It makes me so happy that Espresso House opened on Piletredet inb Oslo, also that they seem to come from Sweden.
The girls, yes I say girls are amazingly sweet and full of smiles. They all even look alike...
The prices are very steep - 71 kr for a bacon and mozarella sandwich, served warm after 4 minutes on the grill. Apparently all food except for muffins is made in house by the girls. And if you save your morning coffee receipt you can after the clock turns 14:00 get a new coffee for half price but make sure it is PAST 14:00 not 13:59! The rebate doesn't work in the register before 14:00!
I have been meaning to review them earlier, however haven't been triggered since everything is good. However yesterday I saw some new small sweet muffins, they look smaller than half of the normal muffisn for 32 NOK. And guess what! They were 23 NOK for a 2 bite muffin! Wow that was really steep.
The Espresso House on Pilestredet also seems to be a training facility nowadays. This is logical since the girl in charge is amazingly good and her colleagues know their stuff being baristas and having marketing degrees! However small things like always putting a napkin in the take out bags, making sure that the sandwich in the grill actually is inserted all the way in.
The long tables invite people to not think only about their personal space, the patriots are mostly during the day from the college with a few older patriots here and there. The bathroom is clean and fresh. A must when the door opens straight into a lean chair.
One day I think I saw one of the owners or leaders stop in, she was quite loud and did not go in the back around the counter but just spoke straight over the counter in between customers. Customer even had to move out of her way and she took the girls attention away from the customers they were helping.
It is all about the coffee and I must say that the coffee is very good. All portions are actually doubles but quite pricy. If I order a cortado with a little more milk they call it a flat white and the price is very much higher for a cm more of milk.
I am there every day, I have seen these girl grow from the day they opened. I can taste differences in the bacon and mozarella sandwiches depending on who makes them, they differ in amount of quacamole, the chili pieces in the quacamole and how they are warmed. Sometimes they are very greasy and sometimes less greasy.
I leave there with a smile on my face, either from the smiling and smart girl in charge, or the service from the barista with the marketing degree, however I think more business could be generated if they didn't have twice as expensive food (almost) than their competition. Their sallads are small and have minut amounts of chicken, bacon or shrimp. They look nice buy open the top and you realize that you could have gotten at least twice as much sallad or sandwich at the competition.
They have a 10% rebate card, if you prepay your get 10% however if you have 1 NOK less on your card you cannot pay this in cash, you have to refill the card before getting the 10%. This is not the case at Waynes! Makes things a little more complicated.
Overall I really like Espresso House, that is why I want them to be able to compete better and that is is only the personnel at the establishment that make you come back.
espressohouse
Wednesday, April 02, 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
Lorry - location and history isn't enough anymore
Nothing, absolutely nothing except for the Swedish waiter and the very rare meat was good at Lorry! The meat was done correctly but the french fries were burnt, the sauce was cold and the vegetables under the meat were too hard and ice cold. Too bad!
Monday, March 03, 2014
Detox/fast dag 5-7- 10
Not hungry but bloated. Don't know why. 66.7 kg, down 4 kg in 4 days. Last day of Pyour detox. Day 5 on the Neera lemon juice fast. Been good and not had any coffee, I can't do this and also go off caffeine. I will be walking by a few coffee places so we'll see how disciplined I am.
16:43... Shaky and a little hungry. Pee smells weird which is a good thing.
Day 7
All god but as son as i have à cup of coffee something quickly comes out the other end. 55.3 kg! Yeahhhhhhhh but I am very light headed.
I did think that I would be walking around uh grey but no.
Day 10
All done - I could keep going this was GREAT!!!
16:43... Shaky and a little hungry. Pee smells weird which is a good thing.
Day 7
All god but as son as i have à cup of coffee something quickly comes out the other end. 55.3 kg! Yeahhhhhhhh but I am very light headed.
I did think that I would be walking around uh grey but no.
Day 10
All done - I could keep going this was GREAT!!!
Sunday, March 02, 2014
Beth's Medispa test
I have now tried out many treatments at Beth's Medispa. I was at the opening and have followed them since then with evenly timed treatments, from Botox to hair laser removal to Ulthera.
I must say that, yes it costs but at the same time the personnel knows their stuff and follow you up in an amazing and very personal way. They give you honest feedback regardless if it gives them less or no money. I have left an appointment without doing anything since the doctor actually did not think I needed it. Plus points delux!
The only thing I haven't been offered in the Medispa is something to drink while waiting, but then I have never had to wait. They are on time, take their time and give you their utmost attention.
I am due for some touch-ups...but my wallet will not allow it at the moment. But it doesn't matter how long between your visits they know exactly your status regarding treatments and they never push.
