http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/DeafMom Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:16:00 GMT Reviews by DeafMom http://www.viewpoints.com/Beaver-Run-Resort-and-Conference-Center-Breckenridge-CO-review-32bb1 I've stayed at the Beaver Run resort two times in the summer, and both times have been very enjoyable.  — The most recent stay included a two-bedroom with a queen-size bed in both rooms.  A couch in the dining room and a couch in the living room were both pull-outs.  You can sleep up to eight people in these rooms.  Two bathrooms with showers are next to each of the rooms and one of the bathrooms has a jacuzzi tub as well.  Only one of the bedrooms had a TV, so we requested another TV for the other bedroom.  The service was prompt and we had another TV shortly after.  There were four TVs total, including one in the dining room and one above the fireplace in the living room. — The kitchen looked as if it was recently updated for it had granite counters and beautiful cabinets.  It came with a full-sized fridge, microwave and everything needed for cooking. — My only beefs with the suite were that there were no hooks or towel... Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:16:00 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Beaver-Run-Resort-and-Conference-Center-Breckenridge-CO-review-32bb1 DeafMom 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Verizon-Wireless-Bolingbrook-Bolingbrook-IL-review-87b35 I've been a faithful T-Mobile user for years.  In the last several months, I've been ready to throw my Sidekick into a wall.  Service has been spotty, emails were arriving late, and the spam kicked into high gear.  The keyboard on my Sidekick bubbled up and the "J" key went missing. — It was time to find something else, but I knew I didn't want to continue with T-Mobile.  Other friends were having the same problems with the spotty service.  We tried Virgin phones for the kids, but the monthly plans kept resorting back to pay-as-you-go and our bill was getting higher and higher. — So on a whim, I stopped in the Verizon store in Bolingbrook several days ago.  I walked out with four phones for a total of $114 per month-- unlimited data plans and 700 shared voice calls.  We received a discount thanks to my husband's place of employment. — I have to say this for that Verizon location-- the customer service is excellent.  I wasn't... Sat, 28 Jun 2008 03:36:40 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Verizon-Wireless-Bolingbrook-Bolingbrook-IL-review-87b35 DeafMom 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Dole-Plantation-review-d75e1 I wasn't too crazy about going out to visit the Dole Plantation in Oahu, Hawaii, but I had my parents and older sister with me and they really wanted to go.  I figured there wouldn't be much to see-- after all, how many ways are there to grow a pineapple? — I was very happy that we went! — First of all, the Dole Plantation is beautifully landscaped and the garden that they have on the sight is simply breathtaking. We boarded the Pineapple Express train for $7.75 per person (now, that was a bit steep for a 20-minute ride) and the train took us on a tour of the plantation for a two-mile trip.  We saw the various pineapple crops, coffee and cocoa plants and other vegatation. — We toured the Dole Garden for $4.00-- now that was worth the money.  There are many beautiful and varied Hibiscus flowers, a water fall and many other native Hawaiian plants.  The path is paved and accessible for wheelchairs. — There is a corn maze available for the... Tue, 17 Jun 2008 03:51:13 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Dole-Plantation-review-d75e1 DeafMom 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Pancake-Cafe-Naperville-IL-review-64243 The Pancake Cafe is a hidden gem tucked into the south west side of Naperville.  On Sunday mornings, expect to wait in line to get into this local breakfast eatery. — Actually, the Pancake Cafe is also known for their sandwiches and salads.  I had the Chopped Chicken Salad there once, which was delicious, but simply not delicious enough to deserve a nearly $10 price tag. — Their breakfasts are what keep us coming back.  I often like to order the Pecan Waffle, which is generously sprinkled with pecans.  The oldest kid and the hubby order the omelettes which are stuffed quite high and fluffy.  The youngest kiddo prefers the bacon pancakes. — The decor and atmosphere are very low-key and rather plain but the restaurant and restrooms are very clean.  