Reviews by Friends of markhylland

AnnaBanana says "It's made with Whole Grain but ..." about Cheez-It - Baked Snack Crackers made with Whole Grain

AnnaBanana — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 04:46:05 GMT

Alice.com has among other things a wide variety of Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers manufactured by the Sunshine Company. Several of us have reviewed the Cheez-It products, including my own review about Cheez-It Reduced Fat Baked Snack Crackers. Now something new has been added to the line: Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers made with Whole Grain ... to be more specific, 5 grams of Whole Grain per serving. I am a Cheez-It fan from way back but the fact remains that there are OTHER things besides whole grain in these crackers.

STATS:

Twenty-seven crackers constitute a single serving which contains 150 calories with 70 calories from fat. There are 8 grams Total Fat, 2 grams Saturated Fat, 4 grams polyunsaturated Fat, 2 grams Monounsatured fat, zero each Trans Fat. Cholesterol, and Sugars, 250 mg. Sodium, 17 grams Total Carbs, one gram Dietary Fiber, and 3 grams Protein. Also included are 6% (D.V.) Iron, and 2% each Vitamin A and Calcium.

MY VIEWPOINT:

Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers made...

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AnnaBanana says "It's delicious and YES, it is all natural, but ...." about Minute Maid Limonada Limeade

AnnaBanana — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 04:06:00 GMT

Peapod was having a sale on Minute Maid juices to salute the onslaught of the holiday entertaining season and so I decided to take a chance and try something different -- Minute Maid Limonada Limeade, one of the famous company's "Latin-oriented" products. I must say that this beverage has a delightful taste and is also a potion with a great potential for blending into smoothies or mixed drinks. That said, I must add that once again we find that "All Natural Flavors" do not necessarily mean that this is as good for you as the limeade you would make for yourself if you felt like squeezing a dozen fresh limes in your own kitchen.

STATS:

Eight ounces of this juice beverage are considered to be a single serving which contains 120 calories, zero fat, 15 mg. Sodium, 33 grams Total Carbs, and 31 grams Sugars. There are zero vitamins and minerals.

MY VIEWPOINT;

Minute Maid Limonada Limeade contains lime juice from concentrate and less than 1% each Natural Flavors and Citric Acid. Alas,...

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TunefulGal says "Try Ponds Cold Cream and say 'Piffle' to aging." about Ponds Cold Cream

TunefulGal — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 05:08:56 GMT

Pond's Cold Cream brings back some of my earliest memories re "comfort smells". My mom used it to remove stage make-up in her younger, show business days. As she got older, I still remember her smoothing it on at night, her face glowing as the cream liquified. A little massage, then Mom used a damp, warm washcloth to remove the cream and, with it, the day's accumulation of impurities.

Mom stayed young looking well beyond most of the people her age. She maximized skin care and minimized make-up. Part of her youthfulness was genetic and, I believe, part of it was her religious use of Pond's Cold Cream.

Until just recently, I've preferred soap and water. But dry skin is catching up with me and I'd like to avoid deep and profuse wrinkling if I can. Pond's remains as hypoallergenic and gentle on smooth skin as ever -- a "cool classic," manufacturer Unilever calls it. I'm especially grateful that it doesn't clog my pores as some, supposedly non-comedogenic, contemporary cleaners...

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OldHippie says "Sci-Fi on Steroids" about Avatar (2009)

OldHippie — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:32:48 GMT

Given all the build up to this 400 million dollar James Cameron "epic" - I was left a little flat. Avatar runs about 2 and 3/4 hours and by the end of the first 35 - 40 minutes, I could predict the ending.

Avatar is rated PG-13, and for good reason. I don't talk that nasty even when I'm ticked off. So, it may be wise to keep little ones away. No, I don't have "virgin ears". I've heard it all before either in the military or over-the-road driving a truck. I just believe it was a little over-the-top.

The most notable name in the movie is Sigourney Weaver as Dr. Grace Augustine. Sam Worthington has the title role as paraplegic marine Jake Sully. He's chosen for this assignment becuase an Avatar is already in the works for his deceased twin brother. No use switching now...just substitute him for his brother. (Oh, brother!)

