http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/angel28960 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:07:29 GMT Reviews by angel28960 http://www.viewpoints.com/Calphalon-Nylon-Utensils-review-a6867 When I registered at Macy's for my wedding, I asked for a variety of kitchen utensils.  Plastic, metal, wood, silicone, nylon, they all made the list.  Over the past year, I have come to realize that nylon is the best material for utensils.  I even went as far as giving away most of my other utensils to friends and the Salvation Army. — Calphalon's nylon utensils are, in my opinion, the best on the market.  They are made of flexible and lightweight nylon, so they don't scratch my Calphalon One Nonstick cookware.  Also, the silicone handle makes them easy to grip, which, in turn makes them easier to use.  I have found that these utensils are strong enough to hold up in high heats, and do not melt or warp in the dishwasher.  They are heat resistant up to 400 degrees.  When cooking, I frequently leave a spoon or spatula resting in the pan. — In addition, these utensils are very affordable.  The spoon, slotted spoon,... Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:07:29 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Calphalon-Nylon-Utensils-review-a6867 angel28960 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Martha-Stewart-52-Piece-Cake-Decorating-Set-review-9b800 I received this cake decorating kit as a wedding gift last June.  I have only used it four times, but it makes decorating anything...cakes, cookies, etc. easy and fun.  Everything you need to make beautiful cakes is included in the kit. This kit includes the following tools: an instruction manual, 26 standard tips (and a storage case), 6 large tips, 3 standard plastic couplers, 3 pastry bags (sm, med, lg), 6 food coloring pots, 2 spatulas, 1 flower nail, 1 cleaning brush, 1 tip brush, a storage tin, and a storage bag. — I really like all the different tips that are included in this kit.  They make it possible to get exactly the right look without cutting the tips off of 20 plastic sandwich bags first.  You don't need to be a pro, or even experienced to use this kit.  It has beginner instructions that are very helpful.  I learned a lot from the booklet, and was able to use some of the techniques without a... Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:31:35 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Martha-Stewart-52-Piece-Cake-Decorating-Set-review-9b800 angel28960 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/JW-Marriott-Ihilani-Resort-Spa-at-Ko-Olina-Kapolei-Oahu-HI-review-fcb52 We stayed at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa while we were house hunting in Hawaii, and couldn't have been more pleased with the amenities or the service.  Located on the West side of Oahu, this resort is more low-key and peaceful than its counterparts in Waikiki.  It is about a 15-20 minute drive from Honolulu Airport (HNL). — The guest rooms are very spacious and luxurious.  Since the resort is located right on the beach, many of the rooms feature an ocean view.  There is nothing better than waking up in the morning to the sight and sound of the ocean right outside your bedroom window!  In addition to the ocean, the resort has three pools, and a few outdoor tennis courts. — Also, the Ihilani resort has one of the best spas on the island.  If you have time, I definitely recommend spending some time at the spa.  It is 35,000 sq. ft. of relaxation and pampering.  I can personally recommend the body wraps, massages,... Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:05:31 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/JW-Marriott-Ihilani-Resort-Spa-at-Ko-Olina-Kapolei-Oahu-HI-review-fcb52 angel28960 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Timex-Sports-Ironman-50-Lap-Triathlon-Wrist-Watch-review-d2231 I have had a few different sports watches over the years, and this is by far the best I have ever tried.  It is small enough to fit my wrist well, but the display is very clear and easy to read.  It took me less than 10 minutes to read the instructions and learn how to use this watch...very user-friendly.  My favorite feature is the lap counter, which counts and stores up to 50 laps.  This is a valuable tool that lets me statistically determine where my weak points are over the course of several runs.  — The strap is made of either pink or blue resin, so it fits my wrist well without rubbing or causing burns like some nylon straps tend to do.  It is water resistant up to 100m, so it is also great when swimming.  I have worn it in the pool countless times and have had no problems.  In addition, it had three separate alarms, which I occasionally need to get up in the mornings!  Other features include an Indiglo light for late... Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:11:37 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Timex-Sports-Ironman-50-Lap-Triathlon-Wrist-Watch-review-d2231 angel28960 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Asics-GT-2130-Stability-Running-Shoe-review-28a82 I have been running since middle school, and have gone through a lot of shoes!!  I have been fitted by experts a few times and have found out that I over-pronate.  This is an important detail...if you have never been fitted by an expert, I suggest you do that asap.  That knowledge is essential in picking the best shoe for your running style. — I used to wear the Asics GT-2120.  However, they just came out with a new model, the GT-2130.  I like these a whole lot better.  After running for so long in the 2120's, I can tell the difference between the old and new styles.  The 2130's have slightly more stability and I feel like they give me more cushioning where I need it most.  