Reviews by Friends of dacotahsgirl

Jo says "Where's all the protein in Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake? " about Herbalife Shakes

Jo — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:00:49 GMT

I am doing a 12-week weight loss program sponsored by Herbalife. When I enrolled I didn't know that they were sponsoring it. I have bought quite a few of their products. The first one I bought was the Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix. It is for "healthy nutrition and weight management".

The flavor I chose is french vanilla, which is delicious. I add soy or almond mix to two scoops and ice cubes and have a yummy snack. The program suggests that we have one or two shakes a day. I normally have one and stick to the amount of calories per day I should eat.

I paid about $35.00 for a 26.5 ounce canister. This makes 30 servings per container.

It has 19 essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients; however, you will get these in a multi-vitamin. For example, you'll get 35% of Vitamin A when you add milk and 50% of Vitamin D, which you will get if you go outside for 15 minutes a day. Yes I am skeptical because I haven't seen results and I think it is over priced.

The "wellness coaches" say that...

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Jo says "I watch TV; my husband works. Thank you Sony Infrared Headphones" about Sony - Infrared Cordless Headphones MDR-IF240RK

Jo — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:45:15 GMT

To the Point

The problem isn't new but the technology to fix it seems to be new - at least new to us. The problem was that our house has an open floor plan meaning my husband's office and our living room are connected. I got used to reading the closed caption wording but sometimes my reading was slower than the words on the screen.

In comes wireless headphones. I tried out a pair of Radio Shack brand headphones at our daughter and son-in-law's but my husband ended up buying me the Sony Infrared Cordless Headphones MDR-IF240RK.

A Closer View: The features

The Sony Infrared Cordless Headphones

come with a transmitter. The transmitter is placed near the television and comes with an AC power adapter.
come with a connecting cord. The box says that the connection to the TV, Audio, or PC equipment is easy. It probably is. For some reason it took us awhile to figure out what plugs went into what holes.
a range of 24 feet depending on the angle of your head.
will last for 60 hours using regular...

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Jo says "My Silicone Grid saves burning or scratching surfaces" about Highly Evolved Housewares Silicone Zone The Grid

Jo — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:44:37 GMT

My Highly Evolved Housewares Silicone Zone The Grid Trivet was an inexpensive ($2.00) impulse buy. You can find the company's website here: http://tinyurl.com/ybywr84 where you will see the assortment of silicone products made.

The Grid comes in red, blue, and black. I bought a black Silicone Grid Trivet. This was my first time using anything like this though if I see potholders and other items I could use I would for sure buy more items by Highly Evolved Housewares.

The Grid is a non-skid counter mat and it truly does not skid. I love the feel of it - soft and rubbery. I don't have to worry that it will scratch my oven, table, or counters.

The Grid is made with InSILate Technology making any thing up to 675 degrees alright to put on the Highly Evolved Housewares Silicone Zone The Grid Trivet.

It is dishwasher safe and made in China. The Grid has a hole so you can hang it or just a place for me to hold on to it.

Highly Evolved Housewares Silicone Zone The Grid Trivet literally is a grid...

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Jo says "There were 16 then 15 of my Anchor Hocking Beverage Set" about Anchor Hocking Trivium Beverage Set

Jo — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:04:50 GMT

To the Point

So there I was looking at glasses trying to remember which ones Rudi recommended. I bought a 16- piece glassware set by Anchor Hocking. The style is called Trivium.

A Closer View

When I got home I looked Anchor Hocking Trivium up online and saw some bad reviews. But I only paid $10.00 for eight 11-ounce double old-fashioned glasses and eight 16- ounce coolers. I would have preferred a color but there was only clear in this style. I just wanted to get through Thanksgiving with a new set of glasses.

I liked the style of the Anchor Hocking Trivium glasses. They are simple but have an hour glass design. I thought out of all the ones on the shelf these would be the least likely to spill. They are dishwasher safe and seemed to be thick enough so that they would last at least a month. I have Pfaltzgraff glasses that have been with me for 15 years!

I am the type of person who saves new things. Not wanting the glasses scratched I didn't use them but my husband did. The point is the...

