13 steder
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Angelas 4-stjerners anmeldelse: I've always known about this place and finally had the pleasure of stopping in and bringing out my inner child today at Becky and Me Toys in Glenview. Neighborhoody in feel, though it's in a mini-mall, this store is bright and colorful and feels like being inside a perfectly packed present wrapped with joy and wonderment. Step inside and discover something from every nook and cranny, including the ceiling. A nicely edited collection of top quality products, you'll find gifts and toys for all ages from baby on up. What I love most about this darling shop is the fact that it's not too packed and overwhelming, making it possible to scan the store rather quickly. Certain items are displayed with a theme (i.e. the science section with the talking microscope). The book selection is pretty large along one wall, and they have a particular collection of games - some of them I remember from my childhood. The friendliest customer service around, Becky and Me Toys is family-owned and it shows. With a second location in Evanston, they have been around for more than 10 years. As far as the pricing, I thought it was right on the mark for the quality. I also found some items to be surprisingly extremely well-priced, especially with regard to Halloween costumes. Favorite item in the store? The giant clear plastic globe that hangs from the ceiling. Have to get me one of those for the boys' room. Think "You've Got Mail" and The Little Shop Around the Corner bookstore, but replace it with toys. -
Angelas 5-stjerners anmeldelse: Every parent wants their child's room to be special, and Land of Nod has just what you're looking for when it comes to creating the ultimate pad for your kids to lay down their sleepy heads. Completely obsessed with this store, I stop in at least every two weeks and now even have my boys begging to join me. Buying or browsing, it's the best place ever to get great design ideas and check out the latest product line and current color trends. Along with everything else, I am particularly fond of their collection of child-friendly artwork from up and coming artists. Though I hate to say this, up until recently the Northbrook store was looking a bit stale and underwhelming with the same product line and store layout. However, something miraculous happened recently and the layout is completely changed with newly added bedding lines and accessories! Truth? I'm so in love with the transition, that I can't resist coming in here at least every week!! At this store you will pay a pretty penny for much of everything, but it's high quality and truly some of the most unique lines you will see in retail. I should also mention that they have swatches available for the paint colors you see on the wall and furniture finishes - all you have to do is ask. Customer service has improved from the past when it seemed like they didn't really like kids to stop in and browse...or really like kids at all. Bright colored beanbag chairs, polka dot rugs, robots and French girly bedding, come here for the best of the best. -
Angelas 5-stjerners anmeldelse: Took our son in for an injury. After an emergency room visit, Pediatric Partners followed up with us to make sure he's okay and got us in for an appointment right away. They also already scheduled follow up appointments...super organized there. The new location in Port Clinton Square is gorgeous! They have parking out front and underground at Port Clinton Square. The new space is much larger than the old location in the Highland Park Hospital. The space is clean and modern, and the new waiting room is spacious and still has that new kid smell. Take note of the super duper adorable mini couch for little kids (awwwww). They are following strict Covid protocols with floor markings, plexi-shields everywhere (I mean that's pretty standard these days). What I love about the new space, is that you literally walk in the door from street level. For parents with strollers or young kids, this is much better logistically. No stairs or elevators to go up and down. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Since Covid, I feel like this office has done a great job of getting everyone in as close to their scheduled appointment time as possible. We haven't had to wait much over the year. All the doctors, nurses, and staff members are super duper friendly. We've been coming here since the boys were three. Bonus virtual appointments, if you need them. -
Angelas 4-stjerners anmeldelse: I take it back. I'm setting the record straight once and for all. I have new information. No, not the information about the super cool new Detective's Office that just came out on the market, but the fact that we were misinformed the last time around about free Lego build Tuesday. After my last review, being one of my saddest parent moments, my kids didn't get to do the build because they ran out. After asking about it, we were told by someone there we had to pay next time. What? When one of my kiddos asked whether they would ever go to the free build again, I saw a glimmer of hope and picked up the phone to find out what the heck was going on. I mean we spent nearly $200 on the Parisian Restaurant Lego set this Christmas, so I felt fully justified that they should get to do a free mini build - and we're a part of the VIP club. Here's the deal. There is still free Lego build Tuesday during the first Tuesday of every month. But, I was told by an employee that they now offer the kids a choice to build in the store or take it with them. With this being the choice, they run out fast, because most people take it to go - which we witnessed the last time around. We were advised to get in the line early, this last time around, and we did. And, we got to build...for free...right in the store. My faith in Lego has been restored. Not that I ever really lost faith, because there is no stopping my purchases, but I was hoping more than anything they weren't forgetting to reward the customers who spend hundreds of dollars in there. Yay! -
