Reviews by Meri

Meri says "Great for scrapbooking and genealogy projects..." about Canon CanoScan CS8800F Flatbed Scanner

Meri — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:26:26 GMT

When my old scanner bit the dust I started researching scanners for a replacement. I mainly use the scanner to digitize pictures, old records and make copies of important papers I want to save. I was wanting to scan a bunch of old slides that my husband had taken forty years ago and turn them into a book of memories for him. I decided on the Canon CanoScan 8800F.

Functions-

The scanner uses high-luminance white lamps to make scans of color film, negatives, and text papers.

The scanner has the ability to batch-scan up to [4]slides or [12] 35mm frames at a time.

The scanner can digitally remove dust, scratches, and other imperfections from old photographs with the software included.

The scanner can scan, copy, create emails and multi-paged PDFs.

Features-

Maximum resolutions: Optical: 4800 x 9600 dpi; interpolated: 19,200 x 19,200 dpi
Scanning mode: Color: 48-bit internal / 48-bit external (selectable in driver); grayscale: 48-bit internal / 8-bit external
Maximum...

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Meri says "Every Needy Nose needs Puffs..." about Puffs Plus Lotion

Meri — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:33:12 GMT

Tissues are a basic necessity for anyone with the flu, seasonal allergies or a cold. "Blow and Throw" is the reason why. After one blow into the tissue you simply throw the germs away. Many tissues are hard on the nose though. What, with all of the sneezing, blowing and wiping a nose can become red, chaffed and dry.

Puffs with lotion tissues are easy on the nose. Because they are layered with moisturizes they help combat the red, chafed nose syndrome. Included in the lotion is aloe to soothe, chamomile and vitamin E to heal as well as a touch of shea butter to comfort even the worst nasal drips. The tissues are strong yet have a soft, inviting feel to them unlike some of their sandpaper competitors. I feel as good about offering a Puffs to my grandchild as I do to my husband.

I keep several boxes of Puffs with lotion on hand all the time because you never know when a nose is going to need a tissue. I have a box in each bathroom and one in the family room. I can usually find a box design...

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Meri says "even adults like yummy gummies..." about VitaFusion Calcium 500 mg Gummy Vitamins for Adults

Meri — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:40:00 GMT

A few years ago my bone density test showed a disparity between the two sites tested. After going to see an Osteoporosis specialist I was told that I was osteopenic. My doctor prescribed Evista and instructed me to take daily supplements of calcium and vitamin D. She explained that the vitamin D helps the body absorb the calcium so they needed to be taken together. Little did she know that I HATE taking medicine, including vitamins. I vowed to turn over a new leaf and purchased a bottle of calcium and a bottle of vitamin D. I took them whenever I thought about it- which wasn't very often.

Later, I found Vitafusion Gummy Calcium with Vitamin D-3 and decided to give it a go. I am so glad that I did! They taste great and easy to take. It is almost like popping a couple of candies into my mouth. In fact, the ingredients are similar to candy. The first two ingredients are glucose syrup and sucrose so they aren't for everyone.

The gummy calcium bites are swirled with fruit flavors and covered...

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Meri says "turns dry and cracked into soft and sensuous..." about Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Creme

Meri — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:29:11 GMT

This is one of my favorite winter products. Years ago I had the world's worst dry, cracked heels. The cracks were so deep you could have driven a SmartCar through them. I was embarrassed to take off my socks. Then, I discovered Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Creme. It took a few weeks of using the product faithfully for my heels to transform themselves into soft and supple but it did happen. I have, over the years, found that if I start using it two or three times a week when socks weather arrives that I can avoid the dry, chapped heels of winters past.

How to Use:

Liberally slather on the product and cover with socks to prevent any greasy spots on the floor. If you have a bad case of dry, chapped feet use it every morning and night until the condition improves.

The name is confusing. It is NOT a creme. It is an emollient; petroleum based product with the sweet smell of the Islands.

Ingredients:

glycerin, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, avena sativa (oat) kernel protein, lanolin, cocos nucifera...

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Meri says "Mysterious product leaves skin feeling soft and silky..." about Professional SilkWorks

Meri — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:05:21 GMT

I acquired a bottle of Professional SilkWorks on a recent trip to Florida. I was complaining about my dry skin and my Mother gave me the bottle and said, "Try this." I did and I could immediately feel the difference. I don't know how the product works [that is what makes it mysterious]. I only know it does. After using it for about a week I read the container and was surprised to find that it is a hair product. The product's description states,

"SilkWorks was developed to meet the special needs of dry, damaged chemically abused hair. Concentrated silk amino acids, organic extracts and vitamin E impart a smooth and silky feel, high gloss shine without weighing down the hair.

SilkWorks will not buildup on the hair or scalp, and is ideal for all hair types, and will immediately transform hopeless unhealthy hair to a healthier state."