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Jo says "Pur Power Resistance Cord gives you a traveling gym" about Zenzation Athletics PurPower Resistance Cord 10128

Jo — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:14:05 GMT

The PurPower Resistance Cord was an impulse buy. If you have a Marshall's near you then you'll know the bargains offered. The $11.99 Cord was $5.99 so I grabbed it. I've used Resistance Cords or Bands as I call them for years. If you haven't it is a great piece to either add to your routine just use it to work your whole body. Don't worry because it comes with a piece of paper that show you a few exercises to do. You can see the PurPower Cord here: www.jr.com/zenzation-athletics/pe/ZNZ_WTE10128/.

The PurPower Resistance Cord

is made of latex so stay away if you are allergic to latex.
is purple which is a medium strength. Other name brands such as Spri makes it much easier to know what the strength is of the Tube/Cord/Band. There was no indication on the package but I figured if it was too easy I could just make this 5' Cord small by wrapping it around my wrists. This makes it shorter and thus harder.
is portable and a super prop to take with you on your travels. Unless you are a body...

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Jo says "Colgate Orabase didn't Relieve my tongue Pain" about Colgate Orabase Maximum Strength Oral Pain Reliever

Jo — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:22:27 GMT

To the Point

I had surgery on my tongue yesterday or shall I say in my tongue. In any case I had a tongue lesion which was removed and I have stitches. Dr. Lane, an oral surgeon, gave me several samples of Colgate Orabase Maximum Strength Oral Pain Reliever.

A Closer View

I have been taking Tylenol and Advil which has helped the pain somewhat. This morning I decided to give one of these samples a try. Colgate Orabase Maximum Strength Oral Pain Reliever comes in a .21-ounce tube in the $5.00 range.

The active ingredient is benzocaine (20%) which is supposed to stop the pain of mouth and gum sores.

Adults and children two years and older can use Colgate Orabase Maximum Strength Oral Pain Reliever. I followed the instructions which are to gently dab on the site of irritation with a cotton swab or fingertip. I can use it up to 4 times a day or according to what your doctor or dentist recommends.

Don't use Colgate Orabase Maximum Strength Oral Pain Reliever if you are allergic to local anesthetics...

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Jo says "Yogacise Lifts my Body without hurting my neck" about Gaiam Yogacise Body Lift

Jo — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:56:58 GMT

I don't think I have met a Gaiam product I didn't like and this is true of the Yogacise Body Lift. We use this prop regularly in Yoga class.

The specifications

Yogacise Body Lift

is made in China
supports 250 pounds
is 28 inches long by 21 inches wide by 15 inches high
is very portable weighing in at 19 pounds

Why use the Yogacise Body Lift?

I'll talk about what I see as the primary use of the Body Lift and that is to do an inversion. Yoga is one of the few systems of health that suggest you regularly turn yourself upside down for extended periods of time. My Yoga teacher always tells us how amazing inversions are from relieving anxiety to relieving constipation.

I know I feel great after using the Yogacise Body Lift. I have done head stands on the floor but for some of us due to injury, age, fear, or name the reason, prefer not to. In comes the Body Lift. This prop allows me to go upside down without any compression on my head.

The padding is super thick making it very comfortable to rest...

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Jo says "Home Cookin Toaster Oven Works in all sorts of Weather" about WeatherWorks Home Cookin Toaster Oven

Jo — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:36:26 GMT

We needed a new toaster and usually buy inexpensive small appliances and replace them frequently. I picked up Home Cookin by WeatherWorks at one of the large department stores for $20. The website http://www.weatherworks.net has it for around $34.00 but I am sure you can do better. The model number is 6868.

Pros

Home Cookin by WeatherWorks Toaster Oven

is attractive. I got it in black but it also comes in white.
is compact. There are only 2 of us who eat human food in my house so the fact it will fit 4 slices of bread is just fine.
has an easy to open cool touch door handle.
has feet that do not skid on my counter top.
has a baking tray and a grill rack.
has a power light so I know when the toaster is on.
has a full ranger of temperatures.
has a 60-minute timer but also has a stay on feature so I don't have to time something.
has 3 settings: broil, bake, and toast pizza.

