Reviews by Friends of mauigirlinwa

TheBard says "Love The Rise, the Price,and the Taste" about Krusteaz Honey Cornbread & Muffin Mix

TheBard — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:48:11 GMT

Nothing goes better with BBQ ribs and baked beans than freshly baked cornbread coated in rich, creamy butter. I sometimes make my own from scratch, sometimes whip up some Jiffy, but I recently discovered the 15oz. box of Krusteaz Honey Cornbread & Muffin Mix made with real honey.

My Viewpoint

The flavor of Krusteaz Honey Cornbread is not surprisingly, tasty. The honey flavor (honey powder is listed as an ingredient) is mild and not overpowering. The cornbread's texture is moist, not dry like cheaper brands, and almost cake-like. Of course I added my own ingredients to the mix: a teaspoon of nutmeg, and a hint of allspice.

Krusteaz Honey Cornbread is a simple cornbread mix making it easy to prepare. To make the basic recipe, add to the mix is 2/3 cups of milk, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 Lg. egg. On the side and back of the box are two more recipes to spice up the cornbread and turn the mix into a full meal; Bacon & Cheddar Mini Corn Loaves anyone?

I highly recommend...

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Bryan-Carey says "Ravensburger Princess Puzzle will keep Your Princesses Occupied " about Ravensburger Princess Jigsaw Puzzle 24pc

Bryan-Carey — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:40:04 GMT

Putting puzzles together is a great exercise for youngsters, for it improves fine motor skills and gives children a sense of achievement. Some puzzles have far too many pieces for the youngest children, but this problem is eliminated with the Ravensburger Princess Jigsaw Puzzle, a large, twenty- four piece puzzle that kids can put together with ease.

Puzzle Commentary:

The Ravensburger Princess Jigsaw Puzzle is a large puzzle with large pieces. The pieces are interlocking and feature the same standard shape common to a traditional puzzle. Each piece of this puzzle measures about four by six inches, is made out of thick, heavy cardboard stock, and is unlikely to get broken. The pieces are specially coated, with a so- called Easy Clean Surface that can be wiped clean with a damp cloth without damaging the pieces of the puzzle.

Jigsaw puzzles are a great learning tool for children and they offer a nice departure from the usual type of toy. The problem with most puzzles, from the perspective...

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TheBard says "These Are Seriously Delicious" about Pillsbury Grands Flaky Supreme Cinnamon Rolls

TheBard — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:58:54 GMT

It's the weekend and in the Bard's household that usually means some sort of decadent high calorie, high fat desert pastry for Saturday morning breakfast! Sometimes I pick up something fresh from the local supermarket, or sometimes I pop something into the oven. Today, that something was a fresh batch of Pillsbury Grand's Flaky Supreme Cinnamon Rolls, made with "Cinnabon" cinnamon and cream cheese icing.

My Viewpoint

I am pleased with my choice for this weekend's breakfast pasty; these cinnamon buns are seriously flaky and delicious! I prepared the cinnamon buns per package instructions; sixteen minutes in the oven at 350 degrees and they were ready to emerge; browned, hot, moist, and yummy.

The package contains a small container of cream cheese icing, which is just enough to cover the (5) cinnamon buns.

I highly recommend Pillsbury Grands Flaky Supreme Cinnamon Rolls; for about $3.79 a can (in the dairy section) they are a bargain compared to the $3.99 I would have...

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Bryan-Carey says "Brut Keeps You Dry, but Stretches the Truth" about Brut Antiperspirant Deodorant

Bryan-Carey — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:49:01 GMT

Deodorant is a universal need and it’s a product that takes on several different forms. Some people prefer gels. Other people prefer stick. There are even some who would like to turn back the hands of time to the day when spray was popular. My personal preference is gel, but I will sample other forms when the opportunity is right. One stick deodorant I tried recently is Brut Anti- Perspirant Deodorant, a deodorant with the familiar brut scent.

