Reviews by Friends of Matt

TunefulGal says "Here's a great mattress for platform beds! Newer models now in." about Ikea Sultan Forsbacka

TunefulGal — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:34:04 GMT

Go to Ikea and lie down on a Sultan. Take 90 days and try one at home. Ikea will exchange it if you don't like it.

The favorites at our house are the latex and latex/foam models we bought several years ago. Mine is a single Forsbacka, placed on a box spring. My husband Pal's is a queen size set on a platform bed. Both have very sturdy covers which you can clean with upholstery shampoo. They also come with handles for turning them around or flipping them over. Best to invite a couple of muscle men over to help though. Foam/latex mattresses weigh a ton!

I think Pal has the best deal. His Sultan Mattress rests on the platform and supports, supports, supports his often-tired back. My Sultan on the box spring has taken a few dips since I usually cozy up in one position. That said, I'm glad it's my single-bed size that needs the occasional turn-around or flip. But I continue to look for a platform bed I like.

The latest Sultan foam and latex mattresses have removeable...

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TunefulGal says "Surprise a guy with one of these Classy, Sassy Beau Ties! " about Beau Ties Ltd. of Vermont Tremendous variety of bow ties & other neckwear.

TunefulGal — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:18:48 GMT

DOES YOUR DOCTOR WEAR A BOW TIE?

Medical experts recommend them since regular ties are highly likely to be contaminated by and further spread germs. Many pediatricians already wear them so they won't be strangled by their little patients.

So... if you have a favorite male medico, you might try one of the great Beau Ties from www.beautiesLtd.com. My favorite is the abstract (but not unrecognizeable) stethoscope design found under Career Bow Ties. Come to think of it, this tie would look cute on a gal, too.

YOUR NAME IT, THEY'VE GOT IT -- in the hundreds!

You'll find other special interest bow ties in categories including Animals & Pets, Birds & Insects, Boating & Nautical, Great Outdoors, Scholarly, Party (check out the Pink Martini), Music, and Military. Since music is my specialty, I'm fond of the Chopin tie and, yes, the music on it is really Chopin (the "Military" Polonaise, in fact). Need directions? Read the How to Tie One On instructions. Or see the head photo on this...

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Katrena says "I Feel LIke I Got Hosed at Lowe's With 12 Hour Green Snap Light" about Snap Light 12 Hour Green Glow Stick

Katrena — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:14:36 GMT

I purchased this Snap Light 12 Hour Green Glow Stick at Lowe's just before Halloween for $2. It is a green colored glow stick that is packaged separately. Take it out of the package and snap it like you would try to break a stick. This allows the chemicals to mix and produce a green glow. We thought glowing magic wands would work really well with our Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather costumes. In case you haven't heard, they are the three fairies in Sleeping Beauty.

What I like about Snap Light Glow Stick:

It's convenient.
It produces a pretty cool green glow.
It does last for a pretty long while.
It was easy to attach to the wands with a rubber band.
The package says it is safe, non-toxic & non-flammable, but we didn't decide to drink it or place it over a flame to test those claims.
My kids had a blast with them!

What I don't like about Snap Light Glow Stick:

I feel like I got hosed at Lowe's. This thing cost $2. It only lasts for 12 hours. Wal-Mart had another brand in packs of 10 for $4,...

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PattyTherre says "I look like I have rabies when I use this. TOO much foam for me!" about Aquafresh Iso-Active Toothpaste

PattyTherre — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:37:27 GMT

Quick View: I received a full sized container of Aquafresh Iso-Active Toothpaste in the Fresh Impact flavor from a program called "She Speaks". It was not sent for me to review, just to use. They send lots of free stuff. I thought I would like this new toothpaste but I don't. It's messy and the dispenser is tough to use. Plus it's pricey and I don't see any difference in the whiteness of my teeth from when I use Sensodyne PRONAMEL Anti-Cavity Fluoride Toothpaste or Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste and they help my sensitive teeth as well as cleaning and whitening my teeth.

