Reviews by LoveisJoy

LoveisJoy says "My Shower Sparkles Like New" about CLR Calcium Lime Rust Remover

LoveisJoy — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:01:26 GMT

The first time I used CLR Calcium Lime Rust Remover was many years ago when I lived in an apartment that had rusty water. The inside of the dishwasher would get stained with rusty blotches and I was at a loss as to how to get it clean. Someone recommended running a dishwasher cycle with CLR in the detergent compartment. I did so, and was thrilled that when I opened the dishwasher door I was greeted with a sparkling white interior. This stuff really blasts through rust stains.

Fast forward several years, and I remembered that CLR can also power through hard water and calcium deposits. I bought a bottle to attack my shower faucet. I had recently noticed that the water coming through my showerhead had lost its forcefulness. Over time, the shower spray had gotten pretty wimpy and I hoped CLR would clear out the calcium deposits from the showerhead so that I could get my invigorating shower back. Happily, CLR not only cleared out the nozzles on the showerhead, but it provided...

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LoveisJoy says "O-Cedar Makes Sweeping the Floor Easier" about O Cedar Large Angle Broom

LoveisJoy — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:40:46 GMT

These days it's popular to use products like Swiffer and other dust mops for cleaning hard floor surfaces. I do use a dust mop for some household chores, but nothing takes the place of a good, old-fashioned broom. O-Cedar Large Angle Broom is the most dependable way for me to clean up debris that other floor cleaners miss.

O-Cedar Large Angle Broom is made of sturdy, plastic angled bristles. This particular broom is extra wide so that it lets me finish a job more quickly. The bristles are flexible, but not mushy, and the angle allows the broom to reach into corners effectively (unlike my experience with Swiffer).

The bristle tips have a feathered edge and it seems to pick up the finer particles better than other brands of brooms that I've tried. I also think that the quality of the O-Cedar broom is outstanding. The bristles don't shed or fall apart like corn brooms can. I've used O-Cedar brooms for ages, and they seriously last for years.

Overall, my opinion of O-Cedar Large...

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LoveisJoy says "Dove Heat Defense Conditioner is Like Therapy for Dry Hair" about Dove Heat Defense Therapy Conditioner

LoveisJoy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:40:59 GMT

I'm a pretty low maintenance gal when it comes to styling my hair. I don't have a drawer full of blow dryers, hot curlers, flat irons, or heated rollers. But I do chemically relax my hair, and that process can cause breakage and split ends if I don't carefully shampoo and deep condition regularly.

I received a sample of Dove Heat Defense Therapy Conditioner and noticed that it was designed to protect and strengthen hair. Even though I don't specifically use much heat on my hair personally, I figured that any conditioner that can repair heat damaged hair can certainly help protect mine. I washed my hair with the Heat Defense shampoo, and then applied the conditioner on my damp hair.

Dove Heat Defense conditioner smells fresh, but not in an overpowering way. It's not as thick as the Pantene Relaxed and Natural conditioner that I normally use, but it does have a slick feeling to it. I think the slickness may be from the silicone in the formula, and it helps to smooth and soften...

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LoveisJoy says "Dove Lets You Shampoo Some Softness Into Your Hair" about Dove Heat Defense Therapy Shampoo

LoveisJoy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:19:44 GMT

I'm a die-hard Pantene user, but I was intrigued by a sample I received that proclaimed: "No one repairs damage better than Dove." Well, that's quite a confident statement so I was determined to put it up against my beloved Pantene.

Dove Heat Defense Therapy Shampoo is a fresh-smelling shampoo that's formulated with "millions of micro particles" to protect and strengthen hair that's been subject to heat irons, curlers, and blow dryers. Personally, I very seldom use heat when styling my hair. However, because my hair is chemically relaxed I figured the Dove could help strengthen and protect it. Not surprisingly, Dove Heat Defense contains glycerin (moisturizer) and dimethicone (smoothing silicone) to help soften and smooth hair while shampooing.

The shampoo has a light--and very pleasing--fresh scent. The lather was surprisingly full for a conditioning shampoo. It definitely beats out my Pantene Relaxed and Natural on that score. The texture of the shampoo was smooth; I...