We've always had servers that were friendly and prompt. — This one gets four stars, only because I consider Egg-Harbor Cafe to have five and this one is a notch below. —... Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:16:50 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Pancake-Cafe-Naperville-IL-review-64243 DeafMom 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/United-Airlines-review-d87d4 I've been a long time customer of United airlines.  I fly mostly Southwest, American and United, and I often fly United using a discounted "Friends and family" ticket through a friend who is employed there. — So for a recent trip to Hawaii with my parents and sister, I chose United because they had a nice price and the flight times worked out for us. — I had called the airline a few weeks earlier and requested sub-titled movies for the flight.  I was told that they have sub-titles on their longer flights.  So when we boarded, I asked the staff to make sure the sub-titles were on the movies. — Nope, no sub-titles.  That's for the international flights.  Sorry. — So we settled in our seats and discovered that it was a tight, tight seating arrangement.  I couldn't even open my laptop all the way.  — We paid five dollars for a snack box to hold us over.  During the flight to Oahu, the staff was attentive and came... Sun, 01 Jun 2008 15:28:33 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/United-Airlines-review-d87d4 DeafMom 2 http://www.viewpoints.com/Star-of-Honolulu-Dinner-Cruise-review-4c244 The Star of Honolulu is a two hour dinner cruise complete with entertainment that cruises the west side of Oahu island in Hawaii.  The boat is a wide hull boat that is quite stable when cruising and it handles the waves quite well. — Parking is available near Pier Eight.  If you purchase something at the nearby shopping mall and get your ticket validated, the parking is far cheaper that way. — Upon arriving to the boat, we checked in at the reservations office to pick up the tickets and receive a tag that indicates which floor to dine on.  Hula dancers perform dockside as you board and you can get your picture taken for purchase.  The pictures are mounted on a hard board and available for $24. — Four of us took the cruise and we paid $82 for an all-you-can eat crab leg and steak dinner.  The dinner came with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, baby romaine salad and Hawaiian bread.  Dessert was a cup of macademia ice cream. The steak... Sat, 17 May 2008 17:28:06 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Star-of-Honolulu-Dinner-Cruise-review-4c244 DeafMom 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Waikiki-Beach-Marriott-Resort-Spa-Honolulu-HI-review-d7a74 I headed out to Oahu with my parents and sister and we stayed at the Marriott Waikiki hotel which is located in the busy section of Waikiki.  One has to cross a busy road to access the beach. — Our check-in was efficient, but the  two staff persons we encountered were not very friendly.  I'm chalking it up to her having a bad day, as we've encountered other staff who were more helpful during the week. — The rooms are very clean and the beds are quite comfortable.  I slept great all week here so that's a good indicator for me that the hotel is meeting my needs.  We took a room with two-double beds which were covered by a down duvet.  The shampoo, conditor, shower gell and lotion are in generous container sizes.  The soap is made with oatmeal flakes in it and very nice. — The room contains a desk  with a chair and two comfortable chairs nearby. A large, flat panel tv was perched above a granite-topped dresser. ... Fri, 16 May 2008 17:15:57 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Waikiki-Beach-Marriott-Resort-Spa-Honolulu-HI-review-d7a74 DeafMom 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Trader-Joes-Toaster-Pastries-review-8b0c0 Every time the youngest kiddo would ask for Pop Tarts, I would cringe.  The thought of oodles of empty calories and sugar floating around in his tiny body at eight a.m. was enough to make me look for alternatives. — I found it at Trader Joe's. — And guess what, it's even organic!  The Nature's Path Toaster Pastries are available in two flavors: strawberry and blueberry.  I've had both of them and strawberry is my favorite.  The hubby likes the blueberry better.  The youngest kid will eat either of them. — The toaster pastries have zero trans fat and are considered a vegetarian product. They're made with organic wheat flour and whole wheat flour, sweetened with cane juice  and powdered sugar and there's also dextrose in the label too.  The pasteries are topped with an icing that's very thin.  