Reviews by Friends of angel2485

AngelaWLaFon says "Le Creuset: Nothing but the best for my Thanksgiving stuffing" about Le Creuset Stoneware Baking Dishes

AngelaWLaFon — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:31:11 GMT

Le Creuset Stoneware Baking Dishes

Le Creuset Stoneware Baking Dishes aren't your grandmother's casserole dishes! My Grandmother's cooking is fabulous, and I think I am a pretty good cook too but one thing I have going for me is my Le Creuset Stoneware Baking Dishes.

I have Le Creuset rectangular baking dishes that are perfect for:

Thanksgiving stuffing

Casseroles

Sheet Cakes

I have Le Creuset smaller oval baking dishes that are perfect for:

side dishes

downsizing left overs

appetizers like crab dip

I have Le Creuset small rectangular baking dishes that are perfect for:

gift loafs of zuchinni bread

rice pudding for two

small sides like cranberry sauce

And oh so much more. These are just a few examples to get the wheels turning.

Le Creuset baking dishes come in a variety of colors. I have deep reds, bright blues and classic pea greens. (I am sure Le Creuset has their own fancy names for their colors. This are just my own take on the hues.)

I like Le Creuset baking dishes because...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Vera Bradley Paprika Tote: I love this new Vera tote bag!" about Vera Bradley Paprika Tote

AngelaWLaFon — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:30:19 GMT

Vera Bradley Paprika Tote

I really like the look, feel and design of Vera Bradley bags. I think her fabric patterns can work for both classic or trendy looks. I have a Vera Bradley cosmetic bag that was a gift for Mother's Day- sweet! I also have a knock off back pack style bag but as far as Vera Bradley purses and totes go, I've just admired other people's- a lot.

True story:

I saw the Vera Bradley Paprika Tote in a magazine. Love the look, loved the color for fall and even loved the name since I am a big time Paprika user in the kitchen. Macaroni and cheese, deviled eggs - they all need a little Paprika.

Still, would I have put this at the top of my wish list when I have more practical needs? Who knows now because... I won it! Yes, I won it at a fundraiser for the library which I am sure was some good karma for accrueing and paying my library fines without quibbling.

Now that I have a Vera Bradley tote, what do I really think of it?

I love it!

It's an almost square design...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Carter's Just One Year Blanket: 2 sides, oh so soft & oh so warm" about Carter's Sweet Baby Blanket

AngelaWLaFon — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:29:28 GMT

Carter's Just One Year Baby Blankets

Baby blankets are just one of those baby items that are a most have all year round but they can be oh so sweet too.

Our prized baby blankets were hand made, whether crocheted, knitted or quilted but some of our most practical and enjoyed were either from Disney or from Carter's Just One Year. Carter's makes many styles of baby blankets but my favorite is the Carter's Just One Year 2 sided fleece blanket.

What does 2 sided fleece mean?

This Carter's Just One Year blanket has a soft, soft plush fleece on side and a warm, warm pile fleece on the other. One reminds you of a soft plush toy and the other reminds you of the fuzzy and warm fleece jackets by Patagonia.

Of course we want all blankets to be soft to baby's skin but this soft blanket feels great on the parent's or caregiver's arms too.

If I am just swaddling for comfort, I use the plush side next to baby but if I need to keep baby warm, I put the pile fleece inside. Either way, baby and I both...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Clore Dining Room Chairs: Made in the U.S.A., last 4 generations" about Clore Dining Room Chairs

AngelaWLaFon — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:14:13 GMT

Clore Dining Room Chairs

eaclore.com

E.A. Clore is has been making furniture right here in Virginia since 1830. We've been slowly upgrading our furniture, one room a year and trying to buy furniture that is made in the U.S.A.

When it came time to buy dining room chairs and bar stools, we wanted Clore chairs. They are classic and so well made. We'd visited many homes that had Clore chairs that had been owned and used for decades and they still had an amazing look and function too.

Clore chairs are custom made from hardwoods. You can choose from walnut, cherry, oak or mahogany. These are not wood finishes. They are real wood chairs.

We chose: 2 captains chairs for the "heads of the table" with arms, 6 traditional ladder back chairs and bar stools, 4 with backs and 2 without for versatility. My favorite addition from the Clore dining room chairs is the youth chair.

