Reviews by cjlesch

cjlesch says "Get that chiseled body you always wanted!" about The Firm - Get Chiseled

cjlesch — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:24:23 GMT

I've done many, many workout dvds that claim to tone you up for the beach in just a few workouts. This one actually does what it claims. Right after the first workout, I felt my muscles were being worked.

The exercises are not like the ones I've normally done to get toned arms and legs. But, it turns out that they're different because they work! I felt challenged throughout the entire workout with feeling overworked or overtired. My heart rate was pumped up throughout even though I was also doing strength training. I felt like it was a 2 for 1 in that regard. And, I could use weights I had in my home. For the light weights, I used 3 lbs and although she recommended a middle weight level, I ended up just using either my 8 lbs or the small weights during those times.

I got this DVD from Netflix but I have to say that it is definitely one I will be purchasing soon! The only downside I would say is that the instructor was somewhat annoying. I can't really pinpoint the reason, but could...

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cjlesch says "No challenge! Boring! Wouldn't recommend it!" about Carmen Electra's Aerobic Striptease 1

cjlesch — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:10:31 GMT

I was REALLY excited to get this dvd in the mail from Netflix! I thought for sure it would be something I would love! Afterall, who doesn't want to learn how to be sexier AND get a great workout in the process. I was sadly disappointed.

There were many reasons I didn't like this video and was glad that I didn't purchase it.

1. Carmen talks TOO MUCH!! I I know she has to explain the moves, but the intro is really too long winded.

2. Not challenging: I'm not coordinated in the least and I still got bored with these routines. By the end of the first time viewing, I felt like I was an expert. That's a good thing in a sense. But, the big problem is that I didn't feel like I was getting any kind of workout! You only really do the whole routine once or twice and it's about 20 seconds long each time!

3. No sweat value! If you are strictly using this as an instruction video to learn to stip, it might be good. But, if you were using it to try and get a workout, you'll be disappointed.

Overall,...

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cjlesch says "All of Jillian's workouts rock! This one is no exception!" about 30 Day Shred with Jillian Michaels

cjlesch — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:59:57 GMT

I am an avid workout video user. I get bored easily and I'm always looking for a great workout dvd that will inspire and challenge me. I frequently get dvd's from Netflix to try out before I decide if one is worth the cost involved in purchasing the video. I have to tell you that every workout I've tried of Jilian's is worth it! The 30 Day Shred is just another of the many I love and have purchased for my workout dvd library!

I wouldn't recommend this video for people who beginners though. Like everything else Jilian does, she gets your heart pumping HARD right from the get go. Even on Level 1, she pushes you to your limits. I wouldn't consider my self an "athlete" but I do work out a lot and am in pretty good shape. Level 2 was hard for me and I'm still working on trying to get through all of Level 3. I pretty much just start shaking and feel like I'm going to throw up after 10 minutes. I've had this workout for over 30 days now and am still trying to master it. But, I think that's a...

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cjlesch says "Not crazy about color choices." about Avon personal match smooth mineral makeup powder

cjlesch — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:50:18 GMT

I normally use the Bare Minerals products but decided to try a different, less expensive brand of foundation. I love the mineral product because it covers well, stays on for a long time and the available colors match my skin tone. When I purchased the Avon personal match foundation mineral makeup powder, I was skeptical. As it turns out, the skepticism was warranted.

The foundation seemed to go on rather thick and looked powdery on my face rather than blending in and evening out my skin tone. The choices of colors available really looked "right" and I felt like I needed to mix shades in order to get the right color for my skin. For me, that's too much of a hassle. I want to be able to buy the right shade and go!

The good news is that Avon's customer service department rocks! I called them up and rather than having to send the product back for a refund, I was just able to keep or throw away the product. This is one of the reasons I purchase from Avon often.

