http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/joysmomma Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:56:21 GMT Reviews by joysmomma http://www.viewpoints.com/Folgers-Simply-Smooth-review-06cc2 It's really nice to be able to wind down with a hot cup of tea or coffee...When I found out I was pregnant I cut out all caffeine, and even after my daughter coming up on 10 months old...I've kept the caffeine out, but before she known of, I was a coffee addict!  I used to have a starbucks every single day...Later in my pregnancy, I started to crave a nice hot cup of coffee and tea.  I got burned out on my tea ritual every night and wanted to change it up a bit so when I went through the coffee/tea aisle at the grocery store, I noticed Folgers Simply Smooth...and naturally decaf!! My stomach is pretty sensitive but I used to always pay for it after I had my daily starbucks...I tried out the simply smooth decaf and loved it! It was a nice way to end my day with a nice hot cup of coffee that wouldn't keep me up at night more than my baby girl...and my stomach loved it too!  Great... Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:56:21 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Folgers-Simply-Smooth-review-06cc2 joysmomma 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Naked-Brothers-Band-I-dont-wanna-go-to-school-review-b657 I'm familiar with the Naked Brothers Band, but I heard this song while watching the Teen Nick Award Show...First before the REAL reason I don't agree that this song is available...let me just say:: I'm confused on where the 'talent' is?!  It was awful and I don't see how their parents allowed them to perform such a song...even more surprised that the Nick network allowed it, knowing the target demographic is kids...IN SCHOOL!  Yes, we know..kids sometimes don't care for school...but I'm against parents who will buy this for their children bc it promotes a negative message .. these kids in the Naked Brother Band are looked at as examples for kids and tweens...Since when do we let kids in media be the role models in our kids lives? The parents should. Just completely against this song.. It's awful for my ears and HORRIBLE, NEGATIVE message for young kids.  They should be writing songs promoting education and being a cool kid in school...cheezy for adults, yes...but grabs... Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:44:11 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Naked-Brothers-Band-I-dont-wanna-go-to-school-review-b657 joysmomma 1 http://www.viewpoints.com/Pink-Floyd-Dark-Side-of-the-Moon-review-c76f2 I'm pretty eclectic when it comes to music...but I must say that Pink Floyd is pretty close to my heart...I remember my Dad introducing me to their music while sitting out on the deck over the lake late at night...blaring his outdoor speakers ... good times. — This album in particular is just phenominal...Well, all of their albums are and always will be classic and will be enjoyed by all ages for years and years to come. — There aren't many descriptive words that can describe their sound...amazing.  If you haven't taken the time to appreciate their sound bc you think its just music for hippies...have an open mind and just take a chance..you'll dig it. — Oh yeah...I've tried the Wizard of Oz sync-up with this album...I had to try it a few times to get it on count...but it is pretty crazycool —... Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:10:13 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Pink-Floyd-Dark-Side-of-the-Moon-review-c76f2 joysmomma 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Rascal-Flatts-Me-And-My-Gang-review-476f Rascal Flatts...*sigh*  Where do I even begin?  They're such a great group of talent and no matter what album from these guys...you can depend on it being great and know money is being well spent.  Not to mention, their sound tech is a buddy of mine!! :) — They're amazing and so many great songs...GREAT performers and you can also count on them not cheaping out fans...they DONT LIP SYNC!  REAL talent does still exist!! — ... Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:04:16 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Rascal-Flatts-Me-And-My-Gang-review-476f joysmomma 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Bare-Escentuals-Starter-Kit-review-befc2 I'm not dogging this product..nor do I have a problem in making a pricey investment when I believe it will work...However, this product FOR ME just didn't work like I thought it would...perhaps its just due to my VERY fair skin...but I wanted more coverage and never got it the way I wanted...and none of the eyeshadows looked well with my skintone...I wanted to believe this product was working for me, but even two girlfriends of mine that I worked with asked what I was doing different with my makeup and I told them I was trying out the Bare Escentuals...they said they didnt like it..thank god for honest friends!  I did however, get a compact in a little beauty/girlie gift basket from a family friend bc she knows I love trying new beauty products...and she was told I would love it for sure...its called ::glo minerals:: I have it in a loose power, a compact, and also have the smokey mineral eyeshadow and loose shimmer powder...and I absolutely love it!  My favorite is... Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:55:16 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Bare-Escentuals-Starter-Kit-review-befc2 joysmomma 2 http://www.viewpoints.com/Johnsons-Baby-Oil-for-Eye-Makeup-Removal-review-775c5 BEST  eye makeup remover...HANDS DOWN!  