Reviews by mcpenguin5

mcpenguin5 says "I love Panasonic phones, and this is the best yet." about Panasonic KX-TG9333T 1.9 GHz Trio 1-Line Cordless Phone

mcpenguin5 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:24:02 GMT

I recently found our old cordless phone was losing its ability to function properly. It was exhibiting signs of senility, such as remembering that I had dialed a number and expected it to make a connection! It was a good Panasonic, had the phone for years, and the second handset that I got to come with it was not doing so well, either. I decided to look online and see what I could find. Naturally, I was leaning towards another Panasonic, but willing to keep and open mind.

Well, the one that finally convinced me I had to have it was another Panasonic. The Panasonic KX-TG9333PK model came with 3 handsets and two chargers in addition to the base. The sound is clear and strong, it has a great intercom feature (my husband loves playing with that!) and the buttons are easy to use, not so small his fingers have problems pushing only one. It has a really great caller ID - it talks! Mostly I just get the phone number, but heck, thats all that shows up visually anyway. I can put a call on hold...

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mcpenguin5 says "Heavenly scent, soft touch" about Downy Morning Glory & Honeysuckle Fabric Softener

mcpenguin5 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:05:43 GMT

I am pretty good at keeping to a budget, and I don't splurge very often, but this is one place where I feel like letting go and spending. The Lavender is my very favorite, and I was surprised that the scent DID linger on the clothes. Usually, those nice fragrances in softeners only last as long as it takes to fold them. I was smelling lavender on my blouses and underwear right up to the next washday. I try to look for sales, clip coupons and stock up when I can get a good deal, but even if I can't, I will buy it. It is one of the great luxuries of life I am willing to pay for.

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mcpenguin5 says "It really worked, I was shocked." about Glad Odor Shield Tall Kitchen Trash Bags

mcpenguin5 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:55:50 GMT

I was hoping that these Glad Odor Shield trash bags would work. I have too often had to take out a bag that was only partially full because the trash smelled so bad. My husband loves shrimp, and as they are very health for him with his diet, I try to encourage his fondness for them. But the smell! When the shells sit in the trash, it doesn't take long for them to stink, and the smell seems to seep into everything, so just taking out the trash doesn't make the odor go away right away. Phew!

I got some of these Glad Odor Shield Trash Bags with the drawstring, the style we like best. I had hopes, but was pretty sure nothing could really help. Was I wrong. My husband cooked up some shrimp one night soon after, and the shells went into the trash. The weather had been pretty warm, but we hadn't put on the air conditioning as we are trying to conserved energy and keep our electric bill down. I was sure we were in for a stink, and I was ready to grab the trash bag right then and there, but I thought...

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mcpenguin5 says "Real Cleaning Power" about Eureka Boss Vacuum

mcpenguin5 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:40:53 GMT

When I got this vacuum cleaner, I had become a cynic about all of them. I had a Hoover upright when I first got married, and while it did a decent job, it was always getting clogged, and I would have to stop, open it up, and use a straightened out wire hanger to unplug it. Not easy, as the small hose from the bottom to the bag was twisty, and it wasn't doable without unfastening the hose. It was like disassembling the machine just to unclog it.

When I finally gave up on the Hoover, I got a Eureka upright with not only had more power, but the hose was wider and didn't clog easily. Wonderful! However, the bag which held all the dirt filled from half-way up the bag, so it would start needing to be changed before I had really come close to filling it. What a waste. It also started needing to be taken in for maintenance too often, dirt collected inside so easily, and the bags shot so much dust out when I was vacuuming I had to wear a mask to protect my lungs from the dust.

I decided time...

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mcpenguin5 says "Best thing that ever came along for allergies!" about claritin Claritin 24

mcpenguin5 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:21:49 GMT

I first tried the Claritin tabs (you don't need water, they disolve on your tongue!) as a BzzAgent. I was sent a coupon for a free box of them to try and coupons to give to people to sample it. I was in the middle of my spring allergies, and feeling miserable. I have high blood pressure, so I cannot take decongestants, and most antihistamines make me too drowsy to drive, so in the past I have just suffered.

When I tried the Claritin Tabs, I was amazed! It really worked, my eyes stopped running, my nose opened up, and my sore throat was better. I felt like someone had waved a magic wand over me. I quickly contacted friends and family who had allergies in the spring and passed out coupons to people. I have been telling people about it ever since, and I wouldn't be without it. I have so many allergies, winter is my only respite. I would )and have) recommend this to anyone.

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mcpenguin5 says "The refrigerator I've been hoping for and finally found" about Kenmore Refrigerator

mcpenguin5 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:54:56 GMT

We purchased a Kenmore French Door refrigerator, Model # 78306, with bottom freezer. I was replacing a twenty one year old Knmore, and I have to say I was intrigued by the design, but a bit nervous about the bottom freezer. After reading lots of reviews online, I decided it was the fridge for me. I am so glad I did! This fridge is so roomy, and the bottom freezer is a breeze. There is a pull-out top shelf in it for the Ice bin and ice trays. I didn't want the icemaker, as we have had trouble over the years with them leaking and pouring water all over, ruining the downstair ceilings and walls. I will mess with ice-cube trays, not all that difficult.

