Reviews by Nikro

Nikro says "Waking up feeling good---wish I had used this sooner! " about MedTech The Doctor's: Advanced Comfort Night Guard

Nikro — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:22:46 GMT

I have suffered from clenching my teeth at night for years and I have crowns on my back teeth to show for it. My dentist suggested I get a professionally fitted night guard to the tune of 300.00. I have had professional made night guards in the past and found them to be rigid and uncomfortable. Not wanting a ridged plastic guard or to spend that kind of money, I researched and compared night guards that can be purchased from a retail store. I decided on The Doctor's: Advanced Comfort Night Guard which can be purchased from Walmart for around 20.00 ( I found they have the best prices as other national drug stores were selling these for almost 10.00 more).

The first thing I noticed was that the guard was soft...no rigid plastic.You do have to boil and fit the guard to your teeth...the directions are easy to follow and timing the placement with a stopwatch is a necessity. Again, follow the directions exactly..don't think you know what to do.

Upon going to sleep the first night, I put the...

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Nikro says "A minimalist loving her LG Rumor Cell Phone " about LG - Rumor Cell Phone

Nikro — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:35:19 GMT

I was using a pre-paid cell phone due to the fact that I was a cell phone phobic and since I am a stay at home mom I only needed a cell for driving with our daughter ---in case of an emergency.

My husband who is a tech guy brought me this LG Rumor Cell, I have been enthralled with its functions. The camera is wonderful. When we went to the beach and forgot our camera this phone took great pictures (See the one on my profile--it was taken by the LG Rumor. You can use the black and white function, or sepia, or even have cute frames.

The coverage is great (Sprint), and the little texting I have done is easy. When my daughter is at her ballet lesson, I can hop on the web and check my mail or my Facebook page. It makes the time go much quicker.

I don't have any criticism for this phone. Keep in mind, I really don't use it as much as a normal cell phone user, but I am thinking of disconnecting our home land line service since this phone has such good coverage in our home in the middle of...

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Nikro says "The Wagner Power Roller isn't worth the price. " about Wagner Power Roller Max

Nikro — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:47:43 GMT

I have so many mixed feelings about the Wagner Power Roller Max. So, Ill tell you a little about my experience.

We had two rooms to paint so my husband bought me the Wagner Power Roller Max as a surprise. I was excited to try it. I wanted two different colors and I was sure one gallon of each was enough paint. I read the instructions thorough before using and was ready to go!

I started by using the trim attachment, and used it on the lowest setting and used the on/off style of painting as the manual suggested. What a mess! Paint was all over the plastic I put down, all over the unit, and all over me. At this point I was irritated. So, I decided to use a paintbrush for the trimming. When I started using the roller it was great. It covered nicely and I could control how much paint came out by both the on/off switch and the pumping strength. I completed one room with one paint color and was shocked to notice I needed another gallon of paint. I was so shocked because the room I did was...

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Nikro says "What a workout--and fun! What more can you ask for? " about EA Sports Active for Nintendo Wii

Nikro — Tue, 26 May 2009 13:18:19 GMT

Okay, if you are looking for a great workout that is fun, try Wii Active. I used the Wii Fit and found that I was not getting the workout I needed after awhile. It started to bore me.

Then Wii came out with the Wii Active and I have been sore ever since! The pre-programed workouts are great, but I prefer to make my own. I have several cardio, sports, lower and upper body routines that add up to 30 minutes. The game comes with a band which helps a lot. I do recommend purchasing a quality one for a few dollars at Walmart, etc to get the most out of the band exercises. Some of the exercises can be used with the Wii board which I love, but you do not have to have the board to use this game.

The only drawback I see is that it does not track BMI or weight like the Wii Fit.

I have noticed that I have toned up considerably, which is what I needed--not necessarily to loose any weight. All I did was put on a pair of shorts that were a little tight last year. I was pleased.

I am currently going...

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Nikro says "I love Worldwinner...but it IS addicting. :) " about worldwinner.com

Nikro — Tue, 26 May 2009 13:02:12 GMT

Okay, warning...Worldwinner will suck you in and never spit you out.

I enjoy all sorts of word games. So, Worldwinner is the place for me. I play several times a day and am getting better at BookWorm. One of my favorite things about this site is that they are tied to Mypoints, so I earn points with each game I play. You can also try out games for free and get the needed practice to kick some butt! I do enjoy playing against others so I can increase my skills. Granted, it does cost and if you are not winning on a regular basis, it can cost a bit, but I try to use my points for credits as much as possible

Another great point--no spam! I have had several sites that download spyware on my computer when you play their games and this one I have never had an issue with.

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Nikro says "Great movie for both parents and children--that's hard to find. " about Hotel For Dogs

Nikro — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:50:45 GMT

We rented Hotel for Dogs for our family night. We popped some popcorn and fluffed our pillows.

I really liked Hotel for Dogs! I think I liked it more than our 3 year old. It was cute, not corny; which is what I expected. The acting was pretty good for a Nick movie and the dogs were well trained.

