Reviews by Friends of njchicaa

PattyTherre says "If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, what will two a day do?" about Kettle Valley - Frunola High Fiber Fruit Bars (All Flavors)

PattyTherre — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 05:06:50 GMT

Quick View: I personally love Kettle Valley Frunola High Fiber Fruit Bars (All Flavors) but everyone I have given one to try shuns them. My one son thinks they're gross, my other one says they're "not very good", and my sister says they're not edible. Maybe it's me but I like the idea of a bar that has two and half servings of fruit, nothing artificial, and is super high in fiber. I think they taste like fruit roll ups or fruit leather. Yummy.

About Kettle Valley Frunola High Fiber Fruit Bars (All Flavors)

Most people who know me - or even read my reviews - know that I put a lot of emphasis on fiber in my diet. Fiber is very filling and great for the digestive tract. I never get enough in my everyday diet because I don't eat a lot of, well, anything. I am not big into fresh fruit although I will eat it if it's in front of me. Same with fresh veggies. Love em but don't want to bother with them unless they're right there. So...I look for snack bars to help boost my fiber intake.

Kettle Valley......

Fardreamer says "The original Star Wars Trilogy soars in this 2008 box set!" about Star Wars Trilogy (2008 Edition)

Fardreamer — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:30:41 GMT

Although Lucasfilm Limited and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment released several variants of the classic Star Wars trilogy on DVD in the fall of 2004, many die-hard Star Wars fans had mixed feelings about the way in which the now-famous space-fantasy saga set "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away" was being presented to them.

On the one hand, most fans were pleased that after a long wait of five or six years since the Digital Video Disc format had been introduced, George Lucas had finally gotten around to transferring Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Most of them - myself included - already had at least one boxed set of the VHS videotapes, of course, but were anxious to see what the Trilogy would be like when it was presented on the much-improved DVD.

On the other hand, quite a few were disappointed because the films wouldn't be the original versions released between 1977 and 1983 but rather the retouched versions of the 1997 Special Editions, which...

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joyjoy says "Use this where there is no room for a clothesline." about Homz Laundry Expandable Drying Rack

joyjoy — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:51:28 GMT

I have some items I prefer not to put in the dryer but the back yard in my townhouse is too small for a clothesline. But I found the perfect solution in this Expandable Drying Rack. Made of metal, and being lightweight, it can be used indoors or outdoors. On nice days I can set it up on my patio, other days it can be used inside. Folding flat for storage it takes up very little room when not in use.
It is easy to set up, the leg extentions slide into the frame and are locked into place with a button; open the rack and lock the hinges into place. On top is a mesh shelf for drying items that cannot be hung or clothing can be hung from the rack using clothes pins.
Overall this is any excellent alternative for anyone with limited space and a good alternative when clotheslines are impractical or impossible. I purchased this item from MilesKimball.com although it may also available offline....

PattyTherre says "Killer abs? You may FEEL like you died after doing this workout." about The Bender Method of Core Training DVD and Ball

PattyTherre — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:35:56 GMT

Quick View: When I ordered my Crunchless Abs DVDs, I was offered The Bender Method of Core Training DVD and Ball for an extra 10 bucks so I said sure, why not? I never really stopped to think that I was ordering a crunchless program because crunches hurt my neck. Still, this method works pretty well but it isn't all that special. You could easily do the same exercises with any small inflatable ball.

About The Bender Method of Core Training DVD and Ball

The makers claim that using the Bender Ball makes crunches 408% more effective than regular crunches. If that were true, I would only have to do one a day and be done with it. The ball is flimsy. It needs to be inflated with a pump or straw and it's fairly hard to get it inflated the right amount.

After I got the ball inflated, I tried the DVD. The one included for the 10 bucks is the instruction one and it has three levels of difficulty - beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The beginner section is only three minutes long, the intermediate......

