Reviews by Friends of crazedmom

Bryan-Carey says "Don't Break the Ice: Simple, Quick Family Game" about Milton Bradley Don't Break the Ice Game

Bryan-Carey — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:55:14 GMT

Most every child likes to play games and many great memories are formed when families take time to play games with their children- even if the game is short and simple. One game that fits this definition is Don't Break the Ice, a simple, quick game from Milton Bradley.

Game Commentary:

Don't Break the Ice is a game consisting of multiple pieces that have to be assembled each time the game is played. There are a total of thirty- eight pieces: 32 small "cubes" of ice; one large cube that is equal in size to four of the smaller cubes; one red- colored person wearing skates; and two interlocking sides that form the base in which the pieces of ice are placed; and two mallets. The base has to be snapped together and the pieces of ice squeezed inside the base (while inverted) in order to prepare for play. The last step is to place the plastic skating figure on top of the large block, pressing the skater into place. Players than tap the blocks of ice, one at a time, while trying to avoid having...

...

Bryan-Carey says "Ravensburger Princess Puzzle will keep Your Princesses Occupied " about Ravensburger Princess Jigsaw Puzzle 24pc

Bryan-Carey — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:40:04 GMT

Putting puzzles together is a great exercise for youngsters, for it improves fine motor skills and gives children a sense of achievement. Some puzzles have far too many pieces for the youngest children, but this problem is eliminated with the Ravensburger Princess Jigsaw Puzzle, a large, twenty- four piece puzzle that kids can put together with ease.

Puzzle Commentary:

The Ravensburger Princess Jigsaw Puzzle is a large puzzle with large pieces. The pieces are interlocking and feature the same standard shape common to a traditional puzzle. Each piece of this puzzle measures about four by six inches, is made out of thick, heavy cardboard stock, and is unlikely to get broken. The pieces are specially coated, with a so- called Easy Clean Surface that can be wiped clean with a damp cloth without damaging the pieces of the puzzle.

Jigsaw puzzles are a great learning tool for children and they offer a nice departure from the usual type of toy. The problem with most puzzles, from the perspective...

...

AngelaWLaFon says "Le Creuset: Nothing but the best for my Thanksgiving stuffing" about Le Creuset Stoneware Baking Dishes

AngelaWLaFon — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:31:11 GMT

Le Creuset Stoneware Baking Dishes

Le Creuset Stoneware Baking Dishes aren't your grandmother's casserole dishes! My Grandmother's cooking is fabulous, and I think I am a pretty good cook too but one thing I have going for me is my Le Creuset Stoneware Baking Dishes.

I have Le Creuset rectangular baking dishes that are perfect for:

Thanksgiving stuffing

Casseroles

Sheet Cakes

I have Le Creuset smaller oval baking dishes that are perfect for:

side dishes

downsizing left overs

appetizers like crab dip

I have Le Creuset small rectangular baking dishes that are perfect for:

gift loafs of zuchinni bread

rice pudding for two

small sides like cranberry sauce

And oh so much more. These are just a few examples to get the wheels turning.

Le Creuset baking dishes come in a variety of colors. I have deep reds, bright blues and classic pea greens. (I am sure Le Creuset has their own fancy names for their colors. This are just my own take on the hues.)

I like Le Creuset baking dishes because...

...

AngelaWLaFon says "Vera Bradley Paprika Tote: I love this new Vera tote bag!" about Vera Bradley Paprika Tote

AngelaWLaFon — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:30:19 GMT

Vera Bradley Paprika Tote

I really like the look, feel and design of Vera Bradley bags. I think her fabric patterns can work for both classic or trendy looks. I have a Vera Bradley cosmetic bag that was a gift for Mother's Day- sweet! I also have a knock off back pack style bag but as far as Vera Bradley purses and totes go, I've just admired other people's- a lot.

True story:

I saw the Vera Bradley Paprika Tote in a magazine. Love the look, loved the color for fall and even loved the name since I am a big time Paprika user in the kitchen. Macaroni and cheese, deviled eggs - they all need a little Paprika.

