Reviews by Friends of Roxann831

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

...

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

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

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

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

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

...

Buggheart says "Debbie Meyer Green Bags keeps my husband's arm fresh." about Debbie Meyer Green Bags

Buggheart — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:41:06 GMT

Wow, that's quite a title. It might lead one to believe that I'm some sort of ghoul who is preserving my husband's severed arm in a Debbie Meyer Green Bag. Well, kind of, but not really.

I don't buy tons of produce but when I do, I want it to last. I especially dislike when I buy strawberries and they start to mold the next day. I love strawberries I so I want to be able to enjoy a few a day for maybe a week. Or at least 3 - 4 days instead of having to wolf them all down overnight. So one day I was shopping and found a box of Debbie Meyer Green Bags. They were expensive but when I consider how much food I throw away because it doesn't last as long as i need, I figured they were worth a try.

So I bought the box of 20 Green Bags and gave them several tries with strawberries, lettuce, tomatoes, and broccoli. I unfortunately noticed not a bit of extended life to any of my fruits or veggies and all the bags did was produce additional, unwanted condensation on my produce. I gave them...

...

Meri says "Did I mention how good it is?" about Taco Bell Fresco Steak Taco

Meri — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:08:45 GMT

My son, Devin says that all Taco Bell has to offer are different versions of beans, meat, cheese and lettuce. I used to agree. Most items had a similar taste...until now.

Taco Bell has come out with a reduced calorie menu that they are calling the Drive-Thru Diet. There are seven items on the menu including the Fresco Steak Taco. I didn't know what to expect of it but I had a free coupon so I decided to give it a go. Oh, wow. Did I mention how good it tasted? I only ordered the one taco but wished I had ordered two.

The Fresco Steak Taco comes on a soft shell. The steak is marinated and they actually put a generous amount on the taco. The next layer is a generous amount of lettuce- more than a regular taco. Then, comes the Fresco layer of fresh tomatoes and spices. I don't know what the spices are but they are delicious.

Right now you can try them in a combo of two tacos and a large soda for $4.99. Taco Bell also has a printable coupon for a free one so you can taste the deliciousness for...

...

AngelaWLaFon says "Ozark Trail Tents: Lightweight, Waterproof & Easy to Put Up" about Ozark Trail 4 Person Dome Tent 8'x9'

AngelaWLaFon — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:57:06 GMT

Ozark Trail 4 Person Dome Tent 8'x9'

We've owned several Ozark tents and they have proven to be consistently reliable in many areas.

Ozark tents are:

-inexpensive and easy to find (Walmart usually has them.)

-lightweight (This one is less than 5 lbs.)

-really easy to put up and take down ( One person can do it and with two people it's a jiff.)

-fit back into the original zipper case (Maybe note ever quite a neatly but they do go back in and you are able to zip the carry case.)

-waterproof (So far we've had no condensation inside of the Ozark tents.

Features of the Ozark Trail 4 Person Dome Tent:

-8' x 9'

-"screen" door

-top "rainfly"

-mud flap entry

-side stash compartments for essentials

-overhead net hanger for clothes, etc.

-handled, zipper carry case

-4 stakes and bag

My only issue with Ozark tents and all tents really other than Montana Canvas Company tents are the "person" claims. This four person tent will sleep my husband and I and one puppy or baby perhaps but I don't think any...

...

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

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

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

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

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

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

...

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

Meri — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:01:13 GMT

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

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

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

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

...

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

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

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

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

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

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

...

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

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

Burt's Bees Lip Balm

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

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

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

Beeswax Lip Balm

Replenishing Lip Balm

Honey Lip Balm

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

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

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

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

...

Bryan-Carey says "Melissa and Doug World Map Puzzle: Educational, but Flawed" about Melissa and Doug World Map Puzzle

Bryan-Carey — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:31:40 GMT

Educational toys are almost always an improvement to the mindless objects commonly passed off as child entertainment. Some manufacturers are known for their educational child entertainment and one of them is Melissa and Doug. One of their many educational tools is the Melissa and Doug World Map 33- Piece Puzzle, a large puzzle that teaches kids world geography.

Puzzle Commentary:

The Melissa and Doug World Map Puzzle is a large, two feet by three feet puzzle (61 by 92 cm) that is large enough that most will assemble it on the floor or on a large table. This world map includes a grand total of 33 pieces, with each of the continents clearly named and identified by a separate color. Individual countries (and U.S. state) boundaries are clearly marked, but individual countries are not named. The oceans include the names and the map is covered with small depictions of animals native to the world’s many lands.

Puzzles are good for developing many skills, but they are even better when...

...

Meri says "The most beautiful lake in the world!" about Lake Skaneateles

Meri — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:31:04 GMT

Located in the finger lake region of New York State, Lake Skaneateles is sometimes called "The Roof Garden of the Lakes" because it is elevated higher than the rest of the finger lakes. The lake is in three counties: Onondaga, Cayuga, and Cortland. The Victorian homes on the north end make that side of the lake as picturesque as it was in the 1800s.

