Reviews by Friends of joewill55

TunefulGal says "Yardley's Fresh Aloe is gentle on your skin AND your budget!" about Yardley of London Fresh Aloe with Cucumber Essence Naturally Moisturizing Bar

TunefulGal — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:17:35 GMT

I love freshly-scented, moisturizing soaps. When a student gives me an expensive bar, I'm delighted. But when expense is my issue, I am equally as happy to use Yardley of London products.

In a brand new package, Yardley's Fresh Aloe with Cucumber Essence Naturally Moisturizing Bar, is a scented bar I missed in the past. Compared with another favorite, -- Yardley's Lemon Verbena with Shea Butter -- Fresh Aloe is saucy to Lemon Verbena's seductive and peppery to Verbena's warm floral scent. Fresh Aloe looks like jade and lathers very well. Yardley viewpoints.com/Yardley-of-London-Lemon-Verbena-Soap-with-Shea-Butter-review-091c1

This reminds me again that Yardley Soaps have very distinctive personalities and, for some of us, can even cater to our moods. Aloe with Cucumber, for example, is great for face-splashing when you need a wake-up call.

AND NOW FOR A MUSICAL DIGRESSION...

Yardley of London started business in 1770 with lavender-scented products. Beethoven was...

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vivasuzi says "Use them on the window, or the fridge, or the wall!" about Product Works Jingle Jelz Window Decor

vivasuzi — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:12:35 GMT

I bought two different kinds of Jingle Jelz at Bronner's Christmas Wonderland and now I can't wait to go back and buy some more.

Jingle Jelz are holiday decorations that come in a variety of cartoon characters and shapes. At Bronner's I only saw the Christmas kind, but online I see they have various holiday designs. I bought Woodstock (from snoopy) and a set of snowflakes as seen in the picture. These are window clings, but what makes them different is that the Jingle Jelz are made of a thick gel-like substance that makes them soft and mushy.

Jingle Jelz aren't just for windows! As you can see from my pictures, I use them on my painted walls. I was worried they would eventually fall off, but they've been up for weeks with no trouble. Last year I had woodstock on my fridge and the snowflakes on my glass door. So there are various places that these will stick. Any smooth surface should do. I like to keep the Jelz inside the house where I can see them rather then putting...

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TunefulGal says "When the Christmas din is down, relax w/ your London Ritz tutor." about William Morrow and Co., Inc. The London Ritz Book of Christmas: The Art & Pleasures of a Traditional Christmas

TunefulGal — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:56:46 GMT

Right between Christmas and the New Year, I crave the lazy rhythm of an afternoon spent with holiday history books and recipe collections. These are the books, often received as gifts, that take the pressure off only when you've finished with your own turkey or roast beef for the year. When the kids are napping or out with their friends... When the guys are watching one big game or another... When nothing sounds better than a cozy chair and a cup of flavorful tea...

Some books bear reading and re-reading as does The London Ritz Book of Christmas: The Art & Pleasures of a Traditional Christmas by Jennie Reekie. Within its mere 64 pages are lavish courses of food and drink and descriptions of the English holiday customs which so colored the lives of Christmaslovers like Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens. These are the substance of Christmas past which the Ritz Hotel still avidly explores.

The famed Ritz Hotel opened in 1906. As with so many extraordinary hostelries,...

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vivasuzi says "For once, I'm glad I ran out of Chapstick!" about Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil

vivasuzi — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:13:43 GMT

I had never used Burt's Bees, but I signed up for their email newsletter because everyone told me they had great products. A few months ago, I received an awesome email deal and went and got a ton of their products, but I didn't open any of them until now.... when I finally ran out of Chapstick.

I always used Chapstick because it is supposedly medicated, and supposedly the best thing for chapped lips, however now that I had some Burt's Bees to try - I couldn't wait! The Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil smelled great when I first opened it, and every time since. It is hard to describe the smell of Burt's Bees products, all I can say is they are strong! But don't worry, it doesn't smell that strong after you put it on.

I choose to try this one first because it said it was Replenishing. My lips get dry often and I can't stand it. With Chapstick I often had to reapply over and over. However with Burt's Bees I put it on once and my lips stayed moisturized...