What impressed me first was how bright and open the refrigerator is. Drawers are clear plastic so the veggies in them are viewable and less likely to be forgotten. Both of the crisper drawers are made with humidity controls, and they are very good at keeping the veggies fresh longer. The door shelves are all adjustable and accomodate a lot of...

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mcpenguin5 says "I've been waiting for this one for a long time." about Cover Girl and Olay Simply Ageless Foundation

mcpenguin5 — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:09:06 GMT

I am a BzzAgent, and was selected to try out a new makeup by Olay and Covergirl. It is a new type of foundation that will NOT accentuate the wrinkles. It "floats" somehow over the fine lines so they don't show. I don't know how they do this, but it works. I have had problems with makeup since menopause as I will start perspiring freely at a moment's notice, making my makeup a mess. I try just dabbing with a tissue or hankie, but it just removes my makeup. Well, we went to a wedding of a friend, and the weather was muggy and not makeup-friendly. I was nervous about how it would work, but packed the little compact style case in my purse for refreshing if need be.
And hankies. Two hankies. I cry at weddings, too. By the time the service was over, I could feel the perspiration starting to break through, and I quietly dabbed my hankie over my forehead and cheeks. No makeup came off! I thought, "Oh darn! it must have all melted down somewhere. I must look a mess. It was an evening wedding, so...

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mcpenguin5 says "It takes the elbow grease out of scrubbing!" about Barkeepers Friend Barkeepers Friend

mcpenguin5 — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 20:28:00 GMT

I came across this by chance in the dollar-store section of one of my favorite grocery stores. I figured, heck, for a dollar what can I lose? I needed some more scouring powder. Well, I was astonished to find that it zoomed right through the messy grill I tried it on first. If you ever scrub a grill with baked on grease and sauce, you know what I was prepared for. I started by wetting it. I usually soak it for a few minutes before I try to scrub. I ran the scrubby sponge over the grill to loosen anything that might want to come off without too much work. I the put the grill down on the counter (with newspaper under it to protect the counter) and sprinkled on the Barkeepers Friend. I went to scrub, and the stuff just started coming off so easy! I tried it on pans that had stuff burned on the bottom ( my husband trys his hand at cooking and doesn't always look to see if things are burning in the pan) and it worked great here, too. I use it in an old toilet bowl that just stains for no reason...

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mcpenguin5 says "The Best Vacuum Cleaner I have ever owned" about Eureka - Boss Smartvac Bagged Upright Vacuum

mcpenguin5 — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 23:34:00 GMT

I got my Eureka The Boss Smartvac a couple of years ago. I have been through a series of vacuum cleaners, and grew progressively more cynical about the claims about their powers and durability. whe I gave up on my old vac, I decided to go online and see what others I chatted with on various forums had to say about their vacuum cleaners and what they recommended. I finally decided that this one sounded like what I wanted. an upright with lots and lots of vacuum power, a wide track, easy access to the use of the hose for getting cobwebs etc. and easy to push around. I have allergies to the max, so I also liked the idea of the MicronFilter.

This baby was everything I had hoped for and then some. I found that my carpeting, already several years old, looked and new! I was pulling out dirt from deep down that had never come up before. It is easy to handle, and I don't go into sneezing fits while vacuuming. The bag is verrrrry roomy, I am not changing it all the time, and the Micron Filter is...

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mcpenguin5 says "Most competent, caring doctor I have ever known." about Gabrielle Jaffe - - Greenbelt, MD

mcpenguin5 — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:10:59 GMT

Dr. Gabriel Jaffe is so well-spoken of by other doctors, I have never been to any other doctor who has not told me how fortunate I was to be one of his patients. He is a Vice-President at Doctor's Hospital in Lanham, and has the responsibilities of the hospital as well as his own practice, but his attention and devotion to his patients is exceptional.

when he needs to refer a patient to a specialist, you know that the specialist is at the top of his field. I feel well cared for and protected, having Dr. Jaffe for my personal physician. I would have no other.

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mcpenguin5 says "The only good thing about high gas prices." about Discover - Open Road Gas Card

mcpenguin5 — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:42:29 GMT

We got this card a few years ago and have never regretted it. We use this for our gas purchases as well as our car maintenance and repair costs. These expenses are as inevitable as taxes and death, and we might as well get something for them! We always use one of our Discover Open Road cards (we each have one) when we stop for gas, and even with trying to minimize our gas usage, we are pileing up the dollars fast. We get 5% back for our purchases, and we usually redeem them for gift cards for our favorite restaurant,Bennigans. If we take $20 in reward points, we can get a $25 gift card! thre are many different gift cards available with this sort of incentive, we just like Bennigans. Chili's is one we sometimes get as our grandson love to go there. We get to go out a lot with this plan, and it takes out some of the sting of high gas prices!

Don't waste any time getting one of these. Because we pay off the whole balance every month as soon as we get our bill, we don't pay any interest on...