CyndiA says "Not Momma biscuits, but Grands southern biscuits style are good." about Grands Biscuits Southern Style

CyndiA — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:20:34 GMT

I make biscuits and may be behind the times, but I am OK with Grands Southern Style biscuits. They are not the same as the ones I roll and cut, but they are good. They are also quick, so I can handle farming out the bread to Pillsbury.

The Grands line are the big, fluffy biscuits in the tubes. If you've only had the low end canned biscuits, there's a difference. The Grands really are better, unless you want to make bread-on-a stick camping. Then, you want the cheap kind - small and not so much fat in there. Those work better over a fire. The Grands have too much fat in there and tend to burn over a fire.

Grands cook up big and fluffy in the oven, but the texture is not like home rolled biscuits. You just can't duplicate that. This is close enough, and my boys love the Southern Grands. It's much easier on me, so I'm not going to argue. They do prefer I make them, but some days do not work out for cooking up scratch biscuits.

I do not use Grands biscuits when I make biscuits and gravy. That...

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LisaCarey says "Have Children? Need Exercise? Get Fit Together and Have Fun " about Get Fit Together

LisaCarey — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:32:53 GMT

Mom and Tot Fitness presents, "Get Fit Together" an 80 minute DVD with three parent and child workout options; Cardio, Toning and Abs and a combination of Cardio and Toning and Abs. This DVD is to help moms find time to have fun with their children while still getting and staying healthy, as well as teach children the benefits of exercise and fitness, and healthy bodies.

In Get Fit Together, Allie and her son; two other mothers one with a tot and one with a baby exercise with you and your child to easy to follow instructions and entertaining music, normally based on nursery rhymes and songs. The mother with an infant is our "easy" routine while the other mom is a more experienced exerciser. Allie is our fearless leader who provides easy to follow instructions as well as not to corny encouragement.

The Get Fit Together DVD there is a getting started section, with the standard consult a physician before starting any exercise program and a few other pieces of information about the DVD and...

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Fardreamer says "True Star Wars fans will love Concept Chewbacca action figure!" about Hasbro Star Wars - 30th Anniversary Collection: Concept Chewbacca

Fardreamer — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:16:30 GMT

As someone who has been collecting Star Wars action figures ever since Kenner Toys of Cincinnati, Ohio introduced them in early 1978, I have become accustomed to their more-or-less accurate renderings of the characters they are supposed to be replicating,

After all, the myriad details of all the Star Wars heroes, villains, or innocent bystanding droids and exotic creatures have been practically engraved into our collective consciousness by countless viewings on the silver screen and TV and other visual media ever since George Lucas' popular space fantasy series premiered on May 25, 1977. We know, for example, that both Luke Skywalker and his father Anakin have blue eyes and dark blonde hair, R2-D2 is a short, squat droid with a silver dome and blue trim, and Darth Vader wears a suit of armor which evokes several different cultural influences, including that German-looking helmet and Japanese-styled breath mask.

And even taking into account that some of the figures Kenner first produced...

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bkovacs says "Interesting concept but a slow movie" about The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

bkovacs — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:39:28 GMT

Over the holidays, I went to the theater to see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The bottom line for me is that there is a good movie inside this overly long film and it doesn't help that it drips with somewhat forced local color.

Although the major plot point in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is unusual -- Benjamin Button ages backwards from old age -- the telling of the story is pretty conventional. The story unfolds as an old woman clearly on her deathbed asks her daughter Caroline (Julia Ormond) to read a diary. The film then flashes back to scenes in the diary, which tell the tale of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) growing younger over the years. The old woman is Daisy (Cate Blanchett), who loved Benjamin from her childhood and eventually crossed temporal paths with him to the extent that they had a child together.

Many scenes are interesting, from Benjamin's first employment on a tugboat, to an early affair in Russia, to his life with Daisy. Unfortunately for the film, they...