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cjlesch says "Inexpensive without being cheap!" about 10 Minute Solutions Fitness Ball Kit

cjlesch — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:19:07 GMT

I was a bit of a skeptic when I purchased this ball. I wanted to make sure that I had something that would support me and not break within a week. This kits was on sale at Target for $9 and I didn't think it would last. I've had it for a few months now and love it. It's typical of any exercise ball that you may own. I bought the medium size for my frame and I have no complaints.

I'm a firm believer that just becuase you buy things that are inexepensive, it doesn't mean that they're cheap. This product is just one example of this. I use it for all sorts of working out and it has withheld my children also jumping around on the thing. If I ever have to buy another exercise/fitness ball, the 10 Minute Solutions fitness ball is the one I'll buy. I would recommend anyone else to buy the ball as well. I was also thinking of purchasing the large size to sit on while at my desk. it would allow me to strengthen my core while I'm writing all these reviews! ;)

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cjlesch says "This crosstrainer has done wonders to help me STAY in shape!" about Life Fitness CT9500HRR Crosstrainer

cjlesch — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 17:57:31 GMT

This elliptical is the best! Well, I can't actually tell you that. I really haven't used too many others. But, it has everything I need. I normally don't use the preset options of aerobic/fat burning/ etc but rather go to the manual option. I've had this machine for quite some time now and have never had a problem with using it. I love that I'm able to keep track of my heart rate with the monitor. There's nothing more I can say about this machine. It's great and worth the purchase to keep myself fit and healthy.

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cjlesch says "I was out a lot of money and STILL didn't have whiter teeth!" about Crest Whitestrips Dental Whitening formula 56 Strips, 14 Day Treatment

cjlesch — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:23:24 GMT

I thought I would give this product a try. I was diligent about using the product EXACTLY as directed. I spent the time and money. And, what did I get in return... a bad taste in my mouth and pain on my sensitive teeth. The next time I ever try to whiten my teeth again, I will be spending the big bucks and doing it in the dentist's office....

cjlesch says "Finally a product that works!" about Certain Dri Antiperspirant Roll On for Excessive Perspiration

cjlesch — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:19:12 GMT

I thought I was going to have to get the botox shots in my arm pits to get them to stop sweating so much. I didn't even have to be working. I always had sweat stains on my shirts. I tried this product with much trepidation. But, I will tell you, it has worked like a dream! I only wish I had found it sooner. It would have saved me so many years of self-consciousness and embarassment! It's like a dream come true for me....

cjlesch says "This stuff is an essential in my house of three kids and a cat!" about Spot Shot Carpet Stain Remover

cjlesch — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:16:10 GMT

I've tried other stain removers before and this is the only one we've bought time and time again. It works great! I have three kids and a cat and something is always getting spilled or dumped on the floor. Spot Shot is the only one that gets the stains out immediately!! You have no idea how many times, "Get the Spot Shot!!" is said in my house! It's an essential!

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cjlesch says "Filling and very tasty! It's all I need for lunch!" about Amy's Spinach Feta in a Pocket Sandwich

cjlesch — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:47:09 GMT

When someone recommended these to me, I had to admit they didn't look very tasty. Boy was I wrong. They're delicious and very filling. I recommend cooking them in the oven vs. the microwave though. The crispyness makes them even better. I could eat them everyday!...

cjlesch says "Worthless for weightloss." about SlimQuick Diet Pills

cjlesch — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:30:14 GMT

I work out about 5 days a week and eat prettty healthy. I've been at a weight plateau and wanted to see if this would help break through that. I tried it for 2 months and didn't lose even one pound! It did affect my mood and make me feel a lot happier most of the time. However, I never shed any weight. The plateau still remains.

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cjlesch says "Not sturdy enough with three kids in the house!" about Holmes Humidifier - Cool Mist Humidifier - HM3500

cjlesch — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:13:00 GMT

The Holmes Cool Mist Humidifier is a good deal for the money. I've bought a few Holmes products for our house and the only reason we have a problem keeping them working is because our children think they're toys. They're always turning on and off the switches and pulling it apart. Consequently, we've had a few break over time. They are, unfortunately, not sturdy enough to stand up to my three kids!

