Reviews by huggamira

huggamira says "Yay Converse fans! " about Converse Converse Brand Apparel

huggamira — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 08:55:24 GMT

I have always been a huge fan of Converse.
Seeing their new line in Target was a very happy moment for me, with it also being a line that consisted of down-time looks that also looked fashionable, I was more than thrilled.
Unfortunately, some things (like belts and bags) where a bit cheaply made or straight-up ugly. The things that I do/did like are awesome. Simple lines, looks, and basic colors; all that make for easy mixing and matching with things already in my wardrobe - and of course, excellent matching with my chucks.

I bought a couple of dresses and a bag. I think that they took in mind the ability to "dress up or down" the items - not suitable for formal events, but enough for luncheons and parties.
I recommend their line of clothes. I think their designs are strong because they are simple and versatile. It seems that it all could work well with and compliment any wardrobe.
I do think that the start off prices are a bit expensive, for Target, but if you wait long enough a lot...

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huggamira says "Go easy, it's perfect" about Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream

huggamira — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 08:06:20 GMT

It is lightweight, smells heavenly, can be used on wet or dry hair. This is my favorite hair cream, I put it on during frizzy day when my hair isn't cooperating and sometimes when I need that extra luxurious pep...which is often.

It leaves my hair soft and manageble with a nice shine. Strangers even as what perfume it is - when it is just the olive oil based scent in the cream's ingredients.

It is overpriced and i really do wish that it was cheaper. $24 - Yikes! If it was, I would really add it as a daily part of my regime. It also can be very gross if too much is applied, use first on dry hair to know how much should be used for you hair type.

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huggamira says "Holy Hype!" about Dior Diorshow Mascara

huggamira — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:55:15 GMT

The Dior show mascara is on almost every fashion guru/addicts lips. Word is that they make you look like you have false lashes on. Hmm...I have no lashes, so as long as I get some lash action - I am happy.

Okay, it did that. Not false ones, but it It gave me something. If you ask me though, the price isn't worth it. I would go with Voluminious (Loreal) or if you want to pay $$$ Lash injection by Too faced.

Including the fact that you "should" replace your mascara every 6 months for sanitay reason, I wouldn't dole out that much for a tube that I'll be putting on every now and then anwyays. I rarely ever really have the time to do so, so I'm happy with my Loreal or Too faces for special occassion.

And with the sanitary thing, the second time I tried Dior show, it was at a Macy's counter and my eye inflamed because the women used the wand right out of the tester bottle. Big mistake - I am now traumatized by any counter girl holding a mascara wand.

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huggamira says "The only baby oil I trust and love" about Johnson's Baby Oil

huggamira — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:26:59 GMT

This is my go-to baby oil. The classic name and all the good experiences I have with it. The scent alone can bring me back to many good memories.

I use it for taking off make-up, curling my hair, and espescially for when I just get out of the shower as a moisturizer - slap it on and towel it off. It's really great and beats paying a billion bucks on lotions and body creams. And is even easier when it comes to moisture therapy for my son. During winter season he is a major dry skin sufferer. I add a couple capfuls to his bath and a little more around the problem areas when he is done and the chronic dryness dissapears in a matter of days.

In the summer, it's one the most convenient - though not most healthy - tanning oils I know.

A definite staple in my house, and I would not choose any other no matter the price. I had a very bad experience with a generic brand when taking off my make-up, my whole left eye swelled up when I got some baby oil in it. Not fun and itched so BAD!

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huggamira says "Good for quick fixin's - at your own risk" about Cover Girl Smoothers Pressed Powder

huggamira — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:15:50 GMT

I have used this CG powder for years, but it seemed that it was also the same reason that I have been an avid acne spot sufferer for these past so many years as well. The applicators sponge is the harborer of all that is unfriendly skin irritating bacteria. The longer it stays in that compact after you've "touched up" the more the bacteria grows to irritate your skin.

Although, I have remained loyal to CG, I have decided to ditch the compacts for the sake of my skin's sanity. I've used this compact since high school, so I still don't have the heart to throw them out of my make-up case. Even if It seems that just looking at them can cause me to break out in the most unsighlty places due to my sensitive acne prone skin.

