Reviews by Friends of Melodie83

Bryan-Carey says "American Diabetes Association: Advocate for the Diabetic " about American Diabetes Association

Bryan-Carey — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:34:47 GMT

Do you know someone with diabetes? Chances are you do. More than 25 million people in the United States alone suffer from this annoying and sometimes fatal disease and the numbers continue to grow each year, due in part to the obesity epidemic and poor eating habits among Americans of all ages. The foremost charity that works on behalf of diabetics everywhere is the American Diabetes Association, a non- profit health organization.

Charity Commentary:

The American Diabetes Association mission is threefold. First, this organization wants to assist those who presently have diabetes and help them live a normal life. Second, the American Diabetes Association wants to educate the public and help prevent future cases of diabetes. Third, this health organization wants to search for a cure. Its annual spending budget is divided among these three key areas of support.

I have been an active contributor to the American Diabetes Association for many years and what first drew my attention...

...

LisaCarey says "Definitely not on the customer's side" about Nationwide Insurance

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:38:26 GMT

We used to have Nationwide Insurance for our homeowners insurance. We purchased it when we relocated to Houston from Knoxville. Over the three years we had it they had bad customer service, shoddy business practices and changes or increases without contacting policy holder to tell them.

Let me give you a few examples:

My dishwasher broke and flooded my downstairs kitchen area which is an open floor. When calling to find out my deductible I received three different answers - all of them equaling that it is a percentage of the value of my home. I said ok, well the taxed value is this, no it's according to Nationwide standards. if they say your house is worth x dollars then it is. They increased the level of the value of my home by $50,000 causing my deductible to be almost 1000.00 more.

Constant disagreements between the contractor and claims adjuster. It took over 4 months to make the repairs and get my new dishwasher. The payment schedule was hit or miss and to this day I still...

...

LisaCarey says "Dusts, protects, moisturizes and smells great too!" about Old English Lemon Oil

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:27:14 GMT

A new dining room table reminded me that I need to start buying Old English Lemon Oil. I probably should have been using it before, but with a new table, chairs and china cabinet it is absolutely necessary now (and a good excuse to have it in the house.

What I like about Old English Lemon Oil

cleans woods
conditions, protects and moisturizes
smells great
easy to use
polishes - makes even old wood look new again
versatile

What I don't like about Old English Lemon Oil

can't use it on everything so it's one more cleaning product to carry around the house
it is oily - but if it wasn't it wouldn't work so well would it
have to go over the wood twice - once to use Old English and once to buff it

Some of this is a pain, but it is SO worth the work because my table and other furniture looks great and I love the way my house smells when I am done cleaning. I like the shine on the wood and the fact that Old English Lemon Oil takes good care of my woods so that they can last...

...

LisaCarey says "Absolutely my favorite flavored vodka " about Absolut Mandarin Vodka

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:20:30 GMT

One of my favorite activities is to have some friends over, have a few drinks, enjoy a good meal and watch our children play. One of the alcoholic beverages that I like to have in my home bar is Absolut Mandarin Vodka for it's ability to make just about everyone happy.

What I like about Absolut Mandarin Vodka

tastes great on its own or mixed (if drinking alone be sure it is chilled)
great mixer
versatile
smooth
80 proof

What I don't like about Absolut Mandarin Vodka

a little bitter aroma
expensive

While I don't mind paying for quality, the expense of this bottle means that it better last a long time, but Absolut Mandarin Vodka doesn't stick around long, once it is opened many enjoy it.

My suggestion, drink chilled on the rocks, with tonic and a twist, or mixed with 7 up. And if you use diet guess what - no carbs! So it's almost good for you too!

Consider Absolut Apeach too as a nifty drink to add to your bar - it tastes great mixed with 7 up or orange juice. ...

...

LisaCarey says "Nothing select about this beer except maybe the calories" about Budweiser Select 55

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:06:03 GMT

Normally I leave the beer reviews to the experts like AleConnor and BryanCarey, but I have to say in this case there is something to be said for a woman's point of view on Budweiser Select 55.

Let me start by saying, I am not a big fan of Budweiser, but it will do in a pinch and I won't turn one down if you are giving it to me, but I'm not going to actually pay for it. But the idea of a beer with only 55 calories made me at least give it a try.

First, let's start with the pour. Even I know a good beer requires a good head. Forget it, this one falls flat.

Aroma, normally I associate skunky smell with beers in green bottles but in this case the award goes to Budweiser Select 55 in a clear bottle.

Color, caramel "ish" sort of a light golden brown - but who cares when you got all those other things NOT going for it.

Taste, yuck, and double yuck. Even those among my friends who aren't beer snobs like me didn't care for it. One even committed the ultimate offense - poured it down...