My Take on Aquafresh Iso-Active Toothpaste

This toothpaste comes in an plastic standing tube with a big plastic push down top. The top is tough to manipulate and, when the paste comes out, it's hard to meter how much comes out of the tube. Sometimes a little releases, sometimes a lot. Also, I can't see through the packaging to see how much toothpaste I have left and that bugs me. The dispenser also gets foamy and...

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PattyTherre says "Not enough hydration, weird tint, and wears off too fast!" about Blistex Lip Tone

PattyTherre — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:34:54 GMT

Quick View: i have a load of lip balms but always pick up more. I have dry, often times chapped lips so I need a good balm that heals as well as protects. I don't feel Blistex Lip Tone heals at all and it is so thin that it only lasts minutes on my lips. And the tint? Weird!

My Take on Blistex Lip Tone

This balm comes in a Chapstick-like tube and has a brownish tint to it. I think it is supposed to be lip color but my lips are very pink so the tint makes them look brownish. I don't like or need tint in my balms and didn't realize I was buying a tinted balm when I bought this one.

Moving past the color issues, this balm does have SPF 15 in it and the only active ingredients in are sunscreens. It's a nice plus as our lips can and do burn in the sun - summer or winter.

The balm is very thin and somewhat sweet. It smooths on fine but, if I don't look in a mirror when applying, I get that weird tint on the skin around my lips and I look like a kid who has playing in her mother's makeup kit.

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TheBard says "Love The Rise, the Price,and the Taste" about Krusteaz Honey Cornbread & Muffin Mix

TheBard — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:48:11 GMT

Nothing goes better with BBQ ribs and baked beans than freshly baked cornbread coated in rich, creamy butter. I sometimes make my own from scratch, sometimes whip up some Jiffy, but I recently discovered the 15oz. box of Krusteaz Honey Cornbread & Muffin Mix made with real honey.

My Viewpoint

The flavor of Krusteaz Honey Cornbread is not surprisingly, tasty. The honey flavor (honey powder is listed as an ingredient) is mild and not overpowering. The cornbread's texture is moist, not dry like cheaper brands, and almost cake-like. Of course I added my own ingredients to the mix: a teaspoon of nutmeg, and a hint of allspice.

Krusteaz Honey Cornbread is a simple cornbread mix making it easy to prepare. To make the basic recipe, add to the mix is 2/3 cups of milk, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 Lg. egg. On the side and back of the box are two more recipes to spice up the cornbread and turn the mix into a full meal; Bacon & Cheddar Mini Corn Loaves anyone?

I highly recommend...

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njchicaa says "Mmmm! I love Wick It Good's Sea Glass candles!" about WickIt Good Sea Glass Candle

njchicaa — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:23:27 GMT

As a huge fan of candles, I always come back to a local candle shop, Wick It Good Candles, and their various scents and sizes. I did some Christmas shopping there last week, but also bought a few goodies for myself as I hadn't been there in awhile. I'm so happy that I bought myself one of their Sea Glass scented candles.

If you ask me, WickIt Good Candles Sea Glass fragrance smells like sweet and warm loveliness that just makes me smile every time it hits my nose. According to the company description, though, it is a blend of honeydew, watermelon, and mango. These candles contain 10% fragrance oil (rather than the 4-6% that the major national brands contain) and are very strongly-scented. I love the fact that I can light a WickIt Good Candle and then have a room full of lovely fragrance within 5 or 10 minutes. My most favorite thing about these candles, though, is the fact that they burn so cleanly without ever producing black soot or smoke.

You can buy Sea Glass Candles in...

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this2shallpass19 says "Cheesy Chive Warm Dip Mix is bursting with cheese flavor!" about Tastefully Simple Cheesy Chive Warm Dip Mix

this2shallpass19 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:09:21 GMT

Tastefully Simple Cheesy Chive Warm Dip Mix is one of the many dips that Tastefully Simple offers, but only a couple of those dips are "Warm Dips". Which means you heat them in the microwave and serve them warm.