Instead, I have those rice papers for blotting - which can be disposed of and oh so discreet.

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huggamira says "Really grabs every lash" about Loreal Lash Architect 3D Dramatic Mascara

huggamira — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:07:42 GMT

The wand on this baby is the real genius behin the whole tube. It's a bit like a spider, fur, thorn like design that grabs every single lash and coats it with a good even amount of mascara.

No matter how tiny the lashes, this brush is going to find them and do it's job.

...and trust me, I know all about tiny lashes, considering mine are very short.

It does clump very easy and will need to be replaced often, as it seems the formula Loreal used for this mascara is cheaper, powdery, and thinner than that of the more famous ro popular ones. (Voluminous)

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huggamira says "Not a fan of this Sunsilk brand" about Sunsilk Anti-Flat Weightless Volumizing Creme

huggamira — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:01:58 GMT

I'm all about leave-in creams.

I have about a gazillion bottles under my bathroom sink and out of many many many of them, this is the the first one I have chosen to throw into the garbage.

Though it smells good, like a banana and a passion fruity flowery scent, It weighed my hair down and made it impossible to upkeep.

Greasy, oily, build-up with like a weird sheen of silicone oddness - This bottle seemed to have possessed all those nasty things I hate in my hair. I hate to have to be the one to tell Sunsilk, but this was totally miscategorized under "weightless".

Maybe I just got a bad batch,(it was on sale) or perhaps I did the whole application procedure incorrectly, but I was better off using a jar of body cream in my hair for volume than this mess.

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huggamira says "Catchy catchy..." about Coldplay - Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends

huggamira — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:46:06 GMT

I may be biased since I have been a Coldplay fan since their debut - but this album is absolutely epic.

Tunes and words that continue to strum in your head hours after the CD's been imported. This may be one of the best albums I've bought in a few years.

U2-esque Synesthisia. No doubt a concoction of easy alternative listening that generation after generation will enjoy.

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huggamira says "Hated and Loved it all at the same time." about Twilight - The Movie

huggamira — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 23:10:13 GMT

If this movie didn't have the book standing behind it, it would have flopped in the box offices with out a doubt. I hate to write bad reviews but I think that Hardwicke absolutely did not do any justice to the novel and got away like a bandit with the large gross of money from loyal Twilight fans.

I am honestly happy that they have already decided to make the new director that of "The Golden Compass" and "About a Boy" fame, I have yet to be extremely disappointed with any of Wietz work.

But back to Hardwick's interpretation of the novel; Some things she got right - for the most part - she did excellent casting with Edward, Alice, and the rest of the Cullen crew. The atmosphere, props, and stage setting were excellent.

but the editing! Oh the editing! and the placing of which music where was sometimes just ridiculous and matched to close toward "made for TV drama" that it totally took away, not only the magic of Stephenie Meyer, but the hard-work that I'm sure was exerted by many people...

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huggamira says "Best Photo Book I Have Ever Read...Thank You John Healy" about John Healey - Photographing Your Family: And All the Kids and Friends and Animals Who Wander Through Too

huggamira — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 08:52:00 GMT

I am not an expert photographer but I have to admit that I am a pretty good amateur one. I also have a family, which led me to borrow this book at the library the first chance I was able to.
After a few hours of reading, I was hooked. I took out my Canon Powershot (I know, I know...what can I say - I am low budget by necessity) and started snapping away at everything I could. I came back with some pretty sweet shots that actually persuaded my husband to maybe buy me a rebel for x-mas...

The book is a great guide. #1 in my opinion.
In both belief, influence, and technique, it is superior compared to most of the photography books and magazines that I have already read.
Intimate and exhilarating, I find that simple phrases in this book can lead to many more possibilities (if one is willing).

I recommend buying this book. 100%.

*I've added a shot that I took using the recommendations (both sofware and editing techniques) in the book. One thing John said is to just take pictures of whatever......

huggamira says "Sparks does another wonderful bittersweet story" about Nicholas Sparks - Nights in Rodanthe

huggamira — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 06:49:03 GMT

Ok...So, I speed read this novel in prep of watching the movie in a theater. Luckily,Sparks novels only take about two-three days to read. Of course, both days w/ordering Chinese food for dinner and skipping breakfast and lunch. (aside from NS's talent, his fast yet satisfying read is what I love about his books most.)
Filled with all of Sparks' famous and trademark storytelling style. Great characters, backdrop, lovely combination and chemistry.
I hated hated hated the ending though. I really, for the sake of fulfilling my own selfish fantasies, wanted a sappy cornball romantic mushy gushy happily ever after. But, I balled my eyes out and felt so very sad. Still loved it.

