Reviews by dmlichnerowicz

dmlichnerowicz says "Finally! I look like I was born with straight hair!" about Solano Sapphire Collection Flat Iron

dmlichnerowicz — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:26:17 GMT

I was given one of the best gifts I have ever received...a high-quality, professional grade flat iron. I owned a really chintzy one before that and had nothing but frustration, since it left my hair frizzy and ratty-looking at the ends, and didn't even straighten my hair! But since I have been using the Solano Sapphire Collection Flat Iron, I have had completely different results!

The Solano Sapphire Collection Flat Iron is a scissor-shaped straightening iron with bright blue metal plates. On one of the plates, there is a removable comb that helps keep hair in place between the plates as you draw it down along the lock of hair. It can be operated world-wide, as it has dual voltage. My iron heats up quickly. There is no capacity to set the temperature, but it reaches between 340 and 400 degrees. Without that amount of heat, my hair simply stays wavy.

What I like about it: One great feature is the extra long cord. This iron is intended for professional use, so most...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Feminine and sexy...just don't bend over!" about Daisy Fuentes Floral Mesh Push-Up Bra

dmlichnerowicz — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:51:30 GMT

I don't need any extra boost or bulk to my upper body, but I really love a pretty bra! Kohl's carries the Daisy Fuentes lingerie line, which includes a beautifully embroidered push-up bra. This bra has low-rising cups, extra padding for some added lift, adjustable straps, underwire for support, and a sweet little rhinestone in the center for a little extra sparkle. Available in black, tangerine, teal, and beige, each bra has a complementary color to the decorative embroidery on the cups.

What I like about it: I have the beige bra with black embroidery (in the photo). It is hands-down the prettiest bra I own. My husband thinks it's pretty hot, too...always good to keep the granny-undies at bay, especially when you've been married as long as we have. The push-up feature really does make me look very perky and full, while keeping a nice, real-looking shape. I definitely don't look like I've had plastic surgery...they still look very natural. The straps are thin but they...

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dmlichnerowicz says "OH......MY......GOODNESS!!!" about Haagen Dazs Five Ginger Ice Cream

dmlichnerowicz — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:20:32 GMT

I don't normally care for ice cream, but because my husband was pressuring me to get some so he wouldn't feel guilty for eating it, I caved in and picked up a 14 oz. carton of Haagen Dazs Five Ginger Ice Cream. This ice cream is made with only 5 (hence the name) all-natural ingredients...nothing but cream, milk, sugar, ginger, and egg yolks in this blend. Even without all the extra additives or low-fat milk, this ice cream only has 230 calories and 12 grams of fat in a half-cup serving, which isn't bad at all for high-quality ice cream! Haagen Dazs describes the product as "refreshing, with a slightly warm kick of flavor."

Not being an ice cream fan, I expected to eat a few bites, then leave the rest for my husband to finish later. There is NO way that is going to happen now!!! I absolutely love the flavor of this ice cream. It tastes like candied ginger, and because it is such a simple recipe, you can really taste each individual ingredient. A little bit goes a long way...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Nothing about these bins will "bug" you!" about Trend Lab Small Caterpillar Storage Bin

dmlichnerowicz — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:01:39 GMT

I ordered two Trend Lab Small Caterpillar Storage Bins from target.com. Each was on sale for $6.99 plus S&H. The bins are 6"x6"6", so they are the perfect size for a changing table or tucking into dresser drawers. The fabric covers are attached to the metal frame with Velcro and are removable so they can be machine-washed. A plastic cover on the front of the bins can hold a paper label insert for easy idenfication of contents. These bins are part of a whole caterpillar-fabric set, including a larger storage bin, blanket, burp cloths, bottle bag, and bibs.

These are some of the cutest little storage containers! They perfectly match the color in my guest room that will eventually become a nursery. I haven't yet washed them, so I don't know how the fabric will fold up, and when I do, I'll hand-wash them to retain the shape and color.

