Reviews by Friends of Kaimania

dmlichnerowicz says "How my husband keeps me happy" about Ferrero Rocher - Ferrero Rocher Fine Hazelnut Chocolates

dmlichnerowicz — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 19:33:48 GMT

Every year for Christmas, my husband gets me a box of Ferrero Rocher for my stocking. Frankly, he could get me absolutely nothing else, and I'd be happy. Well, not really, because I love presents, but you know what I mean!

Ferrero Rocher Fine Hazelnut Chocolates are a delicious combination that starts with a whole hazelnut buried in creamy chocolate filling, surrounded by a crisp wafer, all of which is then dipped into a milk chocolate and chopped hazelnut coating. Every candy is wrapped in gold foil for a beautiful presentation.

These chocolate candies are fantastic! The blend of crunchy, crisp, and creamy textures keeps them interesting, and the flavor of hazelnut and chocolate just can't be beat! Ferrero Rocher is available in various package sizes, from little rolls with just three candies to an entire pyramid or holiday-themed boxes containing 24 individual pieces. In my opinion, the small package of three is just enough to get you craving more, so buy in bulk! Five...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Share your faith and brighten your home with Blessings Unlimited" about Blessings Unlimited

dmlichnerowicz — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:19:08 GMT

I have become a fan of Blessings Unlimited recently, after receiving several gifts from their collection. Blessings Unlimited, a company that functions as home-based businesses, markets inspirational home decor and gifts. The company's motto is, "Be inspired. Be connected. Be blessed." As much home-business as ministry opportunity, Blessings Unlimited offers people the opportunity to share their faith along with building financial stability for themselves. Their website has a catalog that can be viewed, but purchases have to be made either by calling the company or by hosting a gathering.

My take: The products that are offered are absolutely beautiful. I own several different types of products, from tea towels to serving platters to figurines (see photos, but view their catalog online at blessingsunlimited.com for better images). While their prices are a little steep, every item I have purchased or received from Blessings Unlimited has been well worth it. Fabrics are...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Amazing little gadget!" about Pampered Chef Dripless Pourer/Stopper

dmlichnerowicz — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:00:29 GMT

We typically don't polish off an entire bottle of wine in one sitting when it's just me and my husband. I have broken off more corks trying to shove them back in the neck of the bottle to store it for later use! So my mother, the Pampered Chef diva, gave me the Pampered Chef Dripless Pourer/Stopper for Christmas. What a perfect little gadget!

What it is: The pourer/stopper has a double-lipped and tapered pour spout, to catch extra liquids and points the beverage in a more directed stream, so you end up with no drips down the side of the bottle. The black stopper can be pulled up and pushed gently back down to seal with bottle, either just to keep it on the table to avoid spills or for storage after it's been opened. It can be washed in the dishwasher without risk of damage to the seal. And if you do run into problems, there's a 3-year extended manufacturer's guarantee.

What I like about it: This is a nice-looking and simple-to-use product. It doesn't require any effort...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Amp up your hot cocoa and coffee with a splash of Bailey's" about Baileys Irish Cream

dmlichnerowicz — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:48:32 GMT

I'm not normally into "foo foo drinks," preferring a simple beer or glass of wine. But when the cold months roll around, I love a little added kick to my hot chocolate and coffee, especially in the evening, sitting in front of the Christmas tree or watching snow fall outside. Bailey's Original Irish Cream is one of the most versatile drinks to keep on hand. A delicious combination of cream, whiskey and spirits, and chocolate, Bailey's Original Irish Cream can be consumed by itself or added into other beverages. Not only can you get the original flavor, but Bailey's also sells three other flavors: with a Hint of Mint Chocolate, with a hint of Coffee, and with a hint of Caramel.

I love the flavor of Bailey's Original Irish Cream all on its own, either on the rocks or hot and buttered (see their website for additional recipes.) If I want just a hint of the flavor and aroma, a dash in my hot cocoa or latte gives just a hint of sweetness and warmth to make it even cozier!

