Reviews by Friends of Messenger

LisaCarey says "Pop goes the toast, bagel and so much more!" about Oster 6331 2-Slice Toaster

LisaCarey — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:54:38 GMT

Visiting my parents for a week, I was able to put the Oster 6331 2-Slice Toaster through quite the challenge. My children like their peanut butter and jelly sandwiches toasted (as do their grandfather). They also enjoy bagels, pop tarts and toaster strudels making it absolutely necessary to use the toaster during this week at home with them and with grandparents wanting to spoil them.

The Oster 6331 2-Slice Toaster is approximately $35.00 and is a two slice toaster that also accomodates bagels, toast, frozen items and in our case I even toasted the whole grain wheat sandwich buns. The darkness control feature offers up to 7 different settings (may I suggest the number 3 setting) and you can also choose from toast, bagels and frozen items. One of the best features of this toaster is that instead of just increasing the numbers for frozen foods, you actually defrost them with the frozen function. Other features that I like include:

removable crumb tray
easily cleaned

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LisaCarey says "Spanx has got you covered from bum to toe" about Spanx All The Way - Leg Control Pantyhose with Super Control

LisaCarey — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:31:04 GMT

I recently had an opportunity to wear a formal gown. I admit that wearing a dress is something I avoid, after several weeks of my daughters (now 4 and 3) pulling up my skirts during mass to play hide and seek. Wearing a formal gown required many more foundation garments that I am used to wearing and wanting a sleek, no pantyline look as well as a comfortable fit with pantyhose I took a chance on Spanx All The Way - Leg Control Pantyhose with Super Control.

I admit Spanx All The Way - Leg Control Pantyhose with Super Control at $29.99 at Lane Bryant was a little pricey for me. But I had so much success with the original Spanx product and I really wanted the line of the formal (did I mention tight fitting) dress to be just right.

WOW! Is all I can say! On the ride home, I exclaimed to my husband what took so long to come up with a pair of pantyhose that is supportive, sexy, nice to look at and comfortable? Not to mention, (and ladies this is most important when wearing a formal...

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LisaCarey says "Put the lime in the coconut " about Malibu Rum Coconut 42 Proof 1.00l

LisaCarey — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:13:55 GMT

Put the lime in the coconut, then you feel better
Put the lime in the coconut, drink 'em both up.

Imagine this, laying on the beach slathered in cocoa butter. That's pretty much the scent you get when you first pour Malibu Rum Coconut 42 Proof. It is a clear alcoholic spirit that tastes just as good on the rocks as it does mixed in a drink.

The price of the Malibu Rum Coconut 42 Proof is so very reasonable and the flavor of this spirit is clean and crisp without bitterness or an after taste. Here is the funny thing, I don't even really like coconut flavor or lotions. Neither the aroma or the flavor is one of my favorites, but for some reason this simply works on the rock or as a mixed drink. Consider serving a Key West Cooler, Absolut Stress, or Malibu Sunrise using Malibu Rum Coconut 42 Proof.

Malibu Rum Coconut 42 Proof is reasonably priced, versatile, easily found at most liquor stores, made in Barbados with natural coconut extract and is 21% alcohol content by volume....

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LisaCarey says "Cranberry and Lemonade? Guess what it works! " about Mikes Hard Harder Cranberry Lemonade

LisaCarey — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:30:56 GMT

I recently attended a birthday party where Mikes Harder Cranberry Lemonade was served to the adults. It was surprisingly fun and refreshing, so I decided to give it a try at home on my own to see if more than one held up to judgment.

Mikes Harder Cranberry Lemonade is a malt beverage, not a beer, but not a spirit. It's made with the same grains as beer. There is one significant difference, it is fruity flavored and carbonated, and honestly nothing like beer, even fruit flavored ones.

Mikes Harder Cranberry Lemonade comes in a four pack package, with large size cans with a price tag of approximately $6.99. Upon pouring, it is larger that most glasses and requires leaving some of it in the can while you drink down the glass. It is incredibly bubbly and the color is a light red, cranberry color. The aroma is fruity and easily drinkable.

