http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/Meredith Fri, 09 May 2008 21:37:38 GMT Reviews by Meredith at Viewpoints.com http://www.viewpoints.com/floraqueen-com-review-516f2 In celebration for Mother's Day, Floraqueen.com will plant 5 trees for every order they receive throughout May. Their selection of flowers is pretty extensive and they deliver internationally. I think they are a bit expensive but hey... it seems almost every other florist is too.... Fri, 09 May 2008 21:37:38 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/floraqueen-com-review-516f2 Meredith http://www.viewpoints.com/Are-You-Smarter-than-a-5th-Grader-review-f5932 ... Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:28:39 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Are-You-Smarter-than-a-5th-Grader-review-f5932 Meredith http://www.viewpoints.com/Paul-Mitchell-Super-Skinny-Serum-review-b0720 Paul Mitchell's Skinny Serum isn't the secret to weight loss... but it is the key to frizz-free, smooth hair. My own hair LOVES this stuff so I've been using it daily for several YEARS now! A small squirt goes a long, long way no matter how lengthy your locks. I am currently trying to grow my hair out as long as it remains healthy looking. There's nothing worse than long hair that looks like a hay stack. I use Paul Mitchell's Skinny Serum to help reduce split ends, add volume and create texture. I have naturally wavy hair. Straight or curly hair styles are relatively easy for me and I use Skinny Serum for both looks. — I'm pretty clueless when it comes to hair dos. I've never had a cut that requires extensive, daily styling like a pixie cut for example. I think the most experimental I have ever been with hair was with my "Rachel hairstyle" back in the day and then some hair coloring. What female, Friends fan didn't want Jennifer Aniston's hair in the... Sat, 12 Apr 2008 20:00:33 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Paul-Mitchell-Super-Skinny-Serum-review-b0720 Meredith http://www.viewpoints.com/ENO-Wine-Bar-of-the-InterContinental-Hotel-Chicago-IL-review-ad424 The ENO Wine Bar is located on the beautiful Magnificent Mile of Chicago at the InterContinental Hotel. This wonderfully posh spot offers an extensive list of wine flights from around the globe. The international cheeses, meats and chocolate flights are equally impressive. If these photos to your right don't make your mouth water then I give up. To see ENO Wine Bar's official menu... — Visit ENO's website: http://www.enowinerooms.com/locations/intercontinental_chicago.cfm — My ENO Wine Bar Experience — A good friend of mine recently decided to celebrate her 30th birthday in style at ENO. She was able to reserve a "wine room" for at least 10 people there. This worked out perfectly for our enthusiastic, wine-drinking party of 10+!! We were able to sit in the back of the small-ish wine bar at a large table. We could laugh and talk loudly without disturbing other sophisticates trying to enjoy their experience, quietly. — Our waitress was... Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:14:38 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/ENO-Wine-Bar-of-the-InterContinental-Hotel-Chicago-IL-review-ad424 Meredith http://www.viewpoints.com/Cuddl-Duds-Softwear-with-Stretch-Warm-Underwear-review-2c72 When I first moved to Chicago, IL (cold & windy) from Asheville, NC (warm & mild) I had to prepare myself for brutal winters ahead. I'm not exaggerating when I say that Cuddl Duds saved my life. Okay, maybe a little. As a southerner who had NEVER experienced subzero temperatures, I was shocked to find just how bone-chilling cold Chicago is during January and February. — Luckily, I was introduced to Cuddl Duds by a good friend. She said, "Cuddl Duds are must haves." I said, "What the hay is a Cuddl Dud?" Well, Cuddl Duds are a brand of thermal underwear made for women. The style I own, Softwear with Stretch, are made of premium cotton and nylon. Cuddl Dud's come in various styles with different colors, textures and materials. Examples of other styles are pictured here: Comfort Stretch Active and Long Janes. — My Cuddl Dud's are black but I believe you can find them in multiple colors. Black suits me because I... Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:18:14 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Cuddl-Duds-Softwear-with-Stretch-Warm-Underwear-review-2c72 Meredith http://www.viewpoints.com/Duraflame-All-Natural-Firelogs-review-404e2 I'm new to wood-burning fireplaces. I'm also a girly-girl who has no interest in collecting or hauling firewood in my apartment. When I saw these Duraflame All Natural Firelogs I decided to give them a shot. These logs are "made with 100% renewable resources" according to duraflame.com. I thought if I'm going to start setting fires I might as well try to be eco-friendly about it. — I picked these up at the grocery store for about $20. All you have to do to get started is take out a log, place it upside down in the fireplace and light the edges of the yellow paper. Wha-la! Instant crackle and pop. You can simply use the firelog alone or add real firewood on top. I chose the quick and easy (probably lazy) route and used the log by itself. They last alone for about 3.5 hours. There is little ash mess after the log completely burns out. — I suggest storing your box of firelogs in an area that protects them from the elements. However, don't put them anywhere you... Fri, 15 Feb 2008 22:09:52 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Duraflame-All-Natural-Firelogs-review-404e2 Meredith http://www.viewpoints.com/Nookies-Too-Chicago-IL-review-bb2c1 Nookies Too is a low-key, BYOB restaurant in Lincoln Park. The breakfast, lunch and dinner menu's are quite simple but yummy. They have pretty amazing coffee too. The wait staff is alway super friendly and welcoming. Prices are reasonable especially considering the rather large serving sizes. If you're in the mood for some scrumptious comfort food... I suggest the Mac n Cheese dish. My friends LOVE the meatloaf there too. I happen to hate meatloaf so I always pass on that dish. The spinach omelet with gouda pictured here is delicious. There is another Nookies location in Lakeview near Halsted and Roscoe Streets. This one is conveniently located across from a wine store, Kafka Wine Company. You can drop in to pick up a bottle before taking it over to Nookies. —... Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:19:32 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Nookies-Too-Chicago-IL-review-bb2c1 Meredith http://www.viewpoints.com/Sleep-City-Chicago-IL-review-e6920 Sleep City - Diversey Location — Payment Accepted:American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, Visa — My Trip to Sleep City... — First, I have to share that Sleep City was recommended to me by two different people. I had put the word out that I was mattress shopping and was immediately told to check out this place. Boy was I pleasantly surprised!! I was bound and determined to get a bed today after miserably tolerating an inflatable, insta-bed mattress for over 7 days. So during my lunch break... I hopped in a cab heading straight for Sleep City. I walked in the door and was kindly greeted by a lady named Karen. I informed her that I was referred to the store by friends. She thoughtfully asked about my specific mattress preferences... price range, firm or soft, what size, etc. Next, she lead me to several beds and told me to go ahead and test them out. After about 6 or 7 different mattresses, I found my winner!! A Simmons Beauty Rest... Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:51:29 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Sleep-City-Chicago-IL-review-e6920 Meredith http://www.viewpoints.com/Elizabeth-Gilbert-Eat-Pray-Love-One-Womans-Search-for-Everything-Across-Italy-India-And-Indonesia-Books-review-92710 ... Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:23:11 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Elizabeth-Gilbert-Eat-Pray-Love-One-Womans-Search-for-Everything-Across-Italy-India-And-Indonesia-Books-review-92710 Meredith http://www.viewpoints.com/Skinny-Bitch-review-f13b4 ... Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:29:57 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Skinny-Bitch-review-f13b4 Meredith http://www.viewpoints.com/Nintendo-Wii-Console-review-f9b45 I used to be totally anti-video game but Wii changed my mind! I love the cool graphics, especially the create your own Mii character. Very creative in my book! Wii bowling is probably my favorite Wii game but I plan on branching out to to other games. Thank goodness for a new console that gets people off their butts and... Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:48:39 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Nintendo-Wii-Console-review-f9b45 Meredith http://www.viewpoints.com/Juno--132967-review-79ba I am jumping on the band wagon of Ellen Page fans now after seeing Juno. This movie totally gave me permagrin for hours after leaving the theater. I laughed so hard at all the quirky, witty one-liners from Ellen's character, Juno. She was the coolest female character I have seen on the big screen since Olive in Little Miss Sunshine. — Okay, so as many already know... the plot is about a young teen, Juno, who sleeps with her high school crush and ends up in Preggersville. She initially considers an abortion and even goes to the appointment to have one. While at the abortion clinic, she encounters a lone protestor who is actually a classmate and another young teen receptionist. The receptionist coldly asks that Juno complete all the paperwork in as much detail as possible and remarks... "We need to know everything... every score and sore. Got it?" Crude but funny in my book. Ultimately, Juno opts out of the abortion and decides to give the baby up for adoption. Yadda, yadda,... Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:29:42 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Juno--132967-review-79ba Meredith http://www.viewpoints.com/Early-Girl-Eatery-Asheville-NC-review-72022 Yum in my tum!! — Early Girl Eatery made my taste buds happy without any added guilt this holiday! — You can find the Early Girl Eatery in the quaint, adorable city of Asheville, NC. Nestled between lovely shops along the cobblestone Wall Street, the Early Girl is a little gem. This gal is gaining popularity quick. I suggest you get there before it's featured on the Food Network and slammed with tourists like other similar Asheville fave's like Tupelo Honey. — I totally love the Early Girl Eatery's motto (which they do seem to uphold): "Simplicity, Quality & Local Flavor" — The atmosphere at Early Girl feels warm and southern-ish but they don't over do it with country bumpkin stuff. No rooster paintings or tin cans hanging anywhere [thank goodness]. The space is open and colorful with lots of narrow windows allowing natural light to brighten the restaurant. They have both regular tables and cool 'picnic table-like' benches... Tue, 01 Jan 2008 23:56:32 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Early-Girl-Eatery-Asheville-NC-review-72022 Meredith http://www.viewpoints.com/Hospital-de-Sant-Pau-Barcelona-Spain-review-c7480 Where is this place? — Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167 - Metro Stop: Blue line Hospital de Sant Pau station — website: www.santpau.es — The hospital is super close to the metro stop. Once you exit the station, there are signs for the hospital which point you in the right direction. — Is this is a hospital or an attraction? — Hospital de Sant Pau IS BOTH!! Yep, it's a fully functioning hospital complete with real live patients and doctors! Plus, it's also a must see tourist attraction that is open 24/7 and FREE of charge to visit (unless of course you are there for treatment!) — The hospital was designed back in 1902 by Lluis Domenech i Montaner. He disliked the cold, dark feeling of huge wards so he came up with the idea to construct separate pavilions among lively gardens. There are 26 pavilions were patients find respite. These pavilions are connected by underground corridors which allow doctors/patients to move... Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:52:09 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Hospital-de-Sant-Pau-Barcelona-Spain-review-c7480 Meredith http://www.viewpoints.com/Hotel-Casa-Verardo-Venice-Italy-review-56e2 Hotel Casa Verardo - Venice, Italy — www.casaverardo.it  or call +39.041.52.86.138  **English speaking receptionists available. — Mama Mia! This place is just great for travelers who are on a budget but are not willing to sacrifice location to save money. Plus, if you book a super cheap hotel in Venice it's going to be far away from everything so you'll spend more money on boat fares to reach must see attractions. — I found this hotel in my "Let's Go to Western Europe on a Budget" book. It was 90 Euros for one night including breakfast (a nice, filling breakfast!) which sounds expensive. Right now, 90 Euros = 133 Dollars but listen... Venice is expensive. You can find cheaper hotels and hostels but they will most likely be less clean, tiny and inconveniently located. — Although I mentioned in my "Cons" above that Hotel Casa Verardo is difficult to find without a map, it is certainly not in the middle of no where (All tourists... Tue, 20 Nov 2007 22:57:15 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Hotel-Casa-Verardo-Venice-Italy-review-56e2 Meredith http://www.viewpoints.com/Montjuic-review-d8271 Montjuic is the highest mountain in Barcelona. Originally, this mountain's only attraction was the views and the ancient castle at the summit. However, once the city was chosen to host the 1992 Olympic Games major construction was needed. A grand Olympic Pavilion was built and massive fountains were added. An architect was brought in to design the now iconic and edgy Telefonica tower in order for the Olympic games to be televised more widely. You can see the white, twisted tower in my photos here. — Climbing Montjuic from the foot of the mountain is quite a hike. The pathway is moderately steep but still all uphill. As a frequent walker and somewhat active person, I made it up the mountain slightly winded but with no problem. In fact, I was distracted from the constant climbing easily by the awesome view. However, if you are not a walker there are buses and cable trams that will get you to the top at very little cost. — First, I must begin at the bottom of... Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:17:38 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Montjuic-review-d8271 Meredith http://www.viewpoints.com/Barri-Gotic-of-Barcelona-review-61af0 Barcelona's Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) — This area is the oldest, most history-filled part of Barcelona. According to my travel book, "Eyewitness Travel: Spain", this site was chosen by the Romans during 27 BC - AD 14 as a place to build a new town. Wow, now that's old! The ancient Gothic Cathedral and royal palace are located in the Gothic Quarter. Some of the photos I have included here were taken inside the grand cathedral. Oh and a fun fact -- The royal palace is where Christopher Columbus met King Fernando and Queen Isabel of Spain after his voyage to the Americas in 1492!! — Barcelona is basically made up of three territories: Eixample, Old Town and Montjuic. As you can probably guess... the Gothic Quarter is located in the Old Town territory. This area is easy to access from Las Ramblas (see my Las Ramblas review here too!) Walking through the Gothic Quarter is the absolute best way to see it. It's small and is made up of extremely tight passageways and... Fri, 16 Nov 2007 18:58:02 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Barri-Gotic-of-Barcelona-review-61af0 Meredith http://www.viewpoints.com/Sagrada-Familia--114804-review-4404 Sagrada Familia by Antonio Gaudi - Barcelona, Spain — Located in the city center: Use Metro for easy access - Blue Line Sagrada Familia stop. April - Sept. hours: 9am-8pm; Oct. - March: 9am-6pm. —  www.sagradafamilia.org — My view of the famous church: — First I must say that anyone who ventures to Spain MUST go to Barcelona to check out all of Gaudi's work. Sagrada Familia is probably the most widely-known, unconventional church in Europe. The Barcelona metro trains, which are the easiest and most cost effective way to travel in the city, stop right at the Sagrada Familia. So visitors can hop on the blue line for 2 Euros and reach the church with no problem. You can pay the 8 Euros to enter the church or appreciate the views from the outside for free like I did! I read several reviews myself before visiting and read that entering the church is not all that worth the 8 Euros. There is still a ton of interior and exterior construction going... Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:31:33 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Sagrada-Familia--114804-review-4404 Meredith http://www.viewpoints.com/Las-Ramblas-Barcelona-Spain-review-1d801 Las Ramblas is located in the center of Barcelona. The 1.2 kilometers long street is the most famous in the city so basically anyone who visits has to go here. The top of the Ramblas begins at the super popular and trendy Plaza de Catalunya. This plaza is the home to many posh shops, restaurants/bars and a huge department store called Corte Ingles (big chain in Spain). Several metro trains and buses stop here so it's ultra accessible. — My first trip to Las Ramblas began with a quick drink from the Font de Canaletes located at the beginning of the street. This famous fountain has an equally famous saying that "someone who drinks from the fountain will always return to Barcelona." Of course, I had to chug a lug! I hope to have returning visits to this great place. — As I stroll down the wide, stone pathway I am mesmerized by all there is to see. My mouth was probably gapping open in pure amazement. I was in true tourist... Sun, 28 Oct 2007 18:39:22 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Las-Ramblas-Barcelona-Spain-review-1d801 Meredith http://www.viewpoints.com/Parc-Guell-review-bed80 Okay, as you may already know if you have read my other travel reviews.... I am a huge Antoni Gaudi fan. His works are just incredibly brilliant, flamboyant and exciting. He certainly did not let me down with his spectacular Parc Guell located in the Gracia area of Barcelona, Spain. — Parc Guell sits on top of a once barren and boring mountain overlooking the city. Gaudi replaced the dead, rocky terrain with flare, fun and adventure by creating the park back in 1914. As usual, he used earthy, organic materials to create interesting pathways and gardens. The infamous dragon, made of bright mosaics, creeps down the entrance fountain. Two fabulous gate houses welcome visitors at the entrance as well. Honestly, when I walked through the gates I felt like I had just fallen in a Dr. Suess book. The textures and serpentine-like curves that Gaudi uses in his structures are so artistically formed. The mosaics are ultra bright and colorful. The... Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:28:29 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Parc-Guell-review-bed80 Meredith