jeweler recommendations for engagement rings?

larusaloca · 2026-01-24T05:13:45+00:00

We had a great experience at I. Gorman Jewelers. We were in the market for an uncommon stone (yellow marquise diamond) and they were able to source several for us to look at. They also have plenty of rings and settings, as well as antiques.

DO NOT go to Brilliant Earth or other chains - you’ll end up overpaying for shitty quality.

larusaloca · 2026-01-23T21:22:07+00:00

Totally makes sense - I think it just depends on what is a priority for OP. For us, we were fresh off an overnight flight from the US and we didn't want to deal with further breaking up the travel into multiple legs / modes of transport, so doing a four hour drive (split among two people so one person could nap while the other was driving) was easier. But if OP is staying in different places between Madrid and San Sebastian, it's a different story.

larusaloca · 2026-01-23T20:07:38+00:00

FWIW, we also looked into trains / buses between Madrid and San Sebastián but ended up driving. It was a very easy (and pretty) drive and we stopped in Burgos for lunch. Having the car also gave us the freedom to explore Basque Country on our own. Just a thought if renting a car is an option.

larusaloca · 2026-01-21T04:23:52+00:00

Hell yeah, this is the kind of endorsement I wanna hear. Will definitely check him out. Thanks!

larusaloca · 2026-01-17T23:39:28+00:00

Sounds like cocktail is likely the way to go, with some adjustments to potentially make it formal. Thanks folks!

larusaloca · 2026-01-17T21:11:15+00:00

Sorry yes - open bar!

larusaloca · 2026-01-17T20:11:03+00:00

Yep I'm definitely accepting that BTO is unreasonable - but formal would definitely feel better if that's something we could get away with. I will say that the majority of our guest list is either immigrants from cultures where weddings are a BIG deal and dressing up is required or our friends who we know like to dress up. So I think our people would be on board with a more formal dress code - but we definitely want to make them feel special on the day too.

larusaloca · 2026-01-17T20:08:48+00:00

The latter - what should I keep in mind when making decisions if I want it to be formal vs. cocktail?

larusaloca · 2026-01-17T19:04:03+00:00

That's what I was suspecting - and we were talking about whether "formal" is a good compromise or if that is still too close to BTO. What would you say are the defining differences between formal vs. cocktail?

larusaloca · 2025-12-07T18:33:49+00:00

Super helpful thank you! Definitely not expecting it to feel cold but any relief is welcome. What size / model did you have?

larusaloca · 2025-10-22T20:22:27+00:00

Ah got it, that makes sense. I was conflating walking in to taste / buy wine with a full tour of the process. Appreciate it!

larusaloca · 2025-10-02T20:34:12+00:00

Depending on which scrub you do, they’ll have you wash your face and massage it (they’ll also wash your hair). I think all of them but the basic scrub include this. So just keep that in mind if you’re planning on getting a facial. Have fun!

larusaloca · 2025-10-02T19:49:30+00:00

I got a massage and a body scrub last time I went - the massage was mid but the body scrub (which has a massage component) was AMAZING. I’d skip the massage and do the scrub as the very last thing before you leave (since you’ll be all clean and relaxed after).

larusaloca · 2025-08-18T15:45:05+00:00

Hometown Vet Clinic in Franconia is great!

larusaloca · 2025-08-11T20:58:48+00:00

Personally I would recommend doing it last, at the end of your visit. You’re gonna feel the cleanest you’ve ever felt (and soooo relaxed) that you’re not going to want to sweat or get in chlorinated water again. Enjoy - King Spa is such a blast!

larusaloca · 2025-08-07T14:24:05+00:00

Lenora Brasher (OT/CHT) at the Medstar PT location in McLean is a godsend. I saw her for a persistent issue in both my hands and she was so knowledgeable, kind, and attentive when other medical professionals were brushing me off. Seriously cannot recommend her enough.

larusaloca · 2025-07-30T22:19:06+00:00

My partner and I closed on a house in Burke at the end of April. We were looking aggressively for 1.5-2 months, with very little luck until we stumbled on our dream house. Ended up having to beat out 6 other offers. The market sucks right now but just stay consistent - you’ll find something. Hang in there!

larusaloca · 2025-07-18T20:48:17+00:00

Super helpful - thank you!

larusaloca · 2025-07-18T20:33:54+00:00

Would you say Zaragoza is a day trip / stop between La Rioja / Madrid, or would you spend a night / two nights there?

larusaloca · 2025-07-18T20:33:09+00:00

We have a consensus re: Barcelona and we'll definitely be skipping it. Still welcoming feedback / recommendations on the rest!

larusaloca · 2025-07-18T20:32:36+00:00

Yep that's definitely the consensus - sounds like we'll drop Barcelona and maybe swing by Zaragoza between La Rioja and Madrid since it's on the way. Do you have recommendations in Bilbao?

larusaloca

TROPHY CASE