Reviews by Friends of deedee94

PattyTherre says "A cheap product that really does condition and thicken lashes!" about Claudia Stevens Eyelash Thickener

PattyTherre — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 05:29:02 GMT

Quick View: I don't buy into the hype of all of those expensive eyelash lengtheners and thickeners and I really don't like that they can be dangerous if they get into the eyes. While I do want longer, thicker lashes, I wouldn't compromise my eyes for them. I picked up some Claudia Stevens Eyelash Thickener for under $5.00 at Sally Beauty Supply only looking for a lash conditioner. This turned out to be actually quite a good product!

My Take on Claudia Stevens Eyelash Thickener

This product comes in a mascara-like tube with a brush like a mascara brush. It's clear and has no odor that I can detect. You are supposed to use it twice a day in clean lashes but it can also only be used once at night if you choose.

When I apply Claudia Stevens Eyelash Thickener to my lashes, they become a bit shiny and slightly damp but for just a short time. They then simply look and feel the same as always. I can't tell that I have it on. I could immediately feel a difference as far as conditioning goes. I wear...

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TunefulGal says "Get a grip on Ikea's great Pokal glasses. Unbelieveable prices!" about Ikea Pokal Drinking Glasses

TunefulGal — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:52:05 GMT

WHY I'M OBSESSED WITH DURABLE GLASSWARE

My hands have always been "sacred". The daughter of musicians, I grew up playing the piano, frequently warned to "be careful of your hands". As a softball outfielder, I always prayed no one could hit the ball into right field. In basketball, I approached everything knuckles first. (No wonder the captains always chose me last for their teams!)

Now, my hand obsession pretty much confines itself to anything that breaks in the dishpan. Delicate wineglasses and champagne flutes seem perilous. And, breakage aside, I've experienced my last boredom with plastic glasses. So... my latest discovery... ummm... plays right into my hands!

SKIP TO HERE IF YOU JUST WANT THE BARE FACTS

The Ikea's Pokal Drinking Glasses work for hot drinks as well as cold, seem ultra durable (though not with the stated assurances of www.viewpoints.com/Duralex-Classic-French-quot-Picardie-quot-Glasses-review-2fa6), and feel good in the hand.

Ikea's Pokal Drinking Glasses...

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TunefulGal says "Good gift! Slender price! Comfy, Dreams & Co. sleepshirts." about Dreams & Co./Woman Within Tag-free Knit Plus Size Sleepshirt

TunefulGal — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:35:18 GMT

My 100% cotton, satin-trimmed Sleepshirts by Dreams & Co. impress with me their comfort, washability (even in hot water) and current steal-of-a-price, $9.99 each for the short-sleeved version. (If you buy two shirts, take another $2.00 off of each item.)

Tag-free, this knit is a plus size. In my case, the medium/large generously covers my regular, sized-16 bod. As with so many WomanWithin.com garments, the sizes go up, in this case quite far up, to 7X/8X. So... if there's a large woman in your household or on your list, this might be a find of a gift for this holiday season.

I ordered my Dreams & Co. Sleepshirt in French Lilac and the Heather Grey you see in the photo of the model. For my next order, I'm thinking of Pink and of the Classic Red/White Snowflakes. I may get them in tha long-sleeved style with the 46-inch hem with slits. That ups the price to $16.99 ($24.99 for 2X and up).

You can also order this Sleepshirt in a in a full-length, Henley style with buttons...

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Jo says "Cerama Bryte gets my Cooktop Clean" about Cerama Bryte Glass-Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner

Jo — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:54:42 GMT

To the Point

When we got our Amana 30 inch electric range with a ceramic top we were told we would have to clean it carefully.

I bought Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaner. A 28-ounce bottle at Home Depot. It wasn't inexpensive coming in at about $7.00. Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaner can be used on all ceramic cooktops.

Amazingly Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaner is not tested on animals. It is biodegradable, has no phosphates, and the container can be recycled.