Avatar is basically a heads up battle between the scientist & the military; between diplomacy & war. The planet Pandora is filled with precious...

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TunefulGal says "Arnica stops bruising cold and relieves muscle soreness, too." about Hylands Arnica Montana 30x 250 Tablets

TunefulGal — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 11:19:30 GMT

If you just walked into a chair and bruised your leg...

If you overdid it in yoga class and your muscles feel sore...

Hyland's 30X Arnica Montana Pills provide the perfect starting point for comfort. Four small white pills dissolved under the tongue (two for children) will minimize bruising and provide a non-irritating form of pain relief when your muscles scream "overused".

Unlike most over-the-counter products, homeopathic meds must be taken at more frequent intervals for relief. This may be a downside for you. Unlike many pain relievers, however, this homeopathic product won't endanger a sensitive stomach or make you sleepy. Now THAT's an upside!

I previously gave a five-star rating to Arniflora Arnica Gel for topical application. (See: www.viewpoints.com/Arniflora-Arnica-Gel-review-6f7c4 ) For me gel is an immediate, ideal remedy and often results in the disappearance of bruises entirely.

Because gel is so immediate, I've given only four stars to Hyland's 30X Arnica...

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TunefulGal says "Kohl's super-comfy and stretchy SO Gloves great for around town." about SO Velour Gloves

TunefulGal — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:01:37 GMT

Gloves don't usually agree with my long fingers, but Kohl's SO Brand Velour Gloves stretch to fit my hands thanks to their nylon/spandex/other composition.

This SO Brand Velour is soothingly soft -- especially comfy if your skin is winter-dry and apt to catch on coarser acrylic-type knits. The cuffs are huggy and fit right under the sleeve edges of my jackets. These gloves don't fill coat pockets with bulk. Their "hand wash" recommendation should be a breeze.

My friend Sandy gave me my original Velour Gloves in a basic shade of charcoal black. I've since ordered a pair each in the pink (see above) and white colors currently offered at Kohls.com.

I'd describe SO Velour Gloves as around-town rather than all-purpose gloves. My charcoal pair live on the hooks with my dogwalking supplies, always ready to go. They keep my hands cozy for the 30-40 minutes I'm out in low, 40-ish temperatures. Beyond that, I'd probably opt for something heavier. They are easy to get on and off,...

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AnnaBanana says "A great alternative to a muffin for a fun breakfast!" about General Mills Fiber One Toaster Pastry

AnnaBanana — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 12:49:24 GMT

We probably enjoy more breakfast options today than the centuries of people who came before us could have dreamed of. Prominent among these are the quick and easy things. Nowadays, you can just pop a frozen breakfast entree into the microwave, make a bowl of "instant" hot cereal or knock back a serving of the ready-to-eat stuff and then of course there is the notorious sweet roll or muffin. Should we become so jaded that none of that seems exciting, there is always a healthier breakfast goodie option -- Fiber One Toaster Pastries manufactured by General Mills. These taste almost as good as sweet rolls or muffins and are almost as easy -- you just stick them in the toaster under the lightest setting for a few minutes to create a delightful, warm light breakfast.

Fiber One Toaster Pastries come in a variety of flavors; I chose Brown Sugar Cinnamon which cost about 50 cents a bar and was available from Alice.com (and most supermarkets). My expectations were not high because...

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TunefulGal says "My Oreck XL Classic Power Team: still sucking after many years." about Oreck XL Classic Power Team Vacuum

TunefulGal — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 17:41:35 GMT

For more than 15 years, I've been sweeping my way through the clutter with my eight-pound Oreck XL Classic vacuum. The cats have scratched the outer bag. The handle falls backward if I don't park my Classic carefully. I've replaced cords twice. And I've learned that generic bags work as well for me as Oreck's more expensive bags.

If you've missed all the Oreck commercials on TV or all of the full-page ads in magazines... well... I'm surprised! Oreck products are among the most-hyped items of their type.

This hype, however, actually works for me (the hater of hype). I carry my old Classic XL in one hand and change bags fairly often (the XL loves animal air). I can maneuver it in places where most vacuums simply don't fit -- under the piano bench and the bed and the armoire; between the clutter of desks and bookcases, etc.

