Reviews by AngiBowman

AngiBowman says "You Get What You Paid For" about Magnavox - Foldable Lightweight Headphones (MHL 1600)

AngiBowman — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:57:34 GMT

When my old headphones decided to beat the dust, I reluctantly went to Target to find a cheaper pair. These looked decent and for $15, they weren't cheap. I figured it would be fine. I was both right and wrong in this same instance.

Please note - I'm using these headphones strictly to listen to music at work. This review isn't factoring in specific features that would be important to some people - i.e. how to the bass and treble sound. Personally, I could care less. I just want it to work!!

Initial Impression

From the start, I liked these headphones. They folded up, meaning I could easily stow them away if needed or keep them set up to everyday use. They plugged in to my computer speakers without a problem and quite honestly, I've never had any problem with them. I had high hopes from these headphones since they are made by a company founded in 1917.

What I like

The Magnavox "Foldable Lightweight Headphones," or MHL 1600, really do have a great thing going for them. If you don't want anything...

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AngiBowman says "Belongs on History Channel, Not in the Theatres" about "AMELIA"

AngiBowman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:40:39 GMT

When we see a movie in a theatre on a date, my husband and I have to be selective. We read the reviews and carefully select everything to make it worthwhile. We have two kids; there's just not time for a bad movie!

Though Amelia didn't have stellar reviews, we wanted to see it. After all, the real Amelia was from Kansas! We have to go cheer on our own historic home girl! ;-)

The Story

If you've never heard of the story, this may be news to you. The movie details Amelia Earhart, the first famous female pilot who broke records once held only by men. Her story has always complicated the aspect of making of movie of her life, as she disappeared over the South Pacific on her way around the world.

The Cast

Hilary Swank - Amelia Earhart
Richard Gere - George P. Putnam
Ewan McGregor - Gene Vidal
Christopher Eccleston - Fred Noonan
Joe Anderson - Bill Stutz
William Cuddy - Gore Vidal as a young child
Mia Wasikowska - Elinor Smith

There's obviously quite a cast of big names!

The Verdict

Personally, I...

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AngiBowman says "Great Advice...Most of the Time" about The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness

AngiBowman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:37:19 GMT

Before my husband and I tied the knot, we went through a pre-marriage course that was run by a family friend who happened to be a minister. We learned about love languages, volunteered at a homeless shelter and also read this book. While I believe in this book and Dave Ramsey, there are several factors in both the book and the man that I dislike. He also has a radio show, but I do not listen to this show.

The Book

This book employs several ideas to help you eliminate debt. it's Christian-based, though not screamingly so that it offends others. It employs baby steps - including building a nest egg, paying off debt smallest to largest, buying used, no credit cards, etc. There's even work book you can use to help you get started. Even beyond the book, you'll hear stories of people eliminating hundres of thousands of dollars worth of debt thanks to these steps! It obviously does work.

The Man

Please note that while I enjoy listening to this man and love what has done to help millions of people,...

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AngiBowman says "Give Me Back My Mother's Edition! " about Betty Crocker Cookbook: Everything You Need to Know to Cook Today Books

AngiBowman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:13:31 GMT

I love to cook, but unfortunately my schedule prevents me from cooking as much as I would like. Of all the cookbooks in my arsonal in the defense against hungar, Betty Crocker has been there through it all. However, the 10th Edition makes me cringe and long for the book my mother used.

The Collection

As a cookbook, the recipes are strong. They have recipes for everything and step-by-step instructions. Sometimes I'll just spend a moment (that's really all the time I have) just reading the book and seeing where the brisket comes from the cow or where the bacon comes from the pig. Some of the recipes are a little dated, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's just bad for those of us who want to rush through making dinner instead of taking hours!

The Loved

These recipes aren't untested. Some may not fit your taste (liver? Really?), but they all have been made time and time again. Some even include illustrations or pictures to help guide you! This really should be a staple in everyone's...

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AngiBowman says "Change Your Life with WW" about Weight Watchers

AngiBowman — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:12:29 GMT

I know what it's like to be the "big" girl. You know, the one with the pretty face and nothing else. If you can relate, it's okay! Weight Watchers is here to help.

