Our Recommendations...

 

From our family to yours...

 

The Dance Family Suggested Vendors

This is simply a resource for those new to Pasadena. Below are the recommendations of our family who has spent over a twenty years in this area.  In those years we've had wonderful and poor experiences with various merchants.  We want to make it easier for folks who are new to our town to find businesses we trust.  We love small town life. We'd like to make Pasadena feel more like a small town where "word of mouth" is valued and trusted.  

We do not advocate, support, blah....blah... *add legal stuff here...*  This is solely based on our opinions and experiences.  
We have not been paid by these vendors for a listing here. Some don't even know they are listed!

There are great people and great businesses listed here.  Hope it helps.

Auto Purchase or Lease: Dick Martin Sales & Leasing 

180 S Euclid Ave; Pasadena, CA 91101 (626) 795-0400

We have purchased our last three cars with them.  They discuss your needs, find cars for you to test drive, bring them to their (warm, homey) Pasadena office. If you're looking for a new or used car, they'll get you the best price, take care of of all the paperwork, and you don't have to deal with a dealership. When we've purchased a used car, they've added new tires and gotten a thorough check-out.

 

Children's Hair Cuts: Little Kutz 350 S Lake Ave # 104 Pasadena, CA 91101(626)585-9075

The owner is Anna Marie.  They have a playroom, fun animal chairs, flat screen TV and movies to keep the kids company.  They are wonderful! 

 

Insurance Broker (Life/Health) Paul Stone (310) 550-6364.  

Honest, straight-forward, won't sell you more than you need and has your best interest in mind.  Good man.

Auto Repair (Tires, etc.) Crown City Tire (626) 793-4181 80 W Bellevue Dr, Pasadena, CA 

Crown City Tires. They work on engines, body work and more.  When we owned our Infinity, there was a part in it which was ultimately recalled and the dealer replaced it.  Before we knew that, they took apart our engine, replaced the part, the sound did not stop, so they did it again.  When the sound returned they put the car back AGAIN, and refused to accept any payment from us - not for labor, parts, anything.  Turned out there was a faulty dealer part.  Wow.  We wouldn't go anywhere else for our cars. Great detailer on site, too!

 

Real Estate Agent: Jeannie Knopf (818) 427-1324

Helped us find our current home (after a loooooooooong search process). Not only is she patient and resourceful, she is one of the most genuine, others-centered, intelligent people you would ever want working with you.  www.jeannieknopf.com 

 

Photographer DeRemus Photography in Pasadena and Arcadia.  Email him here

David DeRemus' results are incredible, and he is very low-key to add a calming effect to that day.  The hardest working photographer we've ever seen.  His website also has an impressive display page at www.deremus.com/online_viewing.php  our favorite shot is here: http://blog.deremus.com/2009/08/22/pasadena-wedding-photographers-photo-of-the-day/

 

Florist: El Jardin 

The only florist we use (and love her work!) 696 E Colorado Blvd # 9; Pasadena, 91101.  She can deliver anything from a small bouquet to extravagant events.‎Elegant, unique and affordable.  Ask for Cecelia (and tell her we sent you!) (626) 577-0388

 

Internist and OBGYN 

Dr. Shaun Grady. 209 Santa Anita Ave, San Gabriel, CA; (626) 576-1214  Simply the best, best, best, best, best doctor I've ever had.  He's a doctor because he wants to care for people, and he just happens to be very smart and on the cutting edge of medicine.  

 

Personal Training/Life Coach Lean by Marco (626) 590-9024

Marco Hernandez deals with Fitness Training, Lifestyle Nutrition and Life Coaching.  He gets amazing results by using manageable goals. His certification along with his distinctive gifts gives him unique insight into food, eating and exercise habits.  Both Francisco and I have worked with Marco. He knows how to get real results and he's a great guy, too! www.LeanByMarco.com 

 

Massage (foot, back or full body) - David at Forum Spa (626) 351-2200

$30 for one hour massage.  Where can you beat that?  He also specializes and is certified in acupressure.  Francisco and I both love his work. He is a gift to a dancer's body. 

 

Permanent make-up: Lisa Smith (626) 833-3399

Is it painful? Honestly, a little.  Do I love not having to put on eyeliner? Yes.  In addition to doing my eyeliner work, I've referred people to her for eyebrow tattoos and it turned out understated and beautiful.  The eyeliner stays for 2 years, and it comes out the correct color you request (unlike some tattoo / permanent make-up artists who have "black" that looks like blue).  She is very talented, very much of a perfectionist, and a lot of fun to be around. 

 

Painting - Viv Stone (323) 257-0845

Viv does the decorative painting for our home.  In our kitchen she was able to recreate Victorian flowers in the wood inlay which were inspired by our placemats (they are an identical match). In each of the kids rooms she created everything from "Martinez Market," rocket ships, Music Playhouse, Drama Corner, and garden scenes.  She is quick, affordable, and amazing. Email her here: vivs@caeaglerock.com 

 

Dance Shoes: Very Fine Dance Shoes  4920 Santa Anita, El Monte, CA 91731. (626)575-8801

Dance Shoe Coupon 2-for-1 Print out here

 

Chiropractor - Budincich Chiropractic (626) 792-3390 

Has worked on both Francisco and me and we are so grateful for their amazing care.  "Dr. Bud" works with a number of college and professional athletes.  Budincich Chiropractic Clinic offers a free spinal care class, x-rays, a full range of physical therapy including muscle stimulation, ultrasound and deep tissue massage.  They work wonders on even the most severe cases.  They helped me through both pregnancies.   Dr. Bud also runs a non-profit ministry to bring chiropractic care to the poor and needy in Baja. www.drbud.com

 

Crown Radiator & Active Transmission (owner Phil Marmolejo - tell him we sent you!)

1320 E. Walnut; Pasadena (corner of Holliston & Walnut) (626) 792-5103 

Great for oil change, transmission and other internal car issues. 

 

Nail Salon: Forum Beauty Spa 

3705 E Foothill Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107 (626) 351-2200 (ask for Patty!)

 

 

OUR ONLY REQUEST: 
Just tell them we sent you so they know how much we value and appreciate them!

These recommendations are completely based on our experiences.   We do not have a business interest in recommending these companies other than to help good business owners.  We don't seek to trade links or request kick-backs or advertising from any of the above vendors.  

Although we are always interested in new resources and vendors, we will not be posting resources on this site which we have not personally used.  Please do not request to be added as a vendor or to add a resource on this site. Thanks for understanding.   

Know someone new to the area? Please pass this along!

Hope it helps!

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