Reviews by Friends of TheBard

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...

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busycharles says "Looks great and is even better to cook with then nonstick pans!" about Cuisinart Chef's Classic Sauce Pans

busycharles — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:25:10 GMT

My super generous husband gave this to me for Christmas. I was so surprised! They are a very lovely set of Stainless Steel pots and pans. He got me a much bigger set than what I could find a picture of but you have got to see them!

I was so worried that the handles would get hot and I would have to start using towels or pot-holders while cooking to keep from getting burnt but I was so wrong, somehow the handles actually stay cool to the touch.

They have a very beautiful mirror shine that to keep you need to do a little polishing (I found a great product that works wonders on this, it's called Kleen King, I place a review on it already!)

Before using this set I was used to using non-stick pans and was also worried about the sticking problem. So far I have not had any problems with my food sticking and I feel better in that I now don't have to worry about bits of the non stick stuff getting into our food! If you do get any food stuck on the pan the instructions suggest sitting the pan in...

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busycharles says "I love Leap Frog and so do my kids!!!" about LeapFrog Scribble & Write

busycharles — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 03:53:51 GMT

Santa gave this to my 4 year old and it has been a sanity saver in the truck. It not only teaches letter both big a small but shows them how to draw and teaches shapes and helps them learn the basics of using a writing utensil. You can also play games on it!

The "pen" is attached to the unit so I never have to go looking for it and because it's one of those plastic things we used to play with (when the 2 plastic parts touch the color changes...I have no clue what they are called!) it seems durable! There is a little slider thing that you swipe across the page to erase the picture and draw something else. So far it has kept her attention on that so I can keep my attention on the road!

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this2shallpass19 says "I am loving the flavors in these Kahlua White Russians!" about Kahlua White Russian Pre-Mixed Cocktails 4-pack

this2shallpass19 — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 03:46:02 GMT

The other day, I was walking down the alcohol aisle at my local grocery store and was keeping my eye out for something new. My husband and I drink a lot of wine, champagne and vodka-based drinks, but I was in the mood for something I haven't tried before. I saw the Kahlua White Russian Pre-Mixed tails 4-Pack for only $4.99 and decided to buy them because I've never had Kahlua, and for that price, it wouldn't be the end of the world if I didn't like them.

Each bottle in the 4-pack is 200ml, so all four of them approximately equal a little more than a bottle of wine. They are made with Kahlua Liqueur, vodka and milk. Each bottle is a perfect amount to serve over ice in a small old-fashioned glass. They are 5% alcohol and 10 proof.

I'm usually not a fan of liqueurs, so I'm surprised I like these. I like that they're not too sweet and don't have a strong alcohol taste. They taste kind of like coffee with cream, sugar and a little something extra. Their flavor is definitely...

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busycharles says "The best stuff in the world to clean SS & Copper pots and pans!!" about Kleen King

busycharles — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 03:29:40 GMT

WOW! WOW! WOW! I feel like I just hit the jack-pot!

For Christmas this year my husband bought me a lovely set of Stainless Steel (SS)cookware from Cuisinart. They were beautiful with a mirror shine...until I used them to make dinner! I was so upset to see that my new pots and pans had turned ugly with just one use. Especially sense he also got me a real nice thing to hang them from so they can be on display in the kitchen and not take up so much room in the cupboards.

Well today must have been my lucky day because when I went up to the local hardware store to get some paint made to match I did some shopping there and I found the most wonderful thing...next to my husband that is! Kleen King!!!

While looking at all of their cleaning supplies I had found a few other brands that said they cleaned SS but none of them said anything about pots and pans. I think that if it wasn't going to be used so close to food I might have gotten one of them...but I'm glad I didn't! I kept looking and just happened...

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Sara1231 says "Not the best volumizer out there" about TIGI Catwalk Root Boost

Sara1231 — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:33:49 GMT

What is Root Boost? A spray on volumizing styling product - you spray it directly into your hair

What does it do? Root Boost adds volume when you blow dry your hair upside down after applying the product, but it doesn't create the light, bouncy look that other more expensive volumizing products offer.

