Reviews by Friends of busycharles

jasyjen says "Gives new life to even the limpest hair" about Kenra Volume Spray

jasyjen — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:33:18 GMT

If you have fine hair that tends to always look 'limp', or if you like your hair to have lots of volume, than Kenra Volume Spray is for you! This hairspray is THE BEST hairspray you will ever try. If you're having a bad hair day, you can spray and play with your hair using Kenra Volume Spray, and it will be transformed into a much better version of the hairdo that you are trying to improve. HONESTLY. Once you try Kenra Volume Spray, you will become a faithful user.

Kenra Volume Sprayis such a good product that it was awarded the winner of the 'Stylist Choice Award' in 2006. What women like about this particular hairspray, is that it has super strong hold (without looking stiff) and gives even the limpest, flattest hair volume and body. It isn't a 'sticky' hairspray. In fact, you can spray and play with your hair to get it just the way you want it and then spray it to give it the hold that you want.

The pros of using Kenra Volume Spray are as follows:

All day hold
Fast drying...

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TheBard says "You'll Never Need Another Mathematic/Scientific Calculator" about Texas Instruments - TI83

TheBard — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:04:36 GMT

Bottom-Line: The Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator is probably the last calculator you will purchase in your academic career, it is just that powerful.

Texas Instruments released the first TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator, and upgrade of the TI-82, in 1996, and it has gone to be one of the most widely used graphing calculators for students across a broad range of educational levels. In addition to the functions found on normal scientific calculators the TI-83 Plus includes graphing, polar/parametric/sequence graphing modes, statistics, trigonometric, calculus (the Plus) and algebraic functions. Texas Instruments released the TI-83 Plus in 1999 as a replacement for the normally aspired TI-83. The TI-83 Plus also ships with flash memory, which would enable the devices’ OS to be updated as needed.

Powered by (4) AAA-sized batteries (plus 1 CR-1616 or CR 1620 lithium battery for backup), the TI-83 Plus Graphing Calculator is large unit ideal for advanced mathematics students...

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jasyjen says "An inspiring book, but difficult to read for many reasons" about Precious

jasyjen — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:48:03 GMT

The novel, Precious, was originally released titled, "Push" in 1996. It was renamed Precious, I think, because it was made into a movie that has yet to be released. I learned about the book Precious from Oprah Winfrey, who recommends the book.

NO SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW:

Precious is an illiterate girl who has been sexually abused by her father, physically abused by her mother, and is pregnant with her second child from her father. For many reasons, the book Precious is difficult to read. There is graphic descriptions of the abuse that Precious suffers at the hands of both her parents, which is difficult in itself. When Precious gives birth to her first child, it is born with many birth defects and is quickly taken away from her. Pregnant with her second child at twelve years old, Precious is confused and concerned about her unborn child's health and wellness, and how she will care for it once it is born.

The book Precious is written AS Precious herself speaks. Her language...

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TheBard says "Most Costly Than Others, But It Brings The Goods" about Kaspersky Kaspersky Internet Security 2010

TheBard — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:31:25 GMT

Bottom-Line: Overall, Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 is more than adequate for both power users and those users who take a more set-it-and-forget it approach to their computer’s security.

Even if the antivirus program cannot clean the infected file, most can at least isolate it and keep from doing harm the rest of the computer system. One of the antivirus programs I trust is Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 a program I recently downloaded and installed on a laptop running Windows 7 Enterprise Edition.

Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 supports Windows 7 (32/64-Bit), Windows Vista (32/64-bit), and Windows XP Home Edition (SP2).

The 411

Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 ships with all the usual suite of protections found in most of its competitors with the exception of a data backup utility. That means you’ll antivirus protection for files, web browsing, e-mail, applications and various processes.

And of course Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 include auto-protect and e-mail...

