Reviews by AmyDormi

AmyDormi says "Looking for lifetime homes for parrots! " about Parrots R 4 Ever Parrots R 4 Ever Bird Rescue

AmyDormi — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:10:21 GMT

Parrots R 4 Ever is located in Huntsville, Al and adopts birds to owners who live within 2.5 hours drive of the Huntsville area. They have a chanding selection of breeds available for adoption as posted on the website parrotsr4ever.com. Birds in their care have been thoroughly assessed and rehabilitated, if needed, before made available for adoption. They come to your home for a home visit, inspect the bird cage you plan on using, and will even recommend toys, food, and all the other supplies you need. Please, if you live within the adoption area, consider adopting a bird (at substantially lower price) rather than buying from a breeder or pet store.

If you are outside of the adoption area, there are bird rescues all across the US and you can easily locate one via Google search.

...

AmyDormi says "Great Companion Animal" about Quaker Parrots/Parakeets

AmyDormi — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:42:56 GMT

I adopted a Quaker Parrot from local bird rescue a couple of months go, and I am crazy about Quakers! Peter Pan is loving, quite comical, and much cleaner than the cockatiel I owned in the past. I would highly recommend Quakers as pets for adults and teens- I am not sure that younger children in general are able to provide the attention they need and able to clean their cages, etc regularly and thoroughly.

Please, whatever kind of pet you choose, go through adoption with a reliable rescue or at least try to re-home an animal whose owner has to give it up! Rescue is very rewarding!

...

AmyDormi says "Where have YOU been all my life?" about Pledge Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair

AmyDormi — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:25:34 GMT

Seriously, why did it take the world so long to get this genius little tool? Works fabulous, no sticky residue like you get from the lint rollers. Two little secrets you are gonna love:

1. You can use this on your CLOTHES!

2. When it fills up, you can reach between the two grey rollers and pull out the hairball. I have 2 in the house, and have used one for over 6 months now (emptied 4 times!)

I have 3 dogs, so these is god hair everywhere, but ESPECIALLY in my clothes! I was smart, bought a couch that does not really attract hair all that badly. but my clothes! We had those little sticky rollers in drawers all over the house, and they are not the best st getting the hair off your clothes. After 5-6 sheets, you might tink you are presentable, but you get into the sunshine and <<GROAN>> it is back inside for another go.

...

AmyDormi says "I collect these, and give them as gifts... beautiful on a budget" about Wings to Imagine - fused glass pendants

AmyDormi — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 19:56:26 GMT

Wings to Imagine is a website where you can find one-of-a-kind pendants, or have pendants made to your specs (within limits). I have bought a lot of these pendants to keep, and gave about 20 as Christmas presents this year. They were a huge hit! There is enough variety to find pendants to suit most people, and the fact that they are unique and handmade is very popular with gift recipients!

There are chinese character pendants, fun silhouettes, colorful pieces listed under "assorted," a page of cat pendants, decals, and the dichroic are to die for! I do want to point out that you have to see these in person to really get the full scope of how pretty they are, particularly dichroics. Dichroics give off different colors at different angles, so your necklace might change from blue to turquoise to green depending on the angle you see it at. I bought the green and black one posted below, and it goes from green to blue... so pretty.

...

AmyDormi says "Sweet Treat- Zero Calories" about Dr Pepper - Diet Cherry Chocolate

AmyDormi — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:48:44 GMT

Not for the faint of heart! This is a seriously sweet soda with a rich and creamy taste. The chocolate flavor is more subtle, the cherry is the star of the show! I doubt this would be my choice for everyday- I usually prefer a crisper finish, but on those days where the sweet tooth is raging, I will indulge in the flavor without breaking the calorie bank.

...

AmyDormi says "Great Dog Treat" about Dannon All Natural Plain yogurt

AmyDormi — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:39:56 GMT

Strangely enough, yogurt is my secret weapon in keeping my dogs healthy! I have a miniature schnauzer that is prone to upset stomach, gas, and loss of appetite, usually caused by change of diet. Yogurt is his favorite treat- it protects his stomach and stimulates his appetite if he is not feeling well. I have even used it as a replacement food for a day or two (not recommended for any longer) when he was really feeling bad.

My other dogs love it, too, and I have gotten into the habit of giving them all 2-4 tablespoons several times a week. My vet says it is great for their immune system and really recommends it.

...

AmyDormi says "Great Quality Food" about Nutro Lamb and Rice

AmyDormi — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:30:52 GMT

I really like and recommend the Nutro Line of dog food- particularly Lamb and Rice. My dogs are healthy and happy, and this food does not cause the gastro upset that one of my dogs is prone to (caused by corn products). I have used different foods in this line for years, and I really think the Nutro brand is the best.

I have miniature schnauzers, and this breed is prone to gastroenteritis and to diabetes. I feel confident that feeding Nutro products is my best guarantee to keep my dogs feeling great!

...