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cjlesch says "If I had to buy again, I wouldn't." about RCA - Jet

cjlesch — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:46:48 GMT

I bought this mp3 player initially because I'm a runner and wanted to have a player sturdy enough to withstand my abuse. I also didn't want to pay a lot of money. I also liked the stop watch and calorie counters that it claimed to have. I probably wouldn't buy this again if I had a choice. It is hard to use when on the road if you're switching through songs and using the stop watch at the same time. The buttons are hard to push too. And, the software is useless. You're better off not installing it and using the Windows Media Player instead. When I first bought this mp3, I didn't follow the exact instructions for use and ended up frying it before I even got it turned on.

I've had it for about 6 months now and am tolerating it. I won't be going to buy another mp3 player to replace this one. But, I wouldn't buy this same model ever again.

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cjlesch says "I use this under my normal moisterizer. It makes a great base!" about Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum

cjlesch — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:37:38 GMT

I use this on a daily basis under the regenerist tinted moisterizer. I find that my skin always looks a little dry under the eyes in the morning. This gives it the boost it needs. Finishing it off with the regenerist tinted moisterizer seems to lock it all together. I used to use the Anew products from Avon and have converted this brand. I'm hooked!...

cjlesch says "leaves my skin feeling smooth and healthy" about Olay Regenerist Night Cream

cjlesch — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:32:39 GMT

I love this stuff. Every night, after I take off my makeup, I feel like I'm bathing my skin in this stuff. A little goes a long way! It makes my skin feels smoother and hydrated instantly without feeling sticky or like I just slathered a ton of lotion on. It soaks right up into my skin. The smell is also fantastic....

cjlesch says "Every color for every mood!" about Ulta Eyeshadows

cjlesch — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:28:59 GMT

I love all of the single shadows that the Ulta brand offers! They often have a buy, get one free deal that makes these a great buy! Not only do they last, without touch-ups, for the entire day, the colors are always rich. Most of the shadows can also be wettened for an entirely different effect.

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cjlesch says "This is like crack for hair! My hair has never felt better!!" about Joico K-PAK Deep-Penetrating Reconstructor

cjlesch — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:25:38 GMT

The Joico brand or products typically cost the same as other salon brands, BUT, this stuff is really worth it. The K-Pak hair treatments have repaired my hair, leaving it lusterious, thick, soft and smelling wonderful! I would recommend this brand for anyone that styles their hair on a daily basis. Just a few treatments and you'll be hooked!! I don't have a lot of cash, but this is worth the price!!

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cjlesch says "I am constantly recommending this site to people!" about Sparkpeople.com

cjlesch — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:44:44 GMT

Sparkpeople.com is one of the best sites for helping people to lose weight and be healthy. The best part of it all is that it's FREE! I've tried Weight Watchers.com and all sorts of other online weight loss programs. This site is MUCH easier to use and more versatile. Through its online questionniere, it really caters the site to what it is you need in weight and exercise management. I cannot express how much I love this site. I have friends who are spending hundreds and thousands of dollars for the same stuff that I'm getting for FREE!...

cjlesch says "This is the best stuff!!" about Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum

cjlesch — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:37:36 GMT

I don't usually spend a lot for hair care products, but this is worth it. I've been using it for years and love that it not only makes my hair shiny and smooth, it also reduces the dry time. All I have to do is put this in before drying and it smooths out all those kinks and frizzy looking pieces. I'm addicted!!...

cjlesch says "I used this with all three of my kids! I would HIGHLY recommend." about Target Soy Based Baby Formula

cjlesch — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:29:55 GMT

This Target SOY Based Baby forumla worked wonders for my kids. They all had sensitive stomachs, but with product, those issues went away. I'm not saying it's any better than any other SOY formula. But, I am saying that it's 1/2 the price and has the same ingredients as all the other brands....