I would really enjoy these pastries a bit more if there was more icing.  — There are six tarts to a box, two... Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:55:54 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Trader-Joes-Toaster-Pastries-review-8b0c0 DeafMom 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Blue-Moon-Hotel-New-York-NY-review-2b4f0 When my friend dropped me off at a corner in upper Manhattan, he figured that I could take a cab for a few blocks to the Blue Moon Hotel.  I asked a few people how far the hotel was, but no one had heard of the hotel.  I explained that it was on Orchard street and one person said, "Oh, that's on the east side in downtown." — Since it was my first time in New York, I had no idea where I was.  So I hopped into a cab and gave the guy the address.  The cab driver tried looking up the address on a map.  He finally told me he had no idea where it was and let me out.  I flagged another cab down and we were finally on our way. — When the driver pulled up to the Blue Moon Hotel, I thought for sure he took me to the wrong place.  The place was brightly lit and it looked like a coffee shop. The sign on the front indicated that I was indeed in the right place. — I was immediately greeted by Randy, the owner who gave me a warm... Sat, 19 Apr 2008 00:10:40 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Blue-Moon-Hotel-New-York-NY-review-2b4f0 DeafMom 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Holiday-Inn-SAN-JOSE-San-Jose-CA-review-f6e41 The hubby and I stayed at the Holiday Inn in San Jose which is conveniently located next to the Light Rail near the airport.  The Holiday Inn provides a free shuttle from the airport-- one just has to call the front desk and request a pick up after landing. — The landscaping at this hotel is absolutely beautiful.  Towering palm trees surround the pool grounds with flowers in planters and canna lilies spread everywhere.  The scent of jasmine and hibicus floats around the pool.  The pool is heated, and I mean heated.  It was 50 degrees outside and I was expecting a cold pool, so when I hit the water, I was pleasantly surprised at the bath-like feel of the water.  The hubby and I stayed in the pool all morning and didn't want to leave. — When we checked into our room, we were surprised to find a run-down room.  The furniture was scratched and there was no bathtub, just a shower.  The TV did not work.  There was no way that I was... Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:55:40 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Holiday-Inn-SAN-JOSE-San-Jose-CA-review-f6e41 DeafMom 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/DKNY-Cashmere-Mist-Eau-De-Parfum-Spray-review-16c43 At first, I groaned when I opened the box containing "Cashmere Mist," from my mother-in-law.  I pretty much wore only two kinds of perfume: "Happy" and "Beautiful."  — But now I add "Cashmere Mist" to the list, and I'm so glad I opened the box instead of taking it back to the store. — To my surprise, I discovered this beautiful scent has been around since 1994.  Designed by Donna Karan, the one-ounce bottle of Eau De Toilette Spray contains a scent with a mixture of jasmine, amber, sandlewood and musk.  The glass bottle is unique and almost represents a pregnant woman's profile when viewed from the side.  The average price seems to be around $40.00 for this spray. — The scent is so light and delicate that I can wear it with regular clothes and breathe in just a hint of it.  My kids always notice when I have it on because they say, "Mom, you smell so good!" — ... Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:33:59 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/DKNY-Cashmere-Mist-Eau-De-Parfum-Spray-review-16c43 DeafMom 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Good-Housekeeping-review-d0b64 I've read just about every issue of Good Housekeeping magazine since I was eleven years old.  My mom still subscribes to this magazine and I catch up on the issues each time I visit her. — What I like most about the magazine are the human interest stories they feature each month.  The articles have a sense of genuiness, leaving the reader with the feeling that they've walked along for the journey in each story. — I've cut out so many recipes over the years but one recipe really stands out, a recipe for banana cake that cooks perfectly each time.  I've adapted it and made pumpkin bread out of the same recipe.  