Reviews by Friends of Katrena

PattyTherre says "If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, what will two a day do?" about Kettle Valley - Frunola High Fiber Fruit Bars (All Flavors)

PattyTherre — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 05:06:50 GMT

Quick View: I personally love Kettle Valley Frunola High Fiber Fruit Bars (All Flavors) but everyone I have given one to try shuns them. My one son thinks they're gross, my other one says they're "not very good", and my sister says they're not edible. Maybe it's me but I like the idea of a bar that has two and half servings of fruit, nothing artificial, and is super high in fiber. I think they taste like fruit roll ups or fruit leather. Yummy.

About Kettle Valley Frunola High Fiber Fruit Bars (All Flavors)

Most people who know me - or even read my reviews - know that I put a lot of emphasis on fiber in my diet. Fiber is very filling and great for the digestive tract. I never get enough in my everyday diet because I don't eat a lot of, well, anything. I am not big into fresh fruit although I will eat it if it's in front of me. Same with fresh veggies. Love em but don't want to bother with them unless they're right there. So...I look for snack bars to help boost my fiber intake.

Kettle Valley......

Bryan-Carey says "Listen to Your Baby and the Neighbors at the Same Time" about Fisher Price Sounds and Lights Monitor

Bryan-Carey — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 03:33:56 GMT

Anyone who has infants and young toddlers likely has a baby monitor, both for reasons of safety and for the peace of mind a baby monitor brings. Monitors range widely in terms of price and capabilities and one of the more budget- priced devices available is the Fisher Price Sounds ‘N Lights Monitor, an inexpensive way to make sure your baby is safe and sound.

Monitor Commentary:

Fisher Price Sounds ‘N Lights Monitor is a simple device that consists of two main pieces: A Transmitter and a Receiver. The transmitter for the Fisher Price Sounds ‘N Lights Monitor has an on/off switch and a channel switch that offers two settings: Channel "A" and Channel "B". A few small openings at the top of the transmitter act as a microphone to pick up the sounds. The receiver has identical channel selectors and on/off switch, but with a few more features. The on/off switch is also the volume control on the receivers. Above this switch is a panel that features four arcs of light. As sounds take place...

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this2shallpass19 says "Your baby will have so much fun in this, just watch the fingers!" about Graco Jumpster

this2shallpass19 — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:34:44 GMT

When my son reached the age when he didn't want to sit in his activity center anymore, but couldn't walk yet, I decided that was the right time to get him a jumper. I heard that these things have been around forever and kids loved them, so I was excited to try it out.

The Graco Jumpster is a jumper that you attach to a door frame. There is a spring that keeps the jumper securely attached when you place your baby in the seat. There is a tray in the front for snacks or toys. The seat is removable and washable.

When I placed my son in the Graco Jumpster for the first time, he was too young. He just sat there and didn't know what to do. I tried it again when my son was 5 months old and he loved it. He would jump up and down and laugh so hard!

My only problem with the Graco Jumpster is that there is nothing to protect your baby's fingers. Several times, my son has collided into the wall or door frame and smashed his fingers between the wall and the tray in the front of the...

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huggamira says "Holy Hype!" about Dior Diorshow Mascara

huggamira — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:55:15 GMT

The Dior show mascara is on almost every fashion guru/addicts lips. Word is that they make you look like you have false lashes on. Hmm...I have no lashes, so as long as I get some lash action - I am happy.

Okay, it did that. Not false ones, but it It gave me something. If you ask me though, the price isn't worth it. I would go with Voluminious (Loreal) or if you want to pay $$$ Lash injection by Too faced.

Including the fact that you "should" replace your mascara every 6 months for sanitay reason, I wouldn't dole out that much for a tube that I'll be putting on every now and then anwyays. I rarely ever really have the time to do so, so I'm happy with my Loreal or Too faces for special occassion.

And with the sanitary thing, the second time I tried Dior show, it was at a Macy's counter and my eye inflamed because the women used the wand right out of the tester bottle. Big mistake - I am now traumatized by any counter girl holding a mascara wand.

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jasyjen says "A comfortable exercise bike with adjustable seat." about Schwinn 235 Recumbent Bike

jasyjen — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:51:06 GMT

I hate exercising, I really do. Through the years I've tried different things, but I just can't stick to any of it. My mother had bought herself the Schwinn 235 recumbent bike after her knee surgery, and then gave it to me afterward. The bike was very comfortable to sit in, and the seat was easily adjustable, which was good because if my husband used the bike, he would always change the seat. The way that this exercise bike is designed, I was able to easily change the seat back to the place that was best for me.

I have a bad back and deal with a lot of pain and discomfort, however, the Schwinn 235 recumbent bike was actually supportive of my back. The padded hand grips made it easy to get comfortable and support myself getting into, or out of, the bike. And because the bike is recumbent, is takes a lot of pressure off of your spine when you exercise.

