Reviews by Friends of EricMiles

AnnaBanana says "A wonderful treat but chew carefully!" about Today's Farm - Freeze-Dried Fruit Snack

AnnaBanana — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:43:55 GMT

Among the goodies which arrived in my first order from Alice.com was a .75 oz. Today's Farm Freeze-Dried Fruit Snack manufactured by Justus Foods, Inc. of Georgetown Texas. These snacks come in assorted flavors but I chose Apple Cinnamon. At $2.24 a package, this is not cheap but the ingredient list for this treat is delightfully simple: freeze-dried apples, sugar and cinnamon. The package contains the equivalent of two 1/2-cup servings of fresh apples which have been sliced up as though for a pie before the water was extracted from them. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives. As far as I am concerned, less is more when it comes to ingredients and this is no exception.

STATS:

One entire package is considered to be a single serving which contains 80 calories and zip, zip, zero fat, Cholesterol, Sodium and Protein. There are 20 grams Total Carbs, 2 grams Dietary Fiber, 16 grams Sugars, and 6% (D.V.) Vitamin C.

MY VIEWPOINT:

Today's Farm Apple Cinnamon Freeze-Dried...

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AnnaBanana says "Great deals from Alice's Wonderland!" about Alice.com

AnnaBanana — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:26:28 GMT

Of all the social and technological advances in the past decade, perhaps the most amazing is the ability for online shoppers to order groceries from the safety and convenience of home. This has made life easier for a lot of people -- in fact, it has been a real lifesaver, literally speaking. There was a time when a person who couldn't get to the grocery store or have someone else bring back the necessary provisions could literally die of starvation! That is precisely what happened to some senior citizens or other vulnerable people who lived alone especially in neighborhoods where grocery shopping venues were limited or non-existent.

A lot of us already have reveled in the wonders of Peapod -- or other online grocery order services -- but not everyone is lucky enough to live in an area serviced by them. The great news is that now almost everyone has Alice.com to look after them.

Alice Tries Harder

Alice.com can only supply grocery items which can be safely mailed through UPS. ...

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AnnaBanana says "The best of the best!" about Green Giant Immunity Blend

AnnaBanana — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:28:03 GMT

There are a lot of excellent frozen veggies and side dishes out there but one of the best is Green Giant and Green Giant Immunity Blend is perhaps the best they have come up with so far. This medley of broccoli florets, julienne carrots and red and yellow sweet peppers is delightful. The garlic-herb extra virgin oil coating it all is flavorful without being too overpowering. It is called "Immunity Blend" because it is (according to the package information) "naturally rich in antioxidants Vitamins A & C to help support a healthy immune system."

STATS:

The contents of this 7 oz. box is considered to add up to two 2/3 cup servings, each containing 50 calories with 25 calories from fat. There are 3 grams Total Fat, zero each Saturated Fat, Trans Fat, and Cholesterol, 115 mg. Sodium, 7 grams Total Carbs, 2 grams Dietary Fiber, 3 grams Sugars and 1 gram Protein. There are also 30% (D.V.) Vitamin A, 50% Vitamin C, and 2% each Calcium and Iron.

TASTE TIP:

Green Giant Immunity Blend...

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Meri says "homemade cards go from plain to elegant in seconds..." about Sizzix Texture Boutique Embossing Machine Beginner's Kit

Meri — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:33:49 GMT

A dear friend gave me the Sizzix Texture Boutique Embossing Machine Beginner's Kit for an early Christmas present. I'd never seen one before so I had no idea what it was or what it was for. She told me she thought I'd like to have it early so I could play with it. [she knows me]

When I first saw the machine out of the box I thought it looked like a cute little purse but the box said it was an embossing machine. I was surprised to read that it wasn't electric. The only thing I had to do to assemble the unit was to attach the crank handle. The Sizzix company even supplied the screwdriver- how easy.

The machine can be purchased separately or with enough supplies to start creating right away. My friend gave me the one with the beginner's kit. I'm glad because I didn't have to wait until I could purchase supplies.

