/RED_BestOfRed2011

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READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS REDMOND

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.com

REPORTER

www.redmond-reporter.com

July 29, 2011 [9]

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Slightly Stoopid performs at Marymoor Park last weekend as part of the county’s Concerts at Marymoor series. The concert series won “Best Live Enertainment” in the annual Best of Redmond Contest.

Flip forward to see all the winners of this year’s contest. PHOTO COURTESY OF ELI BROWN, King County

Redmond Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Thank you for voting for us.

Redmond’s Best Dentist Located in the center of Redmond near 164th Ave and 85th St.

“It has been a pleasure to serve the Redmond community for the last 28 years.

We appreciate your support and loyalty.”

Prefered providers with: Premera, WDS, United Concordia, Aetna, Regence, and Cigna

8350 164th Avenue NE, Redmond WA 98052 | 425.883.1253 | redmonddentistry.com

508268

Anthony McLaughlin DDS and Jeffrey Stonebraker DDS

[10] July 29, 2011

www.redmond-reporter.com

Best of Redmond 2011-2012

Flying Apron lands in Redmond

Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood and began visiting it with Jaden.

But crossing State Route 520 is a long drive For Yih Chuang, a simple trip to the bakto make for just a few cookies and muffins. ery is usually anything but.

This was exactly what Flying Apron ownHis 6-year-old son Jaden Chuang has a ers Erik Chelstad, Ethan Hernandez and Jeff long list of food allergies: wheat, nuts, soy, Silva thought when they were considering corn and eggs, to name a few. opening a second location.

For years, the Bellevue resident has been Chelstad said many of their customers in on the lookout for shops on the Eastside Fremont, like Chuang, are from the Eastside. that carry Additionally, sweet treats a number of and other Eastside foods Jaden grocery can eat, but stores such as hasn’t had Whole Foods much luck. in Redmond So he was sell Flying more than a Apron baked little grateful goods, so the when he three men heard Flying knew there Apron, a was a local gluten-free, market for vegan and their prodorganic Yih Chuang, middle, and his son, Jaden, purchase baked goods at the ucts. bakery, had “We knew Flying Apron Bakery. SAMANTHA PAK, Redmond Reporter opened a over here, location in there were Redmond. people who “This is the only place we found where cared about this type of thing,” Chelstad said (Jaden) may eat,” he said. about their specialty foods.

Chuang first discovered Flying Apron Another reason they chose Redmond spewhen he found the bakery’s gluten-free and cifically because they all had worked in town vegan recipe book at Costco. Upon further at one point and really liked the old-town feel reading, he learned the bakery was located in of the community. [ more FLYING APRON page 11] SAMANTHA PAK

spak@redmond-reporter.com

1 1 0 2 d n o m d of Re included dining, shopping, service providers and much more. There were 40 categories in all.

We are very grateful to the Redmond Town Center for providing a $250 gift card for our drawing.

The winner of the gift card is Redmond resident Walter Rissler. Congratulations Walter and thank you Redmond Town Center for your sponsorship.

We hope you enjoy the next several pages of results for our Best of Redmond 2011 and enjoy the messages from the businesses for which you voted.

In addition to the results of our annual contest, you find two profiles of blossoming businesses in Redmond: Luna Spa and Flying Apron Bakery.

So flip forward and enjoy! We are one great community here in Redmond!

— Andrea Southern, Publisher, Redmond Reporter Your neighborhood Comfort Food Specialist

Serving you since 1986

REDMOND LOCATION

Voted “Best of Redmond” Breakfast four years running”

Thank You for Your Votes for Best Breakfast 2011

507542

We are honored and we thank you for your support over these last 24 years.

We continue our commitment to serve you the highest quality product with the best service, at the most reasonable prices.

Sunday 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

TB

S

2390 148th Ave. N.E. • Redmond

®

Red Robin would like to thank our loyal patrons for their Best of Redmond votes.

GOU

Where it’s never too late for Breakfast!

