Reviews by Friends of Daquan13

TheBard says "Love The Rise, the Price,and the Taste" about Krusteaz Honey Cornbread & Muffin Mix

TheBard — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:48:11 GMT

Nothing goes better with BBQ ribs and baked beans than freshly baked cornbread coated in rich, creamy butter. I sometimes make my own from scratch, sometimes whip up some Jiffy, but I recently discovered the 15oz. box of Krusteaz Honey Cornbread & Muffin Mix made with real honey.

My Viewpoint

The flavor of Krusteaz Honey Cornbread is not surprisingly, tasty. The honey flavor (honey powder is listed as an ingredient) is mild and not overpowering. The cornbread's texture is moist, not dry like cheaper brands, and almost cake-like. Of course I added my own ingredients to the mix: a teaspoon of nutmeg, and a hint of allspice.

Krusteaz Honey Cornbread is a simple cornbread mix making it easy to prepare. To make the basic recipe, add to the mix is 2/3 cups of milk, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 Lg. egg. On the side and back of the box are two more recipes to spice up the cornbread and turn the mix into a full meal; Bacon & Cheddar Mini Corn Loaves anyone?

I highly recommend...

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nicki2442 says "the back pleats are cute...but the skirt looks a little big" about Victoria's Secret Pencil Skirt with back pleats

nicki2442 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:19:22 GMT

About the product: A kicky look for work or after-hours. Back zip. Imported polyester/viscose/spandex.
24" length. Sizes 0-14. Special price is now $39.50.

I love finding cute skirts to wear to the office and I normally stick to pencil skirts. This skirt from VS has back pleats and comes in about 5 different colors. I picked the light grey color. The waist fitting runs true to size...but its almost as if the back pleats adds to the width of the rest of the skirt. Its not a full skirt...but its also no pencil skirt either. It just adds some room to the bottom and floats away from the body. I dont mind it...its a nice break from the form-fitting-ness of my usually pencil skirts...just something different. It is made out of polyester and spandex...so it does have a bit of stretch and bounce-back when it moves (which could also add to the "a half size too big" look). I dont recommend going down a size...because the waist fits true to size.

There is no matching jacket...

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nicki2442 says "I was expecting a dress worth wearing...not so fast." about Victoria's Secret Little Black Dress

nicki2442 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:11:13 GMT

About the product: Sophisticated by day, sultry by night. Slim fit. Gathered bust with silk charmeuse detail. Cross-over, draped front. Imported polyester/rayon/spandex.

24" from waist. Sizes XS-L. On special now for $79 @ victorias secret website.

As soon as this dress hit the catalogs last year I wanted it for dressy event I was going to months later. I kept looking for other dresses, and then coming back to it...knowing I wanted it. I loved the way the top looked in the picture and it was form fitting. Everyone loves a little black dress, especially one that make you look great. I finally purchased it and tried it on as soon as it came. Hmmm....well I didn't expect the fabric that it was made out of. It was a jersey-ish fabric with a tiny bit of sheen to it. The buse had the bathered detail...but it didnt look exactly like the picture. I had to move it and crease it so that it did...but it ended up doing its own thing a minute later. It was form fitting...but...

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nicki2442 says "works great when used slowly and with very small amounts of hair" about Sedu Nano Ceramic Tourmaline straightener 1"

nicki2442 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:03:30 GMT

About the product: Sedu Revolution Nano Tourmaline Ionic 1" Styling Iron
Sedu Revolution Professional Styling Irons feature the patented Freestyle Guiding System with smart groove technology! This revolutionary process takes hairstyling to the next level. Sedu's Freestyle Guiding System captures all of the hair in one smooth pass, eliminating frizz and static, while allowing the freedom to freestyle. Optimized for curling, the unique curved edge plate design allows you to create any look you want, from straight and sleek, to sexy waves, to mega curls, this tool does it all. Join the Sedu Revolution

Adjustable temperature: 180ºF - 450ºF

Lightweight design: 0.65 lbs

Scratch resistant curved plates

Ceramic/Ionic nano tourmaline technology

9' professional length power cord

I originally had the Sedu Professional Ceramic Tourmaline Straightening Iron in the 1.5" until it started to short out on me and I couldn't stand it turning on and off a million times while I tried to straighten...

