Reviews by Friends of Bmyers

LisaCarey says "I notice a febreze - not the aroma of garlic or doggy " about Procter & Gamble Febreze NOTICEables

LisaCarey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:10:43 GMT

A busy household, children, diapers, lots of home cooking and a dog can mean lots of smells in my household. Smells I really don't want anyone else to know about. I quite often make my own simmering air freshener but recently was preparing for guests and since I was doing some heavy duty Mexican cooking (pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin etc) thought that maybe I might need something a little bit stronger, and I was right. Procter & Gamble Febreze NOTICEables make my house smell fresh and clean and eliminates the odors I want to get rid of.

What I like about Procter & Gamble Febreze NOTICEables

I can adjust high or low
the fragrances alternate - there are two and they compliment each other
the fragrance also works well with other fragrances in my home
it is reasonably priced - even for refills
coupons are available
lasts a long time

What I don't like about Procter & Gamble Febreze NOTICEables

wish there were more scent choices - especially fruits and herbals
they...

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LisaCarey says "Pretends to be healthy with fiber and ruins it with artificial " about Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt

LisaCarey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:01:27 GMT

My daughter loves yogurt. She eats it every day. I was worried about the sugar and high fructose corn syrup in many yogurts and made a rookie mistake - I bought instead of some other yogurts I know -- Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt not reading the label or box and being fooled by yogurt and fiber.

The package of Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt tells you about the great fiber you are getting, the few calories and all the other good things you need to know. It also does tell you about about the artificial and natural sweeteners but with two kids in the cart - who has time to read all that?

So, into my cart it went, even thought it was $3.29 for a 4 pack. Luckily, Kroger's had them BOGO so it wasn't too shocking of a sticker price.

Now don't get me wrong, the yogurt is attractive to look at and smooth and creamy. Yoplait Fiber One Yogurt has visible fruit blended but not chunky just the way a child would like it. And my kids did like it! But I didn't like the bitter taste of the artificial...

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LisaCarey says "Who needs Elmer's when you have Crayola for glue " about Crayola 56-1135: Washable GlueStick

LisaCarey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:50:51 GMT

I recently attended an event at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and at various locations throughout the museum were crafts for the children to create. I noticed the new Crayola 56-1135: Washable GlueStick and prior to using it there (and then buying it for my home) I thought all glue sticks were created equal. I was wrong - this one is the king of glue sticks, except I am using it so much I think they need to make bigger ones.

What do I like about the Crayola 56-1135: Washable GlueStick

the capped end so that it stands in place instead of rolling away
the blue glue stick so you know where your glue is
it is washable - really it actually came out of my daughter's hair without scrubbing
non toxic
easy to use (my girls are 4 and 3)
the glue stick window - it tells you when you are at the end of the stick

There really isn't anything I don't like about the Crayola 56-1135: Washable GlueStick. It is a little bit pricier than other glue sticks, but it is also more versatile....

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LisaCarey says "The more gentlemanly of the Jack Daniel's Whiskey's " about Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey

LisaCarey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:36:47 GMT

I enjoy a good Jack Daniel's, preferably with Coke. Recently I had a chance to spend some time with Jack's much older brother Gentleman Jack and guess what, some things do improve with age.

Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey 750 ml is approximately $24.00 and the distinctive bottle looks a little bit like Crown Royal. It is an 80 proof whiskey, oak barrel aged and then charcoal filtered twice.

The color of this whiskey is dark golden brown, almost caramel similar to Jack Daniel's that we all know. This whiskey is made with corn, rye, and barley malt and has a more earthy scent that the other Jack Daniel's as well as many other high end whiskey's.

It does burn a little bit more, it seems like the alcohol content is higher, even though it isn't. I have to say that while it is tasty to drink it doesn't mix as well with Coke, so be prepared to drink it on the rocks.

Overall, Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey is worth the extra money if you...