I only have one small complaint...the plastic label holders are a little off-center, so it looks slightly hand-made, which isn't a big deal,...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Softer than many other name brand receiving blankets" about Piccolo Bambino Receiving Blankets

dmlichnerowicz — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:26:23 GMT

Some of the softest flannel receiving blankets I have used are the Piccolo Bambino Receiving Blankets, available at select retailers...and TJ Maxx. Being the perpetual frugalista, I purchased my 3-pack of blankets "inspired by Italian tradition" at the discount store for $6.99. Each blanket has a different pattern. Dimensions measure 30" by 36". Azo-free dyes are used, so there is less concern about potentially carcinogenic ingredients in the fabric the baby is wrapped up in. The blankets are made of 100% cotton and are a super-soft flannel...much softer than Gerber, Circo (Target-brand) and even Carter's! Gifts sets are available in packs of 3 or 6 and come in a plastic gift bag with a matching ribbon...cute enough to gift in its original packaging.

My set comes in pale blue shades: one striped with two little Scottish terriers appliqued in the center, one in blue plaid, and one with a repeat pattern of tiny terriers and stitch marks. I'm guessing the blankets are more...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Diamonds are, after all, a girl's best friend!!!" about Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Color

dmlichnerowicz — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 03:33:39 GMT

My nails typically need two things from nail polishes: it needs to strengthen my nails, and it needs to hold up to everyday wear-and-tear on polish, from typing on my computer to playing piano to washing dishes. Sallye Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Color combines both those factors into a great polish. With a variety of over 25 color options, everybody can find a shade that matches their mood, skin tone, or outfit! I paid $4.04 at Walmart for a bottle that should last me almost a year.

I applied two thin coats in Nude Shimmer on a Thursday evening. By Sunday, I still showed no chipping. There was a little wearing around the tips, so I simply applied another thin coat to touch it up and got two more days of wear out it. Now, Nude Shimmer is a very pale color, so darker shades might show the thinning sooner, but for the lighter colors, I easily get 3-4 days before I need to touch up my polish.

This nail color has a VERY strong smell to it. My husband is sensitive to...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Works well once you get it assembled" about Emerson MoistAIR Whole House Humidifier HD1407

dmlichnerowicz — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:36:44 GMT

We purchased a home that has electric heat, which wreaks havoc on our skin during the winter months. The dry heat makes me start itching by mid-November. We have used small humidifiers in the past, but now that we own our own home, we opted for a whole-house humidifier to cut down on the need to purchase and operate multiple units and filters.

The Emerson MoistAIR Whole House Humidifier HD1407 is a large black and honey oak box that encases two separate 2.4 gallon water tanks. Each tank has its own 3-speed fan that disperses the water. The idea is to place the humidifier under your cold air intake, and it pulls the moisture into your duct system, distributing it to all the different rooms as the warm air blows through the house. The unit has a digital humistat and can be set on whatever humidity you need, although you do need to make sure you don't set it too high, or the instructions caution you that your walls will start to absorb the moisture, causing mildew. The whole...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Mixed reviews on the combo of coffee and booze in our household." about Southern Comfort Gourmet Ground Coffee

dmlichnerowicz — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:41:20 GMT

When passing the dollar bins at Target, I noticed they had one-pot-sized packages of flavored coffees: Jack Daniels and Southern Comfort were the two that popped out at me. I'm not much of a drinker, and I've never had a plain old shot of either liquor, but for a dollar, I figured if it was disgusting, I could dump it down the sink with no regrets.