A Closer View

Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaner can be used, according to the bottle, on Amana, GE, Whirlpool, Maytag, Hotpoint, Frigidaire, and Kenmore ranges. Although I only use it on my stove now that I'm reviewing this cleaner I see I can use it to clean my stainless steel sink, glass cookware, pots and pans and items I don't have like a glass shower door.:

A little of this white, not horrible smelling liquid goes a long way. I just shake the bottle, and with a paper towel and a cool cooktop I rub Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaner on. I then dry...

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Jo says "I bought cute place card holders at Beau-coup.com" about Beau-coup

Jo — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:32:34 GMT

My husband and I were recently married in our religion. Although it was fall we had a beach theme. I wanted Adirondack chairs for the place cards. Some are very expensive because they have tea lights or a place for a picture or the table numbers.

I found small chairs measuring 2 1/4 inch long by 1 1/2 inch wide by 2 inches high at beau-coup.com.

The chairs are not wood so if that is what you are looking for skip these. They are made out of heavy duty plastic. They were packaged so well I was amazed because they are quite durable. I took them over to the venue without any padding. There is no way these little chairs were going to break.

Some people didn't take their chairs. Maybe they didn't know what to do with them but I think they make a cute knick nack and the seat, although small, can fit something little on it. You can also put your next doctor's appointment card in the slot. (Keep reading)

There is a slot on the top of the chair in which I put the place cards, which came with my order....

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CyndiA says "Sea Best Tilapia - healthy and does not taste fishy." about Sea Best Tilapia Fillets

CyndiA — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:41:19 GMT

We are trying to eat healthier and especially like tilapia, because it does not taste fishy like some fish. There are several brands I buy, but I like Sea Best which comes in a one pound bag with each fish fillet individually wrapped. I can cook up one fish fillet or the whole bag, and the fish all stays fresh.

There are six fillets per bag or, at least, the bags I've bought have had six. The sizes are small, and the bag says it's 4 servings. So, I guess they figure on everyone eating one and one half piece of small tilapia fillet. That seems rather odd - but well . . . OK. They are small enough that my son actually needs 4 to fill up.

Tilapia is healthy and has the good fish oil, and this is straight up fish and not breaded or coated with anything. And, it comes it at under 100 calories per serving, but as I mentioned, the fillets are small.

We quick pan fry the tilapia or broil it, but my son likes it's baked with cheese and butter which is fabulous - but that kind of sucks the "healthy"...

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PattyTherre says " I found a new favorite BBW scent. White Citrus is delicious!" about Bath and Body Works White Citrus Fragrance Mist

PattyTherre — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:48:26 GMT

Quick View: Bath & Body Works had a buy 3 get 3 free sale on many of its signature scents and I indulged...a great deal. I bought several scents I never tried before, buying the mists, creams, shower gels and some body butters. By far, my favorite scent that I have tried is White Citrus. It's light, fresh, and exactly what I look for in a scent. Amazing!

My Take on Bath and Body Works White Citrus Fragrance Mist

This fragrance mist comes in a clear eight ounce plastic spray bottle. It has just the words "White Citrus" on it. Simplicity at its finest. The mist is intended to be sprayed all over and is very light. They have an Eau de Toilette which I ordered that is heavier.

White Citrus is described as:

* Fragrance Top Notes: Lemon Zest, Sparkling Grapefruit NP, Juicy Tangerine
* Fragrance Mid Notes: Mandarin NP, Ginger Flower, Waterlily, Apricot Nectar, Lily of the Valley, Freesia
* Fragrance Base Notes: Clean Woods, Sheer Musk (Captive)

The top notes are my favorite scents so I'm not...

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Meri says "Whoa! Foam overload-" about Aquafresh Iso-Active Toothpaste

Meri — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:47:01 GMT

I have used Aquafresh Extreme Clean toothpaste for a couple of years now. I like the way it makes my teeth feel after brushing. When I saw commercials for the Aquafresh Iso-Active Toothpaste I thought it was a no-brainer. The foaming concept made sense; that being that the foam would whoosh up into small crevices, nooks and crannies, cleaning where no toothpaste had gone before.

