Reviews by Friends of Eyerater

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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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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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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Meri says "Great Variety of Designs ..." about Provo Craft Cuttlebug Embossing Folders

Meri — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:07:34 GMT

After using my Sizzix Embossing Machine for a while I was bored with the embossing folders that came with it. I searched my local craft stores and found a couple designs that I liked but was disappointed in the lack of variety that I found. I decided to go online. I found several designs I liked but most were sold out. I noticed that the Cuttlebug brand made embossing folders that looked just like the Sizzix ones and wondered if they would be interchangeable.

I made another trip to the craft stores to check them out in person. Again, I was disappointed in the variety but I discovered that they were the same size and decided to try one. It worked great but the embossing depth was not as good as the Sizzix folders.

Bottomline:

The Cuttlebug embossing folders are the same size as the Sizzix ones and work in the same manner. The designs are plentiful and super cute but the folders are not as sturdy as the Sizzix ones. I found a site that had scads of folders on clearance so I ordered enough...

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Meri says "Addictive Family Fun Made Easy!" about Cardinal Mexican Train Game

Meri — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:28:37 GMT

Years ago we learned to play Mexican Train with a set of double colored dominoes and pennies for the trains. The rules were passed down through memory. After a number of years I discovered and bought a battery operated "train station" that whistled when the middle was depressed at the end of each hand. It also came with little plastic colored trains that made the game a lot more fun than using pennies. Still, after several more years I discovered the Cardinal Mexican Train Game that took all of the game components and housed them in an adorable silver suitcase along with game scorecards.

This game is equally fun for an evening with friends or family. All ages will love it and maybe make it their favorite game. The rules of the game are easy to understand and once a practice hand or two are played strategy begins. Sometimes you'll win. Sometimes you'll lose because no matter how good of a strategist you may be, luck comes into play.

The object of the game is to discard all of your dominoes....

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Jo says " Quick Top Can Cap: best invention under $2.00" about Compac Industries Quick Top Can Cap

Jo — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:22:27 GMT

To the Point

Although the Quick Top Can Cap is an "as seen on TV" product, I picked it up in Wal-Mart. I was looking for inexpensive soda can tops but found the Quick Top Can Cap instead. I hesitated because it was over $2.00. I thought that a lot for what seemed to be a plastic top but it is so much more and really worth the money.

A Closer View

The Quick Top Can Cap was really a necessity for me. We are on the road traveling so I can put the cap on my soda and not be afraid of taking a drink and having it all over me. We also pull a travel trailer. I made the mistake of putting an open soda in the refrigerator.

I love using the Quick Top Can Cap on the beach or outside. I put the can in the arm of my chair and feel as if a bug or bee won't fly in my can.

The Quick Top Can Cap is amazingly versatile. The cover acts as both a cover and a coaster. The can seals into the cover so it stays put. The cap can also be used as a cup.

The Can Cap is dishwasher safe though I have only washed...

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Jo says "Yankee Candle Company Reed Diffuser Sparkles in the Snow or Sun" about Yankee Candle Company Reed Diffuser- all scents

Jo — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:31:06 GMT

Yankee Candle Company Reed Diffuser was my first diffuser. I was always afraid to buy one because of the warnings of not putting them on fabric, etc. I have the Sparkling Snow scent which was a gift.

It wasn't until I started this review that I realized why I like the scent - it has patchouli in it - one of my favorite smells- along with pine and fruits.

The Pros

Unlike some fragrance dispensers the Yankee Candle Company Reed Diffuser gives off the same smell for a long time.
The reeds are put into a beautiful decorated glass piece. The Sparkling Snow has a hand-decorated (really?) white snowflake on it.
The aroma is subtle unless you are sitting right next to it.
There is no flame.

The Cons

It takes 24 hours after putting in the reeds for the fragrance to come about. It can be quicker and these can be refressed by inverting them and then re-inserting the reeds.
The Yankee Candle Company Reed Diffuser is made in China.
You have to be careful with the oil.
The price is $12.00.