The kit contains:

• Texture Boutique Embossing Machine
• Textured Impressions Embossing Folder - Flowers, Daisies (small)
• Textured Impressions Embossing Folder - Flower &...

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Meri says "loving this fragrance..." about Spark 1.7oz Eau De Perfume Liz Claiborne for Women

Meri — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:46:35 GMT

I was given a SPARK perfume set for a gift a couple of years ago. I liked the fragrance the first time I tried it but felt that it was too heavy and overwhelming. I would use it once in a while and wonder if people around me felt it was too strong. I saved it for winter use.

Fast forward a couple winters: Something has been happening this year that was quite unexpected. Each time I wear the perfume someone has commented on how good I smell or made note of the fragrance. Yesterday a woman sitting next to me in church leaned over and asked, "What is that perfume you are wearing? I absolutely love it!" It was then that I realized that I love it too.

SPARK has an oriental, spicy, floral scent that is quite romantic. It reminds me of Opium by Yves Saint Lauren so if you like Opium chances are you will love SPARK.

My set came with a large spray bottle, a smaller, purse size spray and a large container of body lotion. I usually don't like the lotions that come in sets but this one is an exception....

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AnnaBanana says "It does what it promised but I am very concerned." about Pantene Pro-V Silver Expressions Daily Color Enhancing Shampoo

AnnaBanana — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:27:36 GMT

Usually, I don't do reviews about shampoos or conditioners with rare exception (i.e. Aveda Sap Moss about a year ago). A few weeks ago, I ran out of the Aveda Sap Moss Shampoo only to discover it had been discontinued by Drugstore.com. Whilst cruising the aisles at CVS, I noticed they were having a sale on Pantene Pro V Silver Expressions Shampoo. "What the heck?" I thought, and took a bottle home.

According to the label information, this stuff promises to help remove dulling residue from white or silver hair, leaving it brighter and healthier-looking. I've got to say that it does what it promised. The other night, while chatting with the cashier at the 7/11, I happened to glance up at the security mirror above us and my hair looked absolutely dazzling. I have also received nice comments about it.

I really, really wanted Pantene Pro V Silver Expressions Shampoo to work for me on an indefinite basis but I am a little concerned about what I perceive to be greater-than-normal...

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Meri says "just what the doctor ordered!" about Virbac C.E.T. Hextra chews

Meri — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:14:03 GMT

Our little Yorkie rescue is the best thing that has happened to us in years. [Our house was just too quiet since all of the kids have moved out.] We absolutely adore her and she loves us, however, we don't love her occasional bad breath! We tried several products in hopes of relieving the problem. Most of them helped a little but nothing took care of her canine halitosis completely. That is, until we discovered the Virbac C.E.T HEXtra strips at the Vets office. He promised it would work. I was skeptical but bought them anyway. Within a week her teeth were pretty and white and her breath was sweet. Now, I tell everybody about them.

These premium chews are laced with Chlorhexidine that helps reduce tartar and remove plaque from her teeth. In fact, the Chlorhexidine works for up to 24 hours once it is introduced into the dog' mouth. My dog, Tessi loves them and thinks they are a treat so it is easy to get her to chew on them. They are safe and won't get stuck in the stomach like other rawhide...

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AnnaBanana says "Childhood revisited!" about Classic Shirley Temple Paper Dolls in Full Color

AnnaBanana — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:43:48 GMT

A couple years ago, a friend who knows about my interest in antique toys gave me something really cool ... a copy of Classic Shirley Temple Paper Dolls in Full Color edited by Grayce Piemontesi. This book,published by Dover Publications, consists of 16 beautiful colored "plates" which combine to form a republication of rare authentic paper dolls originally published in 1935 and 1936 respectively under the titles "Shirley Temple Standing Doll No. 1727" and "Shirley Temple, a Lifelike Paper Doll Cut-Out / 34 Inches High." Included are three paper dolls of various sizes and poses to be cut out, along with paper outfits which can be attached to the dolls in various ways.

The price on this book says $3.50 (although it may have gone up since my friend bought it for me.) There are many fine Dover Publications including coloring and paper doll books available at Barnes & Noble. My guess is that they might have this book and offer a pretty good deal on it too.

