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200 W Monroe St
Bloomington, IL 61701
(309) 829-0482

Fox & Hounds Hair Studio & Day Spa  

Categories: Massage, Day Spas, Nail Salons

5.0 star rating
Update - 12/28/2011
I've been coming here for about 3 years now and I'm just as happy with them, specifically my stylist Tara, as can be.  She's a true professional -I've only had one cut that I didn't absolutely love, and I went back and she was great, and generous, about fixing it.  She's also super friendly without talking your ear off.  In fact, if you are someone who doesn't like awkward conversation with relative strangers, she is the best.  Some visits, we barely speak a word.  Other times, when I feel more chatty, we'll chat for a bit, and she's perfectly friendly and fun.  

I've recommended her to several friends who are now regulars of hers, too.  I love Fox and Hounds, love their downtown space, their involvement in the community, their reasonable prices and quality goods, but I especially love Tara.  Highly recommend!

PS: You can book online now!

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2 Previous Reviews: Hide »

  • 5.0 star rating
    6/8/2011

    Still going here for every cut, and all but the first have been with Tara, whom I absolutely love.  She's great at knowing what I want, working efficiently, being friendly but not overbearing, etc.  I've sent several friends her way and they really like her, too.

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  • 5.0 star rating
    11/13/2009

    I really like this place and think it's a great asset here in B-N.

    I got my hair cut here last week and I love it.  The staff are real professionals.  Prices are very fair, the space is awesome, and they do good things for downtown.  

    This was my first haircut in B-N and I don't feel the need to try anywhere else.  I'll absolutely be back.

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1414 Leslie Dr
Bloomington, IL 61704
(309) 663-6100

Fitness Connexion  

Categories: Gyms, Trainers

5.0 star rating
Update - 12/20/2011
Just a quick update to say that 6 months later, I still couldn't be happier with this gym.  I actually couldn't wait to join "for real" once my Seize the Deal time was up 4 months ago.  The membership is a bargain for the fantastic classes, facilities, and community here.  

And now, moms, childcare is FREE.

They always have a 16-day free trial.  What do you have to lose?  

*I know this sounds like a sales ad, but I seriously feel lucky to belong to the best gym in town.  What can I say?  They make me downright cheesy.  =)

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  • 5.0 star rating
    7/2/2011 First to Review

    Perhaps this is too early to review, as I joined just recently as part of a Seize the Deal, er, deal.  But I've been raving to anyone who will listen, so I suppose Yelp is an ideal space to do the same.

    It's an all-women's gym, which has never particularly interested me.  But it's great! -Not hokey or (what I imagine to be) Curves-like at all.  It really just means that it's super friendly and comfortable, with no scene going on whatsoever.  Come in as you are, have a laugh, exercise, and get on with your day.  Easy, right?  Yes, easy.  And fun.

    The facility is new, clean, and feels like walking in to a spa... which I believe is also attached.  Lockers are free for the day -super easy to grab a key and stash things while you work out.  I haven't showered there yet but the facilities look really nice, and they provide basic soap and shampoo, hairdryer, hair stuff, etc.  Towels are also free and readily available, both in the locker room and for use while exercising.

    The cardio / weight room is large and has updated equipment -no trouble with waiting so far.  A few TV choices if you like zoning out while you use the machines.  I do!

    Classes are also included with membership.  I'm eager to try my first one soon, but I hear they are great.  The classes I've seen while working out so far seem to be full people genuinely having a good time!

    Extra fees for childcare (which I've heard is excellent -the facility itself looks great), nutrition counseling, personal trainer, spa services, long-term locker rental, etc.  All prices seem very reasonable.

    The staff is super friendly, too.  I have a few friends who have been going here for a while now, and I can see why they've been bugging me to join.  I think I'm already hooked!  I'm 99% sure I'll stay beyond the 2-month Seize the Deal stint, which is saying a lot since I have a free (albeit dungeon-like, dude-infested, weekend-cumbersome) gym at work!

    If you've been considering this gym, or any gym really, let me give you the nudge to check them out.  I'm glad I did -I love going there every day!