Cons

I am lucky enough to have cleaning help so I didn't notice this until I went to review my HomeCookin Toaster...

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Jo says "Canker Melts: licorice cures canker sores" about Orahealth CankerMelts

Jo — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:04:16 GMT

To the Point

I get canker sores because I have an autoimmune disorder called Sjorgren's Syndrome. I was sent some samples of CankerMelts which can be bought in a package of 12 for $8.00 in Walgreens.

A Closer View

Let's look at the ingredients first:

The active ingredient is Glycyrrhiza extract (GX), which comes from the root of the licorice plant. GX is thought to have pain relieving, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. The inactive ingredients are Hydrophilic Gums and Potassium.

Since I found my CankerMelts to work I'll just get right into what the claims are.

Relieves pain in minutes
Heals sores in 1-5 days
Time releases soothing collagen and natural medication, not numbing chemicals.
CankerMelts have a mild flavor
They are somewhat self-adhering. They are advertised as being self adhering and that may be true in some parts of the mouth. I used mine on the sides of my mouth and held it in place. It would stick a bit but not enough. Also you can use these at night so...

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Jo says " I make smoothies with my Wave Station Dispensing Blender" about Hamilton Beach Wave Station Express Dispensing Blender

Jo — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:00:49 GMT

We are now a 2-blender family. My husband's smoothies have two many calories so I bought the Hamilton Beach Wave Station Express Dispensing Blender for about $20.00.

Pros

The 48-ounce jar is plastic so if it falls it won't break.
Hamilton Beach Wave Station Express Dispensing Blender has a Wave Action system. This actually works. The blender forces the mixture down into the blades. I have made smoothies before in other blenders and have to scrape the sides but I haven't had to this with Hamilton Beach Wave Station Express Dispensing Blender.
It it dishwasher safe.
It is attractive.
It has a dispenser so I can just pull on it and out will come my smoothie. If I use the spout there is a hidden spot under the blender for the cap. If I use the cap then I have to put the spout in a drawer.
It crushes ice really, really well.
It has 4 speeds which are smoothies, juicer, pulse, and milk shake. There is also a dispenser function which the dial should be on when using the dispenser.

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BayouBengal says "Prilosec OTC is a Great Choice for Controling Acid Reflux" about Prilosec OTC

BayouBengal — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:53:09 GMT

Prilosec OTC became my husband's standby when he ran out of his prescription for Zantac 150 mg. Both can be obtained over the counter now, but in the case of his prescription, it was cheaper to get it at the pharmacy than buy over the counter. His doctor would not refill his prescription without an office visit (dumb since he has been on this for several years), so that led to him trying Prilosec OTC. Why switch? Because I already had some at the house and it worked for me so he decided why not?

Prilosec OTC comes in boxes of 14, 28, and 42 count. The product works by blocking the acid with one dose a day. It is also great for frequent heartburn sufferers.

Active Ingredients

Omeprazole magnesium delayed-release tablet 20.6 mg (equivalent to 20 mg omeprazole)

My Thoughts on Prilosec OTC

The worst thing about starting Prilosec OTC is that it doesn't work immediately. You have to take it for a couple of days to two weeks for the medication to really kick in and prevent heartburn/acid...

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Jo says "Wow someone with the simplehuman step can" about simplehuman fingerprint-proof slim step can 1872

Jo — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:15:39 GMT

I will pay for quality but I bought a $10.00 waste basket which may not last too long. I guess in that case I wasn't paying for quality. Our daughter and son-in-law have the simplehuman fingerprint-proof slim step can model1872. This is what I would have liked but

I thought it would look too modern in my kitchen.
I would not pay $100.00 for a trash can.

I know there are copycats which you can buy for 1/2 the price. I have seen them in the store and I've seen dented ones. The simplehuman fingerprint-proof slim step can will dent anytime soon.

The features

I cannot imagine the copy cats have stainless steel that is finger proof (Imagine how great this is with children?) and whose inner bucket is dent-proof plastic. In addition the pedal and step area are solid stainless steel.

