Reviews by Friends of Messenger

LisaCarey says "Dress up dolls in the bathtub? " about Alex Tub Fashion

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:41:02 GMT

Do you remember playing with paper dolls and changing their clothes? My daughter's have moved on to Melissa and Doug dolls, a twin set that gives them lots of clothes and accessories that are magnetic to dress their not so paper dolls. Since they had so much fun with dressing dolls that way, one friend purchased the Alex Tub Fashion set for them to use in the bathtub.

Bathtub time is a big deal at my house. It includes bubbles and playtime long before we get to the business at hand. My girls only a year apart are still where they like to do everything together which includes not using their own bathtub but using mom's instead so that they can have more space to be mermaids. Alex Tub Fashion toy was immediately sent to its room.

What do I like about the Alex Tub Fashion toy?

there are two dolls - and I have two girls
there are plenty of dress up items
the easy to store bag allows them to drip dry
the girls enjoy them
easy to use - just stick the doll to the side of the...

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LisaCarey says "A few suds, no surprises but the girls love it because it's Dora" about Fisher-Price Suds and Surprise Dora

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:23:13 GMT

I was a little surprised with the girls were shopping for their birthday gift and they actually chose the Fisher-Price Suds and Surprise Dora. It didn't seem all that exciting to me but the price was right (on sale for $14.99) so I thought if they really want it that bad, sure let's give it a try.

The Fisher-Price Suds and Surprise Dora is a Dora doll that sits on a "tray' that is attached to the side of your bathtub and is removable. Dora's "head" is like those dolls that you can do their hair and put make up on their faces. The Dora head has longer hair than in the cartoon and when wet with cold or hot water it changes color adding stripes. It comes with a little bucket to pour water out and a sponge which causes tattoos to appear on Dora's face when used.

What I like about the Fisher-Price Suds and Surprise Dora

not too expensive
the tray attaches to the bathtub and really does stick
the girls enjoy it
still fun to play with even after all this time
good for ages 2 and...

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LisaCarey says "A cool mist that helps my family breathe easy at night " about Holmes Humidifier - Cool Mist Humidifier - HM1746

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:14:18 GMT

Who would have ever thought living in Houston I would need an humidifier? But two of my daughter's suffers from seasonal allergies and for some reason, as soon as the heat comes on the one has a stuffed up nose, even with the worst cold symptoms. Both my husband and I have seasonal sinus trouble too. My pediatrician recommended that she sleep with a humidifier in her room so needing one that didn't add to the Houston heat we purchased the Holmes Humidifier - Cool Mist Humidifier - HM1746.

What I like about the Holmes Humidifier - Cool Mist Humidifier - HM1746.

not too expensive
lightweight - I can take it from the bedroom to the family room so we can use it all day
once it is filled it lasts a long time
several different settings - from lots of humidity to little as well as three settings for how the fan functions
safety feature on the fan to keep little fingers safe

What I don't like about the Holmes Humidifier - Cool Mist Humidifier - HM1746.

it's noisy - it is not really...

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LisaCarey says "Soft on the nose and the blow " about Kleenex Facial Tissue with Lotion

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:56:12 GMT

I purchased Kleenex Facial Tissue with Lotion because it was less expensive than the Puff's brands with Aloe or Lotion. I wasn't disappointed but sometimes they just don't hold up to a good hard blow of the nose.

What do I like about Kleenex Facial Tissue with Lotion

softens my skin when I need a tissue
less expensive than other brands
works well - most of the time
easy to find at any store
variety of boxes for any decor
soft and smooth
helps with the pain and redness your nose can get from blowing too often

What don't I like about Kleenex Facial Tissue with Lotion

can't use for anything else
the lotion tends to give me a pimple or two on and around my nose
have to use two or more tissues sometimes for a good blowing of my nose

i admit, I have sensitive skin and when I have to use a tissue a lot (usually in the spring and again the entire month of December) the redness, drying and irritation that regular tissues give my skin is a real pain. At least when I...

