Reviews by Friends of Meredith

RudiXeno says "GE Dimmable Compact Fluorescent Flood Lamp: Not quite there yet" about GE Dimmable Compact Fluorescent Flood Lamp

RudiXeno — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:48:07 GMT

Over the last few years I've converted most of our lamps and lighting fixtures over to Compact Fluorescent Lights. With the exception of a small number of ornamental lights and lights controlled by dimmer switches, the conversion is almost complete. The savings, in terms of our electric bill are both noticeable and impressive. And, of course there is that intangible reward knowing that I'm doing something good for the environment.

So several months ago when I got the opportunity to try convert the few remaining R40 Floodlamps with GE's Dimmable Compact Fluorescent Floods I didn't hesitate.

GE Dimmable Compact Fluorescent Flood Lamp

Theses CFL Floods appear virtually identical to any other and comfortably fit any high-hat meant to accept an R40 bulb. At 1300 lumens, they provide just a bit less light at full brightness than the 100W bulbs they are replacing. They consume just 26W of electricity rather than the normal 90 - 100W of a conventional incandescent flood.

Latency

Like...

...

Meri says "Olivio makes me feel better about my butter addiction." about Olivio Premium Products Olivio Spread

Meri — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:50:21 GMT

If I was keeping a life time-line, 2009 would be the year of the olive oil. This year I have discovered olive oil soap and olive oil moisturizer to go with the butter substitute made from olive oil I've used for over five years now. Olivio was recommended by my Father's doctor and then my Father recommended it to me. The butter substitute is called, Olivio.

Olivio has a rich, buttery flavor that tastes great. You can buy it as a premium spread in a large tub made of light olive oil, a spreadable butter that combines real butter with canola and olive oil to make a healthier butter and a buttery spray that is perfect for diets because you can control the amount you spray.

All of the Olivio products can be frozen so I always make sure I have an extra in the freezer- just in case.

What makes Olivio unique?

all products- no trans fat

premium spread & spray- no cholesterol

spray- has zero calories per serving

spreadable butter- half the saturated fat and 1/3 the cholesterol of butter,
400...

...

this2shallpass19 says "Surprisingly good meatless meal!" about Weight Watchers Smart Ones Broccoli and Cheddar Roasted Potatoes

this2shallpass19 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:53:08 GMT

I normally wouldn't buy a meatless entree, but my best friend said that Weight Watchers Smart Ones Broccoli and Cheddar Roasted Potatoes was really good, so I took her word for it. As it turns out, I can enjoy a meatless dish, but I do wish it had a little more texture.

This meal is very simple; just russet potatoes and broccoli florets covered in a cheddar cheese sauce. I have seen this entree in the freezer section many times, but it looked too plain and simple, so I never bought it. I'm glad I took a chance on it, because I do like it.

Although the cheddar cheese sauce isn't very authentic, it is still good. The potatoes are in small, bite-size pieces and nice & soft, the broccoli is a good addition, but I would like more texture. The potatoes are soft and so is the broccoli, so it would be nice to have some other kind of texture too. I'm not crazy about the processed, chewy meat that is in most frozen entrees, so this meal just might be good enough as is. It is surprisingly...

...

expecting325 says "My Son's favorite "table" toy. " about Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Fun with Friends Musical Table

expecting325 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:32:39 GMT

I recieved the Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Fun with Friends Musical Table as a gift. It was a great present and my son (now 20 months) still plays with it. This activity table can be used with or without the legs. I used it without the legs until my son was able to stand or was attempting to stand on his own. Then once he was stable i attatched the legs. There are a few different stations on the table. I love the spanish talk that the table provides to allow my child to learn another language.

...

PattyTherre says "Nine tasty soda flavored lip balm tins to keep or share!" about Schweppes Gold Medal Lip Balm Gift Set

PattyTherre — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:22:55 GMT

Quick View: This gift set of ten soda flavored lip balms is tasty, hydrating, and fun. Keep some and give some away or keep them all! I got a great deal on these at HSN.com. They were on sale for just $10.00 a set. They're incredibly tasty in flavors i remember as a kid.

My Take on Schweppes Gold Medal Lip Balm Gift Set

This set comes boxed and has nine separate time of old school Swhweppes soda flavors. The balms are tinted in the tins but have very little color on the lips. Although they have a novelty look to them, they contain good ingredients like organic extra virgin olive oil, organic coconut oil, cocoa butter, beeswax, rosemary and Vitamin E. And boy do they taste great!

You get the following:

# .35 oz. Schweppes' Cider SPF 15 Sunscreen Lip Balm.
# .35 oz. Schweppes' Dry Grape Ginger Ale SPF 15 Sunscreen Lip Balm.
# .35 oz. Schweppes' Raspberry Ginger Ale SPF 15 Sunscreen Lip Balm.
# .35 oz. Schweppes' Black Cherry Seltzer SPF 15 Sunscreen Lip Balm.
# .35 oz. Schweppes' Sarsaparilla...

