Reviews by Friends of AmyA

PattyTherre says "mark's On the Edge Hook Up Eyeliner isn't edgy enough for me!" about Avon mark On the Edge Hook Up Liquid Eyeliner

PattyTherre — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:09:10 GMT

Quick View: This eyeliner is cute and compact but isn't dramatic enough for me. It's also pricey for the amount you get. It's OK but I prefer deeper shades.

My Take on Avon mark On the Edge Hook Up Liquid Eyeliner

I am a self proclaimed beauty diva. As such, I tend to try everything even if I don't need a beauty product. I must have 20 eyeliners but I liked the idea of a compact little tube that "hooked up" with another product (mascara, lip gloss, lipstick, eye shadow, etc.) and that I could carry easily with me.

I bought Avon mark On the Edge Hook Up Liquid Eyeliner along with a Hook Up eyeshadow. The connector piece was free. This eyeliner is a small black tube with a screw on/off top. That top slides into a plastic connector and another Hook Up product can be attached to it so I can carry one tube that really is two tubes hooked together. Saves space.

The eyeliners have stupid names like Callisto, Cleo, and Medusa so you really don't know the exact shade except by looking at the little...

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this2shallpass19 says "I am loving the flavors in these Kahlua White Russians!" about Kahlua White Russian Pre-Mixed Cocktails 4-pack

this2shallpass19 — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 03:46:02 GMT

The other day, I was walking down the alcohol aisle at my local grocery store and was keeping my eye out for something new. My husband and I drink a lot of wine, champagne and vodka-based drinks, but I was in the mood for something I haven't tried before. I saw the Kahlua White Russian Pre-Mixed tails 4-Pack for only $4.99 and decided to buy them because I've never had Kahlua, and for that price, it wouldn't be the end of the world if I didn't like them.

Each bottle in the 4-pack is 200ml, so all four of them approximately equal a little more than a bottle of wine. They are made with Kahlua Liqueur, vodka and milk. Each bottle is a perfect amount to serve over ice in a small old-fashioned glass. They are 5% alcohol and 10 proof.

I'm usually not a fan of liqueurs, so I'm surprised I like these. I like that they're not too sweet and don't have a strong alcohol taste. They taste kind of like coffee with cream, sugar and a little something extra. Their flavor is definitely...

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Sara1231 says "Not the best volumizer out there" about TIGI Catwalk Root Boost

Sara1231 — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:33:49 GMT

What is Root Boost? A spray on volumizing styling product - you spray it directly into your hair

What does it do? Root Boost adds volume when you blow dry your hair upside down after applying the product, but it doesn't create the light, bouncy look that other more expensive volumizing products offer.

Why you might like this volumizer If you don't have extremely flat hair in need of a super volumizer and want a product within the $10 - $12 dollar range, Root Boost is for you!

Why you might not like this volumizer If you really need a bunch of help in the volumizing department, you might want to opt for a stronger product.

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AnnaBanana says "The 97 Cent Solution!" about White Rain Shampoo

AnnaBanana — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:46:11 GMT

Those of you who have eagerly (or maybe NOT so eagerly?) followed the saga of my shampoo adventures know that I have experienced mixed results with a variety of products. I had to give up shampoos or conditioners which contained Yellow Dye #10 because they were "yellowing" my prematurely white hair. I tried Aveda Sap Moss for a while, which worked alright, but was a tad expensive. I switched to Pantene Pro-V Silver Expressions which fulfilled its promise of leaving my hair shimmering and bright -- alas, it reached the point where it wasn't leaving my hair at all as I noticed what seemed to be abnormal hair loss during shampoos, brushings and stylings. Shampooing one's hair is an indispensable part of life so I plodded on through the jungle until I came to a reunion with an old friend from the 50's ... White Rain Shampoo now manufactured by the Sun Products Corporation of Wilton, CT.

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

When I was in high school, White Rain Shampoo was manufactured by the Gillette...

