http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/LaurieM Thu, 01 May 2008 16:43:40 GMT Reviews by LaurieM at Viewpoints.com http://www.viewpoints.com/Wolfgang-Puck-Mixing-Bowl-Sets-How-Do-They-Compare-review-68881 I am a huge believer in the quality and durability of Wolfgang Puck products. I own some of his cookware, appliances, accessories and of course bakeware. Two bakeware products that I use often and think highly of are the Wolfgang Puck Bistro 3-piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set and the Wolfgang Puck Bistro 7-Piece Mixing Bowl & Whisk Set. I thought it would be interesting to see how they compare. — About the two mixing bowl sets: — Wolfgang Puck Bistro 3-piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set (Orig. Price $29.90) — This three-piece stainless steel mixing bowl set includes a 1 1/2 quart bowl, a 3-quart bowl, and a 5-quart bowl. These bowls contain 18/10 stainless steel, are dishwasher safe, and come with a manufacturer's lifetime limited warranty. Although made from stainless steel, the bowls are actually quite lightweight but while mixing, they do not move around. The inside of these bowls are imprinted with measuring units to make mixing easier.... Thu, 01 May 2008 16:43:40 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Wolfgang-Puck-Mixing-Bowl-Sets-How-Do-They-Compare-review-68881 LaurieM http://www.viewpoints.com/My-Top-3-Wolfgang-Puck-Cookware-Products-review-7f022 My sister-in-law got me hooked on Wolfgang Puck cookware by buying me a piece here and there for different holidays.  I love the look of stainless steel and the durability is unmatched.  Out of my collection, there are three pieces that I think are top notch. —... Thu, 01 May 2008 00:57:17 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/My-Top-3-Wolfgang-Puck-Cookware-Products-review-7f022 LaurieM http://www.viewpoints.com/Kelloggs-Smart-Start-Healthy-Heart-Bars-review-d40c3 I have high cholesterol and my husband has high blood pressure.  We have been trying to eat healthier meals as well as healthier snacks.  It's difficult to find a snack that is good for us and tastes good too.  My sister introduced us to Kellogg's - Smart Start Healthy Heart Bars and not only do we love them, our children do too! — About these bars... — Kellogg's claims that these bars contain ingredients that can help lower both blood pressure and cholesterol.  They are naturally and artificially flavored, contain oat bran, potassium, and low sodium.  There are 2g of dietary fiber, 3g of protein, 350mg of potassium and 0 cholesterol.  Each bar is 150 calories and although there is 2.5g of fat, these bars do not contain any Trans fat.  They also contain 10% daily values of vitamins A, B6, B12 and of Thiamin, Niacin, Folic Acid and Riboflavin as well as 4% of Iron. — What we think about them... — My sister bought a... Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:04:01 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Kelloggs-Smart-Start-Healthy-Heart-Bars-review-d40c3 LaurieM http://www.viewpoints.com/No-nonsense-Smooth-Microfiber-Bikini-Panties-review-94871 On a recent trip to Kinney's Pharmacy, I stumbled across some clearance items.  One of them happened to be a 2 pack of No nonsense Smooth Microfiber Bikini Panties.  I certainly didn't set out to purchase panties from a drugstore but for the clearance price of $3.99 down from $6.99, I decided to try these panties.  Surprisingly, I really like these! — About these panties...   These No nonsense panties 2 packs consist of either 2 pair of black, 1 pindot & 1 white, or 1 nude & 1 white.  They are made from 92% nylon, 8% spandex and have a cotton crotch.  They have a comfort waistband, stay-put legbands and are tag free.  They are machine washable and can be tumble dried on low heat. — What I think about them... — These panties are extremely soft and so comfortable.  I absolutely love that they don't have a tag.  An annoying tag can definitely make or break any panty.  They... Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:50:03 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/No-nonsense-Smooth-Microfiber-Bikini-Panties-review-94871 LaurieM http://www.viewpoints.com/Philosophy-The-Microdelivery-Exfoliating-Wash-review-7ada2 I have tried many facial cleansers and facial scrubs.  One of my favorite facial cleansers is Philosophy Purity Made Simple One Step Facial Cleanser but because it isn't exfoliating, I have to use a separate facial scrub.  