You want to get the same experience as any other patron, as many restaurants will give you special treatment that may change your review if they know you're a critic. Instead of telling them you are there to review their food, simply head inside and take a table, acting like any other customer. The Association of Food Journalists even suggest that you avoid large culinary events (grand openings, staff parties, etc.) so you don't risk being approached by chefs looking for a good review.  If you are an established reviewer you should make reservations under a different name. You should still bring a notebook or small recorder with you to take notes, though you can also take them on your phone. To write a great review, you should be taking notes. Did you need a reservation, and how far in advance was it set up? Where is the restaurant, and what is the neighborhood like? How was the parking? These facts will make up a very small part of your review, but this information is essential to help potential customers find the perfect restaurant for their night. Give your reader a feel for your experience. Does the wait staff treat you like family or an old friend, or is the place elegant and classy? What is the dress code like? What kind of atmosphere is in the restaurant? Be creative in the description -- a good food review is not just about the menu, it is about the entire experience.  Do the decorations create an appealing ambiance? How are people enjoying their meals? At large, talkative tables or many small, intimate dates? Avoid thing like, "the service was good/bad." You want specifics. The best way to get them is by asking questions. While you don't want to pester people, a good waitstaff will know what foods go well together, if there are any allergens in the dish, and the basic presentation of the dish. Most importantly, a good waitstaff is there when you need it -- when water glasses get low, when a fork is dropped, and when you're ready to order your next course. You will not be able to eat everything on the menu. You should, however, touch as many sections of it as you can. Be sure to get a drink, an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert to get a sense of the kitchen's full capabilities. If you can, come with a group of people and have everyone order something different (beef/fish, the soup/salad, sauteed/simmered) to get a good idea how the kitchen handles the entire restaurant.  As a food reviewer, you need to try everything you can to get a good idea of the restaurant. What you order is, of course, a matter of personal preference. However, asking the servers for recommendations is a great way to see what the kitchen and staff are proudest off. Most servers have tasted everything on the menu with the chef's guidance, so they should be able to help you order and determine what you're eating.

Summary: Avoid telling staff members that you are a food critic or reviewer. Make some notes of the restaurant's logistics. Describe the atmosphere and ambiance when you walked in. Make some notes on the service. Order from a wide swath of the menu.


There are many crystal sellers. People often sell crystals in hippie stores, new age stores, alternative medicine stores, science/educational curiosity stores, at fairs and farmers’ markets, as well as at concerts and online. There are even fairs dedicated entirely to crystals. Make sure you find a reputable seller. You will want to make sure the details regarding your crystals are accurate. Look up different kinds of crystals. Visual properties as well as any symbolism associated with different kinds of crystal will impact what they do to you.  By spending some time looking at different kinds of crystals, you can find your favorite. You can also take time to learn about crystals for different uses.  Quartz stones are the most common healing crystal. They come in many varieties (amethyst, citrine, rose quartz, etc.) and hues. People like quartz because it has interesting properties, it is visually stunning, coming in many colors, shapes and levels of clarity. Other common gems used include:  Lapis might help bring calm.  Jasper might help balance your aura and promote a sense of peace.  Turquoise may help to clear your mind. Malachite might help protect against electromagnetic pollution.    Gemstones used for healing can be cubic, trigonal, monoclinic, etc. referring to the shape of its crystal system. There are seven types of these. Gemstones are also valued for their “water” or level of refractive clarity. A great way to find a crystal is to “feel it out.” This means choosing  a crystal based on how you feel about it. You cannot choose a crystal this way if you plan to purchase online. You will have to go to a store to be near or ever touch the stones. Keep in mind that some crystal sellers may not let you touch the merchandise because crystals, especially large ones, can be fragile and very expensive. Make sure that you ask before you touch.
Summary: Find a seller. Pick a type. Feel it out.