Reviews by Friends of wheeling

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

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

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

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

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

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LisaCarey says "Takes off a days worth of makeup and more " about Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover

LisaCarey — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:12:01 GMT

My mom likes Clinique (and Lancome) in that order. I like Lancome and Clinique - in that order. The good news is that when we visit each other we don't have to pack our entire skin care regime but borrow from each other to take care of our skin. During my week of borrowing one of the products I absolutely had to use of her's was Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover.

I am not big on makeup, but when I put it on I use products that are meant to last a long time, all day and most of the evening too, so I use waterproof mascara's and long wearing lipsticks. This makes removing make up at the end of the day a little tough, so I need something that can "take the day off" and be gentle enough on my skin. Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover does a very good job of both.

Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover is easy to use, but I do suggest using only cotton balls. I was out, and used a tissue and ended up having to use far more than I normally do. so invest in some cotton...

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LisaCarey says "Great for moisture - not so much on wrinkles " about Olay Pro X Wrinkle Smoothing Cream

LisaCarey — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:55:55 GMT

Thanks to my membership with Vocalpoint I received a full size jar of Olay Pro X Wrinkle Smoothing Cream to give a try. Now, I am willing to pay more for a quality product, (like Lancome or Clinique) but was so glad I had the chance to try this first.

Let me start by saying, I don't really have any wrinkles. I do have one along the top of my forehead, but around lips and eyes I am pretty lucky. I think it's genetics because my mom still has beautiful skin and she is over 60. The first week that I used Olay Pro X Wrinkle Smoothing Cream the very first thing I noticed was that it was very smooth to apply, only took a little bit to handle my face and neck and that there was no "yucky" scent to deal with. It was also extremely moisturizing, so much so that I had concerns about my skin turning oily.

The next week I used Olay Pro X Wrinkle Smoothing Cream my skin was softer and smoother, but still no discernible difference with my wrinkles.

After a week traveling (and...

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LisaCarey says "I feel pretty oh so pretty - and romantic and I smell good too?!" about Michael Kors Fragrance

LisaCarey — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:11:46 GMT

Most people are very selective about the perfumes and fragrances they use. It's a very personal thing. For example Angela feels Beautiful when she wears Estee Lauder's fragrance every after many years of use. I feel the same way about Michael Kors perfume.

What do I like about Michael Kors perfume?

it's sexy, every time I put it on I feel like I am attractive
it's romantic
I like it so much I put it on just for me!
subtle tones, but "load" enough to stand out
every time I wear it someone asks me what I have on
the sales lady laughs when I buy it - saying you have to have a certain type of personality to go with this one - and I guess I got it
long lasting
florals, musks, spices

What don't I like about Michael Kors perfume?

it is expensive

Michael Kors perfume is not so subtle, or soft but it is brilliantly beautiful to the senses. It evokes romance and a feeling of being beautiful, not to mention gets me noticed. What more could a girl ask for in a fragrance? ...

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LisaCarey says "Makes me a Picasso with photos " about Google Picasa 3

LisaCarey — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:59:11 GMT

I am a frugal person by nature, and if I can find something for free that will do a job as well as something I have to pay for then I am all for giving it a try. Google Picasa 3 is one of those free things that works as well if not better than many other photo enhancement and publishing tools.

What I like about Google Picasa 3

it's free
it is easy to use simply download and start using it
stores my photos for me
allows me to safely and quickly share them online (without any need to have ads to buy something like Snapfish does)
easy to use correction and enhancement tools - zoom, cut, crop, red eye
and best of all - easy to do export

For example, I took hours trying to figure out how to make a picture the right size pixels using other tools. I really need pictures as part of my service writing articles and since I can't afford a professional photographer - it's all up to me. In order to make a photo the right size I simply go to the photo choose the short cut for export...

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LisaCarey says "Helps this family save on entertainment, dining and more!" about The Entertainment Book

LisaCarey — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:12:40 GMT

I love to save money, but don't we all. One of the best ways I found to save money many years ago (when I was a single parent) was the Entertainment Book. Now, many moons later, I am older, wiser, still a parent and still using the Entertainment Book just about every week. To be honest, the only time I didn't use it was when we lived in Knoxville because there wasn't one available there.

What I like about the Entertainment Book:

easy to buy online
pays for itself in just one use
used for dining, fast food, entertainment, dry cleaning, car washes, oil changes, travel plans, hotels,
helps me find places I may not have tried without the book
helps me save money wherever I go
savings with both coupons and the card
registering my book means I can use extra printable coupons from the website
coupons grouped according to usage
coupon index in alpha and neighborhood order

What don't I like about the Entertainment Book:

that this year I don't have two of them and...

