http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/TracieFadian Tue, 28 Aug 2007 16:46:21 GMT Reviews by TracieFadian http://www.viewpoints.com/Jwin-JH-P30-Lightweight-Heavy-Bass-Digital-Stereo-Headphones-review-b23e0 **I just have to spread the word about this wonderful find! — — How I discovered the JWIN JH-P30 Lightweight Heavy Bass Digital Stereo Headphones: Before I got my iPod shuffle, I was running with a portable disc player and headphones. I have tried many, but just cannot seem to fit or keep earbuds in my ears! — — My mother had picked me up a spare pair of headphones for my birthday. She said "Nothing special or expensive, just thought you could use another pair." I said thanks and kept them on hand. Using the current pair I had, I was running, my hand caught the cord just right and pulled it real hard. Afterward, this caused the headphones to cut in and out. Thank goodness my iPod was on the way! — — When my iPod arrived, they came with earbuds of course. I figured that they were expensive, so they MUST work in my ears! NOPE. Back to headphones 101! I broke out the JWIN headphones and used them. I liked them, and did notice they were very... Tue, 28 Aug 2007 16:46:21 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Jwin-JH-P30-Lightweight-Heavy-Bass-Digital-Stereo-Headphones-review-b23e0 TracieFadian 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/LeapFrog-Fridge-Phonics-Magnetic-Letter-Set-review-ad4e How I discovered the LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnet Letter Set : — I used to babysit in a friend's home for their two daughters full time, and they had this wonderful toy on their refridgerator. I brought my two kids, (at the time) six and three, with me everyday. They just loved it and played with it all of the time. That Christmas, the friend had bought it for my three year old. My kids were thrilled! — — My experience: — We still have our Fridge Phonics (minus a few letters) and now my 2 1/2 year enjoys it! It is a wonderful toy! You place whatever letter you like in the letter reader and it will recognize it. It will tell you what letter it is and each sound that letter makes - all in a cute little song. It also has a musical note button that plays an ABC song. Included are the musical letter reader, and 26 magnetic letters. It takes 3 "AAA" batteries, and they last a long time! They have also come out with one that has numbers too, and a "Word Whammer"... Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:43:19 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/LeapFrog-Fridge-Phonics-Magnetic-Letter-Set-review-ad4e TracieFadian 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Norwood-Micro-17-LCD-Flat-Panel-PC-Monitor-Silver-review-71b80 Why Norwood Micro? — MY husband's Uncle Michael comes over from Scotland about every three years. A single guy in his 60's, he's got lots of money to throw around. He's a big shopper/gift giver (I swear, that's not why we love him!). He and my father-in-law came over to the house and were watching a Glasgow Celtic Football (soccer) game on our computer. Well our monitor was on it's way out. The screen was rolling up, and it drove them crazy! A few weeks later (one of his last days here) we all went shopping at the mall together for gifts for his friends back home. We saw that CompUSA was going out of business and had to stop in. My husband and I were looking at computer monitors, of course. This Norwood Micro 17" LCD Flat Panel PC Monitor caught our eye. He came up to us and gave us $100.00 and said "Just buy the bloody thing!" Naturally, we tried several times to tell him that he was crazy and attempted to return the money. He would not take no for an answer, and left the... Thu, 23 Aug 2007 15:04:04 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Norwood-Micro-17-LCD-Flat-Panel-PC-Monitor-Silver-review-71b80 TracieFadian 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Earth-Spirit-Magnolia-sandals-Bark-review-bd3d Did you know about these shoes?!!!!! Well you are about to! I absolutely LOVE them! — — My mother-in-law (if you read my other reviews - you'll learn that she is a serial shopper...but I benefit handsomely for it!) bought me a few outfits for my birthday in May. They all had earthy colors in them, so she bought me this pair of sandals to go with them all. These Earth Spirit Magnolia sandals are the best! They are super cute, stylish, and don't even get me started on comfort! That is the very best part! They have Gelron 2000(R) cushioned insoles, and are like walking on clouds! I thought they would wear down quickly, but didn't! They also have contoured footbeds with arch supports, and lightweight, flexible cushioned outsoles. I gotta tell ya, they are something else! I did not think you could get style and comfort, all for a great