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LisaCarey says "Tried and true remedy for congestion " about Vicks VapoRub

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:44:58 GMT

Here is how it works in our household (and probably yours too). One daughter gets sick. Then the next one, then mom (dad never gets sick lucky dad). Mom is now sick and caring for two or more sick children. Everyone has chest or nose congestion, stuffy noses, runny noses and coughing going on. I know that when all this starts happening whether it's the middle of the night or first thing in the morning, I can grab the jar of Vicks VapoRub and rub it on chests (Mommy that tickles) and back and that within a few minutes all of us will be able to breathe, even those who didn't need any help!

What I like about Vicks VapoRub

inexpensive
tried and true remedy for most cold and flu symptoms
versatile (use in the shower, place some on your chest and back, also leave some on the vaporizer
the scent
it works!

What I don't like about Vicks VapoRub

the sticky feeling - after I apply it it sticks to your clothing yuck!

But this is the most important thing, it is tried and true....

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LisaCarey says "Helps children with tough coughs and colds " about Wyeth Consumer Dimetapp Long Acting Cough Cold, 4 OZ (pack Of 3)

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:31:20 GMT

I know it's important for children to use a cough to break up chest congestion, but honestly sometimes you (as a parent) and they just need a little bit of down time for that tough painfully loud coughing that is making your children miserable and making it impossible for anyone to get any sleep. That's how the past week or so has been for this family as a tough runny nose and cough has made its way though each girl in this house. I decided to give us all a break and use Dimetapp Long Acting Cough Cold to hopefully get a little break and a whole lot of sleep.

What I like about Dimetapp Long Acting Cough Cold

grape flavor (1 our of 2 of the children like it and it's ok with me I'll take those odds)
small amounts needed to be helpful (1/2 teaspoon for preschoolers)
it really is long acting
children and mom get a break from the coughing
every one gets some sleep

What I don't like about Dimetapp Long Acting Cough Cold

one child has to be forced to take it
it's got lots of...

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LisaCarey says "My little princess likes to drink from this little princess cup " about Playtex Disney Princess Insulator 9oz 1-Pack Spill-Proof Cup

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:18:06 GMT

My daughter's have almost outgrown the whole "sippy cup" thing but at home it's nice to have a little extra cushion to prevent spills, especially since there is two of them and one of me. My most recent adventure into big girl sippy cups was the Playtex Disney Princess Insulator 9oz 1-Pack Spill-Proof Cup, priced at $5.99.

What I like about the Playtex Disney Princess Insulator 9oz 1-Pack Spill-Proof Cup

just the right size (sometimes a little too big but I have to refill less often)
3D Disney princess design
available in a variety of colors
the double pack was not double the price but only $7.99 and two is always better than one in my household
the click latch lid that lets you know for sure that the lid is screwed on
the easy to remove and clean seal
double wall insulation keeps drinks colder longer
the mouth piece is designed to teach children how to hold their mouth to drink from regular cups
easy grip design
my daughters love it

What don't I like about...

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LisaCarey says "Scrunching and Curling my hair with LOTS of this gel " about Garnier Fructis Gel Srunchy Curl 8.5 oz

LisaCarey — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:45:15 GMT

I don't have a lot of time to spend on my hair - which is part of the reason I take advantage of my curly hair for easy hair styles. The problem with that if finding hair care products that actually help me get the curls I want and that doesn't cost too much or weigh my already thick heavy hair down. Garnier Fructis Gel Scrunchy Curl Gel does just that.

What I like about Garnier Fructis Gel Scrunchy Curl Gel

easy to find it
easy to use it
inexpensive
smells nice
makes my hair curly without weighing it down
no crunchy feeling in my hair

What I don't like about Garnier Fructis Gel Scrunchy Curl Gel

you have to use A LOT to get the gel all throughout your hair and get curls everywhere

Garnier Fructis Gel Scrunchy Curl Gel is an great low cost curly hair care product. But by the time I got to the end of the tube (which by the way you need to store standing up or you can't get to all the gel) I was sort of tired of using it. Sure, it has some natural ingredients in it and...