What is a youth chair?

Parents well know that the point in time that comes when a child no longer needs a high chair...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen: It STAYS so apply carefully!" about Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner

AngelaWLaFon — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:32:52 GMT

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen

I guess when you've been wearing make up for two decades you go through phases. Black liquid eye liner, often applied with something that looked like a tiny paint brush was popular in the eighties. I was turned off for two reasons. A) So many people OVER did it. B) I didn't seem to have the coordination to apply it correctly.

Maybe I have a steadier hand now. Maybe I am just no longer in a rush. Likely, it is the improvement in the applicator that makes this liquid eyeliner a success for me.

I am not an everyday eye liner wearer. In my makeup bag, I have one Revlon eyeliner pencil, one Mary Kay eyeliner and one Clinique eyeliner. This seems like over kill but they are all different colors with different features but what none if them were was BOLD. A few months ago we were headed out for big time celebration with many friends old and new. A new dress and a babysitter and this mama wanted something a little more dramatic for the evening. ...

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TunefulGal says "ZOUNDS! Clocks accurate to 1 second every 60 million years." about LaCrosse, Chaney, Sharp, more - Atomic Clocks

TunefulGal — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:16:25 GMT

BLASTING OFF

Sorry. You can't do it without reading the directions.

Is is time to reset the clocks and watches or change batteries AGAIN? Can you get your fingers around the tiny knobs? Can you get the kitchen clock off the wall? ... and get it replaced again on the wall? And, hey, what time is it at this very second?

If you don't mind losing or gaining a second in 60 million years, GO ATOMIC!

One of the best buys I ever made was a Chaney Atomix Digital Desk Clock for about $12 at Office Depot. I've had it for half a dozen years without doing work other than changing the two AA batteries in a timely fashion.

A similar, updated Atomix is the Dartmouth model. It gets some of the lowest reviews online, however atomic clocks seem to have as many people cursing as complimenting. The gist? If you're going to give one to a 95-year-old relative, be sure that you know how the thing works in your own home.

Yes. We need to read the directions and save them. That said, I've...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Bath & Body Works Cool Citrus Basil: I like this scent a lot!" about Bath & Body Works Cool Citrus Basil Body Lotion

AngelaWLaFon — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:38:28 GMT

Bath & Body Works

Cool Citrus & Basil Body Lotion

I am a big believer in moisturizing, especially this time of year when we are using wood heat that just sucks the moisture out of your skin. I like to keep lotions on my desk, in my car, in my purse, in the bathroom, in the bedroom... everywhere I might be. I am also a scent lover but I tend to shy away from sweet and fruity or heavy floral scents.

Cool Citrus Basil isn't a name that just jumped out at me as being a must try scent. I do love the scent of fresh basil when I am preparing a homemade pizza or tomato sauce but in a lotion? Really? I was surprised. The scent of basil is there but subtle and the combination with the fresh citrus scent is really appealing to me.

I like Bath & Body Works body lotions in general. They are rich and never greasy but they are not a healing dry skin lotion. I use them as a general lotion when I want to moisturize skin that is already in good shape and enjoy a nice scent.

Bath & Body Works...

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TunefulGal says "Sometimes, the best medicine is POP CORN!" about Various brands including Redenbacher Pop Corn

TunefulGal — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:04:43 GMT

Would you like your fiber in a liquid remedy? Or would you rather have some freshly-popped popcorn?

My six-star favorite would be the salty, buttered popcorn Dad kettle-cooked for Mom and me when we watched I Love Lucy in the fifties. Oh, the aroma floating down the stairs to the familyroom. . . Another six-star would be the dishpan full of cooled but crisp "corn" that awaited me in Grandma's sewing room when I visited. We knew nothing from real butter and salt in those days, and it was heaven!

Now, I'm appreciative of the health benefits -- no trans fat, low salt, zero cholesterol, plenty of fiber, and whole grain goodness. Popcorn if not "abused" fits the bill for all but children under four (a choking danger according to the American Academy of Pediatrics) and for those folks whose large intestine disdains the roughage popcorn represents.