price!! You can! — — To this day, I do not know where she got them, I will have to ask her and update the review. I did find them... Thu, 23 Aug 2007 02:33:13 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Earth-Spirit-Magnolia-sandals-Bark-review-bd3d TracieFadian 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Jumpin-Banana-Candy-Grabber-review-b9ca The Find: There I was in the middle of A.J Wright doing some Christmas shopping when I saw it.....The Candy Grabber by Jumpin Banana. I thought: "How nuts would my kids go to have their OWN crane machine?!!!" In the cart it went! — — The Skinny: — Needless to say, this was a HUGE hit with the kids! It came fully assembled, all you had to do is hook the claw on the chain. It works pretty good, except we found that it doesn't work too well with heavy items. It would always grab them, but just repeatedly drop them...very frustrating! Once we got an idea of what items worked well with it, it's been a blast ever since! We even put small toys in it (like you would buy to fill goodie bags or a pinyata) and they were just as fun to win! It plays fun carnival music, and has a time limit to make it even more suspenseful and exciting! It takes 3 "C" batteries which seem to last long, and comes with it's own plastic coins to use over and over again, so you don't go broke! You... Thu, 23 Aug 2007 00:59:19 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Jumpin-Banana-Candy-Grabber-review-b9ca TracieFadian 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Kids-Line-Serendipity-Noahs-Ark-crib-bedding-review-8250 There's nothing more fun than outfitting the nursery for the new arrival! There's two problems I run into. I am a freak about matching everything, and crib bedding (that all comes together and matches) can be OUTRAGEOUS! I do not believe on spending $500.00 just for cosmetic's sake. What do I do??? Ebay! — — I found an AMAZING deal on Kidsline Serendipity Noah's Ark crib bedding. Now even though there are dozens of pieces you can get from this line, I started off with the crib bumper, 2 sheets, comforter, the cribskirt and diaper stacker. How much, you ask? $7.99 (plus13.00 shipping) for ALL OF IT! What a deal!!!! I was happy! I am not sure how much real people (ha ha) pay for this beautiful bedding, I am just here to attest to it's quality! — — All kidding aside, little by little, one piece at a time - I added a few things. The valance, switchplate, and lampshade (had a light blue lamp already). My mother-in-law also found a couple of things outside the... Wed, 22 Aug 2007 23:45:06 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Kids-Line-Serendipity-Noahs-Ark-crib-bedding-review-8250 TracieFadian 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Bright-Stars-Bounce-Baby-Activity-Center-review-9864 If you ask me: — I think every parent should have some type of activity center/exersaucer for thier baby. It gets baby up off their backs and moving! They bounce, turn, play, and actually entertain themselves! They are great! — — I did not own one for my first son, but recieved one for a shower gift for my daughter...which I happily handed down to my second son! My babies played in the Bright Starts Bounce Bounce Baby Activity Center. I didn't have a hand in picking this one out, but if I did, I probably would have picked it. Some of them are just too busy! They have like 20 toys on them with bars and hangy things...etc. Sometimes less is more! — — The features: — * a snack tray (which, when they were not snacking, I would put a few of their favorite small toys on to change it up a little). — *a musical light up piano that plays 6 melodies — *a spinning ball rattle — *mirror — *clicking teether — *springing bee... Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:16:09 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Bright-Stars-Bounce-Baby-Activity-Center-review-9864 TracieFadian 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Converse-ChuckTaylor-All-Star-Luxe-Pinstripe-Ox-Charcoal-Black-Parchment-review-4597 My husband and I (and our kids) have owned a few pairs of Converse All Star Chuck Taylor sneakers over the years. These just happen to be the ones I am reviewing today. — — This particular pair (they make THOUSANDS!) are called: Converse All Star Chuck Taylor Luxe Pinstripe Ox (Charcoal/Black/Parchment). I know...long name. But if you were looking for them, you could probably just say "Converse Luxe Pinstripe Charcoal"....just trying to help you out here.... — — My mother-in-law (she's a serial shopper) bought these for my husband a couple of years back. She happened to get them on clearance at A.J. Wright for like $9.00...I swear. That is the beauty about Chuck Taylors. They make so, so, so many of them in every color or pattern, you can always find some on clearance somewhere. They