Reviews by Friends of JovialCougar

dmlichnerowicz says "You'll love this serum, as long as you go easy with it!" about Garnier Fructis anti-frizz serum Sleek and Shine

dmlichnerowicz — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:56:31 GMT

To add a little shine and keep fly-aways at bay, I purchased a bottle of Garnier Fructis Anti-Frizz Serum Sleek & Shine. This 5.1 oz. bottle with a pump dispenser contains a clear shine-enhancing serum that can be applied to either wet or dry hair. It promises to make hair 5 times stronger and smoother when used with the rest of the Sleek & Shine product line. The bottle directs you to dispense one pump or as much as is needed into your hands, and smooth throughout hair, then style as usual.

What I like about it: The Garnier Fructis products I have used have all been great quality, so I have confidence in the line. The price was reasonable...around $4. As soon as I pumped some of the serum out, it immediately smells fantastic. In fact, it leaves my hair smelling wonderful all day long! The serum is very liquidy, so it is easy to spread along the full length of the hair shaft without being too gloppy or weighing hair down. I don't actually even need to use a full pump's...

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CyndiA says "Pelonis heater is great for spot heating in your home. " about Pelonis H0-0218 Heater

CyndiA — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:48:40 GMT

I am sitting here beside my Pelonis heater cube. I tend to chill when sitting still at the computer but hate to heat up the whole house when I know that I'm warm enough when I'm up moving around. Also, the boys tend to like the house cooler. So the Pelonis heater works out great in my small computer area.

My Granny had the Pelonis heater and used it to heat her small living room where she quilted. It was made the whole room nice and cozy, and she didn't much use the other rooms in her apartment, so that worked out great for her. That's what made me decide to get a little portable heater. I really liked hers.

For the size, the Pelonis puts out an amazing amount of heat. I have a bigger model at work, but it does not put out as much heat. It's enough for under my desk. But that one cycles on and off - meaning I'm cold about half the time. The Pelonis has a good fan and just keeps putting out heat until it's actually turned off. So - no cold periods of time.

On high and with the heater right...

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CyndiA says "Masterbuilt Indoor Turkey Fryer - Safer and Easier Large Fryer" about Masterbuilt Indoor Turkey Fryer - Butterball

CyndiA — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:32:22 GMT

We wore out our last turkey fryer and went with the Masterbuilt Indoor Turkey Fryer this time. It's built smaller and safer, plus it can be used indoors which is nice on really cold days which is usually when we fry turkey.

Butterball Turkey company teamed up with Mastbuilt (bit name in turkey or outdoor fryers) for this model which is much like the indoor fryers for chicken and French fries.

There's a housing box and then the oil goes in the unit. A large basket and a lifter round out the product.

It takes around a gallon and a half of oil, so that's a lot. It can be strained and used again. But, I season the turkey pretty heavy, so I don't think it looks good enough to try to strain with all the Holen One rub floating in there. Oh well. Straining oil through cheese cloth and finding a place to store it is not my idea of a good time anyway.

Since we did a turkey breast last night, we ran the temp at 325 F. For a large turkey, it would go up to 375 for frying. With these high temps, we...

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AnnaBanana says "A delicious way to cheat a little." about Kraft Stove Top Stuffing for Turkey

AnnaBanana — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:06:43 GMT

Now may be the time to confess all and share a shameful secret with the rest of you -- when I roast a turkey, I cheat a little and use Kraft's Stove Top Stuffing for Turkey. (Three packages is perfect for a 12 to 14 pound bird, with a little left over to bake in a separate pan.) Martha Stewart would probably cringe at the thought of this but that's okay because Martha Stewart I am not. Until yesterday, it never occurred to me that there could be anything of value (aside from sheer convenience and ease of preparation) in Kraft's famous (or infamous, depending on your outlook) product. Then I checked out the ingredient and nutrition information and it is not as disastrous as you may think. If you aren't a threat to Martha Stewart either -- and you just want to get the gol-darned bird in the oven -- then Stove Top Stuffing may be for you.

