Reviews by Joe1019

Joe1019 says "Close to five stars" about Melissa and Doug Alphabet Sound Puzzle

Joe1019 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:20:36 GMT

Actually, we would have given this five stars except for a couple of things. Our daughter got this for her first birthday and has been interested in this since she got it. I was hesitant to let her play with it alone because some of the wood shavings were coming off of the letters. Therefore, I had to wash and somewhat sand them off. We were a little disappointed because the puzzle did not sing the ABCs either. However, we can only give it positive reviews becuase our daughter (at 18 mos) can do the ABSs. Of course this is with other assistance. This was a major reason for it. She plays with it the second she wakes up in the morning. She carries the letters around with her. If she can't say the letter, she remembered the associated words. Although, some of the words are difficult...why not C for cat? Otherwise, easy to use and for our child to grasp. Only other annoying this is when the puzzle piece is out, it plays on its own!

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Joe1019 says "Favorite Birthday present." about Playskool Busy Ball Popper

Joe1019 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:10:32 GMT

Our daughter got this as a gift for her first birthday. Our friends bought it for her and said that they were sorry. The only reason they said that they were sorry was because the toy is annoying and the balls go all over the place. SO WHAT! Our daughter loves this toy and was her favorite birthday gift. She even plays it with all of the kids that come over that are ages 1-10. It is so much fun for her. After the time the child hits or presses the apparatus, the balls pop out for the perfect length of time and plays music. Yes, it can be crazy, but as long as it keeps her occupied. It is very inexpensive (about $20) and we have continually bought it as a gift for our other friends. She has been using it for so long and we have only had to replace the batteries once and it has never broke. Even if our daughter accidentally throws something else down the hole, it is easy to get anything out.

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Joe1019 says "Good for the first time " about Johnson's Buddies

Joe1019 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:41:40 GMT

We just brought this with us on vacation as a "treat" for our daughter. First of all, it was super cheap at Target, and my wife who is coupon-crazed, had a coupon and it was ultimately FREE. It is a bar of soap wrapped in a cloth or mesh. It was so easy for our daughter to hold. She is at that age now where she wants to touch and hold everything. Therefore, she was able to wash many of her body parts. Also, because of the cloth, the soap does not run off the bar easily creating soap scum like most bars of soap. So, it is protected even if it drops on the floor. Also, this bar of soap smells so good, almost like the cucumber melon stuff from Bath and Body Works. This lasts a long time, so compared with the price, it is well worth it. It lasts all the way down to the last bit, because of the mesh. We have stockpiled it because of this. Our daughter loves to play with it, almost like having a friend in the tub!

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Joe1019 says "The Best" about Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen

Joe1019 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:29:51 GMT

When summer came around, we knew we would be taking our 1+ year old, not always to a pool, but outside for walks, to the park or letting her run around outside. Not only that, she is very fair-skinned as opposed to me and my wife. There are so many products out there to chose from and can be overwhelming for a parent. Friends of ours had it and we loved it for many reasons. Actually, the friends that had it, had children with skin issues like eczema or sensitive skin so we knew it had to be good. First of all, our pediatricician, who has children, recommended it. Secondly, it is waterproof and lasts for a couple of hours if your child is in the pool. It comes with many different SPF's, for those parents who want or need something specific. Also, you can buy it in the spray, but we do prefer the creams. The smell is fine, like other sunscreens or lotions and not offensive. The price is reasonable, but worth it.

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Joe1019 says "A Classic" about Bath and Body Works Cucumber Melon Gentle Foaming Hand Soap

Joe1019 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:21:13 GMT

My wife has bought this product since it "hit" the shelves. The cucumber melon scent is always a classic sent, for males and females to enjoy. We have used it for the kitchen and bathrooms and people always compliment on it. It leaves hands feeling soft, without any left over residue. When it foams, it does not drip or run or make a mess near the sink. It has never cloggled. Therefore, when you run out, you never have to add water or turn upside down. Although, it may have a higher alcohol content than other soaps, we have never had any problems with our hands, even without using cream or lotion afterwards. The price is reasonable, especially when on sale, sometimes $2.50 or 3.00. Great to give as a gift, just as a small token to someone or as a stocking stuffer. We stockpile when we buy them using deals or coupons so we never run out. Compared to all of the grocery store products, this is a little more glamorous because they look nice.