The toothpaste comes in a can that dispenses the toothpaste through a pumping system. When pumped, it looks like normal gel toothpaste. Start to brush and the fun begins. The once tame toothpaste starts to foam. The more you brush, the more foam grows in your mouth. It is almost like it is alive- The toothpaste is supposed to foam up and work its way into hidden areas in your mouth, claiming it cleans better than ordinary toothpaste and can remove 3X more bacteria while it is doing its thing. Oh, did I mention it is supposed to whiten teeth as well?

Bottomline:

The Aquafresh Iso-Active Toothpaste does foam up as...

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Jo says "Arranged: a story of an Orthodox Jew and a Muslim" about Arranged

Jo — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:16:49 GMT

Arranged is an amazing movie. It is an independent film which runs 90 minutes and is not rated; however, it is suitable for all ages but just because of the topic I would rate it PG-13. Having said that, Arranged is a wonderful teachable moment for you and your children.

Two young teachers who are unlikely friends become the best of friends in this story of friendship, loyalty, duty, and tradition. Rochel, played by Zoe Lister-Jones, is an Orthodox Jew. Nasira, played by Francis Benhamou, is Muslim. They both seem out of place in the school in which they teach and the principal does nothing to encourage their cultural diversity.

Arranged is a tale of two families both of whom do not waiver from their faiths. Both families are adamant about arranged marriages. Both young women struggle with how they fit into the modern world though one struggles more. It is interesting to note that the one who struggles more is the one whose parents will not let the other young woman in their house!

We...

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Jo says "A must see movie: What's Eating Gilbert Grape" about What's Eating Gilbert Grape

Jo — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 21:49:02 GMT

An oldie but greatie is the movie What's Eating Gilbert Grape which I recently saw. It was made in 1993 and earned Leonardo DiCaprio his first Academy Award nomination.

The film is set in a rural town in Iowa where the terrific actor, Johnny Depp, playing Gilbert Grape, is caring for Arnie (Leonardo DiCaprio). Arnie is challenged mentally and a handful.

It seems that Depp cares for everyone but has forgotten himself.

His morbidly obese mom, Bonnie (played by Darlene Cates), was once a pretty woman but has done little except eat since dad's death.

All the chores and cooking go to sisters, Amy (Laura Harrington) and Ellen (Mary Kate Schellhardt).

The love and caring between the brothers is wonderful to watch. The line "nobody touches Arnie" is heard through out the movie.

Another character, the married Betty Carver played by Mary Steenburgen, is having an affair with Gilbert.

Finally Becky, played by Juliette Lewis, comes into the picture and she, among other things, changes the familiy's...

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lilsquibb says "Nutri Serums Nurtify My Skin, With a Little Help" about Softsoap Nutri Serums Body Wash Restoring Vitamin E

lilsquibb — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 21:42:02 GMT

As a Bzz Agent I was able to receive a couple of samples of a new body wash from Softsoap. Though I’m not normally a body wash kind of person I thought “what the heck I’ll try it.” So in my package came a sample of Softsoap Nutri Serum Restoring Vitamin E Body Wash in a cute mini-body wash bottle. After trying the Nutri Serum Moisture Retaining Body Wash, I wasn’t even going to try the Vitamin E version, but I figured to be fair I would check it out. Plus knowing that Vitamin E is good for the skin, I was hoping it would be of a little assistance to my ever increasing belly.

So opening up the green labeled bottle of body wash this time, I could definitely smell something more than the Softsoap scent that dominated the Moisture version. It was some sort of flowery scent that I can’t really place, but I’m thinking Gardenia for some reason. This isn’t exactly my favorite scent, but I only smell it while in the shower then it wears off. Creating a nice lather,...

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MikeMaroon says "Lookin for Love in all the Wrong Places......" about The Imperfect Enjoyment

MikeMaroon — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:36:25 GMT

by Dwan W. Gibson reminds me of dudes I knew in high school who used to brag about all the women they had or everyone sitting around the big screen TV, watching some reality show and recounting their dating horror stories from Match.com. And that's just how it reads. Mr. Gibson opens his first and, so far only, book, a memoir with the statement "The girls have always been good to me, most of the time." He then recounts his first kiss, in the seventh grade. From there it's all about the women he loved and lost.

