Reviews by kcp2273

kcp2273 says "Pampered Chef Small Micro-Cooker Pot; LOVE It!!!" about Pampered Chef Small Micro-Cooker

kcp2273 — Wed, 13 May 2009 16:02:06 GMT

I love the small micro-cooker from Pampered Chef because I use it for everything; it is very versatile and extremely useful.

It's great for warming milk for hot chocolate, water for tea, melting butter and chocolate, heating cans of soup or vegetables, making rice, boiling hot dogs, boiling potatoes, which is faster than baking them, and just as good. It also makes it much easier to peel the skins off if you need to use the potatoes for a salad or other dish like mashed potatoes. Boiling frozen or fresh vegetables. You can do just about anything with this pot that you can do on a stove, but with less mess, less time, and a smaller, lid-covered container.

Not only does the lid prevent splatters, but it is also handy for draining the liquids off the food as it has bigger strainer holes on one side, and smaller on the other, so you always have options to suit your needs. Also, the pot with attaching lid is very convenient for storing in the fridge, reheating, and using it to...

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kcp2273 says "Kodak Easy Share C533 is easy...if you own stock in batteries." about Kodak EASYSHARE C340 Zoom Digital Camera

kcp2273 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:44:30 GMT

We bought the Kodak Easy Share C533 digital camera in late 2007 to take to the hospital for when we had the baby. At first, it seemed like a great camera, handy, took decent pictures for what we used it for so far.

As soon as the warranty was up, however, for some reason, it started eating batteries like crazy. If we put in fresh batteries, good ones, we can take a few pictures, but then if we turn it off and come back to it a few hours later/the next day, the warning light is flashing, and it'll kill the batteries before you can get off more than a pic or two.

Also, this is not a good camera if you are trying to get quick pics. No matter which setting I have it on, it has a lag time, so when I try and snap my daughter's pic, by the time it actually takes the picture, she's turned her head or has closed her eyes.

Some of the pics are very blurry, which you don't realize until you print them off, and then it's disappointing.

This camera is fine for general pics, and hopefully our battery...

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kcp2273 says "Hard to give a heck about Shrek 3" about Shrek the Third

kcp2273 — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:27:13 GMT

We went to see Shrek 3 while on vacation, expecting to laugh and have a good time. My husband and I were seriously disappointed. The original Shrek was excellent, and even Shrek 2 was interesting enough to be worth purchasing. We won't be purchasing Shrek 3.

I felt that Shrek 3 had a promising storyline, but they ultimately dropped the ball by trying to cram too much into one movie. They just tried to do too much within the time limits, and it just felt rushed to me.

Each other Shrek movie took a main idea and branched off from it, but kept the main theme strong. In Shrek 3, they had the king dying and Shrek going to fetch the only other heir, a boy who was drowning in his own poor self esteem, attacks by bullies, and other teenage issues only to be told he's to become King. Of course he's REALLY reluctant, and then in addition the trip back home is fraught with peril.

Even as events unfolded, I found it REALLY hard to like Arthur; and then at the end, he just spouts...

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kcp2273 says "Stallone is FUNNY in this comedy of errors "Oscar"" about Oscar

kcp2273 — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 02:19:31 GMT

For anyone who really wants to see something new and funny, take the time to give Oscar a shot. It's a full cast of stars, the plot weaves and makes you track items and people, and there are cute quips to liven up the overall humor of the situation.

Sylvester Stallone is a gangster trying to go straight and become a banker after making a deathbed promise to his father, a cameo by Kirk Douglas. His efforts are hindered by his family, friends, and employees, who are played by Peter Reigert, Tim Curry, Vincent Spano, Marisa Tomei, Don Ameche, Chazz Palminteri, plus many more faces you'll recognize.

It takes place during prohibition, so the fashion, music and style are all relevant to the era. Stallone's gangsters are eager to bump off any nuisances but are bumbling household help. His daughter is so eager to get out of the house, she contrives a fake pregnancy that creates all kinds of havoc for her Italian Catholic parents. Stallone's bookkeeper turns out to be a thief, but...