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LoveisJoy says "Just 5 is Gentle Enough to Use on Chemically Relaxed Hair" about Just 5 Hair Color - Five Minute Colorant

LoveisJoy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:05:00 GMT

The last time I changed my hair color was over 25 years ago when I was in my early 20s. I went through a "Dark Auburn" phase for a couple of years. After suffering really bad hair breakage, I finally accepted the fact that the permanent dye was much too harsh for my relaxed hair. Lately, I've begun to notice a handful of grays sprouting and I decided to see if I could find a gentle formula that would cover the gray without damaging my hair. I purchased a box of Just 5 - Five Minute Hair Colorant because it promised:

Semi-permanent color - One application lasts up to 6 weeks, until the gray grows back.
Five gentle minutes - Doesn't expose my hair to chemicals for 30 minutes
Color gray right after you relax your hair - No more waiting a week to color
Replenishing conditioners - The added conditioners go to work as you color
Gray coverage - Blends shades of my natural color so that the gray looks more like highlights
Doesn't alter natural color - It just kind of brightens...

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LoveisJoy says "A Tub Full of Bubblegum-Scented Bubbles" about Avon Bubble Bath - For Kids

LoveisJoy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:27:22 GMT

My four year old grandson is big enough to take a shower, but he still enjoys splashing around a bubble-filled tub when he spends the night. I purchased a bottle of Avon Bubble Bath - For Kids so that I always have something kid-friendly on hand for him.

The first time he saw the bottle with a pair of ducks gracing the label, he knew that it was just for him. I opened the lid and he giggled and said that it "smells like bubblegum." I have to agree. It's a bit too sweet smelling for me, but apparently it's just right for a child. We poured in a generous amount of the clear colored liquid and watched the bubbles quickly foam up. Good times.

Even after splashing around for about 15 minutes or so, the bubbles hung in there and didn't fade. When it was time to extract him from the bath, I didn't notice any dryness or irritation to his skin. He didn't smell like bubblegum either--just fresh and clean.

The only downside to Avon Bubble Bath - For Kids is that it is not an organic...

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LoveisJoy says "Couldn't Eliminate Moss From my Brick Patio" about Gardens Alive! Moss Aside - Moss Killer

LoveisJoy — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:43:02 GMT

Gardens Alive! (gardensalive.com) is an environmentally-friendly company that offers gardening products free from toxic chemicals. This past May, I purchased a bottle of Moss Aside - Moss Killer because I had noticed moss creeping in between some of the bricks in our outdoor patio. This was the first year we'd had a problem with moss, so I assumed it was just because we'd gotten so much spring rain. I didn't want to try any heavy duty chemicals, so Moss Aside seemed like the perfect solution. Unfortunately for me, it wasn't.

Moss Aside comes in a white bottle with complete instructions. The active ingredient is "potassium soap of fatty acid" in a water based, non-alcohol formula. It is a weed killer and does need to be used with care. However, it's a much more eco-friendly option than many brand name weed killers.

I mixed the Moss Aside with water as directed, and sprayed the solution onto my brick patio where moss was present. I was lucky that it didn't rain for over...

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LoveisJoy says "Shrubs Alive! Made My Transplanted Bushes Thrive" about Gardens Alive! Shrubs Alive! Fertilizer for Trees and Shrubs

LoveisJoy — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:21:56 GMT

It's that time of the year where I reflect on what I've accomplished in my garden this past year, and take stock of what needs fixing for next time. A couple of years ago, we moved a few potentilla bushes to a new spot in the garden. After transplanting, I could see that they just weren't thriving. I bought a bag of Shrubs Alive! Fertilizer for Trees and Shrubs and can confidently say that this product saved my bushes.

I received a catalog from Gardens Alive!, a company that focuses on environmentally friendly solutions for gardeners. I could have easily picked up some fertilizer from a local retailer, but I was intrigued enough about the product to place an order. Shrubs Alive promised to:

Supply all the right food to woody ornamentals.
Help young shrubs and trees grow fast and reach mature size more quickly.
Make bushes less susceptible to diseases, insect pests and stress caused by poor soil.
Benefit older shrubs and trees by making them healthier and more vigorous.

