Reviews by clinlab

clinlab says "Brings us back to Italy" about Aeroccino - Nespresso Espresso Machine

clinlab — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:59:30 GMT

I drink my coffee black. At least I did until I got my husband the Nespresso Aeroccino as a gift. Since our trip to Italy in April he had been talking about their coffee served with frothy steamed milk. I was not about to buy an espresso machine, but this little gadget does the trick for under $100.

It's a very handsome and sturdy stainless steel carafe that fits on an electric plate. Pour in some milk (nonfat works fine), place the lid on top, press the button, pour your cup of coffee, and its done. It even turns itself off. Pour warm milk into your coffee and spoon some froth on top for a taste of Italy -- or your local coffee house -- at home! It makes enough for at least two servings in about a minute. Again, I drink my coffee black, but enjoy a dab of froth on top.

The Aeroccino (say "arrow chino") comes with a direction booklet that includes recipes/directions for common coffee house drinks. We just use it to add a taste of Italy to breakfast.

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clinlab says "I opened the box and was disappointed, but..." about Pacsafe citybag

clinlab — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 02:45:26 GMT

This item was purchased in preparation for a trip to Italy in the spring. I've been told that it is important to protect valuables while traveling there, and the Pacsafe products seemed like a good solution. Normally I try products at home before taking them on the road, but I had a difficult time bringing myself to use this one. The size is larger than I like in an everyday bag and the strap rests tentitively on my shoulder, like it's ready to slip off. I'll wear it across the chest in Europe.

Finally, I did load the bag for a pre-trip test drive. There are a number of pockets, both inside and out, that handle cell phone, glasses, cash, credit cards, water bottle, umbrella, and more. After all the organizer pockets are filled, there remains an open main compartment that almost, allllmost, fits my laptop. I've been carrying it around locally. The exterior is waterproof. (It's been raining in California.) When filled, the bag does stay on the shoulder. And, I've had some complements...

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clinlab says "Basic, good looking garmet bag." about Wally Bags 52" Dress Bag

clinlab — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:47:24 GMT

The Wally Bags 52" Dress Bag is a basic, full-length bag that keeps clothing neat, organized, and out of the weather from home to destination. There is a full-length zipper closure. Handles at top and bottom Velcro together for easy transport. I use the bag at least twice a month for business travel within my state.

The only 'frill' on this bag is a lockdown mechanism for keeping hangers in place. It took a moment to figure out how to load and lock the mechanism the first time out, but has worked first time every time since. The bag itself is made of durable material that looks crisp and clean, even after fold-in-fourths storage.

The bag hangs from the clothes hook over the rear-seat door of the car and drapes across the seat during travel. At the hotel I fold the bag in half and set the it on top of my wheeled oevernight luggage with the handles looped over the luggage handle. One trip from car to registration desk to room. On the homeward leg of my travels, I use it to carry...

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clinlab says "Clean, comfortable, and the friendliest staff ever." about Hampton Inn & Suites Fresno, CA - Fresno, CA

clinlab — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 21:30:50 GMT

The best thing about Hilton properties in general is their consistent quality. Hilton HHonors members enjoy the benefits of loyalty without being treated as second-class guests (as with some other hotel chain loyalty programs).

The Hampton Inn & Suites in Fresno is particularly great because of its friendly staff. Maybe the management seeks these people out, maybe the employees enjoy a congenial work environment. Whatever the reason, it shows. They knew me by name on the third stay and welcome me back everytime with smiles, upgrades, and little extras.

The rooms, like at all Hilton properties, are nicely appointed, comfortable, and quiet. There is always a nice size desk, a coffeemaker, microwave, and refrigerator in the room. For extended stays, book a room with a sofa, coffee table, and wet bar. Home away from home.

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clinlab says "Circular and crossaction, great for travel." about Oral B 3742720 Crossaction Power Battery Toothbrush, Soft Colors May Vary

clinlab — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:58:54 GMT

My husband and I got Oral B as "phase one" in a plan to switch to electric. That was four years ago. We're still using the originals (we've changed the heads) and now we each have a second Oral B in our travel kits. The brush comes with a clip-on cover that keeps the bristles clean and straight.

The dual brush action cleans and polishes well, leaving very little for the floss to find. Our teeth look cleaner and whiter than with manual brushes. Just remember not to press too hard, defeating the battery power of the brush. The brush isn't too noisy and the AA battery lasts for quite a while and gives 'warning' before it dies. Bring a spare battery when traveling.

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clinlab says "So many uses, saves so much time." about Cuisinart Food Processor - 11 Cup Pro Custom DLC-8S

clinlab — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 09:06:17 GMT

I resist buying single-purpose kitchen gadgets, so for years I chopped, diced, and sliced by hand. Finally I bought my Cuisinart, realized that it has many uses, and have never looked back.

The processor comes with three commonly used blades, a recipe book, and a video that demonstrates use of each blade and some of the recipes. Slice a cucumber faster than you can say the word. Blend spreads and create other appetizers quickly. The only part that you can't put in the dishwasher is the motor!

I rate the processor as a 4 rather than a 5 only because extra blades (julienne, for example) can be difficult to find and rather expensive. Check on-line for vendors offering good prices and free shipping.

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clinlab says "Extensive movie selection, speedy delivery." about Netflix

clinlab — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 08:51:44 GMT

After subscribing to Netflix for about a year, I am totally happy with the service. One-, two-, and three-DVD subscribtion levels allow the subscriber to have just one or multiple DVDs at home and movies may be kept indefinitely without late fees. DVDs are delivered via USPS. I have never experiences a lost or damaged DVD, but the web site makes reporting problems easy.

Browse the online collection at random or search for an actor, director, title, etc that is of interest. Place selections in queue and move them up or down to get the movie you want when you want. Add to your queue as often as you like, even films that have not yet been released as DVDs. When they become available, they are added to your list.

The selection of DVDs is extensive, the web site is eay to navigate, and delivery of DVDs is very timely. By rating the movies seen, the subscriber is given suggestions based on his/her preferences. Netflix is simple, inexpensive, and convenient.

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