Reviews by circlefacebb

circlefacebb says "When it comes to gear - Jeep nails it every time" about Jeep Wrangler All-Weather Umbrella Stroller by Kolcraft

circlefacebb — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:36:50 GMT

When we went to get an umbrella stroller, all I could think was - "they make those el-cheapo $20 ones...I'll get one of those." I got to Babies R Us and I didn't like the cheap one (of course) so I started browsing the others they had. We already have the Jeep Urban Terrain stroller and it has been the best thing ever. So, when I saw the Jeep Umbrella Stroller - I was immediately interested.

Price-wise, it was very affordable (I think I paid $29.99) and I already had confidence in the Jeep products. So, I purchased it and I am so glad I did. I had been out with a friend several times who had a fancy/expensive McClaren umbrella-type stroller and she hated hers -- it didn't have an adjustable shade and the storage space underneath was so small she could never fit anything under there and certainly couldn't reach in the tiny space to get anything out.

I kept her complaints in mind when I examined the Jeep version. I love that the shade is adjustable, since umbrella stroller shades aren't...

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circlefacebb says "Not as awesome as I hoped. This is a two-handed phone for sure!" about T-Mobile - Sidekick LX Cell Phone

circlefacebb — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:02:32 GMT

Welllllllll......it's just ok. I thought about getting a blackberry and that's what I wish I had gotten. I was lured in by the Sidekick plan that was much more affordable for all the features it included. What i discovered is that the Sidekick isn't so great. As a phone, it's hard to hear people on the other end, so I only use it if I have to for phone calling. The mute button is also in a place where I always push it when I'm on the phone and then it's hard to get back on track.

I like the big screen a lot, but was disappointed to find out that i can't customize the background with my own photos. I do like that I can change the "screen saver." And, because it has a big screen, it requires a larger battery, whcih equals a very heavy device. Not a pocket-friendly phone, for sure. It ends up in the bottom of my purse because it's so heavy! Then, when the battery needs charging, which is often, it takes a LONG time.

I do a lot of texting and the keyboard seemed like the right solution for...

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circlefacebb says "Great for disinfecting baby stuff" about Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

circlefacebb — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:06:54 GMT

These are the best for disinfecting baby toys and cleaning up her high chair after meals. So quick and easy and they really clean everything up. The baby gate we use doesn't have bars, it has clear panels that she likes to smoosh her face on and these wipes are great for cleaning up the boogie smears.

I buy them at Sam's Club - GREAT bargain! I couldn't live without these things! The smell really good....clean. And come in 3 scents in the pack I purchase - Lemon, Orange, and Lime. They don't leave a film or residue on surfaces, so I feel good about using them on all my daughter's hard toys.

The canister is sometimes hard to get started, but works acceptably after a few wipes are used.

There is a biodegradable version, but WOW they are expensive!

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circlefacebb says "Nothing but the best for my little one!" about Britax Marathon

circlefacebb — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:46:04 GMT

Purchasing a car seat is such an overwhelming experience. There are so many to choose fom! I wanted something safe for my daughter, but I didn't know if inexpensive also meant unsafe? I did a bunch of research to see what other parents have to say about car seats and I also looked at the scientific data to see what the differences are and what to look for.

It turns out (fortunately), that the less expensive models are as safe as the fancy Britax ones. The data says that the difference is mainly in ease of use and convenient features and somewhat with the comfort of the child. Of course, all the parent reviews of the Marathon were GREAT and that's what sold me.

Now that I have one, I am so glad I spent a little extra money on this seat. My daughter is in the rear facing position and is happy as can be in her Marathon car seat. i feel good putting her in it too! It's so comfy and soft feeling! AND - it IS very easy to install!!! With lots of options for extra anchoring if you choose.

I...

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circlefacebb says "Great for active lifestyle parents" about Jeep Liberty Urban Terrain 3-Wheel Stroller

circlefacebb — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 19:54:08 GMT

This stroller originally caught our (well, my) eye becuase it looks SO DARN COOL!! But, as I got to researching it, turns out it was exactly what we (by we, I mean me!) were looking for. We are into sports and do all kind of outdoor activities and our little one goes EVERYWHERE with us. This stroller is great if you buy it for use as its intended purpose - very smooth on bumpy terrain, easy to push and navigate on varying surfaces.

I love the music player hook-up feature, too, but truthfully it just makes it SO much easier to take baby stroller "off-roading." I love that you can either lock the front wheel or allow it to swivel, and lots of recline options on the seat - lots of versatility overall. The shade over baby is large and has a nice pull down, tinted visor in front that really comes in handy...not to mention all the storage space - WOW!

We use it with our newborn, though it does require an insert (we use the Snuzzly) to make it fit to her small body.

It is a bit on the heavy side...