have to get rid of the old (and by old, I mean a few months) to make room for the new. This style is still available all over the net. The reason I decided to review these is... Wed, 22 Aug 2007 16:32:14 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Converse-ChuckTaylor-All-Star-Luxe-Pinstripe-Ox-Charcoal-Black-Parchment-review-4597 TracieFadian 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Fisher-Price-Imaginext-Trample-The-Triceratops-review-d7ff Have you met Trample The Triceratops?....No?....Let me introduce you. He's pretty cool. — — The other day, my father-in-law surprised my kids with a new toy each. Just because. My toddler's just happened to be the Fisher-Price Imaginext Trample The Triceratops. He did not even know that his wife purchased two other Imaginext dinos for him about a month ago and he loved them (see the reviews)! Only they were a price bracket down and made no noise or movement on their own. This was just the coolest toy. — — He only requires 2 "AA" batteries to strut his stuff. He walks, moves his head up and down and sways his tail side to side all at the same time! Not to mention while he's walking, he makes loud stomping sounds and roars. Very realistic. — — You can get it on the Fisher-Price website for $15.00, but not sure what the stores are charging. Well worth it. It is very durable and made well. I have one very impressed, happy kid. — What a great... Wed, 22 Aug 2007 03:31:24 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Fisher-Price-Imaginext-Trample-The-Triceratops-review-d7ff TracieFadian 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Fisher-Price-Wings-The-Pteranodon-review-25cf0 This my second review on Fisher-Price Imaginext Dinosaurs. I think they are a really great find and my toddler loves them! — — This review is on Wings The Pteranodon. He is a flying dinosaur with moving wings at the push of a button. No batteries needed. He comes with a prehistoric looking man, another little jurassic bird, and a couple of bones. — — My mother-in-law picked this, and another one (see the review), up for my toddler for a long car trip we were all going on. It did actually keep him busy! She found them on clearance at Target for $3.74 each. The regular price is between $4.99 and $5.49 each depending on where you shop...which I think is still a really good price. Nowadays, you spend a fortune on a toy and find it to be complete junk! Not the case here! These are quality, fun toys with a great price - made of hard, durable plastic - and they'll last you a long time. My older son loved dinosaurs for at least 6 years running, so I think this will... Tue, 21 Aug 2007 15:22:29 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Fisher-Price-Wings-The-Pteranodon-review-25cf0 TracieFadian 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Fisher-Price-Imaginext-Hammer-The-Pachycephalosaurus-review-50c1 Is it me, or are all of you parents out there sick of paying a fortune for toys, then you get them home and they are literally JUNK!???? Well I am! Our family isn't drowning in money, so we struggle to get the hottest ,expensive toys for our kids, just to be disappointed when they fall apart in a week...or better yet, you cannot even seem to get them put together correctly without the help of an engineer. This is certainly not the case with Fisher-Price Imaginext Dinosaurs! — — We were going on a trip to Maryland for a cousin's wedding, and my mother-in-law wanted to buy some toys for the kids to keep busy in the car. She picked up 2 Fisher-Price Imaginext Dinosaurs for my 2 1/2 year old. Hammer The Pachycephalosaurus, and Wings the Pteranodon. She got them on clearance for $3.74 each at Target (regularly $5.49). — — This one comes with the dinosaur, a prehistoric looking man, and a couple of accessories (tools, rocks, bone...etc). It does not take... Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:10:39 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Fisher-Price-Imaginext-Hammer-The-Pachycephalosaurus-review-50c1 TracieFadian 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Skechers-Energy-Atomic-Style-2252-review-c586 Skechers Shoe review TAKE FOUR! (see my other Skechers Shoe reviews) — — As I have stated in my other reviews, I have decided to review all of the Skechers in my family's closets because I am becoming a big fan and think they are pretty great. — — This particular review is for Skechers Energy - Atomic Style 2252. I recieved them for a gift from my mother-in-law because I realized I did not own a single pair of athletic shoes. Even if you are not into sport, you will come across a situation where you do some marathon shopping, or you're going to be doing alot of walking at a fair or festival. So I thought I could use a pair. This was years before I even began running. — — She