What Is It?

Weight Watchers (WW) is a "diet" program that encourages lifestyle changes and attitude changse. No, diets don't work. No, this isn't a quick fix. However, it works. If you stick with this program, it's going to work.

How It Works

Everything you eat has a point value to it. You are given a point value, adjusted for your weight and height. You also have a pot of extra points you can use in a week. So, you may have 30 points to use each day, but if you slip up - it's okay! You can use the "pot" of 30 more points for the week to cover any differences.

The program works in 3 ways:

1) Meetings only
2) Online only
3) Meetings + Online

Everything is dependant on what YOU need to change your life.

The Pros

The best thing about this program is that it's real. You're going to have off days. You may even have terrible days. It's...

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AngiBowman says "For a tired mom, this is a great pick-me-up! " about Starbucks Frappuccino Coffee Drink

AngiBowman — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:23:36 GMT

I'll make this simple: I really don't like the taste of coffee. In order to get that jolt of energy, I must add in as much chocolate and extra calories as humanly possible. I've tried to take my coffee without it, but it just tastes...bad.

In the store, I ran across the dark chocolate mocha frappuccino from Starbucks. I love the Starbucks Java Chip frap, and I figured...what the hey. I'm tired. It's on sale. Let's go. I loved their chocolate mint frappuccino, so why not?

With one sip I'm in love. It tastes a bit watered down, but hey. It's cheaper than waiting in a drive-thru line at our local Starbucks. It gives me just enough caffeine to keep me going for a tired morning, especially the morning after my son decided to wake up at 3:00 in the morning to let us know that there was a train.

However, I'll let you know right away - If you're a coffee lover, you're going to be disappointed. It's not overwhelming coffee flavored. I found it around $2.00/bottle, which makes it a pretty pricy morning...

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AngiBowman says "Watch Your Time and Boredom Disappear in the Sea of Questions" about Yahoo! Answers

AngiBowman — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:02:53 GMT

Yahoo! Answers is like a bad reality TV show. You know it's just a waste of your time, but you can't help yourself. From answering questions to asking your own questions, you can find everything from humor, stupidity and a little bit of seriousness.

What is It?

It's the Ask Jeeves of today. Everything is based on points - answer a question and get 2 points. Ask a question and lose 5 points. Have a best answer and get 10 more points! The possibilities are endless. There are categories for everyone - including pregnant, parenting, health, diet & fitness, ethics, law, etc.

How it Works

To ask a qusetion, you write down a topic (i.e. What vitamins can be deadly if overdosed?) and type more information if necessary (i.e. I'm currently taking D-3, C and B12 vitamins with Echinacea and Fish Oil. What would happen to me if I overdosed on any of these supplements?). Next you review you question for clarity or spelling (optional to some members) and select a category. Although they have automatic...

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AngiBowman says "Find a Deal, Just Remember to Be Smart " about Craigslist

AngiBowman — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:25:23 GMT

Ah, Craigslist - it's the Internet's way to give you a financial break. I've used it a number of time, and as long as you use your head, you're going to be safe and have a bargain in your hands!

What is It?

Craigslist is like the garage sale that never ends. Sometimes you're going to find a killer deal, while other times you just waste your money. You list items or services you have and other people offer to buy it or use it for your asking price or attempt to lower the price.

Real Use

I'll be honest here - Craigslist itself is a fine service. It's the free version of the classifieds that can be removed or put up without a problme. As far as sellers/buyers go, you can hit some interesting lots.

Some people think that their items are so rare and priceless that they deserve an absurdly high price. For example - a Little Tikes Kitchen circa 1990, rare to find now days, that could be yours for a low, low price of $75! Don't forget - it's rare.

Some people won't reply to your questions or phone...

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AngiBowman says "Best Supply of Recipes, Photography and Humor on the Internet! " about The Pioneer Woman

AngiBowman — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:02:22 GMT

Beware: The Pioneer Woman website should be looked at with caution. It often turns into the Bermuda Triangle of websites, where you lose track of time and end up gaining 20 pounds without having to eat a thing. Sad - but true.

