Reviews by Friends of Courtney11

Matt says "The Four Seasons in Costa Rica is serene and beautiful" about Four Seasons Costa Rica

Matt — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 03:20:12 GMT

Our extended family of 14 people recently went to the Four Seasons in Costa Rica over the Thanksgiving holiday. We had a fantastic time. I would highly recommend this Four Seasons to anyone looking for a fun and adventurous luxury resort.

The Setting
The Four Seasons Costa Rica is set at the end of a Peninsula about an hours drive away from the Liberia airport. The best word to describe the surrounding area is lush and green. The first day we got there is was really hot and muggy but it quickly got better. But make not mistake it is hot in Costa Rica in November. The lobby of the hotel is pure Four Seasons. Modern, clean, sleek and calming. Immediately on the other side of the lobby there are the restaurants and pools. To the right and left there is an ocean beach on one side of the resort and a very short three minute walk up a small hill and around the pool, there is a beach on the bay. We went swimming on both sides with the kids. The waves are not overly strong. ...

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Matt says "The Ritz Carlton Maui is near perfect for families" about Ritz Carlton Maui - Kapalua, HI

Matt — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 23:35:29 GMT

I am writing this review from the porch of our 1 bedroom unit at the Ritz Carlton Maui. Although I will go into more detail later in the review, let me lead by saying we have been here for 7 days and the time has flown by. The weather has been near perfect, the natural beauty of Maui breathtaking and the grounds of the hotel have been great for three boys who love to run around. Although I will be critical of the Ritz at times during this review, all in all we have had an amazing vacation that compared favorably to many other five star resorts we have stayed at.

Basis of comparison
As a point of comparison we recently stayed at the Four Seasons Costa Rica and are regulars at Esperanza in Los Cabos. I would consider the Ritz Carlton to be a peer hotel of these other five star beach resorts.

My wife and I first stayed at the Ritz Carlton Maui fifteen years ago when it first opened. We fell in love with it then, and then last year when we were staying in a house in nearby Kanapali...

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Matt says "The Lenovo T500 Review - so far so good!" about Lenovo ThinkPad T500 (20564RU) PC Notebook

Matt — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 23:12:47 GMT

This is my first impressions review of a Lenovo T500 laptop I started using a few days ago. I will add to the review as I gain more experience with the machine.

First, a bit of background. I am a demanding laptop user. I rely very heavily on my laptop for both constant e-mail web surfing, and office applications such as Word, Excel and Powerpoint. I am not a gamer and don't care that much about the high end graphics features of some gaming laptops. My priorities are: a) a long battery life, b) a nice screen, c) fast and worry free and d) a nice solid well built feel. I use a computer 12 hours a day so it I have no problem paying a premium.

For the last year or so I have used a Dell XPS 1330. It performs like a champ and I am a big fan. However, Dell recently discontinued the XPS in favor of their Studio line but I was still interested in upgrading to Windows 7. My reasons for wanting to upgrade were: a) I had read that the Lenovo in particular had very fast boot up and...

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GigiandAdonai says "When washing dishes it smells like you're baking an apple pie! " about Dawn Apple Crisp Scent Dishwashing Liquid (Limited Edition)

GigiandAdonai — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 21:24:28 GMT

I have been using Dawn dishliquid for about 20 years. I love how gentle it is on the hands and that it really does make cleaning dishes easier, cuts the grease on pots and pans, and many of the scents smell wonderful and many are made with antibacterial agents.

Months ago JasyJen reviewed a Dawn dishliquid for hand renewal and I wanted to review it too but somehow never got around to it. If you want to read on that specific product click here and read her review.

The other day I was shopping and needed some Dawn dishliquid. I have been using the Hand Renewal with Oil of Olay for about six months now so I went straight to that one. But then right beside it on the shelf I noticed the Apple Crisp Scent; which is a limited edition. I opened it and it smelled like grandma's homemade pie. Well, I don't eat apples or pies but I sure do like the scent of apples and/or cinnamon and spice so this specific scent was a keeper. It cost $3.79 for a 24 fl oz (1.5 pt) bottle at Walmart because...