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nicki2442 says "A pretty and feminine coat...but a little too "bell shaped"" about Via (sold by Victoria's Secret) Double-breasted A-line coat

nicki2442 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:53:18 GMT

About the product (from the Victoria's Secret website): Top things off with a striking silhouette. Lined. Solids: imported wool/nylon with polyester lining. Twill: imported wool/acrylic. Herringbone: imported acrylic/wool/nylon/mohair. Available in solids, twill and herringbone. Retails for $158; on sale now for $99.

I bought this coat near the end of last year's winter--when the weather gets really cold and then decides to switch to spring within just a few weeks. I decided on the solid dove color, which is a light grey. I needed a longer coat to keep me warm when I wore skirts to the office. This definitely did just that. I kept warm down to bottom of my knees and the coat fits true to size. It looks great on...except for the overly belled bottom. It does fall away from the body starting at the waist and would be a help to anyone with curves to disguise. I dont need my coat to bell out as much as this one does...but I have learned to like it.

Final thoughts: I wouldn't...

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nicki2442 says "a pretty good shave " about Schick Quattro Titanium Razor

nicki2442 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:43:37 GMT

About the product:

The Schick Quattro Titanium - a stylish razor with 4 Titanium coated blades for a comfortable, smooth shave. An edging blade provides extra precision in harder to reach spaces, and an ergonomically designed handle gives added control.

Shaving

4 Titanium coated Blade system provides a comfortable and smooth shav.
Less irritation than the leading brand.
Rubber guard bar prepares the skin prior to blade contact for a close, smooth shave.
Conditioning strip enriched with Aloe and Vitamin E at the top of the razor cartridge enhances blade glide over the skin.
Compact pivoting head follows the contour of the face.
Ribbed rubber grip handle is ergonomically designed for the way a man shave.

Edging

Precision Titanium coated edging blade located on the back of the main razor.
Edging blade allows for cleaner edges on all facial-hair styles, as well as a simple tool for addressing harder to reach spaces.
Ergonomically-designed handle for comfortable and easy edging

Obviously...

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TheBard says "These Are Seriously Delicious" about Pillsbury Grands Flaky Supreme Cinnamon Rolls

TheBard — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:58:54 GMT

It's the weekend and in the Bard's household that usually means some sort of decadent high calorie, high fat desert pastry for Saturday morning breakfast! Sometimes I pick up something fresh from the local supermarket, or sometimes I pop something into the oven. Today, that something was a fresh batch of Pillsbury Grand's Flaky Supreme Cinnamon Rolls, made with "Cinnabon" cinnamon and cream cheese icing.

My Viewpoint

I am pleased with my choice for this weekend's breakfast pasty; these cinnamon buns are seriously flaky and delicious! I prepared the cinnamon buns per package instructions; sixteen minutes in the oven at 350 degrees and they were ready to emerge; browned, hot, moist, and yummy.

The package contains a small container of cream cheese icing, which is just enough to cover the (5) cinnamon buns.

I highly recommend Pillsbury Grands Flaky Supreme Cinnamon Rolls; for about $3.79 a can (in the dairy section) they are a bargain compared to the $3.99 I would have...

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nicki2442 says "a cute and comedic movie" about "the Proposal"

nicki2442 — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:04:47 GMT

I ordered this movie from Netflix and was actually waiting for it to arrive (which I normally dont do...but this movie looked cute). I watched it over the weekend and was glad I saw it alone...it's not that its a chick flick...but I have a feeling that more of the watchers of this movie are famales. Ryan Reynolds is adorable in this movie...and Sandra Bullock's character slowly changes from a nightmare boss into some actually likeabl by the end. If you've ever worked somewhere where there is a boss that frightens people the movie is more identifiable. Most people can probably already guess the ending --in most parts...but it is a cute love story that takes a few small twists and funny turns. I have to admit that I can either take or leave Sandra Bullock in most of her movies...but I liked how she portrayed her character is the Proposal.