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LisaCarey says "A peach of a vodka!" about Absolut Peach Vodka

LisaCarey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:22:21 GMT

Absolute APeach Vodka is made by Absolut of Sweden, which has been producing quality vodka's since 1879 - and it shows! They have added a line of flavored vodka's to their product line, many of which are "absolut-ely" delicious. Absolut Peach Vodka is one of them.

The Absolut Vodka APeach bottle is distinctive, the clear bottle at the top with a peach colored ring around the bottle. Go ahead and buy the big bottle - you will need it once you start drinking it. You probably won't want to share it.

Absolut APeach is made with all natural ingredients, no sugar.

It is 40% Alc./Vol. (80 Proof) and priced at around $30.00.

This flavored vodka can be paired with many other drinks or on the rocks. Some each "fixes" are Welch's White Grape Peach Juice, Schweppes Tonic Water, Giant Light Cranberry Juice, and Bols Triple Sec.

However, I like to add Diet 7 Up to it. It makes a cool refreshing drink with guess what no fat or carbs!

The aroma is definitely peach, just like the fruit....

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Jo says "It may be hard to find your jewels at YardSaleTreasureMap.com" about YardSaleTreasureMap

Jo — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 23:23:26 GMT

I was elated when I read about www.YardSaleTreasureMap.com. I love to go to yard sales. Before we moved I would plot out my morning by streets and spend several hours at yard sales.

Not knowing the area quite so well I have limited my hobby to yard sales on one long street in my town. www.YardSaleTreasureMap.com is simple to use. I just put in my starting address, the maximum miles I want to drive and the day I want to go treasure hunting.

When I saw a red balloon I clicked on the listing and found the specific time of the yard sale and where it was. There were details of what would be for sale as well.

There are two problems with www.YardSaleTreasureMap.com.

The listings are taken from www.craigslist.com. That is very limiting for someone like me who lives in a suburban area 50 minutes from Boston. Yard sales are posted in local newspapers or just via signs on the trees. I found one yard sale in my town. I put in Boston and found a few more but not enough for me to rave about YardSaleTreasureMap.com....

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Meredith says "Big Star wins!" about Big Star - Chicago, IL

Meredith — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:48:05 GMT

I really love the new Tex-Mex cantina in Wicker Park - Big Star. The owners of Avec started Big Star... nice group. Let's just say I went there 3 nights in a row so it must be good. Located across from The Violet Hour on Damen near Milwaukee. Great vibe, greater food and drinks. I'm in love.

The highlights...

- $2 tacos (chicken, fish, pork, veggie)

- Impressive tequila & bourbon list. Plus, a ginger & beer cocktail that I love. Most cocktails are $7.

- On tap: Goose Island's Matilda ($6), Lagunita lager ($4) & Schlitz ($1)

- Super fresh quacamole, handmade tortillas

- Chill atmosphere, friendly staff

- Good music. They play records. Yes real records on a record player! Mostly rockabilly, old country (think Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash)

Go early-ish for any hope of getting a seat at the bar or seats anywhere, for that matter.

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LisaCarey says "Dress up dolls in the bathtub? " about Alex Tub Fashion

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:41:02 GMT

Do you remember playing with paper dolls and changing their clothes? My daughter's have moved on to Melissa and Doug dolls, a twin set that gives them lots of clothes and accessories that are magnetic to dress their not so paper dolls. Since they had so much fun with dressing dolls that way, one friend purchased the Alex Tub Fashion set for them to use in the bathtub.

Bathtub time is a big deal at my house. It includes bubbles and playtime long before we get to the business at hand. My girls only a year apart are still where they like to do everything together which includes not using their own bathtub but using mom's instead so that they can have more space to be mermaids. Alex Tub Fashion toy was immediately sent to its room.

What do I like about the Alex Tub Fashion toy?

there are two dolls - and I have two girls
there are plenty of dress up items
the easy to store bag allows them to drip dry
the girls enjoy them
easy to use - just stick the doll to the side of the...