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jasyjen says "Better than any travel mug I have ever owned" about Chinet Comfort Cups

jasyjen — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:26:22 GMT

It seems that I am always on the go, running the kids somewhere that they need to be. Between football practice, baseball practice, school event, work, and everything in between, there is always somewhere that I need to be. As a coffee lover, I have tried several different types of travel mugs so that I can enjoy my coffee on the go. No matter how much I spend, or what type of brand I buy, travel mugs always leak and drip coffee on my clothing! It frustrates me to no end.

On a recent trip to Walgreens, I saw Chinet Comfort Cups on sale. I liked the fact that they came with lids and a chique' pattern that looked like something you'd see from your corner coffee shop. The cups came 10 to a pack, with lids, for a price of right around $ 3.00.

As soon as I tried the Chinet Comfort Cups, I began telling everyone I know about how great they are. These things are better than ANY travel mug I have ever owned! They don't leak, they keep my coffee nice and warm, and they look nice...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Finally! I look like I was born with straight hair!" about Solano Sapphire Collection Flat Iron

dmlichnerowicz — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:26:17 GMT

I was given one of the best gifts I have ever received...a high-quality, professional grade flat iron. I owned a really chintzy one before that and had nothing but frustration, since it left my hair frizzy and ratty-looking at the ends, and didn't even straighten my hair! But since I have been using the Solano Sapphire Collection Flat Iron, I have had completely different results!

The Solano Sapphire Collection Flat Iron is a scissor-shaped straightening iron with bright blue metal plates. On one of the plates, there is a removable comb that helps keep hair in place between the plates as you draw it down along the lock of hair. It can be operated world-wide, as it has dual voltage. My iron heats up quickly. There is no capacity to set the temperature, but it reaches between 340 and 400 degrees. Without that amount of heat, my hair simply stays wavy.

What I like about it: One great feature is the extra long cord. This iron is intended for professional use, so most...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Feminine and sexy...just don't bend over!" about Daisy Fuentes Floral Mesh Push-Up Bra

dmlichnerowicz — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:51:30 GMT

I don't need any extra boost or bulk to my upper body, but I really love a pretty bra! Kohl's carries the Daisy Fuentes lingerie line, which includes a beautifully embroidered push-up bra. This bra has low-rising cups, extra padding for some added lift, adjustable straps, underwire for support, and a sweet little rhinestone in the center for a little extra sparkle. Available in black, tangerine, teal, and beige, each bra has a complementary color to the decorative embroidery on the cups.

What I like about it: I have the beige bra with black embroidery (in the photo). It is hands-down the prettiest bra I own. My husband thinks it's pretty hot, too...always good to keep the granny-undies at bay, especially when you've been married as long as we have. The push-up feature really does make me look very perky and full, while keeping a nice, real-looking shape. I definitely don't look like I've had plastic surgery...they still look very natural. The straps are thin but they...

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dmlichnerowicz says "OH......MY......GOODNESS!!!" about Haagen Dazs Five Ginger Ice Cream

dmlichnerowicz — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:20:32 GMT

I don't normally care for ice cream, but because my husband was pressuring me to get some so he wouldn't feel guilty for eating it, I caved in and picked up a 14 oz. carton of Haagen Dazs Five Ginger Ice Cream. This ice cream is made with only 5 (hence the name) all-natural ingredients...nothing but cream, milk, sugar, ginger, and egg yolks in this blend. Even without all the extra additives or low-fat milk, this ice cream only has 230 calories and 12 grams of fat in a half-cup serving, which isn't bad at all for high-quality ice cream! Haagen Dazs describes the product as "refreshing, with a slightly warm kick of flavor."

Not being an ice cream fan, I expected to eat a few bites, then leave the rest for my husband to finish later. There is NO way that is going to happen now!!! I absolutely love the flavor of this ice cream. It tastes like candied ginger, and because it is such a simple recipe, you can really taste each individual ingredient. A little bit goes a long way...