Monday thru Saturday 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM

RME

ER URG

16150 NE 85th Street • Redmond, WA 98052 (Across from the Redmond Post Office & Fire Department)

Come join us for happy hour Mon-Fri from 3:006:00 and 8:00-close.

Hours: Sun-Thu: 11a-11p, Fri-Sat: 11a-Midnight

www.cafesinc.com

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You’ve answered the call and made your choices for the best Redmond has to offer.

The purpose of “Best of Redmond 2011: Readers’ Choice Awards” is to salute the entrepreneurs, officials and organizations that help make Redmond the Northwest gem that it is.

We are proud to honor our outstanding businesses, restaurants and venues in the community that our readers consider “the best.”

Redmond is home to some fine restaurants, booming businesses and sensational schools, so the choice was not easy.

Redmond Reporter readers made their picks through online and mailed ballots. The response from the community was tremendous. We would like to thank all our readers who took the time to complete the ballots. It’s nice to see people invest their time into the businesses that invested in our community.

The awards are given in categories that

Official Nominee Best Dentist in Redmond

Thank you for voting us Best Happy Hour in Redmond

HAPPY HAPPY HOUR HOUR TWICE TWICEDAILY DAILY HAPPY HOUR TWICE DAILY 4PM - 6PM & 10PM - 1AM Over 95 Tequila Selections Over95 95Tequila TequilaSelections Selections Over

Dr. Stephanie’s children.

nks for yo ur vo Tha tes.

Your

support is war mly appr eciate d.

www.redmondkidsdentistry.com Member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

510628

The Matador is a 21 and over establishment

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16650 NE 79th Street, #100, Redmond, WA 98052 • (425) 558-4562

July 29, 2011 [11]

www.redmond-reporter.com

Readers’ Choice Awards

Thank you, Redmond, for voting for Cascade Vista • Plaza in the Best of Senior Living category.

As a Redmond business for 43 years, we truly appreciate your support!

7950 Willows Road • Redmond, WA or call 425-885-4157 for information.

Thank you to our wonderful customers for voting us 4 YEARS IN A ROW as the “Best Italian” Restaurant in Redmond.

510801

TROPEA RISTORANTE ITALIANO

425-867-1082

©Aveda Corp.

Thank You Redmond

8024 161St Ave NE • Redmond 507972

7981 Leary Way NE Redmond

507623

425-885-4151

508223

QUALITY • SERVICE • INTEGRITY SINCE 1948 Always Environmentally Friendly

508309

Thank you for your votes for the Best Dry Cleaner in Redmond We appreciate your continuous patronage.

While the words gluten-free and vegan don’t always get mouths to water, Hernandez backs all of their products.

“There isn’t anything here I wouldn’t be happy to suggest,” he said.

Flying Apron also has a 100 percent refund, no questions asked, policy. If a customer is unhappy with their product, they can just bring it back.

In addition to the health benefits, Flying Apron products have an added benefit.

“Cookies make people happy...and so do cupcakes,” Hernadez said.

And sometimes, that happiness makes all the difference.

Chuang said while it is great that Jaden can eat the food at Flying Apron, it is even better that there is at least one place where his son won’t feel singled out for his allergies.

“I think it’s important to Jaden not just because he can have a variety, but (that) he can eat something at the store,” Chuang said.

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baked goods industry, but Silva used to own a bakery with his wife. Hernandez said one of the reasons they went into busi“It’s a friendly place,” Chelstad said. “It’s a good demoness together was because they wanted to simplify things. graphic. A lot of people live and work in Redmond.”