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BarbaraLyn says "Norton is not a product I would EVER buy" about Symantec Norton Internet Security 2010

BarbaraLyn — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:45:49 GMT

I have used Norton and they make it impossible to remove it from your computer without going into the registry. That is not something I would EVER do. So once you put it on your computer, you are stuck with it unless you take it into a tech shop or have a techie friend who you trust do it.

Norton also is behind, usually three to five days, other virus protection programs in getting out the newest virus protection updates so you could already have the newest virus on your computer before Norton gets around to protecting you. Not much protection there in my humble opinion.

Look for other protection software -- don't spend your money on a software program that is consistently behind on their updates and makes it next to impossible to remove.

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Buggheart says "Debbie Meyer Green Bags keeps my husband's arm fresh." about Debbie Meyer Green Bags

Buggheart — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:41:06 GMT

Wow, that's quite a title. It might lead one to believe that I'm some sort of ghoul who is preserving my husband's severed arm in a Debbie Meyer Green Bag. Well, kind of, but not really.

I don't buy tons of produce but when I do, I want it to last. I especially dislike when I buy strawberries and they start to mold the next day. I love strawberries I so I want to be able to enjoy a few a day for maybe a week. Or at least 3 - 4 days instead of having to wolf them all down overnight. So one day I was shopping and found a box of Debbie Meyer Green Bags. They were expensive but when I consider how much food I throw away because it doesn't last as long as i need, I figured they were worth a try.

So I bought the box of 20 Green Bags and gave them several tries with strawberries, lettuce, tomatoes, and broccoli. I unfortunately noticed not a bit of extended life to any of my fruits or veggies and all the bags did was produce additional, unwanted condensation on my produce. I gave them...

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Meri says "Did I mention how good it is?" about Taco Bell Fresco Steak Taco

Meri — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:08:45 GMT

My son, Devin says that all Taco Bell has to offer are different versions of beans, meat, cheese and lettuce. I used to agree. Most items had a similar taste...until now.

Taco Bell has come out with a reduced calorie menu that they are calling the Drive-Thru Diet. There are seven items on the menu including the Fresco Steak Taco. I didn't know what to expect of it but I had a free coupon so I decided to give it a go. Oh, wow. Did I mention how good it tasted? I only ordered the one taco but wished I had ordered two.

The Fresco Steak Taco comes on a soft shell. The steak is marinated and they actually put a generous amount on the taco. The next layer is a generous amount of lettuce- more than a regular taco. Then, comes the Fresco layer of fresh tomatoes and spices. I don't know what the spices are but they are delicious.

Right now you can try them in a combo of two tacos and a large soda for $4.99. Taco Bell also has a printable coupon for a free one so you can taste the deliciousness for...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Ozark Trail Tents: Lightweight, Waterproof & Easy to Put Up" about Ozark Trail 4 Person Dome Tent 8'x9'

AngelaWLaFon — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:57:06 GMT

Ozark Trail 4 Person Dome Tent 8'x9'

We've owned several Ozark tents and they have proven to be consistently reliable in many areas.

Ozark tents are:

-inexpensive and easy to find (Walmart usually has them.)

-lightweight (This one is less than 5 lbs.)

-really easy to put up and take down ( One person can do it and with two people it's a jiff.)

-fit back into the original zipper case (Maybe note ever quite a neatly but they do go back in and you are able to zip the carry case.)

-waterproof (So far we've had no condensation inside of the Ozark tents.

Features of the Ozark Trail 4 Person Dome Tent:

-8' x 9'

-"screen" door

-top "rainfly"

-mud flap entry

-side stash compartments for essentials

-overhead net hanger for clothes, etc.

-handled, zipper carry case

-4 stakes and bag

My only issue with Ozark tents and all tents really other than Montana Canvas Company tents are the "person" claims. This four person tent will sleep my husband and I and one puppy or baby perhaps but I don't think any...

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BarbaraLyn says "Easy pieces to work with" about Mary Hickey - Warm Welcome: Cozy Quilts for Baby

BarbaraLyn — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:56:21 GMT

I need 36 hours in one day to work on all the quilts in this book that I want to make. Oh where do I start? With 17 quilts, it will be hard to pick one to start with.