Never having tried Southern Comfort, I had no idea what to expect from this flavor. I made the whole 10-cup pot (don't be a sissy - drink strong coffee!) with the 2 oz. package. The aroma was definitely distinctive...coffee with a solid punch of what smells to me like candied orange peel! My husband and I both had a cup with a donut on a Saturday morning, so you're getting a two-fer deal on my review! He's not a big coffee drinker, and usually takes it black. I drink a few cups daily (much to the chagrin of everyone around me...I'm already hyperactive!) with a little milk. The flavor of citrus peel is not just in the aroma, but...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Lousy snack for you calorie-wise, but a tasty meal!!!" about Wendy's Spicy Chicken Go Wrap

dmlichnerowicz — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:06:03 GMT

I'm normally NOT a fast food eater. I hate the grease, and I always end up with an upset stomach, regreting the trip after I've eaten my meal. However, hubby had a craving for "junk food" for dinner, so off we went into town for fast food. Wendy's had the shortest line, so we popped in for what I expected to be a nausea-inducing meal of under-fried potatos, half-melted chocolate Frosty's, and a lousy, soggy burger. Pessimistically, I opted for what I was sure would be a lousy, soggy piece of chicken instead.

When I got my order, I was not impressed with the aesthetic. My friend chicken strip was wrapped inside a (quite soft!) tortilla with some grated cheddar cheese, lettuce (which was a little scanty), and a zesty Ranch sauce, which had all been rolled into itself and shoved into a wrapper. But a few bites in, I was actually pleasantly surprised...the chicken is definitely spicy! The pepper and spice blend gives it a nice kick, but not so much that it makes your nose...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Keeps track for you while you're waiting for your BFP!" about Countdown to Pregnancy

dmlichnerowicz — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:24:03 GMT

My husband and I are trying to start a family, and I have been using Countdown to Pregnancy for about the last year. A free website, Countdown to Pregnancy offers a variety of resources that can be accessed by anyone who visits the site. By setting up a free membership, you can get your own personal profile page and track each cycle and symptoms. More on the tracking in a moment...some of the main items on the site include:

Pregnancy test statistics
Most common symptoms
Success stories
General information about fertility aids and pregnancy symptoms
Ovulation and Due Date calculators

The section I have utilized the most is the Symptom Tracker. For each cycle, you track any symptoms you experience on a daily basis that are out of the norm. The site gives a list of over 65 symptoms that are commonly experienced during pregnancy...some you might not even think of! Who would have thought a stuffy nose was common during early pregnancy? The great thing about tracking is that even...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Deep, rich, and luxurious scent for the holidays" about Bath and Body Works Midnight Pomegranate Triple Moisture Body Cream

dmlichnerowicz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:26:11 GMT

At the top of my Bath and Body Works favorites list is Bath and Body Works Midnight Pomegranate Triple Moisturing Body Cream. This highly scented, rich and creamy body cream provides long-lasting moisture, especially for dry winter skin. The key fragrance notes include red pomegranate, anise, patchouli, blackberry, and cassis...spice, berries, and earthy tones blend into a luxurious and sensual fragrance that is perfect for the winter season!

I love the body cream...it's much thicker than body lotion and comes out of the tube as thick as toothpaste. I have severely dry skin in the winter, so this lotion keeps me from itching and flaking from the time I put it on after my morning shower until the next time I bathe. The price is extremely reasonable. One tube typically lasts me through most of the season, although I do alternate with other lotions if I'll be wearing perfume during the day.

The only drawback to this product is that once you get down to the last of the cream, it's...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Delish...and I don't normally like vanilla!" about Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Body Lotion

dmlichnerowicz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:58:39 GMT

I normally don't like the scent of vanilla unless it's in food. Unfortunately, my staff members didn't know this and purchased a Bath and Body Works gift set for me...Warm Vanilla Sugar. My first thought was that it was going to nauseate me and I'd have to fake a smile while thanking them then return it later. Boy, was I wrong!

Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Body Lotion is a creamy, smooth, cozy-smelling lotion that soaks right into my skin. While it smells like vanilla, it's a very deep aroma, not the shallow sweet vanilla that is in many other products. I feel just like I've stepped into a cashmere sweater in my grandma's kitchen when I use this lotion!

