Reviews by elcue

elcue says "meets my needs perfectly" about Hewlett Packard Deskjet F380 All-in-One

elcue — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:54:47 GMT

HP's F380 All-in-One color printer/copier/scanner has turned out to be quite a worthwhile purchase. When replacing my old single-function printer, I didn't particularly want an all-in-one; I thought I wouldn't need anything except the printer for my at-home use. However, almost all of Best Buy's printers were all-in-one's, so I took the plunge.

Turns out I do use all 3 functions and would not like to be without an all-in-one again. HP has replaced my model with their F4180 All-in-One. I have compared features and found only two small differences, so I believe my comments are valid for the replacement model as well. (will elaborate later)

The clarity of my printed images is more than acceptable for my personal desktop publishing needs. The device uses only a black and one tricolor cartridge (HP21 and HP22), not several single-color cartridges. They are readily-available sizes in all discount outlets.

Printing speed is perfectly adequate for my personal needs; up...

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elcue says "I finally took off my Dansko clogs!" about Dansko - Sunny

elcue — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:07:24 GMT

In my Dansko Professional clog review, I wrote they are so comfortable I can't take them off. These Dansko Sunny sandals have gotten me to finally take off the clogs when I'm not at work!

Because I hated to take off my Dansko Professionals and the weather was rapidly warming up, I set out to find a similarly comfortable summer shoe. I sought a sandal made on the same supremely comfortable sole as the Dansko clog. The Sunny is it. The insoles/soles/heels of the Sunny are identical to those on Dansko's clogs.

The upper and lining of the Sunny are constructed of leather. The balance is man-made - the same cozy footbed and fantastic rocker bottom as the clogs.

The leather upper of this sandal is constructed of two straps which are wide enough to provide a secure fit, but narrow enough to avoid sweaty feet. The top strap sits high enough on the instep and connects far enough back toward the heel to keep the shoe securely yet comfortably on the foot.

The Sunny is embellished...

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elcue says "I just can't take these off!" about Dansko - Clog

elcue — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:51:30 GMT

I just bought my first pair of Dansko clogs in several years. Why did I ever get away from them?

I chose Dansko Professional, which is a closed-back leather clog favored by nurses, waitstaff, and others who are on their feet for extended shifts. These shoes are not inexpensive, at over $100, but are well worth the investment considering the payoff of a painfree back, legs, and feet at the end of my 10-hour shift in the operating room. They are roomy, particularly in the toe box. They are designed to fit with a finger-width's space between your heel and the back of the shoe. This allows upward movement of the back of the foot with walking, while still providing more lateral stability than an open-back clog.

The Pull-up finish is constructed of a leather which allows easy rubbing out of scuffs. Other finishes are available. The shoes are easily cleaned. My last pair lasted a couple of years, in spite of the daily beating they took in the O.R.

Danskos are sold in European...

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elcue says "love, love, love these!" about Nabisco - Triscuits

elcue — Mon, 25 May 2009 23:24:59 GMT

The nuttiness and saltiness of Triscuits are a great combination. They're like Shredded Wheat cereal, only better! I like the original flavor best of all. They are baked, not fried like many snacks, and are a source of whole grains, so for a snack food, there is minimal guilt.

They are best with extra sharp Vermont cheddar cheese slices on top!

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elcue says "Love this brush!" about CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara

elcue — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 04:30:27 GMT

Well, my 42-year quest for the perfect mascara has led me to Cover Girl Lash Blast. Have used everything from the cheapest drugstore brand to Lancome over the years, L'Oreal having been my usual brand the past few years. I think this may be the first Cover Girl mascara I've used and liked.

I really like this brush! The very fine, very many, very close bristles seem to be plastic and are different than what I've used in the past. The product doesn't come out of the tube in globs, but rather is nicely distributed over the brush. The close-set bristles separate and coat the lashes evenly, with no clumps.

This is not waterproof, yet it lasts all day and does not flake. It washes off readily with facewash and water or with pre-moistened disposable facial wash cloths such as Olay facial wash cloths.

It is very reasonable priced. I have seen it packaged with a free or discounted refill tube in addition to the tube and wand.

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elcue says "Has a good cup waiting for me when I wake up" about Cuisinart Coffee Maker - DGB-500 12-Cup

elcue — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 03:45:33 GMT

I have owned this coffee maker for over 6 years and it still works quietly, quickly, and reliably. The price was moderate.

One reason I chose this machine is the Cuisinart name. Their food processor worked well for me for over 20 years. This machine makes a 12-cup pot, a capacity I specifically sought. A feature I required was the auto-brew timer. I really need to have my coffee waiting for me in the morning! It is convenient to set. A plus is that a tone sounds when the brew cycle is complete, and also when the machine shuts off. The automatic-off feature has a selector ranging between one and four hours. Nice little convenience. It came with a wire mesh filter, eliminating the need for cumbersome disposable filters. The filter was easily & inexpensively replaced at WalMart when necessary.

The water level window is a littletough tosee. Asmall red bead floating at the top of the water level would make it much easier to read. It'sa bit tricky to get...

