Reviews by Friends of JazzSinger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Fardreamer says "Beevor's D-Day is bound to be a classic on the WWII campaign" about Antony Beevor - D-Day: The Battle for Normandy

Fardreamer — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:39:38 GMT

A few months ago, while I was flipping through one of my issues of Time magazine, I came across a glowing review for Antony Beevor's newest book, D-Day: The Battle for Normandy.

In a nutshell, the Time article caught my eye because the Battle for Normandy, which started off with the largest amphibious operation in history and culminated with the liberation of Paris almost three months later, has fascinated me since I was old enough to read excerpts of Cornelius Ryan's 1959 classic work about June 6, 1944, The Longest Day, in old copies of Reader's Digest.

The term "D-Day" has come to be forever linked to that fateful June morning in which paratroopers and soldiers from a multinational alliance landed along a 50-mile stretch of coast in the French region of Normandy, and many excellent books and documentaries have focused on the 24-hour period of the initial landings.

I've read quite a few of those, including The Longest Day and Stephen E. Ambrose's 1994 D-Day June 6, 1944: The Climactic...

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

Meri — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:01:13 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Burt's Bees Lip Balm

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

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

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

Beeswax Lip Balm

Replenishing Lip Balm

Honey Lip Balm

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

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

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

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

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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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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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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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pitcherday says "Just as good as regular brownies!!!" about No Pudge Fudge Fat -Free Fudge Brownie Mix

pitcherday — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:32:47 GMT

Well, I am trying to watch what I eat, but still... I love to have a little something sweet every day. Even a fun-size candy or a few M&M's. I need a little sweetness.

While looking for something sweet in the local supermarket, I spied the No-Pudge fat-free cappuccino brownie mix. It said all you had to do was add some fat-free yogurt and you were good to go. "Yes" I thought "this is worth a try." I wasn't too excited that cappuccino was the only flavor my store offered, but I went for it.

I only needed to buy a one-serving sized cup of fat-free vanilla or French vanilla yogurt. The mix calls for 5 1/3 oz of yogurt. The cup I got was 6 oz. I didn't measure it, I just left a little in the cup. At first, I thought there was no way that the little bit of yogurt in that bowl of dry mix was going to make a batter. When I mixed it, it turned into chunks, then crumbles, and then amazingly, a smooth batter! I just stirred it with a wooden spoon, not an electric mixer. It doesn't say not to use...

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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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GigiandAdonai says "Snail mail: When you care enough to buy a Forever Stamp. " about United States Postal Service "Forever" Stamp

GigiandAdonai — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:53:51 GMT

I remember months ago when AnnaBanana reviewed the Forever Stamp. Please click here if you would like to read her review. It's very intriguing. The Forever stamp that when purchased at its current price never loses its value as the postage rates go up. Therefore, right now the standard stamp cost $0.44 each. I can buy a book of 20 self-adhesive stamps for $8.80 and if I am still holding one those stamps 10 years from now when the cost of an individual stamp is $1.00 or more I can still use my stamp without adding additional postage.

I am from the old school. I still love to send/receive cards and letters the old-fashioned way, via snail mail. I enjoy getting an e-card or a letter that has been emailed but there is something special about getting that card or letter in your mailbox. I think for me I have added the sentimentality of being able to put it in my hatbox along with all the other cards/letters that I keep. Many nights I will find myself going through old mail...

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