Like their other lotions, this one is relatively inexpensive...usually around $10.50. There is a whole line of the same scent, from bath gel to conditioner to antibacterial hand gel. While I only have the lotion, so I'm not layering the products, every time I use it, I get compliments and questions about what I have...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Brilliant tool to cut down on all the junk in my kitchen drawers" about Pampered Chef Adjustable Measuring Spoons

dmlichnerowicz — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:35:10 GMT

I hate measuring spoon sets. If they are detachable from their ring, I can never find them and they go MIA in my drawer. If they're on a permanent ring, using just one gets them all dirty! Someone with a brilliant mind at Pampered Chef created a nifty little gadget that removes both those irritations from my life!

The Pampered Chef Adjustable Measuring Spoons come as a set of two: the smallest spoon measures from 1/8 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon, and the larger spoon measures from 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon. Each spoon has an adjustable slider with a comfortable thumb grip that move up and down on the spoon to give you just the right amount for each ingredient. The spoon is shaped to fit right into spice jars, so there's no more ridiculous shaking of spices into spoons that are too small! The sliders can be removed for easy cleaning and pop off and on with ease. The spoons and sliders are dishwasher safe. You can purchase these spoons for $8.00 for the set, and it comes with a...

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dmlichnerowicz says "The only Pampered Chef product my husband wanted!" about Pampered Chef BBQ Grill Basket

dmlichnerowicz — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:14:34 GMT

Before my Pampered Chef party, I asked my husband if he wanted any products. He took a cursory look through the catalog, and the only item he identified was the Pampered Chef BBQ Grill Basket...of course. While I didn't think we would get much use out of it, I agreed and added it to the order.

When my order arrived, I was really pleased with this 11" x 8 1/2" x 2" stainless steel mesh basket. It is light-weight but sturdy and doesn't flex at all. Having paid over $25, I was pleased, since I was afraid it would be very chintzy and not hold up well. We immediately used it, and made several different dishes, from potato wedges to veggies to shrimp, all made on the grill without the fuss of tin foil or skewers! Because of the size and low weight of the metal it's made from, the Pampered Chef BBQ Grill Basket easily fits on the warmer rack on the grill without my being worried that it will fall. We've eaten a lot healthier foods by using the grill basket, and I have to admit,...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Makes my snacks easier" about Pampered Chef The Corer

dmlichnerowicz — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:57:59 GMT

Since I try to be healthy, one of my favorite snacks is sliced apples with peanut butter. I added the Pampered Chef The Corer to my party order about a year ago and have eaten more apples in the last year than in my entire life before that!

The Pampered Chef website gives the following description of the product: "Instantly remove cores and seeds from apples or cucumbers. A stainless cutting edge easily pierces apple peels. The ejector cleanly removes cores. Includes safety lock. Dishwasher-safe." The Corer sells for $10.50 and has a 2-year guarantee.

What I like about it: It took me a few tries to really get the hang of the easiest way to use The Corer, but after trial and error, it's a really simple tool to use. The design is great! The ejector works well and once it's been cleaned, a simple twist at the bottom locks the ejector into place to cover the sharp end.

What I don't like about it: The only problem I have run into is that if you don't have The Corer perfectly...

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dmlichnerowicz says "So many advantages...where to begin?" about Pampered Chef Large Grooved Cutting Board

dmlichnerowicz — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:21:47 GMT

I try to keep my life fairly simple, and there are SOOO many kitchen products out there that my kitchen has become a hodge-podge of gadgets! One product that has eliminated a few of my extras has been the Pampered Chef Large Grooved Cutting Board. Since getting this one versatile staple. I have been able to get rid of several old small cutting boards and have avoided messes and extra clean-up time.

The Pampered Chef Large Grooved Cutting Board measures 18"x12" and is made of white nylon that is dishwasher safe. Around the upper and lower edges, there is a grey rubber material that prevents the cutting board from sliding on countertops. On the flat side, it has measurements in metric and standard so you can gauge the size when rolling out pastries and doughs that need to be specific sizes. On the flip side of the board, there is a deep groove all the way around the board that holds up to 3/4 cup of liquid, so you don't end up with a mess when cutting things like watermelon or...