Deodorant Commentary:

Brut Anti- Perspirant Deodorant is a white colored, stick- style deodorant with a scent that offers the smell of brut- just like the aftershave, only a little milder. The product offers both odor protection and wetness protection and it utilizes its special ingredient Trimax, which helps keep you dry and odor- free. The formula is powerful enough to keep you free from odor and wetness for a full twenty- four hours.

Like I said above, my deodorant preference is gel, but much like any consumer good, I am always game to...

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Bryan-Carey says "Take New Chapter Every Man's One Daily for Your Good Health" about New Chapter Every Man's One Daily

Bryan-Carey — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:15:24 GMT

Health is an important concern to many and the health business is a growing, thriving industry with products and services that span far and wide. Achieving proper nutrition is the first, preventative measure on the path toward good health and one product that helps men achieve this goal is New Chapter Organics Every Man's One Daily, a multi- vitamin product.

Dietary Supplement Commentary:

New Chapter Organics Every Man's One Daily is a dietary supplement that helps men maintain good health and improve immunity. These tablets are large in size (about seven- eights of an inch long), are organically composed, and offer a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients.

I have enjoyed very good health since I was born and based on my track record with illness, I obviously have a very strong immune system. I don't really need to take multi- vitamins or other supplements. However, based on the number of health threats detailed on the nightly news, one can never be too safe...

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Bryan-Carey says "Organix with Shea Butter Cleans, Moisturizes, and Smells Great " about Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Shampoo

Bryan-Carey — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:26:23 GMT

Shampoos range from the ordinary to the unusual and there are more options in hair cleaning today than at any point in recent memory. One company known for its assortment of interesting shampoo products is Organix and one of its many hair care products is Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Shampoo, a moisturizing and healing shampoo.

Shampoo Commentary:

Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Shampoo is a thick, clear shampoo that is manufactured with shea butter, yogurt proteins, and avocado oils. This product offers a pleasant scent that combines shea butter with certain level of sweetness. The product is sulfate- free and, like all Organix products, it is not tested on animals. This product offers a great scent, cleanses the hair and scalp very well, rinses out surprisingly fast, and leaves your hair soft and manageable.

Shampoo products are much more exotic than they used to be and Organix products certainly fit this description. Organix Smoothing Shea Butter Shampoo is one of several that include...

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Bryan-Carey says "AFLAC Insurance: Supplemental Insurance for Peace of Mind" about Aflac

Bryan-Carey — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:12:39 GMT

Insurance is a necessary evil. Most insurance products offer nothing in return for your money except for peace of mind and many of these products do not offer enough protection when a crisis strikes. For those who could benefit from a little added peace of mind, the insurance industry brings us AFLAC Insurance, a company with dozens of different insurance policies for greater financial security.

Insurance Commentary:

I have held several different roles in accounting, finance, and management during my working career and AFLAC Insurance is a company I have grown to know quite well. I have served as the administrator of my company's AFLAC insurance plan in past job positions and I have dealt directly with AFLAC representatives. In general, my experience has been positive, but the overall picture with AFLAC Insurance does reveal a few blemishes, which is typical of many insurance companies.

Looking at the positive news first, AFLAC Insurance is a good place to turn when you want insurance...

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Bryan-Carey says "Dwell Magazine Offers Modern Home Design with a Twist " about Dwell - At Home in the Modern World

Bryan-Carey — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:59:38 GMT

Plenty of publications exist that focus on the home and they concentrate on many different areas, such as home design, home repair, vacation homes, and more. One home publication that focuses on home remodeling and related topics is Dwell Magazine, a publication for those who want modernity with a twist.

Magazine Commentary:

Dwell Magazine contains about 130 pages in each issue, with the usual assortment of departments found in most magazines, along with about five or six featured articles. Each issue focuses on a specific theme, which is spelled out on the cover, directly beneath the magazine's name. The magazine is published ten times per year and carries a base subscription price of about $20 per year.

I receive a large number of magazines each month and Dwell Magazine ranks among several that focus on the home. Subtitled "A Home in the Modern World", Dwell Magazine takes the idea of "modern" to a slightly different level than other, similar publications such as Metropolitan Home....