I have since tried it on my hair. It was okay but nothing to write home about. On the other hand, my skin loves it. It only takes a small dab of SilkWorks...

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Meri says "a bag for all seasons... " about Vera Bradley Handbags

Meri — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:19:41 GMT

I love Crabtree& Evelyn products. Their store in Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY is a wonderful trip into "girlie" things. It is a place I go if I need a quick pick-me-up or feel the need to spoil myself. A while back I discovered that they carried Vera Bradley handbags. My first impression of the handbags was that they were too expensive for a quilted fabric bag. I had previously compared prices to other quilted handbags and decided the Vera Bradley bags weren't worth the price. A few months later my daughter-in-law gave me one of their photo snap wallets in the Vera Bradley Riviera Blue pattern. I fell in love.

I have since bought a couple handbags, a cosmetic bag and a jewelry book. I am loving them more and more with use and the items have made a believer out of me in terms of value for the money.

Vera Bradley bags are made well. There are no exposed seams and each bag has little details sewn into each one. Did I mention they are cute too?

I recently went to a District Garden Club...

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Meri says "The "HOTTEST" conditioner around..." about Organix Coconut Milk SELF-HEATING Coconut Oil

Meri — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:34:20 GMT

While browsing the shampoo and conditioner aisle at CVS while I waited for a prescription I noticed that many of the Organix brand products were on sale. I have been using the Organix Coconut Milk shampoo and thought about getting another bottle since it was $2.00 off and then I noticed a little tag on a new product that said, "Try Me Free". The product, Nourishing Coconut Milk Self-Heating Coconut Oil looked like the other Coconut Milk line except "self-heating" was typed in red letters. I picked it up and read the label which claims that the heating process moisturizes, strengthens, nourishes and balances your hair. "Yeah, right!" I thought but then again saw the "Try Me Free" tag and thought, "What the heck?!" I swallowed their bait- hook, line and sinker.

The directions say to rub the product in the palm of your hands to activate the heat process. I did and it did. Next, it says to rub the product through the hair all the way to the ends. I did. My hair looked nice but it seemed pretty...

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Meri says "Great idea! Motion sensored..." about Glade Sense and Spray (Automatic Spray)

Meri — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:27:52 GMT

I am always in search of fragrance. It doesn't matter whether it is a laundry detergent, perfume or room fresheners. I love fragrance- at least some fragrances. I had tried the Glade Wisp Air Freshener when it first came out. It was a good idea and was the first [that I know of] air freshener that worked around the clock spitting out little wisps of fragrance at timed intervals. The thing I didn't like about the Wisp Glade unit is that it worked continually so it used up battery life and fragrance even when people weren't home.

Someone else must have had the same thought because, "Presto, Chango"- out came the Glade Sense & Spray. It operates in the same manner only it has a tiny little motion sensor built in. This is fantastic! It saves battery life and only dispenses the fragrance when it detects motion. It has a built in 30 minute timer as well so once it puffs a little scent into the air the motion sensor is locked out for 30 minutes unless you override it. Fabulous idea!

My experience...

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Meri says "Takes my breath away- literally." about Bare Escentuals Rareminerals Skin Revival Treatment Night Light By Bare Escentuals

Meri — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:54:52 GMT

I have used Bare Escentuals Mineral products for over fifteen years now. I love most of the products so when I saw the RareMinerals Skin Revival Night Treatment for sale and read the glowing comments from satisfied customers I decided to fork over the nearly $60 to try this miracle product.

The product is advertised to reduce the size of pores, even out skin tone [including rosacea], increase firmness and improve hydration. Sounds too good to be true? Read on. The night time skin renewal treatment is made of all 72 natural micro and macro minerals. It comes in several colors but I purchased clear. It is to be used on clean, moisturized skin before retiring for the night. It doesn't rub off on your pillow so don't worry about mess.

When the product arrived I was surprised at how small the product was for the price. I was still, at this point happy to try it while dreaming of my soon-to-be beautiful skin. That first night I washed my face, applied moisturizer and let it dry. Then, I tapped...

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Meri says "worth the read..." about Uncle Tom's Cabin

Meri — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 05:47:35 GMT

My son has shelves of books that he has read or was assigned to read in school. Many of the titles I am acquainted with as I had to read them when I was a student; others I've never heard of. One day while packing some of his things away I decided to catch up with reading some of the classic books I've missed reading along the way. Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe is one of those books. I chose to read it first because of the author. Harriet Beecher Stowe was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, moved to Ohio where she married and later moved back to Connecticut. I've even been in her Hartford home, yet never read any of her books. I felt I owed her that.

My perception of slavery:

I was born near the Cape in Massachusetts. My husband and I lived in Connecticut for over a decade and with that experience gained a "New England" perspective. Some of my friends owned old homes that still have secret rooms that were used as part of the underground railway. Now, in Upstate, NY I have had...

