Reviews by Friends of mhew

Katrena says "I Feel LIke I Got Hosed at Lowe's With 12 Hour Green Snap Light" about Snap Light 12 Hour Green Glow Stick

Katrena — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:14:36 GMT

I purchased this Snap Light 12 Hour Green Glow Stick at Lowe's just before Halloween for $2. It is a green colored glow stick that is packaged separately. Take it out of the package and snap it like you would try to break a stick. This allows the chemicals to mix and produce a green glow. We thought glowing magic wands would work really well with our Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather costumes. In case you haven't heard, they are the three fairies in Sleeping Beauty.

What I like about Snap Light Glow Stick:

It's convenient.
It produces a pretty cool green glow.
It does last for a pretty long while.
It was easy to attach to the wands with a rubber band.
The package says it is safe, non-toxic & non-flammable, but we didn't decide to drink it or place it over a flame to test those claims.
My kids had a blast with them!

What I don't like about Snap Light Glow Stick:

I feel like I got hosed at Lowe's. This thing cost $2. It only lasts for 12 hours. Wal-Mart had another brand in packs of 10 for $4,...

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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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Fardreamer says "A Princess Leia two pack which features Han Solo? Nice!" about Hasbro Star Wars - The Princess Leia Collection: Princess Leia and Han Solo

Fardreamer — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:27:03 GMT

Star Wars has always had a multi-cultural, multi-generational and cross-gender appeal which is partly based on the universality of its roots as a "modern myth" for our times, and partly because Lucas was smart enough to take archetypes such as the hero on a quest, the mysterious wise man, the rogue with the heart of gold and, of course, the damsel in distress and tweaked them for the sensibilities of the late 1970s.

Thus it's safe to say that even though guys have always been in the majority within the Star Wars collecting community, lots of girls and women of all ages like the Kenner/Hasbro Star Wars action figures and other toys, too.

Hasbro's erstwhile competitor, Kenner Toys of Columbus, Ohio knew that many girls were fans of Princess Leia Organa, the cosmopolitan, politically-well connected Senator from Alderaan who was as fast with a quick quip ("Would someone get this walking carpet out of my way?") as well as with a blaster pistol. Thus, in the early days of the Kenner/Star Wars...

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Fardreamer says "Luke and Leia make nice additions to Princess Leia Collection" about Hasbro Star Wars - The Princess Leia Collection: Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker

Fardreamer — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:00:54 GMT

Although most of Kenner/Hasbro's Star Wars action figures are marketed almost exclusively for guys (either kids or guys who were kids when Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope premiered in May of 1977), the marketing division figured out that the films also appeal to girls, so why not release a few collectibles that, while still having "guy approval," might please them as well.

The result of this reasoning (or Jedi marketing meditation) was The Princess Leia Collection, a quartet of two-figure sets pairing off the formidable Rebel leader and Luke Skywalker's twin sister with other characters from the Classic Trilogy.

Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker

The beautiful Princess Leia, Senator and Cell Leader for the Rebel Alliance, rewards the young Luke Skywalker for his heroic role in the destruction of the Imperial Death Star.

Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker features both of the Skywalker twins as they appear at the end of Episode IV: A New Hope during the award ceremony in the Massassi temple...

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Fardreamer says "Fans of both genders will enjoy this Leia and R2-D2 duo!" about Hasbro Star Wars - The Princess Leia Collection: Princess Leia and R2-D2

Fardreamer — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:30:20 GMT

One of the reasons George Lucas' Star Wars saga has been so entrenched in our popular culture is the wide appeal its story and characters has across a wide spectrum of humanity.

Though most non-fans think only young boys and socially-challenged adult men "geek out" over the multi-media Empire built upon the six live-action Episodes, three Cartoon Network animated series, an animated feature, several live-action TV projects and a Death Star's worth of books, graphic novels, computer and role-playing games, it ain't necessarily so.

Indeed, Star Wars has always had a multi-cultural, multi-generational and cross-gender appeal which is partly based on the universality of its roots as a "modern myth" for our times, and partly because Lucas was smart enough to take archetypes such as the hero on a quest, the mysterious wise man, the rogue with the heart of gold and, of course, the damsel in distress and tweaked them for the sensibilities of the late 1970s.

Thus it's safe to say that even...

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LisaCarey says "Lining and filling makes lips plumper and lipstick last longer " about Mary Kay Lip Liner (All Colors)

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:37:54 GMT

I keep it simple when it comes to caring for my skin and using makeup. I admit that while I am willing to pay more for skin care products like cleanser and moisturizer I usually skimp of make up products. After all, all I wear on a regular basis is foundation, lipstick and mascara. and in the summer I don't even do all that. I have full cupid bow lips anyway, so usually don't even bother with lip liner but my friendly neighbor (and Mary Kay consultant) reminded me that I would have to buy long wearing lipstick that can dry my lips out if I would add a lip liner to my make up routine. Here's three Mary Kay Lip Liner's to try so let me know what you think.