Warm the Oven Warm Dip Mix used to be my favorite Warm Dip, but Cheesy Chive is quickly taking first place. I love it because it is so easy to make and because it is delicious! It has a great, creamy cheese flavor with a hint of mild chive in the background.

To make this dip, simply add the dip mix to 8 ounces of cream cheese and a couple tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese. Heat in the microwave until hot. When you take Tastefully Simple Cheesy Chive Warm Dip Mix out of the microwave, it will be all melted and gooey! It has to be hot though, if you serve it at room temperature, you don't get the wonderful flavors of cheese and chives as strongly.

When I make this dip, I like to serve it with tortilla chips, but I look forward to trying it how a customer of mine...

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njchicaa says "This Logitech Wireless Mouse is inexpensive and easy to install." about Logitech 910-000558 V220 Cordless Notebook Mouse - Brown

njchicaa — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:50:14 GMT

When the touchpad on my laptop died last week, it took me awhile to even try to figure out if I was dealing with a virus, a software issue, or busted hardware. This morning my husband brought me the Logitech Wireless Mouse that he uses with his work laptop, and, well, now that I'm able to use this thing again, let's just say that trying to troubleshoot the issue is no longer a priority.

He simply put the mouse down on top of my closed laptop and walked away. There were no instructions, suggestions, or advice given to me. He just passed this Logitech Cordless Mouse off to me and then headed off to work. I'm no computer expert, but I was able to figure out how to remove the little USB port from the bottom, pop it into the laptop, and then get this Wireless Mouse working within like 3 minutes. Seriously, this is Wireless and Cordless Mice for Dummies. If I can do it, anyone can!

At only about $30 for this Logitech Wireless Mouse, you really can't go wrong with it. It is cheap,...

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busycharles says "Great fun for the whole family!" about Disney Scene It? The DVD Game

busycharles — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:44:54 GMT

It was alot of fun playing this game with the kids and because the game is not just for the young kids, adults can play and be challenged just as much as the kids are! Some of the movie questions are about movies I've not seen in ages! If you happen to get a questioned that was already asked then you can just click the next button and it gives you a new questions so that your almost guaranteed to not get bored with the game. You get to watch video clips and are asked things like what was in the picture or who played this person, etc... It seems like you could play it forever! There is a board that you can open all the way to play a long game or keep it folded up for a shorter game. Since I have a real young one we often times like to just answer the questions on there and not even bother with the board part.

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busycharles says "Still bright after several washings!" about JCPenney Bed in a Bag

busycharles — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:30:38 GMT

For my 4yr old daughters birthday I got her a Bed in a bag from JCPenneys. It was a complete bedding set for a very reasonable price. The colors are very bright and after several washings (due to a few night time accidents) the colors are still true!

It came with a comforter that reverses from print to solid, 2 pillow shams (because she has a full size bed), coordinating 200 thread-count sheet set with fitted sheet, flat sheet, and 2 matching pillowcases, and a bedskirt with 14" drop that fits footboard and coordinates with both sides of comforter! It was everything I was looking for and so much more!

It's not super soft but it is comfortable, and seems to be getting better with each wash! It has matching curtains and accent pillows that you can add to make the room complete.

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dmlichnerowicz says "Keeps track for you while you're waiting for your BFP!" about Countdown to Pregnancy

dmlichnerowicz — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:24:03 GMT

My husband and I are trying to start a family, and I have been using Countdown to Pregnancy for about the last year. A free website, Countdown to Pregnancy offers a variety of resources that can be accessed by anyone who visits the site. By setting up a free membership, you can get your own personal profile page and track each cycle and symptoms. More on the tracking in a moment...some of the main items on the site include:

Pregnancy test statistics
Most common symptoms
Success stories
General information about fertility aids and pregnancy symptoms
Ovulation and Due Date calculators

The section I have utilized the most is the Symptom Tracker. For each cycle, you track any symptoms you experience on a daily basis that are out of the norm. The site gives a list of over 65 symptoms that are commonly experienced during pregnancy...some you might not even think of! Who would have thought a stuffy nose was common during early pregnancy? The great thing about tracking is that even...