My husband and I discovered the lake on a genealogy trip in search of seeing where his ancestors had lived in the high town of Spafford. Spafford is located on the east side of the lake. One of his ancestors, Asahel Roundy came to Spafford in 1804 by horseback from Rockingham, Vermont. In 1807, along with a few other settlers, Asahel moved to the Spafford Corners part of town. In 1820, Asahel built the Spafford Hotel and ran it until 1843. He also owned a 100-acre farm near the hotel. He was the first postmaster of the village and the first justice of the peace.

A History of the Town of Spafford says this about Asahel, "Spafford made a good...

...

Meri says "Great Variety of Designs ..." about Provo Craft Cuttlebug Embossing Folders

Meri — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:07:34 GMT

After using my Sizzix Embossing Machine for a while I was bored with the embossing folders that came with it. I searched my local craft stores and found a couple designs that I liked but was disappointed in the lack of variety that I found. I decided to go online. I found several designs I liked but most were sold out. I noticed that the Cuttlebug brand made embossing folders that looked just like the Sizzix ones and wondered if they would be interchangeable.

I made another trip to the craft stores to check them out in person. Again, I was disappointed in the variety but I discovered that they were the same size and decided to try one. It worked great but the embossing depth was not as good as the Sizzix folders.

Bottomline:

The Cuttlebug embossing folders are the same size as the Sizzix ones and work in the same manner. The designs are plentiful and super cute but the folders are not as sturdy as the Sizzix ones. I found a site that had scads of folders on clearance so I ordered enough...

...

Meri says "Addictive Family Fun Made Easy!" about Cardinal Mexican Train Game

Meri — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:28:37 GMT

Years ago we learned to play Mexican Train with a set of double colored dominoes and pennies for the trains. The rules were passed down through memory. After a number of years I discovered and bought a battery operated "train station" that whistled when the middle was depressed at the end of each hand. It also came with little plastic colored trains that made the game a lot more fun than using pennies. Still, after several more years I discovered the Cardinal Mexican Train Game that took all of the game components and housed them in an adorable silver suitcase along with game scorecards.

This game is equally fun for an evening with friends or family. All ages will love it and maybe make it their favorite game. The rules of the game are easy to understand and once a practice hand or two are played strategy begins. Sometimes you'll win. Sometimes you'll lose because no matter how good of a strategist you may be, luck comes into play.

The object of the game is to discard all of your dominoes....

...

Eyerater says "Tarpon Lodge - Worth the drive" about Tarpon Lodge - Pineland, FL

Eyerater — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:12:59 GMT

The term "off-the-beaten-path" could have been created just for Tarpon Lodge. It's about as far as you can get out on Southwest Florida's Pine Island, which is one of those places no one goes to unless they want to be there. No one is "passing through."

It has a colorful history, however, once as the site of a sanitarium, then a rehab center. There are motel-type rooms and a cottage and boathouse accommodation. All refurbished and updated, and adjacent to the restaurant. We have never stayed in the accommodations. But I could easily be tempted to return and do just that.

We selected Tarpon Lodge, about an hour's drive from our south Fort Myers home, for Christmas Day dinner. If you have read earlier restaurant reviews from me, you may remember that dinner for my wife and me usually takes place in the afternoon. It's not the draw of early-bird specials, although I have yet to turn down 2-drinks-for-the-price-of-one.

No we dine at that hour because we learned that early dining leads to eating...

...

Fardreamer says "Coruscant Guard is nice depiction of minor Star Wars soldier" about Hasbro Star Wars - Power of the Jedi Coruscant Guard

Fardreamer — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 18:35:47 GMT

One of the more visually striking images from Star Wars - Episode VI: Return of the Jedi is seen when the evil Emperor (Ian McDiarnid) arrives at the second Death Star aboard a sleek Imperial Shuttle.

Before the Galactic Empire's supreme ruler and senior Lord of the Sith disembarks, we see a squad of red-robed Imperial Royal Guards, their faces hidden from view by helmeted masks with black eyepieces that allow them to see everything around them.

The Red Robes, as the Royal Guards are colloquially known, don't have any dialogue in Return of the Jedi or the two Prequels in which they're glimpsed; they're basically there to give audiences a strong visual counterpart to Star Trek's "red shirt" security guards or those SS guards seen protecting Adolf Hitler in documentaries and movies about World War II and/or Nazi Germany.

In Star Wars - Episode I: The Phantom Menace, however, there is no Galactic Empire and Emperor Palpatine is still just the recently-elected Supreme Chancellor of the Republic,...

...