Final thoughts: In the end I'm glad that I saw this movie...a lighthearted movie that doesn't make you think too much.

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nicki2442 says "A great tasting, quick to make, tortellini" about Buitoni Three Cheese Tortellini

nicki2442 — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:53:50 GMT

I have always and will always be a pasta lover. I could eat some sort of pasta dish every day...and never sicken of it. I normally dont check out the section of the grocery store where Buitoni is sold..mainly because it is sold by the huge chunks of cheeses--but I strolled by it about 5 months ago and saw the Buitoni products. I picked up a small package of the three cheese tortellini and made it for dinner. I was amazed at the quality and good taste of the pasta. I have since tried two other flavors and they are just as good. They only take about 8 minutes to cook and then you just drain, add in your favorite sauce (and/or veggies of your choice), heat together and serve. So easy...and so tasty!

I now buy the largest size available at the grocery store each time I go. It makes for a quick pasta meal anytime that I want...and it only takes one pan to cook it in. The small size package retails for about $3-$4 and the large is $6-$7.

Final thoughts: There is nothing that...

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nicki2442 says "I loved these pumps...until I actually wore them" about Michael Antonio - Keiko pumps

nicki2442 — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:51:35 GMT

From the Shoedazzle website (where I ordered this shoe): Keiko is the answer to all of our navy blues in rich crinkle faux patent leather. The high-cut upper is appropriate for the office while the butterfly cut-outs and peep toe make Keiko right for cocktail hour, as well. She is the perfect cross between fierce and feminine with pretty details atop a sleek stiletto and platform. Keiko is a no-brainer with a navy suit, but be daring in an outfit with varying tones of blue and teal for a rich ensemble that shows off the confidence of a peacock's plumes. After work, easy does it with a pair of dark jeans for a leggy look or with colorful tights and a bohemian floral dress for off-beat chic.

- Approx. heel height: 3.5"
- Hidden platform: 0.5"
- Fit: True-to-size
- Man-made upper/synthetic lining/synthetic sole.
- By Michael Antonio; imported.

I loved these pumps...1. because they are navy and I have never been able to find a cute pump in this color yet...2. because they have cute, little,...

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joyjoy says "This was an expensive mistake." about Asus ASUS VH196T

joyjoy — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:15:23 GMT

The Good

This monitor has a beautiful picture while the wide screen allows the entire page to be displayed. I've used it with both the DVI and VGA cables (included) and the picture was superb. It is basically plug and play, connect the cables and you are ready. Although the monitor doesn't swivel, it does adjust up or down.

The Bad

The buttons are very difficult to see and use. With the exception of the ON button, which is orange, the buttons are black on black. Even worse is that they are located at the bottom right and have to be pressed with the thumb, I can only imagine how much harder it would be for someone who was left handed. I cannot say about the OSD because I have never used it, the manual is three pages long, does not address the menu, and I am not able to figure how it works. Since I am not a techie let me add that in reviews I have read people who have technical abilities have complained of the difficulties.

The Ugly

The main problem with this monitor was the lack of tech...

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TheBard says "Delicious, not so nutritious, not so good for you, but..." about Kraft Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese Sharp Cheddar

TheBard — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:56:49 GMT

I love macaroni & cheese, but I don't always have the time to prepare a dish from scratch. In those times, when time is of the essence, I turn to Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner. Now this isn't the regular ole Kraft Mac & Cheese with the powered cheese, that tastes like it was made for children, or other without a discriminating palate, Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner comes complete with a package of real cheese, and elbow macaroni.

The Kraft brand has always been my favorite; I like the way it cooks up; fast and easy. Cut open the pouch with its four cheese blend sauce empty into the still steaming macaroni, mix and enjoy.

My Viewpoint

Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner makes a great side dish for almost any meat and vegetable, but I like to pair it with either fried of baked chicken, pork chops, or fried catfish. The 14oz package packs a fair amount of flavor, and serves up at least four.

While the product is good right out of the package I like to "doctor" it...

