Reviews by Friends of crazedmom

Bryan-Carey says "Excedrin Extra Strength Offers a Good Level of Relief" about Excedrin Extra Strength

Bryan-Carey — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:16:28 GMT

I don’t suffer from headaches very much, but when I do, I will usually reach for one of an assortment of over the counter pain relievers to stop the pain. I usually pick Aleve or one of a few others, but another product that generally works well is Excedrin Extra Strength, an inexpensive pain reliever.

Pain Reliever Commentary:

Excedrin Extra Strength are used to relieve multiple types of pain. When it comes to pain, I generally experience nothing but headache pain but Excedrin Extra Strength is good for body aches, arthritis, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, toothaches, and more. Whatever type of pain you have, Excedrin Extra Strength is ready to get to the core of the problem and lessen the discomfort.

Excedrin Extra Strength contains aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine in its list of active ingredients. The dosage of caffeine is good because it prevents drowsiness and some people even claim they feel more wide awake than usual when they take this product. The caffeine dosage...

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vivasuzi says "Now this is what I call Cheese and Crackers!" about Keebler - TownHouse FlipSides Pretzel Crackers

vivasuzi — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:41:46 GMT

I would never had heard of Townhouse FlipSides Pretzel Crackers if it weren't for an offer I got when I was clipping coupons. The coupon didn't say much except that they were "pretzel crackers" so I was certainly curious!

Now that I've bought them, ate them, and loved them, I know these crackers will be a staple in our house and something I bring anytime I need to make a cheese and cracker plate for a party. With one side tasting like a pretzel, and the other side tasting like a cheese cracker, these things are delicious right out of the box. However, as you can see from my pics I really like to eat crackers with cheese so I added some sliced Kraft to my cracker and it was 10x better! I can't wait to tell my sister about these crackers so she can serve them with her famous Cheese ball! They are just so good and I bet they would go great with a whole variety of dips and spreads.

The best part is, the crackers are strong and can easily be used for dips without worry of them breaking....

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Bryan-Carey says "Prilosec OTC Provides Long Term Stomach Acid Relief" about Prilosec OTC

Bryan-Carey — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:05:22 GMT

Excess stomach acid can cause great discomfort. Heartburn is one common problem associated with out of control stomach acid, but GERD/acid reflux is even worse because it can lead to lesions in the throat and other health issues. To stop heartburn and associated problems, I sometimes reach for Prilosec OTC, a remedy for stomach pain.

Drug Commentary:

Prilosec OTC helps relieve stomach acid problems by blocking the production of stomach acid. This makes it a little different from other antacids, which usually work to neutralize the stomach acid already present. Prilosec OTC accomplishes its mission through the active ingredient Omeprazole Magnesium. This ingredient is released on a delayed basis, and this means that Prilosec OTC can help relieve problems associated with stomach acid for a full day.

I have the occasional bout with excess stomach acid, usually the result of overeating or consuming foods and beverages that are either spicy or high in acid. I have an assortment of antacid...

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MikeMaroon says "Up, Up and Away My Beautiful, My Beautiful Balloons." about Up

MikeMaroon — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:40:13 GMT

Pixar Animation Studios' UP is one of the reasons I bought a Blu-Ray player. The lastest, greatest visual feast cooked up by Pixar's animators dazzles with it's rich, layered textures that are as bright as the balloons carrying Carl's house to South America.

If you don't know by now that quality and Pixar are virtual synonyms, then you just haven't been paying attention. For, while the new animation is detailed and breath taking, they really take a back seat to the story.

UP, opens with a young Carl Fredrickson(voiced by Lou Grant, er Ed Asner) watching a MovieTone news real (excellently crafted by the animators to make us wonder if it's real footage at first) featuring his hero and all around explorer Charles F. Muntz (Christopher Plummer). The reel is significant to our story as it dipicts Muntz being disgraced when scientists examining his latest find deem it a fake. Muntz vows to return to the place he got the skeleton and come back with the real thing, to vindicate himself. ...

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Bryan-Carey says "Fisher Price Sing and Strum Guitar: Good, but Less than Perfect" about Fisher-Price Sing 'n Strum Guitar

Bryan-Carey — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:38:12 GMT

My girls love to play music. They love toy instruments and they enjoy creating their own unique songs and lyrics. Their enjoyment of music has led to my purchasing of several different toy instruments and one of them is the Fisher Price Backyardigans Sing ‘n Strum Guitar, a toy guitar without the strings.

Toy Commentary:

The Fisher Price Backyardigans Sing ‘n Strum Guitar is a child- size guitar that measures about seventeen inches in length, ten inches in width at its widest point, and two inches in thickness. The front side of the guitar features Backyardigan cartoon characters, with two characters occupying the area around the "strings" and three other characters in the area that forms the neck of the guitar. The guitar is powered by three AAA batteries.

This toy guitar offers a few different sound effects and one tune. The sound effects are activated one of three ways: By pressing one of the three characters on the neck of the guitar, by pressing the blue tab underneath the...

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Bryan-Carey says "Mr. Coffee CG12 Coffee Maker is a Little too Simple for Me" about Mr. Coffee CG-12

Bryan-Carey — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:33:02 GMT

Coffee is a beverage that has grown on me over the years and with my growing acceptance has been accompanied by a growing demand on the device I use to produce my morning beverage. One coffee maker that accomplishes very little but also costs very little is the Mr. Coffee CG12 Coffee Maker, a drip coffee maker from one of the best- known names in the business.

Coffee Maker Commentary:

The Mr. Coffee CG12 Coffee Maker is an inexpensive coffee maker that is mostly plastic in construction and that brews from two to twelve cups. The water reservoir is located behind this coffee maker and it includes cup markings on two sides, for easier measuring. A plastic flip- top covers the water reservoir and the filter basket. There is a simple, on/off switch in the front of this coffee maker, but there is nothing else: No clock, timer, pause feature, or anything else.

Mr. Coffee CG12 Drip Coffee Maker is a no frills device for brewing coffee and suffice it to say that most people who choose this...

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MikeMaroon says "You WISH Your High School Glee Club Sounded this Good" about Glee: The Music Vol. 1 [11/3] by Original TV Soundtrack

MikeMaroon — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:51:57 GMT

One of the unexpected and exciting things that happened just after the debut of the new Fox TV series "Glee", was the songs performed on the show immediately shot to the top of th ITunes sales charts. It's easy to see why. While an album of covers by the cast of a sitcom could have easily been a karaoke CD, these performers are much too talented to let that happen.

Glee: The Music, Volume 1 features performances from the show by the cast members. And those cast member got some pipes. In case you don't know the TV show, and you should, I reviewed that earlier, that Glee. It's one of the best new shows of the season, in large part because of the excellent musical numbers performed by the cast, who include Broadway vets Lea Michele and Matthew Morrison. This first in a series of albums of music from the show is an immediate Top 10 hit on the ITunes album chart, and for good reason. This is an eclectic bunch of songs representing a lot of genres from classic rock to pop to hip...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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. ...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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