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Meri says "Poof! Clean Carpets..." about Bissell proheat select 2X pet ProHeat 2X Vacuum

Meri — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:33:24 GMT

I like a clean house. I like everything to have a place and everything to be in its place. With four kid and all of their friends I was lucky to have one room that met that standard. I thought that once the kids were grown that the "always clean house" would be easy. Ha! Just when we got the house to ourselves, in moves a little Yorkshire Terrier. Now, don't get me wrong; I love her. I just don't love her fur or little dark spots on the cream colored carpet from her outdoor escapades.

So, when my old carpet cleaner bit the dust I purchased the Bissell ProHeat 2X. I chose it because it has a heater that keeps the water warm and warmer water pulls out more dirt. I also liked the idea that the water tank keeps the clean water separated from the dirty water. There are two power brushes that help get the dirt out of the carpet and a long hose to get to those "hard to reach" areas of carpet or upholstery. This model comes with accessories that include a power brush head [cool, uh?] for stains...

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Meri says "Average Shampoo with a wonderful scent!" about Organix Coconut Milk Nourishing Shampoo

Meri — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:20:41 GMT

My daughter was using the Organix Coconut Mousse while I visited with her this summer. I loved it so when I went to purchase it I noticed the Organix Coconut Shampoo and bought it as well. I couldn't wait to try it out. I don't know why.

How it performs:

The shampoo smells heavenly [if you like the smell of coconut- which I do] and is very thick. It is white with a satiny sheen that makes me think of pearls.

Price vs. Value:

A tiny dab of cleanser goes a long way which is a good thing because the 13 ounce bottle is not as large as many shampoos. The $6.99 pricetag seemed a bit steep for a non-salon shampoo but I have found that it lasts a long time.

Ingredients:

The shampoo is made of organic coconut milk and whipped egg white proteins to nourish and strengthen the hair. Coconut oils are included in the shampoo to help hydrate the hair so that it doesn't get dry and frizzy.

Bottomline:

I like the shampoo, but I am not overly impressed. It seems kind of average to me.

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Meri says "Chocolate to die for..." about Moser-Roth Fine European Chocolate

Meri — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:58:54 GMT

As a little girl I lived over a bakery and confectionery store in Southern Germany. Everyday my family would wake up to the smell of fresh baked bread- and then, as if by magic, a bag of fresh brochen appeared at our door. Heaven!

The bakery was always busy as housefraus stopped by to purchase bread for the day. Baskets of braided bread, rolls, loaves of rye and pumpernickel decorated the glass shelves under and behind the counter. During the holidays breads were pushed together to make room for the array of scrumptious chocolate creations. Easter bunnies in the spring and St. Nicolas and Christmas Trees during December's chilly days. These chocolates were not hollow nor were they made of the waxy chocolate like those in the States. These chocolates were solid and made of the most delicious chocolate in the world. It was creamy, smooth and melted in my mouth for a childhood memory that would last a lifetime.

Recently, I have discovered Moser-Roth privat chocolatiers. Moser-Roth...

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Meri says "They had me at "Customer Service"" about UWantSavings

Meri — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:06:40 GMT

I LOVE this site. Although the selection is smaller than many discount sites, UWantSavings.com excels in customer service, making it my first choice to check out before going to any other sites. I found the site quite by accident- I was googling for some discontinued dishes and came to it. The dished were sold out [sigh!] but I was impressed enough to sign up for email notices. I also signed up for the weekly raffle. I won that week's raffle, a Laptop Backpack that rocks! My experience with customer service with that transaction made a believer out of me. I had no use for the backpack and asked if it could be sent to my son in Virginia. They went out of their way to accommodate my wishes and refused to let me compensate them for any additional shipping it would have caused them.

Shipping is always free at UWantSavings.com. That is a great deal in and of itself. Since signing up for the email notices I have gotten notices for private sales, end of the month yard sale reminders...

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Meri says "My son says good-bye to Monkey Butt!" about Anti Monkey Butt Corporation Anti Monkey Butt Powder

Meri — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 03:47:49 GMT

This is my first review by proxy. Let me explain.

I will never forget the first time I saw a monkey in heat..in fact, I remember that moment as though it was yesterday. That is significant because I don't remember too much from that period of my life.

I was at the zoo and thought something was horribly wrong with one of the monkeys because it had a large, swollen, red bottom. In my mind red and swollen spelled PAIN. After pointing out the affected monkey to one of the zookeepers I was told that it was normal and not to worry. In time I learned that it was all part of the monkey reproductive cycle. No matter, it still looked painful!

Fast forward to today:

My oldest son lives in Florida where it is hot and humid. Hot and humid spells sweat. Hot, humid and friction of two skin surfaces spells irritation; if those two skin surfaces are around the buttocks area then hot, humid and friction spells human monkey butt! Sound painful? I hurt just thinking about it.

