Reviews by Friends of CrystaBush

OldHippie says "Look For It "On Sale"" about Nashbar AT-1 Mountain Bike

OldHippie — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:35:00 GMT

If you're looking to get onto a mountain bike again...or for the first time, you may want to check out this AT-1 Mountain Bike from Nashbar - one of the leading sites on-line for bike parts & accessories.

Normally priced at $299.99 they often run sales as low as $189.99. That's comparable to anything at Walmart or K-Mart. Of course, you will have to pay shipping & assemble this bike yourself - or have a bike shop do it for you. But, you'll get better quality and a choice in frame sizes from 15" to 19". Normally, they have a wider selection than that. But it may be a "close-out" item now that 2010 is here.

Many reasons why this is better than a "big box store" bike...number one would have to be an aluminum frame. Also would be a better saddle (seat) which attaches directly to the seat rails instead of using the old clamp method. (See photos to the right.) You'll also get a 40mm rise alloy handlebar instead of a flat handlebar. The only drawback I can see is the Sram MRX twist...

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AnnaBanana says "For when it is important to see through a glass clearly ..." about World Optical Products Anti-Fog Lens Cleaner

AnnaBanana — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:02:03 GMT

Several years ago, during another frigid Midwestern winter of the past, I was trolling the tides over at Dominick's trying to see where I was going through the mist which had accumulated on my glasses when I had entered the warm store, when a man asked me if I would like him to clean my eyeglasses for me. At first, I was a bit offended until I realized that he was selling something. Patiently, I waited as he used some sort of pale green cream to scrupulously spark up my spectacles. After cautiously peering through them again and bracing myself for the "spiel" which was sure to come, I had to admit that it had made a big difference, all to the better. Then the sales rep began to tell me about World Optical Products Anti-Fog Lens Cleaner and what he said was destined to make an even bigger difference to my life during the cold weather months. Buying a couple of jars that day was one of the best investments I have ever made.

WHAT THIS IS AND WHAT IT DOES

World Optical Products...

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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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sharoncookie says "ZIPLOC BIG BAG'S CAME TO THE RESCUE" about Ziploc Big Bags

sharoncookie — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:50:20 GMT

I WAS SENT A SAMPLE BOX OF ZIPLOC BIG BAG'S AND THOUGH I REALLY DON'T NEED THESE. WELL MAYBE SOME DAY!

THEY HAVE BEEN UNDER MY SINK ALMOST A YEAR. I NEVER USED THEM, INFACT I FORGOT ALL ABOUT THEM.

WELL THIS YEAR AT CHRISTMAS I DIDN'T PUT UP MUCH BECAUSE THE GIRL'S ARE ALL GONE AND IT'S IT IS ME AND HIM!!!!!!!

I MISSED SOME LIGHT'S AT CHRISTMAS SO I GOT A POINTSETTA TREE. IT'S ABOUT 3 FT. TALL. WE OR I SHOULD SAY I LOVED THE LIGHT'S ON AT NIGHT. WELL IT AFTER NEW YEAR'S AND THOUGHT BETTER PUT THE TREE AWAY. I NEED ONE OF THOSE BLACK GARBAGE BAG'S. I ASKED IF WE HAD THEM AND WE DIDN'T. THEN I THOUGHT ABOUT THE ZIOLOC BIG BAGS. THE BIG ONE FIT RIGHT OVER THE TOP AND THE SMALL BAG FIT THE BOTTOM. A LITTLE DUCK TAPE FINISHED THE JOB.

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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 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 Corporation...

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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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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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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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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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ApriBambino says "Avon's Length & Strength Complex is like a vacation for my nails" about Avon NAIL EXPERTS Strong Results Length & Strength Complex

ApriBambino — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 05:33:50 GMT

I enjoy doing my own manicures and like to achieve good results. Many of Avon's nail care products and polishes work well for me and are reasonably priced.

Once in a while nails need time off from base coats, hardeners and polishes so they can breathe. Avon NAIL EXPERTS Strong Results Length & Strength Complex is one of my very favorite products that helps keep my nails is healthy shape. The formula is comprised of diamond dust, calcium, panthenol, hyaluronic acid and hydrolized soy protein. All aid in making nails stronger and longer.

This isn't a thick polish-like nail product, in fact it applies with a brush but has the consistency of water, it absorbs quickly into the nail. The scent is rather pleasant too, kind of hand cream-ish.

It's best to use this on bare nails for maximum results. My routine is to use this at night before bed and then again a few times during the day. It is colorless and does not provide a shiny surface but it does pack a punch of hydration that gets deep...

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pitcherday says "Cleans brushes with no leftover residue, clumping, or breakage" about Bare Escentuals Well Cared for Condtioning Shampoo for Makeup Brushes

pitcherday — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 04:10:32 GMT

The brushes used to apply Bare Minerals make-up are expensive. Also, one brush can be used to apply more than one component of the make-up (the foundations as well as Mineral Veil, Warmth, etc.). They build up with the different mineral powders over time and it can affect the application of Bare Minerals make-up.

I got the Bare Minerals Starter Kit from the TV commercial, but I didn't even think about cleaning the brushes until a saleswoman told me about it at the storefront in the mall. Bare Escentuals makes a brush cleaner and conditioner call Well-Cared For. It's a mild shampoo that comes in a four ounce bottle. When you buy it, it seems a little pricey, but compared to replacing the brushes, it's not that bad.

Once a month, I use Bare Escentuals Well-Cared For cleaner on my make-up brushes. I apply a good amount (how much depends on which brush you are cleaning), rub it in, and rinse with warm water until it runs clear. Reshape the brushes and dry them on a paper towel.

At first, I...