They have mesh built in, so they are more breathable than many other running shoes I have tried. — This is a fairly light-weight shoe (9.8 oz) that is great for a combination of road and trail running.  It has the cushioning needed to... Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:46:52 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Asics-GT-2130-Stability-Running-Shoe-review-28a82 angel28960 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Re-Trak-Retractable-Stereo-Earbuds-review-91f81 If you are a serious runner (or athlete) like me, you know how difficult it is to find good headphones.  I have to get a new pair every 30 to 60 days because the clip stops hugging my ear or the spongy ear thing falls off.  Look no more...I have found the perfect solution! — Emerge Technologies makes a line of headphones called Re Trak.  They make regular headphones as well as earbuds.  They have a wheel in between the jack and the actual buds that you can use to adjust the cords to the perfect length.  This is a great feature when running, because you don't have to worry about extra cords hanging down or wrapping around your arm.  I clip the wheel to the back of my shirt and don't have to mess with it at all.  The whole thing condenses down into a 3" circle, which prevents tangling and expands out to 3.6'. — The earbuds feature a low-noise, in-ear design, so you hear your music and not the other guy's.  I usually do not... Sun, 30 Mar 2008 19:54:48 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Re-Trak-Retractable-Stereo-Earbuds-review-91f81 angel28960 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Cellar-Soho-High-Ball-Glassware-review-22161 I really like these high ball glasses by Macy's in-house brand, The Cellar (shown at left in the picture).  They are durable, classy, and simple enough to use everyday.  I registered for 12 -- 3 sets of 4 -- and was so pleased with them that I ended up buying an extra set a few months after our wedding.  I also have The Cellar's matching Double Old Fashioned glasses (shown at right in the picture.  — These glasses are substantial enough so that they are not easily knocked over.  The base of the glass is pretty thick so that even when they are full, most of the weight is at the bottom.  The curved base adds an additional element of class to already nice glassware.  I like that they are fairly inexpensive (for glassware) so that if (or when) we do break one, I can replace it easily. — We use them as everyday glasses, so they hold up to frequent use.  They can also be used for fun mixed drinks like a mojito or a Tequila... Mon, 04 Feb 2008 22:00:32 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Cellar-Soho-High-Ball-Glassware-review-22161 angel28960 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/ebay--26677-review-7f9f1 ... Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:07:41 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/ebay--26677-review-7f9f1 angel28960 2 http://www.viewpoints.com/Waterford-Kilbarry-Platinum-Dinnerware-review-34d71 I saw this china pattern in Macy's and fell in love.  It is beautiful, classy and timeless.  This is definitely a pattern you could use forever.  Unlike a busier pattern, this set will never go out of style.  It is a set that could be passed down and actually used and appreciated.  Every time I use my china, I am reminded of how lovely it really is. — This pattern is made out of the highest quality fine bone china.  It has two platinum bands around the outer edge of each piece, and other platinum bands added as accents on various pieces (coffee pot, gravy boat, etc.).  This simple but elegant pattern allows me to accent the table with other serving or decorative pieces as well as with chargers and linens.  Silver chargers look very nice with this set year-round, and red chargers really pop during Christmas. — My table looks very put-together when I also use my various serving pieces.  Waterford makes every conceivable... Wed, 30 Jan 2008 17:12:58 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Waterford-Kilbarry-Platinum-Dinnerware-review-34d71 angel28960 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Calphalon-One-Nonstick-16-Piece-set-review-73fa0 When we registered for our wedding at Williams-Sonoma, we put all of the available Calphalon One Nonstick cookware on our list individually.  We actually got almost all of what we asked for, but since the set is so much cheaper, we returned all of the individuals and just got this 16 pc set.  I couldn't be more thrilled with it.  — This cookware is so great because it is both infused-anodized and nonstick, so I get the best of both worlds.  It cooks evenly, because it spreads the heat evenly throughout the entire surface, not just the part touching the burner.  Also, I have not ever had to scrape food off of this cookware.  Everything just slides right off.  This makes them so so so easy to clean.  Even sauces and grease wash off easily with soap and hot water.  I don't really have to soak them either.  I usually just wait until they aren't hot anymore before washing.  Additionally, unlike stainless steel... Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:36:14 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Calphalon-One-Nonstick-16-Piece-set-review-73fa0 angel28960 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Williams-Sonoma-Apilco-Tradition-Dinnerware-review-d6722 These dishes were highly recommended by the saleswomen in Williams-Sonoma.  I was looking for higher quality everyday dishes that were as practical as they were attractive.  I wanted something that was neutral so that I could get fun accent pieces over time.  This style definitely fits that bill.  These dishes are made out of a high quality white porcelain.  They are dishwasher, microwave, freezer and oven safe.  