Reviews by Friends of kikirose78

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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LisaCarey says "Dress up dolls in the bathtub? " about Alex Tub Fashion

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:41:02 GMT

Do you remember playing with paper dolls and changing their clothes? My daughter's have moved on to Melissa and Doug dolls, a twin set that gives them lots of clothes and accessories that are magnetic to dress their not so paper dolls. Since they had so much fun with dressing dolls that way, one friend purchased the Alex Tub Fashion set for them to use in the bathtub.

Bathtub time is a big deal at my house. It includes bubbles and playtime long before we get to the business at hand. My girls only a year apart are still where they like to do everything together which includes not using their own bathtub but using mom's instead so that they can have more space to be mermaids. Alex Tub Fashion toy was immediately sent to its room.

What do I like about the Alex Tub Fashion toy?

there are two dolls - and I have two girls
there are plenty of dress up items
the easy to store bag allows them to drip dry
the girls enjoy them
easy to use - just stick the doll to the side of the...

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LisaCarey says "A few suds, no surprises but the girls love it because it's Dora" about Fisher-Price Suds and Surprise Dora

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:23:13 GMT

I was a little surprised with the girls were shopping for their birthday gift and they actually chose the Fisher-Price Suds and Surprise Dora. It didn't seem all that exciting to me but the price was right (on sale for $14.99) so I thought if they really want it that bad, sure let's give it a try.

The Fisher-Price Suds and Surprise Dora is a Dora doll that sits on a "tray' that is attached to the side of your bathtub and is removable. Dora's "head" is like those dolls that you can do their hair and put make up on their faces. The Dora head has longer hair than in the cartoon and when wet with cold or hot water it changes color adding stripes. It comes with a little bucket to pour water out and a sponge which causes tattoos to appear on Dora's face when used.

What I like about the Fisher-Price Suds and Surprise Dora

not too expensive
the tray attaches to the bathtub and really does stick
the girls enjoy it
still fun to play with even after all this time
good for ages 2 and...

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LisaCarey says "A cool mist that helps my family breathe easy at night " about Holmes Humidifier - Cool Mist Humidifier - HM1746

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:14:18 GMT

Who would have ever thought living in Houston I would need an humidifier? But two of my daughter's suffers from seasonal allergies and for some reason, as soon as the heat comes on the one has a stuffed up nose, even with the worst cold symptoms. Both my husband and I have seasonal sinus trouble too. My pediatrician recommended that she sleep with a humidifier in her room so needing one that didn't add to the Houston heat we purchased the Holmes Humidifier - Cool Mist Humidifier - HM1746.

What I like about the Holmes Humidifier - Cool Mist Humidifier - HM1746.

not too expensive
lightweight - I can take it from the bedroom to the family room so we can use it all day
once it is filled it lasts a long time
several different settings - from lots of humidity to little as well as three settings for how the fan functions
safety feature on the fan to keep little fingers safe

What I don't like about the Holmes Humidifier - Cool Mist Humidifier - HM1746.

it's noisy - it is not really...

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LisaCarey says "Soft on the nose and the blow " about Kleenex Facial Tissue with Lotion

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:56:12 GMT

I purchased Kleenex Facial Tissue with Lotion because it was less expensive than the Puff's brands with Aloe or Lotion. I wasn't disappointed but sometimes they just don't hold up to a good hard blow of the nose.

What do I like about Kleenex Facial Tissue with Lotion

softens my skin when I need a tissue
less expensive than other brands
works well - most of the time
easy to find at any store
variety of boxes for any decor
soft and smooth
helps with the pain and redness your nose can get from blowing too often

What don't I like about Kleenex Facial Tissue with Lotion

can't use for anything else
the lotion tends to give me a pimple or two on and around my nose
have to use two or more tissues sometimes for a good blowing of my nose

i admit, I have sensitive skin and when I have to use a tissue a lot (usually in the spring and again the entire month of December) the redness, drying and irritation that regular tissues give my skin is a real pain. At least when I...

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LisaCarey says "Tried and true remedy for congestion " about Vicks VapoRub

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:44:58 GMT

Here is how it works in our household (and probably yours too). One daughter gets sick. Then the next one, then mom (dad never gets sick lucky dad). Mom is now sick and caring for two or more sick children. Everyone has chest or nose congestion, stuffy noses, runny noses and coughing going on. I know that when all this starts happening whether it's the middle of the night or first thing in the morning, I can grab the jar of Vicks VapoRub and rub it on chests (Mommy that tickles) and back and that within a few minutes all of us will be able to breathe, even those who didn't need any help!

What I like about Vicks VapoRub

inexpensive
tried and true remedy for most cold and flu symptoms
versatile (use in the shower, place some on your chest and back, also leave some on the vaporizer
the scent
it works!