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Bryan-Carey says "Equate Multi- Purpose Offers an Inexpensive Solution " about Equate Multi-Purpose Solution for contacts

Bryan-Carey — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:07:07 GMT

Contact lenses require special care. Not only do they need to be stored in a special solution each night, they also need to be kept clean to avoid protein buildup and the resulting discomfort. One product that stores lenses and keeps them comfortable is Equate Multi- Purpose Solution, a product sold at Wal- Mart.

Contact Lens Solution Commentary:

Equate Multi- Purpose Solution is a solution designed to care for contact lenses with a single product. Equate Multi- Purpose Solution cleans, rinses, disinfects, and stores contact lenses in a few simple steps. The manufacturer recommends rinsing each side of your contact lenses for five seconds, then storing the contacts in the solution for at least four hours. This product is no- rub, and its active ingredients clean lenses while they are stored. It is designed for use on contacts that are replaced every thirty days or less.

I have been wearing contact lenses for more than twenty years and during that time, I have experimented with many different...

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TheBard says "Delicious, not so nutritious, not so good for you, but..." about Kraft Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese Sharp Cheddar

TheBard — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:56:49 GMT

I love macaroni & cheese, but I don't always have the time to prepare a dish from scratch. In those times, when time is of the essence, I turn to Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner. Now this isn't the regular ole Kraft Mac & Cheese with the powered cheese, that tastes like it was made for children, or other without a discriminating palate, Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner comes complete with a package of real cheese, and elbow macaroni.

The Kraft brand has always been my favorite; I like the way it cooks up; fast and easy. Cut open the pouch with its four cheese blend sauce empty into the still steaming macaroni, mix and enjoy.

My Viewpoint

Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner makes a great side dish for almost any meat and vegetable, but I like to pair it with either fried of baked chicken, pork chops, or fried catfish. The 14oz package packs a fair amount of flavor, and serves up at least four.

While the product is good right out of the package I like to "doctor" it...

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TheBard says "The perfect side for almost any BBQ Meat" about Bush's Grillin' Baked Beans

TheBard — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:19:55 GMT

The side dish; what will it be tonight? That is the conundrum facing millions of cooks all over the country, nay the worlds tonight. Better still, what side will it be tonight with these fabulous BBQ ribs I just spent five hours slow-cooking? The answer: Bush's Grillin' Baked Beans.

My Viewpoint

I am pleased with Bush's Grillin' Baked Beans. There are a number of flavors (recipes) to choose from including Southern Pit Barbeque, Steakhouse Recipe, Smokehouse Tradition, and Bourbon and Brown Sugar. I have tried all four recipes and all have much to recommend them. The beans look and taste like they are made from fresh ingredients and each has a unique taste that goes well a variety of grilled meats. And each goes well with backed meats as well.

At $1.52 a can at my local Super Target (where else) I can afford to keep a can or two of Bush's Grillin' Baked Beans in the pantry ready for quick eating, no matter what is on the grill or in the oven. And the size of the can is...

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TheBard says "Another winner from Dymo!" about Dymo LabelWriter Turbo 330

TheBard — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:08:14 GMT

Bottom-Line: Over all, my users are very pleased with the performance of the Dymo LabelWriter Turbo 330; the label printer works, and works well.

Like the Dymo LabelWriter EL60 it replaces, the Dymo LabelWriter Turbo 330 is a small printer shaped like a half circle with a semi clear window in the front to view labels as they are printer. On the front of the printer is a horizontal slot from which labels are "ejected" once printed. Front panel controls are limited to one: the advance label button, used in case the label become jammed, or the printer will not print, but you need to advance the label. Also on the front of the Dymo LabelWriter Turbo 330 is a small oval yellow light indicating that the unit is powered on. On the back there is rocker switch for power, and two connections for serial and USB.

The primary differences between the Dymo LabelWriter Turbo 330 and Dymo LabelWriter EL60 is the dpi resolution (203 vs. 300); label printing speed (8 vs. 32 per minute); expanded...

