Reviews by marinesfamily

marinesfamily says "excellent feel and even better price" about Aerus Natural Eco-Friendly Aerus Natural 6'' Memory Foam Mattress

marinesfamily — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:44:30 GMT

At a price of $149, this mattress cannot be beat!

We ordered it from Wal-mart.com as well as a cheaper $69 top bunk mattress for my sons bunkbeds. This mattress is used on the bottom bunk for my younger son, and me to use. (I have to lay with him to put him to sleep) I was pleasently surprised one morning, after having fallen aslep next to him, that I slept on it all night with no tossing turning or morning pain!

I would personally go with the 10" mattress for a larger bed but for the twin bed this 6" mattress works just great. I really like that it is made in a Eco-friendly way too! It is shipped in a box that is small enough to fit in the back of a car which is another plus. Good for the earth and for those who don't have a truck! Unlike other memory foam mattresses this one did not have a harsh chemical smell when we unrolled it. It had a hint of smell of packaging for a day or so but then it was totally gone.

I highly recommend for bunk beds, captians beds, platform beds...

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marinesfamily says "So far... so good" about Citi - Citi Forward credit card

marinesfamily — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:13:39 GMT

As of late we have been on a roller coaster with our credit cards. With 1 card company going under (Wamu) and being bought , another company (citi BTW) SOLD one credit card account to another company, Chase jacking our interest rates, and we also applied for a few new cards.

About 3 months ago now we applied for and got the Citi Forward card. Now we were a little hesitant after they sold out Upromise card account to BofA but we were willing to give them another try. This cad has so many great features and the 0% introductory APR was something that enticed us as well. We just purchased our first home and knew we would actually be carrying a balance for a short time. We normally pay off all our credit card balances in full, with only occasionally leaving a balance. We were still wanting to get a good APR for those times when we do carry and with the Citi Forward card we got just that. We do have cards with lower APRs but the points and other rewards that Citi offer were good enough for...

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marinesfamily says "One of our favorites! " about Supernatural

marinesfamily — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:01:36 GMT

While it is not the most intence show out there.. or intellectually complex.... I LOVE Supernatural. My husband really likes it too. I like Dean the best, his snarky humor and sarcasm are part of what makes the show great. How the brothers interact with eachother brings some realizm to the show too. I also really like when they bring real history into the story lines. Those episodes are my favorites

I would like to see more characters that stick with them though. They had a brother they found but alas .. he was not meant to stay. Maybe a Sister would be a nice addition? Or a serious love interest?... We will have to wait and see what the next season brings.

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marinesfamily says "not a same, old, boring cop show!" about Life - TV Show

marinesfamily — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:53:31 GMT

We recently got cable with "On Demand" and one of the shows available to us with this feature was LIFE. My husband and I watched 2 episodes from season 2 and were hooked! We have been renting season one and are really into this show.

We liked the acting of Damian Lewis (Crews) in Band Of Brothers but this role is totally different. And we didn't like him in Dreamcatcher too much but again.. different role. He really pulls this one off well. Crews' quirkiness reminds me of Goren from Law and Order (who I also love)

As far as Sarah Shahi's caracter (Reese) I can take her or leave her. I do like his new overachiving partner in season 2 though.

The show wa interesting even though we didn't understand everything that was going on. You definately have to start from beginning to get EVERYTHING thats being referenced.

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marinesfamily says "great variety IN STORE, quality clothing" about Babies-R-Us

marinesfamily — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:44:50 GMT

In all fairnes I must first admit I once worked for Babies R US (henceforth BRU) about 2 1/2 years ago.

I was disinchanted during training! when the store trainer was advising all the employees about how to demostrate car seat installations for reference and she was giving them incorrect info! never install a carseat based on a BRU employees recommendations without reading the manual and double checking I was more disappointed to have misinformation thrust upon me at other BRU stores regarding carseats and other baby gear. In BRUs defence they do try to train employees about products, many employees don't care and sometimes they are just given the wrong info!

I like how they have many different carseats and strollers and things for you to try out in the store. It makes it easier to make an informed purchase. Also they will allow you to take a carseat out and and see if it fit and installs well in your car (just please don't ask for this on a busy Saturday!)

They have a great clothing...