Why you might like this volumizer If you don't have extremely flat hair in need of a super volumizer and want a product within the $10 - $12 dollar range, Root Boost is for you!

Why you might not like this volumizer If you really need a bunch of help in the volumizing department, you might want to opt for a stronger product.

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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...

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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...

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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...

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TunefulGal says "INFO ON THE FLY: Old Farmer's Gardening, U.S. Capitol calendars" about The Old Farmer's Almanac Products 2010 Gardening Calendar

TunefulGal — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:00:12 GMT

On my way out the back door to garden, I'm less interested in the day's date than I am in the wisdom, tips, poetry and humor of my Old Farmer's Almanac Gardening Calendar.

Once again, I've hung this year's calendar in the back hall where I can scan for info that is folksy -- "If you find a red-tailed bumblebee in your home, expect a visit from a male stranger".

Or pertinent to outdoor projects -- "...to kill mosquito larvae in rain barrels, add one tablespoon of vegetable oil to the water... [to] form a barrier... that prevents larvae from surfacing to breathe.

Or simply collectible as fascinating trivia -- Milkweed "seeds floss is so buoyant that it was used in United States naval life preservers during World War II".

This is education on the fly with vivid art that further explains gardening issues. Your rewards?

There are possible conversational entrees here.
You can have good feelings about stimulate your brainpower with new information.
You may even delve further into...

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ChrisJarmick says "Remarkable visual feast is full of predictable cliches." about Avatar (2009)

ChrisJarmick — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:17:08 GMT

Avatar is the biggest, most expensive movie ever made. It costs over 300 million, perhaps 350 million to make and they are spending over 50 million to market it. It's a staggering sum of money which created new devices and upgraded available technologies with which to make movies.

Avatar is of course a breathtaking visual feast particularly seen in IMAX 3d. It looks much better than it did in the previews. There are many well staged action sequences and lots of things blow up.

Director James (Aliens, Terminator 2, True Lies, Abyss, Titanic) Cameron has been talking about this movie since he made Titanic. He said it would be several years before he could make this movie because technology had to catch up so he could do it the way he wanted to. Cameron pushed movie technology when he made Terminator 2, Abyss and Titanic. With Avatar he again borrows ideas from writers like Phillip K Dick, A.E. Van Vogt, Isaac Asimov and others and expanded on how worlds were created...

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this2shallpass19 says "Belgian Waffles is my favorite Philosophy scent yet!" about Philosophy Belgian Waffles 3-in-1

this2shallpass19 — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:25:14 GMT

I have tried several Philosophy 3-in-1 Shower Gel scents including: Double Rich Hot Cocoa and Red Velvet Cake. By far, my newest favorite is the one my mom got me for Christmas: Philosophy Belgian Waffles 3-in-1 Shower Gel. The scent is heavenly and it feels luxurious!

Philosophy 3-in-1 Shower Gels are designed to be a shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath, all in one bottle. I love them as shower gels, but I have been a little disappointed in them as bubble baths, and my friend recently told me why. Philosophy has Ultra Rich and High Foaming. All of the 3-in-1 products that I've used have been the Ultra Rich variety, so they are not as bubbly as the High Foaming, but they are extra velvety and satiny feeling on the skin.

Philosophy Belgian Waffles 3-in-1 Shower Gel is also an Ultra Rich variety, but the fabulous scent makes up for the lack of long-lasting bubbles. It smells so good! It resembles the scent of an ice cream waffle cone, but richer. The scent is hard to describe,...

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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...