I have sensitive skin so it is difficult to find a product that does the job right without irritating my skin.  I finally found Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash and now I have the best of both worlds in one product! — About this exfoliating wash... — Although this face wash is exfoliating, it is also mild enough to use everyday.  It cleanses the skin while also lightly resurfacing.  According to Philosophy, "this unique formula is sulfate-free and formulated with ingredients designed to replenish and protect the skin with topical antioxidants as it helps condition the skin and retain its moisture level." — What I think about it... I purchased the 8 fl.... Sun, 27 Apr 2008 16:47:22 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Philosophy-The-Microdelivery-Exfoliating-Wash-review-7ada2 LaurieM http://www.viewpoints.com/Ulta-Maximum-Length-Soft-Curl-Mascara-review-63093 I had a coupon code to get free shipping and a makeup bag filled with cosmetics if I made an order at Ulta.com for $25 or more.  For that reason and because I have heard that Ulta cosmetics are high quality, I decided to make an order.  One of the items I purchased was the Ulta Maximum Length Soft Curl Mascara.  It cost $7.00 for a 9.4g tube which I think is quite affordable and worth every penny. — About this mascara...    This mascara is available in Black/Brown, Soft Black, and Jet Black.  Ulta claims that this mascara "combines rich and deeply colored mascara with a special volumizing brush to help you create thick, full, and luscious lashes". — What I think about it... — The mascara applicator looks pretty much like any other mascara and the brush is straight.  The amount of mascara that comes out on the brush is just enough that it doesn't go on too thick or clumpy.  I... Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:55:32 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Ulta-Maximum-Length-Soft-Curl-Mascara-review-63093 LaurieM http://www.viewpoints.com/Almay-Smart-Shade-Makeup-review-d25d4 I have been on a quest to find the perfect foundation.  I can never seem to find the right shade and when I find one similar to my skintone, the foundation is either too powdery looking or wears off too soon.  I was browsing through Rite-Aid one day and came across Almay Smart Shade Makeup.  It was a bit pricey at $I3.99 for 1 Fl Oz, but if it did what is claimed, then I figured that it was worth it.  I was intrigued and hopeful that maybe this would finally be the foundation I had been looking for.  Unfortunately, my quest continues. — About this makeup...  Almay claims that this makeup takes the guesswork out of finding the right shade by magically transforming into your ideal shade.  This makeup is infused with soothing aloe, is hypoallergenic, and won't clog pores. SPF 15. — What I think about it... — I purchased the light/medium shade because the package stated that this shade... Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:52:31 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Almay-Smart-Shade-Makeup-review-d25d4 LaurieM http://www.viewpoints.com/Wilton-Excelle-Elite-3-Tier-Cooling-Rack-review-e2524 I am in no way a great baker. I actually don't even like to do it but with two children between the ages of 7 and 10, I bake to make them happy. I bake mostly cookies and when taking the cookies out of the oven, I was letting them cool on a baking sheet. Sometimes the bottoms would continue to cook and be burnt and most times, they stuck to the cookie sheet. I found the Wilton Excelle Elite 3-Tier Cooling Rack at Amazon.com for only $10.99 and it I love it! — About this cooling rack... — This cooling rack stacks to become 3-tier and collapses for easy storage. The steel wires are reinforced with a nonstick coating and the rack is dishwasher safe. Each grid measures 15-7/8 by 9-7/8. There is a 10-year warranty. — What I think about this product... — This is one of the handiest kitchen items that I own. I am now able to take cookies right off of the cookie sheet before they stick and set them on this cooling rack. The wires are close enough together that I... Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:12:01 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Wilton-Excelle-Elite-3-Tier-Cooling-Rack-review-e2524 LaurieM http://www.viewpoints.com/Lysol-Disinfectant-Wipes-with-Micro-Lock-Fibers-review-6ff13 With the modern age of convenience, it's so much easier to get housework done. From swifter's for floors, to disposable toilet cleaners, these products have enabled us to get the "dirty" work done faster so we can enjoy life. One such product that I purchased to aid in my quest for convenience was Lysol Disinfectant Wipes with Micro-Lock Fibers. — About these wipes... — The 80 count wipes that I purchased for around $6.00, came in a large cylindrical container. The wipes contain Ammonium Chloride (.32%) as the active ingredient for its cleaning and fighting power. The manufacturer claims, "Each pre-moistened disposable wipe kills germs - even the bacteria that cause odors". The Micro-Lock Fibers are actually three types of fibers that are treated and woven together in a "hydroentanglement process" for greater durability and abrasion resistance. — What I think about them... — Upon opening the container, it took a little bit of work to get the first wipe... Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:30:59 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Lysol-Disinfectant-Wipes-with-Micro-Lock-Fibers-review-6ff13 LaurieM http://www.viewpoints.com/Logitech-MX-Revolution-Mouse-review-4ad44 I am an everyday computer user and couldn't imagine life without it.  I can't even say how many computer mice I have been through with each one being just as disappointing as the last.  I really didn't see this accessory as a very important part of my computer setup so I would only spend around $20 or less.  No wonder I went through so many.  I finally got fed up, did some research, and decided to purchase the Logitech MX Revolution Mouse.  It was a bit pricey at around $80 but well worth it in the long run. — About this mouse... — The manufacturer claims that some of the main features of this mouse are as follows: —... Sat, 12 Apr 2008 14:09:42 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Logitech-MX-Revolution-Mouse-review-4ad44 LaurieM http://www.viewpoints.com/Jaqua-Buttercream-Frosting-Shea-Body-Butter-review-f60a4 I was given a 6 oz. tub of Jaqua Buttercream Frosting Shea Body Butter as a gift.  I never heard of this name brand but apparently, it is very popular and high quality.  Its high quality was confirmed as soon as I tried it.  It may be a bit pricey at $22 for this 6 oz. tub but we all deserve to be spoiled occasionally! — About Jaqua... The Jaqua brand was created by two sisters who grew up in Santa Barbara, California.  The sisters' had a "creative spirit and desire to offer high quality, reasonably-priced indulgences using only premium ingredients, nourishing oils, and proven extracts". — What I think about this product... — As soon as I unscrewed and took the top off this tub of bodybutter, I could smell the sweet buttercream frosting scent.  It literally does smell like buttercream frosting.  Unfortunately, don't try to taste it like I did!  It does NOT taste like it!  It states right on the... Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:30:27 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Jaqua-Buttercream-Frosting-Shea-Body-Butter-review-f60a4 LaurieM http://www.viewpoints.com/Schick-Intuition-Plus-Razor-review-9ea00 For many years, I have been a faithful user of the Gillette Venus Razor for Women.  For Christmas, a friend bought me the Schick Intuition Plus Razor and I figured that I might as well try it.  I liked the idea of having the solid shaving cream bar connected to the razor.  Too bad it only lasted through the first shave! — About this razor...   The manufacturer claims that this razor "lathers, shaves, and provides extra moisture to your skin in one easy step".  A skin-conditioning solid encompasses the razor to provide lather for a smooth shave.  The pivoting head allows the triple blades to glide smoothly over curves.  Included are one razor handle, two cartridges, one shower hanger, and a travel cap. — What I think about it... — When I first saw this razor, I was surprised at how big and wide it was.  When I held it in my hand it felt comfortable and was... Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:47:34 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Schick-Intuition-Plus-Razor-review-9ea00 LaurieM http://www.viewpoints.com/Crest-Colgate-Aquafresh-My-Top-3-Childrens-Toothpastes-review-9ed50 I have two sons ages 7 and 10 and we have been brushing their teeth since, well, they got their first tooth!  