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marinesfamily says "Great for... everything!" about Dr Bronner's Bronners Pure Castile Liquid Soap Lavender 16 oz

marinesfamily — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:17:38 GMT

Dr Bronners Hemp 18 -in-1 Pure Castile Soap is AMAZING

We personally find we like the peppermint the best :-) My husband uses it every morning to shave with. He now gets a smoother shave with less irritation.He has coarse hair and tend to clog the razors easily... with using bronners in some hot water on his face and a drop or 2 in the sink water.. he no longer has this issue! His razors are now lasting him longer too!

I use a foamer bottle from hand soap and mix Bronners with water and my kids love using it. My daughter is also a fan of the lavender.

My mom who is 'brown' for lack of a better verb has even started using it and likes it, and usually anything environmentally friendly she swears doesn't work but she puts a few drops in her hand while shampooing her hair and she notices less build up. She also uses it to shave and raves about how it doesn't dry her skin like the shave creams always do.

The citrus is great for cleaning floors, I add a couple drops to a bowl of hot water...

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marinesfamily says "green... but ineffective and pricey" about Seventh Generation Natural 2X Concentrated Laundry Detergent Blue Eucalyptus & Lavender

marinesfamily — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:53:52 GMT

I love that it is a natural based product... but Seventh Gen has fallen a bit short...

It is too pricey for my family of 5 on a budget. I also am not crazy about the eucalyptus scent. I could overlook these issues with coupons and a using the free clear. or the new cranberry scent. but I don't think its getting my clothes clean. I have a Front Loader and while bottle says to use 1/2 cap.. I find myself having to use nearly a full cap just to get my clothes clean... which make it even more exspensive.

I would love to keep it in rotation for regular clothes ( since I can't use it on our cloth diapers) and I really like the eco friendly approach... its just not a product for us right now.

and.... I have used it with a top loading machine and it did perform better as far as cleaning goes

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marinesfamily says "needs improvement before I become convinced" about Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets

marinesfamily — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:38:41 GMT

With a couple of the $2 off coupons they had out I went ahead and picked up the box and 2 refills of the spring scent Purex 3-in-1. Before we bought a front loader I was a regular user of liquid purex detergents. When I saw these I thought great, finally something for FL'ers!

First off.. I have a front loader, and I usually do large loads. For these to be effective I would have to use 2 sheets! Instead I use one sheet and then add a little bit of detergent in my detergent cup. Otherwise my clothes don't get quite as clean as I like.

Second.. the price! for the small number of loads the price is just too high. I would expect a larger count in the refills considering thye are the same price and I would like 1 sheet to be able to clean a large load! front loaders tend to require less detergent and I find it rediculous that I still need to add detergent. The price would be even more outrageous if I were using 2 sheets per load as the instructions call for.

Third... not enough softener....

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marinesfamily says "finally a razor I like! And plan to keep using." about Gillette Venus Breeze 2 in 1 Razor for Women

marinesfamily — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:16:02 GMT

after trying many many different razors over the years I have finally found a razor I plan to keep using!

The Venus 2-in-1 actually lasts me for a bit before becoming dull, and while I think they are a bit pricey for cartridges .. I still spend less. I no longer have to buy shave cream .. which more often then not, dried out my skin.

Its also one less step in the shower, and with 3 little kids, shower time is in short supply. I have also noticed I have less under arm razor burn now too. I don't have to go over the same area repeatedly to get a super smooth shave, so shaving my legs takes less time too.

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marinesfamily says "not good for dog hair, or anything else for that matter" about Dirt Devil BroomVac Vacuum

marinesfamily — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:51:04 GMT

Great concept, but the actuall application fails to hold up.

I got this because we have mostly wood floors, and some tile and vinyl thrown in there. I wanted something I could use daily to keep up on the floors so my once weekly cleaning wouldn't be such a chore. Well its still a chore. This broom vac is a cute butter color, and not too heavy, but it doesn't work well at all.

It barely picks up sand, dirt and doesn't pick up dog hair, rabbit hair, or other particles that end up on our floors. It clogs easy, fills up super fast, and doesn't hold a charge long enough to complete the task at hand. It also doesn't have enough suction. lint gets clogged and I have to stop frequently.

The filter is not washable and not cheap to replace... broom vac only cost $25 but it was a total waste of money.