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Meri says "Beautiful Depiction of Good vs. Evil" about Avatar (2009)

Meri — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 02:52:14 GMT

My husband and I went to the mall a couple hours before the movie was to play on the IMAX screen in 3D only to find out it was already sold out. We chose to see it in REAL 3D on the regular screen rather than to wait for another showing. We really had no idea what to expect from the movie, Avatar but it wouldn't have mattered because it surpassed even the highest of any expectations that could have been held.

Avatar stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Sigourney Weaver and Michelle Rodriguez. The casting was excellent. They each play their parts perfectly. From Sigourney Weaver and Michelle Rodriguez with their tough gal attitudes to Zoe Saldana's exotic air the girls add depth and emotion to the script. Stephen Lang is the perfect G.I. Joe type. Sam Worthington, who was considered for the part of James Bond over Daniel Craig makes the ideal hero. Sweet and enduring he stole my heart with his youthful no-fear factor.

The movie was directed by James Cameron. Directing some...

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AngelaWLaFon says "MK Signature Eye Color Duets Color Me Happy" about Mary Kay Eyeshadow

AngelaWLaFon — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:12:24 GMT

Mary Kay Signature Eye Color Duets

Mary Kay Signature Eye Color Duets makes choosing compimentary eye colors easy. Each eye color duet comes with two sections with two shades of one hue. MK consultants can also give you a helpful eye color application guide that shows you how to apply you're duets eye colors.

Why I like MK Eye Color Duets:

-Complimentary colors are already paired.

-Lots of colors to choose from.

-Can be applied "wet" or "dry."

-Stays put and doesn't crease.

My latest favorite MK Signature is "Blue Moon." The name is misleading because it's not exactly "blue" but rather one is smoky and the other silvery. It's been my go to eye color fo the holidays. Blue Moon looks really good on people with "Spring" or "Ocean" coloring like blonde hair and blue eyes.

A lot of Mary Kay makeup is made in the U.S.A. I noticed that this eye color duet is made in Italy.

With any eye shadows I think a eye color primer is helpful for longer lasting color and I think good applying...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Variety is the spice of life and I like the Aramis Life variety." about Aramis Life Eau de Toilette Spray

AngelaWLaFon — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 04:29:57 GMT

Aramis Life Eau de Toilette Spray

I like it! My husband has been a Estee Lauder for Men cologne wearer for a long time and I love the scent. He occassionally also wears Royall Lymn which is a winner with me too. It's easy to get comfortable in our ways and in our sprays but recently my husband tried out some Aramis Life Eau de Toilette. I like this one too!

Aramis Life has been described as "woodsy" and "spicy." I don't disagree but to me the scent is really soft. I don't mean "baby" soft. It's a very manly scent but many men's colognes start out soft and end with an edge and this cologne is just really smooth all the way through.

Yes, the bottle is attractive too. It's a bright blue with a silver top.

Aramis Life is very reasonably priced. It's smells clean and manly but yet very smooth and soft. It's more of a casual scent. It's easily an every day scent because it's in no way overpowering but to me anyway, it's very attractive. It makes you snuggle up a little closer...

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MikeMaroon says "Lost in, but never Rescue Me from These Shows I watch with Glee" about Best TV 2000-2009

MikeMaroon — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 19:17:57 GMT

Here we are at the end of another decade. Of course, I know you can carve any 10 year chunk of time out of the calendar and call it a decade and, well, it is. 1993- 2002 is a decade, BUT we mortals tend to think in multiples of 10 and so, for the purpose of categorising things, we think the beginning of all decades involve a number ending with a zero. Therefore, for most of us, Jan 1, 2010 will begin a new decade.

Now, any ole hack can pick the top 10 TV shows for a year, but this ole hack is gonna have the audacity to name the best (at least in my mind) TV shows I saw in the past 10 years. I KNOW! But, anyway I do understand that anyone making a list like this is gonna bring their preferences and biases into it and I'm not a huge sitcom or reality show fan, which is why you won't find much of that here. I must say, there was a LOT of quality TV out there and it was a tough choice, but I picked the shows that I just couldn't resist. You may or may not be surprised by some...

