Reviews by Friends of vetter2005

Bryan-Carey says "Melissa and Doug World Map Puzzle: Educational, but Flawed" about Melissa and Doug World Map Puzzle

Bryan-Carey — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:31:40 GMT

Educational toys are almost always an improvement to the mindless objects commonly passed off as child entertainment. Some manufacturers are known for their educational child entertainment and one of them is Melissa and Doug. One of their many educational tools is the Melissa and Doug World Map 33- Piece Puzzle, a large puzzle that teaches kids world geography.

Puzzle Commentary:

The Melissa and Doug World Map Puzzle is a large, two feet by three feet puzzle (61 by 92 cm) that is large enough that most will assemble it on the floor or on a large table. This world map includes a grand total of 33 pieces, with each of the continents clearly named and identified by a separate color. Individual countries (and U.S. state) boundaries are clearly marked, but individual countries are not named. The oceans include the names and the map is covered with small depictions of animals native to the world’s many lands.

Puzzles are good for developing many skills, but they are even better when...

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Bryan-Carey says "Strawberry Shortcake Cafe: Fun, but Parts will Become Lost" about Hasbro Strawberry Shortcake Playset - BERRY CAFE

Bryan-Carey — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 20:53:10 GMT

My girls count many cartoon and television characters among their favorites and one relative newcomer to their list is Strawberry Shortcake and one of several themed toys bearing this character's likeness is the Strawberry Shortcake Berry Café, a small, simple toy.

Toy Commentary:

The Strawberry Shortcake Berry Café is a small plastic toy, shaped like a carved- out strawberry, designed in the form of a dollhouse. The inside has two levels and on one side of the toy, there is a series of leaves stacked on top of one another, forming "steps" to the top level. On the top of the toy, you will find an extension of the strawberry's stem, with a small bird attached.The toy also comes with a large number of accessories. There are about twenty in total and they include things like a Strawberry Shortcake doll; a dress and hat for the doll; bed; bed tray; and more. The unit is small enough that any child in the targeted age group (4 to 7) can carry it around. There are no automatic moving parts...

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SpokaneMan says "Our Baby Simply Loves the Happy Baby Greens Puffs" about Happy Baby Organic Puffs - Greens Puffs

SpokaneMan — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 01:17:03 GMT

When it comes to snacks that we allow our baby to have, one of our favorites are the Happy Baby Organic Puffs. It's a finger food designed for babies, and one that not only keeps them happy between meals, but helps work on the hand-eye coordination as they feed themselves these treats. Being organic and packed with great ingredients makes them the perfect snack food to nearly any baby, and when you toss in the fact that there is a fruit and vegetable mixture at the heart of them they seem almost too good to be true. Our favorite of the Happy Baby Organic Puffs is the 'Greens Puffs', which basically taste like they are spinach Cheerios, and the baby just really loves them.

These Happy Baby Greens Puffs comes in a nice 2.1 ounce container that is sealed from the top much like a wet-wipes tube, and allows you to pour out as many treats as you want your baby to have. Then it easily seals back up for either a nice transport container or something you can just set on the counter until...

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SpokaneMan says "Graduates Youurt Melts are Baby's Favorite Snack" about Gerber Graduates Yogurt Melts

SpokaneMan — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:58:43 GMT

When it comes to snacks for our baby, the Graduates Yogurt Melts are one of her favorites. They are basically freeze-dried whipped yogurt & fruit snacks that have naturally given flavors to help with their enjoyment. The Graduates Yogurt Mets come in several different flavors, including strawberry, mixed berries, and peach, so you will most likely be able to find something that your new baby enjoys. Our baby really favors the peach ones, and they all come in these resealable one ounce packages that make it easy for serving them as a snack to your baby.