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LisaCarey says "A few suds, no surprises but the girls love it because it's Dora" about Fisher-Price Suds and Surprise Dora

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:23:13 GMT

I was a little surprised with the girls were shopping for their birthday gift and they actually chose the Fisher-Price Suds and Surprise Dora. It didn't seem all that exciting to me but the price was right (on sale for $14.99) so I thought if they really want it that bad, sure let's give it a try.

The Fisher-Price Suds and Surprise Dora is a Dora doll that sits on a "tray' that is attached to the side of your bathtub and is removable. Dora's "head" is like those dolls that you can do their hair and put make up on their faces. The Dora head has longer hair than in the cartoon and when wet with cold or hot water it changes color adding stripes. It comes with a little bucket to pour water out and a sponge which causes tattoos to appear on Dora's face when used.

What I like about the Fisher-Price Suds and Surprise Dora

not too expensive
the tray attaches to the bathtub and really does stick
the girls enjoy it
still fun to play with even after all this time
good for ages 2 and...

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LisaCarey says "A cool mist that helps my family breathe easy at night " about Holmes Humidifier - Cool Mist Humidifier - HM1746

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:14:18 GMT

Who would have ever thought living in Houston I would need an humidifier? But two of my daughter's suffers from seasonal allergies and for some reason, as soon as the heat comes on the one has a stuffed up nose, even with the worst cold symptoms. Both my husband and I have seasonal sinus trouble too. My pediatrician recommended that she sleep with a humidifier in her room so needing one that didn't add to the Houston heat we purchased the Holmes Humidifier - Cool Mist Humidifier - HM1746.

What I like about the Holmes Humidifier - Cool Mist Humidifier - HM1746.

not too expensive
lightweight - I can take it from the bedroom to the family room so we can use it all day
once it is filled it lasts a long time
several different settings - from lots of humidity to little as well as three settings for how the fan functions
safety feature on the fan to keep little fingers safe

What I don't like about the Holmes Humidifier - Cool Mist Humidifier - HM1746.

it's noisy - it is not really...

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LisaCarey says "Soft on the nose and the blow " about Kleenex Facial Tissue with Lotion

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:56:12 GMT

I purchased Kleenex Facial Tissue with Lotion because it was less expensive than the Puff's brands with Aloe or Lotion. I wasn't disappointed but sometimes they just don't hold up to a good hard blow of the nose.

What do I like about Kleenex Facial Tissue with Lotion

softens my skin when I need a tissue
less expensive than other brands
works well - most of the time
easy to find at any store
variety of boxes for any decor
soft and smooth
helps with the pain and redness your nose can get from blowing too often

What don't I like about Kleenex Facial Tissue with Lotion

can't use for anything else
the lotion tends to give me a pimple or two on and around my nose
have to use two or more tissues sometimes for a good blowing of my nose

i admit, I have sensitive skin and when I have to use a tissue a lot (usually in the spring and again the entire month of December) the redness, drying and irritation that regular tissues give my skin is a real pain. At least when I...

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LisaCarey says "Tried and true remedy for congestion " about Vicks VapoRub

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:44:58 GMT

Here is how it works in our household (and probably yours too). One daughter gets sick. Then the next one, then mom (dad never gets sick lucky dad). Mom is now sick and caring for two or more sick children. Everyone has chest or nose congestion, stuffy noses, runny noses and coughing going on. I know that when all this starts happening whether it's the middle of the night or first thing in the morning, I can grab the jar of Vicks VapoRub and rub it on chests (Mommy that tickles) and back and that within a few minutes all of us will be able to breathe, even those who didn't need any help!

What I like about Vicks VapoRub

inexpensive
tried and true remedy for most cold and flu symptoms
versatile (use in the shower, place some on your chest and back, also leave some on the vaporizer
the scent
it works!

What I don't like about Vicks VapoRub

the sticky feeling - after I apply it it sticks to your clothing yuck!

But this is the most important thing, it is tried and true....