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Joe1019 says "The best first food." about Baby Mum-Mum Rice Snacks

Joe1019 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:28:24 GMT

This was our daughter's first snack. After introduction to rice cereal and baby food, she was about 5-6 months old. When you are out at the mall with the baby in the stroller, and they are whiny, what do you give them. Parents are always nervous about all of the snacks out there and choking. We were out at the store and our friends who have older babies introduces us to these. Our daughter loved them and it kept her quiet for some time. She was able to hold it. Also, it almost melted in her mouth, like rice krispies do. They do not even make a mess. The only store we could get them at was Walmart. They are super affordable and we would buy boxes at a time. She continued to eat them for quite some time. We like how they were packaged in two, as she would eat both of them and not waste any. The perfect serving size. They are not too sweet either, so parents do not have to feel guilty. All of our other friends have started their babies with these per our recommendations....

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Joe1019 says "Awesome" about All You Magazine

Joe1019 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:20:32 GMT

This is a great magazine. I had heard about it for a long time. I wanted to check it out at Walmart before I actually got a subscription, so I did. The magazine has a little bit of everything in it, eating, shopping, money, health, exercise. They use everyday people in their articles, mainly mothers and families. Sometimes the articles may seem the same, but as things changes within our society and from time to time, they are appropriate. Much of it is geared towards women. I did order the subscription through someone on line and got two years for 20 dollars which is reasonable, especially because of all of the coupons in it. We have well gotten our moneys worth. Plus, there are so many coupons in it, that are not in the Sunday newspaper or other magazines. It is crazy that they sell it at Walmart, who are not very friendly or flexible with their coupon. The magazine pays for itself and I will renew it.

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Joe1019 says "Stopped the itch." about Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Shampoo

Joe1019 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:09:17 GMT

I am making this comment on behalf of my wife. My wife had a baby and the first nine months post-partum and since then has struggled with a dry itchy scalp. It was so bad we thought she had lice. Even one hairdresser told her she needed to go to a dermatologist and that she had something close to eczema. She tried every expensive brand like Fredric Fekkai from Sephora, as well as other brands without all of the chemicals on her hair. Either they made her head and scalp more itchy, or created more buildup. Also, many either did not clean her hair, or dried out her hair. She had this brand laying around the house that she got as a buy one get one free, plus a rebate. She tried it and has been using it for months with success. Her hair is voluminous and silky and free of itching. She no longer scratches her head of all of the chunky buildup which was gross. She is much happier now.

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Joe1019 says "A Favorite" about Stonyfield Farms Organic YoBaby Yogurt

Joe1019 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:59:41 GMT

Yo Baby Yogurt is my daughter's favorite. She would eat it every day if she could. We only let her have it every other day so she does not get sick of it. She loves every flavor and we take turns with flavors. We, as parents, love that it is organic, flavorful, full of protein, and full of other vitamins that she needs as an infant. There are no added sugars like in many other yogurt brands. We believe this brand to be catered to the needs of infants. If we are struggling to get her to eat other foods, we serve yogurt with it, to make her enjoy her meal more. She is obsessed with holding the yogurt cup and talking to the baby on the package. She even kisses the baby on the package. They are pretty affordable, because we often take advantage of using printable coupons at the grocery stores as well as the coupons that print at the register when we purchase them. They are #1 on her list.

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Joe1019 says "The only one I would recommend." about Summer Infant Handheld Color Video Monitor

Joe1019 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:07:58 GMT

We did not purchase this until our child was about 10 months old and don't know what my wife and I did without it. We used to have to try and sneak into her room to check on her to find her awake and then she would start crying. Now we always know if she is awake or not. Our baby moves around a lot and we can constantly see what she is doing. It is easy to use and have had no problems with it. The picture is clear, day or night. The sound is very good. We leave it at our bedside at night charged, and have never had a problem with that. Her Grandpa watches her and he is 60 plus years old and can see her. It keeps me calm having it next to me when she is playing or sleeping. It can also ease one's mind by knowing that their child is not trying to climb out of the crib or the bed, as you can watch it continuously. We will use it when she transitions to a bed, so even until she is 3 years old!

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Joe1019 says "Good value and a classic." about Chicco Polly High Chair

Joe1019 — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:09:46 GMT

Everywhere we go, we seem to know someone who has this high chair. We were originally registered for the 250 dollar Peg Perego high chair that basically looked like a piece of our furniture. We read many reviews and stumbled upon this one. We bought it because we got the brown one and looks just fine in our house. It is easy to clean. A child at any age could sit in it and be supported. It comes with a couple of trays that are easy to clean and have held up well. It is easy to move around our hardwood floors and does not scratch the floors. It is easy to fold up, but we do not need to do that often cause it really does not take up too much space. The tray is easy to put in and easily adjustable. Our child is very comfortable in this chair and will sit in it for awhile. It is very safe as it has straps around the arms and the waist and does not bother our child. It is very affordable and were able to buy it at the local Babies R Us.