A friend of mine introduced me to it...I used to use lancome, then switched to clinique...then my Mom said, 'use vaseline'...that was the best then when I tried my friends lavendar scented baby oil gel by Johnson's...there was no looking back..or spending an astronomical amount of money for a tiny little bottle that didn't even do its job!  All the others I used used to leave it feeling oily and greasy...But I use the Johnson's Baby Oil GEL in lavendar and it is WAY cheaper...its more convenient bc I'm a Momma..so when I pick it up...I don't have to go all the way to the makeup section...I'm already in the baby section! I just add a little dab in a kleenex or a round cotton pad and wipe while enjoying a calming scent!  There is no burning...no tissue or cotton residue...then, I just wipe again with a clean one for good measure..and WHALLA! I thought it being a gel and oil base, it would leave me feeling sticky...and it... Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:40:01 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Johnsons-Baby-Oil-for-Eye-Makeup-Removal-review-775c5 joysmomma 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/C-O-Bigelow-Mentha-Lips-review-14393 C.O. Bigelow products are amazing...and my favorite, is their lipgloss!!! I used to use the one in the little round tub but then saw that they had it in the squeeze tube...Well, I'm obsessed with lipgloss and that's all I wear...This brand is amazing and the mentha 'flavor' is amazing...its cooly refreshing and leaves such a sexy shine!! - Makes lips lucious looking, natural, and isnt sticky and the tube makes it easy and not messy! I'm a Mom on the go, so this is terrific!! I have one in my car cup holder, one in the diaper bag, one in my purse at all times!! — LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! —... Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:46:00 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/C-O-Bigelow-Mentha-Lips-review-14393 joysmomma 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Shrek-2-review-ec103 Sometimes sequels to movies are just a flop and ruins the first one even if that one was great! - They really made it enjoyable just like the first one...The voice over talent of big stars is just amazing and TRUE talent...and really make their characters come to life..definately a great pick for all ages...even if you're not a fan of animation!! It's sometimes so realistic...you forget..Hilarious. Fun. Adventure. Sweet moments, too! — Love it. —... Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:38:40 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Shrek-2-review-ec103 joysmomma 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Love-Actually-review-98cc2 This is a great movie based around the holidays, but don't let that keep you from watching it anytime of the year!  I love the amazing and eclectic cast and how the movie is set up, as EACH characters story is shown seperately, then all molds together...and everyone is really linked in someway...only thing I didn't care for was the 'occupation' of two of the 'film stars' in the movie...but it was done in the best taste possible and didn't keep me from enjoying the movie...Such great stories throughout, brining it all to one big great ending...its life and its touching and its also uplifting and 'feel good' at times.  Good music throughout, too! Seems like there is a character that anyone who watches it can relate to... — Definately a flick you can enjoy again and again over time.. —... Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:33:38 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Love-Actually-review-98cc2 joysmomma 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Kleenex-Cottonelle-Ultra-Toilet-Tissue-Double-Roll-Unscented-review-55a04 Love this toilet paper. I'm really picky on t.p. — This one is definately a favorite because its thick without being rough...its coushy enough for the toochie and the puppy for its marketing is too cute to pass up...But seriously, its also really easy to get coupons for this product, which also makes me to keep coming back. Great product. Thanks Cottonelle! —... Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:22:09 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Kleenex-Cottonelle-Ultra-Toilet-Tissue-Double-Roll-Unscented-review-55a04 joysmomma 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Sony-Ericsson-Walkman-W810i-Cell-Phone-review-67743 BEST phone out of 6 I've ever had and people can't believe when they see pictures and video of my daughter that I used my cell phone!! Not to mention, it is so easy and LOVE that I can use it as an MP3 player...I just uploaded some songs from my itunes (i had my ipod stolen on a greyhound bus) - so this was great!! I love the compactness of it as I've become a hater for flip phones...and it has so many other gadgets on it like creating your own song and creating video with music...its alot of fun, too!  Looks pretty slick as well..ONLY thing I'm dissapointed about now, is that they I can't find any cases for it and NOW they offer it in pink, white and another fun color...so I'm anxious to see what they come up next for this style phone! LOVE IT! -- Friends loved it so much, couple of them got one as... Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:15:05 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Sony-Ericsson-Walkman-W810i-Cell-Phone-review-67743 joysmomma 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Bath-Body-Works-Sensual-Amber-review-05bd1 It's not for a teenager..that's for sure!  