By Colleen Chittick, Treasure Hunter

If you are strolling down California Street in West Seattle, head into Juniper, located at 4155 California Ave SW. I promise you won’t regret the decision. There’s also a location at 5308 Ballard Ave NW for my neighbors on the north side of town.

Non-toxic polishes line the walls of this cozy neighborhood gem. They use natural products, so it smells more like apple cider inside instead of the usual chemical warehouse.

Settle into a big plush chair for the best pedi you’ve ever head -- or you can perch up at the mani bar, chat with your future bestie, listen in on who hit what restaurant for Restaurant Week. (I chose nearby Raccolto). It’s like Steel Magnolias meets Anthropologie -- only better.

The main attraction and show stopper for me is the staff.  They are not simply nail technicians. The Juniper Team is composed of highly educated, extremely talented, bonafide artists. One of the ladies casually mentioned she has her BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design – not too shabby.

If you are looking to ping that wow meter, Juniper’s nail art accessories will do just that. They’ve got glitter, jewels, shiny stones -- or you could get a portrait of Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving on your nails. Juniper is a one-stop shop from tips to toes.

To complete the day of pampering, it’s tapas time!

Right across the street from Juniper’s West Seattle location is Itto’s, a uniquely cozy, all ages, Moroccan and Spanish tapas bar and restaurant. If you are hungry for authentic small plates and thirsty for signature cocktails, Itto’s has you covered.

I strongly  -- as in this is a must -- recommend starting off with one of their specialty cocktails called “Safi.”

Forks will be raised as we salute the tapas menu. These small plates have price points to die for will have you ordering a handful. One of my tummy-teaser-dishes was the chicken bastille. How can you go wrong with a spicy almond chicken dusted with cinnamon, saffron honey and love?

If you see me swooning over the menu at Itto’s or lounging at Juniper, be sure to say hello and I hope you’ll join in the fun. See you around the neighborhood!

 About Colleen Chittick, Treasure Hunter

Follow West Seattle resident Colleen Chittick on her search for unique neighborhood gems --those restaurants, pubs and shops that may be hidden in your own backyard. When she's not digging for buried treasures at estate sales and garage sales, she is hard at work building her clients' fortunes in her role as vice president and treasury management officer for Northwest Bank.