The best way to explain what these little snacks look like, are that they resemble Hershey kisses, but with a softer texture and a color used to closely resemble the fruit that they are supposed to taste like. Made with real fruit and yogurt these snacks do have a lot of healthy attributes to offer to their consumers, but its also one of those snacks that the baby will eat until there aren't any left, so you will probably have to...

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Bryan-Carey says "Budweiser Select 55: Anheuser- Busch Has Truly Hit Rock Bottom" about Budweiser Select 55

Bryan-Carey — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 04:44:55 GMT

Light beer products serve an important market need and while many individuals reach for a light brew to lessen the effects on the waistline, I generally find them too watery and bland to waste my time drinking. Most every major brewer offers at least one light beer, but one beer product promises to outdo all of them with its ultra- low calorie levels. The “beer” is Budweiser Select 55, a product with less than half the calories of most light beer.

Beer Commentary:

Budweiser Select 55 pours to a golden color with an aroma that is adjunct- laden, with scents of corn and basic grain. There is almost no head of foam at all and what little you get is gone within seconds- even with an aggressive pour. And the flavor isn’t much better than the appearance. It combines seltzer water, lightly skunked grain, and barely perceptable hops. There is a certain sulphur character as well and the product finishes with the familiar taste of Budweiser, for a brief second, before making way to a watery...

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Bryan-Carey says "Hayneedle.com: More than 200 Stores to Keep you Busy" about Hayneedle

Bryan-Carey — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 05:25:28 GMT

Finding the right gift can take some time and shopping online can often involve jumping from web site to web site as you seek out the right item for the occasion. One web site that offers a large variety of merchandise in a sngle place is Hayneedle.com, an online store that sells home- related products.

Online Store Commentary:

Hayneedle.com is an online store that offers goods in categories like patio & garden, home accessories, babies & kids, sports & games, and more. Hayneedle.com is unique in that it combines multiple “web sites” into a single online shopping experience. As you click the links and search for something to buy, you will notice that the screen changes names to another web site, such as cribs.com, musicboxes.com, birdcages.com, etc. However, the Hayneedle.com logo remains at the top of the screen and this is because most all of these web domains are part of Hayneedle.com. There are a few exceptions, but most of the stores you find while shopping at Hayneedle.com...

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MikeMaroon says "Lost in, but never Rescue Me from These Shows I watch with Glee" about Best TV 2000-2009

MikeMaroon — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 19:17:57 GMT

Here we are at the end of another decade. Of course, I know you can carve any 10 year chunk of time out of the calendar and call it a decade and, well, it is. 1993- 2002 is a decade, BUT we mortals tend to think in multiples of 10 and so, for the purpose of categorising things, we think the beginning of all decades involve a number ending with a zero. Therefore, for most of us, Jan 1, 2010 will begin a new decade.

Now, any ole hack can pick the top 10 TV shows for a year, but this ole hack is gonna have the audacity to name the best (at least in my mind) TV shows I saw in the past 10 years. I KNOW! But, anyway I do understand that anyone making a list like this is gonna bring their preferences and biases into it and I'm not a huge sitcom or reality show fan, which is why you won't find much of that here. I must say, there was a LOT of quality TV out there and it was a tough choice, but I picked the shows that I just couldn't resist. You may or may not be surprised by some...

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Bryan-Carey says "American Diabetes Association: Advocate for the Diabetic " about American Diabetes Association

Bryan-Carey — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:34:47 GMT

Do you know someone with diabetes? Chances are you do. More than 25 million people in the United States alone suffer from this annoying and sometimes fatal disease and the numbers continue to grow each year, due in part to the obesity epidemic and poor eating habits among Americans of all ages. The foremost charity that works on behalf of diabetics everywhere is the American Diabetes Association, a non- profit health organization.

Charity Commentary:

The American Diabetes Association mission is threefold. First, this organization wants to assist those who presently have diabetes and help them live a normal life. Second, the American Diabetes Association wants to educate the public and help prevent future cases of diabetes. Third, this health organization wants to search for a cure. Its annual spending budget is divided among these three key areas of support.