The simplehuman fingerprint-proof slim step can uses regular sized kitchen bags depending on what size you buy. Our daughter's is 30 liter/8 gallon measuring 18.7" in diameter by 10.4 inches wide by 22.4 inches high....

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BayouBengal says "Tramadol Keeps Me Going!" about Ultram Tramadol tablets

BayouBengal — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:39:00 GMT

Winters bring more than just cold weather for me, it also means that the aches and pains associated with arthritis and fibromyalgia will be knocking on my door. One of the prescriptions I take to manage the pain for both conditions is Tramadol.

Tramadol is classified as a narcotic-like drug but not considered one that you would get addicted to easily like some other ones on the market. It is also one that is fairly easy on the stomach. Tramadol is commonly prescribed for moderate to chronic pain. The name Tramadol is the generic form of the drug. The brand name is Ultram or Ultram ER, which is an extended release formula.

I have taken both Tramadol and Tramadol ER on and off for several years. I only take it when I need it, as these bouts with the Fibro seem to come and go. Stress seems to be a trigger for it. It has never upset my stomach, although I usually take it on a full stomach, after a meal.

Tramadol should be taken by adults only and only if prescribed by...

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BayouBengal says "Bee M.D. Organic Honey Lemon Throat Drops-USDA Certified Organic" about BestSweet Inc. Bee M.D. Organic Honey Lemon Throat Drop

BayouBengal — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:01:13 GMT

I've been battling multiple symptoms of the cold and flu for about a week and finally gave in and went to the doctor Monday because I was also having trouble with my blood pressure running high. I ended up getting a flu test, which turned out negative but I was still left with multiple issues, one of which was a sore throat, which got worse even with taking an antibiotic. When I got my prescriptions filled, I browsed the store. One of the items I found and picked up to buy was Bee M.D. Organic Honey Lemon Throat Drops.

At the time of purchase my throat was just irritated and not really hurting. I was really glad that I had bought them the following day when I woke up with a real sore throat. It was bad enough to want to stay home from work but my husband thought I should go in since I've missed so much work in the last few months with my Dad's illness. So off to work I went with my bag of Bee M.D. Organic Honey Lemon Throat Drops.

Bee M.D. Organic Honey Lemon Throat Drops contain...

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Jo says "Apples to Apples is the party game of the year" about Mattel Games Apples to Apples

Jo — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:47:15 GMT

We were first introduced to the board game, Apples to Apples, by our daughter and son-in-law. We spent a weekend playing it. When we got home I went out and bought the game. It's super!

We played and bought the Party Box. There are other versions. We got

756 red apple cards
252 green apple cards
the rules

Apples to Apples is intended for 4 to 10 players. From experience the more players you have the more fun the game is. It is made for those over 12 years old. You can finish the game in about 1/2 hour but you'll want to play again.

How to play

Each player is dealt seven red apple cards. On each card there is a word or it could be a phrase such as "doctor" or "a bad haircut."

One person who is called the judge draws a green apple card. On this card there is an adjective such as "smart" or "shocking." That card is put down so the other players can see it. Then each player (except the judge) chooses a card that they think is the best match for the green apple card, and places it face-down....

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BayouBengal says "Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets...Amazing at What They Do!" about Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets 50 ct

BayouBengal — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:42:32 GMT

I've always gone for the "natural" look when it comes to makeup. I don't wear a lot, but I do wear makeup to work. I've been sick for the last two weeks and it is obvious that my body chemistry is all out of whack because I've been experiencing and oily T-zone lately. I found an answer to that with Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets. They work wonders!

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets come in a package containing 50 small sheets for around $5.99. The lowest I have seen them are about $4.69 at a local drugstore.

The sheets are somewhat of a mystery, as they feel like a thin sheet of plastic, unlike the paper sheets on the market years ago for absorbing oil. To use these, just press on the area of your face that is oily or shiny. The sheet instantly absorbs the excess oil and is then ready for disposal.

My Thoughts on Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets are great for having in your purse for those times when you...