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busycharles says "Super soft and comfortable!" about Essential Jersey Sheet Sets

busycharles — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:02:36 GMT

I bought this sheet set for my daughter then had to go out and get a set for me too! They are like flannel sheets but a bit thinner. They don't get the pile that flannel sheets get so that's a plus!

If you have a favorite Jersey shirt then you will love the sheets. They are just so soft and comfortable. They are warm enough to compare to flannel sheets in the winter yet light weight enough for you to use them in the summer and feel comfortable too!

Jersey Sheets come in lots of colors so you are almost guaranteed to make a match to your style and they fit the deep pocketed beds!

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njchicaa says "Trader Joe's Chunky Beef Dinner is quite the bargain!" about Trader Joe's Chunky Beef Dinner Canned Dog Food

njchicaa — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:52:01 GMT

While making the semi-annual trip to Trader Joe's last week, I decided to pick up several cans of their dog food because the foster pups and their momma seemed to be bored with the dry kibble that I've been feeding them. Included in my cart were a few cans of Trader Joe's Chunky Beef Dinner.

I'm not rich by any means, but I do go out of my way and spend the extra money to buy pet foods that don't contain mystery meat, by-products, corn, gluten, etc. This Trader Joe's Chunky Beef Dinner Canned Dog Food fits the bill as the main ingredients include beef, chicken, textured soy protein, animal liver, and a bunch of vitamin/mineral supplements. Aside from the good-quality ingredients, I also love the fact that a giant 22 ounce can of this Chunky Beef Dinner costs only $1.09. A can of a lower-quality food like IAMS or Science Diet costs the same, but it contains by-products *and* the can contains only 12 or 16 ounces.

Most importantly, the foster puppies and their momma absolutely love...

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busycharles says "If you like sleeping on an air mattress then you'll love this!" about Select Comfort Sleep Number Bed 5000

busycharles — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:51:35 GMT

My husband and I have different ideas on what a comfortable bed should be. Personally I love my old mattress, it's firm with a pillow top. He prefers something softer. So we figured the sleep number bed would be great for us...WRONG!!!!

The best way to describe what it's like and even give you a chance to try it out for much less is to sleep on an air mattress (you know, the ones you sleep on while camping!) the more you spend the more padding you get to put on top of the air mattress so to test this out add lots of foam and fluffy blankets to see if it helps. However when we first called in to complain about the feel of the bed they told us to put the foam padding UNDER the air pads!!!! OK, we did and it did NOT help. Sure when your trying it out in the store your on the best product they have and there is someone there telling you that "This is your number!" Our numbers were not comfortable in our own home!

Also, the machine pumps air in the bed all night long to keep it at your number...I...

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busycharles says "For a small box this thing sure warms the house!" about Edenpure gen3 1000

busycharles — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:34:44 GMT

The furnace went out last winter while my husband was away on a business trip. I didn't notice it until 2am when it was too late to call anyone. I turned on the EdenPure heater on the main floor (where the temp at 2am was 60 degrees) and by 8am, when I got up, it was 70 degrees in the house! I was so surprised in the morning by how comfortable it was in the house. Normally we use it along with the furnace so that the furnace won't have to run as much, I never really paid much attention to how much the EdenPure does to keep the house warm VS the furnace!

After that we are even more pleased with our purchase. Yes they can be spendy but they are worth it!

They don't get hot to the touch so pets and kids can touch the thing and not get burnt!

