Reviews by Friends of Beauticontrolpw

AnnaBanana says "The 97 Cent Solution!" about White Rain Shampoo

AnnaBanana — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:46:11 GMT

Those of you who have eagerly (or maybe NOT so eagerly?) followed the saga of my shampoo adventures know that I have experienced mixed results with a variety of products. I had to give up shampoos or conditioners which contained Yellow Dye #10 because they were "yellowing" my prematurely white hair. I tried Aveda Sap Moss for a while, which worked alright, but was a tad expensive. I switched to Pantene Pro-V Silver Expressions which fulfilled its promise of leaving my hair shimmering and bright -- alas, it reached the point where it wasn't leaving my hair at all as I noticed what seemed to be abnormal hair loss during shampoos, brushings and stylings. Shampooing one's hair is an indispensable part of life so I plodded on through the jungle until I came to a reunion with an old friend from the 50's ... White Rain Shampoo now manufactured by the Sun Products Corporation of Wilton, CT.

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

When I was in high school, White Rain Shampoo was manufactured by the Gillette...

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Jo says " Quick Top Can Cap: best invention under $2.00" about Compac Industries Quick Top Can Cap

Jo — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:22:27 GMT

To the Point

Although the Quick Top Can Cap is an "as seen on TV" product, I picked it up in Wal-Mart. I was looking for inexpensive soda can tops but found the Quick Top Can Cap instead. I hesitated because it was over $2.00. I thought that a lot for what seemed to be a plastic top but it is so much more and really worth the money.

A Closer View

The Quick Top Can Cap was really a necessity for me. We are on the road traveling so I can put the cap on my soda and not be afraid of taking a drink and having it all over me. We also pull a travel trailer. I made the mistake of putting an open soda in the refrigerator.

I love using the Quick Top Can Cap on the beach or outside. I put the can in the arm of my chair and feel as if a bug or bee won't fly in my can.

The Quick Top Can Cap is amazingly versatile. The cover acts as both a cover and a coaster. The can seals into the cover so it stays put. The cap can also be used as a cup.

The Can Cap is dishwasher safe though I have only washed...

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Jo says "Yankee Candle Company Reed Diffuser Sparkles in the Snow or Sun" about Yankee Candle Company Reed Diffuser- all scents

Jo — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:31:06 GMT

Yankee Candle Company Reed Diffuser was my first diffuser. I was always afraid to buy one because of the warnings of not putting them on fabric, etc. I have the Sparkling Snow scent which was a gift.

It wasn't until I started this review that I realized why I like the scent - it has patchouli in it - one of my favorite smells- along with pine and fruits.

The Pros

Unlike some fragrance dispensers the Yankee Candle Company Reed Diffuser gives off the same smell for a long time.
The reeds are put into a beautiful decorated glass piece. The Sparkling Snow has a hand-decorated (really?) white snowflake on it.
The aroma is subtle unless you are sitting right next to it.
There is no flame.

The Cons

It takes 24 hours after putting in the reeds for the fragrance to come about. It can be quicker and these can be refressed by inverting them and then re-inserting the reeds.
The Yankee Candle Company Reed Diffuser is made in China.
You have to be careful with the oil.
The price is $12.00.

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AnnaBanana says "Holy SMACKERS! Good news for all of us snackers!" about Jolly Time - The Big Cheeze Microwave Popcorn

AnnaBanana — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 20:41:07 GMT

Usually in my reviews, I try to concentrate on foods with redeeming features -- low fat, whole grain, less calories, etc. -- but sometimes for something special I will leap the fence and take a chance on reviewing something that is only notable because it is so much fun to eat. Such is the case of Jolly Time The Big Cheeze Microwave Popcorn. My doctor would probably wake up screaming in the middle of the night if she knew I was eating this sort ot stuff (and rightfully so) but for a now-and-then treat, Jolly Time has outdone themselves.

In my first excited forays through Alice.com, I noticed that they had several types of popcorn for sale and took a chance on this one. I always think the winter months are an ideal season for fresh hot popcorn made at home. Last night, as I was watching "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," it occurred to me that if I had seen it in the theatre when it was first released, I probably would have been snacking on popcorn so I stopped the disk for...