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dmlichnerowicz says ""Natural" and "hydrating?" A little misleading, Melaleuca! " about Nicole Miller Replenish Hydrating Fruit Masque

dmlichnerowicz — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:09:23 GMT

Because winter is fast approaching, I purchased Nicole Miller Replenish Hydrating Masque to treat my dry and sensitive skin to a weekly infusion of moisture. Nicole Miller, a well-known designer, has paired up with Melaleuca, a pharmaceutical company that produces and sells natural and non-detrimental products, from cleaning solutions to beauty products to vitamins. According to their website, Nicole Miller products "are designed to work with your natural features, using the latest formulas and natural ingredients, to reveal, instead of conceal, who you really are."

The Nicole Miller Replenish Hydrating Masque is a light pink lotion-like masque that is dispensed from a white plastic tube. It smells and looks like strawberry yogurt! Delicious! It contains blueberry, strawberry, and cranberry, and you can actually even see little particles of seeds in the masque itself. Direction say to apply the masque generously to your skin, wait 5-10 minutes, then rinse with water. The...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Gentle detoxifying masque for my sensitive skin" about Nicole Miller Refine Purifying Mud Masque

dmlichnerowicz — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:03:26 GMT

Melaleuca, a pharmaceutical company that markets natural and non-toxic products, partnered with designer Nicole Miller to create a line of cosmetics and face care products. The Nicole Miller Refine Purifying Mud Masque is a pore-cleansing masque made with all non-caustic, non-toxic, and many natural ingredients to remove impurities, eliminate excess oil, and treat skin kindly with vitamins and minerals. Each 2.6 tube comes in a white cardboard box. The tube has a twist-off cap and is sealed to keep the product from being contaminated before it reaches you. Melaleuca preferred customers can get this masque for $14.50, and non-preferred customers will pay $24.50 (plus S&H). Because Melaleuca only markets their product online, the Nicole Miller line must be purchased through a Melauca membership.

What I like about it: The masque is not terribly thick, so it is very easy to spread gently on skin without pulling. It has a light herbal smell and is a pretty pale green color. ...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Tuscany takes me back to my happiest moments" about Estee Lauder Tuscany Per Donna

dmlichnerowicz — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:57:06 GMT

My signature perfume for the cooler months has been Estee Lauder's Tuscany Per Donna for at least ten years. This eau de parfum, available in 1.7 or 3.4 oz glass bottles, is described as "sensuous and luminous as the Italian countryside." Mediterranean herbs, lush blooming flowers, sandalwood and sweet vanilla combine for a sensual and soft combination. The small bottle retails for $49.50 and the larger version is available for $65.00.

What I like about it: This perfume blends perfectly with my skin and smells amazing during the autumn and winter seasons when I want to be reminded of warm weather, countrysides, and romantic trips to Italy! It lasts all day long, and I can even smell it on my clothes when I'm putting them into the washing machine. While it lasts a long time, it's not overpowering and doesn't smell too strong, even when someone is close to you. My husband loves this fragrance - and he is extremely particular. He dislikes floral fragrances, so this perfume with...

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dmlichnerowicz says "One of the yummiest snacks on the market!!!" about Laughing Cow Original Swiss Flavor Spreadable Cheese Wedges

dmlichnerowicz — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:23:42 GMT

I love to munch all day long...snacking makes me happy, but it's not so great when I step on the scale. After finding Laughing Cow Original Swiss Flavor Spreadable Cheese, my incessant snacking is now a lot easier on my hips!

Laughing Cow Original Swiss Flavor Spreadable Cheese comes in a round cardboard carton that contains eight individually wrapped wedges of spreadable cheese. Think of little triangles of cream cheese...that's the consistency of this snack. Each wedge contains 50 calories and 4 grams of fat. (A light version is also available, with only 35 calories and 2 grams of fat.) An individual serving (1 wedge) is usually enough for me to top about 6 Club crackers.

What I like about it: Since it's individually packaged, there's no risk of the cheese drying out, getting mouldy, or getting too moist. Each foil wrapper has a little tab, so you can easily pull the top portion off to get at the cheese with no mess. It has a great consistency and is very spreadable. ...

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