“We had this notion of getting into something smaller, He, Hernandez and Silva — who have worked together in something we could control,” he said. the tech industry — They specifically have owned Flying chose Flying Apron Apron since January because they liked 2010. The bakery had that it was a sustainone previous owner able business -- not but had moved to just in its products various Seattle locabut in its practices as tions before settling well. in Fremont about Hernandez and three and half years Silva also have a ago. little more personal When they stake in the bakery as bought the busiHernandez’s daughter ness, many Flying has issues with gluten Apron customers and Silva has Crohn’s were worried the new disease, which affects owners would change his digestive system. things, but Chelstad, Flying Apron uses Hernandez and Silva a lot of alternatives Erik Chelstad, left, Ethan Hernandez, and Jeff Silva (not pictured) are the owners of Flying Apron, have done their best to replace traditional which specializes in gluten-free, organic and vegan baked goods. SAMANTHA PAK, Redmond Reporter to be transparent ingredients such as in their business. bean or rice flour They informed the local community that they would not be instead of wheat flour, maple syrup instead of sugar and flaxchanging things and have remained open about what types seed instead of eggs. The bakery also offers a number of saof ingredients they use. They also do their best to work with vory dishes such as salads and brown rice pastas. Ingredients local producers when purchasing ingredients. are listed next to each product so the customer — whether “That’s one of the things that excited us (about Flying they’re concerned for health reasons, ethical reasons or just Apron),” Chelstad said. “The local aspect.” curious — knows exactly what they’re getting.

Neither he nor Hernandez had previous experience in the

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[ FLYING APRON from page 1 0]

for voting us as one of the Best!

16375 NE 85th Street, Suite 101 • Redmond • 425.284.0404 www.RaSalonSpa.com

FINALIST: Ali Alyazdi AAA

FINALIST: Amy Maggio Windermere/ Redmond

COFFEE

BREAKFAST

Victor’s

FINALIST: Pediatric Associates Dr. Greg Aeschliman

Village Square

Red Robin

FINALIST: Starbuck’s Sorrentos

FINALIST: Family Pancake House Pomegranate Bistro

FINALIST: Fatburger Herfey’s

FITNESS CENTER

YOGA

Discover Yoga

HAIR SALON/ BARBER

FINALIST: RAC Gold’s Gym

FINALIST: Shakti Yoga Bikram Hot Yoga Samskara Yoga

PET CARE/ SERVICES

FLOWER SHOP

The Bar Method

FINALIST: Ra Salon Gene Juarez

AUTO CARE

Petco

Bear Creek Florist

FINALIST: All the Best Pet Care Mud Bay

FINALIST: Redmond Floral Trader Joe’s

Auto Pet Business Home Medical Life

FINALIST: Coho Cafe Stone House

Salon Farouche

Autosys

Thank You 2010 Best of Redmond Winner

ASIAN

Thai Ginger

Inner Balance

FINALIST: Gene Juarez In Spa

FINALIST: Deborah Cobb Massage Envy

CLOTHING STORE

JEWELRY STORE FINALIST: Macy’s Fred Meyer Utopia

FINALIST: Coho Palmers

FINALIST: Trade Chic Whole Foods

DRY CLEANER

BANK

Market Place-Red Ridge

FINALIST: Redmond Hair & Nails Lilly’s

FINALIST: Classic Nursery Home Depot

FINALIST: Trilogy Fairwinds

FINALIST: Creekside Cleaners Redmond Cleaners

Trader Joe’s

BOOK STORE

Half Price Books

NEW BUSINESS

CUSTOMER SERVICE Trade Chic

KIDS ACTIVITY

Orange Blossom Society

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Marymoor Concerts

Big Picture Show

FINALIST: QFC - Bella PCC

FINALIST: Borders McDonalds

FINALIST: Pacific Coast Bakery Agave

FINALIST: Autosys Bar Method

FINALIST: Marymoor Park Little Kickers

FINALIST: 2nd Story Rep Theater Soul Food Books

FINALIST: Ipic Tropea

GROCERY STORE

Gray Barn

Shakti Yoga

Thanks

DATE PLACE

Voted best Redmond agent 2009

by Redmond Reporter readers 2008 Nationally recognized as 1 of 50 “Realtors on the Rise”

My Community.

Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

425.497.1513 I’m Grateful for the www.utopianorthwest.com Support of

My Community.

FINALIST: US Bank BECU

Most properties SOLD in 2010 JLS Redmond

I’m Grateful for the Support of

7303 164th Ave N.E.