Bailey's...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Stave off your sweet tooth with a cup of this tea" about Lipton - Vanilla Caramel Truffle Tea

dmlichnerowicz — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 01:19:26 GMT

My office is always freezing, so I consume a ridiculous amount of hot beverages at work. So one of my lovely staff put a box of Lipton Vanilla Caramel Truffle Tea in with a gift she purchased for me for Christmas. Each box contains 20 individual pyramid tea bags filled with a blend of black tea and caramel, vanilla, and truffle flavorings, as well as cornstarch, and sunflower lecithin.

My take: Aside from not being quite sure what lecithin is or why it's in my teabags, this is a lovely drink. The shape of the teabags is a lot of fun and seems to steep better than regular flat teabags. The tea has a fantastic aroma...soft vanilla and caramel. I have no idea where the truffle comes in, because I don't smell or taste any cocoa, but it's still a great flavor. It brews to a decent strength, which is good, since I detest weak tea. While not very sugary, there is some sweetness and less bitterness than plain black tea. Because I'm trying to be healthier and lose weight, I've...

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dmlichnerowicz says "This is what ice cream is SUPPOSED to be like!" about Haagen Dazs 5 Brown Sugar Ice Cream

dmlichnerowicz — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:21:15 GMT

Not normally being a big ice cream eater, I only understood how people can LOOOOVE ice cream after trying Haagen Dasz Five Ginger Ice Cream. At that point, I became a convert, but only to the Haagen Dasz Five line. Since they're not cheap, I picked up two more flavors during a sale 2/$5 at Kroger and grabbed their coffee and brown sugar flavors.

Haagen Dasz Five Brown Sugar Ice Cream is the simplest concoction: sugar, cream, milk, brown sugar, and eggs. No preservatives, no coloring, no unpronounceable ingredients...just a natural, delicious, simple combination of flavors. Because it's not cluttered with extra and unnecessary other ingredients, this ice cream is just amazing. You can taste each individual component, and the brown sugar flavor stands out beautifully. Haagen Dasz describes it as "a rich brown sugar flavor, with light caramelized notes." It's sweet but not overpowering. Like their other flavors, I can only eat a little at a time. Each container is about...

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dmlichnerowicz says "High-quality chocolate from historic Lebanon, Ohio" about Golden Turtle Chocolate Faactory - Lebanon, OH

dmlichnerowicz — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:14:47 GMT

Having lived in and around Lebanon for almost five years, one of my favorite little haunts is in the historic downtown area: the Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory. About fifty feet from the Golden Lamb, Ohio's oldest continuously functioning inn (dating back to the early 1800's), the Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory is a small shop that sells an enormous variety of high-quality milk, dark, and white chocolates, both in their local store and online.

I have tasted many of the confections they make, and my absolute favorite are the dark chocolate-covered candied orange rinds. They look a little like cat poo, but they taste absolutely amazing! The chocolate is delicious, not at all waxy, and any order you place is neatly packaged up for you in white boxes with their gold logo embosssed on top. Prices are comparable to other chocolate speciality shops I have visited, and it is certainly worth it. The Golden Turtle Chocolate Factory products make beautiful gifts, additions to carry-ins...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Not even worth a dollar" about e.l.f. Eye Widener

dmlichnerowicz — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:58:12 GMT

My opinion of el.f. products has been progresively dropping, and the e.l.f. Eye Widener didn't help. E.l.f. Eye Widener is a white eye pencil designed to create "an illusion of bold and beautiful eyes that sparkle" and "help to awaken tired eyes for a more youthful and vibrant look." E.l.f. advises customers to appply the eye liner along the upper lash line and waterline for a wide-awake look. The new design of the pencil supposedly has a softer formula and a sharpener in the cap.

