Reviews by eatingcookies

eatingcookies says "Good and good - er... not terrible for you!" about Frito-Lay Baked Cheetos

eatingcookies — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:15:06 GMT

So, it happens to all of us, especially us women. Sometimes... I just have to have something crunchy, salty, and bad for me. And I don't want 10 of them, I want... 30 something of them. Which is great, because a serving of Baked Crunchy Cheetos is about 35 pieces.

The Pros:

On the positive side, this Baked product can totally match up in the crunch arena to the original product, which is fried. (Fun Fact: puffed Cheetos, not from the Baked line, are baked. I learned this on Unwrapped, a great Food Network show.)

They are visually pretty much the same, so this is also great mental trickery as well. It seems to me that the Baked potato chip varieties don't look the same at all as the regular fried versions. It's nice to be able to eat something so familiar.

The Cons:

Where this product loses a star is it's "cheesiness." (This is a situation in which cheesiness is a good thing.) It's not nearly as orange as it's counterpart, and it is not as strong in flavor. However......

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eatingcookies says "The Main Event in my living room!" about Stratford Upholstery Main Event Mocha Sectional

eatingcookies — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:08:02 GMT

So my husband and I scoped out sectional couches for over a month, online. There are some styles that are exceptionally popular out there, and those styles come in a box and pop together. This makes them quite inexpensive, but it worried my husband and I because we're fat. How could lego furniture stand up to all the junk in our trunks? Toss in the fact that we have a near two-year-old, and we wanted something that would stand the test of... at least five years.

We have had the couch a week now, so I can't tell you how it will hold up over time, but i can tell you this:

The microfiber, both in color and texture, is beautiful, and easy to clean (the wonderful thing about microfiber is that it cleans with a damp cloth)
It's very, very comfortable
It's spacious and seats four comfortably, and probably up to 6 or so, tightly
It's very attractive in design - quite modern
It feels sturdy - it comes in two preconstructed pieces - we had ours delivered, which I'd have to recommend because...

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eatingcookies says "Look Inside for Fun!" about Little Tikes Little Tikes Little Champs Hide Inside Sports Balls

eatingcookies — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:10:04 GMT

I picked up these nesting sportstyle balls for my son last night, thinking they looked cute, and fun, and easy to work with. I think they got this toy right on a lot of counts. For one thing, the sportyness of the toy definitely appealed to my husband. He loves his son to have "boy toys," and so I knew he would totally approve of this. Also, it's nice to get multiple balls in one set.

Where I think they hit the mark with the cuteness factor, the great colors, and the sporty appeal, the toys are easy to take apart but they are NOT easy to put back together like it claims on the package. I don't know what they could do to remedy this, but I do know that the lip that you stick inside the other half is very small and that probably makes things a little tough.

This does say good for ages 6 months to 36 months, and my son is not yet 2. It may be that as he approaches 3, it will be easier for him to put the balls together, but right now, he gets a little frustrated.

All in all, Little...

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eatingcookies says "Coke Zero gets a ZERO from me." about Coca-Cola - Coke Zero

eatingcookies — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:59:30 GMT

I am not going to boost my writer status with this review, but... I am never buying Coke Zero again (because the last time I bought it, Coke products were on sale, and all the Diet was gone... *sigh*). It tastes... like... eeew.

I hate it.

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eatingcookies says "Diet CRACK, ooops, I mean Coke." about Diet Coke

eatingcookies — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:51:52 GMT

Okay. Sooo... I'm really embarrassed to be writing this review. Really embarrassed. Because I believe, and I've have to check, but from memory... I believe I have a review touting the positves and wonderfulness of regular Coke. And I do not take back that review! But...

I've gone back to trying to limit my calories again, as I try to get serious about losing this... extra loveable layer. One of my first steps to accomplishing that is always completely cutting out any soda, regular or diet, for about two weeks. This gets me away from drinking 3 cans of regular Coke per day (I know... I know), and drinking more water. But you know what?

The fizz... she always calls me back. *Sigh* I start missing that refreshing tingle in my beverages, and I've gotta have it again.

So I crack open a can of diet soda. I slurp some of it down and... eew. Gross. Taste that fake sugar aftertaste, man. So nasty. Oh well, I'll choke it down.

Can two through ten: meh... not so bad,...

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eatingcookies says "Color me shocked - a Suave shampoo that delivers?!" about sauve Suave Professionals Color Care Shampoo

eatingcookies — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:24:28 GMT

Okay. So, I should start this review off by letting you know that I am a professional hair stylist. I have access to the best deals in the business, as far as products go. But guess what? I'd rather spend my money on MAC makeup brushes, and toys for my son, than spend even $10.00 on a bottle of shampoo.