...

KARichards46 says "Cheap computer with bad Customer Service" about eMachines Customer Service desktop computer

KARichards46 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:40:16 GMT

When I purchased my eMachines in 2005, never did expect that I would receive such horrible Customer Service when I needed their help. On Wednesday November 18th I was in diar need of a new recovery disc from eMachines because I could not find the one that came with the computer and had had my WindowsXP fryed by a spyware program that I received from Coupons.com. When My computer tech and I contacted eMachines to purchase another recover disc, we were basicly told we were S.O.L. and they would not help us. My machine is a T3418, it is only 4 years old, there should a dics available, the arrogance that we received from eMachines was totally uncalled for. EMachines may be cheap, but with that cheapness comes zero customer service...Beware!

...

Susie-34668 says "On-Cor Lasagna doesn't look anything like the box" about On-Cor Family Size Lasagna

Susie-34668 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:03:23 GMT

Having got back from vacation today, I needed something quick for dinner, tonight. I normally purchase Wal-Mart's own make Lasagna, and it is really good. They didn't have it last time, so I picked up the On-Cor Lasagna with meat sauce, in the family size.

The box looks really enticing, with lots of cheese on the top, and plenty of meat coming out of the layers of pasta.

I put the 28 ounce (1 lb. 12 ounce) size lasagna in the microwave, after taking it out of the box. I had it on high for 10 minutes, as per the directions. I then took the film off and cooked it for a further 7 minutes. I let it stand for 2 minutes.

The top looked dry, and when I cut into the lasagna, only a small amount of sauce came out of the side. I put it on our plates and it looked sad.

The worst thing was when I went to eat it. I had to really chew the lasagna. It tasted bland and just lacked about everything.

We ate it because we were hungry, and I was too tired to actually cook for once. This is...

...

Caprig says "Like A Commercial For A Bad DJ" about Barbie and the Three Musketeers

Caprig — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:43:24 GMT

My daughter was SO excited to finally have a chance to see the BARBIE AND THE THREE MUSKETEERS, having been a fan of the original story. She has enjoyed most of the Barbie movies and I have even found some of them to be entertaining and rich.

This time, however, I have to say that next to the Christmas Carol which was one of the WORST BARBIE Movies I have ever seen, BARBIE AND THE THREE MUSKETEERS was substandard. The movie was poorly scripted and dumbed down in contrast to the higher level of entertainment value of previous Barbie movies such as the Dancing Princesses, or the Swan Lake movies.

My daughter, who is 10, likes the movie because of the colors, action, and the storyline, but she is annoyed at the inconsistent music and the cheesy lines that are really outlandish and lack substance.

I have to say that I am not enjoying this movie- and I gave it two chances. The music goes from traditional classical style music from adventure movies to really lousy modern music that brings...

...

this2shallpass19 says "A really nice soy candle that burns for FOREVER!" about Archipelago Lemon Eucalyptus Soy Candle

this2shallpass19 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:38:05 GMT

There are a couple things that I have an addiction to and candles are definitely one of those things. I love having a selection of candles to choose from when one burns out, so I always have a whole bunch in my "candle cupboard". Archipelago Lemon Eucalyptus Soy Candle was my most recent selection from my candle cupboard. It seemed like it would be great because it smelled really good in the jar and is made of soy wax, but I wish it smelled a little stronger while burning.

I don't normally like botanical fragrances like eucalyptus, but the combination of that with lemon is very refreshing. For some reason, I also pick up a slight cinnamon note too, but it seems to work out perfectly. What I like about this candle is that it is made with 70% natural soy wax, which burns longer and cleaner than traditional paraffin wax. This candle has an approximate burn time of 50 hours and I do have to say that it really does burn well. I have burned it for hours and hours and it burns...

...

TheBard says "You'll Never Need Another Mathematic/Scientific Calculator" about Texas Instruments - TI83

TheBard — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:04:36 GMT

Bottom-Line: The Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator is probably the last calculator you will purchase in your academic career, it is just that powerful.

Texas Instruments released the first TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator, and upgrade of the TI-82, in 1996, and it has gone to be one of the most widely used graphing calculators for students across a broad range of educational levels. In addition to the functions found on normal scientific calculators the TI-83 Plus includes graphing, polar/parametric/sequence graphing modes, statistics, trigonometric, calculus (the Plus) and algebraic functions. Texas Instruments released the TI-83 Plus in 1999 as a replacement for the normally aspired TI-83. The TI-83 Plus also ships with flash memory, which would enable the devices’ OS to be updated as needed.