I have tried several brands and flavors of kid's toothpaste and over the years, my children and I have come up with the three brands that they like the best and that I approve of. — The Best Children's Toothpaste — Our #1 Pick...    Crest Neat Squeeze Children's Toothpaste, Sparkle Fun  Around $3.49 for 6 oz. — This toothpaste may seem to cost more than the other two top picks but this brand comes in a 6 oz. "neat squeeze" tube as compared to the others 4.6 oz..  I choose this brand because I not only trust the Crest name and know that it provides cavity protection like the others, but it does so with clinically proven Fluoristat.  It has been proven effective by the Council on Scientific Affairs American Dental Association.  I also like this... Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:23:08 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Crest-Colgate-Aquafresh-My-Top-3-Childrens-Toothpastes-review-9ed50 LaurieM http://www.viewpoints.com/HP-vs-Epson-How-Do-These-Photo-Printers-Compare-review-f4a65 With the enormous increase in the use of digital cameras, going to get photos professionally developed is decreasing hugely.  With consumers becoming more tech savvy and wanting to take the helm, it's not a stretch to see the rising popularity of dedicated photo printers.  While most color printers can print to photo paper, there is a new kind of printer dedicated to nothing but 6x4 prints or smaller.  They are easy to use and you don't have to worry about things like cropping and resizing as you do with the normal size printers.  I have been interested in purchasing one of these compact printers and I originally bought the HP Photosmart A526 Compact Photo Printer for $99.  I tried it out, and promptly returned it.  This time I did a little research and after toying with a friend's, I ended up buying the Epson - PictureMate Dash PM 260 Compact Photo Inkjet Printer  for the same price but with much better... Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:43:21 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/HP-vs-Epson-How-Do-These-Photo-Printers-Compare-review-f4a65 LaurieM http://www.viewpoints.com/Epson-PictureMate-Dash-PM-260-Compact-Photo-Inkjet-Printer-review-bcce4 I already have a big bulky HP All-in-One printer that is hooked up to my computer.  It is such a hassle to print photos with that I set out specifically to find a small simple photo printer.  I originally purchased the HP Photosmart A526 photo printer but was disappointed and quickly returned it.  I ended up doing some research and bought the Epson - PictureMate Dash PM 260 Compact Photo Inkjet Printer for $99.  This compact printer was definitely an upgrade from the original one I bought.  About this printer... This compact printer features: —... Sun, 30 Mar 2008 02:23:54 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Epson-PictureMate-Dash-PM-260-Compact-Photo-Inkjet-Printer-review-bcce4 LaurieM http://www.viewpoints.com/Waring-Professional-Bar-40-oz-Blender-review-1dc43 Although I already own an Oster 12-Speed blender that I am pleased with for cooking purposes, I wanted a blender that was specifically to be used for preparing mixed and frozen drinks. Summer will soon be here and so will the barbecues. I love to make frozen drinks for my guests and me so I wanted one that was easier to use and not as loud. I found the Waring Professional Bar 40 oz Blender for $69.95. A little steep but well worth it. — About this blender... — This two-speed blender's patented "Whirling Vortex Action" crushes ice with ease. It also liquefies purees, emulsifies and grinds. Other features include a 40 oz. glass jar, a toggle switch, 120-volts/390 watts and a metal base. It weighs in at 10 pounds and is 7 X15 inches in height. — What I think about it... — This blender has a sleek brushed-chrome finish that is very easy on the eyes and looks really sharp on my counter. It is very easy to use so when I have guests over, I can quickly... Sat, 29 Mar 2008 16:00:38 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Waring-Professional-Bar-40-oz-Blender-review-1dc43 LaurieM http://www.viewpoints.com/Knorr-Sides-Plus-Veggies-review-62af3 My ten-year-old son and I were at the grocery store when we came across Knorr Sides Plus Veggies.  Surprisingly, my son asked if we could buy some.  