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LisaCarey says "Little princesses tea party playtime is fun " about Disney Princess Tea Party Play Set

LisaCarey — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:28:13 GMT

My daughters, like so many other little girls are crazy for Disney Princesses. When they saw the Disney Princess Tea Party Play Set (27 pieces) they just had to have it and at $10.00 for the set that they could share I was more than happy to add it to their play kitchen at home.

The Disney Princess Tea Party Play Set contains 27 pieces with plates, spoons, forks, cups and a tea pot. They are decorated in pink, yellow and purple pastel colors and feature pictures of the Disney Princesses. They are durable, washable and attractive.

My girls love playing with the Disney Princess Tea Party Play Set! They use it to cook a meal and serve it to each other and their friends. We used it for a real live princess tea party where the girls all dressed up in their princess costumes and served real tea and snacks. The decals didn't even wash off after use!

With two girls, I am definitely getting my money's worth out of the Disney Princess Tea Party Play Set. This is an imaginative...

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LisaCarey says "Great hold for my curly hair style - not so great for my scalp " about Maybelline Garnier Fructis Style Volumizing Anti Humidity Hair Spray Extra Strong 3 250ml

LisaCarey — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:19:09 GMT

When I first started using Maybelline Garnier Fructis Style Volumizing Anti Humidity Hair Spray Extra Strong I thought, "Wow" this will be a great product to review it holds my curly hair style and gives me great lift. But unfortunately the more I used it the less I liked it.

What I like about Maybelline Garnier Fructis Style Volumizing Anti Humidity Hair Spray Extra Strong

inexpensive
easy to find
smells good
holds my hair style - curly or straight
helps with fighting humidity and frizz

Sounds great doesn't it? Until . . . .

What don't I like about Maybelline Garnier Fructis Style Volumizing Anti Humidity Hair Spray Extra Strong

dry scalp
flaky
makes my head itch

So you see the problem. I find an inexpensive, easy to find and purchase hair spray that is AWFUL for my hair. The more I used it the more itchy, flaky dandruff scalp I got. Don't get me wrong, I don't use a lot of hairspray just enough to lift and hold. But unfortunately with using Maybelline...

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LisaCarey says "Smooths the frizz in my hair but not too much for a lather " about Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo

LisaCarey — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:09:45 GMT

With naturally curly hair it is difficult to find shampoos and conditioners as well as styling products that can actually allow me to keep the easy hairstyle that curls gives me and that keeps the frizzy fly aways away even in the Houston humidity. I don't mind paying for quality, but we all have a budget so I was happy to try the Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo on my hair.

What I like about Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo

it makes my hair feel healthy and strong
fights frizzes better than most shampoos
not too heavy - I actually still have curly hair after using it
a little goes a long way
natural ingredients

What I don't like about Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo

it doesn't lather really well
it is really expensive
the aroma - I got used to it but the first few shampoos the tea tree and menthol aroma made me feel like I was trying to treat my sinuses not wash my hair
only find it at a salon or special stores

Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo is an excellent choice for straight...

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LisaCarey says "I can breathe again- boy this is fast acting!" about 4 Way Fast Acting Nasal Decongestant Spray 1 Fl.oz

LisaCarey — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:29:38 GMT

It's winter time, which means I have sinus trouble. Between the wonky weather in Houston (one day it's 70 the next its 55), travel, dry air from furnaces and the cold weather when I travel the months of November, December and January are tough on me. Desperate for fast relief I sent the husband out (my hero!) to pick up a sinus spray that would really work. He came home with 4 Way Fast Acting Nasal Decongestant Spray.