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john12 says "The Baby SigningTime is very enterntaining." about Two Little Hands Signing Time DVDs

john12 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:18:29 GMT

Baby sign" as it's often referred to as, is a series of simple gesture's and symbols that adult use to communicate with infants who don't quite have the ability to speak yet.

Experts say there are loads of benefits to baby signing. Many say it encourages the growth of a positive emotional Iq while strengthening adult relationships. It also promotes literacy later on and jump-starts verbal language development. More immediately, it can decrease frustration all around, whether at home or in a day care setting, some adults also find that it increases their respect for a young child's abilities. Now there's an added bonus.

To start reaping all those benefits to understanding sign language and baby, you first to be aware that baby signing is only loosely based on American sign Language. It can also be easily modified to meet the unique needs of any family. Baby signing isn't simply some silly trend created by a group of New-Age parents. It's an actual communication form that was created by child...

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Matt says "Craft Steak delivers on food, wine and ambiance!" about Craft Steak - Las Vegas, NV

Matt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:47:21 GMT

Last night I went to Craft Steak in Vegas at the MGM Grand. I am a big fan of Tom Colicchio who is the owner of Craft and arguably one of the most famous celebrity chefs since his role as the head judge on Bravo's Top Chef. Tom is known for his attention to detail and fresh ingredients. I have been to Craft in NYC and just fell in love with the wide assortment of fresh vegetables and family style approach.

I was not disapointed with my experience at Craft Steak in Vegas. We orderd the 12 oz Kobe Skirt Steak and the assortment of mushrooms, roasted asparagus and a great avocado salad (pics to the right) and buffalo mozerella to start out with. The steak was really amazing: tender, flavorful and overall mouth watering. I had a margarita to start with, followed by the Resiling (which was a little tangy but ultimately very nice) and then the Zifnandel with the entree. I finished it off with a butterscotch pudding (pics to the right) and a nice port.

HEAVEN!!! If you are...

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MRSverret says "These are Oh So Good!" about Archway - Frosty Lemon Cookies

MRSverret — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:12:29 GMT

Anyone that knows me knows I love to snack. You will always find cookies, crackers, ice cream, snack cakes, something to eat in my house. When my husband and I were in Texas about six months ago, I picked up Archway Frosty Lemon Cookies. They were so good. While I was at the grocery store yesterday I noticed they sold them so I picked a pack up.

Archway Frosty Lemon cookies are so good! I purchased the pack for around $3. There are 10 BIG cookies. The cookies are a flower shape and are around 4 inches in diameter with a small hole in the middle. The top doesn't really have a frosting it's more like a glaze.

With your first bite you notice the cookies soft baked texture. And then you get the lemony goodness. The cookie isn't overly sweet. It has the perfect balance of flavors. This has to be one of my favorite lemon cookies.

Of course, with most any cookie, these aren't for someone who is dieting. One cookie contains 4.5 total grams of fat, 1.5 g of saturated fat and 1 g of...

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vivasuzi says "Now this is what I call Cheese and Crackers!" about Keebler - TownHouse FlipSides Pretzel Crackers

vivasuzi — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:41:46 GMT

I would never had heard of Townhouse FlipSides Pretzel Crackers if it weren't for an offer I got when I was clipping coupons. The coupon didn't say much except that they were "pretzel crackers" so I was certainly curious!

Now that I've bought them, ate them, and loved them, I know these crackers will be a staple in our house and something I bring anytime I need to make a cheese and cracker plate for a party. With one side tasting like a pretzel, and the other side tasting like a cheese cracker, these things are delicious right out of the box. However, as you can see from my pics I really like to eat crackers with cheese so I added some sliced Kraft to my cracker and it was 10x better! I can't wait to tell my sister about these crackers so she can serve them with her famous Cheese ball! They are just so good and I bet they would go great with a whole variety of dips and spreads.

The best part is, the crackers are strong and can easily be used for dips without worry of them breaking....