I have never actually put mine in the oven, but apparently you can.  — These dishes are very durable.  We have already moved them once, and will be shipping them to Hawaii in about 5 months.  From then on, we will be moving about every 3 years, so I needed something that was going to hold up well to being shipped all over the world.  These plates are exactly what I need.  Not a single one had chipped yet, and we are not exactly gentle with our dishes.  When I was in the store, another customer... Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:15:16 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Williams-Sonoma-Apilco-Tradition-Dinnerware-review-d6722 angel28960 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Williams-Sonoma-Bamboo-Cutting-Board-with-Bowls-review-183c3 I wanted this particular cutting board only because it looked cool.  Seriously.  It is made out of bamboo wood which is a very nice look.  In addition, it comes with two stainless-steel bowls.  These are great and really come in handy.  I love that when I am chopping veggies, I can just slide the good stuff into a bowl on one side and the bad stuff into a bowl on the other side.  This saves a lot of time because I don't have to pause to pick up the board or to transfer whatever I'm chopping by hand. — The only drawback that I have found is that this cutting board is fairly heavy.  It is about 2" thick, so it is solid enough that you don't have to worry about pushing it around the counter what cutting on it.  It is about 18" long and 13" wide.  The board cleans well with soap and water without loosing much of its pretty shine.  The two stainless-steel bowls are dishwasher safe and tuck up under the board when you need to... Sun, 27 Jan 2008 22:11:35 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Williams-Sonoma-Bamboo-Cutting-Board-with-Bowls-review-183c3 angel28960 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Williams-Sonoma-Glass-Fruit-Bowl-review-fb3e0 I really liked this glass fruit bowl when my husband and I were registering for our wedding at Williams-Sonoma.  I was thrilled when someone really gave it to us!  It is very classy and understated, so it is functional but still looks nice on my counter.  I always have fresh fruit arranged in it and frequently move it to the center of the dining room table as a centerpiece.  — After Thanksgiving, I put colorful glass ornaments in this bowl and used it as my centerpiece all through the holidays.  It worked perfectly, and I plan to do it again next year. — The bowl is pretty heavy, especially at the base, so you never have to worry about it getting knocked off of the counter or the table.  I have only washed it a few times by hand, but the insert that came with it said that it is also dishwasher safe.  It technically has about a 3 Qt capacity, but I tend to stack as much fruit up as possible to maximize counter space. ... Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:55:41 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Williams-Sonoma-Glass-Fruit-Bowl-review-fb3e0 angel28960 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Williams-Sonoma-Tulip-Bowls-Set-review-cf661 When I saw these wooden bowls in a Williams-Sonoma store, I just could not leave without them.  They are absolutely gorgeous!  They are made out of Vermont yellow birch, and are a great way to dress up a salad.  Unlike other wooden bowls I have had over the years, I do not have to polish this set or refrain from using heavier dressings in it.  The bowls clean very nicely with soap and water and do not seem to warp, chip or loose coloring with frequent use. — The set includes a 12" serving bowl and four 6.25" individual bowls.  I also have an additional 4 individual bowls.  They are available only at Williams-Sonoma and are priced at $120 for the 12" bowl, $40 for each 6.25" bowl, or the above mentioned 5-pc set for $249.  — While they are very pricey, I believe that they were definitely worth the money.  They add a bit of class to the table and are something that I anticipate using forever.  I would recommend that... Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:41:24 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Williams-Sonoma-Tulip-Bowls-Set-review-cf661 angel28960 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Lenox-Pearl-Platinum-review-badd1 When I was registering for wedding gifts, my flatware pattern was absolutely the last of my concerns.  I think I spent about 5 minutes choosing this style.  Luckily, as it turns out, I am completely thrilled that I landed on this one.  It is classy enough to go well with my good china but still normal enough to match my everyday dishes.  — It is made out of 18/10 stainless steel, and is a very good weight.  As expected, it is dishwasher safe.  Lenox also makes matching serving utensils in this pattern that come in a variety of hostess/entertainment sets. — The 5pc place setting (knife, dinner fork, salad fork, teaspoon, spoon) is regularly priced at $90 at Macy's but is on sale about half of the time. — I would also recommend getting the 3 pc hostess set (meat fork, butter knife, tablespoon) which is priced at $95.  I have two of these and use them all the time.  Also, the 7 pc entertainment set (sugar spoon, 2 tablespoons,... Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:31:15 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Lenox-Pearl-Platinum-review-badd1 angel28960 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Godinger-Siena-Serve-Bakeware-Collection-review-064e This Godinger Porcelain serve/bakeware collection was a great wedding gift from one of my bridesmaids.  I decided to register for various pieces from this set because I didn't really like the corningware sets that are typical wedding gifts.  