Reviews by mrssnell

mrssnell says "en plein milieu de..I'm neutral!" about Twitter

mrssnell — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:39:59 GMT

I like Twitter, but I've found over the months that I've been a member, I'd rather read your updates than obligate myself to updating my own tweets.

If I'm going to find time to socialize online, I'm going to plant my rearend at the computer and write something of substance. Not that regular Tweeters continually blurb "I'm having pork chops for dinner" and "oh, a really weird looking car just went by". Some folks have the Twitter essentials down to a science, and with 140 words or less pass on a whole lot of pertinent/interesting information in a single tweet.

I have a blog and email, and I also have Viewpoints :D. Because I am generally very busy in my daily life, these three venues are about all I can handle (and sometimes more than I have time for). I find, then, that I have nothing left to tweet!

Additionally, I've found that I've got a ton of drive-by followers arriving with their porn links. It's funny to me, yet it's also a nuisance to "block" each individual one.

If you're a college...

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mrssnell says "Delicious! And Healthy!" about Yoplait Light Fat Free Yogurt - Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

mrssnell — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:10:14 GMT

I've loved yogurt ever since I was a little girl, and I've tried them all. Yoplait tends to rate the highest among all brands I've tried, but this Pineapple Upside Down Cake flavor was a new one on me.

I'm legendary for my love of pineapple upside down cake (the real, the fattening, the bad-for-you. :D), so naturally I had to pluck one off the grocery store shelf. Generally speaking, these designer-like flavors, at best, taste "something like" their name, but Yoplait really did 'er up with this pineapple upside down cake offering. I was so disappointed when there was nothing more to scrape from the bottom or sides of the container!

As a woman, (and middle-aged woman, at that), calcium consumption is foremost in my mind within my diet and food choices, and yogurt is the most delicious inclusion for me.

That said, the sugar substitute in fat free and low fat yogurts tends to be a bit sweet. If you have a bit of plain yogurt in the fridge, mix some in and enjoy!

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mrssnell says "Low Fat Crunchfest!" about Lay's - Baked Lays Potato Crisps

mrssnell — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:02:01 GMT

I've been noshing on Baked Lays products ever since they were first introduced. I seldom buy them anymore because the husband and I will polish off the largest bag available in no time flat. ;) While fewer in calories and less in fat grams, these baked chips still cause a bit of gastrointestinal difficulty if you overindulge.

And if it's it's a crunchfest, you can be certain I'll overindulge.

These crisps haven't the same texture as a regular (high-fat) chip, so buy them knowing this right up if you're a regular potato chip fan. If you simply can't stand them, I'm pretty sure you can find a neighbor or friend who will happily relieve you of the remainder of the bag. It's a very light and lightly salted crisp, which reminds me a bit of Pringles low-fat variety. The flavor is excellent, regardless of your texture preference.

While I strongly favor sourdough pretzels or low-fat triscuits as my "snack, Baked Lays Products offers a nice once-in-a-while change up.

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mrssnell says "Bang for the buck" about Uniden - DXI5586-2 Twin Handset

mrssnell — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 01:28:21 GMT

I've read a good many Uniden handset reviews here at Viewpoints, but none with the exact model number of my Uniden DXI5586-2 twin cordless set; therefore, I'm creating an "Add it" ;)

Mr. Snell is not a great believer in modern technology, and was not at all interested in purchasing anything but a simple single cordless phone. (He's not an easy sell, either, much to my chagrin, at times!). As it stands, my office in on the upper floor of the cabin, and his smaller office is on the lower, so it just "made sense" for us, with our many daily phone calls to purchase a twin handset. That said, he wasn't about to invest a whole lot of cash into this venture.

I'd had very good results with my initial Uniden single handset/answering machine cordless, so I didn't really see any reason to shop around the brands. Though Uniden products do not offer much of a range outdoors (none of mine have - that's not to say virtually "all" of the products are the same), this product is perfect for our use....

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mrssnell says "I smell pretty! Oh so pretty!" about Suave Deodorant

mrssnell — Tue, 12 May 2009 22:19:51 GMT

Here's an example of a Suave product I can claim from personal experience is comparable to name brand deodorants. For many years I had a favored name brand and never strayed from it. Then, for travel purposes on one occasion I bought the little size of Suave Invisible Solid in the powder scent, and I've used it ever since.

