Reviews by byging

byging says "Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein inspires action" about Take Your Best Shot

byging — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:56:22 GMT

No sooner had I put Take Your Best Shot down my, "I don't like to read," 16 year old daughter picked it up. The book is an inspiration to step up and do what God has given you the gifts to do and to make a difference, if not for the entire world, for someone's entire world. Take Your Best Shot is an easy read, with the familiar voice of a young person. But youth does not stop Austin Gutwein from sharing wisdom beyond his years. And, sharing is what this book does best. It certainly isn't a book that lectures you into submission, rather it engages the reader in conversation and interaction, deep thoughts and contemplation. There are places in the book to jot down notes, and Austin encourages his reader to mark the book up with thoughts and notes. I wanted to, but a few pages into Take Your Best Shot I knew that I was going to share this book with my two teenagers and I did not want mom's thoughts to interfere with the personal discovery and growth I know this book will inspire. I definately...

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byging says "Elmer's School Glue is just like I remember" about Elmer's School Glue

byging — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:19:14 GMT

My 6 year old twins started first grade this year and as I went out to buy their school supplies I was nostalgically (is that a word?) surprised to find Elmer's School Glue just like I remember it from my school days. The bull on the label and the orange twist top are fond memories from my childhood. I was especially pleased to find, as I helped my children with their first art projects, that Elmer's has not changed one bit. I taught my children, like I had been taught, to just use a bit of glue, smooth the paper and hold for a count of ten. Perfect! And the price is just right. I paid the same price as the plain label glue. I'm glad to have found an old favorite.

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byging says "DirecTV is just okay" about DIRECTV

byging — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:09:19 GMT

There is really nothing special about DirecTV except that you are really going to be drug through the dirt if you want to talk with someone who actually works for the company. In my local yellow pages all the phone numbers for DirecTV are for independent contractors who will hook you up and install your dish. When I finally got the number for a real DirecTV office I learned that I had called the wrong office. After several attempts at getting the right office I finally got the right number but was forced to wade through one of those hideous phone tree things. Once I got one of their reps on the phone they were pleasant and helpful.

The dish, however, is another issue. The guy who came out, I guess is from one of those contractors, and pointed the dish directly at my neighbor's tree. Whenever the wind blows our reception goes out. But that's not the problem of DirecTV, they are going to send out another contractor.

I wish DirecTV would stand behind their product and stop pawning off responsibility....

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byging says "My George Foreman Lean Mean Grilling Machine is toast" about George Foreman george forman

byging — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:58:45 GMT

I cook for a LARGE family often. When we bought the George Foreman Grill I was so excited. But after owning the grill for 5 years it has fizzled. This is actually the second George Foreman I have owned. The first one had a manufacturer defect and I returned it. This one works okay and always has. At first it took some time getting used to putting cold meat on the cold grill. If you plug the grill in first the meat will burn. I also learned that if you don't want very dry meat, you have to take it off the grill before it is completely cooked. The pulling away of the grease really makes the meat dry. Clean up is a little tricky, but I quickly got the hang of it by inching my grill up to the edge of the counter near the sink. Those are just some of the quirks that I managed to deal with, my only problem with the George Foreman is the non-stick coating. I have ONLY used plasic utensils and the scraper that came with the grill. But, the top burner plate is perfect but the bottom has chipped...

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byging says "I couldn't do without some Daily Fiber!" about Daily Fiber Yarn Co. - Murrieta, CA

byging — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:16:54 GMT

I love this place. The Daily Fiber Yarn Co. is located in an industrial park in Murrieta. The shop is easy to find and there is always plenty of parking. Peggy and Debbie are the best. Actually, I've run into many lovely women at Daily Fiber, customers and employees. Everyone is so helpful and friendly. They have a nice little place to sit in the front to have a little coffee and chat with the knitters and crocheters. There is a to-die-for collection of yarns. If you love yarn, you will love this shop. Everything is so yummy. They have classes and host retreats, and knit-alongs. There is always someone there to take time with you to offer a little help or give some suggestions. I recommend this shop to EVERYONE!!!

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byging says "Stopping at Wendy's wasn't wise..." about Wendy's Restaurant - Temecula, CA

byging — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:34:30 GMT

Tonight my son had a football game across town. I didn't have time to cook so we stopped at the local Wendy's for dinner. Me, my husband and 6 kids. Bad decision. I should have taken my family home and heated up the corndogs in the freezer.

