http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/Mandigrl Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:43:55 GMT Reviews by Mandigrl http://www.viewpoints.com/Jon-and-Kate-Plus-8-review-a4b03 I discovered this show about a year ago and was hooked from the first episode. — I love the antics and the chaos the family goes through on a daily basis.  There is always something entertaining and funny going on in each episode.  It is great to see how well organized a large family can be.  The children are all healthy and happy. — It's interesting to me to see all that the family goes through to do things I would consider to be easy things - like grocery shopping.  I don't have kids so to me grocery shopping is kind of fun and almost relaxing.  If I was shopping for 10 people, I'm sure I'd feel very differently! — I have heard a lot of negative comments about Kate, the mom, and her bad attitude and how she treats her husband badly.  I think they both do a very good job of balancing each other out.  It can't be very easy to manage 8 small children and the parents are going to argue and not get along, whether there's a camera in... Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:43:55 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Jon-and-Kate-Plus-8-review-a4b03 Mandigrl 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Clorox-disinfecting-wipes--25911-review-59961 I was so happy when the Clorox disinfecting wipes came out.  I am "obsessed" with Clorox Cleanup and was relieved when these wipes came out.  Now I don't have to have everything smell like bleach, including my hands, to make sure things are clean and disinfected. — I use these wipes for everything, not just disinfecting.  I use them to clean up the edge of the sink, tub and around the toilet between bathroom cleanings.  I use them in the kitchen to wipe up small messes on the counter.  And I even use them on the cutting board before I use it. — These wipes are great for cleaning most surfaces.  I use them on just about everything.  Both versions smell great too! — The only thing I would say is a negative about these is that they aren't absorbent at all - but then again wipes that are wet have already absorbed a lot.  Wet messes need to be cleaned with something dry before disinfecting the area anyway. — I would... Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:35:17 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Clorox-disinfecting-wipes--25911-review-59961 Mandigrl 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Swiffer-Carpet-Flick-review-ac834 I used the Swiffer Carpet Flick at a friend's house and have to say I am not impressed.  This thing was like a giant lint roller, or a giant roll of masking tape.  It could be handy if you had a small area of pet hair to clean up - and needed the roller to be on a long handle.  But for practical purposes like cleaning up small bits of food or dirt or something I think using my Dustbuster is easier. — The pad wasn't very sticky and seemed to need to be replaced often. — I don't think this product is very practical.  I know I won't be investing in one and can't think of any reason why I'd recommend this product to anyone. —... Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:25:09 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Swiffer-Carpet-Flick-review-ac834 Mandigrl 2 http://www.viewpoints.com/1-800-Flowers-com-review-69402 I have used 1-800-flowers.com many times to order flowers for different occasions.  There are some really beautiful arrangements to choose from.  The prices aren't that bad either.  They run some pretty good sales fairly often. — The flowers have always been fresh and arranged beautifully, except for the last time I ordered from them.  I especially love the birthday cake shaped flower arrangement.  I have ordered this a few times and have gotten many compliments on it.  I have also referred other people to the site just to order the birthday cake shaped arrangement. — The last order I placed with 1-800-flowers.com was for my grandmother.  It was a surprise thank you for her.  At the time they were running a deal on mini roses, buy a dozen get a dozen free.  That sounded perfect!  A dozen free flowers, what a wonderful deal.  Who wouldn't love to get TWO dozens roses, and as a surprise!  My grandmother called when... Mon, 19 May 2008 17:05:51 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/1-800-Flowers-com-review-69402 Mandigrl 2 http://www.viewpoints.com/BMG-Music-Service-review-ee871 I joined BMG a while ago to get the free music.  I got free cds for like a penny, but had to buy 4 cds at regular price within a year.  When I first joined there were all kinds of cds I wanted to order.  It was really easy to fulfill my membership requirements.  Now that I've been a member for a while it doesn't seem like they ever have the latest and greatest new releases.  Their regular priced cds, with shipping cost a lot more than at a regular store.  So don't expect to buy new releases at a discounted price. — They run great deals on music with buy one get one free, or free shipping, etc.  You can get cds for really great prices when they run these deals.  I have paid like $2.00/per cd before.  Especially when they run the free shipping deals! — I would recommend this club to anyone who wants to expand their music collection, but not if you are looking for new releases. —... Mon, 19 May 2008 16:21:59 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/BMG-Music-Service-review-ee871 Mandigrl 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/DrsFosterSmith-com-review-ecb13 I first started using this site to buy ferret supplies.  