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dmlichnerowicz says "Nothing about these bins will "bug" you!" about Trend Lab Small Caterpillar Storage Bin

dmlichnerowicz — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:01:39 GMT

I ordered two Trend Lab Small Caterpillar Storage Bins from target.com. Each was on sale for $6.99 plus S&H. The bins are 6"x6"6", so they are the perfect size for a changing table or tucking into dresser drawers. The fabric covers are attached to the metal frame with Velcro and are removable so they can be machine-washed. A plastic cover on the front of the bins can hold a paper label insert for easy idenfication of contents. These bins are part of a whole caterpillar-fabric set, including a larger storage bin, blanket, burp cloths, bottle bag, and bibs.

These are some of the cutest little storage containers! They perfectly match the color in my guest room that will eventually become a nursery. I haven't yet washed them, so I don't know how the fabric will fold up, and when I do, I'll hand-wash them to retain the shape and color.

I only have one small complaint...the plastic label holders are a little off-center, so it looks slightly hand-made, which isn't a big deal,...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Softer than many other name brand receiving blankets" about Piccolo Bambino Receiving Blankets

dmlichnerowicz — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:26:23 GMT

Some of the softest flannel receiving blankets I have used are the Piccolo Bambino Receiving Blankets, available at select retailers...and TJ Maxx. Being the perpetual frugalista, I purchased my 3-pack of blankets "inspired by Italian tradition" at the discount store for $6.99. Each blanket has a different pattern. Dimensions measure 30" by 36". Azo-free dyes are used, so there is less concern about potentially carcinogenic ingredients in the fabric the baby is wrapped up in. The blankets are made of 100% cotton and are a super-soft flannel...much softer than Gerber, Circo (Target-brand) and even Carter's! Gifts sets are available in packs of 3 or 6 and come in a plastic gift bag with a matching ribbon...cute enough to gift in its original packaging.

My set comes in pale blue shades: one striped with two little Scottish terriers appliqued in the center, one in blue plaid, and one with a repeat pattern of tiny terriers and stitch marks. I'm guessing the blankets are more...

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TheBard says "Vampires Come in From The Cold" about Dead Until Dark

TheBard — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:53:29 GMT

Bottom-Line: Dead Until Dark brings to life in a new way one of the oldest myths in human existence, one that refuses to die an honored death.

Dead Until Dark revolves around the life of a small town waitress, Sookie Stackhouse, who makes her home in Bon Temps, Louisiana. The book and series is a first-person account of Sookie's life as a barmaid, who also happens to be a telepath, after she starts dating a local Vampire named Bill Compton.

In Dead Until Dark, Bill and the rest of the Vampire community have come out of the proverbial closet so-to-speak and into the light around the world seeking to become part of the human world. Though they can only come out at night, Vampires have made their presence felt throughout society and dating the "undead" has becomes almost fashionable. And drinking their blood can bestow super-human abilities, or drive the consumer mad.

My Viewpoint

Catherine Harris has woven together a pretty compelling story in Dead Until Dark. Sookie Stackhouse...

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TheBard says "An All Too Familiar Human Story" about Precious

TheBard — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:34:30 GMT

Life is hard. Life is short. Life is painful. Life is rich. Life is....Precious. Few movies have garnered as much attention, derision, and critical acclaim as the just released Precious the depressing (could be anyone) story of a 15-year-old African American girl growing up in Harlem during the latter part on the 1980's.

Story Line

Directed by Lee Daniels (Shadowboxer), and adapted from the novel Push by Sapphire, Precious centers around the life of Clarice "Precious" Joans portrayed by new-comer Gabourey Sidibe. Clarice is dark, obese, illiterate, unloved, unwanted, and pregnant with a second child sired by her father. She gave birth to her first child (also sired by her father) at age twelve and refers to the child, who has Down's syndrome and lives with her Grandmother, as Mogul.