Bank of America

Top 1-2% John L Scott Agents 2004-2010

• Crystal, Minerals Fossils • Northwest contemporary glass art • Artist designed and crafted jewelry

I became an Edward Jones financial advisor because I wanted to be part of a firm that truly puts its clients’ needs first. I believe our long-term PMS 5535 investment philosophy, conveniently located offices and personal, I became an Edward Jones financial advisor be- face-to-face approach show our commitment to helping the people in the cause I wanted to be part of a firm that truly puts communities we serve every single day. its clients’ needs first. I believe our long-term

PCC

Matador

THANKS FOR VOTING, REDMOND!

for choosing Utopia as ONE OF REDMOND’S BEST… and 13 great years at Redmond Town Center

425-830-0067 ricksmith@johnlscott.com www.eastsidehomesforyou.com

Rick- Smith-Managing Broker JOHN L. SCOTT REAL ESTATE

.............................................

I’m Grateful for the Support of PMS Black

My Community.

investment philosophy, conveniently On behalflocated of Edward Jones and my branch office, it offices and personal, face-to-face approach showto have been named a top gives me great pride I became an Edward Jonesadvisor financial advisor becauseReporter.

I wanted to berecognition part of our commitment to helping the people in the

by The Redmond This a firm that truly itsevery clients’ needs first. Ibeen believe our long-term communities weputs serve single day. wouldn’t have possible withoutinvestment your support,

Black

White philosophy, convenientlyPMS located offices and personal, face-to-face approach and for that I’m grateful.

On behalf Edward Jones and mythe branch office, show ourofcommitment to helping people in theit communities we serve gives great pride to have been named a top everyme single day.

Suzy W Burke-Myers, CFP®, AAMS®

advisor by The Redmond Reporter. This recognition Financial Advisor On behalf of Edward Jones and my branch offi ce, it gives me great pride to . wouldn’t have been possible without your support, 8103Redmond 164th Ave NEReporter. This recognition have been named a top advisor by The Redmond, WA 98052 and for that I’m been grateful. wouldn’t have possible without your support, and for that I’m grateful.

PMS 5535

507007

AR 2011

Exceptional Tequila Selection • Outside Seating • Bar Open Late 425.881.8252 • 17158 Redmond Way suite 180, Redmond WA, 98052 • www.AgaveRest.comBlack

425-867-5187

5535 Suzy WPMS Burke-Myers, CFP®, AAMS®

508707

Join us for Lunch, Happy Hour, Daily Specials & Dinner!

Redmond Ridge Nails

u Yo nk on! a Th oup 25% C ve Sa

would like to thank you for voting for us as “Best of Redmond”.

It’s because of wonderful customers like you, that shop locally and support us directly, that we have been able to shine.

As a special thank you, please stop by before the end of the month and receive your complimentary thank you flower.

For nominating us as Best Mexican Food & New Business!

506924

425-885-9950

GREEN BUSINESS

Emerald Heights

Thank You Redmond!

16440 NE. 85TH STREET • REDMOND, WA 98052

HAPPY HOUR

SENIOR LIVING FACILITY

White

REDMOND BACK & NECK PAIN CLINIC

PIZZA

PLANT/ NURSERY

3:00 to 6:00 pm & 9:00 pm - close

Careful Listening • Detailed Exams Effective Treatment • Actual Results

FINALIST: Pinkabella Panera

NAIL SALON

HAPPY HOUR 7 DAYS A WEEK

Thank you for voting for me as Best Chiropractor for 2011.

FINALIST: John Brandy Suzy Burke-Meyers

FINALIST: Garlic Jim’s Papa Murphy’s

HOURS Sunday - Thursday: 11 am - 10 pm Friday - Saturday: 11 am - 12 am

CHIROPRACTIC PREFERRED PROVIDER

FINALIST: Jim Meyers Daniel Hanson

FINALIST: El Toreador Agave

PMS 5535

Dr. Sharon Wagener DeWolf

Hancock Bakery

FINALIST: Spazzo Frankies

17186 Redmond Way www.bearcreekflorist.com

http:/ / gettag.mobi

Falco Sult & Co.