What I don't like about Vicks VapoRub

the sticky feeling - after I apply it it sticks to your clothing yuck!

But this is the most important thing, it is tried and true....

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LisaCarey says "Helps children with tough coughs and colds " about Wyeth Consumer Dimetapp Long Acting Cough Cold, 4 OZ (pack Of 3)

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:31:20 GMT

I know it's important for children to use a cough to break up chest congestion, but honestly sometimes you (as a parent) and they just need a little bit of down time for that tough painfully loud coughing that is making your children miserable and making it impossible for anyone to get any sleep. That's how the past week or so has been for this family as a tough runny nose and cough has made its way though each girl in this house. I decided to give us all a break and use Dimetapp Long Acting Cough Cold to hopefully get a little break and a whole lot of sleep.

What I like about Dimetapp Long Acting Cough Cold

grape flavor (1 our of 2 of the children like it and it's ok with me I'll take those odds)
small amounts needed to be helpful (1/2 teaspoon for preschoolers)
it really is long acting
children and mom get a break from the coughing
every one gets some sleep

What I don't like about Dimetapp Long Acting Cough Cold

one child has to be forced to take it
it's got lots of...

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LisaCarey says "My little princess likes to drink from this little princess cup " about Playtex Disney Princess Insulator 9oz 1-Pack Spill-Proof Cup

LisaCarey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:18:06 GMT

My daughter's have almost outgrown the whole "sippy cup" thing but at home it's nice to have a little extra cushion to prevent spills, especially since there is two of them and one of me. My most recent adventure into big girl sippy cups was the Playtex Disney Princess Insulator 9oz 1-Pack Spill-Proof Cup, priced at $5.99.

What I like about the Playtex Disney Princess Insulator 9oz 1-Pack Spill-Proof Cup

just the right size (sometimes a little too big but I have to refill less often)
3D Disney princess design
available in a variety of colors
the double pack was not double the price but only $7.99 and two is always better than one in my household
the click latch lid that lets you know for sure that the lid is screwed on
the easy to remove and clean seal
double wall insulation keeps drinks colder longer
the mouth piece is designed to teach children how to hold their mouth to drink from regular cups
easy grip design
my daughters love it

What don't I like about...

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LisaCarey says "Scrunching and Curling my hair with LOTS of this gel " about Garnier Fructis Gel Srunchy Curl 8.5 oz

LisaCarey — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:45:15 GMT

I don't have a lot of time to spend on my hair - which is part of the reason I take advantage of my curly hair for easy hair styles. The problem with that if finding hair care products that actually help me get the curls I want and that doesn't cost too much or weigh my already thick heavy hair down. Garnier Fructis Gel Scrunchy Curl Gel does just that.

What I like about Garnier Fructis Gel Scrunchy Curl Gel

easy to find it
easy to use it
inexpensive
smells nice
makes my hair curly without weighing it down
no crunchy feeling in my hair

What I don't like about Garnier Fructis Gel Scrunchy Curl Gel

you have to use A LOT to get the gel all throughout your hair and get curls everywhere

Garnier Fructis Gel Scrunchy Curl Gel is an great low cost curly hair care product. But by the time I got to the end of the tube (which by the way you need to store standing up or you can't get to all the gel) I was sort of tired of using it. Sure, it has some natural ingredients in it and...

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LisaCarey says "Little princesses tea party playtime is fun " about Disney Princess Tea Party Play Set

LisaCarey — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:28:13 GMT

My daughters, like so many other little girls are crazy for Disney Princesses. When they saw the Disney Princess Tea Party Play Set (27 pieces) they just had to have it and at $10.00 for the set that they could share I was more than happy to add it to their play kitchen at home.

The Disney Princess Tea Party Play Set contains 27 pieces with plates, spoons, forks, cups and a tea pot. They are decorated in pink, yellow and purple pastel colors and feature pictures of the Disney Princesses. They are durable, washable and attractive.

My girls love playing with the Disney Princess Tea Party Play Set! They use it to cook a meal and serve it to each other and their friends. We used it for a real live princess tea party where the girls all dressed up in their princess costumes and served real tea and snacks. The decals didn't even wash off after use!

With two girls, I am definitely getting my money's worth out of the Disney Princess Tea Party Play Set. This is an imaginative...

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LisaCarey says "Great hold for my curly hair style - not so great for my scalp " about Maybelline Garnier Fructis Style Volumizing Anti Humidity Hair Spray Extra Strong 3 250ml

LisaCarey — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:19:09 GMT

When I first started using Maybelline Garnier Fructis Style Volumizing Anti Humidity Hair Spray Extra Strong I thought, "Wow" this will be a great product to review it holds my curly hair style and gives me great lift. But unfortunately the more I used it the less I liked it.