The site that I usually used partnered with Drs. Foster and Smith.  That actually made it easier to buy products for all of my pets at the same time. — This site has a great selection of supplies for any pet.  They have competitive prices too.  Since I started ordering from them I get small catalogs and some emails to alert me of sales and specials.  The shipping is really fast, I've only waited 2 or 3 days at a time for my shipments. — The only thing I don't like about this site is they don't have any deals on shipping.  Most sites offer free shipping after spending a certain amount of money.  Not this one.  If I'm going to buy online, I usually try to get the most for my money, and if I have to buy more supplies (that I'll need anyway) to save on shipping then that's what I'll do.  I wish this site would catch on, they'd probably get more sales this way.  Now I only... Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:48:32 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/DrsFosterSmith-com-review-ecb13 Mandigrl 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Yesterdays-News-Cat-Litter-review-98603 I never knew this stuff existed until I started adopting ferrets over 12 years ago.  Because ferrets are so small, regular dusty cat litter can be very harmful to them and their tiny respiratory systems.  Yesterday's News is recycled newspaper and is virtually dust free.  A big bag of this litter is cheaper than the normal size box of clumping cat litter. — I haven't tried this with the cat since she likes to "dig" and "bury" her treasures.  I just don't think she'd get the same satisfaction out of trying to bury things in these little pellets.  I would like to try using it with her though.  Since it is virtually dust free I don't have to worry about her inhaling all of those little dusty particles from the litter while she's digging around in her litter box. — The only downsides I've noticed is that this litter doesn't mask odors as well as the usual clumping litter does.  Also, when the pellets get when it's like getting paper wet,... Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:32:42 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Yesterdays-News-Cat-Litter-review-98603 Mandigrl 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Ferret-review-56784 I have owned ferrets for about 12 years now.  I think they are great pets if taken care of and trained well.  In 12 years I have had 4 different ferrets and they have all been great companions and great with children.  I never had any children living in my home, but when we had family over the ferrets were always a big curiosity for the all of the kids.  Mine never bit anyone or even acted mean.  They tolerated being picked up and constant attention from the children. — Before getting a ferret you should do your research on what it takes to care for one.  It's not difficult to learn, they just aren't as easy to take care of as a cat or dog.  They need more individual attention.  I just put my last one (#4) to sleep this morning.  He was old and wasn't doing well.  The lifespan of ferrets is only around 5-7 years.  They are such small animals that if they get sick it really takes a lot out of them.  My last 2... Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:52:47 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Ferret-review-56784 Mandigrl 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Break-Up-review-adc72 This movie didn't seem to get very good reviews when it was in theaters, but I liked it. — Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaugh have great chemistry in this movie.  I think they made the movie even more entertaining because you could tell they had chemistry.  I thought the scenes where the two of them are trying to compete against each other to try to get the other to move out, were pretty funny and entertaining.  I can even picture a few of my friends to the same kinds of things to each other. — I liked the story line for the most part.  Some scenes were a little far fetched, but still believable.  The ending wasn't all that great and was pretty predictable which was disappointing to me. — I think this movie is great for anyone who likes comedies.  —... Wed, 19 Mar 2008 02:44:54 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Break-Up-review-adc72 Mandigrl 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/March-of-the-Penguins-2005-review-52d32 When this movie first came out, I was convinced it was yet another boring animal documentary.  One of those with the monotone narrator that practically puts you to sleep.  When I finally rented this movie I was very surprised how wrong I had been.  The narration by Morgan Freeman was spectacular.  He made it fun and captivating, not monotone and boring. — This movie takes you through a year in the life of a penguin.  It shows how much these animals go through just to mate every year.  It was amazing to learn about everything the penguins go through and how hard they work.  They walk hundreds of miles to get to the breeding grounds every year and then walk back and forth all those hundreds of miles, to find food.  I think this movie, and the penguins, really put life and love into perspective for me.  There are many heartbreaking moments and even more inspiring moments.  — The cinematography is amazing especially if you... Wed, 19 Mar 2008 02:40:54 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/March-of-the-Penguins-2005-review-52d32 Mandigrl 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Oscar-Mayer-Deli-Creations-review-04093 These sandwiches are great for lunches, as long as there's a microwave available.  