Reviews by Jo

Jo says "There were 16 then 15 of my Anchor Hocking Beverage Set" about Anchor Hocking Trivium Beverage Set

Jo — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:04:50 GMT

To the Point

So there I was looking at glasses trying to remember which ones Rudi recommended. I bought a 16- piece glassware set by Anchor Hocking. The style is called Trivium.

A Closer View

When I got home I looked Anchor Hocking Trivium up online and saw some bad reviews. But I only paid $10.00 for eight 11-ounce double old-fashioned glasses and eight 16- ounce coolers. I would have preferred a color but there was only clear in this style. I just wanted to get through Thanksgiving with a new set of glasses.

I liked the style of the Anchor Hocking Trivium glasses. They are simple but have an hour glass design. I thought out of all the ones on the shelf these would be the least likely to spill. They are dishwasher safe and seemed to be thick enough so that they would last at least a month. I have Pfaltzgraff glasses that have been with me for 15 years!

I am the type of person who saves new things. Not wanting the glasses scratched I didn't use them but my husband did. The point is the...

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Jo says "Pur Power Resistance Cord gives you a traveling gym" about Zenzation Athletics PurPower Resistance Cord 10128

Jo — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:14:05 GMT

The PurPower Resistance Cord was an impulse buy. If you have a Marshall's near you then you'll know the bargains offered. The $11.99 Cord was $5.99 so I grabbed it. I've used Resistance Cords or Bands as I call them for years. If you haven't it is a great piece to either add to your routine just use it to work your whole body. Don't worry because it comes with a piece of paper that show you a few exercises to do. You can see the PurPower Cord here: www.jr.com/zenzation-athletics/pe/ZNZ_WTE10128/.

The PurPower Resistance Cord

is made of latex so stay away if you are allergic to latex.
is purple which is a medium strength. Other name brands such as Spri makes it much easier to know what the strength is of the Tube/Cord/Band. There was no indication on the package but I figured if it was too easy I could just make this 5' Cord small by wrapping it around my wrists. This makes it shorter and thus harder.
is portable and a super prop to take with you on your travels. Unless you are a body...

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Jo says "Colgate Orabase didn't Relieve my tongue Pain" about Colgate Orabase Maximum Strength Oral Pain Reliever

Jo — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:22:27 GMT

To the Point

I had surgery on my tongue yesterday or shall I say in my tongue. In any case I had a tongue lesion which was removed and I have stitches. Dr. Lane, an oral surgeon, gave me several samples of Colgate Orabase Maximum Strength Oral Pain Reliever.

A Closer View

I have been taking Tylenol and Advil which has helped the pain somewhat. This morning I decided to give one of these samples a try. Colgate Orabase Maximum Strength Oral Pain Reliever comes in a .21-ounce tube in the $5.00 range.

The active ingredient is benzocaine (20%) which is supposed to stop the pain of mouth and gum sores.

Adults and children two years and older can use Colgate Orabase Maximum Strength Oral Pain Reliever. I followed the instructions which are to gently dab on the site of irritation with a cotton swab or fingertip. I can use it up to 4 times a day or according to what your doctor or dentist recommends.

Don't use Colgate Orabase Maximum Strength Oral Pain Reliever if you are allergic to local anesthetics...

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Jo says "Yogacise Lifts my Body without hurting my neck" about Gaiam Yogacise Body Lift

Jo — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:56:58 GMT

I don't think I have met a Gaiam product I didn't like and this is true of the Yogacise Body Lift. We use this prop regularly in Yoga class.

The specifications

Yogacise Body Lift

is made in China
supports 250 pounds
is 28 inches long by 21 inches wide by 15 inches high
is very portable weighing in at 19 pounds

Why use the Yogacise Body Lift?

I'll talk about what I see as the primary use of the Body Lift and that is to do an inversion. Yoga is one of the few systems of health that suggest you regularly turn yourself upside down for extended periods of time. My Yoga teacher always tells us how amazing inversions are from relieving anxiety to relieving constipation.