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LisaCarey says "Doesn't get my shoes under anywhere " about Shoes Under Shoes Under

LisaCarey — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 07:23:46 GMT

Usually I am very hesitant to purchase most "as seen on TV" items, but I have had some success lately and honestly was getting desperate to find a way to store my daughter's shoes so that we could find them later. After much begging by my daughter to purchase the Shoe Under (she saw the commercials) her dad and I agreed and put through our purchase.

First, let me start by saying the site is awful. Sure I can get lots of them for less dollars (the more you buy the less they charge sort of) but then I had to pay extra for shipping. The doubled my order and never gave me a chance to correct it (no check your order function before submitting). You put in the number your credit card information and hit submit, there is not way to check anything to make sure there is no mistakes. Whallah! A screen pops up and I now have 6 of them coming in the mail and my credit card was charged for it. Next I find out that it's almost impossible to find their customer service number on the site. Once I had...

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LisaCarey says "Nothing fun about the fandango " about Fandango

LisaCarey — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 07:09:52 GMT

Once upon a time I could go to the theater and enjoy a good movie. Now, with young children in the house I have to be much more picky about when I see a movie and which ones I take time for. I first started using Fandango many years ago after moving to help me find cinemas and get information about movies but recently I also gave it a try for a Fandango gift certificate that I won from a contest right here on Viewpoints. (Thanks viewpoints!)

I wanted to take my children to see Toy Story 1 and 2 the double feature in 3D. While some of the online information was helpful such as the cinema and times some of it was confusing and I ended up having to call the cinema anyway. I did like that I could see a quick review there about the movies, but of course nothing that could rival the reviews here on Viewpoints.

Next I attempted to purchase my tickets and use my gift card. There were several things about this process that I didn't like. First, there are service charges - so much...

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LisaCarey says "Dora saves Swiper from the naughty list " about Dora the Explorer: Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure

LisaCarey — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 06:56:54 GMT

My daughter's love Dora the Explorer and as soon as the commercials started for Dora the Explorer: Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure they started asking me if they could watch it. I had every intention of letting them watch it - on television -- but a trip to the movie store and a tired mom expected snow over the weekend gave in.

In Dora the Explorer: Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure Swiper actually gets caught by Santa swiping toys on Christmas (apparently it's ok to do this on other days) and gets put on the naughty list. Dora decides to save Swiper and they go through a series of Christmas Carol moments in an effort to get Swiper off the naughty list and onto the nice list.

Back in time they go, to see Swiper as a baby. They also visit the future, when Swiper is surrounded by toys but has no friends.

Dora the Explorer: Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure is a typical Dora adventure. Tico and Isa, Boots and Benny the Bull all make an appearance. There is some Spanish words...

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LisaCarey says "Fountain of youth in a cream" about Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Targeted Line Concentrate

LisaCarey — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 06:46:50 GMT

I have always thought that one of the most important things for a woman to take care of is her skin, maybe because I have always admired my mom's beautiful, youthful looking skin. I admit that I don't have many lines or wrinkles and put that down to genetics more than anything else, but I do have one or two so I decided to try Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect.

I admit that I have used Clinque and Mary Kay in the past. Avon just never really worked for me. I currently love the results I get from Lancome products but when you get a chance to try something that felt the way that this lifting and firming moisturizing cream did in the store you definitely want to bring it home, even if Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect in the very smallest jar is $60.

I experienced amazing results in just a few applications of Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect. I admit to only using it at night but it actually is a day cream and includes SPF 30. However, I was afraid to give up my...

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LisaCarey says "Go where no movie has gone before and I didn't want to come back" about Star Trek

LisaCarey — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 06:33:55 GMT

I admit it, I am a "Trekie." Having grown up watching Capt. Kirk and Spock as well as the rest of the crew of the Enterprise, to become an adult and parent watching each of the new "generations" as well as each movie (and even owning them) I was sure that Star Trek was coming to an end. Honestly after ST: TNG I was pretty much over it as many of the newer shows and movies may have had better sound effects and more technology on the ship the story lines just didn't cut it.

But WOW! You can read in all the other reviews about the amazing cast of characters and IMDB.com can give you a list of them on the newest Star Trek (2009) . I have to say that Bruce Greenwood (Capt. Pike) and Zachary Quinto (Spock and most well known from Heroes) gave stand out performances. The cast and the crew of the newest and oldest Enterprise really have it all. They are amazingly smart (geniuses all), sexy, and daring. The ship itself offered more bells and whistles and while this may have been the oldest...