4 Way Fast Acting Nasal Decongestant Spray is easy to use, and only takes a couple of puffs of the applicator. The applicator actually is the right size for me, not too big and not too small. It is important to follow the directions as using this product too many times or using too much of it can really damage your sinus passages and cause nose bleeds.

That being said, if you follow the directions and just want quick relief then 4 Way Fast Acting Nasal Decongestant Spray is a good nasal spray to use. Within about an hour I was able to breathe freely and get...

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LisaCarey says "Takes off a days worth of makeup and more " about Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover

LisaCarey — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:12:01 GMT

My mom likes Clinique (and Lancome) in that order. I like Lancome and Clinique - in that order. The good news is that when we visit each other we don't have to pack our entire skin care regime but borrow from each other to take care of our skin. During my week of borrowing one of the products I absolutely had to use of her's was Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover.

I am not big on makeup, but when I put it on I use products that are meant to last a long time, all day and most of the evening too, so I use waterproof mascara's and long wearing lipsticks. This makes removing make up at the end of the day a little tough, so I need something that can "take the day off" and be gentle enough on my skin. Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover does a very good job of both.

Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover is easy to use, but I do suggest using only cotton balls. I was out, and used a tissue and ended up having to use far more than I normally do. so invest in some cotton...

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LisaCarey says "Great for moisture - not so much on wrinkles " about Olay Pro X Wrinkle Smoothing Cream

LisaCarey — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:55:55 GMT

Thanks to my membership with Vocalpoint I received a full size jar of Olay Pro X Wrinkle Smoothing Cream to give a try. Now, I am willing to pay more for a quality product, (like Lancome or Clinique) but was so glad I had the chance to try this first.

Let me start by saying, I don't really have any wrinkles. I do have one along the top of my forehead, but around lips and eyes I am pretty lucky. I think it's genetics because my mom still has beautiful skin and she is over 60. The first week that I used Olay Pro X Wrinkle Smoothing Cream the very first thing I noticed was that it was very smooth to apply, only took a little bit to handle my face and neck and that there was no "yucky" scent to deal with. It was also extremely moisturizing, so much so that I had concerns about my skin turning oily.

The next week I used Olay Pro X Wrinkle Smoothing Cream my skin was softer and smoother, but still no discernible difference with my wrinkles.

After a week traveling (and...

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LisaCarey says "I feel pretty oh so pretty - and romantic and I smell good too?!" about Michael Kors Fragrance

LisaCarey — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:11:46 GMT

Most people are very selective about the perfumes and fragrances they use. It's a very personal thing. For example Angela feels Beautiful when she wears Estee Lauder's fragrance every after many years of use. I feel the same way about Michael Kors perfume.

What do I like about Michael Kors perfume?

it's sexy, every time I put it on I feel like I am attractive
it's romantic
I like it so much I put it on just for me!
subtle tones, but "load" enough to stand out
every time I wear it someone asks me what I have on
the sales lady laughs when I buy it - saying you have to have a certain type of personality to go with this one - and I guess I got it
long lasting
florals, musks, spices

What don't I like about Michael Kors perfume?

it is expensive

Michael Kors perfume is not so subtle, or soft but it is brilliantly beautiful to the senses. It evokes romance and a feeling of being beautiful, not to mention gets me noticed. What more could a girl ask for in a fragrance? ...

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LisaCarey says "Makes me a Picasso with photos " about Google Picasa 3

LisaCarey — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:59:11 GMT

I am a frugal person by nature, and if I can find something for free that will do a job as well as something I have to pay for then I am all for giving it a try. Google Picasa 3 is one of those free things that works as well if not better than many other photo enhancement and publishing tools.

