http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/Jo Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:36:56 GMT Reviews by Jo http://www.viewpoints.com/Brita-Contour-Water-Pitcher-review-66e73 — To the PointWhen my mom moved into her Assisted Living Facility it came with a small refrigerator. She likes cold water so I couldn't get a large Brita Filtration System. Instead I bought her the Brita Pitcher Water Filtration System in the Slim Model. This is the most compact system so the box tells me. — A Closer View — We used a Brita System for years until we got an outside water system on our refrigerator. I  found the water to taste clean. In fact we are told that it is certified to reduce chlorine; mercury; and lead. It has the Good Housekeeping sign of approval on the box. — Some Specifications — The Brita Water Slim Pitcher is 10.6 inches by 9.1 inches x 4.2 inches which fits in perfectly in her refrigerator. — Brita offers a limited 90-day warranty. — The Brita Pitcher comes with one filter. Filters should be changed about every 2 months.It came with a complicated sticker to help me remember when to refill it. — ... Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:36:56 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Brita-Contour-Water-Pitcher-review-66e73 Jo 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Elmers-Carpenters-Wood-Filler-review-51ca3 To the Point — — My mom's furniture arrived and the leg of her couch was broken. I did get some money from the company but in an effort to fix the leg I bought Elmer's Carpenter's Wood Filler in the Natural Color. It did a good job though it looks better in person than in the picture. — — A Closer View — — I paid about $3.00 for this 3 ¼ ounce tube of Elmer's Wood Filler. The tube says that it is great for nail holes and small hard to reach areas. Well that's just what I needed because I had to fill the crack. The leg hadn't broken totally - not at all - it was just bent showing the wood under it. — — Using Elmer's Wood Filler — — The natural color was perfect for the natural bamboo of the couch. Elmer's comes in six colors so you should be able to find a match. When I first opened the tube I wasn't sure if I was supposed to snip off the point because the wood didn't come out. It's possible I couldn't squeeze it... Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:32:29 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Elmers-Carpenters-Wood-Filler-review-51ca3 Jo 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Spectracide-Weed-and-Grass-Killer-review-4ea11 To the PointWe have a walkway made up of gravel and rocks. In spite of putting down plastic and then the rocks weeds come through. This year we bought and used Weed & Grass Killer by Spectracide. It works! — A Closer View — I bought this 32-ounce plastic bottle in our local hardware store for around $7.50. It has a trigger type spray. The spray can be adjusted to cover either a wider or a narrower area. — In spite of the product looking like it will just spray in one area I did get some on my hands so I found a pair of gloves. Weed & Grass Killer is highly toxic so I recommend gloves and truly if you are doing a large area I would use a mask. As I write this review I am trying to limit my touching of the bottle. — We are told that Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer works in 3 hours and will kill the weeds completely including the roots. It is intended for use around trees, shrubs, flowerbeds, patios and walkways which was our intention. — My Experience... Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:49:13 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Spectracide-Weed-and-Grass-Killer-review-4ea11 Jo 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Nature-Valley-Organic-Vanilla-Nut-review-7fdd2 To the Point — — I bought Nature Valley Organic Vanilla Nut cereal and love it. I am a cereal eater in general. It isn't unusual to see me having a bowl of cereal at night. Nature Valley Organic Vanilla Nut is good enough to eat right out of the box! — — A Closer View — — Nature Valley Organic Vanilla Nut cereal will give you 240 calories in 3/4 of a cup with 1/2 cup of skin milk and 1.5 grams of fat none of which are saturated or trans fat. You'll get 180 mg of sodium; 41 grams of carbohydrates; and 15 grams of sugar. — — Unfortunately the very good taste may be the 15 grams of sugar. Sugar is the 3rd ingredient followed by crisp rice and tapioca syrup. The first two ingredients are whole grain oats and whole grain wheat both of which are organic. — — Other ingredients are sea salt, molasses, malted barley extract, vanilla flavor, natural almond flour, and Vitamin E (mixed tocoperols) which is added for freshness. ... Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:53:16 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Nature-Valley-Organic-Vanilla-Nut-review-7fdd2 Jo 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Boiron-Arnica-Gel-Homeopathic-Medicine-review-59ce2 To the PointI have been using Arnica Gel for years in a variety of forms including pellets that dissolve under the tongue. The purpose is to relieve pain of muscle aches and stiffness as well as alleviating some pain, swelling and bruising from surgery. — My tube from the company Boiron is 1.5 ounces. I bought it at the supermarket for $5.99. Arnica Gel lasts a long time so don't let the price get in the way. — A Closer View — While writing this I took a look around and found that the American Cancer Society, after looking at many studies determined that Arnica really doesn't do what it claims to do. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Arnica.asp?sitearea=ETO. — From that site: "Other common name(s): arnica root, common arnica, arnica flowers, mountain arnica, mountain tobacco, leopardsbane, wolfsbane — Scientific/medical name(s): Arnica montana — Arnica is a perennial herb that grows in Europe, the northern United States,... Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:12:48 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Boiron-Arnica-Gel-Homeopathic-Medicine-review-59ce2 Jo 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Ledragomma-The-Original-Pezzi-GymnastikBall-review-cfa73 To the Point — — I used the Original Pezzi GymnastikBall at a fitness room in a hotel in which we were staying. I use Stability Balls at the gym quite frequently and really like the versatility of what they offer. — — In generaly Stability Balls are used as a way to improve balance and muscle tone. Almost every exercise that can be done on a machine or a mat can be done on the Gymnastick Ball and in many cases makes the exercise safer. — — A Closer View — — The Original Pezzi Gynmastik Ball is latex free and like other Stability Balls comes in a variety of colors. You'll find a yellow ball which is 42cm; an orange ball which is 53cm and is considered one to be used for small people or children; a green ball which is for people under 6 feet tall; a red ball for people about 6 feet tall. This one is 75 cm; and a blue ball for people over 6 feet tall. This one is 85 cm. You'll pay from $19.00 to $47.00. The Pezzi comes with a... Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:54:39 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Ledragomma-The-Original-Pezzi-GymnastikBall-review-cfa73 Jo 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/24-Season-Two-review-8d322 To the PointI wrote a review of the First Season of 24. — — We bought the Season Two after getting hooked on this television show. Although I didn't stay up all hours of the night watching this season I thought it was great. We just got Season Three. — A Closer View — Season Two comes 7 discs in a nice package - great as a gift. 24 takes place over 24 hours in real time. Each episode is 60 minutes. — 24 Season Two is as much of a thriller as Season One. — The Stars — Kiefer Sutherland plays the star, Jack Bauer, a former Federal agent for the Counter Terrorist Unit in Los Angeles. Bauer works and plays to the beat of his own drum. You should have seen Season One by now but if you haven't skip the next couple of sentences. We see Jack as an angry man in Season Two having a hard time getting through the death of his wife, Teri thus the time off from CTU. Their daughter Kim, played by Elisha Cuthbert (also a writer in this Season) is still... Sat, 12 Jul 2008 22:15:42 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/24-Season-Two-review-8d322 Jo 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Sunscreen-Versus-Sunblock-review-b53d3 This comparison is between sunblock and sunscreen. i realize there have been reports of some that aren't as good as once thought. I did some research for this but I'm not an expert in the field. If you have any specific questions I would ask the doctor. — What is SPF? — Sun Protection Factor simply put is a scale or number that represents the amount of sun something blocks. It is a scale that rates the level of sunburn protection in sunscreen products. The higher the SPF the more sunburn protection it provides. For example if your sunscreen has an SPF of under 11 it is only providing you with a little bit of protection against sunburns. If yours has an SPF of 12 through 29 you are getting moderate protection. For the average person it is thought that an SPF of 15 to 30 is adequate. Many of us are not average. I am at a higher risk of skin cancer because of genetics. I am photosensitive due to my autoimmune disorder and not only does the sun do funny things to some of us... Fri, 11 Jul 2008 01:33:17 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Sunscreen-Versus-Sunblock-review-b53d3 Jo 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Loreal-Sublime-Glow-Moisturizing-Microfine-Mist-review-110f5 To the PointWhen we headed off to California last December I bought Sublime Glow Moisturizing Microfine Mist by L'Oreal. I am still using it because I have it and don't like to throw things away unless they're terrible. — A Closer View — I bought the color "medium skin tones" which seems fine for me. It comes in a 4.2-ounce can with an easy to use push down spray top. — We're told that L'Oreal Sublime Glow has a "hydrating moisturizing MicroFine Mist." There are a lot of claims on the can that I'll address. — Pros —... Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:20:59 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Loreal-Sublime-Glow-Moisturizing-Microfine-Mist-review-110f5 Jo 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Over-the-Counter-Pain-Medicines-When-and-What-to-use-review-84e43 When I was first diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome I was in a bit of pain. It feels like arthritic pain. I have finally figured out the differences among the many over the counter (otc)medications and wanted to share my information. I was helped initially by my daughter who wrote them all down for me so I wouldn't forget.There are three categories of medications. — 1. Naproysn (Aleve) — 2. Acetiminophen (Tylenol) — 3. Ibuprofen — NSAIDS — Naproysn and Ibuprofen are called NSAIDS or non-steroidal anit-inflammatory drugs. These are not only pain relieveing but reduce inflammation. Note that the anti-inflammatory effects may take from a few days to three weeks. Acetaminophen is not an NSAID. — NSAIDs can be used for pain but since NSAIDs have side affects acetaminophen is the first otc drug of choice for pain. — NSAIDS are most commonly used for arthritis, back pain, sprains, strains, dental pain, migraines and other painful conditions... Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:08:20 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Over-the-Counter-Pain-Medicines-When-and-What-to-use-review-84e43 Jo 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Safety-1st-Corner-Edge-Cushions-review-e1391 To the Point — — When my mom took her first fall in the Assisted Living Facility she is in I realized I had to do something to the sharp corners on her coffee table. She's had this table for years but this apartment is smaller than the condo in Florida so I'm even more concerned with safety. I remembered the corners I used for my own children and headed to Target where I found 4 Foam Corners by Safety 1st. If I had looked online I would have found clear corners which I know she would like better. These come in white and tan. The only ones Target had were tan so I bought them for about $10.00. A Closer View — — I liked the fact they can be taken on and off. Safety 1st corners come with a lot of adhesive so if my mom takes these off (for company) then I can just put a piece of adhesive on the back of the L- shaped corner and we're good to go. There are plenty of adhesive pieces to keep her going for a long time. The tape is double sided sticky so it's easy to... Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:01:24 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Safety-1st-Corner-Edge-Cushions-review-e1391 Jo 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Mod-Podge-Gloss-Lustre-review-9a5c5 To the PointMy husband and I took up the hobby of puzzle making years ago. When we had room and walls we hung the framed pictures. I've used lots of puzzle glue brands. Mod Podge Gloss-Lustre is the best. — A Closer View — The 8-ounce jar tells us that this is a waterbase sealer, glue and finish for all surfaces. It is not just for puzzles and will run you around $4.00. You can find it here: http://www.save-on-crafts.com/modpodglos.html — There are a few features that I like about Mod Podge: — —... Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:23:41 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Mod-Podge-Gloss-Lustre-review-9a5c5 Jo 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Weight-Watchers-Yogurt-review-d9345 — There are many Weight Watcher Yogurts I like. I like them because they are creamy and best of all they actually taste just like the name suggests. — — The four I am choosing all have 100 calories; are in 6 ounce containers (which can be recycled or used for projects); have .5 grams of fat; 12 grams of sugar (perhaps why they are so good); and are only 1 point each. If you are not familiar with the Weight Watcher program I'm allowed around 20 points a day so you can see that a Weight Watcher Yogurt is a good choice for me when I'm on the program. When I'm not I find the amount of sugar too high for me. — —... Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:24:35 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Weight-Watchers-Yogurt-review-d9345 Jo 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Coach-Holiday-Patchwork-Gallery-Tote-11358-Multicolor-review-5f442 To the Point — — I walked into T.J. Maxx and was confronted by Coach bags. I was on a clothes splurge. The Coach Holiday Patchwork Gallery Tote 11358 - Multicolor bag was marked at $230 from the retail of $399.00. You can find it here: http://www.modaqueen.com/cohopagato11.html but if you like it you might want to check out eBay. Just make sure it's real! You want to look for a real serial number on the leather tab inside. A Closer View — I love that it is obviously a Coach bag yet doesn't have Cs or LV all over it. The inside is very roomy with two pockets for items; two outside side pockets that my cell phone fits in perfectly; a zippered compartment inside; and an outside pocket for papers. — It came with a dust bag; care instructions and Coach tags. — It probably would be considered a fall pocket book because of the suede and leather and velour fabric. But I just love it so I've been using it. — It measures about 11 inches by 8 inches by 4... Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:50:57 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Coach-Holiday-Patchwork-Gallery-Tote-11358-Multicolor-review-5f442 Jo 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Hasbro-Connect-Four-review-84441 To the PointAt one point while my mom was in rehab a game like Connect Four would have been too hard for her to play! It happens to be my youngest daughter's favorite childhood game. She could never play it enough so I knew it well. When she was able to play we had a ball. — A Closer View — Just to note that www.amazon.com gives (http://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-4430-Connect-Four/dp/B00000IWI1) the recommended age at 7 to 14. The manufacturer (Hasbro) recommends 7 to 99. Given our circumstances I have to go with Hasbro on this one! — The purpose of the game of to build a row of four checkers (one player has red; one has black) in any way. The four can be horizontal, diagonal or vertical. The Connect Four game sits on two plastic holders (Although I did see a newer version with a slightly different base). I've always found the holders to be stable. — My mom and I took turns dropping the checker like circles into a row from the opening in the top. It might seem at... Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:37:37 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Hasbro-Connect-Four-review-84441 Jo 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Newmans-Own-Newman-Os-Chocolate-Creme-Filled-Chocolate-Cookies-review-6c343 To the Point — I have been a fan of Paul Newman's food and now Newman's Own Organics - The Second Generation. His daughter, Nell Newman, now runs the company. One of my downfalls is chocolate and Newman-O's Chocolate Crème Filled Cookies are just so good. — — A Closer View — — You'll pay in the $4.50 range for a 16 ounce package which consists of 32 cookies. I am willing to pay for food I trust and Newman's Own is one of those items. — — They are made without any partially hydrogenated oils or trans-fatty acids. If you wish you can find out more at www.newmansownorganics.com/ — — Each serving of two gives you 4.5 grams of fat; no cholesterol; and 10 grams of sugar. The first five ingredients in my view are the most important so I'll give you those: organic unbleached wheat flour, organic sugar, powdered sugar, organic palm fruit oil and canola oil. Newman's O's also have organic unsweetened chocolate and natural... Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:21:29 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Newmans-Own-Newman-Os-Chocolate-Creme-Filled-Chocolate-Cookies-review-6c343 Jo 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Jack-Zatorskis-Push-Up-Pro-review-d8b42 To the PointI bought Jack Zatorski's Push Up Pro for my husband for Father's Day. I thought it might be fun for him on days he can't go to the gym. Push ups are challenging (to say the least) for me but I thought of myself as well! When I asked him how much he would pay for the Push Up Pro he said $12.00. In fact I paid $20.00 in a drugstore, which isn't a lot of money but I am not recommending these rotating push up grips. — A Closer View — The Push Up Pro is said to work more muscles and reduce strain on the joints. As a retired personal trainer and one who takes classes it's common practice to use weights if you have problems with your wrists. I hold onto the weights which cushion my wrists and take pressure off of them when I do push ups. Jack Zatorski decided that making these plastic 7 1/4 inch in diameter Grips rotate not only to relieve the strain but because they rotate work more muscle groups according to the booklet. — — My Experience — I... Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:08:29 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Jack-Zatorskis-Push-Up-Pro-review-d8b42 Jo 2 http://www.viewpoints.com/Diamonique-at-QVC-Inscribed-Love-Ring-review-85015 To the PointI was buying quite a few items from QVC.  When Diamonique 1.75 carat total weight Inscribed Love Ring, 14K went on the screen I went to the website to look at it a bit more. $198.00 is more than I've ever spent at QVC but this just looked beautiful. Note that I have a couple of real diamond rings that are beautiful so for me to have kept the Inscribed Love Ring it had to be amazing. — A Closer View — — The Love Ring is inscribed just as in the name with the word love inside the band with a tiny diamond next to the word. Unfortunately along with 14k (gold) we're told that the ring is made in China. — When it came I was amazed at how beautiful this ring is. With a center stone of about 1 1/2 carats it is totally believable as the salespeople say on the show. There are tiny "diamonds" on each side of the stone making this a total of 1 3/4 carats. — I have seen CZ (cubic zirconia) before and it just doesn't shine leaving the... Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:35:25 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Diamonique-at-QVC-Inscribed-Love-Ring-review-85015 Jo 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Coleman-4-in-1-Quickbed-King-or-Twin-Size-review-e70b3 To the PointWhen it became clear that I would be staying with my mom at her assisted living apartment and her couch wouldn't do my husband bought me the Coleman 5998A390 - 4-in-1 QuickBed AirBed. I don't think he knew anything about it but it may have been on sale and it does a lot for the money which is around $40.00. — A Closer View — The Coleman QuickBed really is four beds in one so we can use it at home for company as well as at the apartment. — It can be used a two twin beds which measure 8 ½ inches high by 39 inches wide by 74 inches deep; the two beds can be zipped together for a king sized bed (8.5" H x 75" W x 79" D); or it can be used as I am using it and that's a twin double high bed by zipping the twins and stacking them one on top of the other. (17" H x 39" W x 74" D )It was really a cinch to do. It has what Coleman calls an Airtight system with a double lock valve so the air won't come out. I've slept on it for four nights. I don't think it's... Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:50:32 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Coleman-4-in-1-Quickbed-King-or-Twin-Size-review-e70b3 Jo 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/GE-Compact-Refrigerator-GMR06AAPWW-review-001b4 To the Point — — My mom moved into an assisted living apartment which has a great refrigerator. It's the General Electric Compact Refrigerator GMR06AAPWW. — A Closer View — The features: — — The refrigerator is a great size for a small apartment or a dorm room. I also can see it in a finished basement. It has plenty of room but it is compact. — The GE refrigerator is 34 1/2 inches high by 24 1/4 inches deep by 23 5/8 inches wide. It gives my mom 6.00 cubic feet of space inside which holds more than she would need even if she were cooking herself. — There is an easy to open handle which for my mom is important. The freezer is small with only .49 cubic feet; however it has enough room for two plastic trays for ice cubes (The trays come with the refrigerator.) and has room for ice cream, English Muffins and a few other items if she wants. — Inside there are two wire shelves, one of which is adjustable and the door has a lot of... Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:19:24 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/GE-Compact-Refrigerator-GMR06AAPWW-review-001b4 Jo 4