just happened to choose this brand, style and color randomly. When I opened them, I really liked them. They were a trendy brand, all white (I am a freak about matching), and cute. I have had these shoes for a few years now, and they have not ripped, stretched, or anything of... Mon, 20 Aug 2007 15:42:43 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Skechers-Energy-Atomic-Style-2252-review-c586 TracieFadian 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Miracle-Blade-III-Perfection-Series-review-2d8a0 I am sure you have all seen the infomercials for the Miracle Blade III Perfection Series Knife Set..right? Well, I bought them. I NEVER buy stuff from infomercials, but my husband and I both love to cook, and wanted them real bad. I resisted for a couple of years thinking they were probably junk...then I saw a demonstration at my State Fair. Pretty impressive, and two inches from my face, so they convinced me. Plus I would not have to pay shipping, and they were giving two bonus gifts with it. A juicer and some chamois. It was my husband's birthday in a few days and thought it would make the perfect gift. — — You get 5 different knives, plus 4 steak knives, kitchen shears, an extra bread slicer and a couple of bonus gifts for $39.95. Depending on if you order them or get them at a demonstration, there may also be a $19.95 shipping charge - yes, $19.95! (see website at miracleblade.com). — — I gotta say, they were pretty darn sharp. Did everything the... Mon, 20 Aug 2007 15:04:40 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Miracle-Blade-III-Perfection-Series-review-2d8a0 TracieFadian 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Sunsilk-De-Frizz-Conditioner-12-oz-review-6369 I just reviewed Sunsilk De Frizz Shampoo 12 oz. I used it alongside the De Frizz conditioner, so I figured I would review that as well. — — As I stated in the other review, I have problem hair.....who doesn't? — — My hair is long, but limp. Has a bit of natural wave, but is stringy with undefined curls. A nice chestnut brown color, but dry and frizzy. It really does not do much. I do not have many hair style options either. I do not like my hair short, and I DO NOT look good with bangs!!! So what do ya do? — — When I saw the commercials for Sunsilk products I was immediately interested. The only problem was - I had most of the issues that they were individualizing in each bottle...so I picked the one product that targeted the issue that bothers me most---FRIZZ!!! I sent away for a free sample on their website (I think they run about $3 each in the store) and the rest you are about to hear. — — The scent, as I mentioned before, was... Sun, 19 Aug 2007 23:32:38 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Sunsilk-De-Frizz-Conditioner-12-oz-review-6369 TracieFadian 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Sunsilk-De-Frizz-Shampoo-12-oz-review-8d97 How do I explain my hair? — — Positives: — It grows super fast, it is long, is a pretty nice chestnut brown shade, has a little — natural curl, and is pretty healthy. — — Negatives: — Fine, limp, dry, frizzy, doesn't do much. — — I do not think they make a shampoo formula for all of that. Usually what I end up doing is using any old shampoo, a good conditioner, and then a million products for each of the individual problems. A curl definer, so it actually curls instead of looking burnt. A shine spray to take care of the dryness. Blow dry upside down to give body or fullness......it's a mess. Sometimes I just put it up in a claw to avoid the whole charade. People always ask me.."How come you never wear your hair down???" — — When I saw the Sunsilk commercials, I thought, well, maybe I could take like three of them and mix them together to tame my mane...but opted for the De Frizz because it is the... Sun, 19 Aug 2007 21:47:17 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Sunsilk-De-Frizz-Shampoo-12-oz-review-8d97 TracieFadian 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Skechers-Premiere-Adios-Style-80153-review-9770 Recently I have decided to review all of my family's Skechers shoes because I think they are a great quality brand, and it's only right to pass the good word along! (See my other Skechers reviews!) — — I bought this pair for my (then) six year old daughter. This particular pair is called Skechers Premiere - Adios Style 80153. I happened to find them at Sears on a clearance rack marked down to $6.00!! I just HAD to get them! Unfortunately, they only come in white, which get dirty real quick in my family, but on the other hand - they match anything! They look adorable on my daughter and are very durable (as I am finding all of their shoes to be). — — You can get them on the website for $39.00, which I happen to think is a fair price. But then again....look around. I don't think