I thought to myself "my son wants vegetables?"  Then I realized that it was the combination of veggies and spiral pasta that caught his eye.  I agreed to buy a couple of packages of the Roasted Garlic, Olive Oil & Broccoli Rotini since they were only about $1.59 a pouch.  — What is this stuff? — These nourishing side dishes are made with either pasta or rice mixed with two full servings of vegetables like carrots, green beans, peas, corn, or broccoli.  There is a pretty good variety to choose from that include Southwestern Style Rice, Cheddar Rice with Broccoli & Carrots, Roasted Chicken Rice with Harvest Vegetables, Teriyaki Noodles with Asian Style Vegetables, Roasted Garlic, Olive Oil & Broccoli Rotini and Alfredo Pasta Primavera.  All flavors contain a decent amount of... Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:14:58 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Knorr-Sides-Plus-Veggies-review-62af3 LaurieM http://www.viewpoints.com/Avon-SKIN-SO-SOFT-Renew-Refresh-Age-Defying-Hand-Cream-review-eb565 I'm all for any product that is "age defying" as long as it works.  Unfortunately though, the majority of products don't.  It's very difficult to find a product that actually works without paying enormous amounts of money for it and even then, it doesn't always work.  I am happy to report that I have found one product that is affordable and actually works pretty good!  It's Avon SKIN SO SOFT Renew & Refresh Age-Defying+ Hand Cream. — Manufacturer claims... — Age Defying+ now, with breakthrough age-correcting complex starts to correct the signs of age damage in less than 2 weeks.  Reveals younger, healthier-looking hands in 1 week — What I say... — This hand moisturizer is white and thicker than most hand creams.  It has a pleasant scent that is not overwhelming.  When I apply it to my hands, it absorbs quickly and makes my hands feel soft and silky.  I usually apply it once in the morning and once at... Sun, 16 Mar 2008 18:39:32 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Avon-SKIN-SO-SOFT-Renew-Refresh-Age-Defying-Hand-Cream-review-eb565 LaurieM http://www.viewpoints.com/Smuckers-Natural-Peanut-Butter-16oz-review-4d9d1 As I mentioned in my Breyers Light Immunity Boost Nonfat Yogurt review, I have low blood sugar and in order to keep it under control, it is imperative that I eat six or seven small healthy meals/snacks a day.  My doctor specifically mentioned that I should purchase Natural Peanut Butter because it is a very good source of protein.  I took his advice and purchased a 16 oz. jar of creamy Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter for only $2.50. — What's in this stuff...? I couldn't wait for this part.  Are you ready to see the ingredients?  Here we go: — Ingredients:  PEANUTS; SALT — Yup, that's it!  Can't get much simpler than that.  As far as nutrition goes, there is 16g of fat** and 210 calories in 2 Tbsp.  It also has 120 mg of sodium and 6g of carbs.  There is 8g of protein, 2g of fiber, 1g of sugars and 2% of iron. — **Over 80% of the fat in peanut butter is the unsaturated kind, which is... Sat, 15 Mar 2008 16:47:51 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Smuckers-Natural-Peanut-Butter-16oz-review-4d9d1 LaurieM http://www.viewpoints.com/Breyers-Light-Immunity-Boost-Nonfat-Yogurt-review-4a013 I have low blood sugar and lately I have been suffering attacks that are more frequent.  My doctor advised me that I need to eat more foods that are low in carbohydrates (starch and sugar) and high in protein and to eat six or seven small meals or healthy snacks a day.  One specific food he mentioned was yogurt.  I was at the grocery store and spotted Breyers Light Immunity Boost Nonfat Yogurt for .50 a piece.  This product not only gives me the protein that I need, it also provides other health benefits. — About Breyers Immunity Boost Light Yogurt... — This non-fat yogurt contains natural Probiotics that are "friendly" bacteria primarily found in the digestive tract.  Studies have shown that probiotics are "microscopic workhorses" that seem to be useful in improving the immune system, reducing cholesterol levels, treating intestinal bowel disorders, protecting against allergens, treating illnesses, preventing... Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:21:03 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Breyers-Light-Immunity-Boost-Nonfat-Yogurt-review-4a013 LaurieM