What I like about Google Picasa 3

it's free
it is easy to use simply download and start using it
stores my photos for me
allows me to safely and quickly share them online (without any need to have ads to buy something like Snapfish does)
easy to use correction and enhancement tools - zoom, cut, crop, red eye
and best of all - easy to do export

For example, I took hours trying to figure out how to make a picture the right size pixels using other tools. I really need pictures as part of my service writing articles and since I can't afford a professional photographer - it's all up to me. In order to make a photo the right size I simply go to the photo choose the short cut for export...

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LisaCarey says "Helps this family save on entertainment, dining and more!" about The Entertainment Book

LisaCarey — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:12:40 GMT

I love to save money, but don't we all. One of the best ways I found to save money many years ago (when I was a single parent) was the Entertainment Book. Now, many moons later, I am older, wiser, still a parent and still using the Entertainment Book just about every week. To be honest, the only time I didn't use it was when we lived in Knoxville because there wasn't one available there.

What I like about the Entertainment Book:

easy to buy online
pays for itself in just one use
used for dining, fast food, entertainment, dry cleaning, car washes, oil changes, travel plans, hotels,
helps me find places I may not have tried without the book
helps me save money wherever I go
savings with both coupons and the card
registering my book means I can use extra printable coupons from the website
coupons grouped according to usage
coupon index in alpha and neighborhood order

What don't I like about the Entertainment Book:

that this year I don't have two of them and...

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LisaCarey says "Doesn't get my shoes under anywhere " about Shoes Under Shoes Under

LisaCarey — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 07:23:46 GMT

Usually I am very hesitant to purchase most "as seen on TV" items, but I have had some success lately and honestly was getting desperate to find a way to store my daughter's shoes so that we could find them later. After much begging by my daughter to purchase the Shoe Under (she saw the commercials) her dad and I agreed and put through our purchase.

First, let me start by saying the site is awful. Sure I can get lots of them for less dollars (the more you buy the less they charge sort of) but then I had to pay extra for shipping. The doubled my order and never gave me a chance to correct it (no check your order function before submitting). You put in the number your credit card information and hit submit, there is not way to check anything to make sure there is no mistakes. Whallah! A screen pops up and I now have 6 of them coming in the mail and my credit card was charged for it. Next I find out that it's almost impossible to find their customer service number on the site. Once I had...

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LisaCarey says "Nothing fun about the fandango " about Fandango

LisaCarey — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 07:09:52 GMT

Once upon a time I could go to the theater and enjoy a good movie. Now, with young children in the house I have to be much more picky about when I see a movie and which ones I take time for. I first started using Fandango many years ago after moving to help me find cinemas and get information about movies but recently I also gave it a try for a Fandango gift certificate that I won from a contest right here on Viewpoints. (Thanks viewpoints!)

I wanted to take my children to see Toy Story 1 and 2 the double feature in 3D. While some of the online information was helpful such as the cinema and times some of it was confusing and I ended up having to call the cinema anyway. I did like that I could see a quick review there about the movies, but of course nothing that could rival the reviews here on Viewpoints.

Next I attempted to purchase my tickets and use my gift card. There were several things about this process that I didn't like. First, there are service charges - so much...

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LisaCarey says "Dora saves Swiper from the naughty list " about Dora the Explorer: Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure

LisaCarey — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 06:56:54 GMT

My daughter's love Dora the Explorer and as soon as the commercials started for Dora the Explorer: Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure they started asking me if they could watch it. I had every intention of letting them watch it - on television -- but a trip to the movie store and a tired mom expected snow over the weekend gave in.

In Dora the Explorer: Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure Swiper actually gets caught by Santa swiping toys on Christmas (apparently it's ok to do this on other days) and gets put on the naughty list. Dora decides to save Swiper and they go through a series of Christmas Carol moments in an effort to get Swiper off the naughty list and onto the nice list.

Back in time they go, to see Swiper as a baby. They also visit the future, when Swiper is surrounded by toys but has no friends.

Dora the Explorer: Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure is a typical Dora adventure. Tico and Isa, Boots and Benny the Bull all make an appearance. There is some Spanish words...

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