Powered by (4) AAA-sized batteries (plus 1 CR-1616 or CR 1620 lithium battery for backup), the TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator is large unit ideal for advanced mathematics students...

...

Caprig says "What To Do When Your Laundry Pile Becomes A Toilet" about OdoBan Concentrate

Caprig — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:14:15 GMT

We have this cat.

Well, rather, there is this cat that owns us.

You see, the neighborhood cat that our little daughter used to hang around with when she was little was killed by coyotes. Since that day, she has prayed for another kitty. Since we really could not accomodate an indoor cat, every night our little girl would pray for God to bring a kitty to us-the perfect kitty. My husband would tell her that when the time was right, God would bring the right kitty to our door.

Apparently July of 2009 was the right time.

Tom showed up at our door completely terrified and starving. He would not come near any of us, but would run away shaking terribly and we did not know if he would ever come out of it. After a few weeks of patient attempts, Tom decided that he would adopt us as his family.

Because he is an outdoor cat, he apparently has never used a litter box. At night when it is cold, he hates to go outside to go potty, so when we brought in a nice perfect litter box, Tom decided...

...

Jo says "Herbalife 21-Day Herbal Program didn't leave me Cleansed" about Herbalife 21-Day Herbal Cleansing Program

Jo — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:15:54 GMT

I am buying into the Herbalife life while doing a 12-week weight loss program. They are the sponsors. I bought the Tea and like it a lot.

Another product I bought is the Herbalife 21-Day Herbal Cleansing Program. This is not the first cleanse I have done. I guess in general they don't work all that well for me.

What is Herbalife 21-Day Herbal Cleansing Program

For about $27.00 I got two bottles. One is for the morning and one is for the evening. The products are herbal blends which I like rather than a bunch of chemicals. The morning formula is called the Replenishing Formula and the evening one is called the Cleansing Formula. Herbalife 21-Day Herbal Cleansing Program is called "An internal cleansing system for digestive health."

According to the box the benefits are to helps the body eliminate toxins; to improve nutrient absorption, and it may support weight management. Of course none of these statements nor the product is monitored by the FDA.

I do believe that cleaning out my digestive...

...

jasyjen says "An inspiring book, but difficult to read for many reasons" about Precious

jasyjen — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:48:03 GMT

The novel, Precious, was originally released titled, "Push" in 1996. It was renamed Precious, I think, because it was made into a movie that has yet to be released. I learned about the book Precious from Oprah Winfrey, who recommends the book.

NO SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW:

Precious is an illiterate girl who has been sexually abused by her father, physically abused by her mother, and is pregnant with her second child from her father. For many reasons, the book Precious is difficult to read. There is graphic descriptions of the abuse that Precious suffers at the hands of both her parents, which is difficult in itself. When Precious gives birth to her first child, it is born with many birth defects and is quickly taken away from her. Pregnant with her second child at twelve years old, Precious is confused and concerned about her unborn child's health and wellness, and how she will care for it once it is born.

The book Precious is written AS Precious herself speaks. Her language...

...

TheBard says "Most Costly Than Others, But It Brings The Goods" about Kaspersky Kaspersky Internet Security 2010

TheBard — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:31:25 GMT

Bottom-Line: Overall, Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 is more than adequate for both power users and those users who take a more set-it-and-forget it approach to their computer’s security.

Even if the antivirus program cannot clean the infected file, most can at least isolate it and keep from doing harm the rest of the computer system. One of the antivirus programs I trust is Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 a program I recently downloaded and installed on a laptop running Windows 7 Enterprise Edition.

Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 supports Windows 7 (32/64-Bit), Windows Vista (32/64-bit), and Windows XP Home Edition (SP2).

The 411

Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 ships with all the usual suite of protections found in most of its competitors with the exception of a data backup utility. That means you’ll antivirus protection for files, web browsing, e-mail, applications and various processes.

And of course Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 include auto-protect and e-mail...

...

jasyjen says "Better than any travel mug I have ever owned" about Chinet Comfort Cups

jasyjen — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:26:22 GMT

It seems that I am always on the go, running the kids somewhere that they need to be. Between football practice, baseball practice, school event, work, and everything in between, there is always somewhere that I need to be. As a coffee lover, I have tried several different types of travel mugs so that I can enjoy my coffee on the go. No matter how much I spend, or what type of brand I buy, travel mugs always leak and drip coffee on my clothing! It frustrates me to no end.

On a recent trip to Walgreens, I saw Chinet Comfort Cups on sale. I liked the fact that they came with lids and a chique' pattern that looked like something you'd see from your corner coffee shop. The cups came 10 to a pack, with lids, for a price of right around $ 3.00.

As soon as I tried the Chinet Comfort Cups, I began telling everyone I know about how great they are. These things are better than ANY travel mug I have ever owned! They don't leak, they keep my coffee nice and warm, and they look nice...