Mary Kay Lip Liner is available in almost 12 colors and you can easily find one of them to match your lip color from almost natural to deep dark colors. It is $10.00 a liner which to me is a bit pricey, but with careful application could last you a really long time.

Mary Kay Lip Liner is easy to use. You simply twist the "tube"...

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LisaCarey says "Glowing skin all day and all night " about Lancome AQUA FUSION CREAM Continuous Infusing Moisturizer 1.7 oz

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:15:47 GMT

I really do try to find greener products to use in both my home and for my health. Unfortunately sometimes when i try a new product it's not very good for me and that was the case with something I borrowed from a friend since I had no moisturizer. It stung when I put it on, and continued to sting and get worse throughout the day. Stopping at the Lancome counter to do my gift with purchase the sales lady cleaned my skin and recommended Lancome's AQUA FUSION CREAM for my skin. I had tried a sample before and liked it but needed to finish my other products before making any other purchases. However this was an emergency, red angry looking splotches had made their way to my face.

First she cleaned my skin and then added a sample of Aqua Fusion Cream Continuous Infusing Moisturizer. My skin actually said, "Ahhh" in relief. I had actually already purchased this but they were nice enough to fix my red skin before I left the counter. Within about 30 minutes my skin was looking much better...

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LisaCarey says "I wanted my little monkeys to like the barrel, but they didn't " about Milton Bradley Barrel of Monkeys

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:59:12 GMT

My children love finger playing out the song "Five little monkeys jumping on the bed." I thought that my little monkeys would also love playing with Milton Bradley Barrel of Monkeys. I was wrong.

Angela LaFon's review reminded me of all the fun my little brother used to have with the Milton Bradley Barrel of Monkeys, and I remember my son playing with them much like she describes in her review. But my two girls were just not interested in the barrel, the monkeys, the linking, or the swinging.

Milton Bradley Barrel of Monkeys are cute and I agree with other reviewers that a bigger barrel and more variety in colors is needed. Who knows maybe then my girls would play with it. But when offered this toy, my girls shrugged their shoulders, walked away and went on to play another game, any other game. My three year old while having excellent hand eye coordination finds linking them together frustrating and just wants to dump it out and place on on another. The 4 yr old isn't even...

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LisaCarey says "I won! You broke the ice! My daughter giggles and exclaims" about Milton Bradley Don't Break the Ice Game

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:44:19 GMT

Rainy day at the beach and on vacation it's time to get a little creative to keep the kids entertained but since it's day two I don't want to break the bank quite yet. Roaming the aisles at the grocery store the toy section the game Milton Bradley Don't Break the Ice Game is on sale for $5.00! I remember this game from when I was a kid. My brother loved this game! My husband loved this game when he was a kid! Sold!

Milton Bradley Don't Break the Ice Game comes home and the game is quickly set up. We don't even need batteries! Within minutes, my daughter giggles and squeals, "I won! You broke the ice daddy!" After about 5 quick games she decided to take a break and hit the Barbie Princess coloring book we also bought (1.00) and I am relieved that my daughter loves this game, since she also says, "Can we play again later?"

Milton Bradley Don't Break the Ice Game is easy to set up, easy to play. The kids enjoy it and even mom and dad can have some fun. It doesn't take...

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LisaCarey says "No bells no whistles just brew " about Mr. Coffee Mr. Coffee 12 Cup Coffeemaker CG13

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:23:17 GMT

The Mr. Coffee 12 Cup Coffeemaker CG13 is about as basic as it gets. I admit, I am not much of a coffee drinker and when I do drink coffee I usually like the flavored ones, heavy on the cream and sugar (ok milk and sugar substitute now). Anyway, recently I needed the extra morning jolt of caffeine that coffee can bring and pulled out this coffee maker. I only wanted to make about 5 cups or so, thinking that my husband would want to drink some too since I was actually making it.

Using the Mr. Coffee 12 Cup Coffeemaker CG13 is easy and I do like that there is only one lid I need to flip to fill both the coffee and water filters. The coffee was ok, once I turned it into something that most coffee drinkers would scoff at. It was easy to clean out the pot afterwards and there was no spilling over during brewing. There is a side measure to double check the water amount and an extension cord with storage room in the back when not in use.

But what I didn't like about the Mr. Coffee...