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CyndiA says "Alfred Dunner textured sweaters electrify me in a bad way. " about Alfred Dunner Textured Sweaters

CyndiA — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:42:55 GMT

Generally I associate Alfred Dunner products with older women. That's not to be rude, but I just know the Alfred Dunner line comes in sets and that I usually see them on women neatly dressed and matched. Since the quality is good, and the Alred Dunner line is easy care, I do pick up separates from time to time.

Last fall I got a beige and black textured sweater. It's just like the photo but not that (hum) plum or some such color. I didn't want to make a statement like grape. I just wanted a couple of easy-care neutral sweaters to go with Carolina Fit slacks which I love and perhaps with a jacket on cooler days.

I've had some other Alfred Dunner separates before and found them to be good buys. The neutral sweaters seemed a safe and good bet. There are days when I roll out of bed and matching an outfit is quite a challenge. A beige and black textured sweater would be easy and go with a lot of things in my closet.

The Alfred Dunner sweaters turned out not to be a good plan. It may be my body,...

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PattyTherre says "If you eat this and not that, you'll be healthier and leaner!" about Eat This, Not That! Thousands of Simple Food Swaps that Can Save You 10, 20, 30 Pounds--or More!

PattyTherre — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:19:10 GMT

Quick View: I consider myself very knowledgeable about foods and their contents. I am a label reader and I log what I eat although I am at the weight I want to be. I avoid high fat, high calorie foods and I can eyeball how much to eat. My niece showed me this book not long ago and it blew me away. I bought it immediately along with the Supermarket Survival Guide, its sister book. About Eat This, Not That! actually taught me a LOT and it's a simple, easy read. It's a book everyone should own along with its sister book for grocery store items.

About Eat This, Not That! Thousands of Simple Food Swaps that Can Save You 10, 20, 30 Pounds--or More!

This is a very simple paper back book with bright, clear photos for dozens of restaurants. Each page shows what TO choose as opposed to what NOT to choose at chain restaurants we all go to like Starbucks, Taco Bell, Burger King, Denny's, Ben and Jerry's and so many more. They have the optimal thing to choose with the fat, calories, and sodium facts as......

LoveisJoy says "Fekkai Left My Hair Soft--and Flaky" about Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream

LoveisJoy — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:29:51 GMT

Being low maintenance, I'm not much of a beauty diva. However, even I have heard of the hair styling guru, Frederic Fekkai. When I opened the package of a recent Bath and Body Works order, I was pleased to unearth a free sample of Fekkai Glossing Cream.

I do have dry hair that I need to keep moisturized, so I figured this would be the perfect product to test. The package promises that the glossing cream "hydrates, sleeks, and shines." Who wouldn't get excited by the prospect of shiny moisturized hair?

I opened the sample to try it right away, and the first thing I noticed was the lovely fragrance. The glossing cream contains the hair-smoothing and softening agents of dimethicone and olive oil, so I had high hopes for the product. I squeezed a pea-sized dollop of cream on my hands and rubbed my hands together for several seconds. I then smoothed the glossing cream onto my dry hair. I didn't notice anything special, but my hair did feel a bit softer in general.

As I was combing...

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vivasuzi says "A fun game with a few downsides that make it 4 out of 5 stars" about 2K - Family Guy The Video Game

vivasuzi — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:10:22 GMT

When I got Family Guy the Video Game, I didn't know what to expect. It could have been HILARIOUS, or it could have been super dumb. It actually turned out to be pretty fun with only a few downsides.

There is a plot to the game, but it's not really important and it becomes kind of random. Basically what happens is you encounter various scenes in which you must get to the end by facing various challenges. The game is played scene by scene instead of ungoing... like you have to get to that door and then you move to the next scene. You'll play as Stewie, Brian and Peter at different parts of the game as there are actually 3 storylines going on (just like there would be on TV). Each story is pretty much like a TV show story, except drawn out.

Stewie is trying to control the world through mind control and the TV
Brian is trying to break out of jail after getting Sebreeze pregnant
Peter is off looking for Mr. Belvedere and has to beat a lot of characters up!

Although they have storylines,...