I know I feel great after using the Yogacise Body Lift. I have done head stands on the floor but for some of us due to injury, age, fear, or name the reason, prefer not to. In comes the Body Lift. This prop allows me to go upside down without any compression on my head.

The padding is super thick making it very comfortable to rest...

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Jo says "Home Cookin Toaster Oven Works in all sorts of Weather" about WeatherWorks Home Cookin Toaster Oven

Jo — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:36:26 GMT

We needed a new toaster and usually buy inexpensive small appliances and replace them frequently. I picked up Home Cookin by WeatherWorks at one of the large department stores for $20. The website http://www.weatherworks.net has it for around $34.00 but I am sure you can do better. The model number is 6868.

Pros

Home Cookin by WeatherWorks Toaster Oven

is attractive. I got it in black but it also comes in white.
is compact. There are only 2 of us who eat human food in my house so the fact it will fit 4 slices of bread is just fine.
has an easy to open cool touch door handle.
has feet that do not skid on my counter top.
has a baking tray and a grill rack.
has a power light so I know when the toaster is on.
has a full ranger of temperatures.
has a 60-minute timer but also has a stay on feature so I don't have to time something.
has 3 settings: broil, bake, and toast pizza.

Cons

I am lucky enough to have cleaning help so I didn't notice this until I went to review my HomeCookin Toaster...

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Jo says "Canker Melts: licorice cures canker sores" about Orahealth CankerMelts

Jo — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:04:16 GMT

To the Point

I get canker sores because I have an autoimmune disorder called Sjorgren's Syndrome. I was sent some samples of CankerMelts which can be bought in a package of 12 for $8.00 in Walgreens.

A Closer View

Let's look at the ingredients first:

The active ingredient is Glycyrrhiza extract (GX), which comes from the root of the licorice plant. GX is thought to have pain relieving, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. The inactive ingredients are Hydrophilic Gums and Potassium.

Since I found my CankerMelts to work I'll just get right into what the claims are.

Relieves pain in minutes
Heals sores in 1-5 days
Time releases soothing collagen and natural medication, not numbing chemicals.
CankerMelts have a mild flavor
They are somewhat self-adhering. They are advertised as being self adhering and that may be true in some parts of the mouth. I used mine on the sides of my mouth and held it in place. It would stick a bit but not enough. Also you can use these at night so...

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Jo says " I make smoothies with my Wave Station Dispensing Blender" about Hamilton Beach Wave Station Express Dispensing Blender

Jo — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:00:49 GMT

We are now a 2-blender family. My husband's smoothies have two many calories so I bought the Hamilton Beach Wave Station Express Dispensing Blender for about $20.00.

Pros

The 48-ounce jar is plastic so if it falls it won't break.
Hamilton Beach Wave Station Express Dispensing Blender has a Wave Action system. This actually works. The blender forces the mixture down into the blades. I have made smoothies before in other blenders and have to scrape the sides but I haven't had to this with Hamilton Beach Wave Station Express Dispensing Blender.
It it dishwasher safe.
It is attractive.
It has a dispenser so I can just pull on it and out will come my smoothie. If I use the spout there is a hidden spot under the blender for the cap. If I use the cap then I have to put the spout in a drawer.
It crushes ice really, really well.
It has 4 speeds which are smoothies, juicer, pulse, and milk shake. There is also a dispenser function which the dial should be on when using the dispenser.

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Jo says "Wow someone with the simplehuman step can" about simplehuman fingerprint-proof slim step can 1872

Jo — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:15:39 GMT

I will pay for quality but I bought a $10.00 waste basket which may not last too long. I guess in that case I wasn't paying for quality. Our daughter and son-in-law have the simplehuman fingerprint-proof slim step can model1872. This is what I would have liked but

I thought it would look too modern in my kitchen.
I would not pay $100.00 for a trash can.

I know there are copycats which you can buy for 1/2 the price. I have seen them in the store and I've seen dented ones. The simplehuman fingerprint-proof slim step can will dent anytime soon.