It's has a more 'mature' scent and its so hard to explain its scent but its a 'clean-glamorous' smell..not flowery or overpowering.  It doesn't take alot, and this bottle will last you a long time even if you use it on a daily basis...I dont use it on a daily basis anymore because I had a baby, but her Daddy LOVES this perfume and he doesn't care for perfume much. ... Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:03:47 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Bath-Body-Works-Sensual-Amber-review-05bd1 joysmomma 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Pureology-shampoo-and-conditioner-for-hydration-and-color-treated-hair-review-0cf43 I moved from a small town to a big city and a college friend of mine was always on top of fashion and beauty..and we went to a fancy boutique where she got her shampoo and hair care products...I said..HOLY CRAP! When I saw the price for the not 'jumbo' sizes I usually see for that price...BUT I bought it thinking if my friend swears by it...I'll try it out, and if not, she said she'd buy mine from me if I didn't care for it...So, what did I have to lose? I used it and fell in love! You only need a little bit...and its the best shampoo experience when you have to do it yourself with the refreshing mint smell...and you feel the tingle on your scalp!! I'm not even a mint flavor/scent fan...this is my only exception!  It was wonderful and kept my highlights and color lasting so much longer than any other shampoo I've tried...I ended up even getting my Mom hooked on it..and it seems to have come more available these last couple of years to get your hands on...and when you think about... Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:55:00 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Pureology-shampoo-and-conditioner-for-hydration-and-color-treated-hair-review-0cf43 joysmomma 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Fisher-Price-Roll-A-Rounds-Drop-n-Roar-Dinosaur-review-406e3 I received this USED (only reason i didnt give it a 5 star) as a gift from my friend whose daughter has just turned 2 years old.  My daughter will be turning 10 months old later this month, and we've had this toy (I call it Dino-Mountain) for about a month...she LOVES all of the little see-through balls with little animals and bells in them as well as the different colors and textures.  There are so many PROS about this I can't even list everything but since it was used, the music and lights do not work anymore but that doesn't take anything away from it keeping my little one intrigued and occupied!! JUST LAST NIGHT she began actually placing the balls into the different spots for it to go through its little maze and she was so proud of herself and excited and even if she isn't at the 'dino-mountain' .. she plays with the balls and clinks them together to make different sounds and rolls them away from her to crawl after...its really great for cognitive development... Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:40:45 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Fisher-Price-Roll-A-Rounds-Drop-n-Roar-Dinosaur-review-406e3 joysmomma 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Pampers-Swaddlers-Diapers-review-53982 When my daughter was born, the hospital gave us a big package of Huggies (a couple sizes too big, too) - but they were rough!! I didn't even use them until later on if I was running low and for day use only...because I found that Pampers Swaddlers were the closest thing to 'cloth-like' feel for my new babys sensitive skin without being REAL cloth diapers...and I just don't have time for those..I have used this brand until recently, as she has moved up into a size 3!!!  But would definately recommend these...and the hospitals should catch on, too! :)  The other thing I really have enjoyed is that its so easy to find coupons for this brand...from their website and the internet, to even Cheerios boxes!!! - And I'm talking about $1.50 savings coupons!! Plus, you get 'points' by purchasing this brand and just take the codes from these items and they earn up to rewards you can get for you or your baby!! They have a really great selection of gifts to get with these rewards..so... Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:30:59 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Pampers-Swaddlers-Diapers-review-53982 joysmomma 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Full-Sail-Real-World-Education-review-99b93 I'm very fortunate for Full Sail. I obtained my Associate for Recording Arts, but my main passion was for the business side of music/entertainment.  The month before my graduation from the AS program, they introduced their BA program...I enrolled and actually began my classes before the physical graduation of the AS program!  It was great and I earned the knowledge needed to feel confiedent entering the entertinament business field...However, the only downside was I was the 2nd class to go through the Bachelor for Entertainment Business and now looking on the new 'perks' and education they get in the same program I paid for and went through..feel a bit cheated and like a 'guinea pig'....and they really don't/didn't have enough establishment for that program to advertise to companies and potential employers for graduates entering that field...SO, it was completely up to me and no support from the placement program to find my 'gigs' in the biz...but I found them!!! - And Full... Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:29:35 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Full-Sail-Real-World-Education-review-99b93 joysmomma 4