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elcue says "My first online shopping experience & still reliable" about Amazon.com

elcue — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 03:06:52 GMT

Amazon was the first online store I ever used- maybe about 15 years ago. Seems like it was just books & maybe music way back then. Boy, have they expanded in that time!

They are still the place to go for books. I like that they have affiliate stores which, in effect, expand their available inventory. Have been able to find out of print cookbooks for me and old textbooks of interest to my son this way. While I'm a huge fan of public libraries(reducing consumption,etc), there are some books I want to own (biographies and cookbooks), and I always find better prices here than in bookstores.

Speaking of reducing consumption, used books are available through their affiliates, which saves money as well as resources.

It is easier to find older music titles through amazon than BMG.

If you have an item sitting in your shopping cart or wish list and the price changes, there is a notification of the new price (up OR down) next time you log in.

They are not as massive as eBay - which...

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elcue says "Red Heart is fine for basics, not for special projects" about Red Heart Super Saver Yarn

elcue — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 02:08:07 GMT

Like any self-respecting crocheter, I have an insane accumulation of yarn! Have used every type & quality out there.

Red Heart Super Saver is an inexpensive acrylic yarn. The skeins often dispense in clumps and the plys are prone to separate, especially when using a smaller hook.

That said, Red Heart has its place. It does work up smoothly and is an excellent medium for beginners. It is also a reasonable choice when crafting for children who will quickly outgrow, lose, or wear out their mittens, hats or scarves. I use it for the hats I make & donate to the shelter.

If, however, you are working on a special project, a piece you hope will last for years, or a complicated piece that warrants quality materials worthy of your intricate work, then this is probably not the right choice. I'd give it 2-1/2 stars if I could.

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elcue says "worthwhile" about MyPoints

elcue — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 01:01:48 GMT

I have used MyPoints for about 10 years. Their point allowances have decreased and redemption requirements have increased over the years, but I have earned enough gift cards over the years to be worthwhile. It's worth getting into the habit of checking their partner sites first when shopping for something specific.

Installing their toolbar earns points in itself and continuously displays your point balance; using it to search earns points every time, and having it sitting right up there above the browser reminds me to check their partners when I'm shopping.

It does seem like it sometimes takes unnecessarily long for your points to post. All that said, I have gotten many free gift cards for clicking on websites and for shopping through them for things I was looking for anyway.

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elcue says "Well Worth Joining" about BMG Music Service

elcue — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:36:46 GMT

I have belonged to BMG since the '80s. Their deals are great. True, the shipping charges can add up quickly, yet the average cost per disc still makes purchasing here more than worthwhile. I own many hundred of CDs, probably 85% of which have come from BMG.

They do offer many, many gazillions(!) of titles, yet there are still some artists whose work is unavailable here. Calculate the savings realized on available selections and it isn't too painful to look elsewhere for those few unavailable titles.

Communication with them can be carried out completely online, so there is no junk mail coming from them to your home mailbox.

Membership is certainly worthwhile.

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elcue says "Reliable Bargain Source" about Kohls

elcue — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:06:27 GMT

Kohl's is my first stop go-to source for everyday casual wear. They have stylish, yet age-appropriate choices for this young 50-something clothing addict, at reasonable prices. Also good prices and decent variety for housewares. Their sales are great, especially their Early-Bird specials.

Best for:

outerwear, tops, skirts, running shoes, handbags, sleepwear/slippers/robes, kitchenware/tableware, costume jewelry

Disappointing for:

dresses, shoes other than runners

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elcue says "why pay the price for an iPod?" about SanDisk - Sansa e260 MP3 Player

elcue — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:45:30 GMT

I've had this for almost a year and really like it. Sounds great. Replaced the included earbuds, which were uncomfortable and not as secure a fit as I wanted, with Skullcandy buds (see my review). Battery life is great. Agree with others that the controls are tricky till you get used to them. Not as thin as my son's iPod, but not at all bulky. Like having the FM tuner included. Meets my needs just fine, and at half the price of an iPod, has been a very satisfying purchase....

elcue says "Know what you're looking for!" about Overstock.com

elcue — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:10:39 GMT

I first came to Overstock through MyPoints because of the high point value. Agree with others that the prices aren't always the best, but if you do your homework, you can find bargains. Be careful to know whether you are selecting a refurbished product. My best deals through them have been on printer ink and some CDs.

I check them frequently, but "buyer beware" applies here.

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elcue says "they fit!" about Skullcandy - Inkd Smokin Buds Earbuds

elcue — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:23:54 GMT

I like these so much better than the set that came with my Sansa. They sound great, cut outside noise well, and the 3 different size sets of tips enabled me to find a great fit. They never fall out - hooray!...

elcue says "Why buy KitchenAid?" about Sunbeam Mixer - Stand Mixer - 300 Watts 2379

elcue — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 20:15:00 GMT

I love this apliance. Why spend so much for a Kitchen Aid for regular househhold use when this has as powerful a motor as basic KAs for a much friendlier price tag?...

elcue says "I LOVE my Forester!" about Subaru Forester - 2004

elcue — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:53:11 GMT

I've had my "used" Forester for almost 5 years. Have put close to 70K miles on it and have NO problems at all. Comfortable, reliable, efficient....