I placed my order and pulled forward. Wendy's used to be a reasonably priced fast food place, now their meals are upwards of $6. Cost us close to $50 to have dinner from there. There were four employees clamoring about at drive-thru. They handed me the kids meals and one tray of drinks. When I asked about sauces the employee that was at the window turned around and walked away. I sat staring at their backs until finally someone came back and asked if we wanted sauces, then tried to hand them to me with the second tray of drinks. I asked her to put them in one of the other bags of food....like I really need to SAY this...

So then, mother of all pet peeves, she asked me to park and she would bring the rest of the food to me, it would be about 4 minutes...

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byging says "Voices of the Faithful inspires and encourages" about Voices of the Faithful - Book 2

byging — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:23:32 GMT

Oh....I just can't say enough good things about this book. When I received it, my first thought was, "how pretty. It's such a pretty book." Ha! That's not even a fraction of what this book has to offer those who have devoted their lives to missionary work abroad, missionary work here at home, and simply to Christ!

"Voices of the Faithful" is a daily devotional. Each page represents one day. The first element is related scripture, then a short story and thoughts of a missionary somewhere in the world, and a short prayer.

The missionaries are regular, everyday people just like me. Mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, friends and neighbors. They balance their family with their calling. They understand on an awesome, seein'-God's-face kind of level what their calling is, they have followed His voice and they love what they do. It is so obvious in their words. I was impressed with the dedication and devotion these missionaries have to their calling, the sacrifices they make and their...

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byging says "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years is a fresh look at life" about A Million Miles in a Thousand Years

byging — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:07:13 GMT

If I had to describe "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" in a sentence, I would say that this is a light-hearted, laid-back memoir written to inspire and encourage the twenty-something set filled with modern day proverbs and a refreshing outlook on life. "A Million Miles..." settles comfortably into the time in a person's life between adulthood and childhood, trying to fit in and know that you are okay is hard while it speaks to those of us who have been there and done that, maybe to see where we have been as average, giving us permission to look at our lives and pull out what was really important.

We are bombarded with the inflated images that the media portrays as real, commonplace, and normal. Donald Miller reeks of normalcy that we can see and touch, showing that life is so much more simple and sanguine compared to a movie. He shows the reader the jewels of living. In one chapter Miller describes bonding as something that is made stronger through conflict. And it's not just big...

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byging says "Blue Shield of California... grab some tissue and wait" about Blue Cross / Blue Shield

byging — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:02:13 GMT

We applied for Blue Shield, private pay insurance for my 16 year old daughter in July. It is September and the application has not been accepted. They said they needed medical records from the pediatrician, requested them twice, and finally got them today. But my daughter has since become very sick. She has been suffering with what appears to me to be bronchitis. I called to find out the status of the application and was told that by a customer service rep that by their guidelines they have seven days from the receipt of the medical records to complete the application. I told her about my sick child and asked if the application could be expedited. I was told that not even the CEO of Blue Shield can expedite an application; they have seven days to complete it. She said she would note the circumstances in the file for the underwriter, but that they still have seven days. Sheesh! And then she tells me they won't even call me so that I can take her right away. I guess I'm supposed to call them...

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byging says "The Noticer will change your outlook." about The Noticer

byging — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:44:26 GMT

"Seeing the world through rose colored glasses" may be the parallel to this wonderful book by Andy Andrews. How you see your world, how you live your life, and the joy and satisfaction you get from it... how to change your life is all a matter of changing your perspective.

This wonderful story is told by Andy and chronicles the visits of an old man named Jones to a small town near the sea and the lives that he touches. With a strong base in Christianity <span style="font-style:italic;">The Noticer</span> is not in-your-face, Bible-thumping preaching. A short, quick read that would be a wonderful gift for the believing and unbelieving friend. I see this as a wonderful...

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byging says "I know it's supposed to be funny...but..." about Rick Burgess and Bill Bussey - Rick and Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage

byging — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 14:39:00 GMT

I know that "Rick and Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage" is supposed to be funny, but I didn't even chuckle. Maybe you have to be from the south, maybe you have to love hunting, or know a hunter, or like deer meat...I don't know. But this California, born and raised, "Valley Girl" didn't get it.