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TheBard says "The perfect side for almost any BBQ Meat" about Bush's Grillin' Baked Beans

TheBard — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:19:55 GMT

The side dish; what will it be tonight? That is the conundrum facing millions of cooks all over the country, nay the worlds tonight. Better still, what side will it be tonight with these fabulous BBQ ribs I just spent five hours slow-cooking? The answer: Bush's Grillin' Baked Beans.

My Viewpoint

I am pleased with Bush's Grillin' Baked Beans. There are a number of flavors (recipes) to choose from including Southern Pit Barbeque, Steakhouse Recipe, Smokehouse Tradition, and Bourbon and Brown Sugar. I have tried all four recipes and all have much to recommend them. The beans look and taste like they are made from fresh ingredients and each has a unique taste that goes well a variety of grilled meats. And each goes well with backed meats as well.

At $1.52 a can at my local Super Target (where else) I can afford to keep a can or two of Bush's Grillin' Baked Beans in the pantry ready for quick eating, no matter what is on the grill or in the oven. And the size of the can is...

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TheBard says "Another winner from Dymo!" about Dymo LabelWriter Turbo 330

TheBard — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:08:14 GMT

Bottom-Line: Over all, my users are very pleased with the performance of the Dymo LabelWriter Turbo 330; the label printer works, and works well.

Like the Dymo LabelWriter EL60 it replaces, the Dymo LabelWriter Turbo 330 is a small printer shaped like a half circle with a semi clear window in the front to view labels as they are printer. On the front of the printer is a horizontal slot from which labels are "ejected" once printed. Front panel controls are limited to one: the advance label button, used in case the label become jammed, or the printer will not print, but you need to advance the label. Also on the front of the Dymo LabelWriter Turbo 330 is a small oval yellow light indicating that the unit is powered on. On the back there is rocker switch for power, and two connections for serial and USB.

The primary differences between the Dymo LabelWriter Turbo 330 and Dymo LabelWriter EL60 is the dpi resolution (203 vs. 300); label printing speed (8 vs. 32 per minute); expanded...

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TheBard says "Not a Bad Little Smudge-Free Label Printer" about Dymo LabelWriter EL60

TheBard — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:45:00 GMT

Bottom-Line: If you are looking for a low cost, low maintenance, reliable label printer with above average output, look no further then the Dymo LabelWriter EL60.

In our current office environment, most users do not have desktop printers; that is by design. They are connected instead to series of networked black & white and color printers. But that poses its own set of problems since a fair majority of people have a need to mail vendors on a fairly consistent basis, and prefer printed mailing labels to do so. Printing labels via the network printers is problematic for obvious reasons. My desktop is sans a local printer as well and I have a pressing need to print labels to attach to workstations, network printers, servers, and other items, so I needed a label printer as well. Enter the Dymo LabelWriter EL60.

The Dymo LabelWriter EL60 is a small printer shaped like a half circle with a semi clear window in the front to view labels as they are printer. On the front of the printer...

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TheBard says "It's What For Breakfast This Weekend Anyway" about Duncan Hines Blueberry Streusel Muffins

TheBard — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:13:02 GMT

It's the weekend and in the Bard's household that usually means some sort of decadent high calorie, high fat desert pastry for Saturday morning breakfast! Sometimes I pick up something fresh from the local supermarket, or sometimes I pop something into the oven. Today, that something was a fresh batch of Duncan Hines (new) Blueberry Streusel Muffins, made with 100% whole grain and 0 grams (g) of trans fat.

My Viewpoint

I am pleased with my choice for this weekend's breakfast pasty. I prepared the muffins as I would any blueberry muffin mix. Sixteen minutes in the oven at 375 degrees and they were ready to emerge; browned, hot, moist, and yummy. But I have to say I could have done without the streusel topping. The fact that the muffins are made from whole grains is an added bonus.

I highly recommend Duncan Hines Blueberry Streusel Muffins; for about $1.79 a box they are a bargain compared to the $3.99 I would have to pay at the local Dominick's grocery store...

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nicki2442 says "a cross between a thin blanket and a cardigan" about Snuggie Collegiate blanket: University of Michigan

nicki2442 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:21:26 GMT

About this product: One size fits all - 71in x 54in, Super soft Fleece, Keep hands free, Machine washable.