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LoveisJoy says "Home of Specialty Pancakes and Thick-Sliced Bacon" about Pancake Cafe - Naperville, IL

LoveisJoy — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:32:53 GMT

Generally speaking, I'm not a big fan of pancakes so I was surprised by how much I enjoyed breakfast at the Pancake Café in Naperville, Illinois. This unpretentious diner is nestled in generic strip mall that you could easily drive past without noticing. However, as many repeat customers can attest, the satisfying meals are always memorable.

Unless you arrive fairly early on a Saturday morning, you'll probably have to wait in a short line at this popular restaurant. We always plan to get there by 9 am, and haven't had to wait terribly long for a table.

At the door, you'll be greeted by the always-courteous staff, and a blackboard with the day's specials. I admit that I always check out the specials but never order them. I have two things on my mind--the heavenly Dutch Baby and a side of the heartiest, smokiest thick bacon on the planet. One time I did break my habit and ordered Swedish pancakes (also yummy), but I seldom experiment. My husband loves the omelets and Belgian...

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BayouBengal says "Glimmer Like a Star with Bare Escentuals Bareminerals Glimmer" about Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Glimmer

BayouBengal — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:20:09 GMT

I've never been one to really put on a lot of makeup but sometimes you do want to draw attention to your eyes. Mascara doesn't always do the trick, or you want something that will complement your clothing. My case was a little different. I just wanted a different look. I wanted an eyeshadow color that was neutral, would go with lots of outfits, and also be noticed. I decided on two shades of Bare Escentuals BareMinerals Glimmer to perk up my eyes.

Bare Escentuals BareMinerals Glimmer

Bare Escentuals BareMinerals Glimmer comes in small plastic pots with black lids with the "BE" logo on top. The top screws on and off to reveal a circle with a small tab that should be pulled off to open up the sifter holes to allow you to access the eyeshadow.

Each "pot" of Bare Escentuals BareMinerals Glimmer contains .02 ounces of eyeshadow. This doesn't sound like a lot, but a pot usually lasts me anywhere from one to two years.

The "glimmer" line consists of a Bare Minerals regular eyeshadow......

bkovacs says "I recommend that you flock to this film" about The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

bkovacs — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:54:10 GMT

My wife and I enjoy animals, and even allow ourselves to be the subjects of the two cats who run our household. When I spotted an interesting-sounding animal-related documentary on Netflix, I first put it in my queue, then watched it as an instant download. The film was The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill and it's a good one.

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill is about San Francisco-resident Mark Bittner and a flock of wild parrots that he adopted over the years. The parrots are cherry-headed conures with one exception -- one is a blue-crested conure. Bittner is as much the focus of the film as the parrots, and all are colorful and worth watching. He came to San Francisco as a rock-star wannabe at the end of the hippie era in the 1970s, and subsequently lived off the streets. Without a job, he lived as the property caretaker in a ramshackle cottage that is scheduled for renovation. Once renovation on the cottage began, Bittner was on the street again and the parrots lost their human source...

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PattyTherre says "Three More Cash Back Sites That WILL Save You Money Online" about More Cash Back Sites that Save YOU Money!

PattyTherre — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:27:58 GMT

Money's tight for us all these days but we still have to buy things. I am committed to shopping for the best bargains online and always using cash back sites. They are websites that you click through to shop at stores and they give you a percentage of your order amount back free with no strings attached. I have found three more cash back sites that are very good. Add these to the first ones I listed* and you'll never shop without getting a discount again!

My Newest Top Cash Back Sites that are 100% LEGIT!

BigCrumbs (www.big crumbs.com)
This is a great site for cash back and for actually making money from referrals. This site has some of the highest percentages back that I have seen and they pay monthly into your paypal account. There are two levels you can choose. CrumbSavers save BIG on their own purchases and can refer others but they don't get much back when their referrals shop. I am a CrumbSaver because I shop a LOT and like the cash back rather than relying on others to shop and get......