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AnnaBanana says "Sears brightens up another corner!" about Grandrich Ceramic Table Lamp Model No. G2084 WHT

AnnaBanana — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 04:55:22 GMT

It is the start of another new year and who knows what the future will bring? Well, here is one safe bet -- as we each get older, we will probably feel less enthusiastic about scaling ladders or perching on chairs and reaching up to change bulbs in overhead lighting fixtures. It stands to reason that most senior citizens depend more and more on table lamps, night lights, or lighting fixtures which can be reached from a safe standing position on the floor.

Alas, my dear Auntie's beloved milk glass bedstand lamp finally gave in this year and it turned out to be hard to replace. Aunt Tatty didn't want something breathcatching and dramatic -- she just wanted a nice little lamp to brighten up the corner where her bed is. Sears had the answer and it was something we were able to find on line -- the Grandrich Ceramic Table Lamp Model No. G-2084 WHT.

This little lamp is perfect for a bedroom oriented to either gender and would also serve well in many other rooms. It is just 12 inches...

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AnnaBanana says "It's still not the REAL thing but it's pretty good." about Dean's 2% Reduced Fat Holiday Egg Nog

AnnaBanana — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 20:53:51 GMT

When I was a little kid, no year-end holiday season was complete at Grandpa Bowen's house until some hero among us adjourned to the kitchen in the evening and whipped up a bowl or pitcher of egg nog. The formula was simple -- according to some old family recipe, you beat up a few raw eggs with an egg beater (Remember egg beaters!) before adding in a quart of whole milk, some sugar, and a touch of nutmeg. After apportioning my share to me, the adults may have spiked what was left before they divided it among themselves. We toasted each other with our glasses of nog for a festive moment destined to become a memory which I will always treasure.

If you have never tasted fresh, foamy homemade egg nog, you really missed something and alas, it looks like a lot of people have missed the boat on this permanently. Not only is a bowl of egg nog a lot of trouble to make but the authorities have warned us about the danger of eating anything made with fresh (raw) eggs which now present a...

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AnnaBanana says "It's made with Whole Grain but ..." about Cheez-It - Baked Snack Crackers made with Whole Grain

AnnaBanana — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 04:46:05 GMT

Alice.com has among other things a wide variety of Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers manufactured by the Sunshine Company. Several of us have reviewed the Cheez-It products, including my own review about Cheez-It Reduced Fat Baked Snack Crackers. Now something new has been added to the line: Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers made with Whole Grain ... to be more specific, 5 grams of Whole Grain per serving. I am a Cheez-It fan from way back but the fact remains that there are OTHER things besides whole grain in these crackers.

STATS:

Twenty-seven crackers constitute a single serving which contains 150 calories with 70 calories from fat. There are 8 grams Total Fat, 2 grams Saturated Fat, 4 grams polyunsaturated Fat, 2 grams Monounsatured fat, zero each Trans Fat. Cholesterol, and Sugars, 250 mg. Sodium, 17 grams Total Carbs, one gram Dietary Fiber, and 3 grams Protein. Also included are 6% (D.V.) Iron, and 2% each Vitamin A and Calcium.

MY VIEWPOINT:

Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers made...

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AnnaBanana says "It's delicious and YES, it is all natural, but ...." about Minute Maid Limonada Limeade

AnnaBanana — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 04:06:00 GMT

Peapod was having a sale on Minute Maid juices to salute the onslaught of the holiday entertaining season and so I decided to take a chance and try something different -- Minute Maid Limonada Limeade, one of the famous company's "Latin-oriented" products. I must say that this beverage has a delightful taste and is also a potion with a great potential for blending into smoothies or mixed drinks. That said, I must add that once again we find that "All Natural Flavors" do not necessarily mean that this is as good for you as the limeade you would make for yourself if you felt like squeezing a dozen fresh limes in your own kitchen.

STATS:

Eight ounces of this juice beverage are considered to be a single serving which contains 120 calories, zero fat, 15 mg. Sodium, 33 grams Total Carbs, and 31 grams Sugars. There are zero vitamins and minerals.