I had one for lunch today as a matter of fact!  There are many different flavors/combinations.  The meat and cheese are always fresh and taste good.  The name fits too, the meat is fresh like it's from the deli.  — These hot sandwiches is not only a break from the old peanut butter and jelly, but they're made from high quality ingredients.  Everything you need is in the box - bread, meat, cheese, condiments, and cooking tray. They don't take very long to make either, only a couple of minutes in the microwave and you have a hot, fresh sandwich. — The serving size is great too, if you are only looking for a light meal or snack.  I don't think these are good if you want to have a large portion, like for dinner. — I recommend these sandwiches to everyone.  They are easy and effortless to make. —... Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:27:28 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Oscar-Mayer-Deli-Creations-review-04093 Mandigrl 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/ebags-com-review-e7b75 I came across this site a couple years ago and love it.  There are so many different bags.  They have purses, backpacks, laptop cases, wallets, and all kinds of other things in between.  They have a variety of colors and styles in each category.  There are many designers to choose from too.  The prices range from on the cheap end to pretty expensive. — I have bought mostly purses, but have also bought some laptop accessories and a backpack that is also a laptop case.  I can't even begin to write about how much I love this backpack.  Not only is it great for all of my school books/supplies but there's a special section just for my laptop that also has a laptop sleeve that can be removed.  There are pads that Velcro inside the laptop compartment so that your laptop can fit properly and not slide around if it's a small one, but the pads also come out to make room for the bigger laptops.  There's plenty of pockets for cords too. — I... Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:12:55 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/ebags-com-review-e7b75 Mandigrl 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Personal-Creations-Online-Store-review-7c221 I have made several purchases from this site and have introduced my mom and a few friends to this site.  Some of the items are very unique and wonderful gift ideas.  There are a few items that are a little pricey, but most of the items are high quality and not too expensive.  The personalization makes the items a great keepsake for anyone. — I love the wedding gifts the most.  I have actually given the same item (personalized of course) to three different couples as wedding gifts.  All three couples loved the item and wanted to know where I found such a unique keepsake! — I also get the catalog every few months and emails, so sometimes I can get coupons for free shipping.  But the quality of the items is worth the shipping.  These aren't things you could find in just any store. — I haven't had any issues, therefore I haven't dealt with customer service at all. — I highly recommend this site to anyone who is looking for a... Fri, 29 Feb 2008 03:42:19 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Personal-Creations-Online-Store-review-7c221 Mandigrl 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/shoebuy-com-review-46dc4 I came across this site while bargain hunting for work boots for my boyfriend.  He got a great deal and the boots were shipped VERY quickly. — Since we had such a great experience with his boots, I decided to bargain hunt there for myself.  I just ordered boots from them, which were cheaper than even auction sites were.  Not only did I have a "coupon" for 20% off, but by registering with the site I also got an extra 10% off.  From now on whenever I use Shoebuy.com I will get that extra 10% off.  Plus there's always free shipping!  — The shipping is really fast.  I received my boots within two days of placing my order.  Some sites take three times that long just to process orders, let alone process, ship and be delivered that quickly. — The site says there is free shipping on returns too.  I was kind of worried about this, in case my boots didn't fit.  I had already tried to boots on at a physical store, before... Fri, 29 Feb 2008 03:30:57 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/shoebuy-com-review-46dc4 Mandigrl 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/ebates-com-review-2d714 I stumbled upon this site years ago and was surprised how easy it was to use and how easy it was to get my rebate money.  Most of the sites I shop online with are listed, and if not there are always great deals at other sites. — Although, this isn't my first choice for a site to get money back for shopping online, it is one of the top three sites I use. — The site is very user friend and extremely easy to navigate. — I know there are a lot of people who haven't really gotten into the online shopping thing yet, I think it might seem kind of overwhelming to some people.  This is a great way to introduce someone to the many choices and advantages to shopping online.  Not only are there many stores to choose from in each category, but the added bonus of getting money back on every purchase is quite an incentive! — Also, receiving your rebate money is simple.  