Reviews by Friends of Cat

PattyTherre says "Nine tasty soda flavored lip balm tins to keep or share!" about Schweppes Gold Medal Lip Balm Gift Set

PattyTherre — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:22:55 GMT

Quick View: This gift set of ten soda flavored lip balms is tasty, hydrating, and fun. Keep some and give some away or keep them all! I got a great deal on these at HSN.com. They were on sale for just $10.00 a set. They're incredibly tasty in flavors i remember as a kid.

My Take on Schweppes Gold Medal Lip Balm Gift Set

This set comes boxed and has nine separate time of old school Swhweppes soda flavors. The balms are tinted in the tins but have very little color on the lips. Although they have a novelty look to them, they contain good ingredients like organic extra virgin olive oil, organic coconut oil, cocoa butter, beeswax, rosemary and Vitamin E. And boy do they taste great!

You get the following:

# .35 oz. Schweppes' Cider SPF 15 Sunscreen Lip Balm.
# .35 oz. Schweppes' Dry Grape Ginger Ale SPF 15 Sunscreen Lip Balm.
# .35 oz. Schweppes' Raspberry Ginger Ale SPF 15 Sunscreen Lip Balm.
# .35 oz. Schweppes' Black Cherry Seltzer SPF 15 Sunscreen Lip Balm.
# .35 oz. Schweppes' Sarsaparilla...

...

TheBard says "You'll Never Need Another Mathematic/Scientific Calculator" about Texas Instruments - TI83

TheBard — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:04:36 GMT

Bottom-Line: The Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator is probably the last calculator you will purchase in your academic career, it is just that powerful.

Texas Instruments released the first TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator, and upgrade of the TI-82, in 1996, and it has gone to be one of the most widely used graphing calculators for students across a broad range of educational levels. In addition to the functions found on normal scientific calculators the TI-83 Plus includes graphing, polar/parametric/sequence graphing modes, statistics, trigonometric, calculus (the Plus) and algebraic functions. Texas Instruments released the TI-83 Plus in 1999 as a replacement for the normally aspired TI-83. The TI-83 Plus also ships with flash memory, which would enable the devices’ OS to be updated as needed.

Powered by (4) AAA-sized batteries (plus 1 CR-1616 or CR 1620 lithium battery for backup), the TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator is large unit ideal for advanced mathematics students...

...

Jo says "Herbalife 21-Day Herbal Program didn't leave me Cleansed" about Herbalife 21-Day Herbal Cleansing Program

Jo — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:15:54 GMT

I am buying into the Herbalife life while doing a 12-week weight loss program. They are the sponsors. I bought the Tea and like it a lot.

Another product I bought is the Herbalife 21-Day Herbal Cleansing Program. This is not the first cleanse I have done. I guess in general they don't work all that well for me.

What is Herbalife 21-Day Herbal Cleansing Program

For about $27.00 I got two bottles. One is for the morning and one is for the evening. The products are herbal blends which I like rather than a bunch of chemicals. The morning formula is called the Replenishing Formula and the evening one is called the Cleansing Formula. Herbalife 21-Day Herbal Cleansing Program is called "An internal cleansing system for digestive health."

According to the box the benefits are to helps the body eliminate toxins; to improve nutrient absorption, and it may support weight management. Of course none of these statements nor the product is monitored by the FDA.

I do believe that cleaning out my digestive...

...

TheBard says "Most Costly Than Others, But It Brings The Goods" about Kaspersky Kaspersky Internet Security 2010

TheBard — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:31:25 GMT

Bottom-Line: Overall, Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 is more than adequate for both power users and those users who take a more set-it-and-forget it approach to their computer’s security.

Even if the antivirus program cannot clean the infected file, most can at least isolate it and keep from doing harm the rest of the computer system. One of the antivirus programs I trust is Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 a program I recently downloaded and installed on a laptop running Windows 7 Enterprise Edition.

Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 supports Windows 7 (32/64-Bit), Windows Vista (32/64-bit), and Windows XP Home Edition (SP2).

The 411

Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 ships with all the usual suite of protections found in most of its competitors with the exception of a data backup utility. That means you’ll antivirus protection for files, web browsing, e-mail, applications and various processes.

