Reviews by Friends of Pinkfrogs

LisaCarey says "I notice a febreze - not the aroma of garlic or doggy " about Procter & Gamble Febreze NOTICEables

LisaCarey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:10:43 GMT

A busy household, children, diapers, lots of home cooking and a dog can mean lots of smells in my household. Smells I really don't want anyone else to know about. I quite often make my own simmering air freshener but recently was preparing for guests and since I was doing some heavy duty Mexican cooking (pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin etc) thought that maybe I might need something a little bit stronger, and I was right. Procter & Gamble Febreze NOTICEables make my house smell fresh and clean and eliminates the odors I want to get rid of.

What I like about Procter & Gamble Febreze NOTICEables

I can adjust high or low
the fragrances alternate - there are two and they compliment each other
the fragrance also works well with other fragrances in my home
it is reasonably priced - even for refills
coupons are available
lasts a long time

What I don't like about Procter & Gamble Febreze NOTICEables

wish there were more scent choices - especially fruits and herbals
they...

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LisaCarey says "Pretends to be healthy with fiber and ruins it with artificial " about Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt

LisaCarey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:01:27 GMT

My daughter loves yogurt. She eats it every day. I was worried about the sugar and high fructose corn syrup in many yogurts and made a rookie mistake - I bought instead of some other yogurts I know -- Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt not reading the label or box and being fooled by yogurt and fiber.

The package of Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt tells you about the great fiber you are getting, the few calories and all the other good things you need to know. It also does tell you about about the artificial and natural sweeteners but with two kids in the cart - who has time to read all that?

So, into my cart it went, even thought it was $3.29 for a 4 pack. Luckily, Kroger's had them BOGO so it wasn't too shocking of a sticker price.

Now don't get me wrong, the yogurt is attractive to look at and smooth and creamy. Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt has visible fruit blended but not chunky just the way a child would like it. And my kids did like it! But I didn't like the bitter taste of the artificial...

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PattyTherre says "Nothing magic about this air freshener. Didn't last long at all." about Citrus Magic Solid Air Freshener (227 Gr.; 8oz)

PattyTherre — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:54:49 GMT

Quick View: This product is natural which is clearly a plus but not only is it big and ugly, it doesn't last long at all. For $6.00, I expect a solid freshener to work for at least a few weeks. I am not at all impressed with Citrus Magic Solid Air Freshener.

My Take on Citrus Magic Solid Air Freshener

This product comes in a round, white plastic tub with slits in it for the solid freshener inside to release its scent. It's big and ugly so I hide it behind things or put it near the litter box but it doesn't have the power to destroy tough odors like litter box type ones.

I bought the Citrus fragrance. There two others as well. It smelled orangey and decent when I opened the package but it soon faded. It was only fresh smelling for a week or two and then I smelled nothing at all. Now, this is a natural product and does contain charcoal to absorb odors so it could have been doing so without a scent but I didn't feel the house smelled fresher after a couple weeks of using the Citrus Magic Solid...

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LisaCarey says "Who needs Elmer's when you have Crayola for glue " about Crayola 56-1135: Washable GlueStick

LisaCarey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:50:51 GMT

I recently attended an event at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and at various locations throughout the museum were crafts for the children to create. I noticed the new Crayola 56-1135: Washable GlueStick and prior to using it there (and then buying it for my home) I thought all glue sticks were created equal. I was wrong - this one is the king of glue sticks, except I am using it so much I think they need to make bigger ones.

What do I like about the Crayola 56-1135: Washable GlueStick

the capped end so that it stands in place instead of rolling away
the blue glue stick so you know where your glue is
it is washable - really it actually came out of my daughter's hair without scrubbing
non toxic
easy to use (my girls are 4 and 3)
the glue stick window - it tells you when you are at the end of the stick

There really isn't anything I don't like about the Crayola 56-1135: Washable GlueStick. It is a little bit pricier than other glue sticks, but it is also more versatile....