STATS:

Information is given for either the "dry mix" or "prepared stuffing" but ... because no one wants to eat the dry mix ... I will share the...

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AnnaBanana says "If you didn't try to depend on THIS, be thankful!" about Hoan Ten Inch Poly Turker Baster

AnnaBanana — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:05:22 GMT

I was fortunate enough to be invited to eat someone ELSE's turkey on Thanksgiving but yesterday what went around came around and it was my turn to cook. This year I tried my best to be organized, to avoid last-minute desperation runs to the store, misplaced items, etc. As part of this campaign to Be Prepared (as the Boy Scouts would say), I had made absolutely positively sure that I was equipped with a turkey baster -- the Hoan Ten Inch Poly Turkey Baster to be exact, which had cost $1.49 at Peapod. There I was in the morning with a 14 lb. turkey which nearly filled the roasting pan which was almost impossible to pick up (God gives us strength we don't know we have for occasions like this!) and only then did I realize that the Hoan Ten Inch Poly Turkey Baster didn't work.

You may be familiar with this type of device which consists of a plastic sheath topped with a rubber bulb. One squeezes the bulb, forcing air out of the bulb and the sheath, then plunges the other end of the...

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AnnaBanana says "Mail enhancement!" about photostamps.com

AnnaBanana — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:48:30 GMT

No matter how much you love exchanging gifts with a special person, it is easy to get into a rut where you keep buying the same things again and again. My favorite Auntie and I are a case in point -- after sharing nearly 68 holiday seasons together, we still look forward eagerly to each other's presents but my own contributions were beginning to get a bit routine -- surprises which weren't really surprises any more, i.e., the B&G Christmas Plate, books, cologne, apparel, etc. Those things will always be on the agenda, of course, but this year I decided to "live dangerously" and try something different too ... personalized postage stamps bought from Photostamps.com.

EASY AS ONE, TWO, THREE

Following the simple directions at Photostamps.com, just upload a photo, customize it as you wish and place your order. The cost of a sheet of stamps depends on the postage value, plus an additional fee. As it so happens, I had a cute Christmas Past picture of Aunt Tatty sitting by her tree,...

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PattyTherre says "A very limited can opener that is really just a novelty" about As Seen on TV Onetouch Automatic Can Opener 29101

PattyTherre — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 05:56:51 GMT

Quick View: The As Seen on TV Onetouch Automatic Can Opener 29101 is a battery operated can opener that actually opens cans by itself, shuts off by itself, and supposedly lifts can lips up and out of the cans with ease. I found it works on normal sized cans but not on smaller or larger ones very well. It's noisy and slow too.

My Take on the As Seen on TV Onetouch Automatic Can Opener 29101

I bought this gadget when I saw it on a deal a day site for around $11.00 shipped. The hype was that it opened all cans with just a touch of a button, lifted the lids up with its magnet, and took no space on the counter. I liked all that but it turns out that the claims were inflated.

This hand held unit does latch onto normal (vegetables, dog food, fruit) cans and it "walks" itself around the lid. It does seem to lift those lids up with its magnet and the lids nor the can edges are sharp. The unit is noisy and slow though and has a 20 second cycle no matter what the size of the can.

When I use it on...

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LisaCarey says "Visiting the grandparents and holiday travel is easy" about Continental Airlines

LisaCarey — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 05:40:40 GMT

There are many advantages to living in Houston and one of them is that Continental Airlines offers many non stop flights from Houston to were I want and need to go. Much of our family lives in Ohio and without Continental Airlines it would be difficult if not impossible to see our family (with them traveling here or us traveling there) as often as we do. My daughter has flown using their unaccompanied minor system (which is expensive but never messed up); I have flown alone with two preschool children in tow and so far every experience has been excellent.

What I like about air travel with Continental Airlines

at check in they offered my husband a security pass so he could help me get the kids to the gate
they always take excellent care of my unaccompanied minor daughter as she travels back and forth
the flight attendants let ME handle the children - with the occasional helpful suggestion (say about ears hurting)
daily flights back and forth to where we need to go
check...