All of the pieces are a mix of pretty white porcelain and pewter.  They serve double-duty as bakeware and as serveware.  I really like this aspect because it means that I don't have to dirty up and then clean separate dishes.  Also, they make my table look more classy because they don't require trivets or pot holders.  Because they are white, they match every set of dishes I have, leaving me free to use fun colors elsewhere on my table and in the dining room. — The set is all sold separately, which means that you only have to get the pieces that you actually plan to use.  The collection includes the following pieces... — -- Bakeware: 1 Qt baker/warmer stand*, 2 Qt baker/serving stand*,... Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:06:18 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Godinger-Siena-Serve-Bakeware-Collection-review-064e angel28960 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/KitchenAid-KSB560-5-Speed-Blender-review-b4ba1 I have had a few $30-$40 blenders that only sometimes worked well or that died within a year.  So, this time, I decided to spend the extra money and get a really good blender.  Trust me, it was worth the extra money. — Both my husband and I really like fruit smoothies, and it is nice to finally have a blender that mixes the ingredients together really well.  It has no problems with an entire pound of frozen strawberries added to ice cream.  The container is large enough (56 ounces) to handle more volume than any other blender I've ever used.  In addition, we both like to make protein shakes with milk, powder and ice cubes after we work out.  Unlike my previous blenders, this one has held up really well to everyday use.  The blades are still very sharp.  It also works well for blended drinks like margaritas without blending it into a watery mess. — The clean-up is also easy.  You just pop the whole thing into the... Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:43:17 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/KitchenAid-KSB560-5-Speed-Blender-review-b4ba1 angel28960 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/KitchenAid-KHM7DH-Ultra-Powe-Hand-Mixer-review-e5a00 I prefer to use this hand mixer for smaller projects like brownies, cakes, or anything else out of a box.  It is much more practical for smaller volume recipes than my Kitchen Aid stand mixer and is easier to clean up.  — It is super user friendly.  The various speed settings really let you control the speed and power so you don't have flour flying all over the kitchen.  Unlike some other hand mixers I have used, this one allows more control so you don't feel like the mixer is trying to fly out of the bowl. — It is also easy to clean because the beaters can go in the dishwasher and then the top part can be easily cleaned with a lysol wipe.  I also like it because it doesn't need to be on the counter...I can stick it out of the way in the pantry.  It also has a spiffy little eject button so you don't have to twist-push-rotate-pull-etc. at just the right angle to get the beaters out. — I think it comes with a... Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:23:58 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/KitchenAid-KHM7DH-Ultra-Powe-Hand-Mixer-review-e5a00 angel28960 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/KitchenAid-KFP740-Food-Processor-review-10310 We registered for this food processor as a wedding gift only because the lady in the store told me to.  I was not planning to get a food processor, because although I love to cook, I was not planning to make anything that high maintenance.  I am so glad she gave me the heads up.  I use this probably once a week and it saves me a lot of time and energy. — This model is big (12 cup capacity), so I don't have to worry about over-packing it, and it easily handles many carrots, potatoes, and celery.  The blade is still sharp and looks as nice as when I opened it.  I love that if I am making something like a marenade or a many-ingredient sauce, I can use the smaller 4-cup bowl and blade.  It just makes cleaning it up so much easier.  — It only has three settings, so it is exteremly easy to operate, and you will never have to read the directions.  The pieces clearly and cleanly fit together, so I never have to... Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:55:05 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/KitchenAid-KFP740-Food-Processor-review-10310 angel28960 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Molly-Caldwell-Crosby-The-American-Plague-The-Untold-Story-of-Yellow-Fever-the-Epidemic-That-Shaped-Our-History-review-f1611 My book club selected this book because the description on the back looked interesting.  According to Newsweek, this book is "Gripping...highly readable."  That is the quote on the front cover.  It is incredibly misleading.  It is actually boring, repetitive, confusing and not worth your time and energy. — While this book does have some interesting facts about the yellow fever epidemics in the American south and in Cuba, the facts are so buried in repetitive and unclear individual stories that they are almost missed entirely.  The book bounces around the time period and from person to person so much that it is almost impossible to ascertain what is really going on and when exactly it is all happening.  On numerous occassions, I had to reread a section or an entire chapter to really get a grip on what Crosby was trying to say. — The book follows a few different doctors and at one point a few nuns on their... Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:29:02 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Molly-Caldwell-Crosby-The-American-Plague-The-Untold-Story-of-Yellow-Fever-the-Epidemic-That-Shaped-Our-History-review-f1611 angel28960 1