MY VIEWPOINT:

Shirley Temple's...

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Meri says "I can't afford to save any more money!" about Kohl's - Credit Card

Meri — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:58:27 GMT

Now, I am not one to shop with a credit card but my daughter kept telling me about the deals she would get by using her Kohl's card. I finally succumbed.

I must confess that I was not sold on the Kohl's store the first couple of times I shopped there. They don't have the brands I usually purchase so it took a while to convert me. The quality is not that great on most things but for some items quality doesn't matter. I have learned what I will buy there and what I will shy away from. They do have a liberal return policy and they will even let you pay the credit charge you just made at the same register! That's different. In fact, they are just so nice I find myself stopping by once in a while just to look around. I have found new brands to love and discovered some old favorites back in the housewares department.

Kohl's credit cards are a must if you shop at Kohl's. By using their card you are entitled to many discounts not available to the general public. Kohl's is one of the few stores...

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AnnaBanana says "This may not be everyone's cup of tea." about Hellmann's Mayonnaise with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

AnnaBanana — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:35:51 GMT

For years, I have loved extra virgin olive oil and also mayonnaise, especially Hellmann's. A while back I took a chance and tried Kraft Mayonnaise with Olive Oil and was pleasantly surprised. It seemed to be a healthier option and tasted very similar to the "regular" version of this famous sandwich spread and salad dressing. My favorite mayo continued to be Hellmann's though and so I was glad to finally try Hellmann's Mayonnaise with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

STATS:

One tablespoon is considered to be a single serving which contains 50 calories with 45 calories from fat. There are 5 grams Total Fat, half a gram Saturated Fat, zero grams Trans Fat, 2.5 grams Polyunsaturated Fat, 1.5 grams Monounsaturated Fat, 5 mg. Cholesterol, 120 mg. Sodium, less than one gram Total Carbs and zero Protein.

MY VIEWPOINT:

Since I love the taste of extra virgin olive oil and also Hellmann's famous signature product, I expected the blend of the two to be a sure winner in my book. For some reason,...

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AnnaBanana says "Definitely, one of the GOOD things!" about Green Giant Healthy Heart

AnnaBanana — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:50:03 GMT

One of the good things about being retired is that you don't have to go racing off to catch the bus or train every day. Except for occasional errands, appointments or shopping, there is no more commuting for you. That's the GOOD news. The BAD news is that you may be getting less exercise than you used to when your daily routine included rushing up the El steps to catch a train.

Don't get me wrong, I love being retired but I have also been trying to find light, lean options for lunch to accommodate my less active lifestyle. Here is one of the good things out there -- the collection of Green Giant healthier entrees and side dishes, especially Green Giant Healthy Heart. This blend of "pearled barley, sugar snap peas and Julienne carrots in an herb-infused extra virgin olive oil sauce" is something I would not have thought of on my own and it was delicious. I especially enjoyed the wonderful snap peas which are one of my favorite vegetables. This dish has earned its moniker...

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AnnaBanana says "Abandon hope all ye who enter here? MAYBE not!" about Lay's - Classic Potato Chips

AnnaBanana — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:00:11 GMT

Like most of us, I have come to look askance at the "Snacks" aisle at the supermarket or convenience store. I realize too well that a person like me has no business shopping in that part of the store unless I am buying a contribution to bring to a party. Instead of "Snacks" there should be a sign over that aisle which proclaims "Abandon hope, all ye who enter here!" As a matter of fact I rarely ever enter there as the only attempts at healthier products seem to have resulted in low-fat overtures which seem hard enough to pry open windows or those dreadful things booby-trapped with the deadly Olestra that I have read so much about. All of this not withstanding, there I was at the 7/11 the other night with a taste for a little something to go with that leftover turkey sandwich at home. What happened next may not have been pretty to watch but I won't lie to you -- I oh Lord picked up a 2-1/2 oz. package of Lay's Classic Potato Chips and actually took them home with me.

LATER,...