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dmlichnerowicz says "Deep, rich, and luxurious scent for the holidays" about Bath and Body Works Midnight Pomegranate Triple Moisture Body Cream

dmlichnerowicz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:26:11 GMT

At the top of my Bath and Body Works favorites list is Bath and Body Works Midnight Pomegranate Triple Moisturing Body Cream. This highly scented, rich and creamy body cream provides long-lasting moisture, especially for dry winter skin. The key fragrance notes include red pomegranate, anise, patchouli, blackberry, and cassis...spice, berries, and earthy tones blend into a luxurious and sensual fragrance that is perfect for the winter season!

I love the body cream...it's much thicker than body lotion and comes out of the tube as thick as toothpaste. I have severely dry skin in the winter, so this lotion keeps me from itching and flaking from the time I put it on after my morning shower until the next time I bathe. The price is extremely reasonable. One tube typically lasts me through most of the season, although I do alternate with other lotions if I'll be wearing perfume during the day.

The only drawback to this product is that once you get down to the last of the cream, it's...

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busycharles says "Keep warm in the winter even when the furnace is out!" about Sunbeam Sunbeam Imperial Haven Matress Pad

busycharles — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:24:50 GMT

My feet are always cold and I generally like it warmer in the house than my husband does so at least at night I can be super warm with my controller set to about 5 and my husband can be comfortable and have his set on Lo. It's like the Sleep Number Bed...only better if you ask me!

Just last winter the heated mattress pad was a life saver, the furnace went out while my husband was on a business trip. I didn't notice it until 2am! I couldn't call anyone and I had no clue how to relight the pilot light. Luckily I had this lovely heated mattress pad to keep me warm in bed and as for the rest of the house...we have an EdenPure Heater that worked great too!

You can feel the box at the end only if your feet seem to rest in the middle of the bed, and you can feel the warming wires with your hands if you are trying to. Otherwise all you feel if the great warmth that it provides!!

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dmlichnerowicz says "Delish...and I don't normally like vanilla!" about Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Body Lotion

dmlichnerowicz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:58:39 GMT

I normally don't like the scent of vanilla unless it's in food. Unfortunately, my staff members didn't know this and purchased a Bath and Body Works gift set for me...Warm Vanilla Sugar. My first thought was that it was going to nauseate me and I'd have to fake a smile while thanking them then return it later. Boy, was I wrong!

Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Body Lotion is a creamy, smooth, cozy-smelling lotion that soaks right into my skin. While it smells like vanilla, it's a very deep aroma, not the shallow sweet vanilla that is in many other products. I feel just like I've stepped into a cashmere sweater in my grandma's kitchen when I use this lotion!

Like their other lotions, this one is relatively inexpensive...usually around $10.50. There is a whole line of the same scent, from bath gel to conditioner to antibacterial hand gel. While I only have the lotion, so I'm not layering the products, every time I use it, I get compliments and questions about what I have...

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njchicaa says "A nice shower gel that smells like ginger ale. I don't get it." about Philosophy The Gingerbread Man

njchicaa — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:43:39 GMT

When I placed my last Sephora order, I decided to treat myself and buy a couple of new shower gels, including The Gingerbread Man. With the Christmas season approaching, I thought it would be fun to use a gingerbread-scented bath product. Unfortunately, I didn't really get what I was expecting.

philosophy The Gingerbread Man is one of the company's combination products that can be used as shower gel, and/or bubble bath. Because the name of this stuff is The Gingerbread Man, I expected it to smell like, well, gingerbread! Instead, for some bizarre reason, philosophy has given this product a ginger ale fragrance. I honestly don't understand the presto-change-o scent switch-up.

A little goes a long way with this stuff so at $16 per 16 fluid ounce bottle lasts for a very long time which makes the price easier to handle. The Gingerbread Man produces lots of bubbles and lather which makes it an excellent shower gel and bubble bath. philosophy used to sell this kind of product...

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