Reviews by ashleycmays

ashleycmays says "GE's Designer Series Phone is the best mix of modern & classic" about GE - GE Cordless Bell Phone with Caller ID

ashleycmays — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 07:55:00 GMT

GE's Cordless Bell Phone is from their "designer series" and comes in black and white. I bought the black version at Target for about $35.00 because it fits perfectly with my grandma's antique shop (didn't want something too modern, needed to be cordless, and working). It also has caller id which is a definite must have. It's sleek, simple, light, and doesn't have a bunch of options. One significant feature this phone doesn't have that may be important to you is an answering machine, so if you need one, then this phone may not be for you (unless you want to buy a seperate one that you can hook up). It is 4GHz and mine came with a full manufacturer warranty. The terms may be different depending on where you buy it, so check that out as well. If Target no longer carries it, I suggest buying it online where it may even be at a better price!

Summary: If you're just looking for a classic but modern, simple, easy to use landline that doesn't come with many features, then this phone is the...

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ashleycmays says "Bodum French Press is my cup of tea...and coffee" about Bodum 10096-364 Young Press 8-Cup Coffee Press

ashleycmays — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:56:43 GMT

I've used Bodum's cute red & black Young 8-Cup Coffee/French Press for about 3 months. It costed about $30.00 at my local Target type place. One thing I will tell you before I rave about it, is that it doesn't seem to make 8 cups of coffee, but closer to 3 or 4 (I think they may be measuring 4oz or so per cup). Also, read the instructions before using to avoid problems with leaks or breakage. From there, you will be set. After only a few times using it haven't gone back to making drip coffee. The press/plunger makes just the right amount of coffee, and seems to use less beans than a drip coffee maker. If you play with it a bit, you'll quickly discover how much coffee grinds to add in order to make coffee with the amount of rich/boldness you prefer. It is also great for getting the most out of your whole leaf teas because of the way it steeps/presses them. Sometimes I mix Chai with regular coffee for something different and less caffeinated.

Another great thing, is that you can take it...

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ashleycmays says "sensitive skin razor burn free" about Gillette Venus Razor For Women

ashleycmays — Mon, 25 May 2009 13:10:13 GMT

Gillette's Venus razor has been out for a long time, and i know they have different razors now with names like "Breeze" and whatever else attached to them, but I ude Venus...and if not, then I used to and still use the handle for it :)

The only downside to these is that the replacement blades are expensive (as with most things these days). I buy a large pack at Costco and use them every few days. Even during the summer, I avoid shaving every day because shaving tends to remove color you've received from tanning. If you run out of shaving cream, you'll still be fine using soap (liquid is best) because the blades have moisturizing pads on the top and bottom that prevent friction.

Don't use the blade without the handle stick thing like I did when I left it at a friend's house. The angle just isn't right, the blade is too small, and you'll end up cutting yourself. Ouch. Of course you wouldn't do that.

Not giving this 5 stars only because of the price.

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ashleycmays says "One of my all time favorite songs. You'll want to thank him." about Romanza by Andrea Bocelli

ashleycmays — Mon, 25 May 2009 13:01:17 GMT

Andrea Bocelli is one of my favorite operatic tenors, alongside Pavarotti. The songs "Con Te Partiro" and "Il Mare Calmo della Serra" are my favorites off this album, especially #1. His voice is truly beautiful, and once you hear this song you will never be able to forget it. If you like Phantom or Le Miserables, then listen to his duet with Sarah Brightman because part of it is in English and her voice is great.

You don't need to know Italian to be able to feel and somehow understand or relate to the depth of emotion set forth through Bocelli's music. He is extremely talented and strong- has been blind since the age of 12, writes music, lyrics, plays numerous instruments, and is incredibly handsome (in his younger years). You'll be humming his songs all day if you give him a chance. And if not, listen to him at a later time and maybe you'll be able to appreciate it.

Also has a best of album named Vivere with my favorite Partiro song.

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ashleycmays says "Brighten up your beautiful face" about Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

ashleycmays — Mon, 25 May 2009 12:44:31 GMT

Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant is a rice based powder that gently exfoliates your face. Add a dime sized amount to your hand after cleansing to activate it (with water), releasing small amounts of salicylic acid and other ingredients. This superfine rice-based powder smoothes the entire face without being abrasive like many other facial scrubs. Use it all year round to remove dullness. It is fragrance free, without artificial colors, and tightens up pores- a great base for foundation, although you may find you don't even need foundation at all.

One negative thing about it is that it is pricey to buy a bottle. You may be able to get a sample from your local esthetician if you'd like to try it first (shouldn't mind if you tell him/her of your real interest). I bought the 2.6 ounce bottle for around $30. Check online for discounts, but buy where you trust because I know some places sell imposters.

Tip: Don't leave it in your shower because I did this and the cap knocked off, allowing water...

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ashleycmays says "MUST HAVE organic, low caffeine, appetite suppressant TEA <3" about Guayaki - Traditional Yerba Mate Tea Bags

ashleycmays — Mon, 25 May 2009 12:19:01 GMT

Traditional Guayaki Yerba Mate Tea Bags, pronounced "Matay", is derived from the leaves of a tree native to South American rainforests.

This particular brand comes from a small town in Northern California, where I went to high school. I buy mine at the local food co op for $5 a box/25 tea bags, but it is also online. You can probably suggest your local whole foods or natural food place order it..