Beth's Medispa - you always make me feel welcome and safe!
Beth's Medispa
I must say that, yes it costs but at the same time the personnel knows their stuff and follow you up in an amazing and very personal way. They give you honest feedback regardless if it gives them less or no money. I have left an appointment without doing anything since the doctor actually did not think I needed it. Plus points delux!
The only thing I haven't been offered in the Medispa is something to drink while waiting, but then I have never had to wait. They are on time, take their time and give you their utmost attention.
I am due for some touch-ups...but my wallet will not allow it at the moment. But it doesn't matter how long between your visits they know exactly your status regarding treatments and they never push.
Beth's Medispa - you always make me feel welcome and safe!
Beth's Medispa
Saturday, March 01, 2014
Beth's Medispa is the only Ulthera Premiere clinic in Oslo!
Over 200 procedures by Dr Scott Schener at Beth's Medispa! This is an amazing procedure! I have tried it and the results are very clear. It takes some time before you see the results but they come, be sure!
Congratulations! Beth's' MediSpa
Congratulations! Beth's' MediSpa
Detox delux days, Neera Lemon juice detox and Pyour detox
Day 4 evening
God i feel bloated! Yucky
Day 4
Slept for over 11 hours! It's been a long time I slept for that long! It is Sunday so I went for a cortado. I know that coffee is a no no but after getting up on the scale and finding out I lost 4kgs in 3 days! Must be careful it can't go too well! ;-) it feels good but I can feel that cortado is not the best for my boy now. What will happen to me if my body keeps telling me to only eat nutritious stuff? Shit ;-)...
Day 3 evening...
All is well but had to have a few almonds and walnuts. Drank a lot of water.
Day 3
I am beat, not hungry but shaky. Had to eat some almonds to stop shaking. See food commercials everywhere...irritating but not really hungry. I want sweets not food. Let's hope day 4 is easier!
Day 1-2
I started 2 detox systems 3 days ago. The Pyour detox and the Neera Lemon juice detox. The first is a five day detox you drink on an empty stomach . The other you drink all day. It consists of lemon juice, natural tree syrup, cayenne pepper and water...for 10 days! What the hell was I thinking?
I thought for sure that I would die of hunger...but no, after two days my bloated stomach has gone down, I pee a lot and I am only hungry for munchies in the late night watching tv. It is a fast that cleanses you the pamphlet states, well it feels that way on day 3. However I am not all 'here' and planning that day 3-4 is on a weekend is smart. No brilliant ideas now, just a feeling of not being all 'there'.
Will be back tomorrow with more info...:-)
God i feel bloated! Yucky
Day 4
Slept for over 11 hours! It's been a long time I slept for that long! It is Sunday so I went for a cortado. I know that coffee is a no no but after getting up on the scale and finding out I lost 4kgs in 3 days! Must be careful it can't go too well! ;-) it feels good but I can feel that cortado is not the best for my boy now. What will happen to me if my body keeps telling me to only eat nutritious stuff? Shit ;-)...
Day 3 evening...
All is well but had to have a few almonds and walnuts. Drank a lot of water.
Day 3
I am beat, not hungry but shaky. Had to eat some almonds to stop shaking. See food commercials everywhere...irritating but not really hungry. I want sweets not food. Let's hope day 4 is easier!
Day 1-2
I started 2 detox systems 3 days ago. The Pyour detox and the Neera Lemon juice detox. The first is a five day detox you drink on an empty stomach . The other you drink all day. It consists of lemon juice, natural tree syrup, cayenne pepper and water...for 10 days! What the hell was I thinking?
I thought for sure that I would die of hunger...but no, after two days my bloated stomach has gone down, I pee a lot and I am only hungry for munchies in the late night watching tv. It is a fast that cleanses you the pamphlet states, well it feels that way on day 3. However I am not all 'here' and planning that day 3-4 is on a weekend is smart. No brilliant ideas now, just a feeling of not being all 'there'.
Will be back tomorrow with more info...:-)
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Testing the train at 45...
I cannot believe this.... I am actually on the train with a backpack, sleeping bag (yes it is attached to the backpack but it remains to be seen if it will enclose me tonight...), skis and a boot bag! I have never traveled to go skiing by ski bus or ski train so this this is very exciting.
I am on Bergensbane, which means the train travels on a train track going all the way across Norway to Bergen! Sounds impressive when you have seen the Norwegian landscape!
Bought a first class ticket which actually means that you have electricity in the seat for your computer and you get free coffee, even cappuccino appears in the coffee machine. and only for 14 dollars more! And the seat even folds back! Wonder if the passengers in monkey class have that option!?