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Katrena says "SlyDog Bark Balls Work Better for Smaller Dogs" about SlyDog Bark Balls

Katrena — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:33:06 GMT

SlyDog Bark Balls come in packs of four and my pack has yellow and white balls with a doggy type decoration on it, which is useful if you have lots of kids balls too. These are designed for smaller dogs because the tennis-sized balls are hard for smaller dogs to pick up and carry.

The package mentions that these balls are not safe for dogs over 20 pounds because they could be a choking hazard for larger breeds, so go with the full sized balls if you have a larger dog. I have a small poodle mix, and they seem to be about the right size for her.

These balls are made from polyester and rubber. They feel like a regular tennis ball on the outside and I can squeeze them just a little bit. Some dogs that really like to chew might destroy these pretty quickly.

My dog really isn't very interested in these balls. Retrievers and retriever mixed dogs may be quite interested in fetching, and maybe my poodle mix will take a liking to them eventually, but for now she craves attention from her people...

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Katrena says "Hatfied Slip Dog Collar is Actually a Choke Collar" about Hatfield Adjustable Slip Small Dog Collar

Katrena — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:20:58 GMT

The Hatfield Adjustable Slip Small Dog Collar is a nylon collar that adjusts as the dog moves. It gets tighter around the dog's neck if the dog moves away from you while walking. I've heard these also called choke collars because that what it seems to do--choke the dog while trying to train them to keep close.

I'm not a big fan of negative reinforcement when training a dog. Dogs and their owners tend to have a lot more fun training if you reward a dog with treats. I want my newly adopted shelter dog to learn to walk beside of me during a walk, so I put some small treats in my pocket and we walk. We stop if she starts to pull. She gets rewarded if she takes a few steps right beside of me while not pulling. It's a long and slow process, but many people have used that technique with lots of success.

I bought this collar not realizing what type it was. It is difficult to tell what it is by the way it is packaged. If it had said "coke collar," then I would have known what it was. I thought it...

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Katrena says "Vicki Cameratz Handbag Has Loads of Separate Compartments" about Vicki Cameratz Khaki Handbag

Katrena — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:08:04 GMT

This Vicki Cameratz Khaki Handbag is actually a dark brown color to me--when I think of khaki, I think of a light brown color. This pocketbook is loaded with various compartments, including:

A side with a flap that folds over with a pocket underneath.
A zippered compartment just above and behind the flapped area.
A zippered compartment on the opposide side.
A large area in the center with three openings--one with a zipper and two on either side without zippers.

I need a pocketbook that will hold about a million things. I tend to always want to come prepared with everything from bandaids to my digital camera, as well as those necessary things like my wallet and calendar. This shoulder bag holds it all, and I can find things much easier when I can organize my stuff in separate compartments. It's nice to have a few compartments that don't zip to be able to get to some things quickly, but I'm careful not to store something in those areas that I absolutely cannot lose.

Many shoulder bags tend...

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Katrena says "Dry Idea Unscented Anit-Perspirant & Deodorant is So-So for Me" about Dry Idea Unscented Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant

Katrena — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:11:55 GMT

I've been using Dry Idea unscented roll-on anti-perspirant and deodorant for about 20 years, but I'm thinking of trying to other brands because the cost seems really high to me and it seems like it doesn't work as well as it used to work for me.

My Experience & Thoughts About Dry Idea:

Dry Idea easy to find in stores--sometimes it's hard to find unscented versions of products, but I've seen the unscented Dry Idea in quite a few retail stores. I'd like to see this in a larger size for a more economical price.

It dries feeling clean and fresh. I've tried some roll-ons that felt sticky--yuck! However, if it isn't completely dry before dressing, it can leave white marks on clothing. I really like that it is unscented. It doesn't cause me to have breathing problems and doesn't break out my skin like some other scented ones do. I have lots of allergies and work part-time as a cancer nurse, so it's important to me to have skin care products that are hypoallergenic and that don't have strong...