My take: Frankly, I thought it sucked. The pencil was really hard, and it was so difficult to apply to my eyes! Along my upper lid, it pulled my skin, didn't show up, and actually hurt a little! I had a really hard time even getting any color to show up on my waterline, and within minutes, the color was gone! It made my eyes water from all the pulling and rubbing, just to try to get some of the eyeliner onto my face.

I am so unimpressed by this product. Even the new, improved formula wouldn't...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Lush colors that go on forever...but you'll know it's there." about American Beauty Super Plush 10-Hour Lipcolor

dmlichnerowicz — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:46:54 GMT

In my search for long-wearing lip color, I purchased American Beauty Super Plush 10-Hour Lipcolor in Plum Whisper at Kohl's. Sold for $16.50, this lipcolor comes in 12 gorgeous colors, including Creamy Caramel, Blushing Rose, Cashmere Cocoa, and Velvet Peach. The tube contains two products: on one end is the lipcolor that you apply to your lips and let dry for one minute before applying the gloss from the other end of the tube. Some of the ingredients that make this "super plush" are aloe, lycopene, and vitamin E.

What I like about it: The colors are absolutely to die for!!! Prior to buying, I tried on several different colors with the store's testers, and every one of them was beautiful! The color sets quickly, and the gloss gives it a much nicer feel as soon as it's applied. The packaging is really pretty. When they say 10 hours, they're not kidding! I don't know that I get ten hours out of it without needing to touch up, but this is an incredibly long-wearing product. ...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Not so "light"..." about Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette Spray for Women

dmlichnerowicz — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:58:03 GMT

At Sephora, the sales representative graciously gave me a sample bottle of Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette Spray for Women. I love getting perfume samples before purchasing expensive brands, because if it doesn't mesh with my personality and skin, I get really annoyed wasting money on it! Well, I'm definitely glad I got the sample on this one before buying...

The notes of citron, granny smith apples, bluebells, white rose, jasmine, amber musk, and cedarwood don't really smell anything like that at all! To me, this perfume smells like baby powder crossed with soap meets a flower garden. I have read numerous other reviews in which the spray is described as "light" and "fresh," but I actually find it very heavy and overpowering. I actually don't find it a very creative perfume...it seems I've smelled it somewhere before and it's not very original. It may just be me, but I am not a fan! After hours of wearing thsi perfume, it still burns my nose a little, even though...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Gorgeous color that lasts and lasts and lasts!" about Benefit Benetint Pocket Pal

dmlichnerowicz — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:41:01 GMT

In my search for a new long-lasting lip stain, I tried out several stain/gloss combinations. Unimpressed with the drying quality of the stains and the tackiness of the gloss in several brands I tried at drugstores and department stores, I ran to Sephora for help from one of their representatives who always look great and have been helpful to me in the past when I needed advice. Sure enough, struck gold with them again! The first product the rep pointed me to was Benefit Benetint Pocket Pal, which she uses herself. After trying it in the store, I didn't blink twice at the $20 price tag and snatched it up.

Benefit Benetint Pocket Pal is two products in one: the lip tint with brush at one end and a clear gloss with applicator at the other. Benefit very nicely gives a reminder to carefully open the container with the tint pointing down, since it's very liquidy and I'm sure some people may have had mishaps with the stain spilling if opened improperly. The tint does have methylparabens...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Cookies in a flash!" about Pampered Chef Cookie Press

dmlichnerowicz — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 22:25:37 GMT

As a kid, we baked hundreds of spritz cookies around Christmas time, gave them in gift exchanges, took them to every holiday party imaginable, and froze them to pull out whenever we needed them. My mom's old press was a metal one, that is still working. Pampered Chef makes a new version, which is an improvement even on their original cookie press design.

Pampered Chef Cookie Press, sold for $29.50, is made up of a dish-washer safe, plastic, see-through case, with 10 metal disks for different patterns, and a twist-top plunger. In addition to 9 cookie shapes, there's also one disk that can be used to rice potatoes! This baking tool comes with a one-year guarantee, so even if you run into problems, you can get a replacement. The old model that PC made was a ratchet press, which they received a lot of complaints about, so it was re-designed to be a twist-top press. (See photo to the right for the old design.)