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circlefacebb says "Changed our lives for only $3.99!" about Especially For Baby Comfy Bear Bath Sponge

circlefacebb — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 19:22:55 GMT

We had gotten a hand-me-down infant bath tub and I'd used it for several weeks with much frustration, when my friend (an OB Nurse) recommended this bath sponge. The first time I tried it was incredible...i actually enjoyed giving my 1-month old a bath. The sponge lays flat in the bath tub, I run about an inch of warm water and then lay her on the sponge. She stays in place since the sponge has an indented section that's in the outline of a baby, the sponge doesn't slide around in the tub, and since she's laying flat and stable, I can use both hands to give her the bath.

Using the infant bath I originally had required one hand solidly on her at all times to keep her from slip-sliding from side-to-side. The sponge is also SO easy to store and clean. I just wring it out after her bath and it dries quickly. Since it's small and flexible I can store it anywhere I want - no hassle. The infant tub was hard to store in our small bathroom closet.

My daughter seems a lot happier with the sponge...

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circlefacebb says "iLove the iMonitor" about Graco iMonitor Multi-Child Digital Baby Monitor

circlefacebb — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:26:41 GMT

So, we started out with a Graco monitor, but it was SO staticy - I was willing to tough it out, but my hubby was NOT! So, we decided we would try every monitor out there until we found one we were happy with. Fortunately, the iMonitor was the first in our field testing and our search was over. It is SO clear no matter where we are in the house - and we have and old house with S-O-L-I-D walls. I also love the trifecta of sound, lights, and vibration - very 21st century :) Aside from being clear at long distances, it doesn't pick up interference and I love being able to adjust the sound sensitivity too! And while we primarily care about our daughter's safety, I was WAY pumped that it doesn't look like your typical baby monitor- it's very trendy looking. Oh - did I mention how handy the rechargeable battery is - it's handy!

Couldn't be happier!

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circlefacebb says "Delicious and Nutritious!" about V8 Splash, Fruit Medley

circlefacebb — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:04:44 GMT

WOW! I was pleasantly surprised by this one... I love juices and in fact love V8, but when I got pregnant (and postpartum) I wanted to cut down my sodium intake. This was on sale at the store and I decided to try it - Good Decision! It's very fruity but not too sweet, and it's really quite smooth. I can't wait to try the other flavors! Plus, one 8oz serving has 100% of your vitamin A and C for the day and 20% Vit. E. It does have 18g of sugar - but I guess some of that is to be expected with fruit juices!...

circlefacebb says "Finally - a nursing pad that REALLY works..." about Lansinoh Breast feeding pads

circlefacebb — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:54:54 GMT

As a first time mom I thought all of these things were the same so I bought the cheapest ones I could find - the Gerber thin pads - but they would last for an hour if I was lucky - they were flat, didn't stay in place, and not very absorbant. Then, I tried the Johnson and Johnson brand - I thought I had found the right ones this time - they were thick and so I thought that meant extra-absorbant, but No! I would leak through those in no time and they didn't stick very well. PLUS, their thickness made them very visible under clothes. I decided to try again - fortunately, the Lansinoh pads were on sale the day I went searching so I bought them. I was immediately relieved. They combined all the great qualities of the Gerber and Johnson & Johnson brands - they were thin but very absorbant. Plus, They are larger in diameter as well- which works well for me with my DD chest! I was nervous about the lining on the back that is supposed to keep you from leaking through to your clothes, because I'd...

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circlefacebb says "Worked for us, just as good for our newborn" about Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment Jar 14 oz

circlefacebb — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:20:28 GMT

A friend recommend the regular Aquahpor to us years ago as the best "ointment" for protecting new tattoos and it really is - After 36hours of tattoo work, I wished I discovered this product from the beginning. HOWEVER, this is a review of the baby Aquaphor. When we found out I was pregnant there were a lot of decisions, including what kind of protection for our baby's bottom. I was so excited when I found out there was a baby Aquaphor product. We've been using it with our newborn and it is every bit as good as the adult version. It's effective, not smelly or greasy, and it's gentle on her bottom.

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circlefacebb says "Super Suppers has completely changed our lives!" about Super Suppers

circlefacebb — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:12:02 GMT

We used to eat out all the time, which equals spending lots of money and not eating so healthy. A co-worker's wife brought some brochures for Super Suppers by and I decided to try it - our lives have never been better. I can either go for a couple hours a month and assemble my 12 meals (you can do how many or few you want, though) OR I can place an order online for pickup, OR I can just stop in on "Fill Your Freezer" Days. Their recipes are all Weight Watchers approved, they are super healthy, but more importantly Delicious! Automatic portion control is nice also! Taking the time to pop something in the oven, on the grill, or on the stove, is do-able --doesn't take any longer than driving to a restaurant and we get to enjoy some quality time at home. With the new baby in the house, it's been a lifesaver all over again. Our local store has a New Moms program that allows me to pickup our meals pre-assembled, without having to pay extra. Speaking of money, we've done the math and we've actually...