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Fardreamer says "Bowden sheds light on Battle of Mogadishu in this masterpiece" about Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War

Fardreamer — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:20:48 GMT

"It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, more vengeance, more desolation. War is hell." - William Tecumseh Sherman

For all my interest in all things related to the military and especially military history, I have never lost sight of two very important concepts.

One, of course, is the obvious reality that war is never something to be undertaken lightly, It doesn't matter, in the long run, whether we choose to go to war or it is forced upon us, but the whole endeavor is, by its very nature, messy, cruel and unpredictable.

The other concept I try to always remember is that we Americans, as a society, seem to have a tendency to not understand the military, its culture and its very important role in our Republic. Right now, only those who serve (or have served) in the active duty and reserve units of the various armed services and their families know just what wearing the American uniform entails, especially...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Le Creuset: Nothing but the best for my Thanksgiving stuffing" about Le Creuset Stoneware Baking Dishes

AngelaWLaFon — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:31:11 GMT

Le Creuset Stoneware Baking Dishes

Le Creuset Stoneware Baking Dishes aren't your grandmother's casserole dishes! My Grandmother's cooking is fabulous, and I think I am a pretty good cook too but one thing I have going for me is my Le Creuset Stoneware Baking Dishes.

I have Le Creuset rectangular baking dishes that are perfect for:

Thanksgiving stuffing

Casseroles

Sheet Cakes

I have Le Creuset smaller oval baking dishes that are perfect for:

side dishes

downsizing left overs

appetizers like crab dip

I have Le Creuset small rectangular baking dishes that are perfect for:

gift loafs of zuchinni bread

rice pudding for two

small sides like cranberry sauce

And oh so much more. These are just a few examples to get the wheels turning.

Le Creuset baking dishes come in a variety of colors. I have deep reds, bright blues and classic pea greens. (I am sure Le Creuset has their own fancy names for their colors. This are just my own take on the hues.)

I like Le Creuset baking dishes because...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Vera Bradley Paprika Tote: I love this new Vera tote bag!" about Vera Bradley Paprika Tote

AngelaWLaFon — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:30:19 GMT

Vera Bradley Paprika Tote

I really like the look, feel and design of Vera Bradley bags. I think her fabric patterns can work for both classic or trendy looks. I have a Vera Bradley cosmetic bag that was a gift for Mother's Day- sweet! I also have a knock off back pack style bag but as far as Vera Bradley purses and totes go, I've just admired other people's- a lot.

True story:

I saw the Vera Bradley Paprika Tote in a magazine. Love the look, loved the color for fall and even loved the name since I am a big time Paprika user in the kitchen. Macaroni and cheese, deviled eggs - they all need a little Paprika.

Still, would I have put this at the top of my wish list when I have more practical needs? Who knows now because... I won it! Yes, I won it at a fundraiser for the library which I am sure was some good karma for accrueing and paying my library fines without quibbling.

Now that I have a Vera Bradley tote, what do I really think of it?

I love it!

It's an almost square design...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Carter's Just One Year Blanket: 2 sides, oh so soft & oh so warm" about Carter's Sweet Baby Blanket

AngelaWLaFon — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:29:28 GMT

Carter's Just One Year Baby Blankets

Baby blankets are just one of those baby items that are a most have all year round but they can be oh so sweet too.

Our prized baby blankets were hand made, whether crocheted, knitted or quilted but some of our most practical and enjoyed were either from Disney or from Carter's Just One Year. Carter's makes many styles of baby blankets but my favorite is the Carter's Just One Year 2 sided fleece blanket.

What does 2 sided fleece mean?

This Carter's Just One Year blanket has a soft, soft plush fleece on side and a warm, warm pile fleece on the other. One reminds you of a soft plush toy and the other reminds you of the fuzzy and warm fleece jackets by Patagonia.

Of course we want all blankets to be soft to baby's skin but this soft blanket feels great on the parent's or caregiver's arms too.

If I am just swaddling for comfort, I use the plush side next to baby but if I need to keep baby warm, I put the pile fleece inside. Either way, baby and I both...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Clore Dining Room Chairs: Made in the U.S.A., last 4 generations" about Clore Dining Room Chairs

AngelaWLaFon — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:14:13 GMT

Clore Dining Room Chairs

eaclore.com

E.A. Clore is has been making furniture right here in Virginia since 1830. We've been slowly upgrading our furniture, one room a year and trying to buy furniture that is made in the U.S.A.

When it came time to buy dining room chairs and bar stools, we wanted Clore chairs. They are classic and so well made. We'd visited many homes that had Clore chairs that had been owned and used for decades and they still had an amazing look and function too.

Clore chairs are custom made from hardwoods. You can choose from walnut, cherry, oak or mahogany. These are not wood finishes. They are real wood chairs.