# # # # #

My current favorite? A quick-and-easy, of course -- Orville Redenbacher's 94% Fat-free SmartPop! Kettle Korn. I've just placed...

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TunefulGal says "Save energy! Stay cozy or cool with CHF's insulated curtains." about Commonwealth Home Fashions Habitat Insulated Curtains

TunefulGal — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:40:36 GMT

Our "weird old house" has French-style, open-in windows, Since they're both drafty and hard to fit I've covered them with things as dodgy as homespun shower curtains on rings and opaque Ikea bedspreads with clips. So... you may imagine how rapturous my friends were when I finally hung real curtains.

I purchased my Commonwealth Home Fashions Habitat Hearthside insulated style on ebay. While I would have loved off-white, I chose this cocoa-ish brown color because of the flying hair, dust, and dirty paws so common in our two-person, three-pet household. That said, the tab tops make it easy to remove these curtains when it's time for machine washing. The fabric of my linenlike curtains is 55% polyester and 45% cotton.

Commonwealth Home Fashions' thermals darken the room as well as insulate it. Regardless of the color or pattern, the insulating, 100% acrylic suede backing is always white. Though my rooms are dark when I pull the curtains closed, this darkness favors home "theater"...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Best Christmas Movies: Have yourself a merry little movie..." about Best Christmas Holiday Movies

AngelaWLaFon — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:13:23 GMT

"It's the most wonderful time of year!" (for a movie!)

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat and it's a great time to make some popcorn or hot chocolate or both and curl up on the couch with your family. There are many great Christmas movies for families, including the classics It's a Wonderful Life (1946) and Miracle on 34th Street (1947) but here is an eclectic list of our favorite Christmas movies in no particular order.

Best Family Christmas Movies: Our family's favorites

The Polar Express, 2004

I loved the book, The Polar Express and I love what Tom Hanks did with this movie. Join a brother and sister on The Polar Express on Christmas Eve for a journey through the magic of Christmas. Do you believe? Can you hear the Christmas bells?

A Charlie Brown Christmas, 1965

Just hearing the music to this one makes me smile. A Charlie Brown Christmas still has it. Kids still love it and it is just as good as you remember. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holdiays...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Green Toys Recycled Tea Set: Have a true "green" tea party." about Green Green Recycled Tea Set

AngelaWLaFon — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:17:23 GMT

Green Toys Tea Set

Tea sets are a classic toy enjoyed for pretend play and real tea parties as well. We've had several different tea sets from the Fisher Price musical tea set to china tea sets and we've enjoyed them all but this Green Toys Tea Set is extra special.

The Green Toys tea set is made from recycled milk jugs so it is an eco-friendly toy. It was neat to be able to show my kids the rewards of their recycling efforts.

The Green Toys Tea Set:

The Green Toys tea set has 17 pieces. There are cups, saucers and spoons for serving four and plus the sugar and creamer. The tea set pieces are really a nice size. They are child sized but not minis. The set comes in attractive muted pastel colors. It's simple and not so "girly" that little boys will shy away from it.

The best part is that the Green Toys tea set is food-safe for real tea parties. We are having lots of fun together as a family having tea parties with real mint leaves and slices of lemon. There really is...

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AngelaWLaFon says "I finally found a good spray on sunscreen: Aveeno 70 SPF" about Aveeno Sunblock Spray Continuous Protection SPF 45 5 oz

AngelaWLaFon — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:01:56 GMT

Aveeno Continous Protection Sunblock Spray Active -New!

Aveeno Continous Spray comes in SPF 45, SPF 55 & SPF 70.

I love to be outdoors. I'd rather play tennis than on-line games, I'd rather pull weeds than sweep floors and I prefer a good hike to an aerobics video. However, I am a skin cancer survivor who takes no chances with sun damage. I wear hats and SPF 70 sunscreens.

Because of the convenience of reapplication, I've tried to like spray on sunscreens but I haven't had a lot of luck. Hard to spray, sticky icky, stinky, blotchy... you name it and there's a sunscreen spray out there that lives up to it. Aveeno Active really is different.

The package says that Aveeno Continous Protection Sunblock Spray Active has beeswax to form a sheer protective layer over the skin.