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LisaCarey says "Not good for dishes, dishwasher or the environment " about Palmolive eco+ Gel Dishwasher Detergent - Lemon Splash

LisaCarey — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 03:44:12 GMT

I was thrilled when my husband brought Palmolive eco+ Gel Dishwasher Detergent - Lemon Splash home when I sent him to the store for dishwasher detergent. We have been trying to "go greener" cleaning more environmentally friendly for both our home and the environment- even going so far as making many of my cleaning supplies as I need them.

Unfortunately Palmolive eco+ Gel Dishwasher Detergent - Lemon Splash doesn't live up to my expectations, the name of Palmolive or the description of a eco friendly dishwasher detergent. I have used it several times, even included using Jet Dry in my energy star dishwasher and each time my dishes come out with white dirty dusty streaks on them - especially the plastic products. I have to spend a great deal of time washing my dishes by hand to get rid of the white gunk which has built up so much on some of them I can't remove it and have ended up having to throw some things away!

Palmolive says that this is an eco friendly product, but in this...

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Jolie says "buyuggsboot.net is a scam! Ugg Boots from China that are fake." about www.buyuggsboot.net

Jolie — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:22:46 GMT

Background on Buyuggsboot.net

A friend of mine at Viewpoints recently passed along a site called www.buyuggsboot.net. She found it online. www.buyuggsboot.net is a web site that sells all styles of Ugg Boots at discounted prices.

We werent certain if www.buyuggsboot.net were the real or not. But after a thorough review of the site, we thought it was legit. Buyuggsboot.net looks like a reasonable reseller of Ugg Boots. The page is designed well, the pictures look authentic and they make claim to having the real deal. They also consistently site throughout the web site having customer satisfaction commitments.

To add to the thought it was authentic, the pricing seemed good but not amazing. As you probably know a typical pair of Ugg Boots cost about $110. On Buyuggsboot.net the cost was $89.00- approximately a $20 savings. Seemed like a good deal, but they werent so cheap that I thought it could be scam. As an aside, last year Nordstrom had a similiar sale on Ugg boots so the pricing seemed...

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JovialCougar says "So why is painter's tape blue?" about Scotch Blue Painters Tape

JovialCougar — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 03:28:05 GMT

I've been doing some painting around my home and decided I wanted to ''do the job right''. Part of that was making sure I did not drip or accidentally paint onto the trim. What has been a big help in 3M's Scotch Blue Painter's Tape.

Why is painter's tape helpful? It can be used to stick to walls, trim, or other surfaces adjacent to where you are painting that you do not want those areas painted. This tape is a lot like masking tape, except it is colored blue and is removed more easily.

Using the tape is called masking, and very easy done. Here are some tips:

Clean surface that is being masked
Lay down in large strips
Press down (with a putty knife if needed) until it's secure
When completed, pull off gently but firmly

Scotch Blue Painter's Tape comes in a variety of widths and I chose 1.5 inches. If you are using a wide brush or large rollers you may want a wider tape width. Also, this painter's tape comes in two varieties: Multi Surfaces and Delicate Surfaces. In general you will...

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LisaCarey says "Visiting the grandparents and holiday travel is easy" about Continental Airlines

LisaCarey — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 05:40:40 GMT

There are many advantages to living in Houston and one of them is that Continental Airlines offers many non stop flights from Houston to were I want and need to go. Much of our family lives in Ohio and without Continental Airlines it would be difficult if not impossible to see our family (with them traveling here or us traveling there) as often as we do. My daughter has flown using their unaccompanied minor system (which is expensive but never messed up); I have flown alone with two preschool children in tow and so far every experience has been excellent.

What I like about air travel with Continental Airlines

at check in they offered my husband a security pass so he could help me get the kids to the gate
they always take excellent care of my unaccompanied minor daughter as she travels back and forth
the flight attendants let ME handle the children - with the occasional helpful suggestion (say about ears hurting)
daily flights back and forth to where we need to go
check...

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LisaCarey says "Pop goes the toast, bagel and so much more!" about Oster 6331 2-Slice Toaster

LisaCarey — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:54:38 GMT

Visiting my parents for a week, I was able to put the Oster 6331 2-Slice Toaster through quite the challenge. My children like their peanut butter and jelly sandwiches toasted (as do their grandfather). They also enjoy bagels, pop tarts and toaster strudels making it absolutely necessary to use the toaster during this week at home with them and with grandparents wanting to spoil them.