Soon...

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LoveisJoy says "Weight Smart: Metabolism Booster with Vitamins and Green Tea " about One A Day Weight Smart Vitamins

LoveisJoy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:04:39 GMT

I wasn't able to find these vitamins during my last trip to the drugstore, and now I realize how much I miss them. One A Day Weight Smart Vitamins seemed to help me keep my weight in my self-imposed target zone. Now that I've been without them for a couple of months, I can feel the difference they made for me.

Weight Smart contains the essential ingredients you would expect to find in a vitamin/mineral supplement. In addition, One A Day also delivers Vitamins C, B6, B12, E, Chromium, and ECGC to help "enhance your metabolism." Otherwise known as a natural green tea extract, ECGC has been reported to show significant benefit in helping to safely rev up metabolism. .

In my experience, Weight Smart is not a miracle, magic weight loss pill that will slim you with no effort. However, since I've not been using it I have added back a couple of pounds that I had kept at bay for over a year. I haven't made any other changes, so I credit Weight Smart with having a tiny role in my...

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LoveisJoy says "One Pill A Day Supports Heart, Bone, and Breast Health" about One-A-Day Women's Formula Vitamin Tablets

LoveisJoy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:29:06 GMT

When shopping for a multivitamin, it's easy for me to get overwhelmed by the choices. I don't want packets of vitamins to ingest throughout the day. I simply want a supplement to help balance out my (usually) healthy meals. Currently, I'm using One-A-Day Women's Multivitamins because they provide a complete daily regimen of vitamins and minerals without overdoing it.

One A Day Women's caught my eye because they support the issues that women face. With twice as much Calcium and Vitamin D as Centrum, the One-A-Day tablets provide better support for breast and bone health. I do get a good supply of daily calcium through the foods and dairy I consume, so the 45% Daily Value of the calcium in One A Day means I don't have to take an additional calcium tablet.

One A Day Women's Multivitamins support health in the following ways:

Bone Strength: Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamins D and K, Copper, Manganese
Reproductive Health: Folic Acid, Calcium Magnesium, Zinc
Breast Support: Vitamin...

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LoveisJoy says "Daily Nourishment: A Good Detangler, but an Average Conditioner" about John Frieda Frizz-Ease Daily Nourishment Leave-In Conditioning Spray

LoveisJoy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:39:58 GMT

I bought John Frieda Frizz-Ease Daily Nourishment Leave-In Conditioning Spray for one reason. The bottle said that it "instantly detangles." Actually, I had another reason--anything that has "Frizz-Ease" in the title sounds like a product that will help smooth my relaxed hair.

Daily Nourishment Conditioning Spray is formulated with Vitamins A, C, and E, along with green tea extract, wheat protein, and glycerin. The blend of ingredients is supposed to strengthen hair and make it breakage-resistant, along with smoothing the strands to detangle hair.

I've been using this spray for a couple of months now, and I have to say that it does detangle exceedingly well. I have medium length, relaxed hair that is prone to frizziness and tangles. A few spritzes of the Daily Nourishment spray allows my comb to glide through my shampooed hair easily.

As far as the other claims are concerned--repairing and revitalizing hair, improved strength, and a healthy vibrant shine--those results didn't materialize...

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LoveisJoy says "With Yogi Tea, Getting Regular Never Tasted So Good" about Yogi Tea Get Regular, Made with Organic Senna

LoveisJoy — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:35:14 GMT

Occasionally irregularity is a problem for those of us who are sedentary due to chronic illness. I've tried different laxatives, fiber drinks and tablets, and even altered my diet with varying degrees of success. Recently, I discovered a product that helps things along without the discomfort of harsh medicines. Yogi Tea, Get Regular with Organic Senna is an herbal laxative in a delicious cup of spicy tea.

Yogi Get Regular Tea contains a special blend of tasty and functional ingredients:

Anise, Cardamom and Ginger: alleviates gas and acts as a balance to senna.
Peppermint: helps speed digestion
Licorice: soothes and coats the bowels
Amla, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki Herbal Berries: tones and rejuvenates eliminative functions
Yellow Dock and Dandelion: helps the liver to release more bile, resulting in the "urge" for a bowel movement.