Warning to those who don't drink often, this "harder" lemonade actually does pack a little punch on an empty stomach.

If you are looking...

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LisaCarey says "Mix this Cranberry Twist before Drinking " about Smirnoff Vodka Cranberry Twist 1 liter

LisaCarey — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:58:50 GMT

Really good beer is the preferred drink in my household for my husband and I like to "mix" things up. Since it is the season, I decided to give Smirnoff Vodka Cranberry Twist a try since I do enjoy many flavored vodka, such as the Absolut line.

Smirnoff Vodka Cranberry Twist is a clear alcohol flavored vodka with the light scent of peach, pear, grain alcohol and cranberry. At first taste (and many others) on the rocks or straight up is not my preferred method of drinking this flavored vodka.

The flavor on the rocks is slightly better than straight up. Smirnoff Vodka Cranberry Twist flavor is prominently the vodka taste, then cranberry, peach and pear.

The one liter bottle of Smirnoff Vodka Cranberry Twist is approximately $21.99 which is actually reasonably priced for that large of a bottle.

My brother says that Smirnoff Vodka Cranberry Twist gives him a headache, however, I have no problems drinking it. With the holidays approaching it could be an inexpensive alcoholic...

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LisaCarey says "Keeps my dog safe and my floor clean " about Midwest 1642DD Life Stages Folding Double Door Metal Dog Crate, Large

LisaCarey — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:36:25 GMT

I have two dogs, and my older one needs some extra care, which included a new kennel for keeping him (and my younger children) safe, cool and comfortable, so we bought him the MidWest Life Stages Fold & Carry Pet Home Crate Model 1642.

What I like about the MidWest Life Stages Fold & Carry Pet Home Crate Model 1642

easy to use
easy to clean
open
cooler than enclosed kennels
pull out cleaning tray
easy to put together

What I don't like about the MidWest Life Stages Fold & Carry Pet Home Crate Model 1642.

sad to have to use the kennel
it is so heavy I could barely lift the box

When the MidWest Life Stages Fold & Carry Pet Home Crate Model 1642 arrived I couldn't even carry it into the house it was so heavy. But my husband had it assembled in minutes. Now our larger and older dog can be housed comfortably and when accidents do occur they aren't on my floor but on a removable pull out tray. The children can see the dog and say hello and good bye to him, and see...

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LisaCarey says "The name says it all " about Boogie Wipes Saline Wipes, Magic Menthol

LisaCarey — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:25:18 GMT

Ok, let's face it parents, kids are messy and with little ones trying to catch them to wipe their nose properly isn't always that easy. But now there is a way to wipe cleanly, easily, gently and thoroughly, getting your child's face clean and leaving no "boogies" left behind when you wipe with Boogie Wipes Saline Wipes, Grape Scented.

Boogie Wipes Saline Wipes, Grape Scented are wipes like many others, but designed especially for cleaning little faces of well, for lack of a better term, boogie and snot. It's not a pleasant thing to think about but it is pretty upsetting to see your child's face with dry crusty stuff all over it because they couldn't get their nose cleaned in time.

With Boogie Wipes Saline Wipes, Grape Scented parents and caregivers have a neat and clean way of wiping noses and faces. It smells so good too!

Sure, it's not the most eco-friendly way on the planet to keep my daughter's nose and face clean, but I like that I can reach in the package and get these handy...

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LisaCarey says "Tinker Bell finds the lost treasure of friendship " about Tinker Bell And The Lost Treasure

LisaCarey — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:53:04 GMT

I admit that I watch more children's movies than I do adult, but what's a busy mom to do. My daughter's loved the first Tinker Bell, especially my youngest so it was with much anticipation that they looked forward to Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure recently released on DVD.

In Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure, Tink finds herself with lots of friends, especially her best friend Terrence, who encourages her in all her adventurous tinkering. With the belief of Fairy Mary and the Queen Fairy, the most important of all fairy tasks rests on her shoulders. Of course, being Tinker Bell things happen and get broken, I won't say too much or you won't enjoy the story.