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kcp2273 says "Home for the Holidays reality" about Home for the Holidays

kcp2273 — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:39:03 GMT

Home for the Holidays is not your average feel-good holiday movie, but instead deals with all the things that make holidays difficult. In many ways, Home for the Holidays is reality with a strong dose of hilarity, at least for people who don't live in a sentimental Norman Rockwell painting.

If you are looking for a perfect ending after an entire feel good heartwarming movie, then this isn't for you. If your holidays are more akin to something from cops or Jerry Springer, then this will be a little tame for you. But if you are looking for a movie that runs down the center between dysfunctional and fun, then this is worth watching.

Directed by Jodi Foster, starring Holly Hunter, Robert Downy Jr., Dylan McDermott and many more fine actors and actresses, this movie focuses on a family gathering to celebrate Thanksgiving and all the stress, fun and fights that ensue.

This is a great film if you are interested in family dynamics; you have the parents, wise in their own ways, but aging,...

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kcp2273 says "The Quicker Pooper Scooper Upper!" about Littermaid Elite Automatic Cleaning Litter Box

kcp2273 — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:48:21 GMT

We bought the Littermaid Elite to help out our Littermaid LM700 which was several years old and was having some difficulty keeping up with our 5 cats. It proved to be a good addition.

The BEST thing about any littermaid is that it makes keeping the potties clean a lot easier. Yes, there is still work and cost involved, but less than to keep a regular potty clean and changed.

One downside is you have to use a premium litter. We tried using a different, cheaper scoop brand, but it eventually got into the gears of our first electric potty and killed it after year or so. Now we use Tidy cat, which is pricier, but it does go further, and replacing a potty is a pricey undertaking too, if we kept killing it with cheaper litter.

The rake on the Elite is metal and is easy to clean, and the rake comes off the system for easier cleaning, unlike our older model. This model also pushes the refuse into the basket rather than going to the end and lifting it up and then dumping it into the basket...

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kcp2273 says "If you like Pina Colada" sauce, try the Coconut Shrimp!!!" about Red Lobster - Mankato, MN

kcp2273 — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:10:55 GMT

While we don't get to eat out at the pricier places that often, we love to go to Red Lobster when we get the chance, or when they have a good special going.

You can look online for current specials, and they always have specials like Shrimp Lover's Tuesday's, or adding crab to a meal at a discount on Mondays. Their shrimp trio is a good deal for the money; you get the salad, the garlic/cheesy biscuits, and a side with your meal, ie. potatoes, rice, etc.

As pricey as everything is, we avoid the regular stuff, like mozzarella sticks, and try new things, like the stuffed mushrooms.

One thing that is well worth your time is the Coconut Shrimp, the Jumbo ones, although the coconut shrimp bites are good, but spicier than the Jumbo shrimp. The pina colada sauce is excellent, as well.

The Mankato, MN Red Lobster is a very clean place, with good service, but it can be VERY busy at times, so it's best to go before or after peak hours.

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kcp2273 says "The ice is off the windows with our Eden Pure 1000" about EdenPure 1000 Quartz Infrared Heater

kcp2273 — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:52:56 GMT

We have an older Eden Pure model, the large 1000, not one of the X-models or Gen models. Our model has the adjustable thermostat on the back, a dial that you can turn up or down to adjust the temperature in the room. The design is black and burled walnut-wood finish. The front just has the on/off switch.

Our house is an older concrete block building with poor insulation, and while the heater did ok for the majority of the house most winters, it didn't do anything at all in our bedroom, so we were left using electric heaters and a lot of blankets. The ice would build up on the windows, and you could see your breath in the air, so on the coldest days of winter, we'd be forced to hibernate in the living room.

We bought the Eden Pure 1000 used from a relative for $175. It really made a difference wherever we put it. We usually use it just in the bedroom and it is basically the only heat that we get in the bedroom. It runs steadily until the room is warmed. Once the room...