What I like about Maybelline Garnier Fructis Style Volumizing Anti Humidity Hair Spray Extra Strong

inexpensive
easy to find
smells good
holds my hair style - curly or straight
helps with fighting humidity and frizz

Sounds great doesn't it? Until . . . .

What don't I like about Maybelline Garnier Fructis Style Volumizing Anti Humidity Hair Spray Extra Strong

dry scalp
flaky
makes my head itch

So you see the problem. I find an inexpensive, easy to find and purchase hair spray that is AWFUL for my hair. The more I used it the more itchy, flaky dandruff scalp I got. Don't get me wrong, I don't use a lot of hairspray just enough to lift and hold. But unfortunately with using Maybelline...

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LisaCarey says "Smooths the frizz in my hair but not too much for a lather " about Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo

LisaCarey — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:09:45 GMT

With naturally curly hair it is difficult to find shampoos and conditioners as well as styling products that can actually allow me to keep the easy hairstyle that curls gives me and that keeps the frizzy fly aways away even in the Houston humidity. I don't mind paying for quality, but we all have a budget so I was happy to try the Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo on my hair.

What I like about Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo

it makes my hair feel healthy and strong
fights frizzes better than most shampoos
not too heavy - I actually still have curly hair after using it
a little goes a long way
natural ingredients

What I don't like about Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo

it doesn't lather really well
it is really expensive
the aroma - I got used to it but the first few shampoos the tea tree and menthol aroma made me feel like I was trying to treat my sinuses not wash my hair
only find it at a salon or special stores

Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo is an excellent choice for straight...

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TheBard says "I wanted enjoy this movie more than I did" about The Wrestler

TheBard — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:51:13 GMT

Bottom-Line: After all the hype surrounding The Wrestler, I expected more.

Directed by Darren Aronofsky (The Fountain, Requiem For a Dream) The Wrestler chronicles the failing fortunes of Randy 'The Ram' Robinson a once successful professional wrestler who now lives alone in a rented trailer, works part-time at a super market and wrestles at small venues on the weekends.

My Viewpoint

The wrestling moves and action sequences took me back to yesteryear. Yes, I have long since given up the ritual, but I can still remember the signature moves, the back and forth of the opponents seeking the upper hand. The move captures that magic all over again with startling realism. Ram's body truly dies take a beating, but he keeps coming back for more. He knows wrestling is all there is for him; life has lost its meaning outside the comfortable cocoon.

And therein lies the problem with The Wrestler, Ram is not smart and neither is the movie. The movie is predictable and that...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Wii Outdoor Challenge provides indoor fun & exercise!" about wii - Outdoor Challenge

AngelaWLaFon — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:28:13 GMT

Active Life Outdoor Challenge for Wii

I would always rather be outside hiking or playing tennis but there are those cold and wet days that just aren't cooperative and I have found that Active Life Outdoor Challenge for Wii is a fun way to get some exercise indoors. The games are fun so the time passes quickly and if you make the right combination of choices, you really can get a good workout from Outdoor Challenge.

Outdoor Challenge comes with the Wii game and the Active Life mat. The Active Life Mat looks alot like the "dance mats." <br>

The Outdoor Challenge has 12 different games includes log rolling, see saw, jump rope, water trampoline, mine cart, river rafting and more. <br>

You can play Outdoor Challenge games alone or with a partner. You can play Outdoor Challenge games as a team or as competitors.

Here are some examples:

In see-saw two players (on screen) are sitting balanced on a sea-saw. Players are kneeling at the Active Life mat and watching for symbols on the screen...

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TheBard says "Never Trust Two White Guys with White Gloves" about Funny Games (American Version)

TheBard — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:58:55 GMT

Bottom-Line: Funny Games, for me, failed to shock, failed to thrill, and failed to entertain, despite the always perfect performance by one Ms. Naomi Watts.

Written and directed by German-born Michael Haneke Funny Games starts innocently enough as a family of three-mom (Naomi Watts), dad (Tim Roth), and son (Devon Gearhart)-settle into their vacation home on a lake. Not long after the groceries are put away and the boat is assembled two psychotic young men Paul and Peter (Michael Pitt and Brady Corbet respectively) in white gloves a-come calling under the pretext of wanting to barrow some eggs.

And so the "funny" games begin. Ann (mom) demands the two young men leave, they don't. George (dad) comes home and demands same and gets a driver to the knee for his insistence. And the violence escalates from there...

My Viewpoint

Funny Games is a remake of a German movie of the same name, where of course the same sadistic things happen to an Austrian family. At times the movie...

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TheBard says "The Perfect "Starter" Display" about ViewSonic VX1940w (Black) 19 inch LCD Monitor

TheBard — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:34:40 GMT

Bottom-Line: When all is said and done I have to say that I am very pleased with the VX1940w 19" (Widescreen) LCD Monitor, despite its rather austere features.

