http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/mkcarter Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:01:28 GMT Reviews by mkcarter http://www.viewpoints.com/Dr-Coleman-Kraff-Chicago-IL-review-4cdd0 I am new to Chicago so I had to find a laser/lasik doctor without a recommendation.  All roads pointed to Dr. Coleman Kraff and the Kraff Eye Institute.  I had never had any surgery of any kind before, so I was a bit apprehensive, but the staff totally put me at ease.  It was actually a fascinating procedure.  It was quick, and for me, almost completely painless (the procedure itself does not hurt, but many people experience comfort afterwards).  I had very mild discomfort/burning in one eye for a couple of hours and that was it.  By the next day, I was seeing great.  Now, nearly three months later, my vision seems nearly perfect.  After 20 years of glasses and contacts, it is so amazing to wake up every morning and actually be able to see.  No more toting solution, glasses, contact cases, etc. everywhere.  It is pricey, but they do offer some corporate discounts, and some people opt to finance it.  The professionalism and outcome... Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:01:28 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Dr-Coleman-Kraff-Chicago-IL-review-4cdd0 mkcarter 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Dog-Rescues-review-55791 In addition to  a Yorkie we already had, my husband and I have rescued two amazing dogs from the Animal Protective Association (APA) in St. Louis, MO (www.apamo.org).  We got them about a year apart - both were about 7-8 months old at the time of adoption.  One is a shepherd mix and the other is maybe a lab mix, we're not sure.  As with any new pet, they had the usual adjustments to go through, but they quickly became members of the family.  They all get along great and make us laugh every day. We couldn't imagine our lives without... Thu, 15 Nov 2007 22:52:56 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Dog-Rescues-review-55791 mkcarter 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Merry-Maids-Cleaning-Service-Many-Cities-Many-States-review-5129 I was lucky enough to receive a gift certificate to Merry Maids for cleaning services in the amount of $150.  The person that gave it to me chose this amount because she belived it would cover at least one, if not two, cleanings.  When they came out to give me an estimate I could only laugh.  The quoted me over $400 to clean my 3-bedroom condo!!  Our place is nice, but not huge by any means.  It is kept rather clean.  I did not ask for any special services - I basically just needed vacuuming/floor cleaning, bathroom cleaning, basic dusting/cleaning of other surfaces.  I know people who live in very ritzy areas in lavish homes that don't pay half of that for cleaning much larger homes.  No other cleaning service I spoke to quoted anything over $100 for a one-time cleaning.  $400+ is obscene - I really can't equate it to anything but price gouging and deception.  I would never use them and never recommend them to anyone else.  I am... Thu, 15 Nov 2007 22:36:50 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Merry-Maids-Cleaning-Service-Many-Cities-Many-States-review-5129 mkcarter 1 http://www.viewpoints.com/Smiths-Rosebud-Salve-review-27272 I've used Rosebud Salve for years.  It doesn't end up drying out lips like many so-called lip balms do.  I don't like fancy, glittery, scented lip balms - I save the shimmer for lipstick.  It's so simple that my husband likes it too.  I put it on every night before I go to bed.  It's great for regular conditioning and for chapped lips in the wind and... Thu, 15 Nov 2007 22:26:21 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Smiths-Rosebud-Salve-review-27272 mkcarter 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Shark-Infinity-review-ba292 My mother actually sent this vacuum to me after hearing me complain and complain that all the other vacuums I tried could not get any of the dog hair off my rugs/carpets.   I have the pet care model because I have three dogs - two that shed considerably.  I like to have a clean house but hate to clean.  This vacuum is great - it really gets up the pet hair.  I don't have to go over and over areas, so the job is done quickly.  The upholstery attachment got stuck with the pet hair after a while and does not really operate fully anymore, but I can live without that attachment.  I definitely recommend this vacuum to anyone - whether or not you have... Thu, 15 Nov 2007 22:18:31 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Shark-Infinity-review-ba292 mkcarter 5