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LisaCarey says "The more gentlemanly of the Jack Daniel's Whiskey's " about Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey

LisaCarey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:36:47 GMT

I enjoy a good Jack Daniel's, preferably with Coke. Recently I had a chance to spend some time with Jack's much older brother Gentleman Jack and guess what, some things do improve with age.

Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey 750 ml is approximately $24.00 and the distinctive bottle looks a little bit like Crown Royal. It is an 80 proof whiskey, oak barrel aged and then charcoal filtered twice.

The color of this whiskey is dark golden brown, almost caramel similar to Jack Daniel's that we all know. This whiskey is made with corn, rye, and barley malt and has a more earthy scent that the other Jack Daniel's as well as many other high end whiskey's.

It does burn a little bit more, it seems like the alcohol content is higher, even though it isn't. I have to say that while it is tasty to drink it doesn't mix as well with Coke, so be prepared to drink it on the rocks.

Overall, Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey is worth the extra money if you...

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LisaCarey says "A peach of a vodka!" about Absolut Peach Vodka

LisaCarey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:22:21 GMT

Absolute APeach Vodka is made by Absolut of Sweden, which has been producing quality vodka's since 1879 - and it shows! They have added a line of flavored vodka's to their product line, many of which are "absolut-ely" delicious. Absolut Peach Vodka is one of them.

The Absolut Vodka APeach bottle is distinctive, the clear bottle at the top with a peach colored ring around the bottle. Go ahead and buy the big bottle - you will need it once you start drinking it. You probably won't want to share it.

Absolut APeach is made with all natural ingredients, no sugar.

It is 40% Alc./Vol. (80 Proof) and priced at around $30.00.

This flavored vodka can be paired with many other drinks or on the rocks. Some each "fixes" are Welch's White Grape Peach Juice, Schweppes Tonic Water, Giant Light Cranberry Juice, and Bols Triple Sec.

However, I like to add Diet 7 Up to it. It makes a cool refreshing drink with guess what no fat or carbs!

The aroma is definitely peach, just like the fruit....

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Fardreamer says "De Palma's Mission Impossible reboot goes on Cruise control" about Mission: Impossible

Fardreamer — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 17:13:59 GMT

In 1996, 30 years after its debut on the CBS television network, producer Bruce Geller's spy-action adventure series Mission: Impossible followed Star Trek from the small screen into the silver screen when Paramount Pictures released Brian DePalma's film adaptation, which stars Tom Cruise as IMF operative Ethan Hunt and Jon Voight as Jim Phelps.

Because the series was so much a product of the Cold War - proving Nicholas Meyer's statement that "all art reflects the times in which it's created" - storywriters Steven Zaillian and David Koepp and screenwriters Koepp and Robert Towne couldn't simply take stories from the old show and update them for the film.

They could, however, take some of the series' basic premises and one character (Phelps) and try to extrapolate what the end of the Cold War has wrought on the IMF team and its leaders now that the Iron Curtain has fallen and their roles and missions are being redefined.

The big issue faced by Zaillian, Koepp and Towne was this: Tom Cruise's...

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PattyTherre says "Tastes great and good for you too. Eat em up, yum!" about Thomas' Better Start High Fiber 100 Calories English Muffins

PattyTherre — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 05:13:15 GMT

Quick View: My family calls me a fiber freak. And I am. I believe fiber fills you up and keeps you full and it aids in good digestive health. I don't get nearly enough fiber for the most part so I am always on the lookout for foods that boost my intake. Thomas' Better Start High Fiber 100 Calories English Muffins have 5 grams of fiber per muffin and taste great. They really are a better start to anyone's day!

My Take on Thomas' Better Start High Fiber 100 Calories English Muffins

These English muffins look exactly like regular ones. They come six to a package and need to be sliced into halves to toast. Each weighs 1.8 ounces which is just about what other English muffins weigh.

They taste exactly the same as English muffins at a restaurant or that you buy in a store with little or no fiber in them. At just 100 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 4 grams of protein, the hefty 5 grams of fiber in every muffin is an added benefit to these low cal, low fat muffins.

I toast them and add fat free cream...