The Oster 6331 2-Slice Toaster is approximately $35.00 and is a two slice toaster that also accomodates bagels, toast, frozen items and in our case I even toasted the whole grain wheat sandwich buns. The darkness control feature offers up to 7 different settings (may I suggest the number 3 setting) and you can also choose from toast, bagels and frozen items. One of the best features of this toaster is that instead of just increasing the numbers for frozen foods, you actually defrost them with the frozen function. Other features that I like include:

removable crumb tray
easily cleaned

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LisaCarey says "Spanx has got you covered from bum to toe" about Spanx All The Way - Leg Control Pantyhose with Super Control

LisaCarey — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:31:04 GMT

I recently had an opportunity to wear a formal gown. I admit that wearing a dress is something I avoid, after several weeks of my daughters (now 4 and 3) pulling up my skirts during mass to play hide and seek. Wearing a formal gown required many more foundation garments that I am used to wearing and wanting a sleek, no pantyline look as well as a comfortable fit with pantyhose I took a chance on Spanx All The Way - Leg Control Pantyhose with Super Control.

I admit Spanx All The Way - Leg Control Pantyhose with Super Control at $29.99 at Lane Bryant was a little pricey for me. But I had so much success with the original Spanx product and I really wanted the line of the formal (did I mention tight fitting) dress to be just right.

WOW! Is all I can say! On the ride home, I exclaimed to my husband what took so long to come up with a pair of pantyhose that is supportive, sexy, nice to look at and comfortable? Not to mention, (and ladies this is most important when wearing a formal...

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LisaCarey says "Put the lime in the coconut " about Malibu Rum Coconut 42 Proof 1.00l

LisaCarey — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:13:55 GMT

Put the lime in the coconut, then you feel better
Put the lime in the coconut, drink 'em both up.

Imagine this, laying on the beach slathered in cocoa butter. That's pretty much the scent you get when you first pour Malibu Rum Coconut 42 Proof. It is a clear alcoholic spirit that tastes just as good on the rocks as it does mixed in a drink.

The price of the Malibu Rum Coconut 42 Proof is so very reasonable and the flavor of this spirit is clean and crisp without bitterness or an after taste. Here is the funny thing, I don't even really like coconut flavor or lotions. Neither the aroma or the flavor is one of my favorites, but for some reason this simply works on the rock or as a mixed drink. Consider serving a Key West Cooler, Absolut Stress, or Malibu Sunrise using Malibu Rum Coconut 42 Proof.

Malibu Rum Coconut 42 Proof is reasonably priced, versatile, easily found at most liquor stores, made in Barbados with natural coconut extract and is 21% alcohol content by volume....

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LisaCarey says "Cranberry and Lemonade? Guess what it works! " about Mikes Hard Harder Cranberry Lemonade

LisaCarey — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:30:56 GMT

I recently attended a birthday party where Mikes Harder Cranberry Lemonade was served to the adults. It was surprisingly fun and refreshing, so I decided to give it a try at home on my own to see if more than one held up to judgment.

Mikes Harder Cranberry Lemonade is a malt beverage, not a beer, but not a spirit. It's made with the same grains as beer. There is one significant difference, it is fruity flavored and carbonated, and honestly nothing like beer, even fruit flavored ones.

Mikes Harder Cranberry Lemonade comes in a four pack package, with large size cans with a price tag of approximately $6.99. Upon pouring, it is larger that most glasses and requires leaving some of it in the can while you drink down the glass. It is incredibly bubbly and the color is a light red, cranberry color. The aroma is fruity and easily drinkable.

Warning to those who don't drink often, this "harder" lemonade actually does pack a little punch on an empty stomach.

If you are looking...

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LisaCarey says "Mix this Cranberry Twist before Drinking " about Smirnoff Vodka Cranberry Twist 1 liter

LisaCarey — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:58:50 GMT

Really good beer is the preferred drink in my household for my husband and I like to "mix" things up. Since it is the season, I decided to give Smirnoff Vodka Cranberry Twist a try since I do enjoy many flavored vodka, such as the Absolut line.

Smirnoff Vodka Cranberry Twist is a clear alcohol flavored vodka with the light scent of peach, pear, grain alcohol and cranberry. At first taste (and many others) on the rocks or straight up is not my preferred method of drinking this flavored vodka.

The flavor on the rocks is slightly better than straight up. Smirnoff Vodka Cranberry Twist flavor is prominently the vodka taste, then cranberry, peach and pear.

The one liter bottle of Smirnoff Vodka Cranberry Twist is approximately $21.99 which is actually reasonably priced for that large of a bottle.

My brother says that Smirnoff Vodka Cranberry Twist gives him a headache, however, I have no problems drinking it. With the holidays approaching it could be an inexpensive alcoholic...

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