AmyDormi says "My Betta Fish LIVES! " about Walmart Any Fish

AmyDormi — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:21:39 GMT

Believe it or not- I took my chances with a betta fish from Walmart over 6 months ago, and he is still alive! There were TONS of betta available, so I chose the smallest and healthiest looking one I could get. I have had bettas in the past- one for almost 3 years, and no special equipment, just a plain old fish bowl. Some of the secrets for longer life in bettas:

1. Do not overfeed (just a very small pinch of BettaMin food daily)

2. Before you change the water in the bowl, set your water out for 24-48 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate

3. Add/change water infrequently, as changes cause shock

Keep in mind, though, my betta is alone. I would not risk adding Walmart fish to a healthy tank!

...

AmyDormi says "Dark Comedy at it's Finest!" about Sick Puppy

AmyDormi — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:11:58 GMT

Sick Puppy is the funniest book I had read in a while, and it led me to more books by Carl Hiassen. Hysterical! A very dark comedy about an eco-terrorist with a sense of comedic justice- I promise you will laugh out loud! And, you may learn more about the plight of the Everglades and the eco-nightmares of South Florida in the process. Also touches on the subject of "Canned Hunts," something I am passionately against.

I do not write spoilers, but I just have to say, "Skink RULES!"

...

AmyDormi says "Great products, not so great website" about Bare Escentuals bareescentuals.com

AmyDormi — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:03:14 GMT

While I love every single Bare Escentuals product I have ever used (Bare Minerals, Clear Radiance, assorted eye/lip colors) I think their website is in desperate need of an upgrade! I actually buy products through QVC instead of directly because you can find more information (product size, descriptions, etc.) there. Come on BE, move into the modern world!...

AmyDormi says "Compare to Proactiv at a Much Friendlier Price!" about Walgreens Skin Essentials 3 Step Acne System

AmyDormi — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:36:28 GMT

Wow, when they say compare to Proactiv, they are not kidding! I did just that- I bought this system when I still had some Proactiv left over, just so I could test it myself. The verdict? I literally could not tell the difference between the two brands! Also, I got the same good results from the Walgreens product. But the price is so much better! This product is usually $12.99, and is on sale right now for $8.99! I will definately stock up!

What the Walgreens website says about this product:

Compare to Proactiv Solution System - This product is not manufactured or distributed by Guthy-Renker, distributors of Proactiv Solution System.
Dermatologist recommended.
For all skin types.
Step 1: 4 fl oz / 118 ml.
Step 2: 4 fl oz / 118 ml.
Step 3: 2 fl oz / 59 ml.
How It Works:
Step 1 Facial Cleanser:
- Exfoliates dead skin cells and removes clogging dirt and oil.
- Delivers benzoyl peroxide directly into skin to attack and eliminate bacteria.
- Leaves skin fresh and clean.
Step 2 Facial Toner:
- Unclogs...

...

AmyDormi says "Good source book for cosmetics shoppers" about Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me

AmyDormi — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 20:46:55 GMT

This is an excellent source-book for cosmetics and skin care shopping. Use as a go-to to determine if that pricey moisturizer or cleanser is really worth the money, and how to find inexpensive products that really work. Paula has a companion website, costmeticcop.com, that covers more products and she reviews more each month.

Save LOTS of money, check with Paula first! There are a lot of pricey products out there that are poorly rated because they contain damaging or inflaming ingredients, and a lot more that cannot scientifically support their claims and their product just does not work. For example, a lot of cleansers add in ingredients like anti-aging or acne treatment substances- these are not on your skin long enough to work, you are rinsing them away! Or, in some cases, the formulations are not ph-balanced for the active ingredients to be effective- so you are not actually getting the benefit of the (sometimes pricey) ingredients.

Thank you, Paula, for giving us a scientific approach...

...

AmyDormi says "The Happiest Place on Earth!" about Walt Disney World - Orlando, FL

AmyDormi — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 00:04:02 GMT

the Happiest Place on Earth... on a budget? Exactly! There are so many great deals, but our favorite is the free food ticket! Disney usually offers this once a year, and usually for dates from June through September. This is SOOO worth it! You get one free "counter service", one free "table service", and one snack a day. The last time we went (September 2006) we added up our free food receipts, and were very surprised to see we had saved close to $1300 by booking with this option!

In the past, we have also saved money by buying season passes- not as expensive as you might think. We live almost 9 hours away, so we tried to get down there for 2 or 3 weeks per year. We got great hotel discounts and other discounts as passholders. And, there are no blackout dates for out-of-state passholders, so you can go whenever is convenient for you. We love going the first week in December- all the Christmas decorations are up, and it is never crowded. The weather that week is usually mid 60's to mid...

...

AmyDormi says "Satellite Radio Rocks" about XM Satellite Radio

AmyDormi — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:54:55 GMT

XM is a must for everyone with a daily drive! The selections and variety are terrific, the price is right, and you can get great deals on equipment!

My husband and I have had XM for about 4 years now, and I would get rid of my Direct TV before I gave up my satellite radio! Being able to easily switch between a number of channels that play my favorite music genre (alternative), talk channels (love that Air America!) and public radio programming has me spoiled.

...