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1001 Greenbriar Dr
Normal, IL 61761
(309) 888-2658

Furniture Row  

Category: Furniture Stores

2.0 star rating
12/20/2011
You know how this place looks like 3-4 stores on the outside?  That's sort of how it feels inside, too, but not in the way they intend.  Mattress guys were creepy, and I overheard them making some offensive comments that made me strongly consider NEVER buying anything from this store.  Had I even a bit more time or money, I would not have.  Bedroom set guys were not quite as bad but it was still your typical furniture sales experience.  (See my review of Sherman's for a counterpoint to that typical experience.)

But the folks down on the other end, where they sell couches, chairs, and living room furniture, were kind and respectful and specifically non-offensive.  I bought a coffee table and chair from them and I'm pleased with their quality and customer service.  The review is still two-stars because I had to think long and hard whether the bad experiences with the other guys made it worth it.  Take that as you will.

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300 Landmark Dr
Normal, IL 61761
(309) 454-7700

Sherman's  

Categories: Appliances, Mattresses, Home Theatre Installation

5.0 star rating
12/20/2011
This is easily my favorite furniture store in town.  I bought a new mattress and bedroom set here (on 3 separate shopping trips, no less) and couldn't be more pleased with the quality of the items or the customer service.

I'd forgotten how crummy furniture salespeople can be until I was in the market for new furniture again.  You know -the hard sell, the creepy camaraderie, the bogus "deals", the over-the-top celebration of holidays that *no one else* celebrates...

Well, Shermans is different.  They answer questions helpfully and respectfully, don't push the sale, tell you up front what you're getting and what you're not, have zero gimmicks, and are genuinely nice and helpful.  Plus, they are willing to price-match, so you can't possibly get a better deal.  I can see why they have only 5-star reviews!

Note: In-store selection can be a bit limited on some items, but it's worth checking out their online collection.

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907 E Grove St
Bloomington, IL 61701
(309) 829-3387

Kenney's Delivery Inc  

Categories: Movers, Couriers & Delivery Services

5.0 star rating
12/20/2011 First to Review
I'm surprised no one has written a review yet, as several people recommended Kenney's via word of mouth for my recent move.

I couldn't have been more pleased with Kenney's.  They were easy to work with from scheduling to the actual move. The movers worked hard and efficiently and were super friendly. My furniture and boxes were handled with care.  They were on time.  Prices were very fair.

But I think my favorite moment of all was when the man on the phone suggested places to get free boxes, and only THEN told me that they have some new ones that they also sell.  "But I'd say don't come in and buy those unless you can't find any of those free ones.  Oh, try this place too."  I love you, Kenney's.  (PS: Totally scored the free boxes.)

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921 S Arbor Vitae
Edwardsville, IL 62025
(618) 659-8561

Peel Wood Fired Pizza  

Category: Pizza

5.0 star rating
12/20/2011
I'm a pizza snob and a beer snob, and I think this is as good as it gets.  As others have said, it's worth the wait for a table.

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116 North St
Normal, IL 61761

Chill Out Yogurt  

Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt

3.0 star rating
8/6/2011
Here's what you should know:
1.  The place is totally self-serve.  Fill the bowl, add toppings.
2.  You pay by weight, so for better or worse portion control is in your hands.
3.  Flavors of both yogurt and toppings range from fruity to classic (chocolate, vanilla; berries, cookies).
4.  As every prior reviewer points out, don't go looking for an ice cream taste.  I found mine too sweet and a bit sour (and YES, I've had frozen yogurt before).  But not bad.  That may just change my choices next time.  
5.  Staff is friendly and store is clean.  Credit cards OK.
6.  Answer the question of the day correctly, as I did, and you can get 10% off!  

It's not totally my thing, both fro-yo/ice cream in general and this particular place, but it's decent, and I think the college students will find it a welcome addition to the block.  Support a new local business, and check it out for yourself.

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706 S Eldorado Rd
Bloomington, IL 61704
(309) 663-1333

Lucky Garden  

Categories: Chinese, Japanese, Sushi Bars

4.0 star rating
8/3/2011
Perhaps you need to know that this place is MUCH cleaner and nicer than its exterior and perhaps its location would indicate.

Perhaps you need to know that they have an extensive Japanese and Chinese menu, with a nice selection of lunch specials.

Perhaps you need to know that the prices are fair.

Perhaps you URGENTLY NEEDED TO KNOW that they have EXCELLENT veggie maki.  I know I did.  I had previously believed this was only available to me in Chicago.  I am 99% sure this is good news.  My pocketbook disagrees.  mmmmmm Sweet potato tempura maki heaven.....