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GigiandAdonai says "For the New Year I got a new Life: Wizard of Oz that is! " about Hasbro The Game of Life: The Wizard of Oz Collector's Edition

GigiandAdonai — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:26:55 GMT

If you have been following me for any length of time or really know me you know that I love the Wizard of Oz. I have one of the guest rooms in my house decorated in the Wizard of Oz theme and have collectibles throughout the room and on the wall. This year my younger sister told me she got me a collectible for Christmas. She wanted to give it to me early because she was afraid it would get messed up but I told her not to. But her comments got me thinking and I began pondering what the collectible would be. Would it be another Barbie doll, porcelain doll, something to add to my Beauty and the Beast collection, a musical water globe or a miniature shoe? Hmm...well, at our family Christmas party I discovered the collectible. My sister gave me The Game of Life: The Wizard of Oz Collector's Edition, woo hoo! I didn't even know this version existed so that made it even more of a surprise.

I now have four versions of The Game of Life (original, Monsters Inc., electronic and the...

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GigiandAdonai says "Winter wonderland is better with the meaning of the snowflake." about Dayspring Christmas Inspirational Box Cards (all designs)

GigiandAdonai — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 18:04:35 GMT

Going online and sending/receiving emails and e-cards is a wonderful thing but I am a very sentimental person so there is something special about sending/receiving a card or letter the old fashioned way, by snail mail. I always tell friends and family that I will keep the United States Postal Service in business because I am always buying stamps and sending stuff. The holidays is no exception. There is no greater joy than to open your mailbox and instead of a stack of bills you find a greeting card.

I have friends across the country from east coast to west coast, from way down south, up to New York and out to California. I love sending cards. This year I had every intention of sending cards but time slipped away and I didn't get them addressed and mailed. But I did still give out approximately 30-40 cards to family and friends that were local. I use a lot of discretion when selecting my Christmas cards because sometimes for me as a Christian I feel as if this is the only way...

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SpokaneMan says "Our Baby Simply Loves the Happy Baby Greens Puffs" about Happy Baby Organic Puffs - Greens Puffs

SpokaneMan — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 01:17:03 GMT

When it comes to snacks that we allow our baby to have, one of our favorites are the Happy Baby Organic Puffs. It's a finger food designed for babies, and one that not only keeps them happy between meals, but helps work on the hand-eye coordination as they feed themselves these treats. Being organic and packed with great ingredients makes them the perfect snack food to nearly any baby, and when you toss in the fact that there is a fruit and vegetable mixture at the heart of them they seem almost too good to be true. Our favorite of the Happy Baby Organic Puffs is the 'Greens Puffs', which basically taste like they are spinach Cheerios, and the baby just really loves them.

These Happy Baby Greens Puffs comes in a nice 2.1 ounce container that is sealed from the top much like a wet-wipes tube, and allows you to pour out as many treats as you want your baby to have. Then it easily seals back up for either a nice transport container or something you can just set on the counter until...

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SpokaneMan says "Graduates Youurt Melts are Baby's Favorite Snack" about Gerber Graduates Yogurt Melts

SpokaneMan — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:58:43 GMT

When it comes to snacks for our baby, the Graduates Yogurt Melts are one of her favorites. They are basically freeze-dried whipped yogurt & fruit snacks that have naturally given flavors to help with their enjoyment. The Graduates Yogurt Mets come in several different flavors, including strawberry, mixed berries, and peach, so you will most likely be able to find something that your new baby enjoys. Our baby really favors the peach ones, and they all come in these resealable one ounce packages that make it easy for serving them as a snack to your baby.

The best way to explain what these little snacks look like, are that they resemble Hershey kisses, but with a softer texture and a color used to closely resemble the fruit that they are supposed to taste like. Made with real fruit and yogurt these snacks do have a lot of healthy attributes to offer to their consumers, but its also one of those snacks that the baby will eat until there aren't any left, so you will probably have to...