Frankies

425.883.3770

Get the free mobile app for your phone

Sharon Wagener DeWolf

Ixtapa

Tropea

A SPECIAL THANKS TO REDMOND TOWN CENTER FOR SPONSORING THE PRIZE.

Danielson Jewelers

BAKED GOODS

MEXICAN

FINALIST: Typhoon Watercress

MASSAGE

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

ITALIAN

Sincere thanks, Lisa Aliment and the Staff at Bear Creek Florist

Phone: 425.882.9418 16398 NE 85TH ST, Suite 100 Redmond, WA 98052

Redwood Animal Hospital VCA Redmond Animal Hospital

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Ra Salon

FINALIST: Black & White Kohls

for your Votes!

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FOOT SPA

Macy’s

FINALIST: Les Schwab AA Auto

FINALIST:

FINALIST: Redmond Kids Dentistry Dr. Bruner

Matt’s

CHIROPRACTOR

Brookfield Vet

Redmond Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

FINE DINING

BURGER

VETERINARIAN

508266

Dr. Karen Sahota

DENTIST

Financial Advisor .

8103 164th Ave NE Redmond, WA 98052 425-867-5187

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Logo with Registration Marks www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Thank you for your continued support and voting for us as Best Jeweler in Redmond.

511696

Rick Smith

PHYSICIAN

PLR-5349A-A-1-AD MAR 2011

Silvermark Insurance

REALTOR

July 29, 2011 [13]

www.redmond-reporter.com

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INSURANCE

www.redmond-reporter.com

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[12] July 29, 2011

383136

425.883.3805 • 8693 161ST AVE NE • REDMOND

[14] July 29, 2011

www.redmond-reporter.com

Best of Redmond 2011-2012

Spa owners are pros – at overcoming challenges ALLISON BARRETT For the Reporter

For a full year, Lucia Caldwell transformed one room of her home into a spa.

There she and Natalya Rachkova refined their skills: practicing facials, waxing and eyelash extensions and carefully reviewing a myriad of beauty products.

Several days a week friends would stop Lucia Caldwell by for treatments, and sometimes Caldwell and Rachkova would just practice

on each other.

Last August Caldwell and Rachkova took their skills out of the home and to Redmond’s Town Center where they opened Luna Spa, a clean, brightly painted nook that shares a space with Studio Nails and offers facial therapies as well as waxing, eyelash extensions and makeup art.

Overcoming the challenges to opening a business seemed minor after confronting what both women agree, hands

down, was the biggest barrier of them all: learning English.

This unusual international duo has almost 40 years of combined experience in professional beauty services. Rachkova, 46, was a registered nurse and medical esthetician in her home country of Uzbekistan. She moved to the U.S. almost seven years ago. Caldwell, 41, worked as a makeup artist in China for 18 years before coming to the U.S. in 2006.

“I’ve always owned businesses in my life. It is more comfortable Natalya Rachkova for me to own a business than to work for someone,” said Caldwell.

But neither woman spoke English when she arrived in the U.S., and not knowing the language left both of them feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.

“It was so awful. I didn’t understand anything,” said Rachkova.

It didn’t take her long to decide that she needed to learn English and she enrolled in ESL classes at Lake Washington Technical College.

She told herself: “I have to do that.

Nobody can do that but me.”

Caldwell had to wait more than two months before she began taking language classes.

With her husband at work and all of her friends and family back in China, most of her days were unbearably lonely.

“I would walk around my neighborhood and I would be the only person around. There was no sound at all,” she said.

[ more SPA page 15]

Thank you for voting for us as Redmond’s Best Mexican restaurant.

We appreciate your loyal support for our 6 years in the Redmond area.

425 882-7747

Fax: 425 861-8056

507956

16156 NE 87th St, Redmond

We serve only the freshest and finest ingredients.

Our artfully crafted menu selections reflect influences from all of Thailand’s geographical regions.

Our extraordinary fast and friendly wait staff wishes

Friday, August 19 • 3-7pm • City Hall Campus

to make your visit to Thai Ginger a memorable event.