In reality, I love Pioneer Woman. She's the best friend you always wanted and the Big Sister who never lets you down. Between the recipes, the photos, the give aways - everyone can find something in Ree Drummond!

What is It?

Pioneer Woman is a tale of a truly desperate housewife who found herself going from busy LA to laid-back Oklahoma, where she fell in love with a local rancher. Her story is endearing and recipe collection overwhelming. Whether you want to learn about life in the middle of nowhere Oklahoma or want to drool over a trove of recipes (with step-by-step pictures), you're in for a treat.

What Do I Like?

I can't say enough how much I enjoy this website! She's real (after all, she has four kids!), she homeschools, she's the envy of most photographers,...

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AngiBowman says "Great Vitamin for a Great Value" about Nature's Bounty Spring Valley - Vitamin D-3 1000 IU, Twin Pack, 200 Tablets (100 Tablets Each Bottle)

AngiBowman — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:04:09 GMT

It's flu season, and honestly I'm already dreading being sick. Each day my household stays flu-free is a true blessing, but I'm not just standing around this year. Instead of just getting the flu shot or keep things clean, I'm being realistic and taking D-3 Vitamins.

This is my first time using Spring Valley, and thus far I'm impressed. I've only found it at my local Walmart, but it may be carried in other places as well. For more information about the D-3 vitamin, including your suggested daily recommended dose, see your doctor or pharamacist.

The Vitamin

Thankfully, this little pill is truly petite. It's less than 2 centimeters long and clear. I have seen no ill effects from taking it once a day with my meal. It's a softgel - which makes easy to take for even the most sensitive of gag reflexes. I know that even on days when I can't get natural D-3 vitamins, I can still protect my bone health and boost my immunity.

Questions

My big problem with It is something you wouldn't expect in a...

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AngiBowman says "Save Time and Money with the Paperless Post" about Paperless Post

AngiBowman — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:00:59 GMT

Here's my dilemma - I love hosting parties. I mean it - pool parties, sporting parties, cooking making events. We probably host 1-2 events each month during the summer months, and one every few months during the cooler months. I also love making my own cards. However, life gets in the way and before I know it, the event is a few days away and I haven't even sent out the cards.

Sound familiar?

If it does, relax! Paperless Post is too the rescue!

What is It?

It's like a stationary shop and post office all in one. You create your invitation or save-the-date card from one of many designs, customize it with graphics and text, select the recipients and send it away. Each time you send the card, it costs you one stamp, which costs you around 12 cents. It sounds so easy, but is it? YES!

Initial Impression

When you first sign up, it's hard not to be impressed. You get 25 free stamps to get you started, and you can buy them as you get along. The process is as pain-free as it gets. It's still in...

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AngiBowman says "Save Money By NOT Buying This Book" about The Entertainment Book

AngiBowman — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:57:18 GMT

On the surface, this little book looks like something you could actually use, especially if you like going out on the town or out to eat. However, the Entertainment Book proves to be fairly worthless to the average diner.

What Is It?

In short, this is a book full of deals and coupons for a myriad of services, including

* Dining
* Shopping
* Movie Tickets
* Groceries
* Services
* Travel
* Attractions
* Car Care
* Home Furnishings

It covers major cities in nearly all states and Canadian provinces. To use the savings, you either use the handy dandy savings card or simply cut out the coupon.

What do I think?

I live in Kansas City, so I can only really mention how it applies to Kansas City. Maybe other cities are different. I'm not sure. However, my experience was very sub-par. In the book, let's pretend it says something like "15 percent off at the Melting Pot." We make reservations, have fun and BOOM! no one knows how to use the darn thing so it can't be used.

This sort of situation happened...

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AngiBowman says "Stick Around and Enjoy Mimi's Cafe! " about Mimis Cafe - Overland Park, KS

AngiBowman — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:38:19 GMT

Mimi's Cafe is the sort of place where you walk in and just feel cozy. I wouldn't say that you feel like you're at home, but you feel like you're in some French garden cottage decorated in cute decor.