In true Tink fashion she comes up with a grand plan to fix the problem and to finish her task, but forgets about all her friends and their love and support as she makes her own way.I am sure we have all heard the saying, "If you were my friend you would. . . " and in Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure she finds out exactly what...

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LisaCarey says "Natural healing of dry skin and hot spots for cats and dogs " about Veterinarians Best Hot Spot Itch Relief Shampoo for Dogs and Cats 8oz

LisaCarey — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:34:58 GMT

With the arrival of hot spots on my dog I hit the Internet hoping to find an environmentally friendly way (and vet free) of treating the hot spots. While there were many discussions on what to use that was all natural or organic, Natural Care Itch Relief Hot Spot Shampoo was the one thing that I could find consistently recommended for dry skin and hot spot relief to both cats and dogs.

Natural Care Itch Relief Hot Spot Shampoo is made using tea tree oil, aloe vera, allantoin, panthenol, and vitamin E. Priced at approximately $6.99.

To use Natural Care Itch Relief Hot Spot Shampoo you have to mix it in a bucket with water first, then pour the mixture over your cat or dog, lather and rinse. The aroma is not unpleasant and it did seem to make my dog feel more comfortable after using. Immediately after drying we applied a hot spot relief medication (also priced at $6.99) which we continued to use on our pet.

Natural Care Itch Relief Hot Spot Shampoo didn't cause miracle results...

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LisaCarey says "Cooled my dogs hot spots without a trip to the vet " about Sergeant's Sentry HC Hot Spot Skin Medication 4 oz

LisaCarey — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:24:59 GMT

My West Highland White Terrier is prone to "hot spots." These are painful, red, itchy spots normally on his back that occur as his hair grows out for the winter long before the Houston weather catches up with the fact that everyone else thinks it is fall/winter. He also gets them during bad summer heat, if I don't keep him shaved. A search on the Internet for a home remedy directed me to Sergeant's Sentry HC Hot Spot Skin Medication 4 oz.

Normally I take my dog to the vet when we find hot spots on his back. But this year since we caught them early and they were small we decided to try treating them at home. After reading several reviews we decided on both a shampoo and medication.

Sergeant's Sentry HC Hot Spot Skin Medication 4 oz is approximately $6.99 and is easily available at most pet stores. The 4 oz bottle has an easy to use applicator tip so after shaving and washing our dog we were able to easy apply the blue gel like medication to his skin.

After using Sergeant's...

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LisaCarey says "Sleek, smooth, silky, soft hair using organic ingredients" about Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Shampoo

LisaCarey — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:12:43 GMT

Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Shampoo priced at $6.99 is a mid priced not quite salon style shampoo that first and foremost moisturizes your hair and leaves it clean and shiny.

Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Shampoo Ingredients: Di Water (Aqua), Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycol Distearate, Dimethicone Copolyol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cocamide DEA, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium 11, Panthenol, DMDM Hydantoin, Silk Amino Complex, Yogurt Protein Extracts, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Tocopheryl Acetate, and Fragrance.

One wash is all you need to use this shampoo, no need to rinse and repeat. I have thick, curly hair and it needs a little extra help staying silky smooth. I use Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Shampoo about two times a week and the Organix with Grapeseed one time a week to get a good clean, and residue build up washed off.

Some people with thin or oily hair will...

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LisaCarey says "Fruity flavors for the average wine drinker " about Beringer Vineyards Pinot Grigio 2008 ml

LisaCarey — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:50:50 GMT

Beringer wines are a name even non wine drinkers recognize from their trips to the grocery store. Anyone just looking around can see that there are many Beringer wines to choose from that don't empty the wallet when you get to the cash register. An end cap at the grocery store offered Beringer Vineyards Pinot Grigio 2008 for $5.99 and suggested that this white pinot had the flavors of apricot and pear.

Beringer Vineyards Pinot Grigio 2008 is exactly what it appears to be, mediocre in both price and flavor. Their is a faint taste of pear, apricot, and white grapes. It is a little on the dry side for me, but those that like dry white wines will find it acceptable. Alcohol content 13%.