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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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Bryan-Carey says "Melissa and Doug World Map Puzzle: Educational, but Flawed" about Melissa and Doug World Map Puzzle

Bryan-Carey — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:31:40 GMT

Educational toys are almost always an improvement to the mindless objects commonly passed off as child entertainment. Some manufacturers are known for their educational child entertainment and one of them is Melissa and Doug. One of their many educational tools is the Melissa and Doug World Map 33- Piece Puzzle, a large puzzle that teaches kids world geography.

Puzzle Commentary:

The Melissa and Doug World Map Puzzle is a large, two feet by three feet puzzle (61 by 92 cm) that is large enough that most will assemble it on the floor or on a large table. This world map includes a grand total of 33 pieces, with each of the continents clearly named and identified by a separate color. Individual countries (and U.S. state) boundaries are clearly marked, but individual countries are not named. The oceans include the names and the map is covered with small depictions of animals native to the world’s many lands.

Puzzles are good for developing many skills, but they are even better when...

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Susie-34668 says "Irish Spring Body Wash Cool Relief Scrub makes you feel clean" about Irish Spring Body Wash Cool Relief Scrub

Susie-34668 — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:39:57 GMT

Several months ago CVS drugstores had Irish Spring Body Wash Cool Relief scrub reduced from $4.99 down to $1.99. It is a 15 fluid ounce (443 ml) bottle, so I thought this to be a great purchase.

The plastic bottle is the flat kind, that sits nicely in your hand, and has grips at the side so it won't slip.

The label looks inviting with what looks like ice cubs in water. It states on the front of the bottle 'feel the cooling sensation'.

I started using this product back in the summer months, when the temperature was in the 90's, here in Florida.

Getting in the shower and using warm water, it was great to squeeze out some of the green gel. It went into my hand and I let it sit there for a minute. My hand left really cool.

Next I put my hands under the shower and started to rub the gel over my body. The cool smell was really refreshing. I could feel the tiny beads that exfoliated my body. This was really great, but my disappointment was that this product is supposed to lather....

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KaciOhio says "A good movie w/Nicholas Cage. I recommend it. " about Knowing

KaciOhio — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:08:04 GMT

A disturbed little girl who hears voices and sees strange people back in the 60's is in grade school and has to draw a picture to place in a time capsule at the school. She must draw a picture of the future and what it would look like in 50 years when the capsule will be opened by the new students. Instead of drawing a picture she fills her page with numbers, writing hundreds and hudreds of codes. 50 years later Nicholas Cage's son gets her picture out of the capsule and then it begins. He soon figures out the codes and can tell when future disasters will strike and he feels like this was sent to him so he can save the world. The movie is really great and has you wondering about all kinds of things and then comes the end which goes way off track and hits you with.....well.....something very odd and just doesn't seem like it fits in the movie. Goes way sci-fi. Something you just wouldnt expect. It doesn't make the movie bad or stupid it just gives you one of those "omg" endings. Its not...

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KaciOhio says "This movie had me out of my seat in the first 20 minutes!" about changling

KaciOhio — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:59:16 GMT

Changling. A Clint Eastwood movie starring Angelina Jolie. Brilliant! He took a complete true story and filmed it amazingly! It starts off slow, kinda boring but easy to follow. A mother who loves her son, lives only w/her son and they have only each other. The son gets taken and she desperately is trying to find her son. They find her son, give him back and it's not her son....or is it? Is she confused? After 5 months the boy has changed....or has he? I won't tell you any more of the story but its a great one! Clint Eastwood knows how to make you so mad in the first few minutes of a movie, I wanted to jump off the couch and start screaming at the television! I felt her pain for wanting her son back!! Then when she gets her son back your screaming at the tv that that isn't her son!! Then after a few more minutes your not sure anymore.....lol It's GREAT! This movie takes place in 1928 I believe and the end has you thinking. Its GREAT! If you have a chance to see this movie watch it!!

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KaciOhio says "A Question & Answer session w/Kevin Smith. Excellant!! " about Sold Out- A Threevening with Kevin Smith

KaciOhio — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:51:25 GMT

Kevin Smith has made Clerks, Jay & Silent Bob movies, Chasing Amy and recently Zach & Miri. He is Silent Bob in his movies and loves to direct and act. This 3 hour long comedy/question and answer session is great. For his 37th birthday Smith goes back to his home town and tells it all. Anything you want to ask him he answers and straight out. He isn't afraid to let loose and tell you the truth. He is blunt, foul, crazy and very expressive!! There is horribly bad bad BAD language in this dvd, gross stories and hilarious jokes and true things that have happened. If you love the movie Live Free or Die Hard he tells the tale of helping write lines for the movie and his time with Bruce Willis as well as others. Its very long but you don't want to turn it off, its great. I love Smith and almost all his movies. If you like Jay and Silent Bob then your gonna love this guy!! It does get boring when he rambles on about his dogs but other than that its good.

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GigiandAdonai says "Stepping into luxury and doing it the Parisian way!" about Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Gel Moussant Fresh Bath Gel (6.8 oz)

GigiandAdonai — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:36:09 GMT

I love this time of year or rather the holidays because I often receive gifts or gift cards to get the more expensive items that I so desperately love. Months ago I reviewed some of my more expensive perfumes and Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle was one of them. My perfume came as a gift set with a bath gel and lotion. I loved them all but was a little dismayed when I found out how much they cost individually. So, I resorted back to my other faves such as Bath and Body Works Twilight Woods and Caress's Evenly Gorgeous. Then I was given a gift card to a department store and some cash to go shopping at an outlet mall. Well, someone was looking out for me!

I got into a perfume store at the outlet mall and I can't even remember the name. I thought I was going to buy another bottle of Dolce and Gabbana's Light Blue but instead I went after the Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Bath Gel. This is some luxurious stuff and worth every penny that you invest. You'll step into the bath like a pauper...

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