I have been an active contributor to the American Diabetes Association for many years and what first drew my attention...

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LisaCarey says "Definitely not on the customer's side" about Nationwide Insurance

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:38:26 GMT

We used to have Nationwide Insurance for our homeowners insurance. We purchased it when we relocated to Houston from Knoxville. Over the three years we had it they had bad customer service, shoddy business practices and changes or increases without contacting policy holder to tell them.

Let me give you a few examples:

My dishwasher broke and flooded my downstairs kitchen area which is an open floor. When calling to find out my deductible I received three different answers - all of them equaling that it is a percentage of the value of my home. I said ok, well the taxed value is this, no it's according to Nationwide standards. if they say your house is worth x dollars then it is. They increased the level of the value of my home by $50,000 causing my deductible to be almost 1000.00 more.

Constant disagreements between the contractor and claims adjuster. It took over 4 months to make the repairs and get my new dishwasher. The payment schedule was hit or miss and to this day I still...

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LisaCarey says "Dusts, protects, moisturizes and smells great too!" about Old English Lemon Oil

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:27:14 GMT

A new dining room table reminded me that I need to start buying Old English Lemon Oil. I probably should have been using it before, but with a new table, chairs and china cabinet it is absolutely necessary now (and a good excuse to have it in the house.

What I like about Old English Lemon Oil

cleans woods
conditions, protects and moisturizes
smells great
easy to use
polishes - makes even old wood look new again
versatile

What I don't like about Old English Lemon Oil

can't use it on everything so it's one more cleaning product to carry around the house
it is oily - but if it wasn't it wouldn't work so well would it
have to go over the wood twice - once to use Old English and once to buff it

Some of this is a pain, but it is SO worth the work because my table and other furniture looks great and I love the way my house smells when I am done cleaning. I like the shine on the wood and the fact that Old English Lemon Oil takes good care of my woods so that they can last...

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LisaCarey says "Absolutely my favorite flavored vodka " about Absolut Mandarin Vodka

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:20:30 GMT

One of my favorite activities is to have some friends over, have a few drinks, enjoy a good meal and watch our children play. One of the alcoholic beverages that I like to have in my home bar is Absolut Mandarin Vodka for it's ability to make just about everyone happy.

What I like about Absolut Mandarin Vodka

tastes great on its own or mixed (if drinking alone be sure it is chilled)
great mixer
versatile
smooth
80 proof

What I don't like about Absolut Mandarin Vodka

a little bitter aroma
expensive

While I don't mind paying for quality, the expense of this bottle means that it better last a long time, but Absolut Mandarin Vodka doesn't stick around long, once it is opened many enjoy it.

My suggestion, drink chilled on the rocks, with tonic and a twist, or mixed with 7 up. And if you use diet guess what - no carbs! So it's almost good for you too!

Consider Absolut Apeach too as a nifty drink to add to your bar - it tastes great mixed with 7 up or orange juice. ...

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LisaCarey says "Nothing select about this beer except maybe the calories" about Budweiser Select 55

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:06:03 GMT

Normally I leave the beer reviews to the experts like AleConnor and BryanCarey, but I have to say in this case there is something to be said for a woman's point of view on Budweiser Select 55.

Let me start by saying, I am not a big fan of Budweiser, but it will do in a pinch and I won't turn one down if you are giving it to me, but I'm not going to actually pay for it. But the idea of a beer with only 55 calories made me at least give it a try.

First, let's start with the pour. Even I know a good beer requires a good head. Forget it, this one falls flat.

Aroma, normally I associate skunky smell with beers in green bottles but in this case the award goes to Budweiser Select 55 in a clear bottle.

Color, caramel "ish" sort of a light golden brown - but who cares when you got all those other things NOT going for it.

Taste, yuck, and double yuck. Even those among my friends who aren't beer snobs like me didn't care for it. One even committed the ultimate offense - poured it down...