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626 N Main St
Bloomington, IL 61701
(309) 828-9155

Penelope's  

Category: Used, Vintage & Consignment

5.0 star rating
8/3/2011
My review could well be identical to Kelly's.  In fact it was hers that finally planted the "must go in" seed.  I too had walked or driven by it for years without actually going inside.

So glad I did today.  It's a two-room store, one with gently used and very well priced items, all much more vetted than at most second-hand stores.  Think vintage or Crossroads, not Goodwill.  The second room is all new and designer, which means more expensive but still deeply discounted.

I found lots of great things to try on in both rooms.  As Kelly said, the store is clean and well-organized.  Dressing rooms are really nice and staff is super friendly.

In the end I found 3 pieces, one new designer and two gently used and still high quality (Michael Kors, Dockers) to purchase, all for about $50.

I'm never going to the mall again.

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118-121 W North St
Normal, IL 61761
(309) 452-6334

The Medici Restaurant and Bakery  

Categories: Restaurants, Bakeries

5.0 star rating
Update - 7/16/2011
The new menu is here, and I'm really pleased. I love the black bean burger, sweet potato tater tots, truffle fries, and especially the brie, apple, honey, and pine nut flat bread.  

Looks like they kept the burgers and pizzas and refocused the rest of the menu on pub fare.  I'm not sure they achieve the gastropub genre that they claim, but options are really solid.  I can't wait to try more.

I almost never ate here previously, as I found the vegetarian options far too limited and, what was there, pretty bland.  Now this is a serious contender for dinners here in town.  

Thank you, Medici, for finally improving your food!

(Still the best beer menu in town and a great atmosphere.)

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2 Previous Reviews: Hide »

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/8/2009

    I still haven't made it in for dinner, but we came by for a drink and a snack after a film at the Normal Theater and I continue to be really impressed with Medici.  They have an EXCELLENT draft beer menu, friendly service, good ambiance, and a great menu.  We just had onion rings, but they came fast and were very decent.  And they put the leftover pastries from the bakery out on the bar for snacking, too!  Of course they were a little old, but it was still a joyful snack for the walk home.

    I also really appreciate that they keep the music volume at a reasonable level, so you can actually talk to the people you're with.  I'll take Medici over the chaos and watered down beer at Maggie Miley's any day.

    Next stop, dinner.  Medici continues to outshine my expectations given the poor reviews I was reading and hearing over the last year or so.  Keep it up!

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  • 4.0 star rating
    10/8/2009

    So after almost 6 months in B-N, I finally gave Medici a try.  Why had I waited?  I suppose I had other good options, plus I'd heard mediocre reviews.

    Know what?  It was GOOD.  My friend and I split the special: the farmers market calzone (which came with really awesome fries) and a red pepper and goat cheese soup.  So granted, I didn't delve into the regular menu at all.  But on a more extended glance, it looked interesting.  Pizzas, burgers (including a prominent vegetarian option), interesting appetizers and salads, entrees, etc.

    Calzone was excellent.  Bread was nice (not too dry or thick); there was just the right amount of cheese; vegetables were seasoned and cooked nicely; and it had a very fresh tasting tomato sauce.  It sort of changed my opinion of calzones!  Served with crunchy fries, and the soup was fantastic, too!  Both specials were also vegetarian, which earns double points in my book.

    Add to that a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and fair prices.  If this is what Medici is all about, I'll definitely be back!

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"Embracing Central Illinois With Farmers-Tanned Arms"

Review votes:
630 Useful, 441 Funny, and 467 Cool

Location

Bloomington, IL

Yelping Since

January 2008

Things I Love

cheese pizza, music on vinyl, Cubs baseball, Michigan, and having a real job

Find Me In

B-N

My Hometown

Battle Creek MI

Why You Should Read My Reviews

They're a study in hyperbole.

My Second Favorite Website

Gaper's Block

The Last Great Book I Read

Let The Great World Spin

My First Concert

Robert Plant and Jimmy Page

My Favorite Movie

The Big Lebowski

My Last Meal On Earth

Ethiopian Diamond

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

I like getting up early.

Most Recent Discovery

Junip

Current Crush

José González