My son [the one in Florida-...

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Meri says "This laptop backpack rocks!" about Andiamo Bravo Backpack Tote, Black

Meri — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:43:07 GMT

I discovered a new discount shopping site called UWantSavings.com. I signed up for email notifications and entered a raffle for the week's giveaway. Imagine my surprise when I got an email saying that I had won! The item was a laptop carrier: Andiamo Bravo Backpack Tote, Black.

My laptop has a 17 inch screen and is hard to find a carrier for it and so I asked one of my sons if he could use it. He has about a one and one half hour commute each day into DC. He said he needed one so I contacted UWantSavings.com and asked them if they could send it directly to my son. "No problem!" I was told. I offered to pay any difference in postage but was told, "Don't worry about it. This one is on us." They sent me the tracking number and I waited to find out how nice it was.

The website stated that the retail price of the backpack is $285. It is currently on sale on this site for $75. The description on the site is:

"The Backpack Tote from Andiamo is ideal for those who travel to...

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Meri says "just a little dab will cover under eye circles with ease..." about Mary Kay Signature Concealer

Meri — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:11:45 GMT

I have been using a mineral concealer but I have found it doesn't seem to last as long as I would like it to. I have resorted to the "set aside" box of make-up. Here I put anything I have tired of or tried and set aside to try once again before tossing it out. In the drawer I found several concealers- mostly ones in a tube that have a built-in brush or sponge applicator.

Trying them again, I remember why they were in the drawer- poor coverage, color mismatch or just didn't like it.

I had been tempted to try the Mary Kay mineral foundation and with the order I ordered the Mary Kay concealer. [A .3 ounce tube was $10.]

I don't look too closely at the ingredients of concealers as I have never had a problem with sensitivity with any of them. Honestly, I couldn't tell you what is in this formula either. What I can tell you is that the coverage is amazing. It lasts and doesn't crease as the time goes on.

I ordered the color ivory 1 and it seemed to blend in well with my skin and didn't...

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Meri says "I won't put this on my skin..." about Mary Kay Mineral Foundation Makeup

Meri — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:55:49 GMT

I used Mary Kay for about ten years back in the 70s and into the 80s. I loved the simplicity of the skin care regime and the way my skin looked with the makeup. I do believe my skin had a "glow" and I loved the compliments that I got with using the products. Then, they changed the formulas. I broke out so bad that I had to be under a doctor's care for a few months.

I eventually tried other brands and settled into a well-known green department store brand. I was somewhat happy but still longed for my old Mary Kay glow. Several years passed and more formula changes came along. With the changes an oil-free liquid foundation was created and I leaped at the chance to try it, but it looked cakey and cheap. I returned it.

Since then, I have been using mineral foundation and makeup for over a decade. I like it so when a friend started selling Mary Kay and mentioned they now carry a mineral foundation I was once again sucked in for nostalgia sake. I ordered a package. The $18 price...

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Meri says "fabulous clean for my electronic screens..." about Scott's Liquid Gold - Clean Screen

Meri — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 01:35:52 GMT

Up until I discovered Scott's Liquid Gold Clean Screen I only dusted my electronic screens. With time I noticed little flecks of who-knows-what beginning to appear on my screens.

I love playing around with image manipulation software but sometimes when I was in photoshop I would find myself trying to rub out a spot on the picture only to find out that the spot was on the computer monitor screen. I knew that I should be cleaning the equipment somehow but after trying some not so efficient wipes I was reluctant to shell out any more money.

I discovered Clean Screen quite by accident- it was on the shelf in a red box. I am a sucker for the color red but that still wasn't enough for me to buy it. Then, I saw who made it.

I first tried Scott's Liquid Gold Clean Screen for the sole reason that it is made by Scott's Liquid Gold. I have used the wood cleaner for years and would consider it one of my cleaning essentials. The Clean Screen product comes in a handy-sized spray bottle that holds 6.5...

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Meri says "these wipes are made for traveling..." about Honeywell Blink Mess Lifters

Meri — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:48:30 GMT

I keep a container of Honeywell Blink Mess Lifters in my car all of the time. I bought them on a whim as I rarely have a need for car wipes but thought it would be good "insurance". I am so glad that I did. I have used these once when the dog got sick, a couple of times when my husband spilled soda in the car and numerous times after visits with the grandkids...

They are convenient to use and make short work of an occasional spill or mess.

The auto interior wipes are unique in the fact that they come in a handy container that has a clip on the back to hang the wipes out of the way. [I have a Honda that has deep side door pockets that are perfect for the wipes to hang on.] They dispense easily and have a resealable label on front. I have had this packet for over a year and they are still fresh and moist as the day I bought them.

The wipes come 20 to a package and not only clean up any spills but keep stains from setting in as well. I love this product and consider them a car necessity....

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