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LisaCarey says "Overpriced but fun in its own unique way " about Houston Downtown Aquarium

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:58:18 GMT

I have actually had several opportunities to visit the Houston Downtown Aquarium and am now finally getting around to writing a review. One of the nice things about living here means you have all kinds of fun things to do - things that you may take for granted and forget to share with others.

What I like about the Houston Downtown Aquarium

cool - as in everything is inside and even on a hot day you can enjoy your visit
set up nicely I like having the gulf and the ocean, and the rainforest
unique opportunities - for example you take a train ride to see the shark tank and there are usually some type of performance in the square
outdoor boardwalk atmosphere - with games, ferris wheel, train ride and carousel

What don't I like about the Houston Downtown Aquarium

it is small
it is seriously over priced
the restaurant is so over priced we haven't eaten there
valet parking?
and not enough parking for regular (btw it's $6.00 to park)

So, while Houston Downtown Aquarium...

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LisaCarey says "There is light at the end of my tire " about Accutire MS-4357B Programmable Tire Gauge with Light

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:41:41 GMT

While I may be a "techie" when it comes to cars and repairs I admit to being at the mercy of a repairman. My idea of checking the air in the tires is eye balling them - since I have children in my car and also had a driving trip coming up this is something I worry about a lot (I got a flat on the interstate once in 100 degree heat and was pregnant so this is one of my biggest fears). Instead of eye balling or having to borrow one at a station my husband decided to make my life and his a little easier with the Accutire MS-4357B Programmable Tire Gauge with Light.

What I like about the Accutire MS-4357B Programmable Tire Gauge with Light

everything!
the ergonomically correct curve to the handle makes it easy to hold into place to measure tire pressure
light display
big easy to read numbers
programmable - I don't have to remember what the pressure in the front and back tires is supposed to be

If like me you don't have a DIYer when it comes to the car the Accutire MS-4357B Programmable...

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LisaCarey says "Strikes hard at computer viruses and spam " about vipre AntiVirus

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:45:51 GMT

I admit, that considering what my husband and I do for a side business antivirus protection is not only essential but we quite often have to change to another program based on our needs or a clients needs. Right now I am using vipre AntiVirus which I had no real knowledge of until I read about it in some trade magazines.

What I like about vipre AntiVirus

easy to install
sort of easy to configure my preferences
runs in the background (most of the time - see what I don't like)
catches a lot more than I think Trend did
constant updates and scheduled
notices about new threats
works on email too (only specific ones)
$36.95 for three home computers - 1 yr
no useless emails about new products or services

What I don't like about vipre AntiVirus

I have to stop using my computer when the virus scan runs it makes mine too slow, however, my husband doesn't have the same complaint
no notices when it catches something - I would like to know so I don't visit a website Trend did...

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LisaCarey says "Getting business with these easy to use self print cards " about Avery Clean Edge Business Cards, 2 inches x 3 1/2 inches, White, 80 Cards (28878)

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:34:14 GMT

You may wonder why a SAHM would need business cards. Guess what I sort of wondered the same thing too until I started meeting other mothers at playdates, the library and the park. I was a little surprised the first time one of them handed me a "business card" with her contact information on it but found that where i live it's pretty normal. My husband and I also have a second business and occasionally need a card quickly so Avery Clean Edge Business Cards, 2 inches x 3 1/2 inches, White, 80 Cards (28878) come in handy.

What I like about Avery Clean Edge Business Cards, 2 inches x 3 1/2 inches, White, 80 Cards (28878)

don't smear when I print
easy to use Windows to create
no need to wait for professional ones in the mail (even if I only paid for shipping)
easy to tear cards
handy
can do my own design and choose the information I want to share
don't get caught in my printer - as long as I follow directions one sheet at a time

What I don't like about Avery Clean Edge...