The bike has an electronic panel that displays the distance you've traveled, the speed you are going, and the calories you've...

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Fardreamer says "The original Star Wars Trilogy soars in this 2008 box set!" about Star Wars Trilogy (2008 Edition)

Fardreamer — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:30:41 GMT

Although Lucasfilm Limited and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment released several variants of the classic Star Wars trilogy on DVD in the fall of 2004, many die-hard Star Wars fans had mixed feelings about the way in which the now-famous space-fantasy saga set "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away" was being presented to them.

On the one hand, most fans were pleased that after a long wait of five or six years since the Digital Video Disc format had been introduced, George Lucas had finally gotten around to transferring Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Most of them - myself included - already had at least one boxed set of the VHS videotapes, of course, but were anxious to see what the Trilogy would be like when it was presented on the much-improved DVD.

On the other hand, quite a few were disappointed because the films wouldn't be the original versions released between 1977 and 1983 but rather the retouched versions of the 1997 Special Editions, which...

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joyjoy says "Use this where there is no room for a clothesline." about Homz Laundry Expandable Drying Rack

joyjoy — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:51:28 GMT

I have some items I prefer not to put in the dryer but the back yard in my townhouse is too small for a clothesline. But I found the perfect solution in this Expandable Drying Rack. Made of metal, and being lightweight, it can be used indoors or outdoors. On nice days I can set it up on my patio, other days it can be used inside. Folding flat for storage it takes up very little room when not in use.
It is easy to set up, the leg extentions slide into the frame and are locked into place with a button; open the rack and lock the hinges into place. On top is a mesh shelf for drying items that cannot be hung or clothing can be hung from the rack using clothes pins.
Overall this is any excellent alternative for anyone with limited space and a good alternative when clotheslines are impractical or impossible. I purchased this item from MilesKimball.com although it may also available offline....

this2shallpass19 says "Absolutely perfect sippy cup - no complaints here!" about Munchkin Munchkin Mighty Grip 10 oz. Spill-Proof Cup Baby Bottle

this2shallpass19 — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:08:36 GMT

I bought my son his first sippy cup a couple months ago and it was the Munchkin 8 oz Mighty Grip Trainer Cup. Since then, he has been drinking more formula, so I bought him the bigger version - Munchkin Mighty Grip 10 oz. Spill-Proof Cup.

There are a couple differences between the Trainer Cup and this 10 oz. cup. 1) This cup holds two more ounces and 2) this cup is taller and does not have handles.

The Munchkin Mighty Grip 10 oz. Spill-Proof Cup is made from BPA-free plastic, so you don't have to worry about dangerous chemicals leaching into the liquid. The nipple is made out of a soft, bendable silicone spout. For some reason my son likes to chew on it and I'm sure it will not last as long as it could, but that's not Muchkin's fault.

This cup really is spill-proof! When I bought the smaller 8 oz cup, I didn't think a cup could be spill-proof. I did some experimenting and learned that it really was spill-proof. Since your baby has to suck on this spout, there is a valve that...

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jps246 says "I really like my Outfitter Wrap wristwatch from Columbia" about Columbia Sportswear Stainless Steel Outfitter Wrap Watch Large Watch for Men

jps246 — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:08:04 GMT

The Outfitter Wrap is a fairly simple wristwatch. There aren't a ton of features but it looks good, fits well and is easy to glance at and get the time.

The watch has a standard dial/analog face that shows the hours and the minutes. The hands are easy to see since the watch itself and the face plate are black, but the numbers, second marks and the hands are colored white, which allow them to stand out better. In addition to being able to tell the time, there's a date function that gives you the day. The watch is waterproof up to 100 meters.

I like how comfortable the strap is on this watch. The neoprene is smooth and comfortable against your skin. It's also stiff but has enough play that it'll conform to your wrist as you wear it.

I also like the look and the feel of this watch. It's fine to wear hiking without worry but even so, it wouldn't look out of place if you were wearing it to work or around town. I know I wear it pretty much everywhere.

My Take

If you are looking for a new watch...

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jps246 says "Wet Warming Lubricant works well but I didn't notice the warming" about Wet International Warming Water Based Personal Lubricant 5.1 oz

jps246 — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:53:32 GMT

While I've really not been able to notice the "warming" sensation from this lubricant, it has been a good lubricant that both my partner and I have enjoyed.

The Wet Warming Lubricant is a water-based lube that is clear and non-staining, warms on contact with skin, is safe to use with condoms and is gentle enough that most people shouldn't have any reaction to it. Another benefit I think is the fact that it has very little odor, unlike some other lubricants. You can use the Warming Lubricant directly on the skin, it's safe for condoms and you can also use it with any toys that you may be using.