Here's why I like Aveeno Active Sunblock Spray:

It sprays in any direction, even upside down. It's important. Think about trying to spray your ankles.

It's not greasy.

Sprays on evenly.

Smells pleasant.

Doesn't...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Maybe she's born with it, Maybe she got Maybelline at drugstores" about Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipstick

AngelaWLaFon — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:07:59 GMT

Maybelline moisture extreme lipstick with SPF 15

I haven't tried a variety of Maybelline make up products but I have tried several of the Maybelline "moisture extreme" lipsticks and I am was pleasantly surprised. Most days are lip-gloss only days for me but when I want some color, I can't seem to go wrong with Maybelline moisture extreme lipstick.

Maybelline lipsticks are easy to find at any drugstore and are usually under five dollars.

What I like about Maybelline moisture extreme lipstick:

1. It has SPF 15 to protect my lips.

2. It really is moist and keeps your lips soft and supple. It had jojoba seed oils and shea butter in it.

3. The color really is long lasting for a drugstore lipstick. Maybe not as long lasting as high end brands but certainly superior to most drugstore lipstick brands.

4. Maybelline moisture extreme lipsticks are made in the U.S.A. I really like to buy American made products but when it is something that is going on m mouth, it's really important to me.

The...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Starbuck's Barista Bar Blender: Smooth sailing to make Smoothies" about Starbucks Barista Bar Blender

AngelaWLaFon — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:09:04 GMT

Starbuck's Barista Bar Blender

I have to give credit where credit is due. I am not a frequenter of Starbuck's for coffee drinks and I actually returned 2 Starbuck's coffee pots that were design nightmares... but the Starbuck's Barista Bar Blender is awesome.

Starbuck's Barista Bar Blender

Stainless steel

Powerful motor

Exceptional grinder

Three Speeds: high, low or pulse

Heavy glass canister with lid, handle and a measurement markers

I make a fruit smoothie mid-morning almost everyday. We call it a fruit smoothie because that is a lot more salable but it also has some vegetables too and lots of ice cubes. The ice cubes are key. In the same way that chocolate chip cookies are even better warm, fruit smoothies are even better really cold.

The Starbuck's blender is really simple- pulse, low or high. I put it on low for 10 seconds followed by high for 10 seconds and it is all done. The bananas are creamy, there are no ice chips, the kale is pulverized beyond detection and...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Ecover automatic dishwasher tablets: green & clean" about Ecover Automatic Dishwashing Tablets, 17.6 Ounce Box (pack of 6) (Ecover)

AngelaWLaFon — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:36:52 GMT

Ecover automatic dishwasher tablets

Ecover is a Belgium company that makes a variety of green cleaning products. I've been using Ecover dishwasher tablets for over a year and I am happy with them. I have no complaints nor any miracle stories of the cleanest dishes ever. Simply put, I like that they are eco-friendly and that they are easy to use. Like other dishwasher products I've used, whether tablets or gels, in the end the only difference I see is in whether or not I use a rinse agent like Jet Dry.

About Ecover automatic dishwasher tablets:

One box has 25 tablets.

They are phosphate free, biodegradable, have no chlorine beach and are safe for septic systems.

The box is made from 95% recycled paper and is recyclable.

I like that the box of 25 is small, maybe 2 inches by 6 inches. I buy them in bulk 12 boxes at a time and they are easy to stack in my cabinet unlike bottles or bigger boxes.

Each tablet is wrapped in plastic and fits in your dispenser. (The box says that if it...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Little Castle Furniture offers quality children's furniture." about Little Castle Furniture Children's Chairs

AngelaWLaFon — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:48:47 GMT

Little Castle Furniture

The reality is that most furnishings are made to fit adults. On the other hand, many specialty children's furniture options are... cheaply made and/or tacky. O.K. I said it. I wanted some child sized furniture for kids but I wanted it to be durable and classy too. I wanted to find some child sized furniture that looked like it belonged in my home. I found just what I wanted with Little Castle Furniture.

I'd seen Little Castle Furniture in a local furniture boutique. I loved it but boy was the price steep. Then I found it in a quality children's clothing store (think smocking dresses) and it was on sale!