And of course Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 include auto-protect and e-mail...

...

PattyTherre says "A VERY sweet soap that doesn't strip my hands like the others." about Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap, Winter Candy Apple

PattyTherre — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:46:55 GMT

Quick View: I like Bath & Body Works' hand soaps and I recently bought nine different scents and types (I had a great coupon!). One that I bought was Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap, Winter Candy Apple. Normally I'm not a fan of the deep cleansing soaps and go for the moisturizing ones but I didn't see this scent in the moisturizing hand soap area so I bought the deep cleansing one. It is VERY sweet but doesn't seem to dry my hands out like the other deep cleansing soaps from BBW.

My Take on Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap, Winter Candy Apple

I never smelled this scent but I knew candy apples are very sweet. I guess the name intrigued me. Winter Candy Apple. Is there a difference between summer and winter candy apples? I had to know so I bought the hand soap.

When I first tried this eight ounce pump soap, I was overwhelmed with the sweet candy scent. I smelled no apple at all, just the candy coating that the apples are dipped into. It...

...

PattyTherre says "Everything's better when it's baked - even blush! " about Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten Blush Compact, Golden Apricot

PattyTherre — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:08:08 GMT

Quick View: I have been a fan of Laura Geller's line of cosmetics for years. Her line of baked products is great. I have TONS of blushes but tend to stick with rosy hues. I decided it was time for a change so I picked up Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten Blush Compact in Golden Apricot. I thought I would look orange it doesn't at all. I love this shade and the formula is really great. I'll be buying more shades soon.

My Take on Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten Blush Compact, Golden Apricot

This blush is baked and has a somewhat uneven texture. It isn't one color throughout. There are shades of deeper apricot and lighter all swirled within the compact. I like that because blush really shouldn't be one flat color. A little variation makes skin look better and the blush look more realistic.

This compact of hard packed blush looks peachy but also has deeper apricot hues. I was totally afraid that my pale olive skin would look like a pumpkin when I applied the blush. To the contrary, the shade actually...

...

LoveisJoy says "Caress Bathes My Skin in Silky, Soapy Bubbles " about Caress Daily Silk Soap

LoveisJoy — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:46:27 GMT

In general, I have committed myself to Olay soaps because of the great lather and soft-as-butter feel. Still, I can't turn my back on my first love, Caress. Let's just say that I love the way Caress Daily Silk Soap makes me feel.

In addition to the amazingly fresh fragrance of a bar of Caress soap, the fact that the bar is made with bath oil lets you know that you're in for a moisturizing experience. Caress lathers up incredibly well and the bubbles just seem to last and last. At first I was afraid that the soap wouldn't rinse off easily, but actually it did with no problem and no drying residue. After my shower, my skin felt soft and moisturized--even before using my regular lotion. I also noticed that my skin doesn't get dry even when using Caress during the cold winter months. That's high praise for a simple bar of soap.

I do enjoy the boutique body soaps and more expensive shower gels, but you don't always have to spend a fortune to get a great bathing experience. Caress...

...

LoveisJoy says "So Soft, So Flattering, and So Affordable" about Old Navy Women's Stretch Tanks

LoveisJoy — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:26:14 GMT

I found the Old Navy Women's Stretch Tank Top by accident. I was at the Old Navy website looking for something else, and I happened upon the item while I was browsing. Like most women, I always have room in my wardrobe for a sleek tank top to wear under other pieces. At first, I was skeptical about making the purchase because I was afraid that the material might be too casual-cheap looking. To my surprise, the tank top is nice enough to either dress up or dress down, making it a very versatile option.

The Old Navy Women's Stretch Tank is made of a cotton/spandex blend giving it a flattering fit over your curves. The hand of the material is soft, and the straps are wide enough to hide bra straps if you want to wear it alone or as a camisole under a sheer blouse. It has a scoop neckline, is long enough to hit at the hips, and is tagless (thank goodness).

The tank comes in both Petite and Tall, as well as regular sizes. There is an assortment of available colors from Brights (Radiant...

...