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lorialcorn2006 says "Merlin's Charge ,Modern Take on an old Story" about what a great read

lorialcorn2006 — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 01:04:48 GMT

I Have just finished Merlin's Charge By Peter Joseph Swanson and I must say WOW Toads and warts what a great book ! I usually don't read books like this ( fantasy) but I just had to give it a try and boy or boy was I entertained . This book is not only a really cool way to tell an Arthurian legend , its a way for you to see what Author was like as a young man, who is only trying to be a good boy and a wise king (even if he has a lot of questions) First I have to ask Peter where did you get to be so witty ! This story was not only funny but very deep as well ,so many times I was reading this and said ,Wow thats what Im saying ! (regarding religion ) Peter, You really need you to continue the story , after all Author has a lot of life ahead of him and I can just see Merlin beside him giving him advice and annoying the heck out of him lol ! What a concept! Any one who is into the legion of Author and his round Table is in for a treat in Merlin's Charge ! I just cant wait to see what......

AmyA says "Hours of fun and laughs with Fling-ama-string (a toy for cats)" about Moody Pet Fling-ama-string

AmyA — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:17:34 GMT

This is not only a fun toy for cats and pet parents, but it has also won awards for Product Excellence (Gold Retailer Select), Editor's Choice (Cat Fancy), Best New Cat Product (Global Pet Expo) and Best in show (Global Pet Expo).

It was the awards that sold me when I was shopping for something new for my girls and it's was my girls reactions that made me happy I made my choice.

This is a battery operated (3 AA batteries) toy that is a simple multi colored string that goes around on an elastic belt...pulls the string up and when it gets to the front the string drops and my girls were pouncing, jumping and trying like crazy to capture the string. They both were having a blast. Scrappy (three years old) and Snickers (one year old). Doesn't matter what age...it gets them off their furry little tushies and keeps them going.

A snap to put together. place batteries in and turn it on (so easy). This two has two speeds and it hangs on an ordenary door knob so you don't have to worry...

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PattyTherre says "Adidas Tropical Passion is fruity but best for young women." about Adidas For Women Tropical Passion Eau De Toilette Spray

PattyTherre — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 05:45:29 GMT

Quick View: I adore fruity fragrances, especially lemon, lime, and orange scents. When I saw Adidas For Women Tropical Passion Eau De Toilette Spray (1.7 ounce) for under $10.00 while shopping online, I added it to my cart. It does smell nice but it's very unsophisticated and the scent fades fast.

My Take on Adidas For Women Tropical Passion Eau De Toilette Spray

This fragrance comes in a glass 1.7 ounce bottle and is tinted slightly orange. It has notes of tangerine, melon, pineapple, magnolia, orange blossom, cedar and musk. It sounded like an amazing light scent that I would enjoy. And I do. But the fragrance is very ... unsophisticated for lack of a better word. It is straight up fruity with orange notes being the strongest.It doesn't change as it dries down. In fact, it smells much more like a body mist than an eau de toilette. And it lasts about as long.

Adidas For Women Tropical Passion Eau De Toilette Spray is strong to start. It is almost overwhelmingly fruity. It then dries down...

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Bryan-Carey says "Pepcid AC Maximum Strength EZ Chews Reduce Acid Fast" about Pepcid AC Maximum Strength EZ Chews

Bryan-Carey — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:10:37 GMT

Heartburn sufferers know that nothing feels quite as nice as an end to the pain and plenty of over the counter drugs exist to help with this problem. Most ordinary antacids are fine for small bouts of discomfort but when heavy duty relief is needed, one product that outshines the rest is Pepcid AC Maximum Strength EZ Chews, an antacid/acid reducer.

Stomach Relief Commentary:

Pepcid AC Maximum Strength EZ Chews are small, chewable tablets that can be taken without water. These chalky tablets are available in two flavors: Berries & Cream or Cooling Mint. They break down quickly, thanks to their small size, and can be consumed in a matter of seconds. They can be taken immediately, when heartburn or indigestion strike, or taken before a meal, when stomach discomfort is anticipated.