Still, would I have put this at the top of my wish list when I have more practical needs? Who knows now because... I won it! Yes, I won it at a fundraiser for the library which I am sure was some good karma for accrueing and paying my library fines without quibbling.

Now that I have a Vera Bradley tote, what do I really think of it?

I love it!

It's an almost square design...

...

AngelaWLaFon says "Carter's Just One Year Blanket: 2 sides, oh so soft & oh so warm" about Carter's Sweet Baby Blanket

AngelaWLaFon — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:29:28 GMT

Carter's Just One Year Baby Blankets

Baby blankets are just one of those baby items that are a most have all year round but they can be oh so sweet too.

Our prized baby blankets were hand made, whether crocheted, knitted or quilted but some of our most practical and enjoyed were either from Disney or from Carter's Just One Year. Carter's makes many styles of baby blankets but my favorite is the Carter's Just One Year 2 sided fleece blanket.

What does 2 sided fleece mean?

This Carter's Just One Year blanket has a soft, soft plush fleece on side and a warm, warm pile fleece on the other. One reminds you of a soft plush toy and the other reminds you of the fuzzy and warm fleece jackets by Patagonia.

Of course we want all blankets to be soft to baby's skin but this soft blanket feels great on the parent's or caregiver's arms too.

If I am just swaddling for comfort, I use the plush side next to baby but if I need to keep baby warm, I put the pile fleece inside. Either way, baby and I both...

...

AngelaWLaFon says "Clore Dining Room Chairs: Made in the U.S.A., last 4 generations" about Clore Dining Room Chairs

AngelaWLaFon — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:14:13 GMT

Clore Dining Room Chairs

eaclore.com

E.A. Clore is has been making furniture right here in Virginia since 1830. We've been slowly upgrading our furniture, one room a year and trying to buy furniture that is made in the U.S.A.

When it came time to buy dining room chairs and bar stools, we wanted Clore chairs. They are classic and so well made. We'd visited many homes that had Clore chairs that had been owned and used for decades and they still had an amazing look and function too.

Clore chairs are custom made from hardwoods. You can choose from walnut, cherry, oak or mahogany. These are not wood finishes. They are real wood chairs.

We chose: 2 captains chairs for the "heads of the table" with arms, 6 traditional ladder back chairs and bar stools, 4 with backs and 2 without for versatility. My favorite addition from the Clore dining room chairs is the youth chair.

What is a youth chair?

Parents well know that the point in time that comes when a child no longer needs a high chair...

...

AngelaWLaFon says "Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen: It STAYS so apply carefully!" about Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner

AngelaWLaFon — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:32:52 GMT

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen

I guess when you've been wearing make up for two decades you go through phases. Black liquid eye liner, often applied with something that looked like a tiny paint brush was popular in the eighties. I was turned off for two reasons. A) So many people OVER did it. B) I didn't seem to have the coordination to apply it correctly.

Maybe I have a steadier hand now. Maybe I am just no longer in a rush. Likely, it is the improvement in the applicator that makes this liquid eyeliner a success for me.

I am not an everyday eye liner wearer. In my makeup bag, I have one Revlon eyeliner pencil, one Mary Kay eyeliner and one Clinique eyeliner. This seems like over kill but they are all different colors with different features but what none if them were was BOLD. A few months ago we were headed out for big time celebration with many friends old and new. A new dress and a babysitter and this mama wanted something a little more dramatic for the evening. ...

...

Bryan-Carey says "Brut Keeps You Dry, but Stretches the Truth" about Brut Antiperspirant Deodorant

Bryan-Carey — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:49:01 GMT

Deodorant is a universal need and it’s a product that takes on several different forms. Some people prefer gels. Other people prefer stick. There are even some who would like to turn back the hands of time to the day when spray was popular. My personal preference is gel, but I will sample other forms when the opportunity is right. One stick deodorant I tried recently is Brut Anti- Perspirant Deodorant, a deodorant with the familiar brut scent.