What I like about it: I love the different disk designs. In addition...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Love my Plan B in case my computer crashes!" about SanDisk Cruzer Micro (4 GB) USB 2.0 Flash Drive

dmlichnerowicz — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:30:10 GMT

One of my biggest fears since switching over to my digital camera is that my computer will crash and lose all my photos. Not being technologically inclined, I knew that I could get a little flash drive that was portable and would put my mind a little more at ease, so I purchased the Sandisk Cruzer 4 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive for around $15 at Walmart.

What I like about it: This is so easy to use! No software to install, just plug it into the USB port, and load any documents or photos on. It has a little thumb grip that slides forward to expose the connection, and then retracts to keep it protected. No cap to lose! I also like that it lights up when plugged in, so you know it's working. There's even a little metal ring so you can attach it to your keychain for portability! The whole flash drive is only about as long as my finger and is really light, so it won't weigh you down. When you plug the flash drive in to your computer, it gives you the option of transferring the...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Keep your paper bag puppets...I'll wait in line for tickets." about Fandango

dmlichnerowicz — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 03:31:51 GMT

We rarely go to the movies. And when I say rarely, we average about once a year. But since I had two Fandango coupons to use, courtesy of Viewpoints, we made a date of it to see The Blind Side.

What I like about it: I have to admit, the Fandango commercials at the theater with the crazy paper bag puppets do crack me up. The convenience of being able to buy tickets online and then just go into the theater without the hassle of waiting in line really appealed to me. But frankly, my love for it stops there. Because that's not exactly how it works...

What I don't like about it: I had $10 in savings, and two tickets ran me $20. Not bad...half off! However, the $2 "convenience charge" was an additional $2 that they don't even tell you about until you're checking out. Please! I'd wait in line to save two bucks! I printed off my receipt, but I still had to check in with the ticket window to get into the movie, so I'm not sure what "convenience" they're talking about! I...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Gotta love a true story with a moral, great cast, and FOOTBALL!!" about "THE BLIND SIDE"

dmlichnerowicz — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 03:28:42 GMT

Given a choice, I'll always go with a true story over fiction...The Blind Side is a great example of one of those movies, based on the real life story of Michael Oher, that renews my hope in the power of love.

What I like about it: This film has a great case: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, as well as a slew of real-life university football coaches. While the movie starts at the "end" of the story, it moves back the beginning and how Michael Oher came to live with the Tuohy family, changing his life from a kid from the ghetto to a private school football star with a shot at the big time, all because a family stepped out of their comfort zone to make him one of their own. The costume design was great! Sandra Bullock really pulled off the Southern belle with attitude, and Tim McGraw filled the role as her very patient husband well. I was amazed at how much Quinton Aaron actually looked like Michael Oher. It seems they went to great lengths to keep the story true to...

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dmlichnerowicz says "A Reese Cup I'll actually eat!!!" about Reese's - Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

dmlichnerowicz — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 01:47:00 GMT

I really hate the smell of peanut butter, so I avoid Reese's Peanut Butter Cups like the plague. But the hubby loves them, so when he picked up a bag of Reese's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, and I didn't have any of my own snacks in the house, I broke down and ate a few out of necessity. Reese's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups were introduced in 2003 as a limited edition product, because of their popularity, were re-introduced on the market.

Even though I expected to be grossed out and reminded of why I hate the milk chocolate version, I was shocked...these are really good! The dark chocolate has a much better taste than Reese's milk chocolate, which I find to be very waxy. It's also a stronger flavor, which minimizes the flavor (and aroma) of the peanut butter filling. I'm still not impressed by the peanut butter's texture, finding it a little gritty. They also have a little problem...the miniatures tend to leave little chocolate crumbs everywhere when you peel the...