A 16-page section on the basics of quilting begins the book. Things like what foot to use, how to do appliqué, binding and tags are among the hints and how-to's you will find here. Each project begins with a paragraph about the quilts followed by a material and cutting list. A page is devoted to a photo of the finished quilt and the block and finished quilt size are also given.

Making the blocks is explained next and graphics help to show what is being sewn. Finishing the quilts is pretty much left up to your individual tastes and desires but the area in the basics sections on preparing to quilt gives a fair overview of what to do.

Between the dominoes, tents, airplanes, kittens, shoes and rainbows - to name a few - I will be in 7th Heaven making quilts for the next few months! There is even a basket pattern...

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TunefulGal says "INFO ON THE FLY: Old Farmer's Gardening, U.S. Capitol calendars" about The Old Farmer's Almanac Products 2010 Gardening Calendar

TunefulGal — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:00:12 GMT

On my way out the back door to garden, I'm less interested in the day's date than I am in the wisdom, tips, poetry and humor of my Old Farmer's Almanac Gardening Calendar.

Once again, I've hung this year's calendar in the back hall where I can scan for info that is folksy -- "If you find a red-tailed bumblebee in your home, expect a visit from a male stranger".

Or pertinent to outdoor projects -- "...to kill mosquito larvae in rain barrels, add one tablespoon of vegetable oil to the water... [to] form a barrier... that prevents larvae from surfacing to breathe.

Or simply collectible as fascinating trivia -- Milkweed "seeds floss is so buoyant that it was used in United States naval life preservers during World War II".

This is education on the fly with vivid art that further explains gardening issues. Your rewards?

There are possible conversational entrees here.
You can have good feelings about stimulate your brainpower with new information.
You may even delve further into...

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ChrisJarmick says "Remarkable visual feast is full of predictable cliches." about Avatar (2009)

ChrisJarmick — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:17:08 GMT

Avatar is the biggest, most expensive movie ever made. It costs over 300 million, perhaps 350 million to make and they are spending over 50 million to market it. It's a staggering sum of money which created new devices and upgraded available technologies with which to make movies.

Avatar is of course a breathtaking visual feast particularly seen in IMAX 3d. It looks much better than it did in the previews. There are many well staged action sequences and lots of things blow up.

Director James (Aliens, Terminator 2, True Lies, Abyss, Titanic) Cameron has been talking about this movie since he made Titanic. He said it would be several years before he could make this movie because technology had to catch up so he could do it the way he wanted to. Cameron pushed movie technology when he made Terminator 2, Abyss and Titanic. With Avatar he again borrows ideas from writers like Phillip K Dick, A.E. Van Vogt, Isaac Asimov and others and expanded on how worlds were created...

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this2shallpass19 says "Belgian Waffles is my favorite Philosophy scent yet!" about Philosophy Belgian Waffles 3-in-1

this2shallpass19 — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:25:14 GMT

I have tried several Philosophy 3-in-1 Shower Gel scents including: Double Rich Hot Cocoa and Red Velvet Cake. By far, my newest favorite is the one my mom got me for Christmas: Philosophy Belgian Waffles 3-in-1 Shower Gel. The scent is heavenly and it feels luxurious!

Philosophy 3-in-1 Shower Gels are designed to be a shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath, all in one bottle. I love them as shower gels, but I have been a little disappointed in them as bubble baths, and my friend recently told me why. Philosophy has Ultra Rich and High Foaming. All of the 3-in-1 products that I've used have been the Ultra Rich variety, so they are not as bubbly as the High Foaming, but they are extra velvety and satiny feeling on the skin.

Philosophy Belgian Waffles 3-in-1 Shower Gel is also an Ultra Rich variety, but the fabulous scent makes up for the lack of long-lasting bubbles. It smells so good! It resembles the scent of an ice cream waffle cone, but richer. The scent is hard to describe,...