The recipes that are featured in Good Housekeeping are down-to-earth recipes--I find this appealing because I don't have to hunt for exotic ingredients. — Each issue contains a short fiction story, advice columns, a beauty section, and often an article focusing on home life-- organizational tips, etc. — The Christmas issue features... Mon, 31 Mar 2008 23:55:55 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Good-Housekeeping-review-d0b64 DeafMom 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Red-Box-Oakbrook-Terrace-IL-review-b88b2 I've always had an adversion to forking out big bucks to rent a video at Blockbuster or Hollywood.  We don't watch enough movies to justify Netflix.  So when I discovered RedBox--I instantly became a devoted customer! — For just one dollar, you can rent a video until 9 p.m. the next day.  I love this, because we can get three movies for three dollars and even if it takes us two days, that's six dollars for three movies, still cheaper than the big stores.  — The drawback is that the popular movies are often out unless you go at odd times.  There's a limited selection of movies, but for us, that's not bad because there are so many movies we haven't yet seen. — RedBox requires a credit or debit card to use it and an email address.  If you keep a movie more than 25 days, it's yours to keep-- to the tune of 25 bucks. — I'm giving this only four stars, because we've experienced a few times when the RedBox was down.  Just... Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:09:29 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Red-Box-Oakbrook-Terrace-IL-review-b88b2 DeafMom 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Starbucks-Vanilla-Bean-Frappuccino-review-bc4e4 Back in January, I drove up to a Steak 'n Shake to grab a milkshake and had the drive thru window slammed in my face because I  wouldn't go back around and order through the speaker (I'm deaf).  After discovering Starbucks Blended Creme Frappuccinos, I'm thinking that I never have to go through a Steak 'n Shake drive thru ever again. — The Starbucks Blended Cremes taste just as good as a milkshake! — A 12-ounce size features 340 calories (90 of them from fat), so I won't be indulging in these all too often.  The ingredients are simple: vanilla bean, milk and whipped cream.  However, skipping the whipped cream brings it down to 260, a much more reasonable amount. — At $3.22 per drink, that's another reason that this drink will be an occasional indulgence, but heck-- I don't have too many other vices so it's a good treat now and then! —... Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:00:18 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Starbucks-Vanilla-Bean-Frappuccino-review-bc4e4 DeafMom 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Maggianos-Oak-Brook-IL-review-f8e22 My mother-in-law introduced me to Maggianos by taking me there for lunch many years ago.  We frequently visited the Oak Brook, Illinois location.  — Today, I went to the newest location in Warrenville, Illinois.  Located on Freedom Drive, not too far from Naper Blvd. and Diehl Road, the restaurant is surrounded by Morton's Steak House and the White Chocolate Grill. — One of my favorite entrees is the Shrimp Oreganato.  The dish comes with eight large shrimp topped with bread crumbs and a lemon sauce.  Fresh, sauteed, chopped tomatoes fill up the middle of the plate.  With a squeeze of fresh lemon, this dish is simply delicious.  — Another favorite is the Chicken and Spinach Manicotti topped with a light (ahem!) alfredo sauce.  — The Maggiano's Salad is another staple that is frequently ordered.  The salad is topped with chopped bacon, blue cheese, red onions and croutons.  A tasty vinaigrette is lightly... Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:18:38 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Maggianos-Oak-Brook-IL-review-f8e22 DeafMom 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Lucky-Platter-Evanston-IL-review-6c1f1 I was introduced to the Lucky Platter by Patrick Hughes, the owner of Inclusion Solutions, a company that provides solutions for businesses to provide access to people with disabilities.  We went to the Lucky Platter for lunch and to see the portable ramp that was located just inside the door.  Persons needing access would ring the Big Bell located outside of the restaurant and the portable ramp would be placed over the step.  — I decided to be daring and I ordered the Portabella Mushroom sandwich with sweet potato fries.  The portabella mushroom was nestled between a soft  bun, topped with goat cheese and red peppers.  French fried onions were placed on top of the cheese and topped with chipolte mayo. — Oh. My. Gosh. — Yes, not exactly a heart friendly meal but it was oh so amazing.  