...

cydneyanddanny says "It can work if you follow the dietary guidlines." about Alli Fat Burner Diet Pills

cydneyanddanny — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:35:35 GMT

I tried alli and I have to say that if you follow the dietary guidelines it can help you lose some weight. If you don't follow the guidelines, then I have had people tell me it gives you horrible side effects (meaning a lot of diarhea); but I never had that problem. I think the best thing about alli is that by eating within the guidelines it is really retraining your body to eat properly. That is eating a lot of vegetables and very little oils. It is a lesson that anyone wishing to lose weight needs to learn. Another thing about alli, is that it is not a quick fix. It takes time to lose the weight. That is a good thing, since too much weight lost too quickly almost inevetably gets put back on just as quickly and usually more weight is gained. The biggest drawback that I see to alli is that it is not something the manufactuers intend for you to ever stop needing to take. While they provide counseling and internet interaction, which is all great, there is never a goal that...

...

PattyTherre says "A VERY sweet soap that doesn't strip my hands like the others." about Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap, Winter Candy Apple

PattyTherre — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:46:55 GMT

Quick View: I like Bath & Body Works' hand soaps and I recently bought nine different scents and types (I had a great coupon!). One that I bought was Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap, Winter Candy Apple. Normally I'm not a fan of the deep cleansing soaps and go for the moisturizing ones but I didn't see this scent in the moisturizing hand soap area so I bought the deep cleansing one. It is VERY sweet but doesn't seem to dry my hands out like the other deep cleansing soaps from BBW.

My Take on Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap, Winter Candy Apple

I never smelled this scent but I knew candy apples are very sweet. I guess the name intrigued me. Winter Candy Apple. Is there a difference between summer and winter candy apples? I had to know so I bought the hand soap.

When I first tried this eight ounce pump soap, I was overwhelmed with the sweet candy scent. I smelled no apple at all, just the candy coating that the apples are dipped into. It...

...

darlyn63 says "This is one small place, tiny bathrooms. Real tiny." about Red Roof Inn - Rockford, IL

darlyn63 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:13:56 GMT

When we were house hunting, my husbands company the first time set us up at a really nice Hotel. The second trip, well lets just say you had to move a certain way once you were going into the bathroom, just to close the door. It was so tiny, I honestly don't know how a bigger person could of gotten in there, the size of the bathroom. Maybe Alice in Wonderland designed it. And she didn't live there anymore.

Actually in and out of the bathroom, never seen such a tiny space. I don't mind saving a buck or two, but his company went from one extreme to the other. Kind of felt sucked in after the first trip when we said o.k. we'll move. Seemed like a nice area, it was just this Red Roof was a real disappointment. The rooms were so tiny, I just couldn't get over the bathroom situation, and from what I recall the water pressure wasn't much better. I've been to a Red Roof Inn before but not like that one on State St. in Rockford. IL.

I just found it hard to believe the company set us up...

...

stef42678 says "Great Sequel and Great Characters" about New Moon

stef42678 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:10:08 GMT

I am a huge fan of the Twilight series of novels by Stephenie Meyer, so I couldn't wait to check out the new movie sequel New Moon. My first reactions to this sequel of the Twilight saga was amazing! I absolutely loved the plot, the characters and the scenery was fantastic. I had previously read all four of the novels in the series so I was anxious to find out if this movie followed along with the novel, and it followed it to a tee. There was only one scene that went off on a new tangent, but it was done well and fit the movie. I really loved the characters of Edward, Bella and Jacob in this movie and the Volturi characters were displayed just as I had pictured them in the novel. Edward seems to take a secondary role in this movie to the mysterious Jacob, but there is still a lot of romance and tension between the characters of Bella and Edward. As Edward leaves the area to save Bella from the world of Vampires, Bella spirals into a depression only to be saved by her friend...

...

stef42678 says "Adds Life to Hair" about Dove Intense Damage Therapy Shampoo for Accumulated Damage

stef42678 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:00:26 GMT

I work outside all day so am prone to weather conditions of strong heat and winds, so my hair suffers a lot of damage. I am also in and out of the pool a lot so the chlorine can make my hair dry, so this is a great therapy for my hair. I love the Dove Intense Damage Therapy Shampoo for Accumulated Damage because not only is it a high quality shampoo at a low price, but it always improves the condition of my hair. I found this Dove shampoo for four dollars and it is so easy to use and like first aid for your hair. The shampoo has a soft, and fresh scent that is long lasting and it really works on my dry and damaged ends. It adds a lot of moisture to my hair and seems to make each lock a little stronger and takes away those ugly split ends. The shampoo pumps out easy of the bottle and forms a strong lather that rinses out easily leaving clean and fresh hair. My hair gets a little shine and feels fuller, and healthier everytime.

...