16480 NE 74th St. Redmond www.thaiginger.com

511709

425.558.4044

www.redmond.gov/parks

511739

Special Appearance by – Steve Zakuani • Redmond’s First 3-on-3 Tournament The Skyriders! High Flying Trampoline Show • Skate425 – Skateboard Demonstrations 5K along the Sammamish River Trail

July 29, 2011 [15]

www.redmond-reporter.com

Readers’ Choice Awards [ SPA from page 14 ] In China, life is very busy, according to Caldwell.

“Here it is very easy for people to get lonely. There is a lot of space between each other,” she said.

When the timing was right, Caldwell signed up for ESL classes at Cascadia College in Bothell.

“Many people are afraid to go through the process,” said Rachkova. “But when you are in class you can see that everyone is the same and that there is nothing to be ashamed of.”

Caldwell added: “Now my friends are from all over. We have to work hard to understand each other.”

The ESL classes were a step in the right direction, but really feeling comfortable with a language is not something that happens quickly. Besides going to classes Caldwell hardly went anywhere without her husband, who speaks English, for two years after moving here.

Both women laugh as they confess their residual fear of picking up the phone.

“Even now when I pick up the phone I am so scared,” said Rachkova. “I am just waiting, you know. Will I understand or not?”

But they gradually got a hold on the language, gaining the confidence to seek out recertification for their previous professions and enrolling at Aesthetics Northwest Institute. That’s where Caldwell and Rachova met and decided to combine forces.

“We both really care about clients,” said Caldwell.

They also both share a voracious appetite for continuing their education. Perched on the shelves of their treatment room are a plethora of certificates: trainings for specific product lines, specialized treatments and

advanced procedures.

“It’s like fresh air to me to take new classes,” said Rachkova. “It never hurts to be more educated, especially in our profession.”

Caldwell, who does all the eyelash extensions at Luna Spa, explains that the official training for eyelash extensions is short, but to do them well takes at least a year of practice. The work itself requires patience and precision.

“Every woman that I finish will look in the mirror and love it,” she said. “I love that feeling of doing something to make them feel different.”

Rachkova’s focus at Luna Spa is on skin therapy. She also works as an esthetician at Nordstrom.

“I recommend that people do not forget that beauty is healthy skin,” said Rachkova.

But skin is also the largest organ of our body and it must be taken care of, to help the body protect itself, not only for beauty, she added.

Both women acknowledge that opening a spa in this economic climate has its challenges. But they are familiar with the ups and downs of owning a business. The biggest obstacle, learning the language, is behind them.

“English was the biggest challenge,” said Caldwell. “The rest is natural.”

“Sometimes we are just trying to force the moment. Language is like steps, you can’t go from step one to 10,” said Rachovya. “It’s never too late to start learning English, it’s never too late to open any business. At least try.”

For more information about Luna Spa visit www.luna-day-spa.com.

Allison Barrett is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communication News Laboratory.

ity v i t c A s d i K Winner of Best Kids Activity: Orange Blossom Society

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presented by

August 3: Mamma Mia Wednesdays through Aug. 31 Seating Opens: 7pm $5 - Trivia - Games - Prizes Movies@Dusk MoviesatMarymoor.com

Visit Redmond-Reporter.com for Movies@Marymoor Weekly Trivia Question

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Visit Redmond-Reporter.com for Movies@Marymoor Weekly Trivia Question Sandra Gibb

425.883.2970

Thank You, for your votes!

16795 Redmond Way Redmond - Next to Value Village

Open 7 Days A Week 10:00am - 8:00pm Walk-ins Welcome

Visit us in our new location near SoulFood Books at 15744 Redmond Way

509864

Thank you to all of who voted for me in the Best Massage Business in Redmond.

Regenerating your mind and body through the therapy of massage Breath deeply to relax more and drink your water!

Sandra Gibb LMP,MMP

510795

16150 NE 85th St., Suite 118 Redmond www.bodyphilosophymassage.net artdsgn@comcast.net

511343

Licensed Massage Therapist (425) 785-0310