I have occasional bouts of heartburn and I am also prone to the disgusting and painful experience of acid reflux. When these serious problems arise, ordinary antacids will not even put a dent in the pain and discomfort....

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PattyTherre says "A very good clarifying conditioner that also adds moisture." about Avalon Organics Lemon Clarifying Conditioner with Shea Butter & Babassu Oil

PattyTherre — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:53:17 GMT

Quick View: I love Avalon Organics Lemon Clarifying Shampoo with Shea Butter and bought the conditioner to accompany it. This lemony conditioner adds moisture to dry hair yet keeps build up and weigh down away. My only small gripe is that it doesn't detangle as well as I would like but otherwise, my hair loves it.

My Take on Avalon Organics Lemon Clarifying Conditioner with Shea Butter & Babassu Oil

This 11 ounce bottle of white conditioner smells as great as the shampoo,. It has natural lemon extract and smells of fresh lemons. There are no parabens, petroleum-based ingredients, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, or other harsh preservatives or chemicals and no synthetic fragrances or colors, It is 100% vegetarian and cruelty free.

The conditioner is of medium consistency and comes out of the flip cap easily. I need quite a bit because my hair is very long but most people will only need a small amount to cover their hair. The scent is great and stays in my hair after drying which I love.

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Meredith says "Big Star wins!" about Big Star - Chicago, IL

Meredith — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:48:05 GMT

I really love the new Tex-Mex cantina in Wicker Park - Big Star. The owners of Avec started Big Star... nice group. Let's just say I went there 3 nights in a row so it must be good. Located across from The Violet Hour on Damen near Milwaukee. Great vibe, greater food and drinks. I'm in love.

The highlights...

- $2 tacos (chicken, fish, pork, veggie)

- Impressive tequila & bourbon list. Plus, a ginger & beer cocktail that I love. Most cocktails are $7.

- On tap: Goose Island's Matilda ($6), Lagunita lager ($4) & Schlitz ($1)

- Super fresh quacamole, handmade tortillas

- Chill atmosphere, friendly staff

- Good music. They play records. Yes real records on a record player! Mostly rockabilly, old country (think Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash)

Go early-ish for any hope of getting a seat at the bar or seats anywhere, for that matter.

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Fardreamer says "Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket is quirky, violent Vietnam War film " about Full Metal Jacket

Fardreamer — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:26:56 GMT

Before I bought Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket on DVD last year, I had only seen the movie once before - when it was released in theaters in 1987.

I was still in college then, a journalism major and - at the time - copy editor of my junior college campus' student newspaper. But because I had been the paper's Diversions editor during the previous semester, I still wrote entertainment-related articles or reviews if the section needed me to do so.

I went to see Full Metal Jacket with my friends Betsy Matteis and Richard de la Pena; we had met in elementary school in the 1970s and remained close until Betsy moved to Alabama several years ago and (sadly) Richard's death at the age of 41 (cancer).

At the time, many Hollywood studios were releasing "combat experience" movies about the Vietnam War, a topic they had either ignored or danced peripherically around by focusing their attention on the post-war experiences or the home front dramas (The Deer Hunter, Coming Home) of the veterans. ...

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Bryan-Carey says "Old English Lemon Oil Conditions and Protects" about Old English Lemon Oil

Bryan-Carey — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:21:15 GMT

End tables, kitchen tables, and other furniture needs to be kept clean and if the material is wood, the challenges are unique due to the more delicate nature of wood and the potential for disrepair. Many people clean their wooden tables with ordinary aerosol polish, but wood benefits from an occasional oil treatment and one product designed for this purpose is Old English Lemon Oil, a protective liquid cleaner for wood.

Wood Cleaner/Protector Commentary:

Old English Lemon Oil is a moisturizing product with special oils that clean and condition wood to bring out its natural beauty. This product can be used on any wood surface, and that includes wooden tables, cabinets, wood paneling, and more. Old English Lemon Oil offers a pleasant, lemon scent with an oily texture that penetrates the surface, leaving a smooth shiny surface behind and protecting against stains such as fingerprints, crayons, and various foods.