The features

I cannot imagine the copy cats have stainless steel that is finger proof (Imagine how great this is with children?) and whose inner bucket is dent-proof plastic. In addition the pedal and step area are solid stainless steel.

The simplehuman fingerprint-proof slim step can uses regular sized kitchen bags depending on what size you buy. Our daughter's is 30 liter/8 gallon measuring 18.7" in diameter by 10.4 inches wide by 22.4 inches high....

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Jo says "Apples to Apples is the party game of the year" about Mattel Games Apples to Apples

Jo — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:47:15 GMT

We were first introduced to the board game, Apples to Apples, by our daughter and son-in-law. We spent a weekend playing it. When we got home I went out and bought the game. It's super!

We played and bought the Party Box. There are other versions. We got

756 red apple cards
252 green apple cards
the rules

Apples to Apples is intended for 4 to 10 players. From experience the more players you have the more fun the game is. It is made for those over 12 years old. You can finish the game in about 1/2 hour but you'll want to play again.

How to play

Each player is dealt seven red apple cards. On each card there is a word or it could be a phrase such as "doctor" or "a bad haircut."

One person who is called the judge draws a green apple card. On this card there is an adjective such as "smart" or "shocking." That card is put down so the other players can see it. Then each player (except the judge) chooses a card that they think is the best match for the green apple card, and places it face-down....

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Jo says "My Book has all my data backed up" about Western Digital My Book Home Edition 500 GB USB Hard Drive

Jo — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:11:54 GMT

To the Point

When my computer started acting up and I couldn't defragment I was told I needed to get some files off. I have a flash drive but I needed something heavy duty. I bought Western Digital My Book Home Edition 500 GB USB Hard Drive.

What I got

This is a portable hard drive. It is not a flash drive. It came with a USB 2.0 cable, a Quick Install Guide (very quick - luckily this is a cinch to use), an AC adapter, and 500GB Hard Drive Capacity.

About th Western Digital My Book Home Edition 500 GB USB Hard Drive

I didn't have to install this. I just put two plugs into My Book and one in my computer. I plugged it in the couple of times I have used it. I could keep it plugged into my computer but since I also have a flash drive I use that as a daily back up. When I backed up my material on two different occasions I could see the progress.

What is nice though is that My Book Home Edition is automatic versus my flash drive which I have to save to each time I save a document.

From the...

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Jo says "Bare Escentuals Flawless Application Face Brus" about Bare Escentuals Flawless Application Face Brush

Jo — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:33:43 GMT

This is the last review of my Bare Escentials kit in which I got three brushes. The one I am now reviewing is the Bare Escentuals Flawless Application Face Brush.

Pros

I use the Bare Escentuals Flawless Application Face Brush exclusively for my Bare Escentuals Warmth All Over Face Color.

The brush is small coming in at 4 3/4 inches with the tapered bristles being 1 1/2 inches. The overall smaller brush (versus the Full Flaweless Brush) makes putting on my Warmth easy. I don't get as much color on the brush as I would with a larger one. I dab the Bare Escentuals Flawless Application Face Brush into the pot of Warmth and sweep my cheeks. I find the bristles to be soft (made of goat hair) and if I have put too much color on my face the brush is the perfect size to sweep the color over my entire face giving me a bronze look.

You can, of course, use this brush for any application. I just learned from the salesperson at Sephora to use the brushes in the way I have described in other reviews...

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Jo says "Winchester Liner Lock Knife: we came face to face with a grizzly" about Winchester Liner Lock Knife 9435

Jo — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:46:08 GMT

We hike and carry supplies we hope will keep us safe or that we may need during our hikes. We bought a Winchester Liner Lock Knife 9435 last year for about $10.00. It is always on a clip on my husband's pack.

About the Winchester Knife

It is made of surgical stainless steel. The blade has a thumb stud for one hand opening. What this means is that there is a piece of metal coming out of both sides of the blade near the bottom which, if you are dexterous, can be used to open the knife with one hand.

It has what is called a notched thumb ramp. This is an area where I can hold the knife easily. it has the name Winchester etched into the blade.