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Meri says "Superior Cinnamon makes me look like a Superior Baker!" about Watkins pure ground Cinnamon

Meri — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:01:13 GMT

My mother-in-law introduced me to Watkins pure ground Cinnamon in the 70s. It has been a staple of my kitchen ever since. There is definitely a difference that you can smell and taste.

This cinnamon is different from the standard, run-of-the-mill variety. Most stores carry cinnamon that is made from the Ceylon variety. The essential oils in this variety only range from .5% to 2%. Watkins pure ground Cinnamon is made from the Korintje Cassia variety that has a very high oil concentration of 3-3.5%.

Watkins products have been around since 1868. They use only the finest ingredients and are the recipients of numerous awards.

If you don't believe me, try opening a can of Watkins Cinnamon and a can of another brand and just smell the difference. It is amazing. That same difference bakes into your favorite recipes and makes them taste better. People are always asking for my Cinnamon Bun recipe but don't understand when theirs don't taste as good. I tell them my secret- it is all in the Watkins!...

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GrandmawsOpinion says "Outstanding Service and More" about Progress Energy - Raleigh, NC

GrandmawsOpinion — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:30:01 GMT

At the end of last year much of the country suffered from severe weather. Western North Carolina suffered from a severe winter storm that resulted in fourteen to twenty inches of wet snow. It bought down power lines, tree limbs which caused numerous power outages. I was personally left without power for eight days. Our county is divided between two power companies. Unfortunately, our provider didn't have the capability of getting our electricity back nor did they have the modern technology to inform their customer when it would be restored.

The energy dividing line is obvious. Across the road our neighbors have Progress Energy. Not only did Progress Energy customers have their power restored quickly they provided them with daily recorded telephone message updates as to when it would be restored. I was very impressed with their state-of-the-art website, consumer service update system via telephone, email and Twitter! Progress Energy was prepared to assist and comfort...

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stef42678 says "Fun Comedy and Jennifer Aniston" about Rumor Has It

stef42678 — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:34:32 GMT

Jennifer Aniston is one of my favorite actresses, so I was excited to try this comedy rental, especially since it has a great cast of not only Aniston, but also Kevin Costner and Shirley McClaine. The plot of the story stars Aniston who is feeling a little unhappy with her life as she helps her younger sister prepare for her marriage and realizes that there may be a true reason that she is the dark horse of her family and doesn't really see eye to eye with her mother or other family members. After speaking with her grandmother she learns that it may be possible that her mom had a fling before her marriage and she could actually be the daughter of someone besides her dad. She follows the instinct to san francisco where she meets an amazing rich man played by Kevin Costner who she believes could be her actual dad. What is ensues is comedic as well as touching to follow her path to find her true family, as she realizes her mom's relationship with this man may have inspired the true...

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stef42678 says "Good Comedy and Fun Cast" about 17 Again

stef42678 — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:29:07 GMT

I finally had the chance to catch up on some video rentals and was excited to find 17 Again with both Zac Efron and Matthew Perry which are two of my favorite actors. The movie is a great comedy and both the actors were very engaging throughout the whole movie. The premise of the movie is sort of like "Freaky Friday" except it deals with men and going back in time. Mike is the star basketball player who has a great future set for him with a college scholarship until his girlfriend reveals she is pregnant. After making the decision to be a dad instead of an athlete, his whole future takes a different turn until he reaches midlife and realizes his life is not what he wanted. When he makes a wish to change everything he suddenly wakes up in his old high school body to change the future. What ensues is comedic high school antics as Mike suddenly realizes the decisions he made and what he truly wants in life as he learns to be a good dad and the right husband. This movie is fun...

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PattyTherre says "I don't smell the sea or cotton. I smell a strong floral scent." about Bath and Body Works Sea Island Cotton Fragrance Mist

PattyTherre — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 05:28:05 GMT

Quick View: I love fresh scents and can't get enough body mists and sprays that smell fresh, clean, and airy. During a buy 3, get 3 free sale on signature scents at Bath & Body Works, I picked up several items and one was Bath and Body Works Sea Island Cotton Fragrance Mist. With a crisp name like that, how could I go wrong? Well I did. It's very floral. It's fine for those who tolerate floral scents but I can't. Bummer.