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TheBard says "Not a Bad Little Smudge-Free Label Printer" about Dymo LabelWriter EL60

TheBard — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:45:00 GMT

Bottom-Line: If you are looking for a low cost, low maintenance, reliable label printer with above average output, look no further then the Dymo LabelWriter EL60.

In our current office environment, most users do not have desktop printers; that is by design. They are connected instead to series of networked black & white and color printers. But that poses its own set of problems since a fair majority of people have a need to mail vendors on a fairly consistent basis, and prefer printed mailing labels to do so. Printing labels via the network printers is problematic for obvious reasons. My desktop is sans a local printer as well and I have a pressing need to print labels to attach to workstations, network printers, servers, and other items, so I needed a label printer as well. Enter the Dymo LabelWriter EL60.

The Dymo LabelWriter EL60 is a small printer shaped like a half circle with a semi clear window in the front to view labels as they are printer. On the front of the printer...

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TheBard says "It's What For Breakfast This Weekend Anyway" about Duncan Hines Blueberry Streusel Muffins

TheBard — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:13:02 GMT

It's the weekend and in the Bard's household that usually means some sort of decadent high calorie, high fat desert pastry for Saturday morning breakfast! Sometimes I pick up something fresh from the local supermarket, or sometimes I pop something into the oven. Today, that something was a fresh batch of Duncan Hines (new) Blueberry Streusel Muffins, made with 100% whole grain and 0 grams (g) of trans fat.

My Viewpoint

I am pleased with my choice for this weekend's breakfast pasty. I prepared the muffins as I would any blueberry muffin mix. Sixteen minutes in the oven at 375 degrees and they were ready to emerge; browned, hot, moist, and yummy. But I have to say I could have done without the streusel topping. The fact that the muffins are made from whole grains is an added bonus.

I highly recommend Duncan Hines Blueberry Streusel Muffins; for about $1.79 a box they are a bargain compared to the $3.99 I would have to pay at the local Dominick's grocery store...

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Bryan-Carey says "Advil Cold and Sinus Caplets: Sinus Congestion Relief at Last " about Advil Cold and Sinus Caplets

Bryan-Carey — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:31:52 GMT

I have been plagued by sinus problems for as long as I can remember and even though my condition isn't serious or really anything to worry about, it can still get very annoying since it can interfere with other things. It can dull the senses of smell and taste and cause a distraction that continues throughout the day if left untreated. One product that helps eliminate sinus and other related problems is Advil Cold and Sinus Caplets, an over the counter medicine with many benefits.

Cold Medicine Commentary:

Advil Cold and Sinus Caplets are small caplets that are easy to take with the aid of a small glass of water. Each caplet contains the active ingredient pseudoephedrine HCI, with a full 30 mg of this ingredient per tablet. There is also a 200 mg dose of ibuprofen for pain relief. The caplets help to eliminate sinus pressure and congestion, headaches, and minor body pains.

I have sampled many different over the counter drugs to treat sinus problems and Advil Cold and Sinus Caplets...

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Bryan-Carey says "Mucinex Full Force Nasal Spray Blasts Your Sinuses Open" about Mucinex Full Force Nasal Spray

Bryan-Carey — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:03:30 GMT

I have very few health issues but one problem I have had for as long as I could breathe is a sinus and allergy condition. It is more of an annoyance than anything, but it can still get interfere with an otherwise perfect day. To help cope with my bouts of sinus problems, I turn to the over the counter drug market and one product I have used with excellent results is Mucinex Full Force Nasal Spray, a long- lasting drug that helps break up mucus.

Drug Commentary:

Mucinex Full Force Nasal Spray is a product used directly on irritated sinuses. Like other sinus sprays, it is sold in a small plastic bottle containing a very small amount of liquid (about 22 mm or 0.75 oz). Rather than a squeeze bottle, this one utilizes a pump to deliver the spray. Two or three pumps in each nostril is all it takes to send the mucus- dissolving liquid into the nasal passages. The product provides temporary relief from nasal congestion due to colds, hay fever, and upper respiratory allergies. It helps shrink...