...

LisaCarey says "Overpriced but fun in its own unique way " about Houston Downtown Aquarium

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:58:18 GMT

I have actually had several opportunities to visit the Houston Downtown Aquarium and am now finally getting around to writing a review. One of the nice things about living here means you have all kinds of fun things to do - things that you may take for granted and forget to share with others.

What I like about the Houston Downtown Aquarium

cool - as in everything is inside and even on a hot day you can enjoy your visit
set up nicely I like having the gulf and the ocean, and the rainforest
unique opportunities - for example you take a train ride to see the shark tank and there are usually some type of performance in the square
outdoor boardwalk atmosphere - with games, ferris wheel, train ride and carousel

What don't I like about the Houston Downtown Aquarium

it is small
it is seriously over priced
the restaurant is so over priced we haven't eaten there
valet parking?
and not enough parking for regular (btw it's $6.00 to park)

So, while Houston Downtown Aquarium...

...

LisaCarey says "There is light at the end of my tire " about Accutire MS-4357B Programmable Tire Gauge with Light

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:41:41 GMT

While I may be a "techie" when it comes to cars and repairs I admit to being at the mercy of a repairman. My idea of checking the air in the tires is eye balling them - since I have children in my car and also had a driving trip coming up this is something I worry about a lot (I got a flat on the interstate once in 100 degree heat and was pregnant so this is one of my biggest fears). Instead of eye balling or having to borrow one at a station my husband decided to make my life and his a little easier with the Accutire MS-4357B Programmable Tire Gauge with Light.

What I like about the Accutire MS-4357B Programmable Tire Gauge with Light

everything!
the ergonomically correct curve to the handle makes it easy to hold into place to measure tire pressure
light display
big easy to read numbers
programmable - I don't have to remember what the pressure in the front and back tires is supposed to be

If like me you don't have a DIYer when it comes to the car the Accutire MS-4357B Programmable...

...

LisaCarey says "Strikes hard at computer viruses and spam " about vipre AntiVirus

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:45:51 GMT

I admit, that considering what my husband and I do for a side business antivirus protection is not only essential but we quite often have to change to another program based on our needs or a clients needs. Right now I am using vipre AntiVirus which I had no real knowledge of until I read about it in some trade magazines.

What I like about vipre AntiVirus

easy to install
sort of easy to configure my preferences
runs in the background (most of the time - see what I don't like)
catches a lot more than I think Trend did
constant updates and scheduled
notices about new threats
works on email too (only specific ones)
$36.95 for three home computers - 1 yr
no useless emails about new products or services

What I don't like about vipre AntiVirus

I have to stop using my computer when the virus scan runs it makes mine too slow, however, my husband doesn't have the same complaint
no notices when it catches something - I would like to know so I don't visit a website Trend did...

...

LoveisJoy says "Tea Stains are no Match for Rembrandt Whitening Mouthwash" about Rembrandt Whitening Mouthwash with Fluoride, Fresh Mint

LoveisJoy — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:40:49 GMT

When I'm not drinking tea, you can find me with a cup of coffee or a glass of Diet Pepsi. Since I want to keep my teeth looking clean and fresh without giving up my favorite drinks, I'm always looking for over-the-counter whitening products that are both affordable and effective. My favorite new mouthwash is Rembrandt Whitening Mouthwash. My teeth stay reasonably white, and my dentist no longer frets about stains on my wisdom teeth.

Rembrandt is made with peroxide--a proven tooth whitener. The mouthwash comes in an opaque, white bottle which makes it stand out from the other rinses on the store shelf. Another difference is that Rembrandt is a clear, colorless liquid as opposed to the minty green-blue-red colors that you typically find. I poured about two tablespoons of liquid into a cup and began to swish. The taste is not anything to write home about, but the mouthwash felt different from others I've used. There is considerable foaming action--I imagine bubbles reaching into...

...

LisaCarey says "Getting business with these easy to use self print cards " about Avery Clean Edge Business Cards, 2 inches x 3 1/2 inches, White, 80 Cards (28878)

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:34:14 GMT

You may wonder why a SAHM would need business cards. Guess what I sort of wondered the same thing too until I started meeting other mothers at playdates, the library and the park. I was a little surprised the first time one of them handed me a "business card" with her contact information on it but found that where i live it's pretty normal. My husband and I also have a second business and occasionally need a card quickly so Avery Clean Edge Business Cards, 2 inches x 3 1/2 inches, White, 80 Cards (28878) come in handy.