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Joe1019 says "One of our favorites." about Baby Einstein Takealong Tunes

Joe1019 — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:59:09 GMT

This is still a great toy. Our child is one year old and someone came over and brought this for her as a little gift. Ironically, we have run into many of our friends who have the same toy. It is a small toy that when you press the button it plays classical music. Has many different songs on it for variety. The music is a soft volume and very soothing. It has gentle lights that keep our babies' attention on the toy. Of course, that caterpillar is something that the babies' cannot keep their eyes off. It has a large push button and easy for the baby to press, even when they are a young age. Our child holds it during her meals and is easy to feed cause she just loves it. Because she holds it when she is eating it get dirty near the button, so I have to take it apart and clean it, but even it I didn't do that, I would go buy another one cause it is under 10 dollars. Why don't more companies make more toys like this.

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Joe1019 says "Perfect for our infant" about Graco SnugRide

Joe1019 — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:52:21 GMT

We have the platinum Graco Snugride which was not sold at our Local Babies R Us. We purchased it at a furniture store in the Chicagoland area called Lazars. It was highly recommended for a variety of reasons. The colors are great. It was black and beige and there was no pattern, just plain. Also, it was not as expensive as Peg Perego and the other brands. It has very high safety ratings. When we bought this, along with our stroller, we bought the Graco Snap and Go Stroller and it went right in that and convenient. Also, we have the BOB stroller and it can be used with that. The material was very easy to clean. It has much padding. Our baby was very comfortable in it and slept in it in the car and sometimes when we brought her in the house. It came with a base and we just had to buy another for our other car, which was still not very expensive. It was easy to hold an move around.

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Joe1019 says "We love it." about Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Aquarium Cradle Swing

Joe1019 — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:23:08 GMT

The swing works well and our baby loved it. Plays music, makes noise and the design goes well with everything else. It has so many options with the noise, lighting, the sea creatures that go in circles. Our child used to stare up at the animals and the glowing light. Very sturdy and held up well. Very strong for when the baby moves you don't think he/she will fall out. Plays ocean sounds that are soothing to the baby. It swings in different directions. It does not make much noise. Our baby was in this for a whole year because the weight limit is somewhere up to 23 pounds. Our baby also falls asleep in the swing every time she was in it because she was so comfortable. Many nap times were spent there. Easy to clean and safe. The only negative thing about it is that it cose more than other swings, however, it was worth it as I have friends with other swings. We will be able to use with all of our kids as it looks and works brand new.

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Joe1019 says "A Classic" about Lou Malnati's - Chicago, IL

Joe1019 — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:18:05 GMT

Very good pizza. Not my top favorite, but if we had people from out of town, we would go there. For healthier option, can get low-fat cheese. The Lou's special with spinach, tomato, garlic is what my wife likes and I would eat it, too.

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Joe1019 says "Awesome" about Dyson - Animal DC07 - Upright Bagless Cyclonic Vacuum

Joe1019 — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:13:01 GMT

This is great. Easy to use and store. Can use on anything and it works. We like that it is bagless, although sometimes it is difficult to empty, it still beats one with a bag. It still maintains the suction or vacuum power no matter if the cannister is full. It is easy to store because it is smaller than other vacuums. It is easy to switch from using it on carpeting to our hardwood floors. Actually, we use it primarily on the hardwood floors. It has great tools to get in corners and using it on trim in our house. Of course it is more expensive than others, but our other vacuum only lasted barely a year and it would not even pick up all of the things that the dyson does. Even though we do not have pets, it was recommended by many that we get the Dyson Animal because of its power. We were able to purchase this at Bed Bath and Beyond and price match and use the 20% off coupon so we paid slightly more than some other highly rated vacuums.

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Joe1019 says "My child is glued to it." about Baby Einstein DVD Collection

Joe1019 — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:44:51 GMT

We only have one video and our daughter cannot take her eyes off of it. Slow-paced and fun! LOts of music.

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Joe1019 says "Yummmmmm!" about Weight Watchers - Smart Ones Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Sundae

Joe1019 — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:41:41 GMT

These are good and guilt free. Usually, as I am a guy, I eat two in the box. They are tasty....

Joe1019 says "Creamy and tasty" about Weight Watchers - Giant Fudge Bars

Joe1019 — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:40:03 GMT

You just want to take a bite out of it. Better than the other ones out there.

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Joe1019 says "Very good." about Trader Joe's - Low Fat Honey Whole wheat Pretzel Sticks

Joe1019 — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:37:10 GMT

These are good. Especially dipped in the Yogurt and Chive dip. The Rold Gold ones have better flavor than these. These are a nice size and skinny and dippable....