I am sitting backwards which I think means I am going back in time...only for us 40 and over, since backwards traveling has extra perks! First of all by sitting backwards on the train you actually stop the aging process... That is a service NSB offers us over 40! To actually guarantee a backwards sitting seat you only have to add 7 dollars! Compare this with a facelift, botox, detox, fillers etc! You just paid for your whole vacation by saving...
Second, by traveling in NSB Komfort class sitting close to the coffee machine helps calm many power and control happy business people. They can control, and feel like they own coffee machine! And by pressing the coffee type they like, they get just what they wanted! Of course, being in a almost non-Starbucks country, a non-fat soya macchiato is not an option.
A third service included is the 'ear check'. By traveling backwards you are caught off guard upon entering the many tunnels the train goes through. This actions tests the pressure in your ears and lets you know if you have accumulated water in them after your morning shower. Always good to know so you can empty them out prior to your next shower to avoid drowning.
I took the train all the time during my student years in Sweden in the 80s due to not having money for a long wished for car and now I am a student in Norway and I am back on the train! This time not wishing to have a car. Can this be a small part of the more modern circle of living life today with the trillion options everyone has and everything being allowed?
The older couple next to me, their eyes popping out as travelers from all over the world fall into the cabin with skis, boots, backpacks, PCs, coffee mugs, music in their ears, finally lost their cool when their Coke bottle exploded as they tried to open it, splashing everyone within a meters radius. Now they too are talking to fellow travelers, not just staring. Good ice breaker. 30 minutes out of Oslo, the landscapes opens up and mountains arise, ice covered lakes, snow covered forests appear. Norway is beautiful and traveling backwards I get to savor the view longer than the travelers not undergoing the NSB anti-aging travel package! The forth perk!
I will need a snack in the form of champagne during the ride since I suffer from all kinds of travel sicknesses! It is actually the preferred and non-scientifically proven best tranquilizer in the anti-aging process as well as it works miracles against train sickness. They have a dinner train car with everything from Norwegian normal priced food to more exclusive! Compared to the rest of the world that means you can only afford sneaking into my class and stealing a free cup of Norwegian coffee with the color of tea.
To astonish me more NSB has even English speaking conductors and speakers speakers! I am impressed but NO champagne! When lunch starts they ovens blow out the enticing gourmet smells into all the train cars....this is marketing on a very basic but intelligent level! I think I know why! Also in the anti-aging service balance and leg training is offered. The fifth perk! Upon standing up and walking with headphones, music on level 9, phone, iPad and glasses falling down on your nose, you feel this tingling, pulling sensation in your muscles from your stomach down to your big toe. Yes this is the full body work out service. By holding all your 'must have, cannot live without for 2 minutes to get coffee belongings' and almost loosing your glasses and trying to walk, the train challenges you with wobbling and turning, forcing you to compensate with your lower body in order not to get to know your fellow travelers chest first.
Six! NSB also offers a dating, meeting service. By challenging you physically walking to the coffee machine, it randomly throws you into the lap of a total stranger. After that it is up to you how you handle the spilled coffee, the scattered iPad, headphones and glasses.
Seven! I almost forgot, the ticket counter works as well! However, the NSB App that creates a beautiful barcode out if your ticket cannot be used by the conductor...he has no scanner! He will ask you to press the barcode to miraculously let NSB know you have activated your ticket. Norway in a nutshell; full of technology but few actually use it full out. Looks very good though and I was not kicked off the train so something worked.
So at 45, back on a train, I think I a, doing OK! It is just the champagne withdrawal that itches.
I am on Bergensbane, which means the train travels on a train track going all the way across Norway to Bergen! Sounds impressive when you have seen the Norwegian landscape!
Bought a first class ticket which actually means that you have electricity in the seat for your computer and you get free coffee, even cappuccino appears in the coffee machine. and only for 14 dollars more! And the seat even folds back! Wonder if the passengers in monkey class have that option!?
I am sitting backwards which I think means I am going back in time...only for us 40 and over, since backwards traveling has extra perks! First of all by sitting backwards on the train you actually stop the aging process... That is a service NSB offers us over 40! To actually guarantee a backwards sitting seat you only have to add 7 dollars! Compare this with a facelift, botox, detox, fillers etc! You just paid for your whole vacation by saving...
Second, by traveling in NSB Komfort class sitting close to the coffee machine helps calm many power and control happy business people. They can control, and feel like they own coffee machine! And by pressing the coffee type they like, they get just what they wanted! Of course, being in a almost non-Starbucks country, a non-fat soya macchiato is not an option.
A third service included is the 'ear check'. By traveling backwards you are caught off guard upon entering the many tunnels the train goes through. This actions tests the pressure in your ears and lets you know if you have accumulated water in them after your morning shower. Always good to know so you can empty them out prior to your next shower to avoid drowning.