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TunefulGal says "This Head and Shoulders shampoo really does stops the itch!" about Head & Shoulders pyrithione zinc dandruff shampoo

TunefulGal — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:03:31 GMT

By golly, Head & Shoulders' new Pyrithione Zinc Dandruff Shampoo fulfills its promise!

A double wash quells the itch and leaves hair feeling soft and looking quite shiny. The active ingredient in this Dry Scalp Care product is Pyrithione Zinc 1%, and that's good enough for some immediate relief, but perhaps not the best over the long term for those with severely itchy scalp and/or fine hair.

I previously gave my five stars to a pricier 2% solution product, DHS Zinc Shampoo. www.viewpoints.com/DHS-2-Zinc-Anti-Dandruff-Shampoo-review-3755. Although this product, with twice the pyrithione zinc, does a superior job of stopping the itch (and for a longer period of time), there are always trade-offs.

Head & Shoulders Zinc Dandruff Shampoo requires only two regular applications with rinse cycles. DHS instructs that you wait several minutes after each application before going on with the rinses. Head & Shoulder Zinc useage results in a gentler hair texture. DHS can leave hair feeling...

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Katrena says "Double LadderBall is Fun, Easy to Set Up, and Stores in a Bag" about Maranda Enterprises Double LadderBall

Katrena — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:05:49 GMT

Maranda Enterprises Double LadderBall is a bola game that is easy to set up, works well for adults and children of various ages, and stores in a bag. It is recommended for ages 4 and up. Set Up for LadderBall:

The game has two uprights. Each upright consists of a stand with a blue, red, and white bar. No tools are required for assembly. Just push the pieces together. The uprights have a pretty wide base, and when we have played the game, they haven't been in any danger of tipping over. Place the uprights about 25 feet apart (or closer together for young kids).

To Play LadderBall:

The game has six bolas. These are braided 11" ropes with two balls about the weight of a golf ball but a little larger in size on each end. There are three red ones and three blue ones in my game. Teams take turns throwing their color of bola at the upright. You get three points for blue, two points for red, and one point for white. If the opposing team lands one on the same color, then your points are taken...

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Katrena says "Paws n Claws Reflective Dog Collar is Limited in Size" about Paws -n- Claws Reflective Dog Collar

Katrena — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:57:50 GMT

Paws -n- Claws Reflective Dog Collar is a basic woven dog collar that has a plastic locking attachment for holding the collar around the dog's neck. You have to squeeze both sides of the plastic closure in order to remove the collar. Ours is red and blue with reflective lines interwoven in it, and we bought it at our local Dollar Tree for $1. The Dollar Tree also had matching dog leashes.

Unfortunately, this dog collar was just too big for our dog. We had originally been thinking about getting a retriever, and I think this would probably fit a larger dog like that. The package says it is adjustable and fits neck sizes 18 to 24 inches. It would be nice if it could adjust down smaller or if the packaging would mention a few breeds that this size typically works well for, because it is very difficult to tell from looking at a leash that is attached to a piece of cardboard.

This dog leash is distributed in Virginia but made in China, and I prefer to purchase items made in the U.S.A., but unfortunately,...

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Katrena says "Paws n Claws Reflective Dog Leash Works Well & Only Cost $1" about Paws -n- Claws Reflective Dog Leash

Katrena — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:38:24 GMT

This Paws and Claws Reflective Dog Leash is 48 inches and seems to be made of some type of nylon--the packaging doesn't say. It is a basic leash with a circular opening an opening on one end for a person's hand and a hook on the other for attaching to the dog's collar. Ours is red and blue with a silver hook. The hook seems to easily open and close and stays attached once locked. There are silver threads interwoven in the leash that do reflect light, which I suppose would be helpful if walking the dog at night.

I picked up this dog leash at our local Dollar Tree for $1, so I wasn't really sure if it would be sturdy, but it seems to work well. It is easy to attach to the collar and holds the dog securely when walking. We're trying to train our dog to walk using the leash, so it's a slow process. We don't want her to pull, so we stop each time she pulls or begins to roam, which makes for a really slow walk. Having a few treats in my pocket can really motivate her when she's actually walking...