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circlefacebb says "Travel, Drinking, Comedy - It's the ultimate trifecta" about Three Sheets

circlefacebb — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 01:50:01 GMT

How lucky that we stumbled on this show....Zane Lamprey, the show's host, is a riot! Travels the world, Partaking (heavily) in local drinking customs and experiencing local hang over cures, Mix with an off-beat sense of humor and serve... Well worth buying the whole season on DVD - We did, and can't wait for the Season 2 on DVD. Incidentally, this show makes a great drinking game. Zane says it's not - but if it were a drinking game, it would go something like this: if you see the monkey you get to give away a drink, whenever a friend is mentions (like steve mckenna) it's a social, every time Zane drinks, you drink....you get the point. website is mojohd

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circlefacebb says "Been laughing over this one for YEARS!" about Still Crazy

circlefacebb — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 01:33:40 GMT

Not such a fan of "This is Spinal Tap" - but "Still Crazy" is on my top 5 fav movies list. LOVE this movie- I have watched it a billion times over the last 7 years or more and I still can't get enough. Great characters, great acting, great script - great everything. You have to see this one!!...

circlefacebb says "The not-so-ultraclear monitor - TOO loud!!" about Graco UltraClear Baby Monitor

circlefacebb — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 01:21:14 GMT

We gave it the old college try on this one - used it for a few weeks, trying different locations and channel combinations within the house and we get SO much buzzing/white noise that we couldn't stand it. Took it back to the store and got the iMonitor - we'll see how this one works out, BUT couldn't deal with the noise on the "Ultraclear."

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circlefacebb says "Hmmmm- ok." about Atonement

circlefacebb — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 01:11:50 GMT

All I can say is I'm glad I waited for it on DVD. It was just ok - I was hoping for something a little more intense - I didn't feel drawn into the movie. Maybe it was the method of story telling - lots of timeline jumps, etc. You really have to pay attention to stay with it, but that also made it difficult for me to just "get lost" in the story. It was ok.

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circlefacebb says "An alternative to eBay! Much better!" about Craigslist

circlefacebb — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 03:01:05 GMT

We have sold furniture, bought furniture, sold all kinds of household items and bought all kinds as well - We are hopelessly addicted to Craigslist. No Fees - all local - no bidding - SO much better than eBay, now that it's become SO pricey to buy anything on there. Only thing I don't like is that many users neglect to remove their listing once an item is sold. But, if you have a little patience, you can find what you are looking for and for a great price. Be sure to use common sense - if someone seems sketchy, don't do business with them. I've found that I am more comfortable meeting people at a neutral location - grocery store parking lot, etc. So they don't feel threatened if I am coming to their house and vice versa. Worth repeating - Just use common sense to protect yourself.

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circlefacebb says "Makes life with an infant SO much easier" about Graco Snugrider Infant Car Seat Frame

circlefacebb — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 02:49:51 GMT

Had been using a Graco travel system, but a girlfriend had this stroller frame. it was so small and lightweight I had to get one - and I am SO glad I did. it's so easy to get in and out of vehicle and super easy for navigating tight places in restaurants/malls, etc.... I can't imagine life without this. AND for $60 it's a steal....

circlefacebb says "Makes day trips and road trips a breeze.." about Playtex Fridge to Go Bottle Tote Baby Bottle

circlefacebb — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 02:43:51 GMT

I love that I do not have to mess with cold packs, etc...just put the whole darn thing in the freezer over night and voila! you are ready to go! it really keeps milk cold - it even had started freezing some after I had it in there all day. I like that the outside of the bag doesn't feel cold to the touch - it doesn't make stuff around it cold (like diapers in the diaper bag!). I am very happy with this item.

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circlefacebb says "Finally - a woman surely thought of this!" about L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Lipcolor

circlefacebb — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 02:24:45 GMT

This is brilliant...it really does stay on all day - i have been happy with Cover Girl for this feature as well, BUT...what really won me over is that the color tube and the gloss tube stay in a handy case. No more worrying about lids coming off or diggin for the duo in my purse. Especially great for me since I never put lipstick on until I get to my destination... and then I'm usually rushed. PLUS, the outside of the very compact case is a mirror - and not one of those blurry ones. It's really clear. I love this product - it's everything I could ever want in a lip product! FINALLY!!...

circlefacebb says "No more blankets - this is the best!" about Kiddopotamus SwaddleMe Swaddle Blanket

circlefacebb — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:36:41 GMT

I LOVE this swaddler. We have tried several types of blankets and other swaddlers and nothing works as well as this one. I can't have enough of them!!! LOVE IT!...