I took the train all the time during my student years in Sweden in the 80s due to not having money for a long wished for car and now I am a student in Norway and I am back on the train! This time not wishing to have a car. Can this be a small part of the more modern circle of living life today with the trillion options everyone has and everything being allowed?
The older couple next to me, their eyes popping out as travelers from all over the world fall into the cabin with skis, boots, backpacks, PCs, coffee mugs, music in their ears, finally lost their cool when their Coke bottle exploded as they tried to open it, splashing everyone within a meters radius. Now they too are talking to fellow travelers, not just staring. Good ice breaker. 30 minutes out of Oslo, the landscapes opens up and mountains arise, ice covered lakes, snow covered forests appear. Norway is beautiful and traveling backwards I get to savor the view longer than the travelers not undergoing the NSB anti-aging travel package! The forth perk!
I will need a snack in the form of champagne during the ride since I suffer from all kinds of travel sicknesses! It is actually the preferred and non-scientifically proven best tranquilizer in the anti-aging process as well as it works miracles against train sickness. They have a dinner train car with everything from Norwegian normal priced food to more exclusive! Compared to the rest of the world that means you can only afford sneaking into my class and stealing a free cup of Norwegian coffee with the color of tea.
To astonish me more NSB has even English speaking conductors and speakers speakers! I am impressed but NO champagne! When lunch starts they ovens blow out the enticing gourmet smells into all the train cars....this is marketing on a very basic but intelligent level! I think I know why! Also in the anti-aging service balance and leg training is offered. The fifth perk! Upon standing up and walking with headphones, music on level 9, phone, iPad and glasses falling down on your nose, you feel this tingling, pulling sensation in your muscles from your stomach down to your big toe. Yes this is the full body work out service. By holding all your 'must have, cannot live without for 2 minutes to get coffee belongings' and almost loosing your glasses and trying to walk, the train challenges you with wobbling and turning, forcing you to compensate with your lower body in order not to get to know your fellow travelers chest first.
Six! NSB also offers a dating, meeting service. By challenging you physically walking to the coffee machine, it randomly throws you into the lap of a total stranger. After that it is up to you how you handle the spilled coffee, the scattered iPad, headphones and glasses.
Seven! I almost forgot, the ticket counter works as well! However, the NSB App that creates a beautiful barcode out if your ticket cannot be used by the conductor...he has no scanner! He will ask you to press the barcode to miraculously let NSB know you have activated your ticket. Norway in a nutshell; full of technology but few actually use it full out. Looks very good though and I was not kicked off the train so something worked.
So at 45, back on a train, I think I a, doing OK! It is just the champagne withdrawal that itches.
The ultimate feelgood beauty experience in Oslo!
Beth's Beauty, Oslo - once again amazing service!
Amazing, every time I turn to them I get service well above what I already expect! Beth's Beauty has what it takes to handle all your beauty and well being needs, male or female! I have been going there for very many years now and followed the establishment's development and growth! As other beauty places come and go (in Oslo there are very many of them), Beth's Beauty grows in knowledge, customer satisfaction and seniority! Elisabeth Lien, the amazing owner really knows how to grow in a serious and humble way. Her business ethics are outstanding and her service mindedness has no boundaries!
Need to have a feel good hour, day, experience? Visit Beth's Beauty in Olso!
Phone: 0047 22 55 53 80 Address: Niels Juels Gate 38, 0257 Oslo Emal: njg@beths.no
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Recommendations
To be recommended - the establishment must have the same quality level for a min. of 5 visits.
Beauty
Beths Beauty - 2 locatons in Oslo.
Check out the monthly tips.
NIELS JUELS GATE 38 0257 OSLO
Tel:22 55 53 80 Epost: njg@beths.no
GABELS GATE 11 0272 OSLO
Tel:22 44 92 20 Epost: gg@beths.no
Norwegian lawyers - private practices
Advokat Kjersti Patricia Amundsen, Oslo
Mobil (+ 47) 918 01 333
Email kjersti@advokatamundsen.no
To be recommended - the establishment must have the same quality level for a min. of 5 visits.
Beauty
Beths Beauty - 2 locatons in Oslo.
Check out the monthly tips.