When it came time to build my daughter a new computer for Christmas, ViewSonic was my first and only choice for the matching display. So which model?; I settled on the VX1940w 19” LCD Display, not only because of my past experience with ViewSonic, but also because the monitor/display is quite affordable checking in at slightly under $130.00 at TigerDirect.

The 411

The VX1940w 19" (Widescreen) LCD Monitor from ViewSonic is an entry-level thin-bezel LCD. By entry-level I mean no frills: no speakers, no USB ports, and no telescoping bezel. What the monitor does offers up is an outstanding picture (2ms, 3000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and Super-HD 1680 X 1050 resolution) at an affordable price-point. The monitor offers both standard VGA (analog) and DVI-D (digital) inputs.

The VX1940w 19" (Widescreen) LCD...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Leatherman: Every man & woman needs a Leatherman" about Leatherman Kick with Leather Sheath

AngelaWLaFon — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:28:03 GMT

Leatherman Kick

What is a Leatherman Kick? A Leatherman is a hand held multi-tool that has many tools in one. There are a several versions such as the Leatherman Blast or Leatherman Kick. The Leatherman Kick is a smaller, lighterwieght version. The Leatherman Kick measures about 4 inches and weighs just over 5 ounces.

Features of the Leatherman Kick:

Needlenose Pliers

Regular Pliers

Wire Cutters

Lanyard Ring

Hard-wire Cutters

Knife

Large Screwdriver

Small Screwdriver

Phillips Screwdriver

Ruler (8 inches)

Bottle Opener/Can Opener

In my opinion, the only thing that it is missing is a wine cork. I use a Leatherman all the time from changing the batteries in electronic toys to cutting floral wire to holding hooks while I heat stain-glass. The Leatherman really is a multi-purpose tool.

All of these tools are folded inside of a streamlined, handheld tool. The Leatherman comes with a belt sheath if you are so inclined. It's available with either a leather sheath or a nylon sheath. ...

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TheBard says "This Ergonomic Keyboard Could Be It!" about Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard (B2M00012)

TheBard — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 02:32:24 GMT

Bottom-Line: Overall, I would state the Microsoft has designed a good, solid, useful, ergonomic keyboard with a lot to recommend it in the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000.

Let’s face it there is nothing sexy or even new about keyboard design, expect for the rise of backlit units. But the keyboard is one of the most essential parts of the computer; after all, without one the computer is close to useless.

I’ve tried quite a few keyboards over the years so it was time to give Microsoft a try. The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 almost delivers.

The 411

Microsoft says of the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 “has been expertly crafted to allow you to work in a more natural position. The new Gull Wing design features a 14-degree gable, a natural arc and a curved key bed - bringing the keys closer to your fingers to reduce reach and unnecessary motion, while encouraging a more natural typing position. It also comes equipped with an optional palm lift for...

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TheBard says "No Other Mouse Delivers Like a Logitech!" about Logitech VX NANO Cordless Laser Notebook Mouse

TheBard — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:04:06 GMT

Bottom-Line: The VX Nano Cordless Laser Notebook Mouse is an excellent example of a pointing device done right!

I have long trusted and enjoyed Logitech pointing devices (mice); they are on the whole, affordable, attractive, highly functional performance stars. So when I started looking for the perfect companion to my new Dell Latitude E6500 notebook computer, the brand of mouse I would eventually get was never in doubt. But the model took some time to decide on, Logitech offers so many! In the end I decided on the VX Nano Cordless Laser Notebook Mouse, for its size, feature-set, and price.

The 411

The ($39.99 at Amazon.com) Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Notebook Mouse is a highly functional, lightweight laser mouse that fits perfectly in the (my) hand. Though it is designed for right-handed users (of course, we left-handed users are always an afterthought it seems), the mouse feels equally at home in my left hand.

The (AAA battery powered) mouse is cleverly designed. ...

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LisaCarey says "I can breathe again- boy this is fast acting!" about 4 Way Fast Acting Nasal Decongestant Spray 1 Fl.oz

LisaCarey — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:29:38 GMT

It's winter time, which means I have sinus trouble. Between the wonky weather in Houston (one day it's 70 the next its 55), travel, dry air from furnaces and the cold weather when I travel the months of November, December and January are tough on me. Desperate for fast relief I sent the husband out (my hero!) to pick up a sinus spray that would really work. He came home with 4 Way Fast Acting Nasal Decongestant Spray.

4 Way Fast Acting Nasal Decongestant Spray is easy to use, and only takes a couple of puffs of the applicator. The applicator actually is the right size for me, not too big and not too small. It is important to follow the directions as using this product too many times or using too much of it can really damage your sinus passages and cause nose bleeds.

That being said, if you follow the directions and just want quick relief then 4 Way Fast Acting Nasal Decongestant Spray is a good nasal spray to use. Within about an hour I was able to breathe freely and get...

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