LoveisJoy says "Learned Some Spanish in Spite of Software's Many Flaws" about Individual - Learn to Speak Spanish Deluxe 10 Software

LoveisJoy — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:06:07 GMT

The only reason I didn't rate Learn to Speak Spanish Deluxe Software lower is because I did learn a few more things that I didn't come across in Rosetta Stone. That said, this software program probably has as many things going against it as it does going for it.

Pros:

Speech Analysis: Practice speaking, and the gauge will rise and fall depending on how well you pronounce the words. I'm always excited when I manage to talk like a "native speaker."

Beginner to Advanced: Instead of paying for different levels, Learn to Speak Spanish Deluxe is designed so users can begin instruction at the level they feel most comfortable.

Simulated Conversations: Each lesson takes you through a simulation of real world experiences, like meeting new people at a party or speaking to a clerk at a currency exchange.

Incredibly Affordable: I paid $14.99 when I bought Learn to Speak Spanish Deluxe; a mere fraction of the $200+ cost of Rosetta Stone Level 1. If you're curious about learning Spanish,...

...

PattyTherre says "I can't drink this but it's an effective throat soother for you!" about Yogi Tea Throat Comfort Organic, Caffeine Free Tea

PattyTherre — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:55:09 GMT

Quick View: I discovered this tea while browsing around online and, because I have sore throats a lot in the winter, bought a box. As it happens, I got a sore throat soon after and tried the tea. It's not bad and does sooth my throat. I can't drink it though because it lowers my potassium level. However, in general, this tea is safe and effective.

My Take on Yogi Tea Throat Comfort, Organic, Caffeine Free Tea

This tea comes16 bags to a box and is naturally caffeine free. It has natural sweetness to it and it tastes like black licorice. I don't like that taste very much but, with a little honey and lemon, the tea is just fine. When I drank it, my throat was coated and soothed. My mucus membranes opened up and my sinuses drained which relieved my stuffy head.

This tea can be drank as often as one wants and kids can benefit from it as well. It contains nothing artificial and has a blend of many herbs and spices to coat, soothe, and relieve sore, scratchy throats. Singers and speakers often...

...

Bryan-Carey says "Excedrin Extra Strength Offers a Good Level of Relief" about Excedrin Extra Strength

Bryan-Carey — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:16:28 GMT

I don’t suffer from headaches very much, but when I do, I will usually reach for one of an assortment of over the counter pain relievers to stop the pain. I usually pick Aleve or one of a few others, but another product that generally works well is Excedrin Extra Strength, an inexpensive pain reliever.

Pain Reliever Commentary:

Excedrin Extra Strength are used to relieve multiple types of pain. When it comes to pain, I generally experience nothing but headache pain but Excedrin Extra Strength is good for body aches, arthritis, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, toothaches, and more. Whatever type of pain you have, Excedrin Extra Strength is ready to get to the core of the problem and lessen the discomfort.

Excedrin Extra Strength contains aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine in its list of active ingredients. The dosage of caffeine is good because it prevents drowsiness and some people even claim they feel more wide awake than usual when they take this product. The caffeine dosage...

...

LoveisJoy says "My Shower Sparkles Like New" about CLR Calcium Lime Rust Remover

LoveisJoy — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:01:26 GMT

The first time I used CLR Calcium Lime Rust Remover was many years ago when I lived in an apartment that had rusty water. The inside of the dishwasher would get stained with rusty blotches and I was at a loss as to how to get it clean. Someone recommended running a dishwasher cycle with CLR in the detergent compartment. I did so, and was thrilled that when I opened the dishwasher door I was greeted with a sparkling white interior. This stuff really blasts through rust stains.

Fast forward several years, and I remembered that CLR can also power through hard water and calcium deposits. I bought a bottle to attack my shower faucet. I had recently noticed that the water coming through my showerhead had lost its forcefulness. Over time, the shower spray had gotten pretty wimpy and I hoped CLR would clear out the calcium deposits from the showerhead so that I could get my invigorating shower back. Happily, CLR not only cleared out the nozzles on the showerhead, but it provided...

...

LoveisJoy says "O-Cedar Makes Sweeping the Floor Easier" about O Cedar Large Angle Broom

LoveisJoy — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:40:46 GMT

These days it's popular to use products like Swiffer and other dust mops for cleaning hard floor surfaces. I do use a dust mop for some household chores, but nothing takes the place of a good, old-fashioned broom. O-Cedar Large Angle Broom is the most dependable way for me to clean up debris that other floor cleaners miss.