I can remember the first day I stuck a bottle of this, and a bottle of Suave Professionals Color Care Conditioner in my cart at Targét, thinking, "Well, at approximately $2.50 a piece, if it's terrible, I can use the shampoo as a body wash and the conditioner as a shave gel."

I showed my purchase to my little sister who was with me; she feigned dramatic shock, as I rolled my eyes.

"I'm broke, and I need clean hair, okay?"

Weeeell... I'm not broke at this very moment, that first purchase was over 2 months a go... and I'm on my second bottle. I actually LOVE the way this stuff works for my hair! I've been coloring at home (again - I'm cheap, and heck, I have a liscense that says...

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eatingcookies says "I LOVE MAC PAINTERLY PAINT POT, NUFF SAID!" about MAC Painterly Paint Pot

eatingcookies — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:27:02 GMT

It takes me a good long while before I will try a new makeup product, even when it's buy a name as trusted as MAC. I have learned over my life time that spending $5.00 on some piece of junk from the drug store (although there are a few good things in there, don't get me wrong), doesn't pay off, when you end up trashing it and then heading to the department store to spend $20.00 on the real deal. So I knew that this product had to be good, but I had to be ready to plunk down the cash.

Marlena, AKA Makeup Geek, of www.makeupgeek.com, and many, many youtube.com tutorial videos, loves this product. She uses it in almost every makeup tutorial that she does, occasionally choosing something else, but most often, she reaches for the MAC Painterly Paint Pot and smears it on her lids before applying her eye look.

I had been coveting this cream-to-powder formula for quite some time, and finally went down to my local MAC counter (at Nordstrom) for a visit with a makeup guru. Ended up buying...

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eatingcookies says "My Peg Perego has been loved by many!" about Peg Perego Prima Papa High Chair

eatingcookies — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:27:40 GMT

Basically... my Peg Perego Prima Papa High Chair was a Craigslist special. I think it's several years old, has been used by several children and you know what? It's still ticking. The lady that sold it to me even contacted the company for a replacement chair pad, and apparently they sent it to her... scott free!

It seems to be comfortable for my son, and it keeps him firmly in place. I like that the straps hold in him place almost like a car seat would - he's so rambunctious and if I'm going to use this in an instance where I'm not going to be by his side every moment, it gives me peace of mind to know that he can't get out of it.

I love the tray - completely removable, completely adjustable (no preordained ridges that decide for you where the tray is going to sit) - very easy to clean. I just set it in my sink and spray it off with my handheld nozzle.

The other day I had to deep clean around the seat, because he was getting food stuck under the pad. It took some doing at first,...

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eatingcookies says "McWorth it during my McWork week." about McDonalds McCafe Iced Mocha Coffee

eatingcookies — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:18:42 GMT

Just like the other reviewer, I decided to try McCafe products on a whim. Convenient, a million-bajillion locations (ALL with drive-thrus, not just some, *ehem* Starbucks), and on my drive back from dropping off my toddler in the morning. Sure, it's McDonalds, but it's also coffee. Worst case scenario is that it's not strong enough, too strong, or too sweet. I can survive any of those things. I mean heck, at home I've resorted, at times, to one of those powdered coffee drink mixes. It's got to be better than that.

So the first thing I ever had was an iced latte with some kind of flavouring in it. WHOA, sweet. The coffee flavor seems decent, but it's hard to taste under all that sugar. Next time, I'm asking for less syrup, or something.

Next try was an iced latte, and a syrup they USED to have (jerks), that compared to Starbucks "Classic" Syrup (which is totally just simple syrup, don't know why they have to make it seem like they have something different, but whatever,...

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eatingcookies says "Alice has got your back!" about Alice.com

eatingcookies — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:15:23 GMT

I first heard about Alice.com while reading through different articles/editorials on a website I can't remember. My curiosity was struck. What was so different about this? How was this not Target, or Amazon, or Safeway online?

Alice predominately focuses it's strengths on keeping your pantry stocked, your bathroom cupboard full, your laundry room ready to go, and your baby diapered. It actually memorizes your orders and makes suggestions to you when it thinks you need a reorder. But honestly, this isn't even remotely what makes me think it's so cool.

It automatically offers you current manufacturers coupons on many products, and you can shop for only items with coupons. That's my kind of shopping!

A super neat thing to point out - shipping's always free, provided you have 6 items in your box. 6 items! Even 6 baby food jars, or a toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper bundle, chapstick, coffee grounds and a paper towel roll!

You know what? Sometimes I like shopping for those...

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eatingcookies says "Free and Clear of irritations." about All Free and Clear Liquid Detergent

eatingcookies — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:05:41 GMT

I liked Free and Clear a lot when my toddler was a baby - it was nice knowing that I didn't have to buy fancy laundry detergent just for him - the whole family could use this!