Then, I saw the movie.
Book was way better than the movie. I kinda think that they miscast the actor/actresses. Gere and Lane just didn't do it for me, as for the cheesy back flash editing and cinematography (Yes, as a movie critique, I'm a million times meaner) that stuff totally took away from the story line, 10 fold....

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huggamira says "Warning: You will be hooked." about Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1)

huggamira — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 06:43:17 GMT

I have never been the type to hang on to a "series." No Harry Potter, Nancy Drew, Babysitters Club...none of that - not because I didn't want to but because I'm weird like that and hate waiting around for the next part to come out...But I picked up Twilight during a slow shopping day at Target, read the first few pages, and was immediately hooked. I really, REALLY, could not put this book down. I was up in the middle of night trying to peel my fingers off and making deals with myself in order to force in some shut eye.

*I waited a (long) while after the first book to finally purchase the series as a whole in order to suffice my impatience with the whole series publishing 1/yr dilemma thing.

Now there is a movie coming out this month, and I hate to be the one to think that they totally miscast ed the roles, (I know I'm sorry...again!) but I totally think that they (CC) did and are going to royally screw up this series thing for me.) The trailer alone is hinting how they are rearranging...

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huggamira says " Perfect car seat for the first 3.5 years" about Britax Roundabout

huggamira — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 06:17:37 GMT

The baby (or should I say pre-schooler) just grew out of this one a half year ago.
It was the best car seat - ever!
Not only did I feel secure that my son was safely kept and comfy in this seat but it also provided him with an excellent view of the street, (which he didn't have in our other car seats) which kept him entertained and fuss free through out any ride, long or short.
It has extra cushioning, and a head guard (to support head for when the baby dozes,) and suspension under the chair; all which gaurantees a good sleep. Best in handy when baby is fussy, antsy, or having a hard time falling asleep. Car rides are heroes!!!

I recommend Britax car seats to every parent.
If you have enough $$$ get one for every car, because despite the great qualities, it is a pain to move back and forth from one car to the next.
Also, you can invert the seat when the baby is a newborn/infant. I didn't know this until a year after my son was born. A friend of mine showed me the handy dandy instructional......

huggamira says "A bend below the regular Spark's expectation" about Bend in the Road

huggamira — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 02:33:35 GMT

I just finished a "Bend in the Road" and I must say that it is definetly not my favorite Nicholas Sparks book. It isn't as romantic or as touching as his other novels and I felt almost like I really didn't get to know these characters or see/feel their relationship branch out because it was so engrossed or involved around the murder of Missy Ryan.
It's nice to see Sparks trying to mesh his talent out into a murder mystery genre but I really was looking forward to enjoying a satisfying romance, which I only partly experienced in this book.

I am still a Sparks fan. With 13 best selling books, there is bound to be one that I personally find a "hit or miss".

(From what I have read, 1 out of 7 still isn't bad.)

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huggamira says "A make-up book with some good stuff and a whole lot of filler." about Marie Claire Makeup

huggamira — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 06:18:49 GMT

Let me start by saying that I am NOT a professional make-up artist. I am a "counter-girl" and self-taught make-up addict though and have always been interested in it since I was a little girl. I know the basics, but my routine was getting old and I needed something new and some new ideas to inspire me. At first skim through, the book isn't all too impressive. Fancy pictures, old information, and some new ideas. The interviews were cute and they had some credible people from Guerlain, Givenchy, and Bobbie Brown, herself.
I did find some stuff that I really appreciated. Like, the different ways to apply liner.
Definitely worth a look.
Depending on your level of make-up expertise, you can decide if purchasing or borrowing it (and making a few Xerox copies at t he library, like me!) is best for you.