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Susie-34668 says "Cetaphil Daily facial moisturizer with SPF15 soothed my face" about Cetaphil Daily facial moisturizer with SPF 15

Susie-34668 — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:54:22 GMT

When I purchased Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15, I wanted a moisturizer that would hydrate my skin, and leave it feeling cool and refreshed. I also liked the idea that it contained an SPF number, as I live in Florida, and the sun always concerns me.

I had used a couple of the anti-aging, anti-wrinkle creams, and they had left the skin under my eyes, slightly red, and tingling.

I wanted a plain, old fashioned name, that wouldn't give me all the bells and whistles, but just a moisturizer that would work for my skin.

Cetaphil did that. The cream wasn't greasy at all, and it rubbed in easily. I can't say that it was any better than other creams I have used, such as Ponds and Nivea, but it did it's job.

It states on the bottle that it is for sensitive skin and is recommended by dermatologists.

I have just finished my 4 ounce bottle and haven't planned on what product to use next. If this is a great price, or if I have a coupon, then I may well purchase it again. However,...

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PattyTherre says "The Micro Hot Plate keeps hot food HOT!" about Micro Hot Plate Thermal-Insulating Stone Plate

PattyTherre — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:36:51 GMT

Quick View: I am no domestic diva but I love food that is HOT, not warm. recently, I was given a Micro Hot Plate Thermal-Insulating Stone Plate and didn't even know what it was. I found out that it is a very effective hot plate that keeps food hot much longer than simply setting the bowl on a regular hot plate. It doesn't burn fingers either!

My Take on the Micro Hot Plate Thermal-Insulating Stone Plate

This hot plate is 6"x6", a bit small for my taste but will hold a casserole dish or large bowl just fine. It has a smooth marble surface and two handles to carry the plate. To use, you just warm it in the microwave for up to four minutes. The smooth top will be very hot but the handles remain cool.

The bottom also stays cool so there is no worry of burning the table or other surfaces. The plate keeps foods hot for at least a couple of hours. We used the Micro Hot Plate Thermal-Insulating Stone Plate to set a casserole on and it stayed incredibly hot for a long time. We all like hot foods...

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Susie-34668 says "Contour USB Blood Glucose Monitoring System is something new" about Bayer Contour USB Blood Glucose Monitoring System

Susie-34668 — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:55:04 GMT

My husband received the Contour USB Blood Glucose Monitoring System to try out for another online website.

This is a really modern slim unit that has a USB port at one end. It doesn't look like any other monitor I have seen.

It has an on/off switch at the side. After putting the test strip into the monitor it shows the largest figures, and you won't need glasses to read it.

I was amazed at the small amount of blood you need for this to work. There is no coding to worry about. It gives results in just 5 seconds.

This is the first meter, I have seen, that is charged up either through the USB via your computer, or with the plug in wall charger, that comes with it.

The autolog allows you to choose before, and after meal times.

It comes with the software so that you can review everything on your computer. It also has data sharing so that you can keep results for your doctor.

We tried this out against the machine that Len has had for 4 years now, and the results were within 5 of one...

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bkovacs says "It works but it's messy" about Jig-A-Loo Graphite Extreme lubricant

bkovacs — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 21:23:35 GMT

The driver's door lock on my 1995 Subaru was getting hard to turn with the key, so I decided to get some lubricant for the lock to see if that would make a difference. I remember little spray cans of graphite lubricant at autoparts stores specifically for lubricating locks. However, the autoparts store I went to didn't have those little cans, so I asked an employee. He pointed me at Jig-A-Loo Graphite Extreme in an aerosol can, which cost $4 for 5.5 ounces.

What it is

Jig-A-Loo Graphite Extreme is a spray lubricant that uses graphite. Graphite is a crystaline form of carbon -- we're most familiar with its use in pencils. Graphite is actually the "lead" in pencils. Jig-A-Loo Graphite Extreme has graphite suspended in a solvent. When you spray the lubricant out, the solvent carries the graphite out of the can and the graphite stays behind as a solvent.

Using it

Jig-A-Loo Graphite Extreme has an agitator ball inside the can, so I shook it for 10 seconds or so. The can came with a long thin...