I've found that Yogi Get Regular Tea consistently provides relief within 6 to 8 hours. The tea itself is flavorful, with a rich, spicy...

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LoveisJoy says "Original Sudafed is Worth the Extra Trouble to Buy It" about Sudafed Non-Drowsy Maximum Strength Nasal Decongestant

LoveisJoy — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:10:21 GMT

After trying Sudafed PE and getting absolutely no relief, I decided to go back to the original Sudafed Maximum Strength Decongestant. Because Federal and State regulations restrict the sale and purchase of products containing Pseudoephedrine, it was a little extra trouble to get Sudafed at Drugstore.com. But, it was completely worth it because my sinus headaches are now under control.

In order to complete the online purchase for Sudafed, I had to scan a valid driver's license and send the image via email to Drugstore.com along with my order number. Within 24 hours I received a confirmation email that my information had been received and that my order would be processed. The approval lasts for two years, and I can make subsequent orders for Sudafed (or other products containing pseudoephedrine) without needing to resubmit the identity information again during that two year period. Like I said, a little extra trouble, but well worth it.

Unlike Sudafed PE, the orignal Sudafed...

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LoveisJoy says "I'm Ready for a Clean Sweep with my Casabella Brush and Dustpan" about Casabella Dustpan / Brush Set

LoveisJoy — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:16:35 GMT

In my home, I'm in charge of litterbox duty. That means that I need a sturdy and dependable hand held broom. The one I'd been using for a couple of years had run its course, so my husband brought home a product for me to try. The Casabella Brush and Dustpan Set helps me keep my home in tip top shape.

I generally use the Casabella set when cleaning the kitty litter that always seems to get tracked out of the litter box and onto the hallway mat. What's makes this dustpan work so well is that the rubber lip on the edge of the dustpan really gets under the mess so it can easily be swept into the pan. I don't seem to get that "endless line of dirt" that happens with other dustpans. Once the kitty litter makes it to the rubber tip, it goes in the pan and doesn't come out again.

The only issue I have with this product is the brush itself. It has a nice handle that fits well in my hand, but the bristles aren't as thick as my previous set. It seems as though it takes me longer to corral...

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LoveisJoy says "Blackberry Pearl: A Smartphone That Often Acts Like a Dunce" about Blackberry - Pearl 8100 Cell Phone

LoveisJoy — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:55:37 GMT

Other than using my computer, it can safely be said that I'm not much of a tech geek. For that matter, I don't even own a cell phone. So, I was a complete novice when it came to trying out my daughter's Blackberry Pearl 8100 Cell Phone.

I remember when my daughter first decided to get the Blackberry. She was excited because it was considered trendy and equipped with the smartest technology available to cell phone users. Unfortunately, the excitement turned to frustration and disappointment after owning the phone for a less than a year. Turns out, this Blackberry Pearl smart phone isn't quite the "A" student she bargained for.

My daughter turned on the Blackberry and showed me how the screen freezes during use. In addition to periodic screen freezes in general, the email feature specifically was a problem. Emails didn't display correctly and would also get stuck during use. Other issues with the Blackberry Pearl are that the Caller ID display goes out occasionally, and the...

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LoveisJoy says "Betaseron Injections: Good Choice to Treat Multiple Sclerosis" about Betaseron (Interferon Beta-1b)

LoveisJoy — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:46:25 GMT

Having lived with multiple sclerosis for over a decade, I have been on both Rebif (interferon beta-1a) and Betaseron (interferon beta-1b). I started out with Betaseron and used it for several years before my insurer took it off of the drug formulary. My neurologist then switched me to Rebif, a decision I've come to regret (see review here).

Betaseron is used to treat relapsing-remitting MS, and now has the thinnest needle in MS therapy. Unlike Rebif, the Betaseron medication does not come pre-filled and ready to go. You need to mix the medication with the saline solution first. The Betaseron brochure lists the process in 20 steps, but once you get the hang of it, it really is not a big deal. In addition, Betaseron offers the BETAJECT Lite Autoinjector, which helps make the injection process much easier. The autoinjector is easier to handle than a slim syringe because of it's large, ergonomically correct design.