The "Guide" does not really offer any solid information or guidance except maybe to have a little sence of humor when it comes to marriage. They tell stories from their own lives and offer some interesting lists. For example, one of the lists is about the marriage vows, giving silly examples of the "for betters" and "for worses" (is that a word?). It may just be a demographic thing that I don't see the humor in a wife destroying her husband's fishing boat.

On the other hand, the book comes with a CD full of shorts from Rick and Bubba's radio show. That was funny! I enjoyed listening to them taking calls from listeners and a clip from one of the wives joking about an email that...

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byging says "WinCo is easy on the budget" about Winco Foods - Perris, CA

byging — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:00:09 GMT

Generally I am happy with my grocery stores (I frequent two), but as of late I have been fairly disappointed with WinCo Foods in Perris. On my last two shopping trips I purchased VERY REASONABLY PRICED fresh produce. I didn't know that the good prices meant "going bad". I bought a bag of yams and the next morning they were covered in mold. I tossed them. Then two weeks later I went shopping again at WinCo. I bought corn on the cob, strawberries and yellow onions. The prices were excellent. There was a sign on the corn that said not to peel the corn. I obeyed and selected six ears. I also selected 3 good sized onions. That was on Sunday. When I came home to peel, cut, and freeze the corn I found ALL SIX ears were moldy. I returned the corn and was asked if I had refrigerated it. Hunh? They didn't have it refrigerated and I had just made the purchase that same day. They gave me store credit because I refused any more of their rotton corn. I washed my berries and planned on serving them to...

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byging says "Luvs are a bargain hunter's dream" about Luvs Diapers

byging — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:02:14 GMT

I started off with the competition until I couldn't afford them any more. It only took one box of the store brand diapers leaking all over the place for me to try the in-between. Luvs are cheaper than the others but match up pretty well on quality. You get what you pay for is definately true for the store brands I have tried, but not for Luvs.

I have been using Luvs diapers since 1993. They have a light, fresh scent. They are soft to the touch. The sizes are perfect and true. They really are absorbant and I can honestly say I have had very few leak throughs. They aren't too wide between the legs like some diapers that make the baby look like they just climbed off their rocking horse... LOL...The tapes are strong, and I've never had a Luvs diaper tape rip off or fail to hold the diaper closed.

I am now diapering my second set of twins and find that the quality is the same now as it was with my first baby. Luvs are easy on the pocketbook by being modestly priced and high quality. The last...

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byging says "The Brother MFC-7420 is a workhorse in the home office" about Brother MFC-7420

byging — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:50:50 GMT

I will start with the complaint because I only have one. This printer only prints in black and white.

Okay, beside that...Oh my God! This printer is fantastic. It is a three-in-one printer, copier and fax. It worked right out the box. Plug-and-play at it's best. I didn't need to read a manual to figure out how to send a fax. There was no programming necessary for the printer to function. I faxed without even hooking the printer up to my computer. I installed the software and I am able to scan pictures and documents into my computer with no distortion or loss of text. My old scanner used to give me garbage, but the Brother MFC-7420 recognizes text and gives me what I give it.

The copy feature works great. I can put several papers in and it feeds them and copies them. The Brother MFC-7420 is a laser printer and is very fast and quiet. I've come so used to my inkjet that the speed surprises me every time. The copy is always very clear and crisp.

The ink isn't cheap, but it lasts a really...

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byging says "The lose their minds when they see the MumMum box" about Baby Mum-Mum Rice Snacks

byging — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:35:13 GMT

I can only surmise that the reason they call them Mum-Mums is because when the kids see them they "mum mum" and while they eat them they "mum mum". They sell these snacks at the local WalMart. They were cheaper than snacks of other brands and NO ONE offers anything like a Mum-Mums. I found two flavors and the kids like both.

Mum-Mums are rice snack crackers that are shaped like little surfboards. They are about 6-8 inches long and about 3 inches wide. They are individually packaged in twos, all those packages inside a sealed plastic bag, inside a cardboard sealed box.

I am a mom of twins, so it is so nice to have two in the package. They are always crispy and crunchy. I've tasted them and they dissolve very easily and are easy to chew. The kids just crunch-crunch-crunch. The flavor is very mild, but it must be perfect for brand new taste buds because I have received no complaints.

When my kids don't like a snack it usually goes over the side of the highchair, and made available for a...