What I like about Avery Clean Edge Business Cards, 2 inches x 3 1/2 inches, White, 80 Cards (28878)

don't smear when I print
easy to use Windows to create
no need to wait for professional ones in the mail (even if I only paid for shipping)
easy to tear cards
handy
can do my own design and choose the information I want to share
don't get caught in my printer - as long as I follow directions one sheet at a time

What I don't like about Avery Clean Edge...

...

LisaCarey says "A pretty complete resource guide for traveling with children " about Brigitte Barta - Lonely Planet Travel With Children

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:17:57 GMT

Travel can be fun - it can also be a lot of work. Add to the work of planning and packing for a trip the additional needs of children and now you may feel that sometimes you are better off at home with a stay-cation instead of off in the wild blue yonder of a vacation. Lonely Planet Travel With Children is a resource guide that offers parents some interesting and creative ideas for safely traveling with children and having family fun.

What I like about Lonely Planet Travel With Children

the divided sections that make finding details on a specific topic easy
the organization of the book is helpful and useful
offers important information and ideas for places you may (or may not) want to visit with your children
ideas on safely traveling with children
ideas for games and activities to make the travel time pass more quickly
short "stories" of travel

What I don't like about Lonely Planet Travel With Children

some of the advice is either so obvious I wonder why it would be in a...

...

LisaCarey says "Too big, too bad at customer service and too late for flights " about O'Hare Airport - multiple airlines

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 03:32:11 GMT

A death in the family meant taking whatever airlines and layovers needed to arrive in Dayton, Ohio on time. Usually I avoid layovers and connecting flights especially when I am traveling alone with children but in this case a trip through O'Hare Airport - multiple airlines was necessary to arrive in time for a funeral.

Arriving at O'Hare Airport - multiple airlines after a delayed flight out of Houston I find that my connecting flight to Dayton Ohio was of course all the way over in another section of the airport (sections labeled ABC). So, I load up the kids in the stroller and look for a shuttle in the hopes that we make it on time.

Arriving at a shuttle entrance I find that you have to walk down two flights of stairs to get to the shuttle to the other terminal. Did I mention two children and a twin stroller - not to mention my carry on luggage. No elevator! A airport employee took pity on me as I probably looked like I was going to burst into tears at the thought of missing...

...

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 &...

...

LisaCarey says "At least they are taking vitamins! " about Disney Gummy Chewables Complete

LisaCarey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:07:03 GMT

Prior to flying my mother (who works in a hospital) called and said, "You better be giving those grandchildren of mine vitamins before getting on an airplane and breating all the germs that everyone else will be bringing on." Well as much as I hate to admit it, she has a point and so we purchased Disney Gummy Chewables Complete to try to get our girls to take vitamins for the very first time.

Disney Gummy Chewables Complete contain:

Vitamin A - 1500 IU
Vitamin C - 15 mg
Vitamin D - 200 IU
Vitamin E - 15 mg
Vitamin B6 - 0.5 mg
Folic Acid - 200 mcg
Vitamin B12 - 3 mcg
Biotin - 45 mcg
Pantothenic Acid - 2.5 mg
Calcium - 3 mg
Iodine - 30 mcg
Magnesium - 2 mg
Zinc - 2 mg

Sounds pretty good doesn't it? My youngest caught on in one try at taking these vitamins. It took a little more convincing for my middle daughter (age 4) to actually take them. Most of the times she started to and then spit it out, she didn't like the flavor.

Now they both take them no problem, the fun colors and chewy gummies make...

...

LisaCarey says "One of my back to school tools even now " about Elmer's School Glue

LisaCarey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:33:40 GMT

I have always loved the excitement of purchasing back to school supplies, and I have to admit that even now I always make sure to purchase some essentials during a back to school sale and when the price is right. Elmer's School Glue is one of those that I do purchase every time.

What I like about Elmer's School Glue:

tried and true
a brand I can trust
glues better than other liquid glues
works well on scrapbooking, cards, and crafts

What I don't like about Elmer's School Glue

it dries up in the lid
I can't always use all of it because it gets trapped
sometimes it is too runny

Elmer's School Glue has, for as long as I can remember been in my "school box" as well as my oldest child's. My youngest still use it in preschool, so there has to be something said for some many parents, children and teachers using this liquid glue above all others. With the great back to school prices I will also keep stocking up on this glue at the beginning of every school year!

...

LisaCarey says "A new organic chapter in health a day " about New Chapter Every Man's One Daily

LisaCarey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:20:04 GMT

Ok, fall and winter are here and with it my allergies and seasonal cold that never seems to go away until the warm weather arrives - I am lucky in Houston that doesn't take long. Preparing for an upcoming flight I knew I needed a little "boost" to my immune system and that's when I "borrowed" my husband's New Chapter Every Man's One Daily vitamins because I didn't have any.