Deodorant Commentary:

Brut Anti- Perspirant Deodorant is a white colored, stick- style deodorant with a scent that offers the smell of brut- just like the aftershave, only a little milder. The product offers both odor protection and wetness protection and it utilizes its special ingredient Trimax, which helps keep you dry and odor- free. The formula is powerful enough to keep you free from odor and wetness for a full twenty- four hours.

Like I said above, my deodorant preference is gel, but much like any consumer good, I am always game to...

...

MikeMaroon says "Finding Hope in The Worst Kind of Personal Tragedy." about Steven Curtis Chapman - Beauty Will Rise

MikeMaroon — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:21:39 GMT

May 21, 2008 was to be a special day at the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Steven Curtis and Mary Beth were about to celebrate both their daughter's engagement and the high school graduation of their eldest son. Then, something horrible happened. As one of their sons pulled into the driveway he didn't see his little 5-year old sister Maria. His vehicle struck and killed her, leaving Christian music's most successful singer/songwriter to cope with unspeakable pain, the loss of one child and to father another through heart-numbing guilt. I myself have a 5-year-old little girl and the thought of such a thing is something I cannot bear.

Beauty Will Rise is Mr Chapman's love letter to his lost little girl and a raw look at him working through his pain. With sparse arraignments and acoustic guitar, he publicly wrestles with pain only a father who has lost a child can experience.

He said that, after he lost Maria, he honestly...

...

MikeMaroon says "Play On, Carrie, Play On." about Play On [11/3] * by Carrie Underwood

MikeMaroon — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:26:01 GMT

It is my belief Carrie Underwood is the best singer to graduate from American Idol. She has an almost perfect voice and the range of Celine Dion. Loves ya Kelly. Respects ya Adam. But Carrie, she da man, er, woman. She really showcases those gorgeous pipes of hers on Play On, her third and definitely most pop-leaning album yet. Shania, watch your back.

And Ms Underwood went to the studio determined to hit a massive homerun this time. She very nearly succeeds. Bringing in the the ringers, like producers Mike Elizondo and Max Martin along with writers Brett James, Tom Shapiro, and Paul Overstreet, Carrie presents us with an eclectic group of songs that sometimes feels like pandering but mostly feels like a nice variety.

Kicking things off with her already huge radio hit, Cowboy Casanova, Elizondo imparts a juiced-up dance hall flavor that sounds like an attempt to bring back line-dancing. With Underwood's booming vocals, this "warning" song is sure to have urban cowboys...

...

Bryan-Carey says "Take New Chapter Every Man's One Daily for Your Good Health" about New Chapter Every Man's One Daily

Bryan-Carey — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:15:24 GMT

Health is an important concern to many and the health business is a growing, thriving industry with products and services that span far and wide. Achieving proper nutrition is the first, preventative measure on the path toward good health and one product that helps men achieve this goal is New Chapter Organics Every Man's One Daily, a multi- vitamin product.

Dietary Supplement Commentary:

New Chapter Organics Every Man's One Daily is a dietary supplement that helps men maintain good health and improve immunity. These tablets are large in size (about seven- eights of an inch long), are organically composed, and offer a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients.

I have enjoyed very good health since I was born and based on my track record with illness, I obviously have a very strong immune system. I don't really need to take multi- vitamins or other supplements. However, based on the number of health threats detailed on the nightly news, one can never be too safe...

...

Bryan-Carey says "Organix with Shea Butter Cleans, Moisturizes, and Smells Great " about Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Shampoo

Bryan-Carey — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:26:23 GMT

Shampoos range from the ordinary to the unusual and there are more options in hair cleaning today than at any point in recent memory. One company known for its assortment of interesting shampoo products is Organix and one of its many hair care products is Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Shampoo, a moisturizing and healing shampoo.

Shampoo Commentary:

Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Shampoo is a thick, clear shampoo that is manufactured with shea butter, yogurt proteins, and avocado oils. This product offers a pleasant scent that combines shea butter with certain level of sweetness. The product is sulfate- free and, like all Organix products, it is not tested on animals. This product offers a great scent, cleanses the hair and scalp very well, rinses out surprisingly fast, and leaves your hair soft and manageable.