We chose: 2 captains chairs for the "heads of the table" with arms, 6 traditional ladder back chairs and bar stools, 4 with backs and 2 without for versatility. My favorite addition from the Clore dining room chairs is the youth chair.

What is a youth chair?

Parents well know that the point in time that comes when a child no longer needs a high chair...

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AngelaWLaFon says "Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen: It STAYS so apply carefully!" about Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner

AngelaWLaFon — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:32:52 GMT

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen

I guess when you've been wearing make up for two decades you go through phases. Black liquid eye liner, often applied with something that looked like a tiny paint brush was popular in the eighties. I was turned off for two reasons. A) So many people OVER did it. B) I didn't seem to have the coordination to apply it correctly.

Maybe I have a steadier hand now. Maybe I am just no longer in a rush. Likely, it is the improvement in the applicator that makes this liquid eyeliner a success for me.

I am not an everyday eye liner wearer. In my makeup bag, I have one Revlon eyeliner pencil, one Mary Kay eyeliner and one Clinique eyeliner. This seems like over kill but they are all different colors with different features but what none if them were was BOLD. A few months ago we were headed out for big time celebration with many friends old and new. A new dress and a babysitter and this mama wanted something a little more dramatic for the evening. ...

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LisaCarey says "Snoop around before you hit forward and send " about Snopes

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:42:47 GMT

I have been using Snopes every since I can remember getting emails. A few short months after I started using the internet and email daily of course I was hit up with email "chain" letters, scams, hoaxes and sob stories by everyone from a Nigerian who had a million dollars they wanted to give me to free gift cards from Applebees for forwarding this message. A friend suggested using this site, and now, not only am I older and wiser when it comes to recognizing the email equivalent of junk mail, but I am also armed with one of the best scam detectors out there.

Snopes.com is fast and easy to use. You simply type in the subject line or a few keywords of content from your message (or even a story that someone has told you) and find out if it is fact or fiction. You can also find out details about how this so called story started and when. I admit now I work for a consumer protection website, and one of the first things I do before writing about a bogus email message is start my fact...

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LisaCarey says "Sit back relax and enjoy the show " about hulu.com

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:29:46 GMT

I first found hulu.com when searching for a place to watch an episode of "Super Nanny" that sounded interesting. I tried to watch it online, but for some reason my computer just wouldn't work with the site. Doing a search I found hulu,com, but not Super Nanny.

Interestingly enough I DID find the second part to a television show that I had given up on. I DVR'd the first episode, not knowing that it was a two part movie. Here I was hanging in the wind about how the television movie ended and I was able to watch it online for free at hulu.com.

I admit, I enjoy hulu.com and every once in a while visit it to find something unique for my children to watch (they have veggie tales on there) or just to see what is available. I am not exactly as thrilled with it as many of the other reviewers out there. I am much happier just DVRing my shows and planning the week ahead of time.

I find it is easy to get lost on hulu.com, and that it is hard to find what I am looking for. There is...

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LisaCarey says "Who was that? Oh now I know I looked on IMDB " about IMDB

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:17:58 GMT

I am so bad with names. I can remember faces and people (so other Viewpoints writers please don't change your photos too much) and it is so annoying to be watching a movie and think, "I've seen them before, now who is that?" Followed then usually by, "Now what movie did I see them in?" Since my husband is a walking wikipedia, I can usually turn to him for the answer, but when I can't IMDB is the first site I visit to find out about movie credits, actors, story lines, plots and all the other trivia I need for both personal and professional use.

IMDB (the Internet Movie Database) is overflowing with information from both the knowledgeable and the fanatical. It is true that much of the information is accurate and helpful, and quite often far more than I want to know. But one of the most entertaining features about this site is finding out all the other television shows and movies that some of my favorite or just memorable actors have been in.

Visitors can contribute their own trivia...

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LisaCarey says "Pregnant and cruising sickness better than nothing " about Sea Band Morning & Travel Sickness Wristbands

LisaCarey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:08:47 GMT

The very first time I used the Sea Band Morning & Travel Sickness Wristbands I was not only 6 months pregnant but also taking a cruise (don't ask!). Since any sort of medication was out of the questions the Sea Band Morning & Travel Sickness Wristbands were really my only option.

I didn't think that they would work, so "toughed out" my morning and sea sickness the first day. Upon arriving in Grand Cayman I literally wanted to sit down and kiss the earth that I was walking on.

The next day I thought, I bought them may as well try them. They did alleviate much of my nausea but I found that the longer I wore them the less they worked. I would occasionally have to add pressure to the pressure points to get me through the five star dinners on the cruise - not eating them all mind you but at least keeping my husband company.

Since then I have tried them again from time to time on simply stomach sickness, nausea and vomiting in an effort to avoid using medication. The Sea...

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