Like any chain restaurant (Mimi's can be found in 22 states), there are some things that never change:

1) The menu - if you look at the menu, you'll be able to find SOMETHING to enjoy. Whether you're there for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you'll be able to find something to suit your fancy. They have everything from omelets to lamb, cooked to perfection.

2) The bread - before each meal, you will receive a basket of fresh, warm bread. This isn't just any bread. This is quality loaves that are beyond mouthwatering.

3) The atmsophere - if you're careful, you'll be able to spot some decor that isn't French or French Quarter-themed. We were able to spot one or two Italian decor!

Overland Park, KS Experience

This is where all restaurants differ. If they have a great staff, your visit will be ideal....

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AngiBowman says "Good Value Until They Became Greedy" about KC Pumpkin Patch - - Gardner, KS

AngiBowman — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:04:20 GMT

Fall means a few things to my family:

1) Football
2) Chili
3) Pumpkins

With two toddlers in the family, you can imagine that we would be more than happy to visit a local pumpkin patch to spend a time in the great fall weather while enjoying great pumpkin patch activies. Our first choice - KC Pumpkin Patch.

About

The KC Pumpkin Patch can be seen from I-35, and it has everything a kid could want. According to their website, they have

- Jumping Pillow
- Petting Zoo
- John Deere Tricycle Track
- Spook-tacular Haunted Barn
- Hay Loft and Horse Swings
- Pumpkin Cannon Viewing
- Mine Shaft Hill Slide
- Rope Maze
- Hay Bale Maze
- Jack & Jill Hill Slide
- Pumpkin Express Train
- Pirate Cove
- Corn Crib Play Place
- Humpty Dumpty Rock Climbing Wall
- Chicken Coop Slide
- Barnyard Brain Busters
- Bunnyville
- Three Little Pigs
- Duck Races
- Zip Line (weekends)
- Yellow Brick Road Train Ride (weekends)

It sounds great, and when the price was only $6/person, it really was a great deal! Unfortunately, greed has overcome...

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AngiBowman says "Cars Lover Favorite" about Mattel Flo's V8 Cafe

AngiBowman — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:47:06 GMT

Potty trainig my son, we were thrilled when he FINALLY went "poop" in the potty. If you're a parent, you'll understand the language! Anyway, he decided to celebrate that he wanetd to spend his "potty bucks" on Flo's Cafe.

After driving to Toys R Us, we walked right now, found it and walked back out. It runs about $30, so this isn't the cheapest toy on the block. My son was thrilled.

Assembly

Assembly is a bit more complicated than I thought. Once I sat down and looked at it, it took maybe 5-10 minutes, including 2-3 minutes of trying to find AAA batteries. Putting the stickers on was a bit tricky, but I think my son's eagerness to use it was the most.

How It Works

This little building can be used in many different ways - you can spin them around in the building, shoot them out with a slingshot fashion, get them into the top section, watch the flashing lights, etc. It's pretty darn impressive. There's really no way you can use it incorrectly. As long as you have fun, you're using it correctly....

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AngiBowman says "Little Camps Sports Center Scored With My Kids" about Little Tikes Little Champs Sports Center

AngiBowman — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:27:18 GMT

It was my son's first birthday; we were on the hunt for something fun to give to him. However unusual it was for me to leave it to the last minute, we HAD to find something at the Babies R US now. The party was the next day and I needed to get preparations done for that as well.

That's when I saw it - a three-in-one sports center. It was on sale (bonus!) and seemed great for my active son. I grabbed it and headed home. This decision was one of the best I've ever made. When my son opened it, he wanted to play with it. Immediately.

Set Up

Setting it up was fairly simple. I wasn't aware it would just be a pop-and-go sort of toy. Being me, of course, I put it together wrong. But it's okay! Easily fixed. If you know me, it's pretty much expected.

How It Works

There are three sports for your child to use:

1. Basketball - my son's favorite. Simply put one of the three balls through the net or the backboard hole and watch it drop in the little base below. As you do that, it sounds like a buzzer...