Sometimes humorous, sometimes serious and always to the point, Gibson fashions a breezy and at times raunchy narrative describing how he got hooked on "the fairer sex", and his pursuit of love, often in all the wrong places. He moves away from his home in Cleveland for the bright lights of California, mostly to satisfy his sense of adventure and desire to get away from the social restrictions of a black man living in the midwest.

What he finds in San Diego isn't exactly...

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PattyTherre says "Obey Your Body Lotion is oh so average and expensive!" about Obey Your Body Rich Hand & Body Lotion - Passion

PattyTherre — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 04:26:44 GMT

Quick View: I bought two bottles of Obey Your Body Rich Hand & Body Lotion, one in Passion for me and one in Almond for my sister on sale because the claims were that the lotion was made from rare dead sea minerals and lasted a full 12 hours. My skin is dry and I love hydrating products, especially long lasting ones. I am disappointed in this product and darn glad I didn't buy it at full price!

My Take on Obey Your Body Rich Hand & Body Lotion - Passion

This lotion comes in an 8 ounce plastic bottle with a flip open lid. The Passion scent is very subtle and slightly citrus which I like. I can hardly smell it though and once it is on my skin, the scent is gone. The lotion is fairly thick and a light creamy orange color.

When I apply it, it seems to sit on top of my skin and I have to rub it around then let it sit there before it absorbs. It's slightly greasy but not overly so. It does eventually absorb and softens my skin a little but certainly not for 12 hours! It lasts for a few hours...

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lilsquibb says "Transform your baby into a big boy with Transformers Underwear" about Fruit of the Loom Transformers 3-Pack Underwear

lilsquibb — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 04:11:17 GMT

Underwear is sort of a family tradition. At least someone receives a package of undies as a gift. Two years ago was my son's year to get underwear for Christmas and he thought it was the coolest thing. Since he had become a huge fan of Transformers, grandma decided to get him some Transformer underwear.

More than Meets the Eye
Designed after the Transformer animated series cartoons, this 3 pack of Fruit of the Loom underwear comes in sizes as small as Toddler 3T and as large as boys 6. The front of each pair displays the Autobot symbol and each pair depicts on the back end one of three Transformers - Bumblebee, Optimus Prime and Bulkhead. My son received his love of Transformers from daddy so he was already well aware of several of the characters. Bumblebee and Optimus were already fan favorites in our house but at the, my son had no clue who Bulkhead was. Afterward we started watching the series and he instantly became a fan of Bulkhead.

Fit for the Transformer Lover
For being...

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Meri says "protects and seals without fail" about Krylon Workable Fixatif

Meri — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 01:44:30 GMT

I love crafts and painting. For years I have created personal projects for friends and family members but after going to all the work I want my projects to be protected. That is why I use Krylon Workable Fixatif.

Fixatif is easy to use. It comes in an aerosol can so it sprays on. The product comes out in a fine mist so it is hard to get too much of it on the item you are spraying. It works on charcoal drawings, pencil, watercolors, India ink and crayon projects. It prevents charcoal and chalk drawings from smudging and allows easy reworking of the project.

The Krylon Workable Fixatif makes colors "pop" off the page. It is the perfect product to finish a project. Maybe one of the best things about it is that it is acid-free and archival safe.

To use:

Shake the can for two minutes. Hold the project 6-9 inches away from the can and spray in a sweeping motion. The product dries fast so it is easy to apply several thin coats without risking running and ruining the project.

The Fixatif dries...

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Meri says "Foams away disposal grunge- whoosh!" about Magic American Products Disposal Magic

Meri — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 01:13:46 GMT

I am always looking for a way to deodorize my garbage disposal. I have tried real lemons, little balls of lemon scent and a citrus cleaner that claimed to do the trick. I am impressed with any of them. The Disposal Magic product is a cut above the rest but I am still on my quest to find something that will take my breath away! [not literally, of course]

The package I bought contained 8 packets or pouches of cleaner. Although the bag says it is easy to use, I found that one time it did not foam away anything. I had to use a second pouch for the foam to rise up and act as though it was cleaning.

To use the Disposal Magic, simply turn on the hot water and let it stream into the disposal for at least a minute. Turn the water so it becomes a trickle. The disposal should be off at this point.