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kcp2273 says "Baby LOVED her swaddlers, and so did we" about Pampers Swaddlers

kcp2273 — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:04:09 GMT

We had signed up online to get coupons through the mail from Pampers, and we got several sampler packages in the mail with a Pampers Swaddler newborn diaper in it, so we decided we'd try those first.

After doing some comparison shopping, we found we could get a really LARGE economy sized package of newborn Swaddlers (bigger than offered in local stores, but might have been available at Sam's or Costco, not sure as we are not members) for a decent amount, plus $10 off and free shipping from Diapers.com.

We flat out fell in love with these diapers. They are wonderful. They fit great, they are very absorbant, they don't leak, and they are not bulky. We used them from the newborn size up through size 2-3 for our daughter.

As our daughter aged, we tried a few other brands when we ran short of our supply or saw them on sale. People will tell you your child won't know one diaper from another. OUR daughter did; we wound up giving away the Huggies Supreme which she hated, and...

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kcp2273 says "For GREAT Authentic Mexican food, head to Mazatlan, Mankato, MN" about Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant - Mankato, MN

kcp2273 — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:49:15 GMT

If you love fresh salsa and warm tostada chips, are budget conscious and want good food and plenty of it for your money, then visit Mazatlan in Mankato, MN. They offer authentic mexican food served HOT.

They have a large menu with a good selection, including beverages. They offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and varying brands; margaritas and beer, pop and lemonade. They offer a kid's menu, and they have a dessert menu with the usual flan, fried ice cream, sopapilla's, etc. The service is better than average, the prices are better than I've found at many other mexican restaurants, and the food is REALLY good.

The chicken nachos (with extra cheese), one of the combo specials, and the chicken fajita quesadilla with rice and beans on the side, and the flan are all favorites with our family, AFTER we've demolished a full basket of warm chips and fresh salsa (which they bring you plenty of, plus refills if needed).

Mazatlan is great for parties of 2 or much...

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kcp2273 says "There is no Christmas without the Grinch for us!" about How the Grinch Stole Christmas

kcp2273 — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:59:54 GMT

My whole family LOVES How the Grinch Stole Christmas so much, we tend to watch it year-round!

Based on Dr. Seuss' book How the Grinch Stole Christmas, this 2000 movie production is directed by Ron Howard and stars Jim Carrey. Unlike the Seuss movie The Cat in the Hat, which was a HUGE bomb, How the Grinch Stole Christmas will delight viewers of any and every age. The visuals are gorgeous, the narration is calming and pulls you into the story, and while the visual humor captures the kids, the verbal humor will capture the adult's attention.

Carrey plays the Grinch, a "what" that's not a Who. After a childhood of not fitting in with the Who's, the Grinch is a curmudgeon who cannot STAND the holiday season and all that goes with it. To him, it's all greed and appearance versus real emotion, which is part of which drives him to extreme lengths to steal Christmas.

(The only fallacy here is that you are partly led to believe he's hurt by this because he was judged by his appearance,...

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kcp2273 says "The Christmas season includes The Santa Clause!" about Santa Clause

kcp2273 — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:31:11 GMT

The Santa Clause DVD is the first in the storyline, and in my opinion, the best. I love to watch this movie to get into the season's festivities.

Tim Allen portrays a regular guy who doesn't buy into all of the seasonal hype about Santa Clause and Christmas until he has a close encounter with the big guy himself. Elves, reindeer, and a couple trips to the North Pole all keep you rooting for the guy who doesn't know he's santa, while real life and personal doubt keeps kids wondering if Santa will pull through on Christmas Eve.

What I liked about this movie, other than the humor, was how the boy who plays Tim Allen's son, Charlie, had complete faith in his dad, even when his dad didn't have faith in himself. Charlie completely believes in Santa even though he has no proof, as so many kids do. As Charlie tells his doubting stepdad (in my rough paraphrasing), "You've never seen a million dollars, either, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist."

Overall, considering...

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