MY VIEWPOINT;

Minute Maid Limonada Limeade contains lime juice from concentrate and less than 1% each Natural Flavors and Citric Acid. Alas,...

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AnnaBanana says "A great alternative to a muffin for a fun breakfast!" about General Mills Fiber One Toaster Pastry

AnnaBanana — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 12:49:24 GMT

We probably enjoy more breakfast options today than the centuries of people who came before us could have dreamed of. Prominent among these are the quick and easy things. Nowadays, you can just pop a frozen breakfast entree into the microwave, make a bowl of "instant" hot cereal or knock back a serving of the ready-to-eat stuff and then of course there is the notorious sweet roll or muffin. Should we become so jaded that none of that seems exciting, there is always a healthier breakfast goodie option -- Fiber One Toaster Pastries manufactured by General Mills. These taste almost as good as sweet rolls or muffins and are almost as easy -- you just stick them in the toaster under the lightest setting for a few minutes to create a delightful, warm light breakfast.

Fiber One Toaster Pastries come in a variety of flavors; I chose Brown Sugar Cinnamon which cost about 50 cents a bar and was available from Alice.com (and most supermarkets). My expectations were not high because...

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Jo says "New Green Acres RV Park, SC: A great overnight stay" about New Green Acres RV Park, Walterboro, South Carolina

Jo — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 23:59:27 GMT

We left Massachusetts several days ago heading south. The first campground in which we stayed one night was New Green Acres RV Park in Walterboro, SC.

Information you may want:

www.newgreenacres.com
396 Campground Road, Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 538-3450
The longest and widest pull-thru sites east of the Missisippi. That is according to the website; however, the sites were very long and although we are used to backing, in most of the sites were pull-throughs so we went with that.
Electric hook-up (30 and 50 amp)
Water and sewer
Cable- but note: it is an additional $2.00.
Laundry
Swimming Pool
Children's Playground - Note: I wan't all that impressed with the playground. All in all I consider New Acres a great place to stay for a night of two but it is not a destination campground- especially since it seemed to be in the middle of nowhere!
Dog Playground
Wireless Internet Service though we didn't use it so it either wasn't available or it was to hard to use.
Restrooms...

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AnnaBanana says "A wonderful treat but chew carefully!" about Today's Farm - Freeze-Dried Fruit Snack

AnnaBanana — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:43:55 GMT

Among the goodies which arrived in my first order from Alice.com was a .75 oz. Today's Farm Freeze-Dried Fruit Snack manufactured by Justus Foods, Inc. of Georgetown Texas. These snacks come in assorted flavors but I chose Apple Cinnamon. At $2.24 a package, this is not cheap but the ingredient list for this treat is delightfully simple: freeze-dried apples, sugar and cinnamon. The package contains the equivalent of two 1/2-cup servings of fresh apples which have been sliced up as though for a pie before the water was extracted from them. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives. As far as I am concerned, less is more when it comes to ingredients and this is no exception.

STATS:

One entire package is considered to be a single serving which contains 80 calories and zip, zip, zero fat, Cholesterol, Sodium and Protein. There are 20 grams Total Carbs, 2 grams Dietary Fiber, 16 grams Sugars, and 6% (D.V.) Vitamin C.

MY VIEWPOINT:

Today's Farm Apple Cinnamon Freeze-Dried...

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AnnaBanana says "Great deals from Alice's Wonderland!" about Alice.com

AnnaBanana — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:26:28 GMT

Of all the social and technological advances in the past decade, perhaps the most amazing is the ability for online shoppers to order groceries from the safety and convenience of home. This has made life easier for a lot of people -- in fact, it has been a real lifesaver, literally speaking. There was a time when a person who couldn't get to the grocery store or have someone else bring back the necessary provisions could literally die of starvation! That is precisely what happened to some senior citizens or other vulnerable people who lived alone especially in neighborhoods where grocery shopping venues were limited or non-existent.