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byging says "Gevalia has an awesome maker for free!" about Gevalia 12-cup SS Coffee Maker

byging — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:12:37 GMT

You know how you get those offers in the mail for a free coffee maker from Gevalia? You know, they say they will send you the coffee maker for free when you order their coffee for home delivery. Well, I took them up on their offer and placed an order. The coffee is the same price as I pay in the grocery store, so what the heck--

Well, I have since stopped ordering the coffee (it was fine, just more convenient to pick some up at the store) but the coffee maker is awesome. My husband is up at 4am every day for work. This "free" maker has a clock and automatic timer feature so I can set it the night before and his coffee is brewing at 4:20. Regular filters from the grocery store fit, but you can get filters from Gevalia too.

Aside from being free, the other thing I love about this maker is that it matches my kitchen. The maker is black and stainless, and I think it would blend in pretty well in any kitchen, but especially nicely with my black appliances.

You can't beat this maker for the...

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byging says "The Magic Eraser IS magic!" about Mr Clean Magic Eraser

byging — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:03:37 GMT

I think the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is the greatest invention ever!!! I don't remember why I started using them or who recommended them to me, but I love the Magic Eraser. I have used them to take crayon off the walls, to clean my sinks, the whiten grout on my kitchen counters, I have used them to clean my white stovetop when NOTHING else would get the stains off. They are wonderful to clean my painted banister and switchplates. I don't worry about poisonous cleaning products and residue. I feel that my kids are safe when I use the Magic Eraser. The only trash is the cardboard packaging...How green is that?! My daughter uses them to clean her sneakers. I've been able to remove everything from marker to crayon, cooked on grime and soap scum in my bathroom. What else can I say? They truly are magic. You don't have to wear gloves or use cleansers with the eraser and now they come in different strengths for tougher jobs. If you haven't tried these...you have to stop working so hard and pick...

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byging says "The Garmin Nuvi is a nice GPS for the price." about Garmin - Nuvi 200

byging — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:53:04 GMT

My husband gave me the Garmin Nuvi for my birthday. I love it. I started using it right away and found it to be the most valuable tool especially living in a newer community. I used to buy a new map book every couple of years or so for the city where I live and one nearby where we visit. We have since been able to remove that expense from our budget.

On the Garvin website you can download new vehicles, which I did right away. The unit also has the option for different voices, male and female with different accents. It's nice to be able to personalize it like this.

The portability of the unit is great. When my husband needed it for a fishing trip he just grabbed the GPS and the charger and took it in his truck. It is small enough to tuck away in my glove box and my husband bought a carrying case to go with it to keep it safe from scratches. I did notice though that it stays covered in fingerprints. I wish it had come with a cloth like you get with eye glass cleaner, but I guess that...

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byging says "My kids love the Letter Factory" about LeapFrog: Letter Factory

byging — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:31:46 GMT

I bought the LeapFrog Letter Factory video to share with a friend who owns a daycare. When I put the video in the kids were mesmerized. They caught on immediately and started to chant along with the characters. I love that the video helps with phonics and makes visual connections for the kids. I was glad to see familiar characters on the video to some of the interactive toys we have at home. When the video was over the kids wanted me to play it over again. They watched it that first day about six times.

I have since brought the video to my home. I have two 5 year olds and two toddlers. My five year olds are reading but they still enjoy the Letter Factory video. My younger two enjoy dancing and singing with the video. The action and movements capture their attention. The fast pace keeps them engaged. The storyline is simple enough for a 2-3 year old to follow and not too primary for the older kids.

The video was money well spent. I would encourage any mom of a toddler or preschooler to...

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byging says "Do not waste your money on the Safety 1st video monitor." about Safety 1st In Sight Video Monitor

byging — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:23:17 GMT

I added the Safety 1st In Sight Video Monitor to my baby registry at WalMart. We were expecting twins, our sixth and seventh children. They would be sharing a room with their 5 year old brother and sister. I wanted to be sure that the older two were not bothering the babies. I set up the system and liked that I could see clearly in their room day or night. The camera was hard to adjust to look into the cribs though. There is no way to attach the camera to the wall, it has to sit on a table top. Then the trick was trying to adjust the camera so that the lense pointed in between the bars of the crib. I tried this with my husband looking from the other room and ended up bringing the monitor into the kids' room. There was some feedback when the two components were too close together so it was still a bit difficult to set it up right. I could not see both babies at the same time and ended up setting the camera across the room looking at the two cribs, not the babies.

We placed the monitor in...

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