What I like about New Chapter Every Man's One Daily

stregnthens your immune system
vitamins and minerals
near the 100% RDA on most vitamins and minerals
organic, whole food tablets

What I don't like about New Chapter Every Man's One Daily

huge pill
hard to swallow
aroma
taste
no lock on the bottle cap

New Chapter Every Man's One Daily gives my immune sytem an extra boost, and gives me most of what I need in vitamins and minerals. Of course this is made for men, so I didn't "subtract" points because it didn't have everything a woman needs (like higher Calcium or folic acid) because, well it's not meant to. But...

...

LisaCarey says "A true story of courage on a journey to justice " about Carlotta Walls LaNier and Lisa Frazier Page - A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School

LisaCarey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:07:17 GMT

Carlotta Walls LaNier and Lisa Frazier Page - A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School is an inspirational story of the first African American girls to attend a then all white "upper class" school as part of the Little Rock Nine, a group of black students that were part of the landmark decision to end segregation in U.S. schools.

Carlotta Walls LaNier and Lisa Frazier Page - A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School is a narrative account of Carlotta's fight for justice and to have an education as good as any other available. Some tales will make you laugh out loud. Others will bring tears to your eyes. But one thing stands clear - the courage of those who were involved with the story and who began a whole new chapter in the history of the U.S. and in education.

You also learn a great deal about southern culture, family and African American culture.

Carlotta Walls LaNier and Lisa Frazier Page - A Mighty Long Way: My...

...

LisaCarey says "Really sticks to it on whatever needs labeled " about 3M Permanent Adhesive File Folder Labels, 0.6 x 3.4 Inches White, Laser/Inkjet, 750 labels per pack (3300-H)

LisaCarey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:56:27 GMT

It's hard to stay organized in both the home and the office. Labels on folders, envelopes and other places are helpful. They are also helpful when I have to label everything that leaves this house whether for school or a playdate and 3M Permanent Adhesive File Folder Labels, 0.6 x 3.4 Inches White, Laser/Inkjet, 750 labels per pack (3300-H) are not only versatile but helpful in labeling anything I need to label.

What I like about 3M Permanent Adhesive File Folder Labels, 0.6 x 3.4 Inches White, Laser/Inkjet, 750 labels per pack (3300-H)

easy to use
versatile
easy to format and type using Word
they really STICK
easy to load, print, label, stick and display
can use them just about anywhere

What I don't like about 3M Permanent Adhesive File Folder Labels, 0.6 x 3.4 Inches White, Laser/Inkjet, 750 labels per pack (3300-H)

remember once it stick it it may not come off
if you put too many in the printer feeder at a time they can get stuck
paper jams because they are thicker than regular...

...

LisaCarey says "I'm a Cajun cook and didn't know it " about Pamela D. Lyles - Da Cajn Critter

LisaCarey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:45:17 GMT

I love Cajun food, and can make a recipe or two. My husband thought he would treat me to Da Cajun Critter cookbook so I could learn some more recipes and of course let him be my test subject in the kitchen.

What I like about Da Cajun Critter:

friendly writing style
some well known and not so well known recipes
easy to follow recipes
the "trivia" in the back of the book on everything from wine and food pairing to the War of Northern Aggression

What I don't like about Da Cajun Critter:

not enough "original recipes - many of these I already know and cook with
no pictures - I love to see at least pictures of the finished product.
some more drink recipes would be nice
more "Mardi Gras" type recipes so you could plan a party

Overall, what "sells" Da Cajun Critter is the writer - her personality really shines through. It was a little disappointing to already know many of the recipes she includes, but the good news is there is still enough for me to try - and make true.

...

LisaCarey says "Who knew alcohol could be good for you? " about Paul Abercrombie - Organic, Shaken and Stirred: Hip Highballs, Modern Martinis, and Other Totally Green Cocktails

LisaCarey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:34:59 GMT

Many of my "greener" tendencies my husband appreciates, especially when they save him green. Some other's make him green around the gills. After my requests for more organic foods from the grocery store he presented me with Paul Abercrombie - Organic, Shaken and Stirred: Hip Highballs, Modern Martinis, and Other Totally Green Cocktails, with a "Here honey, you can go green with your cocktails too!)

How fun is that!

This book is to teach the budding home bartender (and maybe those as very fancy bars) how to make drinks from organic products, alcohols, and organic fruits. Some of the recipes sound mouthwatering, others make me green with envy and others make me wonder where the green will come from to pay for the up to nine organic ingredients needed to make the drink.

Ok, the author may beat a dead horse with the word "organic" sort of like this reviewer with the word "green" so you get the idea. Maybe it is to keep people from substituting non organic products or maybe it is to go along...

...