A lot of us already have reveled in the wonders of Peapod -- or other online grocery order services -- but not everyone is lucky enough to live in an area serviced by them. The great news is that now almost everyone has Alice.com to look after them.

Alice Tries Harder

Alice.com can only supply grocery items which can be safely mailed through UPS. ...

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AnnaBanana says "The best of the best!" about Green Giant Immunity Blend

AnnaBanana — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:28:03 GMT

There are a lot of excellent frozen veggies and side dishes out there but one of the best is Green Giant and Green Giant Immunity Blend is perhaps the best they have come up with so far. This medley of broccoli florets, julienne carrots and red and yellow sweet peppers is delightful. The garlic-herb extra virgin oil coating it all is flavorful without being too overpowering. It is called "Immunity Blend" because it is (according to the package information) "naturally rich in antioxidants Vitamins A & C to help support a healthy immune system."

STATS:

The contents of this 7 oz. box is considered to add up to two 2/3 cup servings, each containing 50 calories with 25 calories from fat. There are 3 grams Total Fat, zero each Saturated Fat, Trans Fat, and Cholesterol, 115 mg. Sodium, 7 grams Total Carbs, 2 grams Dietary Fiber, 3 grams Sugars and 1 gram Protein. There are also 30% (D.V.) Vitamin A, 50% Vitamin C, and 2% each Calcium and Iron.

TASTE TIP:

Green Giant Immunity Blend...

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Bonnie-Boo says "Ink cheaper but go through 2ce as much" about Kodak 5500 All In One Printer

Bonnie-Boo — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:19:09 GMT

I bought this printer just over a year ago from an informercial. Supposed to use less ink & be cheaper. Yes the cartriges are cheaper but I go through 2ce as much. You can only get the cartriges from Kodak so stock up when you order. I don't think the colors are as bright as Hp ink. Seems to print photos well though. Paper seems to get jammed often & doesn't always want to feed in. I have had to call customer service to get new printhead every 6 months. However they were very nice & sent them out free right away. I think I'll go back to an HP when this one dies. I do like the scanner and softwear....

lorialcorn2006 says "Merlin's Charge ,Modern Take on an old Story" about what a great read

lorialcorn2006 — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 01:04:48 GMT

I Have just finished Merlin's Charge By Peter Joseph Swanson and I must say WOW Toads and warts what a great book ! I usually don't read books like this ( fantasy) but I just had to give it a try and boy or boy was I entertained . This book is not only a really cool way to tell an Arthurian legend , its a way for you to see what Author was like as a young man, who is only trying to be a good boy and a wise king (even if he has a lot of questions) First I have to ask Peter where did you get to be so witty ! This story was not only funny but very deep as well ,so many times I was reading this and said ,Wow thats what Im saying ! (regarding religion ) Peter, You really need you to continue the story , after all Author has a lot of life ahead of him and I can just see Merlin beside him giving him advice and annoying the heck out of him lol ! What a concept! Any one who is into the legion of Author and his round Table is in for a treat in Merlin's Charge ! I just cant wait to see what......

AnnaBanana says "It does what it promised but I am very concerned." about Pantene Pro-V Silver Expressions Daily Color Enhancing Shampoo

AnnaBanana — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:27:36 GMT

Usually, I don't do reviews about shampoos or conditioners with rare exception (i.e. Aveda Sap Moss about a year ago). A few weeks ago, I ran out of the Aveda Sap Moss Shampoo only to discover it had been discontinued by Drugstore.com. Whilst cruising the aisles at CVS, I noticed they were having a sale on Pantene Pro V Silver Expressions Shampoo. "What the heck?" I thought, and took a bottle home.

According to the label information, this stuff promises to help remove dulling residue from white or silver hair, leaving it brighter and healthier-looking. I've got to say that it does what it promised. The other night, while chatting with the cashier at the 7/11, I happened to glance up at the security mirror above us and my hair looked absolutely dazzling. I have also received nice comments about it.

I really, really wanted Pantene Pro V Silver Expressions Shampoo to work for me on an indefinite basis but I am a little concerned about what I perceive to be greater-than-normal...