Shampoo products are much more exotic than they used to be and Organix products certainly fit this description. Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Shampoo is one of several that include...

...

Bryan-Carey says "AFLAC Insurance: Supplemental Insurance for Peace of Mind" about Aflac

Bryan-Carey — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:12:39 GMT

Insurance is a necessary evil. Most insurance products offer nothing in return for your money except for peace of mind and many of these products do not offer enough protection when a crisis strikes. For those who could benefit from a little added peace of mind, the insurance industry brings us AFLAC Insurance, a company with dozens of different insurance policies for greater financial security.

Insurance Commentary:

I have held several different roles in accounting, finance, and management during my working career and AFLAC Insurance is a company I have grown to know quite well. I have served as the administrator of my company's AFLAC insurance plan in past job positions and I have dealt directly with AFLAC representatives. In general, my experience has been positive, but the overall picture with AFLAC Insurance does reveal a few blemishes, which is typical of many insurance companies.

Looking at the positive news first, AFLAC Insurance is a good place to turn when you want insurance...

...

AngelaWLaFon says "Bath & Body Works Cool Citrus Basil: I like this scent a lot!" about Bath & Body Works Cool Citrus Basil Body Lotion

AngelaWLaFon — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:38:28 GMT

Bath & Body Works

Cool Citrus & Basil Body Lotion

I am a big believer in moisturizing, especially this time of year when we are using wood heat that just sucks the moisture out of your skin. I like to keep lotions on my desk, in my car, in my purse, in the bathroom, in the bedroom... everywhere I might be. I am also a scent lover but I tend to shy away from sweet and fruity or heavy floral scents.

Cool Citrus Basil isn't a name that just jumped out at me as being a must try scent. I do love the scent of fresh basil when I am preparing a homemade pizza or tomato sauce but in a lotion? Really? I was surprised. The scent of basil is there but subtle and the combination with the fresh citrus scent is really appealing to me.

I like Bath & Body Works body lotions in general. They are rich and never greasy but they are not a healing dry skin lotion. I use them as a general lotion when I want to moisturize skin that is already in good shape and enjoy a nice scent.

Bath & Body Works...

...

Bryan-Carey says "Dwell Magazine Offers Modern Home Design with a Twist " about Dwell - At Home in the Modern World

Bryan-Carey — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:59:38 GMT

Plenty of publications exist that focus on the home and they concentrate on many different areas, such as home design, home repair, vacation homes, and more. One home publication that focuses on home remodeling and related topics is Dwell Magazine, a publication for those who want modernity with a twist.

Magazine Commentary:

Dwell Magazine contains about 130 pages in each issue, with the usual assortment of departments found in most magazines, along with about five or six featured articles. Each issue focuses on a specific theme, which is spelled out on the cover, directly beneath the magazine's name. The magazine is published ten times per year and carries a base subscription price of about $20 per year.

I receive a large number of magazines each month and Dwell Magazine ranks among several that focus on the home. Subtitled "A Home in the Modern World", Dwell Magazine takes the idea of "modern" to a slightly different level than other, similar publications such as Metropolitan Home....

...

vivasuzi says "So now I have another one to add to the DVR" about Eastwick (ABC)

vivasuzi — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:46:36 GMT

I had never heard of Eastwick, but after an episode of Dancing with the Stars, I left ABC on because they kept talking about all these new shows that were coming out. After 5 minutes of the Eastwick Premiere, I had already gone in and set up my DVR to record this whole series.

I had just been getting into Lipstick Jungle, when they took it off the air, so I was happy to see Lindsay Price was back on the small screen. Joining her as stars of the show are Rebecca Romijn and Jaime Ray Newman. All three are great in this show and I enjoy their different personalities. Sara Rue, who has been in multiple TV series, also has a pretty big part as the friend of one of the girls. She adds a nice humor and down-to-earthness to the story. Although the show is not a comedy, it isn't incredibly drama-filled either. I'd compare it to Desperate Housewives in that there is some silliness, some drama, and a few chuckles here and there.