O-Cedar Large Angle Broom is made of sturdy, plastic angled bristles. This particular broom is extra wide so that it lets me finish a job more quickly. The bristles are flexible, but not mushy, and the angle allows the broom to reach into corners effectively (unlike my experience with Swiffer).

The bristle tips have a feathered edge and it seems to pick up the finer particles better than other brands of brooms that I've tried. I also think that the quality of the O-Cedar broom is outstanding. The bristles don't shed or fall apart like corn brooms can. I've used O-Cedar brooms for ages, and they seriously last for years.

Overall, my opinion of O-Cedar Large...

...

LoveisJoy says "Dove Heat Defense Conditioner is Like Therapy for Dry Hair" about Dove Heat Defense Therapy Conditioner

LoveisJoy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:40:59 GMT

I'm a pretty low maintenance gal when it comes to styling my hair. I don't have a drawer full of blow dryers, hot curlers, flat irons, or heated rollers. But I do chemically relax my hair, and that process can cause breakage and split ends if I don't carefully shampoo and deep condition regularly.

I received a sample of Dove Heat Defense Therapy Conditioner and noticed that it was designed to protect and strengthen hair. Even though I don't specifically use much heat on my hair personally, I figured that any conditioner that can repair heat damaged hair can certainly help protect mine. I washed my hair with the Heat Defense shampoo, and then applied the conditioner on my damp hair.

Dove Heat Defense conditioner smells fresh, but not in an overpowering way. It's not as thick as the Pantene Relaxed and Natural conditioner that I normally use, but it does have a slick feeling to it. I think the slickness may be from the silicone in the formula, and it helps to smooth and soften...

...

LoveisJoy says "Dove Lets You Shampoo Some Softness Into Your Hair" about Dove Heat Defense Therapy Shampoo

LoveisJoy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:19:44 GMT

I'm a die-hard Pantene user, but I was intrigued by a sample I received that proclaimed: "No one repairs damage better than Dove." Well, that's quite a confident statement so I was determined to put it up against my beloved Pantene.

Dove Heat Defense Therapy Shampoo is a fresh-smelling shampoo that's formulated with "millions of micro particles" to protect and strengthen hair that's been subject to heat irons, curlers, and blow dryers. Personally, I very seldom use heat when styling my hair. However, because my hair is chemically relaxed I figured the Dove could help strengthen and protect it. Not surprisingly, Dove Heat Defense contains glycerin (moisturizer) and dimethicone (smoothing silicone) to help soften and smooth hair while shampooing.

The shampoo has a light--and very pleasing--fresh scent. The lather was surprisingly full for a conditioning shampoo. It definitely beats out my Pantene Relaxed and Natural on that score. The texture of the shampoo was smooth; I...

...

PattyTherre says "Watch out Carmex, you have stiff competition from ChapStick!" about ChapStick Fresh Effects Lip Balm - Invigorating Green Tea Mint

PattyTherre — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:57:44 GMT

Quick View: In New York, you need lip balm. Period. The summers parch your lips and the winters dehydrate and chap them. I have a tin of so many balms, you'd think I was ... a lip products junkie! And I am. However, I sometimes need more than a pretty color or flavor on my lips. I need deep hydration. I get that and more with ChapStick Fresh Effects Lip Balm - Invigorating Green Tea Mint. And it's inexpensive!

My Take on ChapStick Fresh Effects Lip Balm - Invigorating Green Tea Mint

This lip balm comes in the traditional stick form and is clear. It glides on easily. It isn't waxy like the original ChapStick. It's quite thick and immediately starts working. I can feel it tingle like crazy! The mint is strong and actually wakes up my senses. Although there is no flavor in this balm, the scent is great. I love tingly balms like Carmex and ChapStick Fresh Effects Lip Balm - Invigorating Green Tea Mint rivals even Carmex's tingle.

My dry lips feel protected and hydrated and the balm lasts for...

...