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marinesfamily says "best fitting, most comfortable tank I have tried yet" about Gilligan & O'Malley Nursing Tank

marinesfamily — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:36:32 GMT

$16.99!!!!! great price and unsurpassed fit. I have a more pricey Glamormom tank but it is a bit short and cost twice as much! The Gilligan O'Malley tanks are long enough to cover the mommy belly which I really like.

They also make a longer version which works nicely for the postpartum days or even pregnancy.

They have built in Shelf bra with drop cups and side slings. the clip is easy to do one handed, which is really important to a mommy. also have adjustable shoulder straps. The cotton spandex blend is super soft and wears well ing the wash. I have had the same tank for 20 months and it still wears nicely. I just wish I had discovered these with my first two kids!

I have the heather grey and the white. They are great for wearing under other tops, around the house or for wearing at night to sleep in. I wear my white one under camp shirts and tanks during the summer and both under sweaters during winter, I regularly sleep in my gray one ( its an XL, white is a L ). They don't...

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marinesfamily says "Nursing bra that doesn't scream nursing bra!" about Gilligan & O'Malley Lace Underwire Nursing Bra

marinesfamily — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:22:51 GMT

at only $16.99 the Gilligan & O'Malley bras are amazing. I have both the black and white of these bras. They are the only underwire nursing bra I have tried that hasn't ridden up into the glands and caused a clogged milk duct. ( and I have tried several )

These bras also wash surprisingly well, which is good for those occasional leaks my nursing pads don;t catch. The lacy front hides and spots that remain from the leaks..

I have just replaced my first one after 18 months of use (about 2-3 times a week )

These bras also have a great shape, with other bras I tend to get a road cone effect but not with these, The shape also helps to hide nursing pad edges.

The bras stay in place and don't ride up. They also support me well ( I'm a 38C ) The clips at the top are easy to unhook one handed which is important when you have a baby in the other hand!

The Gilligan O'Malley lace bra also is a nice sexy touch for when me and the hubby actually have a chance to reconnect.

only thing is I wish...

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marinesfamily says "Great absorbancy but a bit small and thick" about Johnson's Nursing Pads

marinesfamily — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:06:46 GMT

I love how absorbant they are.. I haven't had many leaks at all..... when the darn things stay put. the Johnsons and Johnsons nursing pads are on the small side and tend to shift easily, especially when wearing nursing tank or nursing sleep bras. I have tried many brands and these are my second choice but the brand I prefer are larger. Still though these are a great option especially in the early days when some ( I sure did ) tend to leak alot... I was going through a pad an hour with some of the other brands but these would last me around 4 hours... now they last me all day.

unfortunately these show though because of the thickness on many of my tops so I have to choose carefully when dressing for the day. all in all I would recommend the Johnsons nursing pads, although mostly for at home use, or with an underwire type nursing bra.

additionally the little adhesive tab that is supposed to help them stay in place.... is pretty much useless. alot of the tabs come off in box so...

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marinesfamily says "saves your seat covers from accidents and frequent washes.." about Kiddopotamus PiddlePad Waterproof Seat Protector

marinesfamily — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:55:06 GMT

Great for potty training... but also handy for general diaper leaks, (infant poo especially ) eating in the car, and probably 10 other instances in which it has saved me from the tredious task of removing entire seat cover and having to wash it. Also great for on the go when accidents happen and you still have to get home!

We have exspensive car seats and repeated washings wear out the equally exspensive covers ( $80 to replace ) We are car seat nuts and don't generally use aftermarket stuff like this but I feel these are safe.

We have 3 kids in car seats and I have them in each seat. We have also used in the stroller for the trip to the zoo or mall when leaks may happen. they have a slip resistant vinyl backing thats waterproof but keeps it in place. terry cloth top layer for absorbancy and confort against skin ( a summer time must )

The only thing is I wish they came in different sizes and more colors... we wish they had bigger ones for toddler car seats, and smaller...

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marinesfamily says "good for those with allergies, great value too!" about Canopy Hypoallergenic 8'' Theratouch Memory Foam Mattress

marinesfamily — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:37:33 GMT

We purchased this mattress thinking it was a temporary fix for a replacement and planned on replacing after about a year.Now after sleeping on it we are in love!