Betaseron needs to be injected every other day, as opposed to 3 times per week...

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LoveisJoy says "Fewer MS Relapses With Rebif; But Also Thyroid Problems" about Rebif (Interferon Beta-1a)

LoveisJoy — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:13:11 GMT

When I was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis over a decade ago, there weren't many medications on the market that actually worked to slow or halt the disease progression. The most you could hope for was something that would help relieve the symptoms. Since my diagnosis, that has changed. There are now good choices for patients to choose from, such as Betaseron, Avonex, and Copaxone. I've been using Rebif (Interferon Beta 1-a) for a few years now. I've had fewer relapses and better good days overall, than I did when I was on Betaseron.

Like the other disease-modifying drugs, Rebif is an injectable medication. It is given sub-cutaneously (just under the skin) three days per week. The medication needs to be refrigerated, but will be okay for several hours at room temperature if necessary (i.e., during travel). You have the option of giving yourself the shot in the traditional way; by directly plunging the needle into your skin. However, there is an available Rebiject II Auto injector...

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LoveisJoy says "Transformer Autobots: A Fun but Repetitive Video Game" about Activision - Transformers Autobots for Nintendo DS

LoveisJoy — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:24:00 GMT

Transformers: Autobots is the first video game I've ever played on Nintendo DS. Like many 4-year olds, my grandson is a huge fan of the Transformers franchise. His dad bought him the videogame, which he then wanted to show me. I began by watching my grandson play for awhile, and then I took the controls myself. It was surprisingly enjoyable.

Transformers begins with a 3-dimensional cityscape complete with roads, skyscrapers, light poles, and traffic. The Transformer can run around on its own "feet" or drive around as a vehicle. In true form, your Transformer can scale buildings, throw cars, and smash things. However, the bad guy robots will soon begin to attack with lasers and bullets. At that point, the battle begins and things start exploding as you navigate through the game.

Transformers: Autobots is rated for 10+ but my 4-year old grandson found it easy enough to enjoy. The setting is cartoonish so there is no worry about blood or gore, and although blowing things up certainly indicates...

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LoveisJoy says "My Grandson's Favorite Web Slinger in a Handheld Video Game" about Activision - Spiderman: Web of Shadows for Nintendo DS

LoveisJoy — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:15:57 GMT

I'll be the first to admit that I pretty much suck at video games. After spending some time showing me how to play Spiderman: Web of Shadows on my 4-year old grandson's Nintendo DS, he would probably be the second to agree with me. I'm not very good at playing, but I sure had fun trying.

Although the video game is rated 10+ years, my 4-year old had no trouble figuring out the object of the game and which buttons to push to get Spiderman to make all of his bold action moves. He's only allowed a very limited time to play with video games, so he hasn't gotten to all of the levels yet. But he's having a great time trying.

What I like about Spiderman: Web of Shadows is that the graphic elements are of cartoon quality. The "bad guys" don't look like menancing adults; they look more like big cartoonish blobs. The animation was fun to watch as he went through the different rooms and levels, getting into mini-brawls along the way. Once I got a hand at trying the controls, I found that it wasn't...

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LoveisJoy says "Berkshire M-Valance: The Finishing Touch to my Thermal Drapes" about Berkshire M-Shaped Curtain Valance

LoveisJoy — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:55:46 GMT

I have a thing for tassels. When it comes to decorating my home, you won't have to go far to find tassels or fringe dressing up a few pillows or accenting a window. So, when I bought a pair of Berkshire Thermal Drapery Panels (reviewed here) I bought two Berkshire M-Shape Valances to go with them. I have pinch-pleated drapes on a traverse rod, so I definitely need a decorative valance to cover the traverse hardware.

For a very reasonable price of $16.99 each, the M-Valance measures a generous 70 inches wide by 18 inches long. As with the matching curtains, the M-Valance is made of 58% cotton and 42% polyester, which makes them machine washable. What I like most about the valance is that it is shaped like an "M," which gives it a more interesting look than a straight cut valance. In addition, it has the pretty tassled trim that I'm so fond of. The M-Valance comes in 4 colors: bronze, ivory, sage, and silk (my choice), and the overall appearance is understated elegance.

On the minus side,...

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