You can choose to either get a check in the mail or get the money through... Fri, 29 Feb 2008 03:05:01 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/ebates-com-review-2d714 Mandigrl 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Betty-Crocker-Hamburger-Helper-Microwave-Singles-review-834c1 Being raised by a single mom made Hamburger Helper a frequent meal at our house when I was growing up.  I can honestly say that I still love the stuff.  When I was on my own and had to cook for company, I would often make Hamburger Helper just because it's so easy to prepare.  Don't need much other than the box and maybe the meat to add to it. — I thought these little Hamburger Helper microwave singles would be perfect for lunches at work or at school.  Everything's provided just need water and a microwave.  How much simpler could it be?  I have to say the first time I opened one of these to prepare I was really put off by the little tiny chunks, of dried ground beef.  Seeing those little dried chunks of meat was actually very UNappetizing to me.  The taste wasn't all that great either.  It could have been because I was already so leery about the whole thing because of the meat. — I have not even thought about eating another one... Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:37:37 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Betty-Crocker-Hamburger-Helper-Microwave-Singles-review-834c1 Mandigrl 2 http://www.viewpoints.com/Lays-Baked-Lays-Potato-Crisps-review-db4e1 When these chips first came out I thought they'd be like every other "diet" food out there and taste like cardboard.  I was very surprised when I accidentally picked these up instead of the regular ones.  I actually prefer the baked ones over the fried ones now. — These baked chips are greasy at all and not as salty as the fried version.  When I eat them I actually feel like I'm eating something good for me, even though I'm really not.  The ingredients are high quality and worth the little bit extra it costs to buy these instead of the fattening version. — The single serve bags are great for portion control too.  The big bags are HUGE so even if you did eat an entire bag of them you wouldn't feel as guilty! — I recommend these to anyone who likes chips or needs a slightly salty snack! —... Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:51:51 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Lays-Baked-Lays-Potato-Crisps-review-db4e1 Mandigrl 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Pillsbury-Toaster-Scrambles-review-71979 I'm not really a breakfast eating kind of person, but love these Toaster Scrambles.  I love the toaster strudels so thought I'd try these.  They taste really good and always come out hot!  I don't like them real done on the outside, so I don't leave them in the toaster too long and everything still gets cooked on the inside.  Sometimes I do feel like I should microwave them real quick to make sure everything gets cooked though, I don't want to be eating raw meat or eggs. — I was pleasantly surprised how quick and easy they were to make.  They're even easier to eat!!  They taste great and are made with quality ingredients.  It would be nice if there were more varieties to choose from though. — These are a great snack, definitely not big enough for a meal unless you eat three or four at a time. —... Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:41:36 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Pillsbury-Toaster-Scrambles-review-71979 Mandigrl 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/bastis-Cat-Tent-review-77951 I bought this cat house/tent for my cat the first time I visited Ikea.  My cat has another tent-like thing she loves to play in.  This thing was so cute I knew my kitty would love it! — The price was great, especially for the great quality.  This same thing in a pet supply store would probably cost twice as much. — My cat is pretty rough on this thing, and it's held up beautifully.  It was easy to put together and even easier to fold up and put away. — The only (small) thing I don't like about this toy is that there is only one entrance/exit.  The other "holes" are covered in a mesh like material.  Sometimes she gets so excited playing in it, she ends up putting all of her weight on the inside read "wall" and the thing tips over.  This usually scares the cat half to death.  But doesn't deter her from playing in it some more. —... Wed, 20 Feb 2008 02:23:19 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/bastis-Cat-Tent-review-77951 Mandigrl 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Cats-Pride-Scoopable-review-04e02 I often get coupons for the kitty litter, so I have to admit I buy it often.  BUT, I mix it with a higher quality scoopable litter. — This litter has a great price, and with coupons the price gets even better.  But this is a perfect example that you get what you pay for.  This litter is so dusty!  It almost makes me cough just pouring it in the litter box.  — Like I said, I mix this litter with a higher quality brand.  That way, I can still save a little money, and make the more expensive litter last a little longer.  I just make sure I don't mix too much of this litter in with the other.  As far as the "scoopability" of this litter, again I think it could be better, but the higher quality litter usually takes care of that. — Sometimes I think my cat is try to dig right through the bottom of the box, and maybe even to China!  So too much dust could cost a dust storm in her litter box. — I recommend using this litter... Wed, 20 Feb 2008 02:15:31 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Cats-Pride-Scoopable-review-04e02 Mandigrl 2