The lubricant is easy to wash off and it doesn't leave any residue or much of a smell. Warm to hot water works best though, cold water alone doesn't seem to get all of the lubricant off of you. The warming part of the stuff is more personal. I really don't notice it, but my partner swears that it really warms up. Maybe it has more to do with your skin and your own senses.

My Take

I've...

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this2shallpass19 says "Ranch, bacon and cheddar cheese - what else do I need?" about Stouffer's Lean Cuisine Panini - Chicken Club

this2shallpass19 — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:00:32 GMT

Since Lean Cuisine is my favorite frozen food brand, I do not hesitate to try any of their meals because I know I will probably like them. I think they offer the tastiest flavor combinations for low calorie/low fat entrees. One of my favorites is the Stouffer's Lean Cuisine Panini - Chicken Club. It encompasses all my favorite things: bacon, ranch and cheese and it's all on sourdough bread.

Lean Cuisine says: "White meat chicken, bacon, tomatoes & ranch-style sauce on sourdough bread".

I was hesitant to eat a frozen sandwich fearing that it would be soggy. That's not exactly the case with the Lean Cuisine Panini. Although it's not as crunchy as I would like it to be, it's not necessarily soggy.

You place the two pieces of the sandwich on the "Grilling Tray" and pop it in the microwave. While it's cooking, wonderful smells are permeating my kitchen, making the the 2 minutes and 45 seconds that it takes to cook, unbearably long.

When you take the panini out of the microwave,...

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kalexias says "Dreamtime smells like chamomile tea." about LUSH Dreamtime Bath Melt

kalexias — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:15:21 GMT

LUSH Dreamtime Bath Melt is a solid bath oil melt that is meant to be used in a warm or hot bath. It does not create bubbles or fizz, but very effectively softens and fragrances the bath. If you've never tried a bath melt from LUSH, this is a good one to start with. The only other one I really like so far is You've Been Mangoed which I have already reviewed.

As I said in my soundbite, Dreamtime smells just like chamomile tea. It also has a heady lavender note which helps to freshen the scent. I found the fragrance to be very calming and extremely sleep-inducing. The scent lingers and lasts for a couple hours after bathing -if you can stay awake long enough to notice.

There are no bubbles, fizz or show from the melt, but what you do get is an inviting foamy, creamy layer on the top of the bath water as it melts -this is from the moisturizing oils. The water does not turn a pretty color but instead resembles dishwater which is no biggie for me since the "show" is in the fragrance. There are...

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huggamira says "The only baby oil I trust and love" about Johnson's Baby Oil

huggamira — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:26:59 GMT

This is my go-to baby oil. The classic name and all the good experiences I have with it. The scent alone can bring me back to many good memories.

I use it for taking off make-up, curling my hair, and espescially for when I just get out of the shower as a moisturizer - slap it on and towel it off. It's really great and beats paying a billion bucks on lotions and body creams. And is even easier when it comes to moisture therapy for my son. During winter season he is a major dry skin sufferer. I add a couple capfuls to his bath and a little more around the problem areas when he is done and the chronic dryness dissapears in a matter of days.

In the summer, it's one the most convenient - though not most healthy - tanning oils I know.

A definite staple in my house, and I would not choose any other no matter the price. I had a very bad experience with a generic brand when taking off my make-up, my whole left eye swelled up when I got some baby oil in it. Not fun and itched so BAD!

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huggamira says "Good for quick fixin's - at your own risk" about Cover Girl Smoothers Pressed Powder

huggamira — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:15:50 GMT

I have used this CG powder for years, but it seemed that it was also the same reason that I have been an avid acne spot sufferer for these past so many years as well. The applicators sponge is the harborer of all that is unfriendly skin irritating bacteria. The longer it stays in that compact after you've "touched up" the more the bacteria grows to irritate your skin.

Although, I have remained loyal to CG, I have decided to ditch the compacts for the sake of my skin's sanity. I've used this compact since high school, so I still don't have the heart to throw them out of my make-up case. Even if It seems that just looking at them can cause me to break out in the most unsighlty places due to my sensitive acne prone skin.

Instead, I have those rice papers for blotting - which can be disposed of and oh so discreet.

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huggamira says "Really grabs every lash" about Loreal Lash Architect 3 D Dramatic Mascara, Black Brown / Pack, 3 Ea

huggamira — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:07:42 GMT

The wand on this baby is the real genius behin the whole tube. It's a bit like a spider, fur, thorn like design that grabs every single lash and coats it with a good even amount of mascara.

No matter how tiny the lashes, this brush is going to find them and do it's job.

...and trust me, I know all about tiny lashes, considering mine are very short.

It does clump very easy and will need to be replaced often, as it seems the formula Loreal used for this mascara is cheaper, powdery, and thinner than that of the more famous ro popular ones. (Voluminous)

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huggamira says "Not a fan of this Sunsilk brand" about Sunsilk Anti-Flat Weightless Volumizing Creme

huggamira — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:01:58 GMT

I'm all about leave-in creams.