I like the fact that the Oreck XL self-adjusts when going from carpet to bare floor. I appreciate the direct suction design (how basic can you get?) ...

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AnnaBanana says "A wonderful treat but chew carefully!" about Today's Farm - Freeze-Dried Fruit Snack

AnnaBanana — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:43:55 GMT

Among the goodies which arrived in my first order from Alice.com was a .75 oz. Today's Farm Freeze-Dried Fruit Snack manufactured by Justus Foods, Inc. of Georgetown Texas. These snacks come in assorted flavors but I chose Apple Cinnamon. At $2.24 a package, this is not cheap but the ingredient list for this treat is delightfully simple: freeze-dried apples, sugar and cinnamon. The package contains the equivalent of two 1/2-cup servings of fresh apples which have been sliced up as though for a pie before the water was extracted from them. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives. As far as I am concerned, less is more when it comes to ingredients and this is no exception.

STATS:

One entire package is considered to be a single serving which contains 80 calories and zip, zip, zero fat, Cholesterol, Sodium and Protein. There are 20 grams Total Carbs, 2 grams Dietary Fiber, 16 grams Sugars, and 6% (D.V.) Vitamin C.

MY VIEWPOINT:

Today's Farm Apple Cinnamon Freeze-Dried...

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AnnaBanana says "Great deals from Alice's Wonderland!" about Alice.com

AnnaBanana — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:26:28 GMT

Of all the social and technological advances in the past decade, perhaps the most amazing is the ability for online shoppers to order groceries from the safety and convenience of home. This has made life easier for a lot of people -- in fact, it has been a real lifesaver, literally speaking. There was a time when a person who couldn't get to the grocery store or have someone else bring back the necessary provisions could literally die of starvation! That is precisely what happened to some senior citizens or other vulnerable people who lived alone especially in neighborhoods where grocery shopping venues were limited or non-existent.

A lot of us already have reveled in the wonders of Peapod -- or other online grocery order services -- but not everyone is lucky enough to live in an area serviced by them. The great news is that now almost everyone has Alice.com to look after them.

Alice Tries Harder

Alice.com can only supply grocery items which can be safely mailed through UPS. ...

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AnnaBanana says "The best of the best!" about Green Giant Immunity Blend

AnnaBanana — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:28:03 GMT

There are a lot of excellent frozen veggies and side dishes out there but one of the best is Green Giant and Green Giant Immunity Blend is perhaps the best they have come up with so far. This medley of broccoli florets, julienne carrots and red and yellow sweet peppers is delightful. The garlic-herb extra virgin oil coating it all is flavorful without being too overpowering. It is called "Immunity Blend" because it is (according to the package information) "naturally rich in antioxidants Vitamins A & C to help support a healthy immune system."

STATS:

The contents of this 7 oz. box is considered to add up to two 2/3 cup servings, each containing 50 calories with 25 calories from fat. There are 3 grams Total Fat, zero each Saturated Fat, Trans Fat, and Cholesterol, 115 mg. Sodium, 7 grams Total Carbs, 2 grams Dietary Fiber, 3 grams Sugars and 1 gram Protein. There are also 30% (D.V.) Vitamin A, 50% Vitamin C, and 2% each Calcium and Iron.

TASTE TIP:

Green Giant Immunity Blend...

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TunefulGal says "The best for evening out skin tones. Lovely moisturizer!" about Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

TunefulGal — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:25:45 GMT

Up til now, I've changed moisturizers depending on whether Southern California is bone dry or sticky with humidity. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, surprisingly, works wonderfully well in either condition. It doesn't "wash away" as the day goes on, and it doesn't clog my pores.

My sample tube came from the dermatologist and was SPF 15. My newest, full-sized, 2.5 fluid ounce bottle offers both UVA and UVB protection in an SPF 30 formulation. I find the 30 SPF Positively Radiant Moisturizer a little more resistant than the SPF 15 when I apply it. With additional experimentation, I may find that the 30 SPF works best for summer and will spread better then.

Whatever my experiments, one welcome result of both formulations is the capacity of this soy complex moisturizer to even out and brighten non-descript and dull skin tones. I remain amazed at the refined texture result every time I apply Positively Radiant. Whatever the "natural light diffusers" are, the positive...