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dmlichnerowicz says "Help my scalp but not my hair" about Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Conditioner

dmlichnerowicz — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 01:20:00 GMT

On occasion, I use Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Conditioner along with their shampoo to reduce dry scalp, especially during the winter months. This conditioner promises to reduce scalp flaking and itching...and I'll agree, it does that. When combined with the shampoo, I find that my scalp feels more hydrated and I don't notice as much flaking when used at least once a week. However, I don't feel that my hair is as smooth or silky as with my Dove conditioner. The hair shaft feels smooth when I rinse the product out, but once I blow-dry and style my hair, it gets frizzy faster from the lack of moisture.

I do recommend this product if you need treatment for dry scalp, but if you're looking for a conditioner that will leave your hair silky, this won't cut it. I usually shampoo with Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Shampoo, use the Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care Conditioner, then condition with just a little of my Dove conditioner before my final rinse. That way I get the benefits...

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dmlichnerowicz says "I can actually see a difference in my skin's texture!" about Oil of Olay Total Effects Body Wash

dmlichnerowicz — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 23:53:30 GMT

I was surprised to get a free 2 oz. bottle of Oil of Olay Total Effects Body Wash in a package after I requested a coupon from Proctor & Gamble. Normally, I stick with my Caress body wash and haven't been hugely impressed with Oil of Olay's other body washes, so I was skeptical. But free is good, right?

Oil of Olay Total Effects Body Wash, a new product (so new in fact, that it won't be released in stores until February of 2010) promises to treat 7 signs of aging while cleansing and exfoliating with every use. It promises to:

Improve elasticity
Relieve dryness
Deeply moisturize
Brighten dull skin
Even skin tone
Smooth rough skin
Minimize the appearance of fine lines

In one shower, Oil of Olay claims to deliver smoother skin, within a week, improve elasticity, and within a month, give you younger-looking and more radiant skin. BIG promises! But does it actually deliver?

My take: I'm not a fan of the scent. It's difficult to describe, but it just smells very heavy to me. ...

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dmlichnerowicz says "A big help to dry skin sufferers in the winter months!" about Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Shampoo

dmlichnerowicz — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:48:15 GMT

I got a sample packet of Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Shampoo from Proctor & Gamble. I've used Head & Shoulders in the past, but it came with coupons, and I'm always up for free stuff. This version of Head & Shoulders is geared toward the dry scalp condition more than actual dandruff. Being someone with dry skin, that can be a minor problem for me during the winter months when my skin dries out even more!

What I like about it: Well, obviously, the free sample was really nice of P&G! The smell of the shampoo is fresh and doesn't smell medicinal. It works into a nice thick lather. As far as treating dry scalp, this does a great job! No itching or flaking after a few uses!

What I don't like about it: The price of the actual bottles is a little bit high, but because the product really works, I don't see this as a barrier. My husband only uses Head & Shoulders, and I never complain about the price because it is so effective. The only issue I have is that I don't feel...

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Jolie says "buyuggsboot.net is a scam! Ugg Boots from China that are fake." about www.buyuggsboot.net

Jolie — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:22:46 GMT

Background on Buyuggsboot.net

A friend of mine at Viewpoints recently passed along a site called www.buyuggsboot.net. She found it online. www.buyuggsboot.net is a web site that sells all styles of Ugg Boots at discounted prices.

We werent certain if www.buyuggsboot.net were the real or not. But after a thorough review of the site, we thought it was legit. Buyuggsboot.net looks like a reasonable reseller of Ugg Boots. The page is designed well, the pictures look authentic and they make claim to having the real deal. They also consistently site throughout the web site having customer satisfaction commitments.

To add to the thought it was authentic, the pricing seemed good but not amazing. As you probably know a typical pair of Ugg Boots cost about $110. On Buyuggsboot.net the cost was $89.00- approximately a $20 savings. Seemed like a good deal, but they werent so cheap that I thought it could be scam. As an aside, last year Nordstrom had a similiar sale on Ugg boots so the pricing seemed...

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