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TheBard says "Okay Taste, Something I Might Buy Again Even without a Coupon" about Kashi Heart to Heart Instant Oatmeal (Golden Brown Maple)

TheBard — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:50:39 GMT

Bottom-Line: Not my first choice, but I am willing to give the oatmeal another try, with coupon in hand of course.

Breakfast. When you keep strange hours like I do-up and out early-eating a nutrition-laden, none-fast-food-restaurant meal can be a challenge, especially when the stomach is grumbling that it wants food! So I usually eat breakfast once I get to work in the form of a couple of boiled eggs and oatmeal, most likely Quaker.

Recently, whilst shopping at my local Super Target, I gathered up coupons for Kashi Heart to Heart Instant Oatmeal (Golden Brown Maple) at a taste test stand, and decided to give it a try.

My Viewpoint

I like Kashi Heart to Heart Instant Oatmeal (Golden Brown Maple). It is not the best instant oatmeal I have eaten, nor is it the worst. Checking in at 160 calories, 5g of fiber, 2g of fat, 4g of protein, and 33g of carbohydrates per packet, Kashi Heart to Heart Instant Oatmeal (Golden Brown Maple) does make for a filling good-for-you breakfast.

Kashi...

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TheBard says "Just Okay, Not Something I Would Buy Again without a Coupon" about Kashi TLC granola bars

TheBard — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:59:49 GMT

Bottom-Line: Not my first choice, but I am willing to give them another try, with coupon in hand of course.

I like to snack; who doesn't? But lately I have been trying to snack more wisely and that means fruit or some form of granola bar that uses who grains and is relatively low in sugar. Recently, whilst shopping at my local Super Target, I gathered up coupons for Kashi TLC Chewy Granola Bars at a taste test stand, and decided to give them a try.

My Viewpoint

I like Kashi TLC Chewy Granola Bars, but just barely. Checking in at around 120 calories, around 4 grams of fiber, 5 grams of fat, and 5 grams of protein per bar, Kashi TLC Granola Bars do make for a light good-for-you snack, but the bars are somewhat lacking in taste. Unlike some of the varieties I have tasted from Quaker, the Kashi TLC Granola Bars failed to really satisfy my taste buds, or put a smile on my face.

The Kashi TLC Chewy Granola Bars do contain the company's trade mark "seven whole grains on a mission"...

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Bryan-Carey says "Trip Advisor: Good Supplement for Your Travel Planning" about TripAdvisor

Bryan-Carey — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:16:11 GMT

If you like to travel as much as I do, then you are likely the type who utilizes the internet for news and official information about your destination, activities, and the like. You probably also consult the internet before you make a selection for your place of lodging and one site to which many seasoned travelers are fully aware is Trip Advisor, a web service that specializes in reviews of different places of lodging.

Web Service Commentary:

Trip Advisor is, like its name suggests, a web service dedicated to the traveler who could use some advice on finding places to stay and things to do. This web site offers member reviews on places of lodging, restaurants, and more. There is also a trip ideas section that asks a few questions and helps you select a place to travel, as well as access to free travel guides for thousands of destinations.

Trip Advisor is most notable for its massive database of places of lodging and this is one of the main reasons I visit this site as frequently...

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TheBard says "A Forgettable, Unfunny, Boring, Mess" about Sherri

TheBard — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:54:09 GMT

Sherri Shepherd (The View, Less Than Perfect) is Intellectually Challenged (stupid); no apologies it had to be said. Spend a week with the buxom nitwit on the View and you will not doubt come away with the same impression. To be fair she has her light bulb moments, but they the exception, not the rule; the woman just doesn't generate a lot of intellectual wattage! Need proof, read on:

Shepherd stated on the September 18, 2007 broadcast of The View, that she didn't "believe in evolution. Period." When Co-host Whoopi Goldberg asked her, "Is the world flat?", Shepherd first responded, "...I don't know" and expanded that she "never thought about it." Shepherd went on to explain that it was more important to her that she thought about how she was "going to feed [her] child," at which point Barbara Walters pointing out that, "You can do both." However, Shepherd then went on to quote scripture (she is deeply religious). Ms. Shepherd later referred to her shockingly ignorant statements as...

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