I think we may buy this one to have in our collection since it is something we all can enjoy.

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Nikro says "Dealing with game consoles, wires and a pedestal Television. " about Samsung Samsung TR85 Samsung TR85 Pedestal DLP Stand

Nikro — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:48:04 GMT

We acquired a Samsung pedestal television. While the TV is great all the wires connecting the game consoles and the DVD/sound system were quite an eye sore. We purchased the Samsung TR85 Pedestal DLP Stand, put it together quickly and now we dont see as many wires. It is a little "contemporary" for my decorating tastes, but you dont have much of a choice with the pedestal TV.

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Nikro says "I liked it. Probably wouldnt buy it. " about Kraft - Philadelphia Spinach & Artichoke Cream Cheese Spread

Nikro — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:45:53 GMT

I got the free coupon from Viewpoints for the Philly Cream Cheese. I chose the Spinach & Artichoke Cream Cheese Spread. No one in my family would touch it, but I thought it was okay but only after warming it on some Ritz crackers.

The consistancy was a but off for my taste buds.

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Nikro says "My child likes it, but it's a pain for the parent " about Hasbro Elefun - The Butterfly Catchin' Game

Nikro — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:42:05 GMT

I dont have a ton to say about this elefun that anyone else hasnt said. It is not something a 3 year old can play alone b/c it takes constant re-assembly. The butterflies are done flying out of the elephants nose in no time and then you have to put them back in. the top is not easy for little hands to take off.

I definately thought the price was way too high for the game.

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Nikro says "Back pain gone! Knowing when my husband rolls over--gone! UPDATE" about Simmons Beauty Rest Mattress

Nikro — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:39:05 GMT

We bought the Simmons Beauty Rest (Beauregrard) mattress in the king size. It was pricy, but now that we have gotten older a cheap mattress will not do! My husband had been suffering from back pain and had to get up and sit in his recliner to get any relief. This mattress has helped him a lot!

Now, I LOVE this mattress. I feel like I am sleeping on air and have never had better nights sleep. I do not notice when he rolls over or gets out of bed--our old one--gah--I would know when his foot moved.

The only drawback I see is that the mattress is deep, so either you have to buy sheets that fit a deep mattress or get the clips that go on the fitted sheet so it doesnt pop off.

Other than that, it is wonderful!

UPDATE: We had a spring break on the side 1 month into owning it. However, we had a technician come out from the store we bought it from (Ashley Furniture) and we should be receiving a new mattress within the next few weeks. This doesnt change my review, I still am enjoying the...

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Nikro says "3 year old favorite toy! " about Melissa and Doug See and Spell

Nikro — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:04:14 GMT

I bought Melissa and Doug's See and Spell dirt cheap on Amazon. I thought it would just be a so-so toy for our 3 year old. Nope! It's the one toy she has played with everyday since Christmas. She is very good at it. It is a great toy to play together, reinforces spelling and letters and even colors. There are 8 double-sided tiles with simple 3 or 4 letter words and pictures. The letters for the word are cut out like puzzle peices and then you find the letters from a large assortment and place them in the tile.

I am a huge fan of wooden toys and Melissa and Doug's line is the wooden toys are mostly what we have and have had for years. If the dogs dont get their teeth on the peices, they are durable and attractive.

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Nikro says "Amazing! " about LeapFrog Tag Reading System

Nikro — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:49:20 GMT

Our 3 year old received this and 3 additional Tag Reader books from her grandparents for Christmas. She always watched the commercial and said "I want that!". When they were looking for suggestions, we gave them this idea.

What an amazing toy. You can point to the words and the pen "reads" them out loud, or s/he can choose to have the story read continuously with a "ding" to turn the page--just like the story books we had as children. Even the pictures can be pointed to and either the character says something or the item is described.

You do have to insert a CD into the computer and download the books you have, but it's fairly easy. You can also track online how your child is progressing. The Tag Reader does come with one book to get you started. There are many books to chose from, so as your child gets older s/he can pick books for older kids.

As we speak she is "reading" her Disney Adventures Under the Sea book.

All in all, I recommend this system for early readers....

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Nikro says "Great console for the 1st time gamer--good bye pacifier-- YES!" about Nintendo - DS Lite Console

Nikro — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:41:56 GMT

This is a review about a toddler and Nintendo DS Lite

We have been trying to think of a "easy" way to get our daughter to give up the pacifier and as all parents know its a very difficult and traumatic habit to break.

My step daughter (9) was here for a visit and brought her Nintendo DS Lite. Our 2 1/2 year old daughter fell in love with it. Although she couldnt play any game my step daughter had, she played a long time with the stylus and screen.

We started talking to her about giving up her pacifier and surprisingly she agreed to give it up if we purchased her a Nintendo DS Lite just like her sister's. The binky fairy would take her binkies and in return she could get a present.

Off to the store we went and allowed her to pick from 3 different colors. Of course, pink won. We purchased her a game for toddlers age 3-5 (check my review) and off we went.