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AngiBowman says "My Kids Love This Compact Little Tikes Play Set" about Little Tikes Castle Climb n Slide

AngiBowman — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:11:30 GMT

When my son turned 18 months, his grandparents decided it was time for him to have a play set. Of course, not just any play set could do. No, it had to be from Little Tikes. Little Tikes has been around since the 1970s, meaning that my parents used it with my sister and I when we were growing up. They knew they could trust it.

What is It?

In short, it's a small, compact little slide play set that can be used in the corner of a room or in a yard. It's put together with plastic bolts, which are screwed together with its own wrench. On one end you have a green rock wall while on the other you have a blue slide. Kids can go under the tunnel below the platform, or they can stand on the platform and steer a pirate wheel.

How Does it Do?

Generally, I'm impressed with this play set. My son has put it through a true test during the last three years, and it is still as sturdy as ever. Although the recommended age is 12 months - 4 years, I do agree with Toys R Us in that it should be used for kids...

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AngiBowman says "No-Frills Dolls Delights Children " about Tolly Tots Graco Travel Stroller with 16" Baby Doll

AngiBowman — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:58:43 GMT

The days of going out and finding a simply baby doll for a child have long since passed. Walking through the aisles of baby dolls, it's to be overwhelmed. Look! This dolls moves and pees! Oh wait - THAT doll talks too! Between too soft, too hard, too loud, too expensive and too creepy, we were excited to find the Baby Doll and Stroller.Our daughter had just lost (or forgotten) her favorite doll, and we have been happy to find the Graco doll as an alternative!

In the Package

When you open it up, you'll find doll dressed in a pink dress with a pink headband and soft pink socks. Only the doll's head, hands and feet are plastic. Don't worry about little hairs falling out - this baby is bald! Also included is a doll-sized stroller that easily pops together. I put it together in about 2-3 minutes with my daughter (2 yrs) on my lap. Before you know it, you're on a roll.

How Does It Do?

Honestly, this doll is just what we needed. Why? It's basic. It doesn't move. It doesn't talk. It doesn't have...

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AngiBowman says "Good but Expensive Fun " about Manhattan Baby Baby Stella

AngiBowman — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:53:46 GMT

Baby Stella was my daughter's first baby doll. Purchased for Christmas for 15-month old Zoey, she thought it was interesting but really didn't just jump at it. That's fine - we also have a Barbie that her brother gave her as a gift that was left untouched for 6 months before she thought t was neat.

The Doll

Looking at Baby Stella, you'll see that she comes in many different varieties. Skin and hair combinations make this doll completely customizable. You can add accessories for her and purchase them from many places, including online. Some Targets even carry accessories for her!

The Good

1) She comes ready to play - this includes an outfit, two diapers, a headband and a soft body ready to be hugged.

2) She's washable - my daughter even bathed her one day. Amazingly enough, she survived just fine. I throw Stella into the washing machine every few weeks to keep her clean, germ-free and smelling great.

3) She's adorable - she doesn't have the standard DOLL face you'll see with so many dolls....

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AngiBowman says "If You Want to Trust Your Bank, Stay Away from US Bank " about US Bank

AngiBowman — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:29:33 GMT

There's only one word that can describe US Bank - greed.

Our experience with US Bank began in 2006, when we made the switch about our old bank, UMB, decided to have a computer malfunction for a few days when we couldn't touch our money. To make matters worse, their customer service lines weren't open 24/7. After this, we made the switch.

At first it was fine. You get free checks (initially) and a free debit card, fully customized of course. There are branches anywhere, meaning that when we made the move to our new neighborhood about 20 miles away from our first home, we easily found a branch. There was even a branch that was open on Sundays in a Price Chopper down the road.

Then we overdrafted. I understand that it was our fault - I'm not denying that. However, let's say I had $30 in my account, bought a new book for $35 and cashed a check all on the same day. Guess what? They would consider that $35 through and put a $38 overdraft fee on it, even though we had just cashed a check.

Okay,...

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