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Jo says "It may be hard to find your jewels at YardSaleTreasureMap.com" about YardSaleTreasureMap

Jo — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 23:23:26 GMT

I was elated when I read about www.YardSaleTreasureMap.com. I love to go to yard sales. Before we moved I would plot out my morning by streets and spend several hours at yard sales.

Not knowing the area quite so well I have limited my hobby to yard sales on one long street in my town. www.YardSaleTreasureMap.com is simple to use. I just put in my starting address, the maximum miles I want to drive and the day I want to go treasure hunting.

When I saw a red balloon I clicked on the listing and found the specific time of the yard sale and where it was. There were details of what would be for sale as well.

There are two problems with www.YardSaleTreasureMap.com.

The listings are taken from www.craigslist.com. That is very limiting for someone like me who lives in a suburban area 50 minutes from Boston. Yard sales are posted in local newspapers or just via signs on the trees. I found one yard sale in my town. I put in Boston and found a few more but not enough for me to rave about YardSaleTreasureMap.com....

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Meredith says "Big Star wins!" about Big Star - Chicago, IL

Meredith — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:48:05 GMT

I really love the new Tex-Mex cantina in Wicker Park - Big Star. The owners of Avec started Big Star... nice group. Let's just say I went there 3 nights in a row so it must be good. Located across from The Violet Hour on Damen near Milwaukee. Great vibe, greater food and drinks. I'm in love.

The highlights...

- $2 tacos (chicken, fish, pork, veggie)

- Impressive tequila & bourbon list. Plus, a ginger & beer cocktail that I love. Most cocktails are $7.

- On tap: Goose Island's Matilda ($6), Lagunita lager ($4) & Schlitz ($1)

- Super fresh quacamole, handmade tortillas

- Chill atmosphere, friendly staff

- Good music. They play records. Yes real records on a record player! Mostly rockabilly, old country (think Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash)

Go early-ish for any hope of getting a seat at the bar or seats anywhere, for that matter.

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AnnaBanana says "Childhood revisited!" about Classic Shirley Temple Paper Dolls in Full Color

AnnaBanana — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:43:48 GMT

A couple years ago, a friend who knows about my interest in antique toys gave me something really cool ... a copy of Classic Shirley Temple Paper Dolls in Full Color edited by Grayce Piemontesi. This book,published by Dover Publications, consists of 16 beautiful colored "plates" which combine to form a republication of rare authentic paper dolls originally published in 1935 and 1936 respectively under the titles "Shirley Temple Standing Doll No. 1727" and "Shirley Temple, a Lifelike Paper Doll Cut-Out / 34 Inches High." Included are three paper dolls of various sizes and poses to be cut out, along with paper outfits which can be attached to the dolls in various ways.

The price on this book says $3.50 (although it may have gone up since my friend bought it for me.) There are many fine Dover Publications including coloring and paper doll books available at Barnes & Noble. My guess is that they might have this book and offer a pretty good deal on it too.

MY VIEWPOINT:

Shirley Temple's...

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AnnaBanana says "This may not be everyone's cup of tea." about Hellmann's Mayonnaise with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

AnnaBanana — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:35:51 GMT

For years, I have loved extra virgin olive oil and also mayonnaise, especially Hellmann's. A while back I took a chance and tried Kraft Mayonnaise with Olive Oil and was pleasantly surprised. It seemed to be a healthier option and tasted very similar to the "regular" version of this famous sandwich spread and salad dressing. My favorite mayo continued to be Hellmann's though and so I was glad to finally try Hellmann's Mayonnaise with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

STATS:

One tablespoon is considered to be a single serving which contains 50 calories with 45 calories from fat. There are 5 grams Total Fat, half a gram Saturated Fat, zero grams Trans Fat, 2.5 grams Polyunsaturated Fat, 1.5 grams Monounsaturated Fat, 5 mg. Cholesterol, 120 mg. Sodium, less than one gram Total Carbs and zero Protein.

MY VIEWPOINT:

Since I love the taste of extra virgin olive oil and also Hellmann's famous signature product, I expected the blend of the two to be a sure winner in my book. For some reason,...

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