AmyDormi says "Much better than clay masks" about Phillips Milk of Magnesia uses for Acne

AmyDormi — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 15:45:05 GMT

I learned about Phillips Milk of Magnesia by reading Paula Begoun's book, "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me." Magnesium is a great oil absorber and soother/healer, and it is a lot less smelly, cumbersome, and hard to wash off than most clay masks. This product is so effective at absorbing oil, you can even apply a thin layer under makeup to reduce shine during the day! This takes a little practice; if you get it on too thick you get white powdery residue, but you just have to use a small amount and let it dry. Then gently wipe away any excess before you apply makeup! This helps get rid of red, irritated skin and helps dry up acne when you use it overnight.

Not precisely a miracle product, but very good in the fight against acne and oily skin.

Make sure you get Original and not mint! Mint can irritate the skin!

...

AmyDormi says "Great Value, fantastic price! " about Natural Uniforms Scrub Set

AmyDormi — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:46:33 GMT

Natural Scrubs Sets, available from marcus uniforms dot com, are a great value available in lots of colors! These scrub sets are of surprisingly good quality versus the low price- usually 12 or 13 dollars a SET! This is a fantastic price- usually scrubs can run this much each piece. I have gotten discount price scrubs from other sources at similar prices, but they have always been inferior quality (one set from another site fell apart in the wash after only 7 washes, and I have a Calypso GENTLE washing machine!) Meanwhile, I have had my Natural Scrubs sets for a year, and they are holding up great! I even have a set of black scrubs that are STILL black after a year... not faded to charcoal gray. I am so impressed with the value and low prices; I recommend this site to everyone who wants good scrubs cheap!...

AmyDormi says "Best of the plus size catalogs with discount prices" about Brylane Catalog Outlet

AmyDormi — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 16:56:25 GMT

Brylane Catalog Outlet (www.bcoutlet.com) has all the clearance products from Roamans, Woman Within, and Jessica London in one convenient website. You can search categories (like shirts, pants, dresses) by size. They have great quality items at hugely discounted prices, and you can go to sites like www.retailmenot.com to find great discount coupons. They also offer deferred payment, which is nice! The only problems I see are that they do not always have photos of the different color/fabric options, so sometimes you are just on your own. This is a great place to build out your wardrobe with basics and accessories at discount prices; if you search through you can usually find both tops and bottoms that match, too.

If you need a semi-formal, formal occasion, or "mother of the bride" type outfit I would definately check their special occasion dresses. Some great bargains are offered there.

I do not know why they arrange it this way, but always check the "JUST IN" tab on the far left of the...

...

AmyDormi says "Awesome Animal Sanctuary! " about Tigers for Tomorrow at Untamed Mountain - Attalla, AL

AmyDormi — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 19:50:35 GMT

Tigers for Tomorrow at Untamed Mountain is a wonderful place to visit! The animals are clean, healthy, and well-cared for. This is a last-stop sanctuary, so the animals will never be sold, traded, or given away. They have 18 tiger, 3 lions, 14 cougars, 5 wolves, 2 leopards, and lots more. Walking through the sanctuary, you get very close to the animals and they are usually very interested in the people going through.

They have a barnyard contact area with goats, llamas, a camel, and a zebra that you can feed and pet. Right now, the baby lion is still getting used to outdoor temperatures, so you may see him come outside to play if you are lucky!

This is a beautiful sanctuary where rescued animals live out their lives in peace. Because of the lack of regulation in breeding exotics (particularly big cats) there is a flood of exotics on the market being sold as pets or for canned hunts. Tigers for Tomorrow's mission statement:

"To establish and build a rescue facility that will uphold the highest...

...

AmyDormi says "same day appointments" about Jack Zaremba - - Trussville, AL

AmyDormi — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 17:00:31 GMT

I really like Dr. Zaremba- I think he is thorough, listens to your concerns, answers all my questions ( I ask a MILLION) and he is available for same day appointments. No more scheduling three days in advance if you have bronchitis! I also go to him for injections when I have intractable migraine, and you do not have to wait forever for treatment. They have a lab and x-rays on site, so no referring out for blood work. There is even a great MRI facility in the same building, so most diagnostic needs can be covered onsite.

I have referred many friends to him and everyone is always pleased. Thanks Dr. Z!

...

AmyDormi says "Great gentle treatment" about Darrin T Wright - Argo Chiropractic - Trussville, AL

AmyDormi — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:53:42 GMT

Dr Wright is a great choice for new and experienced chiropractic patients alike! His convenient Argo location has lunchtime and evening appointments, and he is a no-nonsense chiropractor. He will not try to sell you services you do not need or get you to sign up for a bunch of visits in advance ("care plan"). He sends patients out for x-ray, because the quality of chiropractic office x-rays is not usually state of the art. He will send you out to a specialist right away if he feels he cannot help you, rather than waiting a few more weeks to 'see how you do.' He has previous experience working alongside MD's so he has a unique perspective for care.

A lot of chiropractors in Alabama offer coupons for discounted x-rays or first visits; that is just a gimmick and please remember that they will make up for those charges later. This is a no-nonsense approach and one I recommend.

About me- I have managed a chiropractic clinic for over 12 years, and have worked alongside many chiropractors, this...

...