It's100% organic. Fair trade, benefits South America. Naturally caffeinated, less than coffee. More antioxidants than green tea and many others. Most balanced of natural stimulants...24 vitamins & minerals, 15 amino acids. Helps throat if you're sick (does mine). Appetite suppressant/weight loss that works for me, and friends who have tried it. Gives some a feeling of clear-headedness. Kosher. Can you really turn this stuff down?

I steep this in a large tea pot of cold water (for summer) and keep it nearby. I don't add any sugar or anything else, and recommend keeping the pot of tea nearby,...

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ashleycmays says "Netear Wireless N doesn't seem much different than G " about NetGear Wireless N Router

ashleycmays — Mon, 25 May 2009 11:44:12 GMT

Negatives- I bought this last May when it came out, and understood that it had a larger wireless signal range than their Wireless G. I lived in a house where I didn't test this out, and I never had a problem. When I moved to a two story house last summer, I discovered that I don't even get range downstairs, and the signal will often drop even when I am in the next room. I am not sure if it's because I live in an older victorian with small rooms and a lot of walls, but either way...it shouldn't do this! Pretty frustrating. I have moved it to different areas of the room it's plugged in to, but there isn't much cord length from the modem. I researched online to see if I could improve the signal, and they reccomend buying their rangemax wireless card with the router. The two are expensive if buying both, not worth it.

Positive attributes- easy to set up, worked fine in my one story modern house, aesthetically pleasing

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ashleycmays says "Magic pick me up for your morning shower? Peppermint! All one!!" about Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Pure-Castile Soap

ashleycmays — Sun, 24 May 2009 11:46:54 GMT

Dr. Bronner's soap is amazing! I first used it about 10 years ago, and recently rediscovered it. The big bottle is a concentrated formula that you dillute with water to make it go a very long way. It has peppermint oil that makes your whole body tingle and cool, and your lungs feel as if they've opened up.

I like to use it in the morning to help pick me up if I'm tired, or even if not. It is also great to use because it is fair trade (promotes sustainability & not just out to make money), made of vegan ingredients, and in a post-recycled bottle that is able to be recycled again. All of Bronner's liquid soaps have a castile soap base which is derived from plant sources versus animal, arguably better for the environment. It also boasts of the many uses across the bottle, including hair & body. It also says it works for stain remover, which I highly doubt. If it did, I don't think I'd want it to double as a body wash.

If you're ever bored, you can read silly Dr. Bronner's Magic Peppermint...

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ashleycmays says "your carniverous friends'll wish they'd optd for portabello, too" about Gardenburger Portabello Veggie Burgers

ashleycmays — Sun, 24 May 2009 11:32:02 GMT

I've tried many of the various garden/boca burgers, and this one is among my favorites. I don't like an overwhelming mushroom flavor, and these have some flavor, but not too much. They are also very high in fiber, low in cholesterol, and there are only about 90 calories in one! Although the calories are low, you still feel satisfied, a must- especially if you're trying to diet. If I'm really hungry, or in a rush then I just stick one in the microwave and cover with a paper towel on a plate while I toast a bun or some good sprouted bread. Then add whatever you want! I believe they have cheese in them (something yummy that helps it stick together), as well as veggies. They are also great cooked in a pan. They say to add oil, but I never do and they don't stick in my cast iron pan because as they cook (directly from frozen) the oils on the outside prevent it. They do have around 15% DV of sodium which is the one downside, but most burgers have around this amount for flavor (esp meat) anyway....

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ashleycmays says "Give curl conscious creme a chance on curls, it really works!!!" about Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Creme

ashleycmays — Sun, 24 May 2009 11:10:20 GMT

If you have curly hair like mine, then your curls don't want to stay together and would rather seperate, frizz out, and rebel against the products that promise "frizz free beautiful curls". It seems I've tried all of the anti frizz serums, hairsprays, shampoo and conditioners that promise to make curls look great, but hardly do. I was discouraged for years, and gave into straightening my hair most of the time (and hoped it wouldn't rain) and seemed to only get "lucky" some days when my curls actually held together and didn't frizz up so bad.

Bumble and Bumble's Curl Conscious Creme changed all of this! It runs about $18 a bottle and usually sells at hair salons. It's a bit pricy upfront, but this stuff goes a long way, and you really save in the end by preserving your hair and not spending as much time on it. Your curls will finally be without frizz, hold shape AND softness, and this stuff smells amazing! Also has great ingredients that won't end up drying out your hair like many others....

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ashleycmays says "Mmm grapefruit!" about Citrus Magic Air Freshener

ashleycmays — Sun, 24 May 2009 10:29:46 GMT

I originally tried out the Orange scented (not Grapefruit) Citrus Air Freshener, and loved it. It's been around for years, and I bought it because it uses natural oils over harmful ingredients. When I saw the Grapefruit scent, I had to try it..and now I keep both in my home for some variety.

It is very easy to use, and you really don't need much. I live with someone who smokes occasionally, and when she leaves, all I need to do is spray one or two pumps, and I can no longer smell the tobacco! Other products I've used either (quite obviously) cover up other scents, or leave me with a headache because of the ingredients. A little goes a long way, and lasts a long time.

Another thing that I like is that it is not in an aerosol can. This seems to save me from using too much of it (comes out in pumps), and it is better for the environment. The bottle is also recyclable, which would make anyone feel better these days. The can is tall and slender, so it's easy to store.

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