The game is a sure fire hit. She can turn it on and off, pull the stylus out and replace it, insert the game and start the game with no...

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Nikro says "Craving Italian? Drive past Olive Garden. " about Chianti Italian Restaurant - Conyers, GA

Nikro — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:39:58 GMT

We used my prize for the Simple Thanks award (Restaurant.com) to dine at Chianti Italian Restaurant Conyers, Georgia.

At first we were highly skeptical. It's located in a strip mall, the windows are covered and there is a sign made with sticker letters on the door. Inside, the 70's lounge feel and dark colors would not impress Gordon Ramsey! The clientele seemed to be an older crowd, but we found out why and I will explain later in the review.

We were greeted quickly by a man who we could tell was of Italian descent and were seated immediately. The menu selection was impressive. Not knowing what to expect we ordered. I ordered the Linguine Alle Vongole in white clam sauce, my husband the same as I and our daughter ordered the lasagna.

We were given our drinks with a basket of garlic buttered bread and an Italian salad filled with beets, onions and chick peas. The bread was gone quickly! I was the only one who ate the salad and it was wonderful. At this point I knew we were in for a dining...

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Nikro says "I am a member of many survey sites--pass on this one! " about Greenfield Online

Nikro — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 23:45:27 GMT

Simple and to the point:

There are many other survey sites (check by reviews) that actually pay out for your time. Greenfield is NOT one of them. Pass them on by.

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Nikro says "I like it, but enough to buy it? " about Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Complexion Make-up

Nikro — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 20:13:21 GMT

Quick Review:

I rarely wear makeup. On the average, maybe 5 times a month. My sister in law is on the Bare Minerals mail delivery and she has been giving me her shipments for the past few deliveries.

Pros:

Great coverage
Easy to apply
Looks Natural
Quality Product

Cons:

Takes a few applications to get used to the feel
Expensive
Messy

My over all take is that Bare Minerals Foundation Makeup is nice, but I don't know if it's nice enough or if I use makeup enough to purchase it.

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Nikro says "I have always has good experiences" about American Consumer Opinion Panel

Nikro — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 13:32:35 GMT

My experience with American Consumer Opinion Panel:

I have enjoyed taking surveys for this company. The surveys are simple, not time consuming and I have always been paid. I have never gotten a chance to product sample, but there is always the future.

Pros:

Simple surveys
Paid as promised

Cons:

Few surveys offered
Have to wait for a check to be mailed
Sweepstakes entry--not sure if this is legit

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Nikro says "Just so-so " about Vantage Point

Nikro — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 12:07:51 GMT

I am not going to go into any detail about this movie except to say that it was a movie that looks at each main character's actions during a terrorist act in Spain during a Summit.

Pros

Non-Gory (in today's film market that's hard to find in an action film)
PG-13
Suspenseful
No brain-er for those days you want to watch a movie and not have to "think" too hard about the plot
90 mins
Good for young teens--no sex and nudity, low violence.
Gets in your face about how other countries view the USA.

Cons

The usual ridiculous car chase
Mediocre acting

All in all I did enjoy watching it, but as soon as the car chase was 1/2 way through I lost some interest as it was way too long of a scene and absolutely ridiculous.

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Nikro says "EDITED REVIEW: Broken after one day" about Parents Microphone

Nikro — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:37:26 GMT

EDIT On Review:

After one day this microphone is broken and yes, we changed the batteries.

About the Product

Parents toys sold at Target are economical, always educational and my child doesn't have one toy in the line that she hasn't played with over and over. This particular toy I am reviewing is the Parents Sing Along Microphone.

Why We Like It

The microphone is a blast! You can record your own voice and play it back--now there is a hit. Not just for our 2 1/2 year old but the 9 year old too. We had to time limit their turns they were both having so much fun! My husband and I played with it too and the whole family had a recorded sing along. It got pretty silly around here! The price of these toys is always right. This particular toy, the microphone was around 11.00.

Pros

Teaches music appreciation
Has all of the songs my daughter loves. Head Shoulders, Knees and Toes, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Itsy Bitsy Spider, London Bridges along with a few more.
Record ability--Children love to...

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Nikro says "No issues except regular maintance " about Nissan Xterra - 2002

Nikro — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:01:57 GMT

Our views toward vehicle ownership:

We are a family who pays off our vehicles, chills on a car payment for at least 6 months and never trades them in. We did purchase the no-frills model and I wish we had gotten a few upgrades, but that was before we had children. We have over 100,000 miles on it and although we are thinking of purchasing a car we will keep the Xterra for grocery trips around town.

Our experience with our 2002 Nissan Xterra:

For the most part our Xterra has been outstanding. (I should knock on wood) We haul our dogs to the park, can put the seats down for extra room for larger purchases and because of the no frills package don't worry too much if the kids make messes inside as the fabric seats and the carpeting are very easy to steam clean. I would like air conditioning vents in the back like the others stated, but once again, we bought this car before we had a child and didn't give that a thought at the time of purchase.

Repairs:

As some others have mentioned...

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