NIELS JUELS GATE 38 0257 OSLO
Tel:22 55 53 80 Epost: njg@beths.no
GABELS GATE 11 0272 OSLO
Tel:22 44 92 20 Epost: gg@beths.no
Norwegian lawyers - private practices
Advokat Kjersti Patricia Amundsen, Oslo
Mobil (+ 47) 918 01 333
Email kjersti@advokatamundsen.no
Restaurants:
Cru vinbar og kjøkken, Ingelbrecht Knudssøns gate 1, Oslo, Norway -
Cru vinbar og kjøkken, Ingelbrecht Knudssøns gate 1, Oslo, Norway -
http://experiencetellsall.blogspot.com/2009/09/alternative-christmans-dinner-at-cru.html
Fish shops:
Fish shops:
Georg A. Nilsen - Schultz gate/Bogstadveien, Oslo
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Nordigard Bjørge Gjestegard
The best place to stay and discover the heart of Norway - Nordigard Bjørge Gjestegard - Bed and Breakfast/Tradtional Norwegian Farm Vacation in Seljord - it has everything!
There is probably not a warmer more familiar and inviting vacation farm to visit in Norway! Here you can experience making tradition Telemarks ice cream with milk from the farms pure bred Telemark cows!
You are surrounded by some of the most beautiful sights, from mountains surrounding the farm, the lake with Selma - the Seljord Lake monster, rivers where you can fish wild trout, endless nature trails - both summer and winter.
Living on the farm is the same as being part of the Bjørge family. A large warm kitchen welcomes you. The main house is traditionally decorated and you can feel the atmosphere around you. Solrunn - the mother of the house really knows how to cook and most meals are made from the farms own produce. Here you can choose between the main house, a beautiful annex, a traditional Norwegian "stabbur" or a "seterbua" - the close-to-nature cabin at 650 m over sea level.
If you wish to experience a more "rough" true to nature experience, a "seterbua" is available at around 650 m above sea level. Here you can rent a tradtional Norwegian seter. Be one with nature. From the porch you can overlook a beautiful river filled with wild trout, beautiful mountains and clean fresh air.
Because of the location of Seljord, at the end of a lake in a valley, the sky changes character every hour. Approxiimately 25 minutes from Seljord you have downhill skiing facilities. 5 miniutes from Seljord center you have a cross country skiing trail. During the summer you can rent boats and canoes, wander on the "Culture Trail" upp Bjørge Mountain or just enjoy a wonderful day in the sun on the farm.
Seljord is the pround host of 4 festivals during the year - from one of the countries larges country festival to one of the largest cattle/farm festivals.Over 30 000 people visit the festivals each year. Nordigard Bjørge Gjestegard has its tradtional barn dance with live bands, dancing, moose hamburgers and good old fashioned beer. After a day at the festival, it is a real treat to visit the barn dance and relax with some of the worlds most friendly and sincere people.
There is also a possibility to join in the annual moose hunt as well as elk hunt.
Links to the festivals:
Cattle/Farm festival - Dyrskuplassen http://www.dyrskun.no/
Countryfestivalen http://www.countryfestivalen.no/seljord.htm
Dance festival - Seljordfestivalen http://www.dansebandfestivalen.no/
Other links:
Vest-Telemark portalen http://www.vest-telemark.no/
Facebook page for Nordigard Bjorge Gjestegard
There is probably not a warmer more familiar and inviting vacation farm to visit in Norway! Here you can experience making tradition Telemarks ice cream with milk from the farms pure bred Telemark cows!
You are surrounded by some of the most beautiful sights, from mountains surrounding the farm, the lake with Selma - the Seljord Lake monster, rivers where you can fish wild trout, endless nature trails - both summer and winter.
Living on the farm is the same as being part of the Bjørge family. A large warm kitchen welcomes you. The main house is traditionally decorated and you can feel the atmosphere around you. Solrunn - the mother of the house really knows how to cook and most meals are made from the farms own produce. Here you can choose between the main house, a beautiful annex, a traditional Norwegian "stabbur" or a "seterbua" - the close-to-nature cabin at 650 m over sea level.
If you wish to experience a more "rough" true to nature experience, a "seterbua" is available at around 650 m above sea level. Here you can rent a tradtional Norwegian seter. Be one with nature. From the porch you can overlook a beautiful river filled with wild trout, beautiful mountains and clean fresh air.
Because of the location of Seljord, at the end of a lake in a valley, the sky changes character every hour. Approxiimately 25 minutes from Seljord you have downhill skiing facilities. 5 miniutes from Seljord center you have a cross country skiing trail. During the summer you can rent boats and canoes, wander on the "Culture Trail" upp Bjørge Mountain or just enjoy a wonderful day in the sun on the farm.
Seljord is the pround host of 4 festivals during the year - from one of the countries larges country festival to one of the largest cattle/farm festivals.Over 30 000 people visit the festivals each year. Nordigard Bjørge Gjestegard has its tradtional barn dance with live bands, dancing, moose hamburgers and good old fashioned beer. After a day at the festival, it is a real treat to visit the barn dance and relax with some of the worlds most friendly and sincere people.