It seems to be effective at getting normally soiled clothes clean - I haven't noticed any serious drawbacks to the lack of fragrance on delicates, knits, even jeans. I would not, however, continue to use it on linens and towels, which in my house, I'll be honest, get put off a little longer, and therefore have more of a... ripeness that I want to wash out when I launder them. I tend to wash clothes with cold water and Free and Clear laundry detergent, and a more heavy duty, scented detergent with hot water/high heat dry so that I feel like my towels/sheets are "sanitized." (It may be false thinking, but at least it makes me feel better!)

You can get this in a regular jug, a 2X Concentrated jug, and my favorite the All Small & Mighty Free and Clear container. So nice not to have to deal with that big, heavy...

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eatingcookies says "Arm & Hammer Pet Fresh Carpet Deoderizer - to the rescue!!!" about Arm & Hammer

eatingcookies — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:57:15 GMT

We have had pets in the past, and this was a great product then. But we are currently without pets and it's still a great product. I don't know what it is about apartment carpets - maybe it's the fact that several families have used them. Maybe it's the fact that apartments don't have as much free airflow as houses, because you usually can't get a good cross breeze going. Whatever it is, our carpets have a tendency to smell... closed up.

This product is easy to use, effective, and inexpensive. You sprinkle it all over your home, or wherever you'd like, let it sit 15 minutes, and vaccuum it up. The nicest thing is that for the next couple of vaccuums, you still smell it when it gets re-vaccuumed because it's like it pulls up some of the scented baking soda that's sunk into your carpet.

I love using this, and I don't plan on giving it up any time soon.

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eatingcookies says "My son GOBBLES these Lil' Meals DOWN!" about Gerber Graduates Lil' Meals Pasta Shells & Cheese

eatingcookies — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:46:50 GMT

Summary:

The pasta comes in a convenient little cup. You remove the outer plastic lid, pull out the inner metal lid with an easy to use pull-tab, replace the outer plastic lid, and microwave for 30 seconds. When my little guy is so hungry that he can't wait any longer than that, this is a life saver.

Pull it out of the micro, give it a good three or four stirs, and "serve." (My guy is NOT ready for his own spoon full time yet, or at least my carpet isn't ready for him to have his own spoon yet). The pasta/cheese sauce ratio seems to be slippery enough that he can take in fairly large bites without his mouth getting too dry, thereby making it a quick meal, too. Maybe this is terrible, but depending on what's going on, sometimes quick cooking, quick eating is a great combo for a busy mom. There are times when I want him to take as long as possible picking through his lunch or dinner, but there are times when that is just not going to happen.

My son seems to love this stuff. ...

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eatingcookies says "I Kidd you not - this is great eyeshadow!" about Jemma Kidd for Target Fashion Junkie Eyeshadow Palette

eatingcookies — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 05:22:55 GMT

This is the first review where I used 'lipgloss only' as an "I am" tag. I'm finding that as I devle further into motherhood, and as my son's movement quotient ups the ante, I have less and less time for myself. I find myself, for better or worse, reaching for my mineral eye shadows less and less. While they are still top of the line with great color payoff, and true-to-package shades, they have one flaw: slooooow application.

Okay, so it's not really the application that's slow, it's the opening of the little jars, the shaking of a bit of product into the lid, the careful swirling and tapping of the shadow brushes into each shade, the careful closing of the little jars, and searching for different shades when all the lids look the same.

Enter this awesome Jemma Kidd Limited Edition Fashion Junkie palette (on 50% clearance at Target RIGHT NOW - hurry to your local store and see if you can't still snap one up!). Nine beautiful shades, in neutrals, golds/bronzes, one pink, one plum,...

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eatingcookies says "When you really want to pack it on, go for Maximum Coverage." about Bare Escentuals Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush

eatingcookies — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:45:42 GMT

I have read some positive and negative reviews of the Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush, and I'd like to throw in my 2 cents.

This brush does pack in a ton of minerals into one place. I really like to use it with a base shadow, Butter Cream by Earth Angels Minerals, all over my lid, and under my eyes. Its thick application is great for areas that need concealing, or brightening.

One reviewer said that it can have a tendency to look harsh, and draw MORE attention to dark circles, etc. I would say that it definitely can do that, and one way to avoid that is to use the Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush to APPLY the minerals you want in a concentrated dosage, and then to use a softer brush, like a blush brush, with the same mineral you are using, to blend and buff those minerals into your skin.

I suppose this technique would be a bit like using a spoon to dollop jelly onto your toast, and then spreading that jelly around with a table knife. The brush is a great deliverer of product,...