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LisaCarey says "Helps children with tough coughs and colds " about Wyeth Consumer Dimetapp Long Acting Cough Cold, 4 OZ (pack Of 3)

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:31:20 GMT

I know it's important for children to use a cough to break up chest congestion, but honestly sometimes you (as a parent) and they just need a little bit of down time for that tough painfully loud coughing that is making your children miserable and making it impossible for anyone to get any sleep. That's how the past week or so has been for this family as a tough runny nose and cough has made its way though each girl in this house. I decided to give us all a break and use Dimetapp Long Acting Cough Cold to hopefully get a little break and a whole lot of sleep.

What I like about Dimetapp Long Acting Cough Cold

grape flavor (1 our of 2 of the children like it and it's ok with me I'll take those odds)
small amounts needed to be helpful (1/2 teaspoon for preschoolers)
it really is long acting
children and mom get a break from the coughing
every one gets some sleep

What I don't like about Dimetapp Long Acting Cough Cold

one child has to be forced to take it
it's got lots of...

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LisaCarey says "My little princess likes to drink from this little princess cup " about Playtex Disney Princess Insulator 9oz 1-Pack Spill-Proof Cup

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:18:06 GMT

My daughter's have almost outgrown the whole "sippy cup" thing but at home it's nice to have a little extra cushion to prevent spills, especially since there is two of them and one of me. My most recent adventure into big girl sippy cups was the Playtex Disney Princess Insulator 9oz 1-Pack Spill-Proof Cup, priced at $5.99.

What I like about the Playtex Disney Princess Insulator 9oz 1-Pack Spill-Proof Cup

just the right size (sometimes a little too big but I have to refill less often)
3D Disney princess design
available in a variety of colors
the double pack was not double the price but only $7.99 and two is always better than one in my household
the click latch lid that lets you know for sure that the lid is screwed on
the easy to remove and clean seal
double wall insulation keeps drinks colder longer
the mouth piece is designed to teach children how to hold their mouth to drink from regular cups
easy grip design
my daughters love it

What don't I like about...

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LisaCarey says "Scrunching and Curling my hair with LOTS of this gel " about Garnier Fructis Gel Srunchy Curl 8.5 oz

LisaCarey — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:45:15 GMT

I don't have a lot of time to spend on my hair - which is part of the reason I take advantage of my curly hair for easy hair styles. The problem with that if finding hair care products that actually help me get the curls I want and that doesn't cost too much or weigh my already thick heavy hair down. Garnier Fructis Gel Scrunchy Curl Gel does just that.

What I like about Garnier Fructis Gel Scrunchy Curl Gel

easy to find it
easy to use it
inexpensive
smells nice
makes my hair curly without weighing it down
no crunchy feeling in my hair

What I don't like about Garnier Fructis Gel Scrunchy Curl Gel

you have to use A LOT to get the gel all throughout your hair and get curls everywhere

Garnier Fructis Gel Scrunchy Curl Gel is an great low cost curly hair care product. But by the time I got to the end of the tube (which by the way you need to store standing up or you can't get to all the gel) I was sort of tired of using it. Sure, it has some natural ingredients in it and...

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LisaCarey says "Little princesses tea party playtime is fun " about Disney Princess Tea Party Play Set

LisaCarey — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:28:13 GMT

My daughters, like so many other little girls are crazy for Disney Princesses. When they saw the Disney Princess Tea Party Play Set (27 pieces) they just had to have it and at $10.00 for the set that they could share I was more than happy to add it to their play kitchen at home.

The Disney Princess Tea Party Play Set contains 27 pieces with plates, spoons, forks, cups and a tea pot. They are decorated in pink, yellow and purple pastel colors and feature pictures of the Disney Princesses. They are durable, washable and attractive.

My girls love playing with the Disney Princess Tea Party Play Set! They use it to cook a meal and serve it to each other and their friends. We used it for a real live princess tea party where the girls all dressed up in their princess costumes and served real tea and snacks. The decals didn't even wash off after use!

With two girls, I am definitely getting my money's worth out of the Disney Princess Tea Party Play Set. This is an imaginative...