I chose two pieces of children's furniture. I chose a plump chair covered in a jungle print with muted greens and neutral colors for "him." I chose a chaise lounge in muted green checks for "her." At times I have incorporated each piece into the children's rooms but recently I moved both to an area rug in the living room, added a rocker for mom and...

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TunefulGal says "Full Spectrum light is healthiest for reading and work!" about Full Spectrum Solutions BlueMax 42w Dimmable Floor Lamp

TunefulGal — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:57:38 GMT

Reading and working take on a totally different significance when you do them in the "natural" light of the BlueMax 41w Dimmable Floor Lamp manufactured by and sold at www.fullspectrumsolutions.com.

Various studies have shown that people who work under full spectrum light -- whether in factories, schoolrooms or at home -- experience less glare, greater comfort and physiological benefits that impact on production and general health. Varied versions of Full Spectrum lamps are used to treat SAD (solar affective disorder), a form of depression resulting from appropriate-light deprivation.

Well... there's no mistaking the lamps pictured here for things of beauty. I chose the model at top because the shipping was free if I bought an extra bulb -- a very good deal in this case. Each bulb lasts up to 10,000 hours and is warranteed for a year. (The lamp, itself, has a two-year warranty.)

Compared to my older Full Spectrum model, my new one has a bad case of "dress-up" with detail lines...

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Buggheart says "The only thing missing is the spider." about LUSH Cobweb Bath Bomb

Buggheart — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:27:59 GMT

I'm not a huge bath bomb lover, but I was totally sucked into buying LUSH Cobweb Bath Bomb at a recent LUSH event and I am sure glad that I did.

I bought Cobweb without having any idea what it smelled like, just based solely on the fact that it's a Halloween product (I LOVE Halloween) and it has a cute spider web shape.

I had heard that it smells just like LUSH's Black Pearl bath bomb which a lot of people don't like. And that it, obviously, turns the water a dull grey color which is not very visually appealing.

Still, I had to give it a try, so I ordered it. And yesterday was its lucky day. I had spent the majority of the day outside and needed a hot bath to take away that chilled to the bone feeling. So I ran a hot bath, got in, and dropped Cobweb in with me. Well I don't know if it's because of it's disklike shape or whether Black Pearl does the same, but Cobweb fizzed like crazy! It fizzed and rolled around the tub for a few minutes before it completely dissolved, leaving the...

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Buggheart says "So tempted by the apple!" about LUSH So White Bath Bomb

Buggheart — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:17:00 GMT

Although I'm not a huge fan of bath bombs, I had to give So White Bath Bomb a try when I placed a recent LUSH order.

What tempted me so?

Well, the description on LUSH.com, of course. So White is described on the LUSH website as a frothy blanket of apple scented "snow" for your bath.... inspired by the tempting apple a certain wicked stepmother tricked her beautiful stepdaughter into eating. We assure you however, that this Bath Bomb is not full of poison to put you to sleep. It is made with an uplifting fragrance of refreshing oranges, apples and romantic rose and is meant to awake you if you've been under a spell (or are just feeling tired). This one is quite a frothy bath as we've grated in some bubble bar mixture, so you can bathe in apple scented snow and feel fairest of them all.

I LOVE apple scented products and anything that smells fruity, so I had to give this one a try. I was also drawn somewhat by the idea of a frothy blanket of apple scented "snow".

So today I spent a lot...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Americangirl.com: My American Girl loves it. Mom approves too." about American Girl

AngelaWLaFon — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:58:24 GMT

American Girl Website

americangirl.com

My daughter has two American girl dolls, Kaya and Felicity. She's enjoyed reading the American Girl doll chapter books and she's also very fond of the American Girl magazine. (Mom loves the American Girl magazine too because it has zero ads.)

When our daughter recently was introduced to going on line under supervision whether for research or play, she at first really didn't really know where to go and found many popular websites for kids too frustrating or uninteresting after a few minutes.

Features of the American Girl website:

Characters

Characters features a chance to learn more about all of the American Girl dolls including the historical dolls.

Games

Here's an example of one of the games, Kirsten's Honeybees.

Earn money by planting and watering plants and collecting honey. Spend the money to buy more fencing materials, bees and supplies.

Featured games are updated such as Halloween theme games and so on.

Activities

Examples of activities...

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