Beringer Vineyards Pinot Grigio 2008 is a good choice for serving to friends or during a party when you don't know what wines your guest will prefer. It also won't break the bank. You may want to have a back up of a good red wine or Riesling on hand for those that prefer a sweeter wine to enjoy. ...

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LisaCarey says "To the stars and beyond floor puzzle " about Solar System Floor (48 pc) Melissa and Doug

LisaCarey — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:36:05 GMT

My daughters love floor puzzles and Melissa and Doug puzzles and toys always seem to be quality items, so when we got the opportunity to play with the Solar System Floor (48 pc) Melissa and Doug Puzzle we were thrilled.

The Solar System Floor (48 pc) Melissa and Doug Puzzle when assembled ends up being 2ft by 3ft big. The puzzle pieces, while cardboard are thicker than many other cardboard puzzles and hold up well to "wear and tear" of children playing with and putting this puzzle together over and over again. The colors are brilliant, the sun's yellow stands out boldly and each of the planets (and moon) are beautifully detailed, even down to the rings. The Solar System Floor (48 pc) Melissa and Doug Puzzle is also easy to wipe off and keep clean.

While I like the colors, durability and quality of the Solar System Floor (48 pc) Melissa and Doug Puzzle there are a few problems. It is a large puzzle and has no carry case, bag or container to store it in. Also, there doesn't appear...

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LisaCarey says "Lining and filling makes lips plumper and lipstick last longer " about Mary Kay Lip Liner (All Colors)

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:37:54 GMT

I keep it simple when it comes to caring for my skin and using makeup. I admit that while I am willing to pay more for skin care products like cleanser and moisturizer I usually skimp of make up products. After all, all I wear on a regular basis is foundation, lipstick and mascara. and in the summer I don't even do all that. I have full cupid bow lips anyway, so usually don't even bother with lip liner but my friendly neighbor (and Mary Kay consultant) reminded me that I would have to buy long wearing lipstick that can dry my lips out if I would add a lip liner to my make up routine. Here's three Mary Kay Lip Liner's to try so let me know what you think.

Mary Kay Lip Liner is available in almost 12 colors and you can easily find one of them to match your lip color from almost natural to deep dark colors. It is $10.00 a liner which to me is a bit pricey, but with careful application could last you a really long time.

Mary Kay Lip Liner is easy to use. You simply twist the "tube"...

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LisaCarey says "Glowing skin all day and all night " about Lancome Aqua Fusion Cream Continuous Infusing Moisturizer

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:15:47 GMT

I really do try to find greener products to use in both my home and for my health. Unfortunately sometimes when i try a new product it's not very good for me and that was the case with something I borrowed from a friend since I had no moisturizer. It stung when I put it on, and continued to sting and get worse throughout the day. Stopping at the Lancome counter to do my gift with purchase the sales lady cleaned my skin and recommended Lancome's AQUA FUSION CREAM for my skin. I had tried a sample before and liked it but needed to finish my other products before making any other purchases. However this was an emergency, red angry looking splotches had made their way to my face.

First she cleaned my skin and then added a sample of Aqua Fusion Cream Continuous Infusing Moisturizer. My skin actually said, "Ahhh" in relief. I had actually already purchased this but they were nice enough to fix my red skin before I left the counter. Within about 30 minutes my skin was looking much better...

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LisaCarey says "I wanted my little monkeys to like the barrel, but they didn't " about Milton Bradley Barrel of Monkeys

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:59:12 GMT

My children love finger playing out the song "Five little monkeys jumping on the bed." I thought that my little monkeys would also love playing with Milton Bradley Barrel of Monkeys. I was wrong.

Angela LaFon's review reminded me of all the fun my little brother used to have with the Milton Bradley Barrel of Monkeys, and I remember my son playing with them much like she describes in her review. But my two girls were just not interested in the barrel, the monkeys, the linking, or the swinging.