BayouBengal says "Beyond BodiHeat Delivers Heat to Sore & Aching Areas for Relief" about Beyond BodiHeat Heat Pad

BayouBengal — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 17:42:21 GMT

When it comes to aches and pains, I have my fair share having both Fibromayalgia and arthritis. I've learned to live with both and the pain that they bring. I have several prescriptions for pain relief, but I prefer to deal with the pain in other ways if at all possible. Beyond BodiHeat Heat Pads have proven to be one of the products that I can count on for non-prescription relief from aches and pains.

Beyond BodiHeat Heat Pads

Beyond BodiHeat Heat Pads come in various size packages. I picked up the 4 pack which had a bonus pad inside. They were also on Rite Aids rebate list for the month of November so this was a pretty good deal with a discount and also an extra pad! The 4 pack normally retails for around $8.99 a package.

Beyond BodiHeat Heat Pads claim to sooth and comfort sore muscles and also relieve pain in backs and joints. The pads have an adhesive backing which attaches to clothing so you can adjust the pad for the exact area that needs the warmth and pain relief....

...

TheBard says "Quality Costs and These Headphones Are Worth the Price" about Sony MDR-V6 Professional Headphones

TheBard — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:03:34 GMT

Bottom-Line: I am very pleased with my new Sony MDR-V6 Professional Stereo Headphones, so much so that I might just purchase a set for work.

From the Manufacturer: The Sony MDR-7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone is a large diaphragm foldable headphone designed for professional studio and live/broadcast applications. These large diaphragm, foldable headphones feature a rugged construction, a secure, highly effective closed-ear design, and a 40 millimeter driver unit for clean, clear sound reproduction. The closed-ear design provides both comfort and outstanding reduction of external noises. The included Stereo UniMatch plug allows use in both 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch applications. A soft case for protective storage is included with the headphones.

My Viewpoint

I am very pleased with Sony MDR-V6 Professional Stereo Headphones. They have met all of my criteria nicely; they cost under $100.00 ($70.95 at Buy.com); they are light weight, and; they reproduce sound across the entire musical...

...

PattyTherre says "Fakery at its finest. This Ugg boot site LOOKS legit but is NOT!" about bestuggsell.com

PattyTherre — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 03:24:52 GMT

Quick View: I have written a lot about Uggs and Ugg-Alike boots. I have an obsession with them. Imagine my delight when I saw that Ugg Australia website was having a great sale on the most popular styles of Uggs! Then I discovered a very sneaky plot to make people BELIEVE they are on the Ugg Australia website when, in fact, they are on a Chinese site that claims nowhere that the boots they sell are authentic.

My Take on bestuggsell.com

I clicked on an ad that showed a pair of Uggs at a great price. I was delighted to see some great sales on the Ugg Australia website. I decided to splurge and buy a pair of classic cardy Uggs since the price was discounted so much. Then I decided to go through a cash back site to get even more savings.

I went to Bing's cash back, logged in, and clicked on Ugg Australia. It took me to the exact site but the prices were different. Hmm. I went to the site I had been looking at and, sure enough, it was exact -- same logo, same photos, same everything -- but the...

...

onyx95 says "Fun, light and ending too quickly." about Janet Evanovich - Manhunt

onyx95 — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 03:12:19 GMT

Making the decision to completely change her life in the hopes of finding a husband and starting a family, Alexandra Scott took an impulsive leap of faith and traded homes with Harry Kowalski, an interesting old man that had his own reasons for wanting a change in his life. Leaving New Jersey and her corporate job behind and setting out for Alaska to a site-unseen home and business seemed crazy to everyone especially her new neighbor Michael Casey who had his own reasons for wanting her to go home. Alex could overcome a lot of obstacles, but was hoping she could overcome Casey’s doubt about their relationship.

Another great pre-Plum book. The fun of some of these books are in the dialogue between the characters. Not much, if any twists or turns to it. It was almost surprising in that the story didn’t take any predictable tragic twist, just a straight forward “how do I get him/her to admit their feelings.” It was still a good story, great characters (as usual from Janet Evanovich). ...

...

BayouBengal says "Graveyardmall.com is a Great Online Site for Bargains" about Graveyard Mall

BayouBengal — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 01:45:58 GMT

It has been some time since I ordered anything from www.graveyardmall.com and today I decided to visit the site to see what they had to offer. I was surprised to see many high end items for the kitchen and also name brand lighting fixtures added to the site since I last visited. All of these items will be of interest as we start to remodel our house we moved out of last year. And yes, the project is way behind with my dad's illness.

Graveyardmall.com

In case you don't know www.graveyardmall.com is a discount online store that sells closeouts and other discontinued items. You can find some hard to find items here and some good buys. There are other deals that just make you want to say, "that is junk!" So visit the site with an open mind.

I've always enjoyed surfing the site to see what is available. Stock changes often, sometimes even daily. If you see something you want, you should buy it NOW.

The site is easy to navigate and the pages load quickly. All items are shown with...

...