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GrandmawsOpinion says "Outstanding Service and More" about Progress Energy - Raleigh, NC

GrandmawsOpinion — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:30:01 GMT

At the end of last year much of the country suffered from severe weather. Western North Carolina suffered from a severe winter storm that resulted in fourteen to twenty inches of wet snow. It bought down power lines, tree limbs which caused numerous power outages. I was personally left without power for eight days. Our county is divided between two power companies. Unfortunately, our provider didn't have the capability of getting our electricity back nor did they have the modern technology to inform their customer when it would be restored.

The energy dividing line is obvious. Across the road our neighbors have Progress Energy. Not only did Progress Energy customers have their power restored quickly they provided them with daily recorded telephone message updates as to when it would be restored. I was very impressed with their state-of-the-art website, consumer service update system via telephone, email and Twitter! Progress Energy was prepared to assist and comfort...

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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:...

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VaBookworm87 says "Runt is a haunting tale of a boy growing up in the rural 1940's" about Runt: Memories of a Dyslexic Bastard

VaBookworm87 — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 04:10:53 GMT

I was asked by Ray Shoop to review his book, Runt: Memories of a Dyslexic Bastard. This book examines many themes, including abuse, war, relationships, and living with learning disorders. This book immerses you in the lifestyle of a hillbilly family in the 1940's, letting you glimpse their joy, pain, heartache, and resilience in hard times. Shoop does for the Woodrum family in the rural 1940's what Steinbeck did for the Joad family in The Grapes of Wrath.

Runt is about a young boy, initially seven years old, who lives on a farm in the mountains. George, often called Runt for being the youngest and smallest in the family, tells the story from his perspective. His father, called The Old Man by his kids, is a disabled farmer who drinks excessively and abuses his boys (they don't believe in hitting the women). Runt takes the brunt of the abuse, and his saving grace is his niece Bee who is slightly older than himself.

Runt's oldest brother, C.J., lies about his age and enlists in the Army when...

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pitcherday says "Cleans brushes with no leftover residue, clumping, or breakage" about Bare Escentuals Well Cared for Condtioning Shampoo for Makeup Brushes

pitcherday — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 04:10:32 GMT

The brushes used to apply Bare Minerals make-up are expensive. Also, one brush can be used to apply more than one component of the make-up (the foundations as well as Mineral Veil, Warmth, etc.). They build up with the different mineral powders over time and it can affect the application of Bare Minerals make-up.

I got the Bare Minerals Starter Kit from the TV commercial, but I didn't even think about cleaning the brushes until a saleswoman told me about it at the storefront in the mall. Bare Escentuals makes a brush cleaner and conditioner call Well-Cared For. It's a mild shampoo that comes in a four ounce bottle. When you buy it, it seems a little pricey, but compared to replacing the brushes, it's not that bad.

Once a month, I use Bare Escentuals Well-Cared For cleaner on my make-up brushes. I apply a good amount (how much depends on which brush you are cleaning), rub it in, and rinse with warm water until it runs clear. Reshape the brushes and dry them on a paper towel.

At first, I...

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TunefulGal says "Kohler's Forte Pull-out Kitchen Faucet makes my day. Every day!" about Kohler Forte Faucet

TunefulGal — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:00:03 GMT

Finally! I've abandoned my no-good, brand name, leaky-squeaky kitchen faucet for a different faucet that makes sense.

Bravo! The Kohler K-10433 Single Handle Pullout Kitchen Faucet from the Forte Series (whew!) brings efficiency and versatility to washing my dishes and my hair. I actually look forward to using it every single time.

The Forte Faucet boasts a wow of a guarantee. Kohler warrants this faucet "leak and drip free during normal residential use for as long as the original consumer purchaser owns his or her home". If the Forte Faucet should leak, Kohler will mail you a cartridge free of charge in order to "put the faucet in good working condition".

Having recently struggled with stage after stage of parts-removal in order to perform my no-good faucet's washer repair, I vow now to track down washer/cartridge issues before buying a faucet of any kind. Kohler states up front that its ceramic disc valves "exceed industry longevity standards two times for a lifetime...

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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...

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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...

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