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eatingcookies says "Full coverage MEANS full coverage." about Bare Escentuals Full Coverage Kabuki Brush

eatingcookies — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:25:27 GMT

When it comes to my overall makeup look, I want my colors (eyes, lips, cheeks) to pop when I'm going out, but I want my skin to look like I magically wake up with even tone, no blemishes, no red spots, etc. I do not want to look like I've covered my skin up as completely as possible, with spackle.

Now I understand that some people like that look - they want absolutely NO natural skin tone to show through. That's probably what the Full Coverage Kabuki is designed for, and in that, it succeeds. I just think that it leaves your skin looking rather... chalky.

I much prefer the Flawless Face Brush, which allows you to build your color as you choose. If you want a very heavy application, you just need to go over areas more thoroughly. This is useful because of course, like all ladies, I have areas of my face which I'd like to cover more than others.

Also notable: I have some psoriasis on my face. It doesn't cause discoloration for me, I am very lucky, but it does cause flaking

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eatingcookies says "Become an Earth Angel - Make the Switch Today!" about Earth Angel Minerals 100% Natural Mineral Makeup

eatingcookies — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:31:20 GMT

I simply must tell you about Earth Angel Minerals - a cosmetics line I stumbled across while surfing through Etsy.com. Now as you know, Etsy is all about promoting handmade products from people just like you and me, and I'd been wanting to support this site, and the people who are a part of it, for quite some time. When I saw these items, I just couldn't pass up the oppurtunity to use my PayPal account.

I have to tell you - I loved Bare Minerals by Bare Escentuals. There's nothing "wrong" with that cosmetics line, and I certainly will not revoke anything that I said about them in my review of their foundation, and other products.

What I will say is this: they're very, very expensive, and they make me itch.

While reading some of the information that Christine, the proprietor, has placed in her profile and shop policies, I discovered that bismuth oxychloride is the element in BE's cosmetics that make me, and so many others like me, well... itchy.

In a statement from her shop polices,...

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eatingcookies says "Ever Pure - Great Quality from your Drug Store!" about L'Oreal Ever Pure Sulfate-Free Color Care Moisture Shampoo

eatingcookies — Fri, 15 May 2009 01:04:12 GMT

So, I was skeptical about this shampoo and conditioner from L'Oreal, but I gave it the benefit of the doubt. Why? Nothing to lose - I belong to a small group of people who knows how to get tons of free samples, and this was one that arrived in my mailbox the other day.

Jumping in the shower, I was excited to try this. I used only a small bit - I've used the sample packet twice now, and I think I have enough for one more use. For drugstore shampoo, that factor alone is pretty great. Usually with cheaper shampoos, you have to use quite a bit.

It lathered nicely, but had a creamy feel to it too. When I rinsed my hair out, it didn't squeak (which is NOT a good sign, regardless of what your mother told you), but felt very clean, and my scalp felt pretty refreshed. Come to think of it, I haven't had an itchy scalp the last few days, and this is usually an issue for me, since I have mild psoriasis (especially located in my scalp).

I used the conditioner as well that came along...

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eatingcookies says "Smooth and Plump - Buxom Lips!" about Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips

eatingcookies — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:48:30 GMT

I recieved a Buxom Lips gloss in a kit that I purchased a few years a go, and I absolutely loved that gloss. It feels smooth and creamy on your lips, and depending on what color you choose, the color pay off is very good. I believe I had Bambi.

When you first smooth it on, you don't really notice anything special or different about this gloss, but as it sits on your lips for 30 seconds or so, you start to notice a tingling sensation.

I found it extremely pleasant and cooling feeling, not like some lip plumpers that I had tried that burned. This felt nice and non irritating.

If you're looking for a huge plumping payoff, this product probably isn't for you. But if you're looking for a full but natural look, with nice color and shine, and comfortable longwear, I would definitely recommend trying this product out.

Another great thing about purchasing any Bare Minerals product is that you know the ingredients are pretty much natural, and that's a definite plus.

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eatingcookies says "Mak'n Bacon from the Microwave..." about Cameron Cookware Mak'n Bacon

eatingcookies — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:37:35 GMT

My husband and I found our Mak'n Bacon cooker at either a thrift store, or a garage sale. Can't remember which. And while I'm glad we have one in the house, I don't think I would have paid full retail price for it, that's for sure.

The concept of this bacon cooker is to keep your bacon out of the grease, allowing the microwave heat to fully access the meat, and the fat to drip down in the collection pan.

It's a great idea, except that to do this, and not make the contraption too tall for your average microwave, you have to drape the bacon slices over the "racks" so that they fall down, folded in half.

It, along with your microwave, does a decent job of producing crispy-ish bacon, and it is nice that it's not totally greasy, and you didn't have to stand in front of a frying pan, getting grease spatters on your arms (ow) or your clothes (ew) - but who really wants their bacon folded in half? Because once the bacon starts cooking, you know it's gonna stick to itself, honey, and you...

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