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AnnaBanana says "It does what it promised but I am very concerned." about Pantene Pro-V Silver Expressions Daily Color Enhancing Shampoo

AnnaBanana — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:27:36 GMT

Usually, I don't do reviews about shampoos or conditioners with rare exception (i.e. Aveda Sap Moss about a year ago). A few weeks ago, I ran out of the Aveda Sap Moss Shampoo only to discover it had been discontinued by Drugstore.com. Whilst cruising the aisles at CVS, I noticed they were having a sale on Pantene Pro V Silver Expressions Shampoo. "What the heck?" I thought, and took a bottle home.

According to the label information, this stuff promises to help remove dulling residue from white or silver hair, leaving it brighter and healthier-looking. I've got to say that it does what it promised. The other night, while chatting with the cashier at the 7/11, I happened to glance up at the security mirror above us and my hair looked absolutely dazzling. I have also received nice comments about it.

I really, really wanted Pantene Pro V Silver Expressions Shampoo to work for me on an indefinite basis but I am a little concerned about what I perceive to be greater-than-normal...

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TunefulGal says "Yardley's Fresh Aloe is gentle on your skin AND your budget!" about Yardley of London Fresh Aloe with Cucumber Essence Naturally Moisturizing Bar

TunefulGal — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:17:35 GMT

I love freshly-scented, moisturizing soaps. When a student gives me an expensive bar, I'm delighted. But when expense is my issue, I am equally as happy to use Yardley of London products.

In a brand new package, Yardley's Fresh Aloe with Cucumber Essence Naturally Moisturizing Bar, is a scented bar I missed in the past. Compared with another favorite, -- Yardley's Lemon Verbena with Shea Butter -- Fresh Aloe is saucy to Lemon Verbena's seductive and peppery to Verbena's warm floral scent. Fresh Aloe looks like jade and lathers very well. Yardley viewpoints.com/Yardley-of-London-Lemon-Verbena-Soap-with-Shea-Butter-review-091c1

This reminds me again that Yardley Soaps have very distinctive personalities and, for some of us, can even cater to our moods. Aloe with Cucumber, for example, is great for face-splashing when you need a wake-up call.

AND NOW FOR A MUSICAL DIGRESSION...

Yardley of London started business in 1770 with lavender-scented products. Beethoven was...

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AnnaBanana says "Childhood revisited!" about Classic Shirley Temple Paper Dolls in Full Color

AnnaBanana — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:43:48 GMT

A couple years ago, a friend who knows about my interest in antique toys gave me something really cool ... a copy of Classic Shirley Temple Paper Dolls in Full Color edited by Grayce Piemontesi. This book,published by Dover Publications, consists of 16 beautiful colored "plates" which combine to form a republication of rare authentic paper dolls originally published in 1935 and 1936 respectively under the titles "Shirley Temple Standing Doll No. 1727" and "Shirley Temple, a Lifelike Paper Doll Cut-Out / 34 Inches High." Included are three paper dolls of various sizes and poses to be cut out, along with paper outfits which can be attached to the dolls in various ways.

The price on this book says $3.50 (although it may have gone up since my friend bought it for me.) There are many fine Dover Publications including coloring and paper doll books available at Barnes & Noble. My guess is that they might have this book and offer a pretty good deal on it too.

MY VIEWPOINT:

Shirley Temple's...

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AnnaBanana says "This may not be everyone's cup of tea." about Hellmann's Mayonnaise with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

AnnaBanana — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:35:51 GMT

For years, I have loved extra virgin olive oil and also mayonnaise, especially Hellmann's. A while back I took a chance and tried Kraft Mayonnaise with Olive Oil and was pleasantly surprised. It seemed to be a healthier option and tasted very similar to the "regular" version of this famous sandwich spread and salad dressing. My favorite mayo continued to be Hellmann's though and so I was glad to finally try Hellmann's Mayonnaise with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

STATS:

One tablespoon is considered to be a single serving which contains 50 calories with 45 calories from fat. There are 5 grams Total Fat, half a gram Saturated Fat, zero grams Trans Fat, 2.5 grams Polyunsaturated Fat, 1.5 grams Monounsaturated Fat, 5 mg. Cholesterol, 120 mg. Sodium, less than one gram Total Carbs and zero Protein.