There is also a possibility to join in the annual moose hunt as well as elk hunt.
Links to the festivals:
Cattle/Farm festival - Dyrskuplassen http://www.dyrskun.no/
Countryfestivalen http://www.countryfestivalen.no/seljord.htm
Dance festival - Seljordfestivalen http://www.dansebandfestivalen.no/
Other links:
Vest-Telemark portalen http://www.vest-telemark.no/
Facebook page for Nordigard Bjorge Gjestegard
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Monday, December 28, 2009
Charities-why not have one for everything instead of them competing against each oher
Why not one charity organization instead of many competing with each other. Better if we could pay a sum and write to which area/cause we wish the money to be used in.
Unicef has shown 2 beautiful boys living on the streets in an African state in a commercial. This commercial has been shown numerous times. How much does that cost? All needs are as important when it comes to life or death - then maybe it makes more sense to gather all donations and expenses in one world wide organization and not compete against other organizations. Doing this thebusiness professional way would probably lower expenses which means more money to where it is needed. Since these organizations are non-profit then this should not be a problem.
There are some smaller organizations that have a much larger part of the donations going directly to where the money is needed. So it can be done - but they do not have commercials on prime time using the Christmas spirit.
I know people working within many organizations do an amazing job - even more reason for making sure that the cause gets the donation as effectively as possible.
Just a thought, sitting here going through my yearly donations. Out of every 100 I give - depending on which organization I give to, I have no idea how much gets to its proper destination. If I knew that X amount always went to the cause, since it was all one big organization with different focus areas, maybe I would give more.
Unicef has shown 2 beautiful boys living on the streets in an African state in a commercial. This commercial has been shown numerous times. How much does that cost? All needs are as important when it comes to life or death - then maybe it makes more sense to gather all donations and expenses in one world wide organization and not compete against other organizations. Doing this thebusiness professional way would probably lower expenses which means more money to where it is needed. Since these organizations are non-profit then this should not be a problem.
There are some smaller organizations that have a much larger part of the donations going directly to where the money is needed. So it can be done - but they do not have commercials on prime time using the Christmas spirit.
I know people working within many organizations do an amazing job - even more reason for making sure that the cause gets the donation as effectively as possible.
Just a thought, sitting here going through my yearly donations. Out of every 100 I give - depending on which organization I give to, I have no idea how much gets to its proper destination. If I knew that X amount always went to the cause, since it was all one big organization with different focus areas, maybe I would give more.
Sats Majorstuen...maybe they don't want customers
Amazing. Entered Sats tonight at 21:35. Started obeyingly putting on the blue plastic things for your outdoor boots. It's -12 degreees out so we had a lot of layers on us. Before we were done finding 2 unused plastiv thingies for our boots and unfolding a few layers, the "grown-up" blond woman loudly proclaimed "We are closing in 15 minutes". We both looked at each other - "15 minutes?" She definitely did not want us in the building. "Yes" she answered, it is Christmas! OK I thought - Chrismas was last week lady, but OK.
I looked at her and said with a smile "But it is at Christmas we really need to work off the fat". No smile back. She answered "We have been open since 7 this morning" - as if that helped me - I work during the day. The point was, I smiled and tried my hardest to loosen up the mood, but this lady was not in the mood. "We are closing".
We started for the door, and not a word was said. No "goodbye", no "have a nice evening", no "was there anything else you needed". Amazing. Maybe we were 2 new customers wanting to sign up for a membership-sales must really be soaring, or maybe I had forgotten something in the changing room. No - "We are closing" was the message loud and clear. So we wandered out in the cold amazed at the attitude and service level.
OK - please close - I will not be visiting you again.
I looked at her and said with a smile "But it is at Christmas we really need to work off the fat". No smile back. She answered "We have been open since 7 this morning" - as if that helped me - I work during the day. The point was, I smiled and tried my hardest to loosen up the mood, but this lady was not in the mood. "We are closing".
We started for the door, and not a word was said. No "goodbye", no "have a nice evening", no "was there anything else you needed". Amazing. Maybe we were 2 new customers wanting to sign up for a membership-sales must really be soaring, or maybe I had forgotten something in the changing room. No - "We are closing" was the message loud and clear. So we wandered out in the cold amazed at the attitude and service level.
OK - please close - I will not be visiting you again.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Peak Performane - Bogstad veien Oslo
Came in, having absolutely no idea what to get - complete blank! I needed a gift, not too pricy for a friend. The girl that saw me walk in, could apparently read minds.
She approached very carefully, asked if I was wondering what to get. She pinned me directly.