My Take on Bath and Body Works Sea Island Cotton Fragrance Mist

This spray comes in a 8 ounce clear plastic bottle. The spray is also clear. When I read the notes, I was excited to try it. I figured all the clean ingredients would certainly overtake the floral accord....

# Fragrance Top Notes: Fresh Bright Floral Accord, Clean Cotton Accord, Drenched Air Accord, Fresh Linen Effect, Wet Green Pear, Blood Orange, Tangerine
# Fragrance Mid Notes: White Muguet, Crisp Orange Flower, Watery Cyclamen, White Freesia, Cotton Blossom Headspace, Dewy Jasmine
# Fragrance Base Notes:...

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TunefulGal says "Kohler's Forte Pull-out Kitchen Faucet makes my day. Every day!" about Kohler Forte Faucet

TunefulGal — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:00:03 GMT

Finally! I've abandoned my no-good, brand name, leaky-squeaky kitchen faucet for a different faucet that makes sense.

Bravo! The Kohler K-10433 Single Handle Pullout Kitchen Faucet from the Forte Series (whew!) brings efficiency and versatility to washing my dishes and my hair. I actually look forward to using it every single time.

The Forte Faucet boasts a wow of a guarantee. Kohler warrants this faucet "leak and drip free during normal residential use for as long as the original consumer purchaser owns his or her home". If the Forte Faucet should leak, Kohler will mail you a cartridge free of charge in order to "put the faucet in good working condition".

Having recently struggled with stage after stage of parts-removal in order to perform my no-good faucet's washer repair, I vow now to track down washer/cartridge issues before buying a faucet of any kind. Kohler states up front that its ceramic disc valves "exceed industry longevity standards two times for a lifetime...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Burt's Bees Lip Balm: Superior Protection for Kisser in Winter" about Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

AngelaWLaFon — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:49:03 GMT

Burt's Bees Lip Balm

We've had 17 days straight here of sledding so you can imagine the cold temperatures we've had but throw in the wind and then the indoor dryness of keeping a wood-stove going all of the time and you've got a recipe for dry, chapped lips. Not here.

We've used Burt's Bees Lip Balm for several years and this winter we stocked up on some of the Burt's Bees Lip Stash Mixed Packs.

Each Burt's Bees Lip Stash Packs- Mixed has a tube of:

Beeswax Lip Balm

Replenishing Lip Balm

Honey Lip Balm

Burt's Bees Lip Balms are made in North Carolina, USA! They use natural ingredients like beeswax and coconut oil, sweet almond oil, peppermint oil, honey and rosemary.

Burt's Bees has eco-friendly packaging. Burt's Bees using soy ink and recylced post consumer waste paper in their packaging.

We found the three packs of Burt's Bees Lip Balm for under $10.00.

I believe that these lip balms are truly superior to other brands. They go on smooth, have a minimal taste and smell and keep...

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Meri says "The most beautiful lake in the world!" about Lake Skaneateles

Meri — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:31:04 GMT

Located in the finger lake region of New York State, Lake Skaneateles is sometimes called "The Roof Garden of the Lakes" because it is elevated higher than the rest of the finger lakes. The lake is in three counties: Onondaga, Cayuga, and Cortland. The Victorian homes on the north end make that side of the lake as picturesque as it was in the 1800s.

My husband and I discovered the lake on a genealogy trip in search of seeing where his ancestors had lived in the high town of Spafford. Spafford is located on the east side of the lake. One of his ancestors, Asahel Roundy came to Spafford in 1804 by horseback from Rockingham, Vermont. In 1807, along with a few other settlers, Asahel moved to the Spafford Corners part of town. In 1820, Asahel built the Spafford Hotel and ran it until 1843. He also owned a 100-acre farm near the hotel. He was the first postmaster of the village and the first justice of the peace.

A History of the Town of Spafford says this about Asahel, "Spafford made a good...

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