1. Hollydays

First things first, Hollydays is THE place to go for cards. I get all of my cards exclusively at this place. But aside from that, Hollydays is cute, fun, bright, lovely, and completely unnecessary…which in my mind, translates to totally necessary. It is a little bit offbeat, and a little bit eccentric. And tell me, what is the point of living on or near Bainbridge Island without a little offbeat eccentric-ness?

2. Massage at BAC

Because for most people, a massage is about 90% indulgence…indulge away, my friends, indulge. The Bainbridge Island Athletic Center has a great little room for massages, and a talented massage staff. Not much else to say except that his name is deep tissue…and I’m in love.

3. Mora Iced Creamery

I’m almost positive my brother considers buying a plane ticket to Bainbridge Island every time he wants Ice Cream. Mora appears as if it was stolen from a vintage postcard and has the charm of Grace Kelly. Mora is especially good for the decadent palate…with flavors that range from Spicy Chai to Goat Cheese with Fig. Mora and I, we get on swimmingly.

4. Raspberry Fudge at Bon Bon Confections

Try the new fudge flavor at Bon Bon. In all likelihood, this should taste like cough syrup. Instead it tastes like pink heaven. (It is so good, it got me to say ‘pink heaven’ in public…can you do that?)

5. Chicken Ranch Pizza at That’s A Some Pizza

Oh gosh. This is SUCH an indulgence. It is my ‘moody girl’ food. Pizza, ranch, chicken, bacon, tomatoes. I’m sinking just writing about it. Not to mention, ladies, That’s A Some Pizza only hires eye candy (I’m convinced). Just sayin’…

If you don’t yet know of the Indie Banditas, I hear it is kind of like a virtual 3-D visit to the website Etsy.com. For more information you can read this BI Review article, or check out the bazaar’s delightfully sexy and alarmingly charming poster. Notice the convenient date of February 13th? Gentlemen, take note…if it gets to that day and you’re still struggling to find your lady  friend a Valentine’s gift…

Visit the Indie blog to learn more about the artists and see sample work.

I digress.

Last week, I got a fantastic facial (ummm, well more like a facial consultation, as it was my first time at this particular place). I was the recipient of this, I’ll say it again, fantastic facial at Faces First–The Art of Skincare, located inside the Bainbridge Athletic Club. And although I am a memeber of this equally fantastic health club (sick of the word fantastic yet?), and therefore receive a bit of a discount at Faces First, you absolutely do not have to be a member of BAC to frequent Faces First.

And just like dear Hulk Hogan is exemplary of scary (incredibly creeeepy) skin…Rickie Harmon, the owner of Faces First and resident skin care specialist, is supremely exemplary of amazing skin (chills). She is walking evidence that her skin care regime and the line of skin care products that she uses (Eminence Organics) are truly tip top, top notch.

So, in addition to being a super relaxing facial (set in a very mellow environment, soothing music, calming smells, and a super comfy bed-like massage table that I would gladly trade my entire house for, and maybe even my soul) I also fell in love with the skin care line—my current must-have (but only have a sample of) being the Sour Cherry Whip Moisturizer. If Bainbridge Island’s Bon Bon Confections sold face cream, this would be it.

And a word on Rickie–seriously a delight. She was as nice as she was informed. She was delightfully funny, a little bit spicy, and immediately made me feel relaxed (which isn’t easy to do when I am lying somewhat naked with a lighted magnifying glass pointed directly at my face). And seriously…the woman’s skin is to die for. TO DIE FOR. Like I said, she is walking proof.

So that’s Faces First. Loved it. I would recommend the experience to anyone. Rickie offers a wide variety of services, including waxing and lash tints.

In addition to Faces First, and in the same vein, I also visited Willow’s Naturally on Winslow Way and picked up some Simplers Botanical Company Rose Hydrosol which I’m loving. I’m excited about Willow’s as well. Although I only spent a few minutes inside, I developed a fondness for the awesome sales associate who gladly took the time to test and play with the products alongside me. They have some (what look like) awesome recipes on their website, and I hope to make a few in the coming weeks. So check back.

And here is what I’m thinking–not too shabby for my first official Bainbridge Discoverage (I make up words sometimes…I figure all that money I spent on a masters degree should give me some privilege).

Really, it was awesome. It’s the kind of entertainment that is perfect for dinner. It is fun, festive, feisty, unique and just entertaining enough. But at the same time, you’re not obligated to watch and listen. You are free to chat with your dinner mates, or in my case, feel awkward and stare into your glass of water and play Fieldrunners on your iPhone (honestly, I do not recommend watching Belly Dancing when you have no one to naturally divert your attention.)

Swing your hips over to Spice Route on Sunday night (6pm) and enjoy a good blush.

But first, know your blogger. A little bit about me: After having spent the last 4 summers on this saucy little Island, I recently became a full-time resident. I moved here from quite a different atmosphere: Boston. And I will let you in on a shameful secret: I didn’t take advantage of all there was to do in that great eastern city, and I plan to take it out on poor Bainbridge. I just finished my masters in journalism, and I work for two wonderful women here on the Island: dynamic literary agent Sharlene Martin of Martin Literary Management, and New York Times Bestselling author, Susan Wiggs. I know, rough right?

So here’s the deal: I hope to take my precious extra time, add it to my pressing drive for experience, and toss in my need for adventure in order to provide some (hopefully not overwhelming and certainly not underwhelming, just whelming enough) advice on what to do, where to go, who to see, and how to do it— on this dazzling gem of an Island.

Check back in a few days. I have two words for you: Belly Dancing.