After 5 - 6 minutes, I was paying for a great gift, full return possibilities and in a short period my "problem" was solved. She put herself in my firends place and asked the correct questions. WOW!
She approached very carefully, asked if I was wondering what to get. She pinned me directly.
After 5 - 6 minutes, I was paying for a great gift, full return possibilities and in a short period my "problem" was solved. She put herself in my firends place and asked the correct questions. WOW!
Arlanda airport - again but this time terminal 2
Amazing - I thought the customer handling at terminal 5 was an exception but NOOOO, yesterday a new episode occurred.
Terminal 2, Taxfree, 2 people in line (otherwise almost emply store), no one at the cash register. 1 girl helping a customer, 1 girl packing up goods and 1 girl putting on mascara. She saw person number 1 in line, kept putting on mascara, saw person number 2 in line, kep putting on mascara (public mirror next to the make up shelves).
I had found some wonderful champagne with an even more wonderful price! I was number 3 in line.
The girl unpacking looked up and started for the cash register. NO! Screamed the mascara girl - I GOT IT! Great I thought, now maybe I can pay and get on my way.
Person number 1 in line...he got the most of her irritation and hurried off not even taking a plastic bag - we apparently disturbed her mascara party. Person number 2 looked around and decided to not buy anything and just left. I do not blame him.
With the champagne to that price, I could not afford not buying 3 bottles. So I took one step closer, both hands full of stuff and a bag between my feet.
"PASS" she screamed. Pass??? Should I pass. So I walked by her to the next empty register. "STOP" came out of her. "You pay HERE!"
I could not help myself - the game was on! I told her to make up her mind - either I pass or I stop. She answered that there were others in line and that if I wanted the champagne I needed to pay. "But you said PASS" I commented. I was told that if I had flown more often I would understand that PASS (in her screaming voice) meant boarding pass. Oh! Thank you for clearing that up for me, I answered. Idiot I thought.
I let all my stuff go, found my boarding pass and put it between the champagne bottles on the circular belt. She looked at me and told me that that was the wrong place and that I should always put the boarding pass on the counter.
I did as I was told. Then I had to pay but before paying I had to decided currency on the screen. I asked her what the rate was. She answered the price in SEK and NOK. Once again, I asked the currency rate. This was it - I was in trouble. "There are people in line behind you" she informed me. I looked behind me and the poor number 2 man stood smiling, enjoying the show. He knew exactly what was going on. Other than him, there was no one in sight. He just looked at meand said - "Take your time".
I decided to pay in SEK. Took my "PASS" and started to pack the champagne bottles. Poos number 2 man was next. This time he just smiled and said "here is my PASS".
Why is it that some just do not undertand service and what it means? The customer should never have to feel dictated to or screamed at - then there is something very wrong.
Terminal 2, Taxfree, 2 people in line (otherwise almost emply store), no one at the cash register. 1 girl helping a customer, 1 girl packing up goods and 1 girl putting on mascara. She saw person number 1 in line, kept putting on mascara, saw person number 2 in line, kep putting on mascara (public mirror next to the make up shelves).
I had found some wonderful champagne with an even more wonderful price! I was number 3 in line.
The girl unpacking looked up and started for the cash register. NO! Screamed the mascara girl - I GOT IT! Great I thought, now maybe I can pay and get on my way.
Person number 1 in line...he got the most of her irritation and hurried off not even taking a plastic bag - we apparently disturbed her mascara party. Person number 2 looked around and decided to not buy anything and just left. I do not blame him.
With the champagne to that price, I could not afford not buying 3 bottles. So I took one step closer, both hands full of stuff and a bag between my feet.
"PASS" she screamed. Pass??? Should I pass. So I walked by her to the next empty register. "STOP" came out of her. "You pay HERE!"
I could not help myself - the game was on! I told her to make up her mind - either I pass or I stop. She answered that there were others in line and that if I wanted the champagne I needed to pay. "But you said PASS" I commented. I was told that if I had flown more often I would understand that PASS (in her screaming voice) meant boarding pass. Oh! Thank you for clearing that up for me, I answered. Idiot I thought.
I let all my stuff go, found my boarding pass and put it between the champagne bottles on the circular belt. She looked at me and told me that that was the wrong place and that I should always put the boarding pass on the counter.
I did as I was told. Then I had to pay but before paying I had to decided currency on the screen. I asked her what the rate was. She answered the price in SEK and NOK. Once again, I asked the currency rate. This was it - I was in trouble. "There are people in line behind you" she informed me. I looked behind me and the poor number 2 man stood smiling, enjoying the show. He knew exactly what was going on. Other than him, there was no one in sight. He just looked at meand said - "Take your time".