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Katrena says "My Dog Loves to Cuddle in Her Bow Wow Pet Dog Bed" about Bow Wow Pet Dog Bed

Katrena — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:19:03 GMT

I recently purchased this Bow Wow Pet dog bed from Dollar General for about $10. For me, it was money well spent.

About the Dog Bed:

It is 23" in diameter plus 6" for the edging. I saw another smaller size for smaller dogs. This one is just right for my poodle mix.
It is incredibly soft--our dog has the softest bed in the house.
It is made in China--I prefer to buy items made in America, but I needed a dog bed rather quickly and had to get what I could find.

My Viewpoint:

This Bow Wow pet dog bed is very soft and cushiony, and our new dog absolutely loves it. We just adopted our dog from the animal shelter, and the first night was really rough for her. She kept wanting to sleep with me, and I was afraid to get that started because I have asthma and allergies. I preferred for her to sleep on the floor, but she didn't want anything to do with that. Eventually I ended up having her sleep in her crate and stuck my fingers in it and she licked my fingers about all night.

I bought this dog bed...

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Katrena says "Petmate Pet Taxi is Easy to Assemble & Disassemble" about Petmate Pet Taxi

Katrena — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:05:25 GMT

The Petmate Pet Taxi may be called a dog crate, pet crate, or dog carrier, or pet carrier. I haven't actually heard of one of these being called a taxi before purchasing this one at Wal-Mart the other day. I purchased the 15.5", which is the large size recommended for dog breeds such as dachshunds, fox terriers, shih tzus, etc.

Assembly of the Dog Carrier:

This product comes in a few pieces. The bottom actually fits inside the top and the door can lie inside of them if you need to transport it without the animal and need more space. Just turn the top right side up and snap the two pieces together and snap the locks on all sides. It is important to line the door up before placing the pieces together. The door locks and is pretty easy to open by squeezing the handle together. It also comes with a tiny water/food dish that can hook inside of it. The crate seems pretty sturdy and durable, but I've had mine for a short period of time.

Other Information about the Dog Crate:

The packaging says...

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OldHippie says "This Is Sold At Sears?" about Schwinn Suburban Sport Bicycle

OldHippie — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:48:44 GMT

The particular model I found was at Sears and Sears.com. The model found on Viewpoints may link you to a model on Amazon.com. The Sears model's full name is Schwinn 26in Men's Suburban Comfort Bike. Normal selling price is $299.99. As of this writing (12-13-2009) it's on sale for $249.99.

So what makes this model so much better than your average "big box store" bike? There are several... First is a real suspension seatpost; the kind that the seat rails attach directly to the seatpost. Next is braze-on 'eyelets' to mount two water bottles - not just one. From the enlarged photo at Sears.com, it looks like a Shimano Tourney rear derailleur - not the usual SRAM derailleur. (Junk) Now for the bad news... The shifters are the SRAM Grip Shift shifters - not as precise as Shimano's but doable for the recreational cyclist.

Perhaps the two best points are the aluminum comfort frame and the adjustable high-rise handlebars. This makes for a lightweight bike and a comfortable...

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china-cat84 says "A good phone but not the best..." about Nokia - twist Cell Phone

china-cat84 — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 08:44:33 GMT

I purchased this phone mostly because it reminded me of a blackberry. I'm too cheap (and broke!) to add the stupid data plan onto my plan because I doubt I would use it and I think it's a waste of money. The main reason I wanted a blackberry is because I like the look and feel of them - I don't need it for email, I don't need internet, I don't need to view documents or download special apps. I already have an iPod Touch and I use it for all of those things. I just wanted a phone that was sleek, modern, with a full keyboard, easy to use, and portable. My last phone was an LG enV - I upgraded right before the enV 2 came out. The enV was a great phone but it was bulky, thick, and heavy and very dated looking. I knew I needed something new.

I have had this phone for nearly a month now and I feel I have had it long enough to write a fully educated review. When it comes to a product that a person will be forced to use for a couple years (until they are able to upgrade) I feel it's important to...