Matt says "Craft Steak delivers on food, wine and ambiance!" about Craft Steak - Las Vegas, NV

Matt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:47:21 GMT

Last night I went to Craft Steak in Vegas at the MGM Grand. I am a big fan of Tom Colicchio who is the owner of Craft and arguably one of the most famous celebrity chefs since his role as the head judge on Bravo's Top Chef. Tom is known for his attention to detail and fresh ingredients. I have been to Craft in NYC and just fell in love with the wide assortment of fresh vegetables and family style approach.

I was not disapointed with my experience at Craft Steak in Vegas. We orderd the 12 oz Kobe Skirt Steak and the assortment of mushrooms, roasted asparagus and a great avocado salad (pics to the right) and buffalo mozerella to start out with. The steak was really amazing: tender, flavorful and overall mouth watering. I had a margarita to start with, followed by the Resiling (which was a little tangy but ultimately very nice) and then the Zifnandel with the entree. I finished it off with a butterscotch pudding (pics to the right) and a nice port.

HEAVEN!!! If you are...

...

LoveisJoy says "Just 5 is Gentle Enough to Use on Chemically Relaxed Hair" about Just 5 Hair Color - Five Minute Colorant

LoveisJoy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:05:00 GMT

The last time I changed my hair color was over 25 years ago when I was in my early 20s. I went through a "Dark Auburn" phase for a couple of years. After suffering really bad hair breakage, I finally accepted the fact that the permanent dye was much too harsh for my relaxed hair. Lately, I've begun to notice a handful of grays sprouting and I decided to see if I could find a gentle formula that would cover the gray without damaging my hair. I purchased a box of Just 5 - Five Minute Hair Colorant because it promised:

Semi-permanent color - One application lasts up to 6 weeks, until the gray grows back.
Five gentle minutes - Doesn't expose my hair to chemicals for 30 minutes
Color gray right after you relax your hair - No more waiting a week to color
Replenishing conditioners - The added conditioners go to work as you color
Gray coverage - Blends shades of my natural color so that the gray looks more like highlights
Doesn't alter natural color - It just kind of brightens...

...

LoveisJoy says "A Tub Full of Bubblegum-Scented Bubbles" about Avon Bubble Bath - For Kids

LoveisJoy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:27:22 GMT

My four year old grandson is big enough to take a shower, but he still enjoys splashing around a bubble-filled tub when he spends the night. I purchased a bottle of Avon Bubble Bath - For Kids so that I always have something kid-friendly on hand for him.

The first time he saw the bottle with a pair of ducks gracing the label, he knew that it was just for him. I opened the lid and he giggled and said that it "smells like bubblegum." I have to agree. It's a bit too sweet smelling for me, but apparently it's just right for a child. We poured in a generous amount of the clear colored liquid and watched the bubbles quickly foam up. Good times.

Even after splashing around for about 15 minutes or so, the bubbles hung in there and didn't fade. When it was time to extract him from the bath, I didn't notice any dryness or irritation to his skin. He didn't smell like bubblegum either--just fresh and clean.

The only downside to Avon Bubble Bath - For Kids is that it is not an organic...

...

PattyTherre says "I believe in fish oil but I don't want to taste it constantly!" about PharmAssure Fish Oil 1000mg Softgel Capsules

PattyTherre — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:57:35 GMT

Quick View: I strongly believe that fish oil is a necessary supplement for nearly everyone and I take them daily. When I ran out of my Natrol Fish Oil Softgel Capsules, I asked my husband to pick me up another bottle. He came home with PharmAssure Fish Oil 1000mg Softgel Capsules. They were the same as far as active ingredients, milligrams, and even how they looked so I took them. Ugh. Every time I belch or even hiccup I taste fish. GROSS. Back to Natrol for me!

My Take on PharmAssure Fish Oil 1000mg Softgel Capsules

My Natrol Fish Oil softgel caps have lemon oil in them so I never have a "fish burp" which, as anyone who takes fish oil knows, is a side effect of this very healthy supplement. It's a gross side effect.

The PharmAssure Fish Oil 1000mg Softgel Capsules come in several bottle sizes and my husband got me the large 180 count bottle of these things. I usually take two a day but I have been taking one because the fishy taste and even SMELL of these softgels is just too much for...

...