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AnnaBanana says "A delicious alternative to meat!" about Green Giant Rice Medley

AnnaBanana — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:51:26 GMT

Reprobate that I am, I probably never will give up meat and become a serious vegetarian. However, I am also a realist and so am trying to reduce my meat consumption even at dinner as painlessly as possible. If you feel as i do (or if you really are a vegetarian) then you might enjoy this delightful Green Giant Rice Medley which is a mixture of "gold standard" rice, peas and mushrooms combined in a delightful, albeit meatless brown sauce which tastes like beef stew without the beef. Savory flavor, luscious textures and satisfaction we have here in abundance -- enough to rival any steak.

STATS:

If you are serving this as a side dish, you could probably stretch it to two servings, but if this is what's for dinner than the folks at Green Giant were right to consider the entire contents of the 10 oz. box to be a single serving which contains 250 calories with 35 calories from fat. There are 4 grams Total Fat, 1 gram Saturated Fat, zero Trans Fat and Cholesterol, 1,000 mg. Sodium, 48...

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AnnaBanana says "Okay, THIS is more like it!" about Fudgsicle Fudgsicle Frozen Dessert Original Fudge Bar No Sugar Added

AnnaBanana — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:10:56 GMT

A few days ago, when I reviewed Skinny Cow Low Fat Fudge Bars, I said that they were good in their own way but lacked the true chocolate essence of the Fudgsicles we used to eat when we were kids. Imagine my surprise to discover since then that someone is still making Fudgsicles and now the Unilever Corporation has come up with Fudgsicle No Sugar Added Frozen Pops. Skeptic that I am, I didn't really expect them to be all that good but these are delicious -- I have no mixed feelings about them at all.

Fudgsicle No Sugar Added Frozen Pops come a dozen to a box. They are a delicious reminder of the old days when we didn't have to worry about calories. The matchless frozen but slightly chewy texture common to all "Sicle" products is here. Sugar has been replaced by Sorbitol and Maltodextrin, the milk is non-fat, but there is enough cocoa and a touch of malt to convey that wonderful, matchless Fudgsicle flavor of old. There was no aftertaste which I could detect and you know I...

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Meri says "It's a Keeper!" about Walnut Hollow Creative Versa-Tool

Meri — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:22:22 GMT

As a young girl I was given a wood-burning kit. I spent hours making plaques and wooden animals covered with my "art". When I had a daughter I introduced her to the craft as well. She made an incredible panda bear plaque worthy of display. I recently pulled out the old wood-burning tools and noticed that they were missing the interchangeable tips so anything I made would be limited to the use of one tip. I decided to purchase a new tool.

I couldn't find a duplicate of my old tool. What I did find however was much better. It is called the Creative Versa-Tool made by Walnut Hollow. This tool is a smaller version of the old wood-burning tool. It comes with a comfort grip and a heat protection shield so you can't burn your fingers while using it. It also came with a stand so that it can be safely stored and not burn counter-tops, tabletops, etc. It also came in a plastic storage case [so next time I look for the tips they will all be in one place]. I like that!

The tool comes with eleven...

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lonelycheese15 says "Dryer sheets are easier and more convenient." about Bounce Dryer Bar

lonelycheese15 — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:58:54 GMT

I didn't expect much when I got the Bounce dryer bar. I mean, how hard is it to pull a sheet out of a box and throw it in the dryer? I never have to go digging for it after the wash is done because I'll find it when I fold my clothes. So, I knew the Bounce dryer bar wasn't going to make my life THAT much easier, but I tried it anyway.

I ordered my free sample and waited patiently for it to arrive. It came within a couple of days and I hastily opened it and stuck it to the inside of my dryer, exactly how and where the package said to put it. I waited longer than the fifteen minutes advised before I tossed in my wet clothes and turned on the dryer...only to hear a clunking sound a few minutes later. I opened the dryer and dug my Bounce bar out of my clothes. I stuck it back on the holder and waited another fifteen minutes. I turned my dryer back on only to hear the same clunking sound. For the record, my dryer was not very full, so it should not have been the clothing pulling...