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TunefulGal says "Fantus greeting card assortments are attractive budget savers! " about Fantus/PS Greetings, Inc. 12-Count Foil-Stamped Card Assortments

TunefulGal — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:36:50 GMT

I appreciate the sentiments and art of the well-advertised greeting cards line. In recent years, however, I've come to find their prices totally out-of-line, and I've definitely tired of taking precious minutes to read through one card after another on a big display rack.

Enter Fantus Paper Products/P.S. Greetings, the single-fold, 4.625" X 6.75" cards that come in 12-count boxes with four card designs per box. I most often find these Made-in-the-USA collections at Walgreen's.

I particularly like the foil-stamped lines in Fantus' single-occasion, 12-card collections in the birthdays, sympathy, friendship and get well categories. These cards invariably have relevant artwork and messages that are sensitive yet to the point. The kids' birthday cards have exuberant color and pizazz. The sympathy cards feature thoughtful, tactful messages and gentle floral designs. The friendship cards are succinctly appreciative.

I've always found it easy to choose an appropriate...

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TunefulGal says "Good-bye clunky cutting boards! I'm going with Ikea's Dralla." about Ikea Dralla Bendable Chopping Board

TunefulGal — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:27:32 GMT

Ikea's Dralla Bendable Chopping Board represents another victory in my efforts to dump awkward kitchen items in favor of trimmer, lighter-weight equivalents.

How weary I grew of washing clunky cutting boards and squeezing them into storage in my tiny kitchen! Ikea's trim and bendable cutting board, offers me an excellent, easy-care, and decoratively-pleasant option.

Dralla comes in packs of two, 14-and-a-half inch by 11-and-a-half inch boards. It's a definite steal at $1.99 per pack.

While the photo above shows plain white, I delight in the bright turquoise I purchased. Stains present no big problem; washing by hand as the Care Instructions require takes minimal effort; and the bendable feature allows quick moves of chopped foot straight to the pan without spillage. In the case of Dralla, bendable does not mean flimsy. This durability bodes well for a product that won't soon need replacing.

I found the smell of either the package plastic or the unwashed polyethylene boards...

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Katrena says "Equate Hydrocortison 1% Cream Works as Well as Brand for Less" about Equate Hydrocortison 1% Cream

Katrena — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:38:48 GMT

Equate Hydrocortisone 1% Cream is a steroidal cream that can work well for mild allergic-type rashes. I have a 2 oz. size tube, which tends to be a little larger than some of the namebrand ones, but they may have a 2 oz. choice as well. It tends to be quite inexpensive and cheaper than the name brands.

Equate Non-prescription Hydrocortisone Cream May Help:

rashes from poison ivy, poison sumac, or poison oak (but this cream doesn't help very much!)
mosquito bites and other small bites that itch
ezcema and psoriasis (it's similar to triamcinolone)
reactions to soaps, detergents, jewelry, etc.
external itching in the perineal area

Hydrocortison Cream Should Not be Used:

internally
on diaper rash unless a pediatrician specifically directs this to be used (this would usually only be for a very short period of time and it would be a very small amount, usually mixed with something else to minimize its use)
alone to treat fungal infections (like a yeast infection) because it does not kill fungi...

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Katrena says "Disney Ice Pack Makes Boo Boos Less Painful" about Disney Ice Pack (re-usable)

Katrena — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:34:27 GMT

Disney re-usable ice packs caught my eye at the Dollar Tree one day. They are small, round packs that you can put in the freezer and use to apply cold therapy to any manner of boo boos. Best of all, they have cute Disney pictures on them like Piglet, Disney princesses, and more.

What I Like About Disney Ice Packs

My kids love these things! I think sometimes they will fake an injury just so they can run to the freezer and play doctor.
They are convenient at home.
They only cost $1
They can be used over and over.
They have a pretty thick outer covering.

What I Don't Like About Disney Ice Packs:

My youngest decided to try one for a teething ring. Make sure to supervise if using on a young one's injury and check to ensure that it doesn't have holes.
They are limited in their use since they must be kept in a freezer in order to keep them cold.
They don't hold the cold for a really long time, but it's usually long enough to sooth.

My Viewpoint:

Disney Ice Packs (re-usable) can take some of the...

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