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Jo says "My Book has all my data backed up" about Western Digital My Book Home Edition 500 GB USB Hard Drive

Jo — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:11:54 GMT

To the Point

When my computer started acting up and I couldn't defragment I was told I needed to get some files off. I have a flash drive but I needed something heavy duty. I bought Western Digital My Book Home Edition 500 GB USB Hard Drive.

What I got

This is a portable hard drive. It is not a flash drive. It came with a USB 2.0 cable, a Quick Install Guide (very quick - luckily this is a cinch to use), an AC adapter, and 500GB Hard Drive Capacity.

About th Western Digital My Book Home Edition 500 GB USB Hard Drive

I didn't have to install this. I just put two plugs into My Book and one in my computer. I plugged it in the couple of times I have used it. I could keep it plugged into my computer but since I also have a flash drive I use that as a daily back up. When I backed up my material on two different occasions I could see the progress.

What is nice though is that My Book Home Edition is automatic versus my flash drive which I have to save to each time I save a document.

From the...

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BayouBengal says "Schick Quatto Razor for Women--It's a Keeper!" about Schick Quattro for Women

BayouBengal — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:32:32 GMT

Shaving is not exactly fun and it can be a chore, especially for those with sensitive skin. A good razor is a treasure. I would classify Schick Quattro Razor for Women as a treasure. It is an awesome razor!

Schick Quattro Razor for Women

This razor really delivers a close shave. The Schick Quattro Razor for Women has four blades and a conditioning strip on the top of row of the blades and below them. The conditioning strips contain aloe and Vitamin E and help to keep your skin soft.

The head of the razor pivots and allows you to shave in the hard to reach areas like behind the knee. The razor is able to turn to allow for a clean shave without you having to make adjustments to shave in a "curved" area.

The Schick Quattro Razor for Women has rubberized grips on the handle that make handling a razor with soapy hands a little bit easier.

My Thoughts

This is a super nice razor and I have enjoyed using it for about 6 months now. I'll probably never go back to a double blade razor...

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BayouBengal says "Equate Dandruff Shampoo For Everyday Clean Hair" about Equate Dandruff Shampoo

BayouBengal — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:35:36 GMT

Having dandruff is no joking matter, just ask anyone that has it! However, dandruff shampoo isn't just for people who have dandruff. It also relieves dry scalp and itching. Enter an alternative to Head and Shoulders Shampoos....meet Equate Dandruff Shampoo!

Equate Dandruff Shampoo contains Pyrithione zinc as the active ingredient. It is also the main ingredient in Head and Shoulders Shampoo, so you are basically paying for the "big name".

Equate Dandruff Shampoo is safe to use on a daily basis. It is a gentle formula that is also pH balanced. It is also safe for permed or color treated hair. It is recommended for relieving dry scalp, itch, irritation of the scalp and preventing "flakes".

My Thoughts on Equate Dandruff Shampoo

We actually started using this product by mistake. The store was out of Head and Shoulders Shampoo and we found this instead. Rather than buy a more expensive brand of dandruff shampoo, my husband decided to try the Walmart brand. It turned out...

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Jo says "Bare Escentuals Flawless Application Face Brus" about Bare Escentuals Flawless Application Face Brush

Jo — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:33:43 GMT

This is the last review of my Bare Escentials kit in which I got three brushes. The one I am now reviewing is the Bare Escentuals Flawless Application Face Brush.

Pros

I use the Bare Escentuals Flawless Application Face Brush exclusively for my Bare Escentuals Warmth All Over Face Color.

The brush is small coming in at 4 3/4 inches with the tapered bristles being 1 1/2 inches. The overall smaller brush (versus the Full Flaweless Brush) makes putting on my Warmth easy. I don't get as much color on the brush as I would with a larger one. I dab the Bare Escentuals Flawless Application Face Brush into the pot of Warmth and sweep my cheeks. I find the bristles to be soft (made of goat hair) and if I have put too much color on my face the brush is the perfect size to sweep the color over my entire face giving me a bronze look.

You can, of course, use this brush for any application. I just learned from the salesperson at Sephora to use the brushes in the way I have described in other reviews...

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