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mcpenguin5 says "Get this card!" about Chase - Rewards Card

mcpenguin5 — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:26:20 GMT

We have the Chase VISA card, which rewards the top 3 catagories used each month with a 3% reward. We use it for our grocery shopping and our numerous prescription purchases, which really add up. I love the fact that, since we pay our balances off every month as soon as we get our bill, we are in effect getting free money. It doesn't cost us any more and in fact it gives us the benefit of the "float", since the purchases we used to pay cash or check for don't go against our checking account until the end of the month now. As we are retired and on a fixed income, we appreciate all the little bonuses we can get. I love this card.

There is no annual fee, which we will not tolerate in a credit card, and the interest rate is a moot point since we pay off the balance every month.

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mcpenguin5 says "Why use anyone else?!" about Verizon Wireless Network

mcpenguin5 — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:42:47 GMT

I love Verizon Wireless. We have always used them, as my husband's employer used to have a deal with them, employees got a special rate. Well, my husband is retired now, but we continue because we have such great connections, no problems with getting a cell or with cut-off calls. Calls are crystal clear and static-free. We have "Local" service everywhere in the US and the Virgin Islands, no roaming charges. We have NEVER had any kind of problem... none. I talk to people all the time who have other carriers, and I have never yet heard of anyone with another carrier who didn't have at least some problems, sometimes. Verizon Wireless has always provided us with exceptional customer service, even when we accidentally destroyed a cell phone by getting it wet. No-hassle service online, on the phone or in the store. Hey, the price is right there with everyone else's, why on earth would I switch?...

mcpenguin5 says "Best Carribean vacation spot ever..." about Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa - Luxury Included (All Inclusive) - St. Johns,

mcpenguin5 — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 23:23:32 GMT

I love any trip that involves beaches. That said, I like the beaches to be clean and uncrowded, which is not easy. We found both in St. John.

When you go to St. John in the USVI, you will find that there are so many beaches to go to, and they are never crowded, even in high season. While there are a few nice resorts to stay in, there are lots of beautiful villas to rent, and the rents are quite reasonable when compared to rentals at places like the NC Outer banks.

We like to go with our son, his wife, and our grandson. My daughter-in-law and I search online to pick a villa for our visit, and its hard to pick. We always insist on a Villa with a pool, and most have one. We like to go during November or December, and it is important to set up the rental well ahead of time as these rentals go fast. We have already selected and put a deposit on a villa we will be staying at 12 months from now! They are booking up fast for the week of Thanksgiving, a popular time to travel.

Because most...

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mcpenguin5 says "Best Casino on the Boardwalk" about Atlantic City Hilton - Atlantic City, NJ

mcpenguin5 — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 22:40:17 GMT

A few years ago, our son and his wife gave us an anniversary present, a trip to Atlantic City NJ for the Atlantic City Hilton. We love casinos, and were newly retired, so this looked like a lot of fun. We stayed for 3 nights, saw a show, and visited several other Casinos on the Boardwalk while we were there. We had a ball, and found ourselves enjoying not just the gambling but the restaurants and atmosphere as well. It was in April, so the beach and swimming weren't part of the fun yet. We signed up for the membership cards to use at the various gaming tables and slot machines to record our gambling spending and style, and did this at every casino we visited in order to qualify for the gifts they were offering.

When we had been home for a few weeks, we began getting mailings from the casinos we had visited offering us free rooms, free shows, gambling money, free meals, etc. It would appear that the competition for gamblers in Atlantic City is pretty fierce. We began going every...

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mcpenguin5 says "Best place for bookaholics to gather and share." about PaperBackSwap.com

mcpenguin5 — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 21:47:34 GMT

PAPERBACKSWAP.COM is one of the best ideas to come down the pike. It is a place to get books for free. You have to get credits in order to get them, of course. You start by listing at least 9 books you are willing to swap out, and you are given 3 starter credits. You can use these to order 3 books from the over a million listed by members. Some are on wait lists, but most are out there to be had as soon as the other person mails it. Most books you mail out are sent by Media Mail, which is pretty inexpensive, about $2.65 for the average paperback. You then print out the "Wrapper", which is two pages of printer paper from your printer. It is amazing, but most paperbacks will wrap perfectly with the size of the paper, and the mailing and return addresses are printed right on the paper by means of a PDF file. you have the option of getting Delivery Confirmation, for a small fee, and also prepaid postage, printed on the wrapper. For Delivery Confirmation and prepaid postage, you need to...

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mcpenguin5 says "Best Debunker yet!" about Snopes

mcpenguin5 — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 21:22:01 GMT

I have several people among my friends and family who forward me emails, daily, about something dangerous, exciting, or scandalous. I have often found that even before I have had a chance to read it, one of my sisters has read the email and sent out the Snopes link to the facts on the story. I have sent the links out myself, many times. I am always astonished that, even after reading the Snopes link, people will still insist on believing the junk they have read. I think some people just like to believe outrageous things and resent having their favorite fairy tales debunked. There is no hope for them, but for the rest of us, Snopes is the way to go! How many of these silly emails can you shoot down for us? Lets all work to shoot down those silly myths in our emails and slow down their spread....