Much of the furniture in my home is composed of natural wood and most of...

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LisaCarey says "Dress up dolls in the bathtub? " about Alex Tub Fashion

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:41:02 GMT

Do you remember playing with paper dolls and changing their clothes? My daughter's have moved on to Melissa and Doug dolls, a twin set that gives them lots of clothes and accessories that are magnetic to dress their not so paper dolls. Since they had so much fun with dressing dolls that way, one friend purchased the Alex Tub Fashion set for them to use in the bathtub.

Bathtub time is a big deal at my house. It includes bubbles and playtime long before we get to the business at hand. My girls only a year apart are still where they like to do everything together which includes not using their own bathtub but using mom's instead so that they can have more space to be mermaids. Alex Tub Fashion toy was immediately sent to its room.

What do I like about the Alex Tub Fashion toy?

there are two dolls - and I have two girls
there are plenty of dress up items
the easy to store bag allows them to drip dry
the girls enjoy them
easy to use - just stick the doll to the side of the...

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LisaCarey says "A few suds, no surprises but the girls love it because it's Dora" about Fisher-Price Suds and Surprise Dora

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:23:13 GMT

I was a little surprised with the girls were shopping for their birthday gift and they actually chose the Fisher-Price Suds and Surprise Dora. It didn't seem all that exciting to me but the price was right (on sale for $14.99) so I thought if they really want it that bad, sure let's give it a try.

The Fisher-Price Suds and Surprise Dora is a Dora doll that sits on a "tray' that is attached to the side of your bathtub and is removable. Dora's "head" is like those dolls that you can do their hair and put make up on their faces. The Dora head has longer hair than in the cartoon and when wet with cold or hot water it changes color adding stripes. It comes with a little bucket to pour water out and a sponge which causes tattoos to appear on Dora's face when used.

What I like about the Fisher-Price Suds and Surprise Dora

not too expensive
the tray attaches to the bathtub and really does stick
the girls enjoy it
still fun to play with even after all this time
good for ages 2 and...

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LisaCarey says "A cool mist that helps my family breathe easy at night " about Holmes Humidifier - Cool Mist Humidifier - HM1746

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:14:18 GMT

Who would have ever thought living in Houston I would need an humidifier? But two of my daughter's suffers from seasonal allergies and for some reason, as soon as the heat comes on the one has a stuffed up nose, even with the worst cold symptoms. Both my husband and I have seasonal sinus trouble too. My pediatrician recommended that she sleep with a humidifier in her room so needing one that didn't add to the Houston heat we purchased the Holmes Humidifier - Cool Mist Humidifier - HM1746.

What I like about the Holmes Humidifier - Cool Mist Humidifier - HM1746.

not too expensive
lightweight - I can take it from the bedroom to the family room so we can use it all day
once it is filled it lasts a long time
several different settings - from lots of humidity to little as well as three settings for how the fan functions
safety feature on the fan to keep little fingers safe

What I don't like about the Holmes Humidifier - Cool Mist Humidifier - HM1746.

it's noisy - it is not really...

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LisaCarey says "Soft on the nose and the blow " about Kleenex Facial Tissue with Lotion

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:56:12 GMT

I purchased Kleenex Facial Tissue with Lotion because it was less expensive than the Puff's brands with Aloe or Lotion. I wasn't disappointed but sometimes they just don't hold up to a good hard blow of the nose.

What do I like about Kleenex Facial Tissue with Lotion

softens my skin when I need a tissue
less expensive than other brands
works well - most of the time
easy to find at any store
variety of boxes for any decor
soft and smooth
helps with the pain and redness your nose can get from blowing too often

What don't I like about Kleenex Facial Tissue with Lotion

can't use for anything else
the lotion tends to give me a pimple or two on and around my nose
have to use two or more tissues sometimes for a good blowing of my nose

i admit, I have sensitive skin and when I have to use a tissue a lot (usually in the spring and again the entire month of December) the redness, drying and irritation that regular tissues give my skin is a real pain. At least when I...

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