I have ever paid full price for anything myself or my family owns! I am sure you can find them cheaper! They are comprised of a Leather upper, and a lifted rubber sole, and are lace up... Sun, 19 Aug 2007 21:03:16 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Skechers-Premiere-Adios-Style-80153-review-9770 TracieFadian 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Skechers-Regulators-Merge-Style-4326-Casual-Oxfords-review-9699 This is my 2nd review on Skechers Shoes, and I might just review all of them in our collection because I really am becoming a big fan of this brand! — — It all started with a pair of their flip flops my mother-in-law gave to me because they were too small for her (that's right...give them to me instead of return them...we like that!). I cannot believe how long these suckers have lasted! To me - flip flops are almost disposable! Next, My mother, brother and I were at Burlington Coat Factory Christmas shopping. The way my brother Christmas shops is "If you see anything you want...throw it in my cart!"...and so I did! I found a pair of high chunky heeled Skechers combat boots - on clearance for $9.99!!!!!! A few weeks later I found a pair of Skechers sneakers for my daughter on clearance at Sears for $6.00!! Wow! Coincidentally, that same year my mother-in-law got me a pair of sneakers (when I had asked for a pair for Christmas) because believe it or not, I didn't own... Sun, 19 Aug 2007 15:16:06 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Skechers-Regulators-Merge-Style-4326-Casual-Oxfords-review-9699 TracieFadian 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Strong-National-Museum-of-Play-Rochester-NY-review-4da50 The Details: — What: Strong National Museum of Play — Where: One Manhatten Square, Rochester, New York 14607 — Admission: Adults $9.00 —                   Seniors $8.00 —                   Children 2 - 17 $7.00 —                   Children under 2 free —                   $2.00 discount for military — Hours: (extended hours through Labor Day) —             Monday through Thursday - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. —             Friday - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. —          ... Sun, 19 Aug 2007 02:31:51 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Strong-National-Museum-of-Play-Rochester-NY-review-4da50 TracieFadian 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Skechers-Del-Mar-Mazatlan-Style-no-70477-Sandal-review-eb34 My husband and I went to the mall looking for sandals for our daughter. When we were leaving (with no luck on sandals for her), my huband says he desperately needs a new pair himself. We were right by the mall exit by DSW shoe store, so we first looked in there. BINGO! He found this pair of Skechers Del - Mar Mazatlan sandals. They were having a huge clearance sale, getting rid of most of their summer shoes (even though it was still July). You were to take the appropriate percentage (according to the color of sticker) off the last markdown price. These sandals had a 75% off sticker and were marked down from $66.00 to $48.00...making them $12.00!!! For Skechers!!! Wrap them up..we'll take them! — — My husband loves the Skechers brand, and loves the way these sandals look on him. There was only one problem....they didn't stay on his feet very well. They would sometimes fly off...which is not good. My husband owns a pair of Skechers shoes, my daughter owns a pair of their... Sun, 19 Aug 2007 01:00:30 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Skechers-Del-Mar-Mazatlan-Style-no-70477-Sandal-review-eb34 TracieFadian 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/BeautiControl-Skinlogics-Lip-Apeel--22911-review-2ddc I will start off by saying that I usually hate those cosmetic parties people always invite you to....BUT my best friend (who happened to live right next door at the time) invited me, so I figured I'd go. — — The things at these parties are ALWAYS overpriced if you ask me, but what do I know? — I have to be honest, I really was impressed by the BeautiControl line of cosmetics, but just couldn't afford them! They were very light, left a natural look and lasted a long time. A little went a long way! — — So there I was.....I knew I had to buy something, so I decided on the SKINLOGICS Lip Apeel. I had never seen anything like it. An exfoliator for your lips??? If anyone needed one, it was me! I have always had chronic chapped lips. It is a white cream that you apply to your lips and let dry. It dries white and slightly hardens. You then rub it all off, and with it comes the dead layers of skin off of your lips. Next you apply the lip balm in the top of... Sat, 18 Aug 2007 22:48:30 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/BeautiControl-Skinlogics-Lip-Apeel--22911-review-2ddc TracieFadian 5