I figured the mushroom was healthier than a hamburger, so what the heck.  The sandwich was incredibly delicious. — On their... Sun, 09 Mar 2008 14:48:55 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Lucky-Platter-Evanston-IL-review-6c1f1 DeafMom 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Mrs-Fields-Caramel-Chocolates-review-f8ec5 My sister gave me a box of Mrs. Fields Caramel Chocolates because she knows I love anything with caramel in it.  I was excited to dive into a new box of candy that I hadn't tried before.  I've rarely met a chocolate that I didn't like. — — Until now. — — Mrs. Fields contains nine pieces of assorted chocolates in a 5.75 ounce box.  About half are dark chocolate and half are milk chocolate.  Some contain nuts, some do not.  Each serving is "about two pieces" at 150 calories.  Someone is only going to get a half a serving with that 9th piece. — — On the back of the box, Mrs. Fields says:  "We guarantee that you will be completely satisfied with this product or we will gladly replace it." — — Mine's in the garbage.  I'm not going to even try to bite another one. —... Thu, 06 Mar 2008 21:28:16 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Mrs-Fields-Caramel-Chocolates-review-f8ec5 DeafMom 2 http://www.viewpoints.com/Trader-Joes-Toasted-Sesame-Oil-review-1c1a2 I spied the small bottle of Toasted Sesame Oil on the bottom shelf at Trader Joe's last week.  I was always curious about sesame oil but had never tried it before.  The five-ounce bottle was a bit pricey--$1.99 for just five ounces was a lot to pay for oil. — — But what the heck. — — I tried a little bit of the oil in a pan and browned some chicken breasts sprinkled with salt and pepper and minced garlic.  The chicken was incredibly delicious.  Toasted Sesame Oil adds a distinctive flavoring.  Just a little bit of the oil goes a very long way. Even the kids noticed a difference and commented on the chicken.  So spending $1.99 for some compliments--well worth it! — — The five-ouce bottle contains 10 servings at 120 calories per serving and 14 grams of fat. Because the oil is so strong, only a few drops are recommended.  If more oil is needed, mix with canola oil which is more neutral and will still bring out... Thu, 06 Mar 2008 21:17:47 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Trader-Joes-Toasted-Sesame-Oil-review-1c1a2 DeafMom 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Writers-Digest-Magazine-review-64ae1 I have cut down on all of my magazines with the exception of a few that I really value.  Writer's Digest is one of them.  I started this publication about a year ago and it has been worth it.  I've learned a few things that helped to jump-start my writing career. — I especially enjoyed the article featuring Janet Evanovich-- one of my favorite authors.  Writer's Digest offered an in-depth look at Janet's writing life.  Where else can you have the opportunity to get such a close up look at a popular author's life?  They've also featured Meg Cabot and Jodi Piccolt. — The magazine averages about 80 pages per month. Each year, they publish the top websites for writing and publishing.  Every issue offers a writing prompt exercise that challenges you to finish the prompt with a story.  — I have really enjoyed this magazine and learned a few tricks to improve my writing.  This is one magazine that will be staying in my... Wed, 27 Feb 2008 22:42:56 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Writers-Digest-Magazine-review-64ae1 DeafMom 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Attitude-is-Everything-review-9f1d1 While browsing through the self-help section of the library, I was looking for some inspirational books to get me through the winter doldrums.  I spied "Attitude is Everything," and took it off the shelf.  "Ten Life-Changing Steps to Turning Attitude Into Action," it said on the cover. — The introductory chapter quickly summarized the ten steps: — 1.  Understand the power of attitude. — 2. Choose to take charge of your life. — 3.  Identify through self-awareness the attitudes that hold you back or propel you forward. — 4.  Reframe your bad attitude. — 5.  Find your purpose and passion. — 6.  Be pre-active — 7.  Discover how to motivate yourself. — 8.  Build supportive relationships. — 9. See change as an opportunity. — 10.  Leave a lasting legacy. — Keith Harrell put those steps into action and landed a job at IBM.  For fourteen years, he... Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:13:05 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Attitude-is-Everything-review-9f1d1 DeafMom 5