Angelas 5-stjerners anmeldelse: We love taking the kids to the Kohl's Children's Museum where everything is interactive and so completely worth $40 for a family of four. I don't even know where to begin with this place, because it's at the top of its class, beautifully designed and obviously well funded. With 17 top-notch exhibits all in working order, there is also a really beautiful outdoor area where the kids can take a 'learning' break and run around outside in the warmer months. Hands down, here are the boys' favorite exhibits: - Water Works, similar to the water exhibit at The Chicago Children's Museum, gives kids the opportunity to get slightly splashed and learn how water and science work together. - Car Care is so much fun, and the kids get their hands on everything related to cars and even go through a pretend car wash - like something out of Willy Wonka's factory. - Hands On House is an exhibit that teaches kids how houses are constructed. Aside from the digger that picks up rocks, they really like 'painting' the inside of the house. - Finally, and perhaps their most favorite exhibit of all is the Potbelly Sandwich Works exhibit. Here kids go behind the counter and prepare Potbelly Sandwiches and serve them up to customers, cash register and all. They also learn about cleaning up the restaurant at the end of their shift. This is such a fantastic teamwork opportunity and kids from everywhere work together to run a food business. The best part is parents get to sit at the restaurant tables and be served - for once! If you haven't had the chance to visit this museum, just go. GO NOW!! -
Angelas 4-stjerners anmeldelse: It was holiday haircut time for the boys today! We are loyal to Zoya, because she also cut their sisters' hair, so it's hard for us not to keep coming back. She has been cutting the boys' hair since they were in kindergarten, so she really knows what to do with their kooky hair. In truth, I have to say I feel like they might be a bit old to come here, so I hope they are not reading this review. Being in 3rd grade, it's tough to decide if we should pony up for grown up haircuts at a salon, or continue to come here. I figure for the wintertime they will spend most of the season in hats with static hair, so it doesn't really matter much. But, there's a chance we might go a bit more grown up for the summer season and try something different. We were satisfied with our cuts today, but the last time our boys insisted on something different (super short) and we weren't prepared for that. We made sure to let Zoya know. Take Note: As my son was getting his haircut there was a completely obnoxious toddler who screamed with fear while he got his already short hair cut. Did the mom take him out and stop the cut? Nope! Just let him scream...hence the reason I might not be able to handle this place much past 3rd grade. Sorry Zoya if you're reading this. We still love you and it's not personal. -
Angelas 5-stjerners anmeldelse: It's a total and complete tragedy that I don't spend more time at this beautiful, peaceful library. I went in to renew my library card the other day, and they told me I hadn't checked out a book in two years! OMG, how is that possible? I've definitely spent time working there, but I completely regret that searching for books has turned into an after thought or something *extra* special to do on my downtime. Well, the truth is, this library IS special, and it's something that shouldn't be taken for granted. The library recently went through a beautiful renovation with tons of special meeting areas for working and studying. The parking is more than adequate, and the staff is really helpful. For my latest discovery, and I know it's not book related, but I am blown away by the access I have to Kanopy https://highlandpark.kanopy.com/). A friend told me about this movie streaming service (for free), and I have to tell you, it's incredible. It features over 1000 movies for download, and it's all made possible when you have a library card. Thank you to my amazing library with so many free resources (yep, they also have museum passes). Get your library card activated or renewed.You'll be so glad you did. -
Angelas 5-stjerners anmeldelse: Update. I love a movie deal, and we scored first run movie (Oz The Great and Powerful) tickets and snacks for a family of four for $40. Sure it's not stadium seating, and it's a low budget (but very clean theater), and I wish I could single-handedly contribute to their Save The Theater campaign, because people reading this should know how much of a loss it would be to lose this one. Sunday matinee. Barely anyone in the theater. Two adult tickets, two kid tickets, large popcorn bucket and two medium (huge) drinks for $9. Popcorn refills for $1. We also ended up with two big boxes of candy and all together we came in at $40. Think about it for a second... Updated movie theater would cost $40 just for the tickets and no snacks. Save yourself $20 and come here. You'll also feel like you're supporting a small mom and pop business. This place is seriously a great deal. -
