Reviews by Friends of dalilah

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 had come 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...

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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...

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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....

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Meri says "Beautiful Depiction of Good vs. Evil" about Avatar (2009)

Meri — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 02:52:14 GMT

My husband and I went to the mall a couple hours before the movie was to play on the IMAX screen in 3D only to find out it was already sold out. We chose to see it in REAL 3D on the regular screen rather than to wait for another showing. We really had no idea what to expect from the movie, Avatar but it wouldn't have mattered because it surpassed even the highest of any expectations that could have been held.

Avatar stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Sigourney Weaver and Michelle Rodriguez. The casting was excellent. They each play their parts perfectly. From Sigourney Weaver and Michelle Rodriguez with their tough gal attitudes to Zoe Saldana's exotic air the girls add depth and emotion to the script. Stephen Lang is the perfect G.I. Joe type. Sam Worthington, who was considered for the part of James Bond over Daniel Craig makes the ideal hero. Sweet and enduring he stole my heart with his youthful no-fear factor.

The movie was directed by James Cameron. Directing some...

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Meri says "Scents a Home in Minutes" about Rimports ScentSationals Ceramic Fragrance Wax Warmer

Meri — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 18:50:40 GMT

My daughter gave me a Scentsationals Ceramic Fragrance Wax Warmer along with four packages of Scentsationals scented wax cubes. [She had told me how wonderful the product was and how much she loved the fragranced wax cubes but I couldn't find them in the stores here.]

The ceramic warmer is electric and warms the fragrance cubes with the heat of a 25 watt lightbulb. Within five minutes the whole room begins to smell heavenly. Because the heat emitted is so small it is safe to leave the warmer plugged in 24/7. If you prefer to turn it off and on at will there is an on and off switch on the cord.

At night the warmer acts as a night light as the light shines through small openings on top and around the sides of the warmer.

Each package of fragranced wax comes with six cubes. Simply cut off one cube and place it in the warmer top. Plug in the unit and forget about it. Each cube lasts anywhere from 4-9 days.

There are several styles of warmers to choose from and scads of fragrances. My daughter...

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Meri says "homemade cards go from plain to elegant in seconds..." about Sizzix Texture Boutique Embossing Machine Beginner's Kit

Meri — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:33:49 GMT

A dear friend gave me the Sizzix Texture Boutique Embossing Machine Beginner's Kit for an early Christmas present. I'd never seen one before so I had no idea what it was or what it was for. She told me she thought I'd like to have it early so I could play with it. [she knows me]

When I first saw the machine out of the box I thought it looked like a cute little purse but the box said it was an embossing machine. I was surprised to read that it wasn't electric. The only thing I had to do to assemble the unit was to attach the crank handle. The Sizzix company even supplied the screwdriver- how easy.

The machine can be purchased separately or with enough supplies to start creating right away. My friend gave me the one with the beginner's kit. I'm glad because I didn't have to wait until I could purchase supplies.

The kit contains:

• Texture Boutique Embossing Machine
• Textured Impressions Embossing Folder - Flowers, Daisies (small)
• Textured Impressions Embossing Folder - Flower &...

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Meri says "loving this fragrance..." about Spark 1.7oz Eau De Perfume Liz Claiborne for Women

Meri — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:46:35 GMT

I was given a SPARK perfume set for a gift a couple of years ago. I liked the fragrance the first time I tried it but felt that it was too heavy and overwhelming. I would use it once in a while and wonder if people around me felt it was too strong. I saved it for winter use.

Fast forward a couple winters: Something has been happening this year that was quite unexpected. Each time I wear the perfume someone has commented on how good I smell or made note of the fragrance. Yesterday a woman sitting next to me in church leaned over and asked, "What is that perfume you are wearing? I absolutely love it!" It was then that I realized that I love it too.

SPARK has an oriental, spicy, floral scent that is quite romantic. It reminds me of Opium by Yves Saint Lauren so if you like Opium chances are you will love SPARK.

My set came with a large spray bottle, a smaller, purse size spray and a large container of body lotion. I usually don't like the lotions that come in sets but this one is an exception....

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Meri says "just what the doctor ordered!" about Virbac C.E.T. Hextra chews

Meri — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:14:03 GMT

Our little Yorkie rescue is the best thing that has happened to us in years. [Our house was just too quiet since all of the kids have moved out.] We absolutely adore her and she loves us, however, we don't love her occasional bad breath! We tried several products in hopes of relieving the problem. Most of them helped a little but nothing took care of her canine halitosis completely. That is, until we discovered the Virbac C.E.T HEXtra strips at the Vets office. He promised it would work. I was skeptical but bought them anyway. Within a week her teeth were pretty and white and her breath was sweet. Now, I tell everybody about them.

These premium chews are laced with Chlorhexidine that helps reduce tartar and remove plaque from her teeth. In fact, the Chlorhexidine works for up to 24 hours once it is introduced into the dog' mouth. My dog, Tessi loves them and thinks they are a treat so it is easy to get her to chew on them. They are safe and won't get stuck in the stomach like other rawhide...

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Meredith says "Big Star wins!" about Big Star - Chicago, IL

Meredith — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:48:05 GMT

I really love the new Tex-Mex cantina in Wicker Park - Big Star. The owners of Avec started Big Star... nice group. Let's just say I went there 3 nights in a row so it must be good. Located across from The Violet Hour on Damen near Milwaukee. Great vibe, greater food and drinks. I'm in love.