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Meri says "Whoa! Foam overload-" about Aquafresh Iso-Active Toothpaste

Meri — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:47:01 GMT

I have used Aquafresh Extreme Clean toothpaste for a couple of years now. I like the way it makes my teeth feel after brushing. When I saw commercials for the Aquafresh Iso-Active Toothpaste I thought it was a no-brainer. The foaming concept made sense; that being that the foam would whoosh up into small crevices, nooks and crannies, cleaning where no toothpaste had gone before.

The toothpaste comes in a can that dispenses the toothpaste through a pumping system. When pumped, it looks like normal gel toothpaste. Start to brush and the fun begins. The once tame toothpaste starts to foam. The more you brush, the more foam grows in your mouth. It is almost like it is alive- The toothpaste is supposed to foam up and work its way into hidden areas in your mouth, claiming it cleans better than ordinary toothpaste and can remove 3X more bacteria while it is doing its thing. Oh, did I mention it is supposed to whiten teeth as well?

Bottomline:

The Aquafresh Iso-Active Toothpaste does foam up as...

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Meri says "protects and seals without fail" about Krylon Workable Fixatif

Meri — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 01:44:30 GMT

I love crafts and painting. For years I have created personal projects for friends and family members but after going to all the work I want my projects to be protected. That is why I use Krylon Workable Fixatif.

Fixatif is easy to use. It comes in an aerosol can so it sprays on. The product comes out in a fine mist so it is hard to get too much of it on the item you are spraying. It works on charcoal drawings, pencil, watercolors, India ink and crayon projects. It prevents charcoal and chalk drawings from smudging and allows easy reworking of the project.

The Krylon Workable Fixatif makes colors "pop" off the page. It is the perfect product to finish a project. Maybe one of the best things about it is that it is acid-free and archival safe.

To use:

Shake the can for two minutes. Hold the project 6-9 inches away from the can and spray in a sweeping motion. The product dries fast so it is easy to apply several thin coats without risking running and ruining the project.

The Fixatif dries...

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Meri says "Foams away disposal grunge- whoosh!" about Magic American Products Disposal Magic

Meri — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 01:13:46 GMT

I am always looking for a way to deodorize my garbage disposal. I have tried real lemons, little balls of lemon scent and a citrus cleaner that claimed to do the trick but, I really haven't been sold on any of them.

The Disposal Magic product is a cut above the rest but I am still on my quest to find something that will take my breath away! [not literally, of course]

The package I bought contained 8 packets or pouches of cleaner. Although the bag says it is easy to use, I found that one time it did not foam away anything. I had to use a second pouch for the foam to rise up and act as though it was cleaning.

To use the Disposal Magic, simply turn on the hot water and let it stream into the disposal for at least a minute. Turn the water so it becomes a trickle. The disposal should be off at this point.

Continuing with the disposal on off, insert one of the packets into the disposal. You don't have to unwrap it or anything- just put the whole thing in.

Now, turn on the disposal. If it works...

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AnnaBanana says "A great treat but -- Chocoholics, don't hold your breath!" about Skinny Cow Low Fat Fudge Bars

AnnaBanana — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:03:02 GMT

Just in time for Thanksgiving, I found another "alternate" dessert since one cannot live by Pumpkin Pie alone. If you've eaten a big dinner or it is getting late in the evening and you just want a light sweet snack, you might want to try Skinny Cow Low Fat Fudge Bars which are delicious big hunks of ice cream firmly grounded on a sturdy stick for convenient indulging. These frozen bars don't really taste like a low-fat product -- alas, they do not really taste much like chocolate either! To all the Chocoholics out there, I can save you a lot of time and disappointment by advising you to look somewhere else for your true fudge fix.

STATS:

A 74 gram frozen bar is considered to be a single serving containing 100 calories with 10 calories from fat. There are 1 gram Total Fat, a half a gram Saturated Fat, zero Trans Fat, 3 mg. Cholesterol, 45 mg. Sodium, 22 grams Total Carbs, 4 grams Dietary Fiber, 13 grams Sugars and 4 grams Protein. Also included in each bar are 2% (D.V.) Vitamin A, 4% Iron,...

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