Angelas 4-stjerners anmeldelse: My hubby has been trying to get me to join Life Time for awhile now. To be supportive in his efforts to get to the gym, I agreed to accompany him...as far as the Life Cafe. I'm not into working out publicly, so this review is for the cafe. It was later in the afternoon, so the cafe was pretty quiet. It was exactly the type of environment I needed to wrap up a work project. It was bright and sunny, calm and clean, and I was surrounded by a fabulous variety of healthy and fresh food choices to select from. Some of the items are a bit on the pricey side, but I scored the "limited time" $5 bargain menu Southwest breakfast burrito. It wasn't huge, but it was a nice portion size for an afternoon treat. Cage-free eggs, brown rice, black beans, roasted veggies, cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla. It was fresh, flavorful, and had a nice kick to it. For an extra $1 I added a fresh and hot cup of Peet's coffee. Comfy seating and fast Internet. A really great experience. Now, if only my hubby can find a way to get me into the actual club to work out next time. -
Angelas 5-stjerners anmeldelse: There's something in every corner here...butterflies that hang and move from the ceiling when someone enters. There's a wall of nostalgic games and magic sets, a train track suspended from the ceiling with an electric train running around it, a giant kid-sized house to peek into, and so on and so on and so on. If you've seen Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, this place has all you can imagine minus secret doors. And don't worry about the giant toy solder, he's harmless. I came in the other day to meet a friend who was finishing up a Friday reading session in the back reading nook. I hadn't been in here for years, and it's so so different now...better. It's magical, and there was was even a little girl walking around with big wide eyes looking at everything and squealing out, "ooh, mommy!" Sure there are other toy stores around, but unless you're shopping for a bike, come here for a truly magical experience. Got nephews or little nieces like Elaine M? Come here to spoil them. Five star rating...hands down. And that goes for the customer service too! -
Angelas 4-stjerners anmeldelse: Now that Land of Nod is gone in Northbrook, discovering Little Peach was a real joy! Though their focus is on the little ones, it's upscale delightfulness will charm anyone looking for a gift for a friend, or to decorate their own child's room. Packed with lamps, baby gifts, books, teething gifts, greeting cards, artwork, and more, I instantly fell in love with the mini tent-like houses (pink for me please) with that toy car pulled out front for the full luxury-lifestyle package. Discoveries that stood out in my mind: - An entire collection of teething necklaces, bracelets, etc. - Decorative knee pads for crawling babies - Great book collection - Tall doll house/apartment - Big stuffed toys for bedrooms - The play kitchen along with the stacked washer/dryer set - The owner who was super sweet with twin boys! We talked for the longest time! One stop shop for that baby shower gift if you're looking for something special and out of the ordinary. Keep in mind you will pay for quality here, but you'll go crazy with the cuteness packed into every corner of Little Peach. -
Angelas 4-stjerners anmeldelse: Take two busy parents and twins with hair out of control (like an unmowed lawn), who desperately needed a haircut. Add in impossibly busy schedules and hellashish crabby mornings before school (lots of hair complaining), the loss of our regular stylist, the need to find a new one, and you get super horrible guilty parents. Did I mention one of my son's decided he wanted to completely change his look and chop his longish locks off? Yep, where the heck were we going to find a new stylist ready to deal with my kiddos' super impossible wavy curly hair! Problem #1) Find a new stylist...and pronto. Problem #2) Fine a new stylist...and pronto...who will give my boys the cut of their dreams. Solution: Meet Emily! Emily was sweet and confident, and took the dream picture my one son found online and transformed his hair into the photo and now he's over the moon! Now take twin #2 with longish wild and wavy thick locks, who only wanted a trim so he could keep growing it long. We knew it was going to be a challenge without a photo of some sort (because he thinks he has straight hair), and sadly we ended up with a cut that he's not in love with, so we need to go back and get some tweaks :-( We still love Emily, but I'm hoping we can figure out a cut that will work with his hair now. I have no doubt we will find a solution. I really love Salon Vole. They are independent, flexible with scheduling, and the staff seems to be absolutely lovely. We look forward to making this our new hair home for the boys. -
Angelas 3-stjerners anmeldelse: The customer service tonight made up for the not-so-great burgers (IMO), sticky floors and dirty bathroom. My kids insisted we eat here, and in fact that frosty mug was calling them all the way from Highland Park. We needed to go shopping, so we decided to take them on a fun mall night for new sweatshirts and frosty mugs. They had a blast and loved their dinner! The frosty mug really is a nice touch here, and did you know the root beer is made daily with cane sugar? Yep! It may come in a soda machine, but it's still authentic with a nice smooth vanilla taste. The ice cream machine wasn't working so well, so instead of ice cream in a cup, they whipped up a really delicious vanilla milkshake for my hubby and charged him for the cup instead. That shake was tasty and served in a nice tall glass...perfect for sharing. Again...beyond friendly servers, super crispy yummy french fries, and a truly favorite frosty mug of root beer. Great for kids.