Having never seen the movie The Witches of Eastwick, I went into...

...

vivasuzi says "It's stylish and useful although a little bit hard for travel" about Bed Bath and Beyond Bamboo Chip 'n Dip

vivasuzi — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:40:02 GMT

I registered for the Bamboo Chip 'n Dip for our wedding because it was pretty. I didn't think about how practical it was like I usually do. Most the items I buy now-a-days are travel-friendly and easy to wash. The Bamboo Chip 'n dip is neither, but it's still four stars!

Made of Bamboo, the 12.5" plate is sturdy, and holds a lot of veggies! Although it was designed for chips, it works well for veggies, bread, or any other food with dip you might have. The ceramic dish in the middle holds quite a lot of dip. This dish is also heavy and sturdy enough to stay put in the little grove inside the bamboo dish.

However as nice as it looks, it is a bit heavy and clunky. While I was able to transport it to a party by covering the dish with one plastic sheet and then covering the rest with more plastic, I had to wrap it really tight to keep the items on the dish. While I managed to wrap it and carry it to a few parties, over time I decided it's easier to bring the veggies in...

...

vivasuzi says "A great brush with many optional pieces" about Aqua Palm Bath Brush

vivasuzi — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:54:29 GMT

My mom had a bath brush when I lived at home, and I never realized how much I missed it until I moved out into my own house. Although I can reach my back and legs and feet, a bath brush just makes it 10 times easier to scrub these areas.

I found the Aqua Palm Bath Brush at Bed Bath and Beyond and bought it first and foremost because it had various attachments. While I only purchased the brush with the scrubbing head, they also had a pumice stone attachment and a few other attachments. I figured I could always go back and buy those attachments if I felt the need in the future.

The handle is plastic and is 18" long and makes it so you can reach any part you need to reach. Scrubbing the bottom of your feet just got easier! Even if you can normally reach everything just fine, this scrub brush is a good thing to have for days where you are sore or tired. They say the handle is shatter resistance so you don't have to worry about that either. It's a very lightweight plastic so...

...

vivasuzi says "Great tasting and healthy too!" about Turkey Hill Duetto

vivasuzi — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:27:40 GMT

We are always looking for a good ice cream to make smoothies with because I just love making smoothies with my Party Blender! But at the same time, I'm also looking for healthy options because ice cream can be quite fattening and it's not worth it. Lately we've been looking for frozen yogurt, which has been hard to find!

When I saw Turkey Hill Duetto at Kroger on sale, we bought it thinking it can't be that good. A lot of times cheaper frozen yogurts and ice creams are watered down. However, we were very pleasantly surprised! In the flavor we bought, the Strawberry Venice Ice combines with the Banana Soft Serve to make the perfect treat! I added some strawberries and bananas to turn it into a perfect smoothie. Even eating it straight out of the bowl, it's very yummy.

One thing they claim is that it is easy to scoop because it is soft serve. It turns out to be very easy to scoop even if it's been in the a really cold freezer. There's no defrosting for Turkey Hill

...

vivasuzi says "Finally! Scissors that HELP my scrapbook rather than HURT!" about Fiskars Brands Fiskars Scissor 8" Razor Edged

vivasuzi — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:54:10 GMT

After years of dealing with junky dull scissors, you would think that this scrapbooker would have invested in a solid pair of scissors. But it was actually my sister who ended up buying the Fiskars Razor Edged Scissors. For her wedding, we had to cut up 100s of cloth squares to make some candy roses. I cut the majority of them in my spare time. No other scissors would cut through cloth like these ones could! It made the job a million times easier. I was able to put the scissors down and slide them to slice right through the cloth - just like the pros do at Michaels stores! We set up the cloth roll so that we could pull one edge out, cut on the measurement, and repeat.

After her wedding roses were finished, she gave me the scissors for scrapbooking with and I absolutely love them! Everytime I'm cutting out a photo or cutting up an accent piece, I can't believe how quickly and easily these scissors cut! In fact, if I'm not careful it would be easy to cut a photo all the...

...