MY VIEWPOINT:

Since I love the taste of extra virgin olive oil and also Hellmann's famous signature product, I expected the blend of the two to be a sure winner in my book. For some reason,...

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AnnaBanana says "Definitely, one of the GOOD things!" about Green Giant Healthy Heart

AnnaBanana — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:50:03 GMT

One of the good things about being retired is that you don't have to go racing off to catch the bus or train every day. Except for occasional errands, appointments or shopping, there is no more commuting for you. That's the GOOD news. The BAD news is that you may be getting less exercise than you used to when your daily routine included rushing up the El steps to catch a train.

Don't get me wrong, I love being retired but I have also been trying to find light, lean options for lunch to accommodate my less active lifestyle. Here is one of the good things out there -- the collection of Green Giant healthier entrees and side dishes, especially Green Giant Healthy Heart. This blend of "pearled barley, sugar snap peas and Julienne carrots in an herb-infused extra virgin olive oil sauce" is something I would not have thought of on my own and it was delicious. I especially enjoyed the wonderful snap peas which are one of my favorite vegetables. This dish has earned its moniker...

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TunefulGal says "When the Christmas din is down, relax w/ your London Ritz tutor." about William Morrow and Co., Inc. The London Ritz Book of Christmas: The Art & Pleasures of a Traditional Christmas

TunefulGal — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:56:46 GMT

Right between Christmas and the New Year, I crave the lazy rhythm of an afternoon spent with holiday history books and recipe collections. These are the books, often received as gifts, that take the pressure off only when you've finished with your own turkey or roast beef for the year. When the kids are napping or out with their friends... When the guys are watching one big game or another... When nothing sounds better than a cozy chair and a cup of flavorful tea...

Some books bear reading and re-reading as does The London Ritz Book of Christmas: The Art & Pleasures of a Traditional Christmas by Jennie Reekie. Within its mere 64 pages are lavish courses of food and drink and descriptions of the English holiday customs which so colored the lives of Christmaslovers like Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens. These are the substance of Christmas past which the Ritz Hotel still avidly explores.

The famed Ritz Hotel opened in 1906. As with so many extraordinary hostelries,...

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AnnaBanana says "Abandon hope all ye who enter here? MAYBE not!" about Lay's - Classic Potato Chips

AnnaBanana — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:00:11 GMT

Like most of us, I have come to look askance at the "Snacks" aisle at the supermarket or convenience store. I realize too well that a person like me has no business shopping in that part of the store unless I am buying a contribution to bring to a party. Instead of "Snacks" there should be a sign over that aisle which proclaims "Abandon hope, all ye who enter here!" As a matter of fact I rarely ever enter there as the only attempts at healthier products seem to have resulted in low-fat overtures which seem hard enough to pry open windows or those dreadful things booby-trapped with the deadly Olestra that I have read so much about. All of this not withstanding, there I was at the 7/11 the other night with a taste for a little something to go with that leftover turkey sandwich at home. What happened next may not have been pretty to watch but I won't lie to you -- I oh Lord picked up a 2-1/2 oz. package of Lay's Classic Potato Chips and actually took them home with me.

LATER,...

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AnnaBanana says "A delicious alternative to meat!" about Green Giant Rice Medley

AnnaBanana — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:51:26 GMT

Reprobate that I am, I probably never will give up meat and become a serious vegetarian. However, I am also a realist and so am trying to reduce my meat consumption even at dinner as painlessly as possible. If you feel as i do (or if you really are a vegetarian) then you might enjoy this delightful Green Giant Rice Medley which is a mixture of "gold standard" rice, peas and mushrooms combined in a delightful, albeit meatless brown sauce which tastes like beef stew without the beef. Savory flavor, luscious textures and satisfaction we have here in abundance -- enough to rival any steak.

STATS:

If you are serving this as a side dish, you could probably stretch it to two servings, but if this is what's for dinner than the folks at Green Giant were right to consider the entire contents of the 10 oz. box to be a single serving which contains 250 calories with 35 calories from fat. There are 4 grams Total Fat, 1 gram Saturated Fat, zero Trans Fat and Cholesterol, 1,000 mg. Sodium, 48...

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