Clarice lives with her verbally, physically, and sexually abusive mother, Mary, portrayed by Mo'Nique. Mary doesn't work and instead collects welfare checks and food stamps for Precious and her...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Diamonds are, after all, a girl's best friend!!!" about Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Color

dmlichnerowicz — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:33:39 GMT

My nails typically need two things from nail polishes: it needs to strengthen my nails, and it needs to hold up to everyday wear-and-tear on polish, from typing on my computer to playing piano to washing dishes. Sallye Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Color combines both those factors into a great polish. With a variety of over 25 color options, everybody can find a shade that matches their mood, skin tone, or outfit! I paid $4.04 at Walmart for a bottle that should last me almost a year.

I applied two thin coats in Nude Shimmer on a Thursday evening. By Sunday, I still showed no chipping. There was a little wearing around the tips, so I simply applied another thin coat to touch it up and got two more days of wear out it. Now, Nude Shimmer is a very pale color, so darker shades might show the thinning sooner, but for the lighter colors, I easily get 3-4 days before I need to touch up my polish.

This nail color has a VERY strong smell to it. My husband is sensitive to...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Works well once you get it assembled" about Emerson MoistAIR Whole House Humidifier HD1407

dmlichnerowicz — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:36:44 GMT

We purchased a home that has electric heat, which wreaks havoc on our skin during the winter months. The dry heat makes me start itching by mid-November. We have used small humidifiers in the past, but now that we own our own home, we opted for a whole-house humidifier to cut down on the need to purchase and operate multiple units and filters.

The Emerson MoistAIR Whole House Humidifier HD1407 is a large black and honey oak box that encases two separate 2.4 gallon water tanks. Each tank has its own 3-speed fan that disperses the water. The idea is to place the humidifier under your cold air intake, and it pulls the moisture into your duct system, distributing it to all the different rooms as the warm air blows through the house. The unit has a digital humistat and can be set on whatever humidity you need, although you do need to make sure you don't set it too high, or the instructions caution you that your walls will start to absorb the moisture, causing mildew. The whole...

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john12 says " Medicina Vaules Of Green Tea" about Green Tea with Kombuch by Yogi Tea Company 16

john12 — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:49:46 GMT

Green tea is believed to be in use as a medicine for at least 4000 years in China. It is also believed that green tea lowers the cholesterol levels by increasing the good cholesterol and decreasing the bad cholesterol. Green tea is rich in Antioxidant called Epigallo Catechin gal late EGCG. It destroys cancer cells and also inhibits the growths of cancer cells. Even though the French people consume diet rich in fat, they are less prone to heart attack than the Americans. Similarly, even though 75 percent of the Japanese are smokers, they are less affected. This is because EGCGG is more in green tea used by them. It acts as protective agent against premature death from heart attack and cancer. Green Tea also destroys bacteria thus preventing tooth decay. Researchers have also found that green tea even help dieters leaves of green tea can also be use for cookingover leaves can be used as manure for garden plants to grow better. The indgredient present in green tea is polyphone....

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dmlichnerowicz says "Mixed reviews on the combo of coffee and booze in our household." about Southern Comfort Gourmet Ground Coffee

dmlichnerowicz — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:41:20 GMT

When passing the dollar bins at Target, I noticed they had one-pot-sized packages of flavored coffees: Jack Daniels and Southern Comfort were the two that popped out at me. I'm not much of a drinker, and I've never had a plain old shot of either liquor, but for a dollar, I figured if it was disgusting, I could dump it down the sink with no regrets.

Never having tried Southern Comfort, I had no idea what to expect from this flavor. I made the whole 10-cup pot (don't be a sissy - drink strong coffee!) with the 2 oz. package. The aroma was definitely distinctive...coffee with a solid punch of what smells to me like candied orange peel! My husband and I both had a cup with a donut on a Saturday morning, so you're getting a two-fer deal on my review! He's not a big coffee drinker, and usually takes it black. I drink a few cups daily (much to the chagrin of everyone around me...I'm already hyperactive!) with a little milk. The flavor of citrus peel is not just in the aroma, but...

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