Milton Bradley Barrel of Monkeys are cute and I agree with other reviewers that a bigger barrel and more variety in colors is needed. Who knows maybe then my girls would play with it. But when offered this toy, my girls shrugged their shoulders, walked away and went on to play another game, any other game. My three year old while having excellent hand eye coordination finds linking them together frustrating and just wants to dump it out and place on on another. The 4 yr old isn't even...

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LisaCarey says "I won! You broke the ice! My daughter giggles and exclaims" about Milton Bradley Don't Break the Ice Game

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:44:19 GMT

Rainy day at the beach and on vacation it's time to get a little creative to keep the kids entertained but since it's day two I don't want to break the bank quite yet. Roaming the aisles at the grocery store the toy section the game Milton Bradley Don't Break the Ice Game is on sale for $5.00! I remember this game from when I was a kid. My brother loved this game! My husband loved this game when he was a kid! Sold!

Milton Bradley Don't Break the Ice Game comes home and the game is quickly set up. We don't even need batteries! Within minutes, my daughter giggles and squeals, "I won! You broke the ice daddy!" After about 5 quick games she decided to take a break and hit the Barbie Princess coloring book we also bought (1.00) and I am relieved that my daughter loves this game, since she also says, "Can we play again later?"

Milton Bradley Don't Break the Ice Game is easy to set up, easy to play. The kids enjoy it and even mom and dad can have some fun. It doesn't take...

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LisaCarey says "No bells no whistles just brew " about Mr. Coffee Mr. Coffee 12 Cup Coffeemaker CG13

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:23:17 GMT

The Mr. Coffee 12 Cup Coffeemaker CG13 is about as basic as it gets. I admit, I am not much of a coffee drinker and when I do drink coffee I usually like the flavored ones, heavy on the cream and sugar (ok milk and sugar substitute now). Anyway, recently I needed the extra morning jolt of caffeine that coffee can bring and pulled out this coffee maker. I only wanted to make about 5 cups or so, thinking that my husband would want to drink some too since I was actually making it.

Using the Mr. Coffee 12 Cup Coffeemaker CG13 is easy and I do like that there is only one lid I need to flip to fill both the coffee and water filters. The coffee was ok, once I turned it into something that most coffee drinkers would scoff at. It was easy to clean out the pot afterwards and there was no spilling over during brewing. There is a side measure to double check the water amount and an extension cord with storage room in the back when not in use.

But what I didn't like about the Mr. Coffee...

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LisaCarey says "Snoop around before you hit forward and send " about Snopes

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:42:47 GMT

I have been using Snopes every since I can remember getting emails. A few short months after I started using the internet and email daily of course I was hit up with email "chain" letters, scams, hoaxes and sob stories by everyone from a Nigerian who had a million dollars they wanted to give me to free gift cards from Applebees for forwarding this message. A friend suggested using this site, and now, not only am I older and wiser when it comes to recognizing the email equivalent of junk mail, but I am also armed with one of the best scam detectors out there.

Snopes.com is fast and easy to use. You simply type in the subject line or a few keywords of content from your message (or even a story that someone has told you) and find out if it is fact or fiction. You can also find out details about how this so called story started and when. I admit now I work for a consumer protection website, and one of the first things I do before writing about a bogus email message is start my fact...

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LisaCarey says "Sit back relax and enjoy the show " about hulu.com

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:29:46 GMT

I first found hulu.com when searching for a place to watch an episode of "Super Nanny" that sounded interesting. I tried to watch it online, but for some reason my computer just wouldn't work with the site. Doing a search I found hulu,com, but not Super Nanny.

Interestingly enough I DID find the second part to a television show that I had given up on. I DVR'd the first episode, not knowing that it was a two part movie. Here I was hanging in the wind about how the television movie ended and I was able to watch it online for free at hulu.com.

I admit, I enjoy hulu.com and every once in a while visit it to find something unique for my children to watch (they have veggie tales on there) or just to see what is available. I am not exactly as thrilled with it as many of the other reviewers out there. I am much happier just DVRing my shows and planning the week ahead of time.

I find it is easy to get lost on hulu.com, and that it is hard to find what I am looking for. There is...

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