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LisaCarey says "A pretty complete resource guide for traveling with children " about Brigitte Barta - Lonely Planet Travel With Children

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:17:57 GMT

Travel can be fun - it can also be a lot of work. Add to the work of planning and packing for a trip the additional needs of children and now you may feel that sometimes you are better off at home with a stay-cation instead of off in the wild blue yonder of a vacation. Lonely Planet Travel With Children is a resource guide that offers parents some interesting and creative ideas for safely traveling with children and having family fun.

What I like about Lonely Planet Travel With Children

the divided sections that make finding details on a specific topic easy
the organization of the book is helpful and useful
offers important information and ideas for places you may (or may not) want to visit with your children
ideas on safely traveling with children
ideas for games and activities to make the travel time pass more quickly
short "stories" of travel

What I don't like about Lonely Planet Travel With Children

some of the advice is either so obvious I wonder why it would be in a...

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LisaCarey says "Too big, too bad at customer service and too late for flights " about O'Hare Airport - multiple airlines

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 03:32:11 GMT

A death in the family meant taking whatever airlines and layovers needed to arrive in Dayton, Ohio on time. Usually I avoid layovers and connecting flights especially when I am traveling alone with children but in this case a trip through O'Hare Airport - multiple airlines was necessary to arrive in time for a funeral.

Arriving at O'Hare Airport - multiple airlines after a delayed flight out of Houston I find that my connecting flight to Dayton Ohio was of course all the way over in another section of the airport (sections labeled ABC). So, I load up the kids in the stroller and look for a shuttle in the hopes that we make it on time.

Arriving at a shuttle entrance I find that you have to walk down two flights of stairs to get to the shuttle to the other terminal. Did I mention two children and a twin stroller - not to mention my carry on luggage. No elevator! A airport employee took pity on me as I probably looked like I was going to burst into tears at the thought of missing...

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LisaCarey says "At least they are taking vitamins! " about Disney Gummy Chewables Complete

LisaCarey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:07:03 GMT

Prior to flying my mother (who works in a hospital) called and said, "You better be giving those grandchildren of mine vitamins before getting on an airplane and breating all the germs that everyone else will be bringing on." Well as much as I hate to admit it, she has a point and so we purchased Disney Gummy Chewables Complete to try to get our girls to take vitamins for the very first time.

Disney Gummy Chewables Complete contain:

Vitamin A - 1500 IU
Vitamin C - 15 mg
Vitamin D - 200 IU
Vitamin E - 15 mg
Vitamin B6 - 0.5 mg
Folic Acid - 200 mcg
Vitamin B12 - 3 mcg
Biotin - 45 mcg
Pantothenic Acid - 2.5 mg
Calcium - 3 mg
Iodine - 30 mcg
Magnesium - 2 mg
Zinc - 2 mg

Sounds pretty good doesn't it? My youngest caught on in one try at taking these vitamins. It took a little more convincing for my middle daughter (age 4) to actually take them. Most of the times she started to and then spit it out, she didn't like the flavor.

Now they both take them no problem, the fun colors and chewy gummies make...

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LisaCarey says "One of my back to school tools even now " about Elmer's School Glue

LisaCarey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:33:40 GMT

I have always loved the excitement of purchasing back to school supplies, and I have to admit that even now I always make sure to purchase some essentials during a back to school sale and when the price is right. Elmer's School Glue is one of those that I do purchase every time.

What I like about Elmer's School Glue:

tried and true
a brand I can trust
glues better than other liquid glues
works well on scrapbooking, cards, and crafts

What I don't like about Elmer's School Glue

it dries up in the lid
I can't always use all of it because it gets trapped
sometimes it is too runny

Elmer's School Glue has, for as long as I can remember been in my "school box" as well as my oldest child's. My youngest still use it in preschool, so there has to be something said for some many parents, children and teachers using this liquid glue above all others. With the great back to school prices I will also keep stocking up on this glue at the beginning of every school year!

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