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bkovacs says "Comfortable, inexpensive orthotic inserts" about Profoot Triad Insoles 1 Pair For Women

bkovacs — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:35:37 GMT

My wife has problems with her feet, to the point where she has had surgery on both her feet. (In fact, she had surgery about 10 days ago on her left foot and is still recovering.) To make walking and standing more comfortable, she bought orthotics -- first as prescribed by a doctor, then over-the-counter in stores. Just a couple days ago, she bought a set of Profoot Triad orthotics at Walmart for about $4.65 for the pair. Amazingly, Profoot Triad orthotics are made in the USA, which was the main reason why she chose Profoot Triad orthotics over a similar made-in-China product sold under the Dr. Scholl's label.

What's an orthotic?

An orthotic is a supplimental arch support for the foot. It slips into a shoe (click on the thumbnails to the right to see) and helps the foot maintain the proper arch. When the arch of the foot is correct, the foot's bones can align properly. This will help avoid foot problems such as bunions, which occur when the foot's bones are shifted uncomfortably toward...

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bkovacs says "What coulda been..." about Valkyrie (Two-Disc Special Edition + Digital Copy)

bkovacs — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:05:47 GMT

I finally had a chance to see Valkyrie, a World War II movie starring Tom Cruise, and it's a pretty good movie.

Valkyrie is based on a true story about a failed plot to kill Adolph Hitler and end the war in Europe early. I had heard of this plot many times but Valkyrie hangs considerable flesh on the slim bones I knew about the event. Cruise is Claus von Stauffenberg, a colonel in the German army who lost one eye, one hand and a couple fingers of the other hand in battle in Africa. After recovering in Germany, he gets appointed as the chief of staff to the commander of the reserve army protecting Berlin, the perfect position to plot against Hitler. Several other officers of higher rank are also conspirators in the plan and a few others know about the plan but do nothing to stop it. Eventually, von Stauffenberg gets into a conference with Hitler and plants a bomb in his briefcase. von Stauffenberg is convinced that Hitler must have died in the blast and starts Operation Valkyrie to take...

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this2shallpass19 says "It's a decent baby shampoo, but I'm not sure I would buy it." about Aveeno Baby Essential Moisture Shampoo

this2shallpass19 — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:40:16 GMT

As a member of BzzAgent, I receive free products in exchange for my honest opinion of a product. The latest campaign I have been a part of is Aveeno Baby Essential Moisture Shampoo. Although I do like it because it doesn't contain parabens or petroleum, I think the shampoo is just okay.

The bottle says that Aveeno Baby Essential Moisture Shampoo:

Is tear-free and allergy tested
Cleanses and conditions hair
Contains wheat, oat and Vitamin E

I usually prefer a scented baby shampoo because I like my son's hair to smell clean and fresh after a bath, but the scent in this product seems a little floral or something, I just don't like it. The consistency of this shampoo is thin and creamy. It lathers nicely and rinses off easily too. It does leave his hair a little flat compared to other baby shampoos I have used on my son.

It meets my expectations in the fact that it is free of parabens and petroleum, but for some reason, this product is just average. I do like that it contains wheat,...

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jasyjen says "The LARGEST Maxi pads I have ever seen. YOWZERS!" about Always Maxi Pads Overnight Extra Heavy Flow

jasyjen — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:26:49 GMT

There are some subjects you just want to talk about. This review is about one of those topics. Maxi Pads. UGH - I hate that word, and I hate the time of month that goes along with it, but....still. There are some products you come across that are just so 'different' that you HAVE to share your experience. Here's mine.

Always Maxi Overnight Extra Heavy Flow pads. WOOF! I have never in my life seen a maxi pad that is as large as this thing. I mean it is HUGE. GIANT! A surfboard! For the sake of this review, I'm sitting here with a ruler so I can measure the size of this thing. Here it goes.... While still in it's individual wrapper it measures over 1/2", obviously when it's unwrapped it's not nearly as thick. The length of this maxi pad is what I find so unbelievable! I just measured it and it measured at 15" long. THAT IS OVER ONE FOOT of maxi pad that you are supposed to wear while you sleep. Good luck with that! (Oh, also they have wings so they cover...