I decided to pay in SEK. Took my "PASS" and started to pack the champagne bottles. Poos number 2 man was next. This time he just smiled and said "here is my PASS".
Why is it that some just do not undertand service and what it means? The customer should never have to feel dictated to or screamed at - then there is something very wrong.
Monday, December 07, 2009
Park Lane - a crisp modern classic brand
It is refreshing to find a brand that understands and works with the relationship between trend, quality and price. Usually one component does not measure up. In this case, Park Lane covers all aspects in an impressive way. The men's collection fits every occasion. It is crisp, proper and makes you feel good, both to wear and to look at. 
The details are emphasized in just the right places. The style bringing out the man makes for a very handsome result.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Olivers & Co - Oslo - Excuse me for wanting my oils gift wrapped
Amazing...I have been there twice - once to look around for a healthy, tasty and different present.
It ended with me feeling in the way, not welcome. Regardless where in the store I was, I was in the way. The store was almost empty but there was woman seriously always having to be in control. After choosing 3 oils, tops for the bottles and cans and a fresh loaf of olive/dried tomato bread, I had to beg for a gift wrapped package to bring to my friend. This was a present. After paying, my oils were given to another younger girl to pack. She did a wonderful job and was happy and smiled. The end result looked beautiful. She even gave me a "buy XX oils and get something free card" and stamped it. OK I thought, this was OK, I can go back next time I need healthy oils and tasty bread.
As I was waiting for my package, the extra "service minded" woman was asked by a customer if the bread was as good as the sig said. The bread's sign said "The world's best tasting bread!". The "service minded woman" did not take the hint. Instead of saying "Oh yes, the sign is right, this is the world's best tasting bread" she actually said "it is actually OK tasting bread" which resulted in the customer saying "OK...I guess I can buy bread somewhere else". There I was, holding my own "world's best tasing bread". Why write a sign and then telling customers that the sign is actually telling you a lie? Hmmm, there is no way she "hears" herself.
Next time came 2 weeks later. This time I wanted the same "package". I went to the shelves, took my oils, tops to the cans and bottles and looked for the bread. Instead of being happy that I knew what I wanted and took no time from the people working there, I was told off by the same lady that I felt in the way of during my last visit. Boy was she crabby. She hung herself up om me not taking the first can on the shelf, but taking the one behind it. This time I wasn't given a beautiful wrapping, just a pastic bag with a bow, I wasn't smiled at and I definately was NOT entitled to more than one stamp on my so important stamp card. On top of it all, my dogs were not allowed to wait inside the door. This is an oil shop - not a restaurant and it was pouring outside.
On my way out I sang and smiled "Ha det" - no answer. So maybeit is true, as a customer remember to be careful asking for something outside box, that little extra that makes us customers feel welcome!
It ended with me feeling in the way, not welcome. Regardless where in the store I was, I was in the way. The store was almost empty but there was woman seriously always having to be in control. After choosing 3 oils, tops for the bottles and cans and a fresh loaf of olive/dried tomato bread, I had to beg for a gift wrapped package to bring to my friend. This was a present. After paying, my oils were given to another younger girl to pack. She did a wonderful job and was happy and smiled. The end result looked beautiful. She even gave me a "buy XX oils and get something free card" and stamped it. OK I thought, this was OK, I can go back next time I need healthy oils and tasty bread.
As I was waiting for my package, the extra "service minded" woman was asked by a customer if the bread was as good as the sig said. The bread's sign said "The world's best tasting bread!". The "service minded woman" did not take the hint. Instead of saying "Oh yes, the sign is right, this is the world's best tasting bread" she actually said "it is actually OK tasting bread" which resulted in the customer saying "OK...I guess I can buy bread somewhere else". There I was, holding my own "world's best tasing bread". Why write a sign and then telling customers that the sign is actually telling you a lie? Hmmm, there is no way she "hears" herself.
Next time came 2 weeks later. This time I wanted the same "package". I went to the shelves, took my oils, tops to the cans and bottles and looked for the bread. Instead of being happy that I knew what I wanted and took no time from the people working there, I was told off by the same lady that I felt in the way of during my last visit. Boy was she crabby. She hung herself up om me not taking the first can on the shelf, but taking the one behind it. This time I wasn't given a beautiful wrapping, just a pastic bag with a bow, I wasn't smiled at and I definately was NOT entitled to more than one stamp on my so important stamp card. On top of it all, my dogs were not allowed to wait inside the door. This is an oil shop - not a restaurant and it was pouring outside.
On my way out I sang and smiled "Ha det" - no answer. So maybeit is true, as a customer remember to be careful asking for something outside box, that little extra that makes us customers feel welcome!
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