I have about a gazillion bottles under my bathroom sink and out of many many many of them, this is the the first one I have chosen to throw into the garbage.

Though it smells good, like a banana and a passion fruity flowery scent, It weighed my hair down and made it impossible to upkeep.

Greasy, oily, build-up with like a weird sheen of silicone oddness - This bottle seemed to have possessed all those nasty things I hate in my hair. I hate to have to be the one to tell Sunsilk, but this was totally miscategorized under "weightless".

Maybe I just got a bad batch,(it was on sale) or perhaps I did the whole application procedure incorrectly, but I was better off using a jar of body cream in my hair for volume than this mess.

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PattyTherre says "Killer abs? You may FEEL like you died after doing this workout." about The Bender Method of Core Training DVD and Ball

PattyTherre — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:35:56 GMT

Quick View: When I ordered my Crunchless Abs DVDs, I was offered The Bender Method of Core Training DVD and Ball for an extra 10 bucks so I said sure, why not? I never really stopped to think that I was ordering a crunchless program because crunches hurt my neck. Still, this method works pretty well but it isn't all that special. You could easily do the same exercises with any small inflatable ball.

About The Bender Method of Core Training DVD and Ball

The makers claim that using the Bender Ball makes crunches 408% more effective than regular crunches. If that were true, I would only have to do one a day and be done with it. The ball is flimsy. It needs to be inflated with a pump or straw and it's fairly hard to get it inflated the right amount.

After I got the ball inflated, I tried the DVD. The one included for the 10 bucks is the instruction one and it has three levels of difficulty - beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The beginner section is only three minutes long, the intermediate......

CyndiA says "Not Momma biscuits, but Grands southern biscuits style are good." about Grands Biscuits Southern Style

CyndiA — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:20:34 GMT

I make biscuits and may be behind the times, but I am OK with Grands Southern Style biscuits. They are not the same as the ones I roll and cut, but they are good. They are also quick, so I can handle farming out the bread to Pillsbury.

The Grands line are the big, fluffy biscuits in the tubes. If you've only had the low end canned biscuits, there's a difference. The Grands really are better, unless you want to make bread-on-a stick camping. Then, you want the cheap kind - small and not so much fat in there. Those work better over a fire. The Grands have too much fat in there and tend to burn over a fire.

Grands cook up big and fluffy in the oven, but the texture is not like home rolled biscuits. You just can't duplicate that. This is close enough, and my boys love the Southern Grands. It's much easier on me, so I'm not going to argue. They do prefer I make them, but some days do not work out for cooking up scratch biscuits.

I do not use Grands biscuits when I make biscuits and gravy. That...

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awlafon says "Queen & King get Royal sleep on Tempurpedic ClassicBed" about Tempurpedic Classic Mattress

awlafon — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:10:49 GMT

Tempur-Pedic Mattress

ClassicBed

I am quite sure that if the royal family had put the pea under a Tempur-Pedic mattress then the Princess from the "Princess and the Pea" would have never felt it, never married the Prince and would be still be wandering around bed hopping.

The King in my fairy tale had surgery several years ago followed by complications and long term therapy. We had a fairly new King size Sealy mattress that we both really liked just fine but several helpful folks in the medical field suggested considering a Tempur-Pedic mattress. With the 90 day money back guarantee, we decided to try one out and may I say that we have slept happily ever after.

It is important to know that there isn't one Tempur-Pedic mattress. Tempur-Pedic has a whole line of mattresses with varying details that all feature the unique Tempur foam material.

Tempur-Pedic Sleep Systems:
GrandBed
BellaSonaBed
AlluraBed
CelebrityBed
RhapsodyBed
BellafinaBed
DeluxeBed
PrimaBed
ClassicBed
AdvantageBed
OriginalBed
ClassicBed......

Jo says "Garmin c320 Pilots us onto the wrong Streets" about Garmin - Street Pilot c320

Jo — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:58:04 GMT

We finally got a GPS system for our SUV and for our current Florida trip. I did the research and chose the Garmin Street Pilot c320. Price was really the number one factor in our choice since my Lexus has a GPS as does my Blackberry. We spent about $100 on the Street Pilot - we got a great deal - sort of.

The Garmin StreetPilot has detailed maps throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. There are close to 6 million updated points of interest. It allows turn by turn navigation and it gives you postal code support for Canada.

The Garmin StreetPilot c320 has text and voice-guided directions. There is an SD slot and it comes with a 128MB SD card.

Pros

My husband and I are still together in spite of Gertrude the Garmin Street Pilot c320.

Garmin Street Pilot c320 is easy to read at night

The suction is good. We have not had it fall off the window.

The voice is easy to understand and adjust. We've listed to the English voice and the British voice and found them very clear.

We can touch a button...

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