It has a light fragrance I just love, however awkward it is when people ask, "What are you wearing? You smell SO good!". (um, deodorant?!)

Where I live, I can buy Suave deodorant in the small size for under a dollar, and it is every bit as lasting (in the stick) as any other solid I've used. I don't have a specific need for "extra strength" applications for daily use, so Suave deodorant is one way I save money on my shopping bill.

And it really does smell pretty! :)

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mrssnell says "I just can't duplicate it." about Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese

mrssnell — Tue, 12 May 2009 21:43:15 GMT

For the past four years, I've been in a head-butting contest with Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese.

Try as I might, and I'm not exactly an inexperienced cook, I simply can not make of my own accord a mac and cheese as delicious as Stouffers. I've probably tried a dozen or more recipes, to no (anywhere near) avail.

This is probably the best - in my opinion - frozen product on the freezer shelves, and absolutely worth the price.

Usually when you buy pre-packaged mac and cheese, whether frozen or boxed, you'll find yourself adding some shredded cheddar or another cheese to it because it's just not "cheesy" enough. I've also had products that come off the stove top or out of the microwave or oven dry as a bone. Not so with Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese.

I don't know what the devil they're doing to that mac and cheese, but whatever they're doing, I hope they keep doing it just exactly this way.

What a keeper this product is for comfort food at the end of a busy work day.

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mrssnell says "Schick Schtick" about Schick Intuition Razor

mrssnell — Tue, 12 May 2009 01:50:14 GMT

The Schick Intuition products are another good idea given over to poor execution. A co-worker recommended the Intuition to me when I was in search of a gentler razor for my legs during summer months, so, of course I tried it.

To start with, this razor is bulky and clunky, and doesn't feel like it's actually shaving but rather just, in a soapy way, gliding over the skin. That alone made me suspicious, and as it turned it, it was not a close shave. After a couple of uses, you've pretty much got blade and no shaving cream. In the more sensitive areas either way, this razor is likely to nick, although it nicked me a number of times overall.

Additionally, that's quite a price tag for the refills, and the shaving lotion (which really does feel like soap) doesn't last nearly as long as the blade itself does. That's kind of a (costly) waste!

While I'd love not to have to purchase "separates" just for the purpose of shaving my legs and under arms, I'll pass on the expensive Intuition refills...

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mrssnell says "The epitome of Ford Tough" about Ford F350 - 1999

mrssnell — Mon, 11 May 2009 00:17:14 GMT

I'm going to expand a bit in my review of the 1999 Ford F350 truck, because if you are in search of a work truck, for a farm or if you're in the construction trades, you simply can not beat the work horse that is this pick-up truck.

In our case, we needed an additional work vehicle, but opted for a good used truck already knowing we were looking straight in the face of poor fuel mileage. (We also have an F250 for our crew, which is bad enough on fuel! LOL) There are times during and places at which we need a really powerful vehicle, so my husband went in search of a used F350 extended cab, reasonably priced, with reasonable mileage.

He ended up purchasing a 1999 Extended Cab XL, in Oct. 08 It had obviously been well-cared for by its previous owner (checking on that is an absolute must if you're considering purchasing any kind of vehicle of such a by-gone year), and oh, what a ride. We'd actually rather take trips in it than my late model Ford Escape because of the level of comfort....

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mrssnell says "Tried and True" about Fleischmann's Active Dry Yeast

mrssnell — Sun, 10 May 2009 02:28:42 GMT

Because I bake the bulk of our breads here in our home, I've tried every product on the market - some for cost comparisons, some out of curiosity. In these days, experimentation is a thing of the past. I will use nothing but Fleischmann's Yeast products in my humble little cabin kitchen.

This particular active dry yeast absolutely never fails me. As is noted by Katrena, my fellow reviewer, it's best to store the packets of yeast in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before use.

I think quite many - especially novice - bakers have problems with yeasts because temperature is a really big deal in terms of baking success, as is the freshness of the product. As for the latter, always take a peek at the expiration or "sell by" date before you place it in your grocery cart. As for for the former, all bread bakers will tell you that no matter what kind of yeast you're using, it really does need to be at room temperature prior to use, and the water needed to activate the yeast...