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Meri says "Scents a Home in Minutes" about Rimports ScentSationals Ceramic Fragrance Wax Warmer

Meri — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 18:50:40 GMT

My daughter gave me a Scentsationals Ceramic Fragrance Wax Warmer along with four packages of Scentsationals scented wax cubes. [She had told me how wonderful the product was and how much she loved the fragranced wax cubes but I couldn't find them in the stores here.]

The ceramic warmer is electric and warms the fragrance cubes with the heat of a 25 watt lightbulb. Within five minutes the whole room begins to smell heavenly. Because the heat emitted is so small it is safe to leave the warmer plugged in 24/7. If you prefer to turn it off and on at will there is an on and off switch on the cord.

At night the warmer acts as a night light as the light shines through small openings on top and around the sides of the warmer.

Each package of fragranced wax comes with six cubes. Simply cut off one cube and place it in the warmer top. Plug in the unit and forget about it. Each cube lasts anywhere from 4-9 days.

There are several styles of warmers to choose from and scads of fragrances. My daughter...

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lilsquibb says "Faded Glory Life Suede Slip-On's are Like Pillows for My Feet" about Faded Glory - Women's Life Suede Slip-On Shoes

lilsquibb — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 01:31:30 GMT

I admit it… I’m a shoe person. If we had more resources I would have more shoes. But I normally keep it to a pair of tennis shoes, pair black and pair brown. Since I rarely buy myself new shoes my black pair was getting really worn, where I knew they would not make it through the winter. So, my search began for a pair of black shoes that were both comfortable and dressy enough for work wear – oh yeah a cheap price tag would be helpful as well. My quest ended when I spotted the Faded Glory Women's Life Suede Slip-On Shoes at Wal-Mart.

The Faded Glory Life Suede shoes are simple in style, yet look nice enough to put with dress pants or jeans with no problem. The shoe is a slip on, with a touch of elasticity on each side. These are simple black suede shoes with a plaid accent on each side of the shoe and accent stitching. These shoes come in 2 different colors; black with wither dark grey or light grey and brown with a tan plaid. My choice was the black with dark grey,...

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Jo says "New Green Acres RV Park, SC: A great overnight stay" about New Green Acres RV Park, Walterboro, South Carolina

Jo — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 23:59:27 GMT

We left Massachusetts several days ago heading south. The first campground in which we stayed one night was New Green Acres RV Park in Walterboro, SC.

Information you may want:

www.newgreenacres.com
396 Campground Road, Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 538-3450
The longest and widest pull-thru sites east of the Missisippi. That is according to the website; however, the sites were very long and although we are used to backing, in most of the sites were pull-throughs so we went with that.
Electric hook-up (30 and 50 amp)
Water and sewer
Cable- but note: it is an additional $2.00.
Laundry
Swimming Pool
Children's Playground - Note: I wan't all that impressed with the playground. All in all I consider New Acres a great place to stay for a night of two but it is not a destination campground- especially since it seemed to be in the middle of nowhere!
Dog Playground
Wireless Internet Service though we didn't use it so it either wasn't available or it was to hard to use.
Restrooms...

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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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lilsquibb says "Keeping Paint and Tools HANDy with the HANDy Ladder Pail" about Bercom HANDy Ladder Pail

lilsquibb — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:39:00 GMT

Though you wouldn’t be able to tell by our house, my husband paints for a living. This means he is always on the look out for the most convenient and efficient painting tools to help. We had originally purchased the HANDy Paint Pail when he started out so he knew when his boss introduced him to the HANDy Ladder Pail it would also be a quality product. Since they primarily work on new construction jobs, they have a need for a bucket that will hold a good quantity of paint.

The Ladder Pail is great for large paint jobs due to its deep capacity and functionality. Measuring about the same size as a roller tray, the Ladder Pail features 6” deep walls, which are perfect for holding at least a gallon of paint. Let’s just say its large enough for a 2-year old to comfortably sit in. The three main features of the Ladder Pail include a ladder bracket to attach to your ladder, a magnetic holder on the side for your paint brush and a paint grid for use with a roller. The magnetic...

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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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