The highlights...

- $2 tacos (chicken, fish, pork, veggie)

- Impressive tequila & bourbon list. Plus, a ginger & beer cocktail that I love. Most cocktails are $7.

- On tap: Goose Island's Matilda ($6), Lagunita lager ($4) & Schlitz ($1)

- Super fresh quacamole, handmade tortillas

- Chill atmosphere, friendly staff

- Good music. They play records. Yes real records on a record player! Mostly rockabilly, old country (think Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash)

Go early-ish for any hope of getting a seat at the bar or seats anywhere, for that matter.

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Meri says "I can't afford to save any more money!" about Kohl's - Credit Card

Meri — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:58:27 GMT

Now, I am not one to shop with a credit card but my daughter kept telling me about the deals she would get by using her Kohl's card. I finally succumbed.

I must confess that I was not sold on the Kohl's store the first couple of times I shopped there. They don't have the brands I usually purchase so it took a while to convert me. The quality is not that great on most things but for some items quality doesn't matter. I have learned what I will buy there and what I will shy away from. They do have a liberal return policy and they will even let you pay the credit charge you just made at the same register! That's different. In fact, they are just so nice I find myself stopping by once in a while just to look around. I have found new brands to love and discovered some old favorites back in the housewares department.

Kohl's credit cards are a must if you shop at Kohl's. By using their card you are entitled to many discounts not available to the general public. Kohl's is one of the few stores...

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Meri says "It's a Keeper!" about Walnut Hollow Creative Versa-Tool

Meri — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:22:22 GMT

As a young girl I was given a wood-burning kit. I spent hours making plaques and wooden animals covered with my "art". When I had a daughter I introduced her to the craft as well. She made an incredible panda bear plaque worthy of display. I recently pulled out the old wood-burning tools and noticed that they were missing the interchangeable tips so anything I made would be limited to the use of one tip. I decided to purchase a new tool.

I couldn't find a duplicate of my old tool. What I did find however was much better. It is called the Creative Versa-Tool made by Walnut Hollow. This tool is a smaller version of the old wood-burning tool. It comes with a comfort grip and a heat protection shield so you can't burn your fingers while using it. It also came with a stand so that it can be safely stored and not burn counter-tops, tabletops, etc. It also came in a plastic storage case [so next time I look for the tips they will all be in one place]. I like that!

The tool comes with eleven...

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Meri says "Whoa! Foam overload-" about Aquafresh Iso-Active Toothpaste

Meri — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:47:01 GMT

I have used Aquafresh Extreme Clean toothpaste for a couple of years now. I like the way it makes my teeth feel after brushing. When I saw commercials for the Aquafresh Iso-Active Toothpaste I thought it was a no-brainer. The foaming concept made sense; that being that the foam would whoosh up into small crevices, nooks and crannies, cleaning where no toothpaste had gone before.

The toothpaste comes in a can that dispenses the toothpaste through a pumping system. When pumped, it looks like normal gel toothpaste. Start to brush and the fun begins. The once tame toothpaste starts to foam. The more you brush, the more foam grows in your mouth. It is almost like it is alive- The toothpaste is supposed to foam up and work its way into hidden areas in your mouth, claiming it cleans better than ordinary toothpaste and can remove 3X more bacteria while it is doing its thing. Oh, did I mention it is supposed to whiten teeth as well?

Bottomline:

The Aquafresh Iso-Active Toothpaste does foam up as...

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Meri says "protects and seals without fail" about Krylon Workable Fixatif

Meri — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 01:44:30 GMT

I love crafts and painting. For years I have created personal projects for friends and family members but after going to all the work I want my projects to be protected. That is why I use Krylon Workable Fixatif.

Fixatif is easy to use. It comes in an aerosol can so it sprays on. The product comes out in a fine mist so it is hard to get too much of it on the item you are spraying. It works on charcoal drawings, pencil, watercolors, India ink and crayon projects. It prevents charcoal and chalk drawings from smudging and allows easy reworking of the project.

The Krylon Workable Fixatif makes colors "pop" off the page. It is the perfect product to finish a project. Maybe one of the best things about it is that it is acid-free and archival safe.

To use:

Shake the can for two minutes. Hold the project 6-9 inches away from the can and spray in a sweeping motion. The product dries fast so it is easy to apply several thin coats without risking running and ruining the project.

The Fixatif dries...

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Meri says "Foams away disposal grunge- whoosh!" about Magic American Products Disposal Magic

Meri — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 01:13:46 GMT

I am always looking for a way to deodorize my garbage disposal. I have tried real lemons, little balls of lemon scent and a citrus cleaner that claimed to do the trick but, I really haven't been sold on any of them.

The Disposal Magic product is a cut above the rest but I am still on my quest to find something that will take my breath away! [not literally, of course]

The package I bought contained 8 packets or pouches of cleaner. Although the bag says it is easy to use, I found that one time it did not foam away anything. I had to use a second pouch for the foam to rise up and act as though it was cleaning.

To use the Disposal Magic, simply turn on the hot water and let it stream into the disposal for at least a minute. Turn the water so it becomes a trickle. The disposal should be off at this point.

Continuing with the disposal on off, insert one of the packets into the disposal. You don't have to unwrap it or anything- just put the whole thing in.

Now, turn on the disposal. If it works...

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