I always joked with friends and family when I saw the Snuggie out on the market. "Who would really wear one of those around?" we said. Well...I turned into one of those people after I saw that it was themed with one of my favorite collegiate teams (go blue!). Every where I go, everything that I do...summer or winter...I am always thinking about getting cold. I hate to be cold. I hate a portable heater @ my desk at work that I use just about every day. At home--you don't see me without a blanket or throw on me if I am sitting or laying. I hate to get cold and more than that...I think it's a bit of a comfort thing. Anyways...I saw this advertised and I said that I would actually use a Snuggie with the UM print on it. I got one as a gift less than a week later. The first time that I used it I noticed that the fleece was a bit lighter than I expected for a "blanket". ...

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TheBard says "Okay Taste, Something I Might Buy Again Even without a Coupon" about Kashi Heart to Heart Instant Oatmeal (Golden Brown Maple)

TheBard — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:50:39 GMT

Bottom-Line: Not my first choice, but I am willing to give the oatmeal another try, with coupon in hand of course.

Breakfast. When you keep strange hours like I do-up and out early-eating a nutrition-laden, none-fast-food-restaurant meal can be a challenge, especially when the stomach is grumbling that it wants food! So I usually eat breakfast once I get to work in the form of a couple of boiled eggs and oatmeal, most likely Quaker.

Recently, whilst shopping at my local Super Target, I gathered up coupons for Kashi Heart to Heart Instant Oatmeal (Golden Brown Maple) at a taste test stand, and decided to give it a try.

My Viewpoint

I like Kashi Heart to Heart Instant Oatmeal (Golden Brown Maple). It is not the best instant oatmeal I have eaten, nor is it the worst. Checking in at 160 calories, 5g of fiber, 2g of fat, 4g of protein, and 33g of carbohydrates per packet, Kashi Heart to Heart Instant Oatmeal (Golden Brown Maple) does make for a filling good-for-you breakfast.

Kashi...

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TheBard says "Just Okay, Not Something I Would Buy Again without a Coupon" about Kashi TLC granola bars

TheBard — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:59:49 GMT

Bottom-Line: Not my first choice, but I am willing to give them another try, with coupon in hand of course.

I like to snack; who doesn't? But lately I have been trying to snack more wisely and that means fruit or some form of granola bar that uses who grains and is relatively low in sugar. Recently, whilst shopping at my local Super Target, I gathered up coupons for Kashi TLC Chewy Granola Bars at a taste test stand, and decided to give them a try.

My Viewpoint

I like Kashi TLC Chewy Granola Bars, but just barely. Checking in at around 120 calories, around 4 grams of fiber, 5 grams of fat, and 5 grams of protein per bar, Kashi TLC Granola Bars do make for a light good-for-you snack, but the bars are somewhat lacking in taste. Unlike some of the varieties I have tasted from Quaker, the Kashi TLC Granola Bars failed to really satisfy my taste buds, or put a smile on my face.

The Kashi TLC Chewy Granola Bars do contain the company's trade mark "seven whole grains on a mission"...

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TheBard says "A Forgettable, Unfunny, Boring, Mess" about Sherri

TheBard — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:54:09 GMT

Sherri Shepherd (The View, Less Than Perfect) is Intellectually Challenged (stupid); no apologies it had to be said. Spend a week with the buxom nitwit on the View and you will not doubt come away with the same impression. To be fair she has her light bulb moments, but they the exception, not the rule; the woman just doesn't generate a lot of intellectual wattage! Need proof, read on:

Shepherd stated on the September 18, 2007 broadcast of The View, that she didn't "believe in evolution. Period." When Co-host Whoopi Goldberg asked her, "Is the world flat?", Shepherd first responded, "...I don't know" and expanded that she "never thought about it." Shepherd went on to explain that it was more important to her that she thought about how she was "going to feed [her] child," at which point Barbara Walters pointing out that, "You can do both." However, Shepherd then went on to quote scripture (she is deeply religious). Ms. Shepherd later referred to her shockingly ignorant statements as...

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