The handle of Winchester Liner Lock Knife 9435 is 3 1/2 inches when closed and has wood inlays. There is a liner lock, a lanyard hole, and a metal pocket clip. The Winchester Liner Lock Knife is a tad over 6.05" when open and weighs 3.0 ounces. This is considered a small knife. There is no warranty.

Please explain

A lanyard hole is simply a hole...

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Jo says "You'll find an awesome look at nature in March of the Penguins" about March of the Penguins 2005

Jo — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:16:33 GMT

I didn't think I would like March of the Penguins. I am not much for what I thought was going to be an animated movie and I am not much of a G rated movie lover. I did love March of the Penguins. In a sentence if you love nature, amazing photography, the miracles of life, love, and animals you will want to watch the March of the Penguins.

This is the kind of movie you can see over and over again. It's is a story of thousands of emperor penguins who make a 70-mile trek to find their mate. These beautiful animals don't fly and although they are aquatic they don't swim as we know it. They walk all day and all night in single file in the coldest place on earth - Antarctic.

Though you may think penguins are just fine in the 80 degree below weather and the 100-mile an hour winds they are not and some don't make the harrowing several time round trip from their breeding spot to the place where they can get food.

Once they find their mate the love begins. The penguins make a beautiful picture of...

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Jo says "Bare Escentuals Concealer Brush works like magic" about Bare Escentuals Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush

Jo — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:56:44 GMT

I never knew a brush could do what Bare Escentuals Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush does. $20.00 may seem like a lot of money for a makeup brush but this isn't just any makeup brush. It truly is a concealer. Used with my Bare Escentuals Foundation which I put on after Bare Escentuals Primer it works like a charm.

The brush is tapered and very narrow. Bare Escentuals Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush measures close to 5" but the bristles are only about 3/4" long.

The Brush can be used before or after putting on your foundation. I use it after. This is what I do. I apply my Foundation with my Full Flawless Face Brush. I then take the Bare Escentuals Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush and dip it into the foundation. I dot on the foundation on areas I want to cover and they magically disappear better than any concealer I have every used. I apply it (as I was told to do in Sephora) where my marionette lines would be if I had them as well. On some areas I spread the Foundation on; other areas...

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Jo says " Bare Escentuals Full Flawless Face Brush sweeps my face" about Bare Escentuals Full Flawless Face Brush

Jo — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:06:37 GMT

I got three brushes in the Bare Escentuals kit that I bought. I am reviewing them in the order that I use them. The order is based on the recommendation of a salesperson at Sephora. The first one is the Bare Escentuals Full Flawless Face Brush. Although it retails for $28.00 right now you can buy it at amazon.com for $9.00! (http://tinyurl.com/yejr3gw)

It is a cross between the original Flawless Face Brush and the Full Coverage Kabuki Brush. I have owned one make up brush and truly the Bare Escentuals Full Flawless Brush is excellent.

The Brush is considered a plush, full-tapered brush. The bristle part only measures about 1 3/4 inches and the handle measures 4 inches so it is a compact brush which is easy to tote.

How I use the Bare Escentuals Full Flawless Face Brush

I first put on my Bare Escentuals Primer.

I then take my Bare Escentuals Foundation and sprinkle some in the lid of the package in which it comes. I was told to make sure that the make up was not visible but that it...

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Jo says "Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil is the finishing touch" about Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil

Jo — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:00:23 GMT

To the Point

Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil was the last product in the kit that I bought at Sephora. Mine is not tinted or illuminated. It is the regular Mineral Veil. It is said to be a finishing powder for the face and that is an accurate term. I was going to say frosting on the cake but that didn't quite do; then I thought of something like a lacquer for your woodworking project.

A Closer View

I love Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil. The company does not test on animals. It does not have parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, petro-chemicals, or phthalates.

At about $19.00 for less than 1/2 an ounce it is expensive but as long as you don't spill the container you'll be alright. Like other products in the line the powder is under a lid with holes in it. I do lose some and just the other day my husband asked me what was all over the sink! I like to put some in the cap of the jar and use Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil from there.

My Experiences

I first put on my Bare Escentuals...