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LisaCarey says "Great hold for my curly hair style - not so great for my scalp " about Maybelline Garnier Fructis Style Volumizing Anti Humidity Hair Spray Extra Strong 3 250ml

LisaCarey — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:19:09 GMT

When I first started using Maybelline Garnier Fructis Style Volumizing Anti Humidity Hair Spray Extra Strong I thought, "Wow" this will be a great product to review it holds my curly hair style and gives me great lift. But unfortunately the more I used it the less I liked it.

What I like about Maybelline Garnier Fructis Style Volumizing Anti Humidity Hair Spray Extra Strong

inexpensive
easy to find
smells good
holds my hair style - curly or straight
helps with fighting humidity and frizz

Sounds great doesn't it? Until . . . .

What don't I like about Maybelline Garnier Fructis Style Volumizing Anti Humidity Hair Spray Extra Strong

dry scalp
flaky
makes my head itch

So you see the problem. I find an inexpensive, easy to find and purchase hair spray that is AWFUL for my hair. The more I used it the more itchy, flaky dandruff scalp I got. Don't get me wrong, I don't use a lot of hairspray just enough to lift and hold. But unfortunately with using Maybelline...

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LisaCarey says "Smooths the frizz in my hair but not too much for a lather " about Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo

LisaCarey — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:09:45 GMT

With naturally curly hair it is difficult to find shampoos and conditioners as well as styling products that can actually allow me to keep the easy hairstyle that curls gives me and that keeps the frizzy fly aways away even in the Houston humidity. I don't mind paying for quality, but we all have a budget so I was happy to try the Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo on my hair.

What I like about Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo

it makes my hair feel healthy and strong
fights frizzes better than most shampoos
not too heavy - I actually still have curly hair after using it
a little goes a long way
natural ingredients

What I don't like about Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo

it doesn't lather really well
it is really expensive
the aroma - I got used to it but the first few shampoos the tea tree and menthol aroma made me feel like I was trying to treat my sinuses not wash my hair
only find it at a salon or special stores

Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo is an excellent choice for straight...

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Jo says "Sarah's Key should be on a high school or college reading list" about Tatiana De Rosnay - Sarah's Key

Jo — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 20:53:12 GMT

After two people recommended Sarah's Key I bought it. This is a must read book. Although the subject matter is heavy, the book is easy to read and flows well. Sarah's Key was a New York Times Bestseller written by Tatiana De Rosnay, a French woman in 2007.

Sarah's Key is a wonderful book to read for book clubs not just because of the nature of it but also in the book and online you can find questions to ask and discuss.

The author has the voices of both Julia Jarmond, an American who has been living in France and is married to a French man for 25 years, and Sarah, a 10-year old Jewish girl from Paris.

The year is 1942 and the subject is France's involvement in the Holocaust. De Rosnay alternates voices from chapter to chapter with Sarah starting first and then Julia introducing herself as an American journalist investigating the happenings in Paris during that time. During her research of Sarah, Julia learns of secrets which change the course of her life. Toward the end we just hear from...

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Jo says "Thanks to Gabby Reece Bra Tank by Danskin I don't eat my t-shirt" about Danskin Now Women's Gabby Reece Seamless Shelf-Bra Tank

Jo — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 01:33:50 GMT

I love to buy new clothes for my yoga class. I was in Walmart and saw Danskin Now Women's Gabby Reece Seamless Shelf-Bra Tank. At the time it was only $10.00 but now on Walmart's website it is $7.00. On line there are various colors and sizes for the colors. I chose purple.

There is nothing I don't like about Danskin Now Women's Gabby Reece Seamless Shelf-Bra Tank. It is seamless except for seams where there have to be such as on the raceback.

I love the inner bra. I wouldn't run in this sleeveless tank but for yoga or low impact aerobics it would be fine if you are well endowed. The support is good for that kind of activity.

Danskin Now Women's Gabby Reece Seamless Shelf-Bra Tank runs true to size so if you buy it online whatever size blouse you would wear would work.

In the picture you can see what they call body mapping. This is a type of design that give a slimmer look to the body.

It is a tight fit but not uncomfortably tight. In fact it is probably the most comfortable of all my...

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