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jasyjen says "The New Moon movie was MUCH better than the New Moon book" about New Moon

jasyjen — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:56:25 GMT

This review is the for New Moon movie, and not the New moon book.

The day before Thanksgiving, I splurged and took the kids to see the New Moon movie. I rarely pay the prices at the box office, but because I enjoyed all the Twilight books so much I wanted to see the movie. Of course, there was a long line to see the New Moon movie, but we were able to get into the first showing. The theater was packed, but even the pre-teen girls that were there to watch it were quiet and behaved themselves during the film, so I was happy.

For the record, the New Moon book was my least favorite of the series. I found it to be slow and boring, and the characters all annoyed me. While the New Moon moviewas also a bit slow in parts, I thought that the Jacob character was well presented and I actually started to like his character (I hated the Jacob character in the books). It didn't hurt that Taylor Lautner, the actor that played Jacob, was absolutely gorgeous and really buffed up for the movie....

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jasyjen says "A great gift for Twilight fans" about NECA Twilight Square Metal Jewelry Box

jasyjen — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:44:13 GMT

During the holidays, I try to find gifts that are unique and original. When I saw this Twilight jewelery box, I knew right away that it was the perfect gift idea for my friend's daughter, who is 13. Like most young girls, she is a HUGE Twilight fan and has Twilight jewelry that I thought she would like to be able to store safely inside this Twilight jewelery box.

I ordered this gift from Amazon for a price of $ 16.99. I thought that was a reasonable price, and because I'd never seen anything like it in stores I jumped at the chance to order the Twilight jewelry box. Also, I was thinking that it could possibly become a collectible item one day if it was well taken care of.

When my package from Amazon arrived and I saw the detail of the Twilight jewelery box, I knew I had made the right choice. It is absolutely beautiful! It has a pewter finish and is detailed with an intricate scroll design around the top of the Twilight jewelry box. The jewelery box itself features a black and...

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jasyjen says "An inexpensive holiday gift for men" about Gillette Fusion 4-pc Mega Holiday Gift Pack

jasyjen — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:25:22 GMT

I've come to realize that men's shaving products, such as razors, are EXPENSIVE! I think the amount that they charge for a razor is just outrageous, and I refuse to pay regular price for something that will be used and thrown away. During the holiday season, most name brand razors are offered in a gift set that offers an amazing savings AND several full-sized grooming products that make great holiday gifts. When the holidays approach, I begin looking for these razor gift sets for my husband, and stock up while the price is so good.

My husband really likes the Gillette Fusion razor because it gives him a clean shave. Gillette is one of the top selling razors all year long, although I think like other razor companies the regular price is ridiculously expensive. The Gillette Fusion 4-pc Mega Holiday Gift Pack is a GREAT DEAL and includes the following items:

A Gillette Fusion razor with an enhanced indicator lubricating strip, 5 Powerglide blades, a flexible comfort guard and a finger...

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Katrena says "Llama, Llama Red Pajama is Fun Rhyming Story of Bedtime Dilemma" about Llama, Llama Red Pajama

Katrena — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 07:25:54 GMT

Llama, Llama Red Pajama [2005, Viking, ISBN: 0-670-05983-8 Hardcover] by Anna Dewdney is a delightful and fun32-page children's rhyming book about a little llama who is going to bed.

Well, he's supposed to be going to bed. Mama llama has tucked him and is downstairs busy washing dishes, but her little one decides he wants a drink of water. Mama Llama plans to be there in just a moment, but the phone rings. Little llama tries to be patient, but it isn't working very well as he experiences various emotions progressing from to an all-out emergency during the wait.

The illustrations compliment the story nicely, and the book's theme is certainly one to which my kids can relate. I can certainly relate to a little one that suddenly desperately needs something when mom is on the phone and to kids that seem to have the hardest time going to bed. All three of my kids (now 8, 5, 2) were diagnosed with colic. Sometimes Mama wants to scream too...but I hope our stories are as cute as the ending...

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