Fardreamer says "Band of Brothers is a true TV masterpiece about WWII from HBO" about Band of Brothers

Fardreamer — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:14:21 GMT

On September 9, 2001 - the Sunday night before the dreadful events of September 11 - subscribers to Home Box Office got their first glimpse of Band of Brothers, a monumental 10-part miniseries about the true story of an airborne infantry company during World War II's Northwest Europe campaign (June 1944 - May 1945).

Based on the best-seller by the late Stephen E. Ambrose, Band of Brothers was produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks (who had worked together in 1998's Saving Private Ryan) as a tribute to the real-life members of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, a unit which fought for 11 months from Normandy all the way to the capture of Hitler's "Eagles' Nest" - his personal retreat in the Bavarian Alps near the German-Austrian border.

The miniseries, which featured 500 speaking roles, the use of 2,000 extras, four painstakingly recreated World War II tanks, a "European village" set which could be re-dressed to recreate towns in France,...

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vivasuzi says "You don't even need a bun, nor do you need Ketcup!" about MorningStar Farms Tomato & Basil Pizza Burgers

vivasuzi — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:20:25 GMT

The first time I made Morningstar Farms Tomato & Basil Pizza Burgers, I fell in love. I've had veggie burgers before, but this was a completely different experience.

They Smell Yummy! Everytime I cook up one of these Veggie Burgers, my family members come in and say it smells good, am I cooking Pizza? Yes they do smell like Pizza! However when I tell them it's a veggie burger, suddenly they are turned off. Even thought they think it smells good, they are still not willing to try it. I wish they would because these are some of the best Veggie Burgers I've ever had.

They Taste Yummy too! If they would just give it a try, I think they would see these burgers taste yummy too. It starts out as a basic Veggie Burger, but then they mixed in mozzerella cheese, basil and tomatoes. Once you heat it up, the cheese becomes melty like a pizza and the tomatoes taste more like tomatoe sauce. The burger itself doesn't end up tasting like pizza, but instead taste like a burger with...

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Matt says "Maui In Six Days with Three Kids" about Maui

Matt — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:10:46 GMT

We just got back from six days in Maui. Our last trip was 15 years ago as dating couple. This time we went back with our three kids and had an amazing time. Incredibly relaxing, beautiful and re-energizing. On our last trip we stayed at The Ritz Carlton in Kapalua. This time we stayed in a house (via Ultimate Escapes) in an area of Maui called Kanapali which is in the city of Lahaina.

The Weather

Despite a gloomy forecast of partly cloudy for most of the week, we had nearly perfect weather. While it was not couldless, we went to the beach every day and what coulds there were did not stop us from doing any outdoor activity. It did rain a few times but it passed very quickly. It ranged from the 70s to 80s every day peaking around 2pm. I was never sweltering hot and never wore anymore than a t-shirt and shorts.

The scenery, views and terrain

Absolutely beautiful. Incredible views that rival places like the Amalfi coast of Italy and the pacific coast highway...

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Matt says "Ferraro's was a real treat - beautiful, delicious and memorable" about Ferraro's Bar e Ristorante - Wailea, HI

Matt — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 03:23:20 GMT

During a recent week long trip to Maui with the family (kids 10, 8, 4) I decided we needed at least one night out to a "nice" restaurant. We had dinner the first night The Ritz Carlton so for our big night out I decided to try Ferraro's at The Four Seasons Wailea.

I will have to say The Four Seasons was bustling with activity and seemed very crowded and too much of a "see and been seen" type of place for me. However, the service, food and view the Ferraor's was nearly perfect. Set on a cliff above the ocean, the view and sounds were idyllic. The staff was very attentive. It started to pour rain right in the middle of dinner (we ate outside under large umbrellas) and they did everything they could to make sure we were not impacted. Despite being a fine dining experience and a great place for a romantic dinner, Ferraro's is also very very kid friendly.

I had the Tuna and my wife ordered the chicken. I thought both were great. Perfectly cooked, succulent, fresh and well seasoned....

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