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huggamira says "The Choice is a good choice." about The Choice

huggamira — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 04:03:41 GMT

The beginning of the book was slightly slow but better than some of his others.
Actually, a lot of the beginning was absolutely funny and I loved how the two, Travis and Gabby, had met. Through out the novel the writer makes you eager to want to find out what exactly the "Choice" is. I thought it was a couple of things almost every time - but the real choice doens't show up until the second half.
It's funny. My own personal reaction was - the first half (The past) I was laughing and extremely entertained by all the jokes and encounters. While the second half (The present) I was crying, devastated, and confused. The ending of course was pretty touching and fantastic - which I hope you will read for yourself to find out why.
This particular Sparks novel plays with a very controversial political debate.
I am sure it echoes Sparks true feelings on the such subject, and my own too.

No doubt, Sparks is a great novelist, one of my faves and as I have said in my other reviews of his books - he really......

huggamira says "My favorite breast pads when I was breast feeding" about Lansinoh Breast feeding pads

huggamira — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:48:25 GMT

This was my favorite breast feeding pads when I was a new mom.
To all new mom's - you're new mommy boobies will be leaking all the time! - get some good ones. I didn't know this and I also didn't know that not all b-pads were created equal.
These fit great and have little plastic bags so you can stash them in your purse/daiper bag with out having to pick off lint from them (which you will have to do with non-sealed Gerbers and other brands.)
They are smooth, clean, and great absorbing, plus they smell nice.

Props to you for wanting to breast feed! It is a challenge. Physically and emotionally.
My son breastfed for a while and I did it regardless of the remarks from other pushy bottle happy moms (and mom-in-law) who almost made me feel embarrased about it. Be proud.
Lansinoh also had pro-breastfeeding braceletts at the time -which I wore and flashed proudly when I needed to breast feed in public.

Do whatever is best for you and your baby!

:)

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huggamira says "An outstanding necessity for every new parent" about Babybjorn Original Baby Carrier

huggamira — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:36:23 GMT

Baby Bjorn was a necessity for me.
As much as people told me not to pick up my son every time he cried when he was a newborn, I couldn't help but do it. With the thought that these few years and months with him as a baby would be some of the only years he would ever hold still long enough for me to admire him in my arms. I did it with no hesitation. This, like the parents that warned me proposed, of course led to him wanting to be carried often. I don't think human arms are capable of holding anything for as long as a newborn would like to be cradled.
Baby Bjorn was there to help me multi-task. I could do dishes, push the stroller, and other tasks with out having to use my arms entirely. It was very secure and nothing dangerous ever happened. It was a reliable second pair of help.

I recommend this on top of anything. although that wrappy one, unsure the name, is awfully cute and was orginally the one I wanted, I think the gift givers at my baby shower made the right choice for me....

huggamira says "Can't live with out it..." about OxiClean Spray-A-Way Instant Stain Remover

huggamira — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:26:43 GMT

One late night, I watched the oxy clean infomercials and was so interested that the next grocery day, I stopped at the cleaning aisle and raided the shelves for it.

All I could really say was "Wow!"
Potty training my son always ended up with a few accidents on the carpet (we also have two dogs) so I went to town and sprayed every inch of the play and living room rugs, and in no time at all, the odors were gone and all that was left was a fresh clean carpet smell.
I use this on grease stains, grass stains, paint stains, and more.Before doing laundry I double check every piece of clothing and spray even the slightest mark of dirt.I even dump a cap full of the solution with bedding and whites.
It is not as strong as bleach, but it is safer, and bleach stains are a big pet peeve of mine so that that piece of peace of mind minuses the insanity to my already hectic day and gets my whites clean.

I recommend Oxy to everyone. It never fails to be handy.
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huggamira says "This is the smoothest and most comfy deoderant I've ever used" about Dove Ultimate Clear Cool Essentials Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

huggamira — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:15:24 GMT

This is my favorite deoderant because of its consistency and that it definitely works. It does not feel sticky or sting, it's really great, and I think that it is a breakthrough in deoderant inventions because it is like a lotion and deoderant put together.
Although it is not completely clear. The smoothness of it is so comfortable that it makes the white marks worth it. But, to keep things mark free, I just keep some clear "Secret" on hand for the days when I am going to be in sleevless black.
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