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GigiandAdonai says "Smell great stepping out of the woods or out for the night!" about Bath and Body Works Twilight Woods Signature Collection Eau de Toilette

GigiandAdonai — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:40:39 GMT

Yes, another Twilight Woods product by Bath and Body Works. The 2.5 fl oz bottle of Twilight Woods perfume only costs $29.50 so that is a great bargain considering I am usually paying between $80-150 for perfume (Light Blue and Coco Chanel Mademoiselle).

I have stated in previous perfume reviews that I can't really do justice because I don't have the professional know how to describe a fragrance. I've read where people speak of the low and high notes. Well, I love to sing but can't figure out how "notes" apply to perfume; except to say that perhaps the low and high notes are more symbolic of the intensity of a fragrance. Does it go on soft (low) or does it overwhelm you with a strong (loud) scent? Twilight Woods is probably like me. A mezzo-soprano. I have the ability to sing 2nd alto (the high notes) and 1st soprano (low notes) or the melody. Twilight Woods is well versed like me so maybe that's why I like it! Twilight Woods appears to be strong when you spray it but...

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GigiandAdonai says "A bath in the great outdoors! So invigorating and sensual!" about Bath and Body Works Twilight Woods Shower Gel

GigiandAdonai — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:12:03 GMT

Yes, I'm on a roll with my Twilight Woods products! I've been using Twilight Woods Shower Gel now for about 6 weeks and I'm loving it! You have probably read my reviews on the bubble bath and body cream so you are familiar with the details of the scent. It's hard to describe a scent if you aren't familiar with all those fancy terminology about perfumes and fragrances.

Twilight Woods is like being in the great outdoors and every once in a while a sensual and romantic aroma drifts through the clouds and stirs your senses. I am still not 100% convinced that Twilight Woods isn't an enhanced version of the Sensual Amber collection but whatever the case, I love it more!

The shower gel lathers up into a rich and bubbly lather. I am probably a little too overindulgent when using it because I squirt a lot on to the poof ball! When I start bathing I am covered from head to toe in the most aromatic fragrance and bubbles. Twilight Woods will awaken your senses. You can see, feel...

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GigiandAdonai says "Confession: I use it as an air freshener!" about Bath and Body Works Twilight Woods frangrance mist

GigiandAdonai — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:50:17 GMT

I am so in love with the Twilight Woods Signature Collection by Bath and Body Works. While looking for the perfume I came across the body mist. I sprayed it and just like all the other products; it smelled divine. I bought a bottle but I don't use it on a regular basis as a body spray. I have been using it as an air freshener. This bottle is a lot larger and therefore, going to give you more use than the smaller air mist can that is intended to be the air freshener.

I spray the body mist up toward the ceiling fan blades and it just whirls around a wonderful fragrance and yes, the scent does linger. Usually if I am in the bathroom I will spray it toward the air vent.

During the holidays I had many asking me what air fresheners I was using. Well, I had a blend of the Glade Bayberry Spice plug-ins and this wonderful Twilight Woods body spray.

Twilight Woods opens up your senses and makes you feel as if you are walking through the woods and breathing in the various aromas of the...

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Matt says "Last Man Standing is enjoyable but formulaic thriller" about David Baldacci - Last Man Standing

Matt — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 07:14:14 GMT

Last Man Standing is a formulaic thriller that was decidedly easy to read that and was enjoyable but it did not rise to the level of memorable or distinguished for what it was. That said, I am not a regular reader of this genre of fiction, but I was generally underwhelmed with the quality of writing in David Baldacci.

I found the plot to be both predictable and ridiculous which frankly is not such a good combination. On one hand I knew what was coming next, on the other hand the string of coincidences stretched the thin line of believability so much that the end of the book just felt like he was tying up a whole mess of loose ends.

Bottom line? A good very light vacation read but you can do better.

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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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Matt says "Chimney Rock Cabernet was not a crowd pleaser but I liked it" about Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon

Matt — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:35:37 GMT

We held a wine tasting in our office yesterday with all of our employees. All age ranges and all different tastes in wine. I thought the Chimney Rock Cabernet was plesant, smooth and packed a punch in the back of your mouth. I would describe it as having a medium body with a hint of plums. I like a nice full body red wine without a lot of tannins that make your mouth pucker. Apparently a few other members of the staff thought the Chimney Rock Cab was a little boring and light for what they expected from a Cab.