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Jo says "Soft Fabric Swivel Seat makes my car mom friendly" about Rose Health Care Soft Fabric Swivel Seat

Jo — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 16:45:30 GMT

To the Point

I have been buying my mom every product imaginable to make her life easier. I will be reviewing them because people really need to know what is good and what isn't. The Soft Fabric Swivel Seat is sold by Dynamic Living for $27.00. It can be seen here:

http://www.dynamic-living.com/product/soft-fabric-swivel-seat/FROOGLE/

A Closer View

I got the Soft Fabric Swivel Seat because in the catalog I had and online it looks like it would work. It has two parts which are connected in the center (like a sandwich) by a swiveling piece of plastic.

The top section is 1/2 inch thick. The underneath of the section piece is textured rubber so it doesn't skid on the seat. That's true - it does stay in place.

Neither my mom nor I realized just how easy it was to turn in place using the Soft Fabric Swivel Seat. I've had it for months. Yesterday I was ready to give it a bad rating because my mom said she didn't feel it move. I decided to really test it out and watch her get in my car and move....

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Jo says "Nature's Bounty Melatonin tricked my mom into sleeping" about Nature's Bounty Melatonin

Jo — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:38:17 GMT

This is a true story and I have to tell it for you to understand a bit about Nature's Bounty Melatonin. But first:

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a supplement not evaluated by the FDA. It is said to work in harmony with your natural sleep cycle to give you the tranquil rest you deserve, so you can awaken feeling refreshed. The maximum strength formula should be used by individuals who may need a higher level of sleep support. Adults take 1 tablet at bedtime. (from drugstore.com)

Melatonin a naturally occurring hormone (derived from serotonin) that is both endocrine (enters the bloodstream from a pineal gland) and paracrine (signaling cell phenomenon, as from the retina when light is low, when the signal is "time to sleep"). Melatonin, besides being a sleep hormone, is a very powerful antioxidant, anti-aging agent, immunoregulator, anti-depressant and sexual dysfunction regulator.From www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/melatonin.shtml

The active ingredient is 5mg of Melatonin.

The...

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Jo says "I say I Care by using the Care Page" about Care Page

Jo — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:01:56 GMT

I learned about www.carepages.com when a friend got very sick. Her daughter started posting my friend's health, updates, surgery updates, etc. on this website. Readers can leave comments, offer prayers, hope and love. I get updates when either my friend or her daughter update the CarePage.

What is Care Page

A CarePages website is a customized, personal web page designed to help provide communication between family and friends during a health event. This can be something great like pregnancy and delivery or something bad like cancer or anything in between.

The CarePages website is created and updated by the patient or loved one of the patient, and it is used to build a support community around the patient. The CarePages website displays updates on the patient's condition, photos can be posted. In this case my friend's daughter posted one picture.

You'll find discussion forums such as "Loss of a child" which I just read. You'll find a gift shop where you can find something to send to the...

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Jo says " There's nothing Revolutionary about DuWop bronzing moisturizer" about DuWop Revolution SPF 15 bronzing body moisturizer

Jo — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:24:01 GMT

To the Point

When I purchased items at Sephora I got a 1-ounce tube of DuWop Revolution SPF 15 bronzing body moisturizer. The regular size of 4 ounces costs $28.00.

A Closer View

The first thing I noticed and am noticing as I review DuWop Revolution SPF 15 bronzing body moisturizer is the light brown color and the smell of what can called resembling suntan lotion.

We are told that this is new and improved because it won't rub off on clothes and furniture.

You must keep DuWop Revolution SPF 15 bronzing body moisturizer out of your eyes and if you get a rash call your doctor. I have had no adverse effects at all.

DuWop Revolution SPF 15 bronzing body moisturizer is said to be shimmery and a bronzing body moisturizer with SPF of 15. Reading the back of the tube it seems that DuWop Revolution SPF 15 bronzing body moisturizer is supposed to act as a sun protection product. An SPF 15 won't do - at least for me anyway. I liked getting it because I can put on makeup on my face but makeup on my...

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