This mattress was made by Canopy, we purchased online at Walmart.com and in total we only spent $208 for a QUEEN!!!!! Most amazing bargain for a comfortable mattres ever in my opinion. It comes with a cover too FYI: don't add an edditional cover, it makes the mattress much too firm. Its heat and weight sensitive to conform to your body shape.

My husband and I both like that we can sleep on our side and we dont wake up in the morning all tingly.

This mattress also has green tea extract and active charcoal. the green tea is a natural antimicrobial and helps prevent odor as does the active charcoal which controls moisture. Great if you live in humid area like wet coastal North Carolina :-)

We also love that this does not REQUIRE a box spring. you can use one if ya have it or place directly on platform bed... we got a smart...

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marinesfamily says "my favorite!!!! and cheap too!" about Presto Biodegradable Large Kitchen Bags

marinesfamily — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:49:25 GMT

better then force flex! These trash bags are great! I have used the regular and extra large for over a month and have not had a tear yet!...

These trash bags are also eco-friendly! They degrade in 18-24 months which allows the contents like food to degrade faster as well..

Also at $1.50 a box for 10 X-large and 15 large its not a bad buy AT ALL totally worth it and I would pay $2 a box without batting an eye. I love being able to take the trash out (a FULL bag) and not have to worry about half the contents ending up on my shoes.

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marinesfamily says "Best phone I have had yet!" about Samsung - Sync 707 Cell Phone

marinesfamily — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:40:54 GMT

I got my RED Samsung Sync off Ebay after I had yet another Ericsson die on me.

It was the best $40 I have ever spent on a cell phone! Now while its not perfect it is pretty great. I really like that the charging port is covered when not in use and that it has a memory card slot.

I have downloaded several ringtones and graphics and it take very little time.

And how cool is the touch sensitive buttons on the outside for MP3 mode?

It is a bit difficult to access some of the applications, but once you get the hang of it its not so bad... a typical Samsung phone really

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marinesfamily says "shady billing" about AT&T

marinesfamily — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:23:53 GMT

Well in the nearly 2 years I have had AT&T the service has not been too bad, but I am still switching.

Recently had a large bill and after looking through ALL the calls I noticed irregularities. It took nearly an act of congress to get it dealt with and in the end was told since the SIM # matched the calls were ligit. I think there is a computer error somewhere or something but they say no. hmmm funny that one of our phones shows calls to itself like 6 in an hour .. during a time I know the phone was in a place with NO RECEPTION.

also after my hubbys deployment we reactivated his phone and they mistakenly didn't restore our previous rate plan (which I requested they do) We had a HUGE bill thenext month and it was like pulling teeth to get them to fix it. which they waived the overage charges but we never got our rollover minutes credited back to us.

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marinesfamily says "best $20 I could have spent for food storage" about Martha Stewart 14 Piece Ovenware and Storage Set

marinesfamily — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:09:48 GMT

after our most recent move I decided to not replace our plastic storageware with more plastic.. I opted for glass instead.

the 14 piece MSE set I got at Kmart is awesome! I was looking for a BPA free, plastic free, microwave safe option and this is it! Super durable (shh don't tell but its made by anchor hocking co)

This ONE set fills my needs for soo many things but I think I will be buying an additional one just to make sure I have extra (especially for leftovers)

At $20 the value can't be beat either. We have a casserole set made by anchor and I paid around $25 and it was only 10 pieces (including 2 small dip dishes and lids that I never use)

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marinesfamily says "hope they keep the credit card" about MyPoints

marinesfamily — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 05:09:56 GMT

I have been a loyal MyPoints user and credit card holder. and have enjoyed it very much! But now it looks like I will no longer enjoy my credit card points. I am very disappointed and hope they find another company to do business with soon. The WaMu card going down was not due to any fault of MyPoints but I wish as soon as WaMu went down they had started finding a replacement.

I have earned around 90000 lifetime points thus far and with getting a house and all I see alot more purchases in my future! I will be using mypoints to get more bang for my buck.

I have referred many friends and family and they all enjoy it.

My only complaint is with the Surveys (which are a fave) ... They don't always complete and therefore no points or you do 5 minutes of answers to find you "don't qualify" for the survey, and therefore will only get the 10 points :-(

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