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GigiandAdonai says "Slip into the Twilight Woods and let your senses carry you away." about Bath & Body Works Bath Body Works Twilight Woods Bubble Bath

GigiandAdonai — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:28:31 GMT

I love bubble baths and my Saturday ritual consist of sleeping in and then taking a long, hot bubble bath. Nothing relaxes me more than to put some music on and to slip into a tub full of bubbles and to just soak in the warm water and breathe in the aroma. Twilight Woods has such an intense fragrance that it truly is enchanting. I have never used any sort of aromatherapy bubble baths but this would probably do the trick.

I use two capfuls and it will produce a nice amount of bubbles but not the amount that I really want. You know I want the bubble bath like Julia Roberts had in Pretty Woman. I guess if I were in Hollywood someone could produce that effect for me but for now this will do. So, Twilight Woods doesn't give you all the bubbles but it will bring a lot of delight.

The fragrance is the same as the Twilight Woods body cream. It's a very deep moisturizing bubble bath. It's not very greasy. I don't have to worry about stepping into my garden tub and slipping and...

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GigiandAdonai says "I'm now in the Twilight Woods cheating on Sensual Amber." about Bath and Body Works Twilight Woods Triple Moisture Body Cream

GigiandAdonai — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:11:40 GMT

Several weeks ago I was sitting in my office when a client walked in and I was immediately taken by the scent that followed her. I asked her if she was wearing a perfume or lotion because I really liked it. She told me she was wearing Twilight Woods by Bath and Body Works and she pulled a small bottle out of her purse and let me smell it. At first I thought I was smelling Sensual Amber under another name. I took a bottle of Sensual Amber out of my desk drawer and let her smell it and she noticed the similarity too. Twilight Woods is being sold under the Signature Collection series and since I have been introduced to it I must admit that it is now my favorit fragrance at Bath and Body Works.

A few weeks ago I was at the mall and stopped by Bath and Body Works because they were having a 3 for 3 sale. You bought 3 items and got 3 of equal or lesser value free. Well, I stocked up on the body cream, shower gel and bubble bath and then I went up front and picked up several of the...

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GigiandAdonai says "Simple Pleasures is my favorite lip balm of all!" about Simple Pleasures Snowman Lip Balm Set

GigiandAdonai — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 16:33:15 GMT

Several months ago PattyTherre and I were discussing the various lip balms and I got into a discussion with her about the most fabulous product I had ever tried. It's the Simple Pleasures lip balms. I never can find them except for at Christmas time and it's usually in gift sets at Kohls. So Patty and I began to search the Internet and she found the manufacturer but we couldn't find the product. Just as I suspected it is now back at Kohls and I have once again stocked up on them. There are several varieties and each gives you a bag full of flavors. My favorite is the Snowman collection. I don't know if it's because I actually like those flavors the best or if the thought of snowman and snowflakes warm my heart during the holidays. I have also purchased the Gingerbread collection and the ice-cream treats.

Kohls website has this to say about the snowman collection:

Deliciously sweet. This lip balm gift set is perfect for the gift-giving season.

Powdered sugar, gumdrop, mint...

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leon says "The best sheet feed scanner ever and the best gadget I own!" about Fujitsu Scansnap S510M

leon — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:17:52 GMT

About a year ago I purchased a Fujisu Scansnap S510M. For some reason I never spent much time with it until recently, and I've fallen in love with it...it's the best desktop feed scanner I've ever owned or used. As a well known geek-about-town in most of the circles I travel in I get a lot of questions about my favorite hardware and software. This fast scanner is now at the top of any list.

The Fujitsu Scansnap S510M is probably the single most critical component of my home office. It is a feed scanner (not a flat bed) that scans pages so fast it is mind boggling.It only rarely jams, and when it does, I just hit one button and the entire front component flips out for easy clearing. It could not possibly be any faster or easier to get documents scanned.

I can stack 40 pages of two-sided documents, hit one button, and walk away while the documents are scanned at an insane 18 pages per minute. It can handle documents as small as business card or as big as legal pages and it scans both sides...

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