Continuing with the disposal on off, insert one of the packets into the disposal. You don't have to unwrap it or anything- just put the whole thing in.

Now, turn on the disposal. If it works correctly, a...

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PattyTherre says "A proessional curling iron for professional results." about Helen of Troy Troy Hot Shot Tools Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron

PattyTherre — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 18:24:10 GMT

Quick View: I have bought so many really cheap curling irons in the past that I can't begin to count. When my last one just stopped working, I went to a beauty supply store and spent a little more on the Helen of Troy Hot Shot Tools Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron in the one inch size. I'm glad I did. It's a great styling tool.

My Take on the Helen of Troy Hot Shot Tools Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron

This curling iron has a one inch barrel which, for my long hair, is what I need. I want gentle waves, not little curls. It has variable temperature settings to 450 degrees and the barrel is made of tourmaline and ceramic to protect and shine hair. It has a swiveling eight foot cord, heats up very fast, and has a nice cushioned handle and a long thumb area to open the spring grip.

I generally just want to curl the ends of my hair toward my face but I have issues keeping the curl or wave in my long, fine hair. This curling iron does a great job easily curling my hair and locking the curl in....

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Jo says "Tick tock says Bella Cucina 4 slice toaster over 13407" about Bella Cucina 4 slice toaster oven 13407

Jo — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:35:52 GMT

To the Point

Our last toaster oven lasted a few weeks. Although I read that toasters might smoke at first, WeatherWorks started smoking later! The review has been updated. I bought and returned two other toasters and then finally decided that the 4 slice oven toaster by Bella Cucina might be good. I thought buying it at Bed, Bath, and Beyond might be better than Wal-Mart. Having spent $60.00 on one that was way to huge for our counter, I bought the 4 slice oven toaster by Bella Cucina for $30.00

A Closer Look

The features:

15 minute timer with auto shut off

temperature control dial

audible tone when toasting is complete

indicator on light

baking pan and broiling rack

crumb tray underneath

limited one-year warranty

The 4 slice oven toaster by Bella Cucina is made in China.

It measures approximately 8" High x 16" Wide x 8 1/2" Deep.

What I like

It fits perfectly on our counter.
It is attractive.
It is inexpensive.
The crumb tray though it is not a tray. The bottom opens up which is just fine...

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LisaCarey says "Doesn't get my shoes under anywhere " about Shoes Under Shoes Under

LisaCarey — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 07:23:46 GMT

Usually I am very hesitant to purchase most "as seen on TV" items, but I have had some success lately and honestly was getting desperate to find a way to store my daughter's shoes so that we could find them later. After much begging by my daughter to purchase the Shoe Under (she saw the commercials) her dad and I agreed and put through our purchase.

First, let me start by saying the site is awful. Sure I can get lots of them for less dollars (the more you buy the less they charge sort of) but then I had to pay extra for shipping. The doubled my order and never gave me a chance to correct it (no check your order function before submitting). You put in the number your credit card information and hit submit, there is not way to check anything to make sure there is no mistakes. Whallah! A screen pops up and I now have 6 of them coming in the mail and my credit card was charged for it. Next I find out that it's almost impossible to find their customer service number on the site. Once I had...

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LisaCarey says "Nothing fun about the fandango " about Fandango

LisaCarey — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 07:09:52 GMT

Once upon a time I could go to the theater and enjoy a good movie. Now, with young children in the house I have to be much more picky about when I see a movie and which ones I take time for. I first started using Fandango many years ago after moving to help me find cinemas and get information about movies but recently I also gave it a try for a Fandango gift certificate that I won from a contest right here on Viewpoints. (Thanks viewpoints!)

I wanted to take my children to see Toy Story 1 and 2 the double feature in 3D. While some of the online information was helpful such as the cinema and times some of it was confusing and I ended up having to call the cinema anyway. I did like that I could see a quick review there about the movies, but of course nothing that could rival the reviews here on Viewpoints.

Next I attempted to purchase my tickets and use my gift card. There were several things about this process that I didn't like. First, there are service charges - so much...

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