love their apple fritter. The owners are very friendly and offer good service. They have a good selection of donuts which are never stale or old.

PROS: fresh donuts, lots of choice, friendly owners
CONS:

Round Table Pizza

Round Table has some really great pizzas. We love the garlic chicken. They are always very prompt and get your order straight. We have used their pickup and delivery service. Love having them deliver to our cabana club on hot summer nights.

PROS: good pizza, fast, clean, fresh
CONS:

Chevys Fresh Mex (san Jose)

My kids love this place. Not sure if it is the balloons or ice cream that comes with the kids' meals. I am always challened to find healthy choices on the menu, but their other items are always good.

PROS: kid friendly
CONS: limited healthy choices

Almaden Valley Athletic Club

AVAC offers lessons year round. The facilities are clean and wall managed. Some teachers my kids like better than others, but you can not choose teachers. Lesson are offered at varying times, but you can not make up missed lessons. They have a well defined curriculum, but sometimes the kids seem to progress very slowly

PROS: clean, well managed, indoor lessons
CONS: pricey, no make up lessons, no choosing teachers