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mrssnell says "Walk right on past it" about Suave Professionals Healthy Curls Scrunching Mousse

mrssnell — Fri, 08 May 2009 00:39:19 GMT

Overall, I have nothing bad to say about Suave products, but Suave Professionals Healthy Curls Scrunching Mousse is by far one of the most inferior styling products I have ever used.

Makes me feel kind of bad to say that, because I use so many of Suave's other products so successfully, as do many other budget conscious friends of mine. Apart from that, I find it just so distasteful to have to offer one star ratings and negative reviews.

I wouldn't say that I have super-curly hair. It's a cross between wavy and semi-curly, so that may have made a difference in how this product reacted with my hair type. It over-defined the curls and waves, and really would not let go. I ended up with a bunch of disjointed curls going this way and that, even though I followed the instructions to a "T". (I'm kind of new at scrunching)

Worst of all, it's a really heavy product. I specifically purchased mousse because I'm already aware of what gels do to my hair (via the 80's. LOL)

As I've said, this...

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mrssnell says "Always in my pantry inventory" about Bisquick Original Pancake and Baking Mix

mrssnell — Thu, 07 May 2009 23:29:34 GMT

Despite the fact that I make most everything from scratch, I have always had a box of Bisquick in my pantry, as far back as I can recall. As nearly every other reviewer has noted, it's perfect for quick, nourishing meals. My family loves beef stew with dumplings, or chicken and dumplings. Bisquick also makes such good biscuits they really do appear "made from scratch" (and taste that way as well.)

None of these "kudos" are really why I keep this product handy.

It makes some of the best, light, crunchy fish or chicken batter you'll ever find.

What makes Bisquick so wonderful is its self-rising properties. If you've got the luxury of time you can make your own self-rising baking mix, but most of us really don't have the time or the inclination - especially busy working moms. My own mom, a baker, always had a box of Bisquick in her pantry as well, so you might say it's a long-established tried and true product in my family.

Reasonably priced, I don't see how you could go wrong with...

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mrssnell says "I'm a kid again! Who knew?" about Unilever Suave Detangling Spray 10.5 oz For Kids

mrssnell — Tue, 05 May 2009 02:36:59 GMT

Originally I bought Suave Detangler for kids totally out of frustration when I still had very long hair. As it usually happens, I find a product I fall inlove with and one day it just disappears from the shelf, never to return. Yep, it happened again.

In the meantime the only leave on conditioner I could find was this cutesy little 10.5 oz green bottle with a purple octopus on the front. So I thought what the heck, if it doesn't help it isn't likely to hurt, plus who can resist a cute little purple Octopus?

Actually it does work, but as with all leave-in products, a little bit of it goes a long way or your hair will be beyond soft and (in my case, anyway) unmanageable. It's not expensive and smells like apples and most importantly, this country gal didn't have to tear hair out by the follicles with every combing after a wash.

I also used this during the very dry winter months at night before I went to bed on dry hair, because I tend to have a little trouble with the static thing when...

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mrssnell says "If price is no object..." about Clinique Rinse-off foaming cleanser

mrssnell — Sat, 02 May 2009 02:05:12 GMT

Clinique rinse-off foaming cleanser would rate a solid five stars from me if not for the price, so I want to say that right up front. I'm an Ivory girl, which I'm sure comes as no surprise to anyone here.

My step-daughter gave me a sample of this product, which was recommended to her by her dermatologist. I've very seldom used as a facial cleanser anything but Ivory soap and occasionally a scrub (which I've also reviewed), because other cleansers tend to make my oily (old) skin even worse.

Easily I could develop a compulsion to wash my face a dozen times a day with Clinique rinse-off foaming cleanser, because it feels wonderful, and way more importantly, it leaves your skin clean. By that I mean no trace of make-up (and I did check, with a wipe)

All Clinique products are a little more expensive than many of us can justify purchasing, but by and large, this particular product is exceptional and as far as I'm concerned the cost is inconsequential given the very small amount necessary...

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mrssnell says "Gold Bond brings in a home run with this product!" about Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Body Lotion

mrssnell — Fri, 01 May 2009 02:59:38 GMT

I'm very particular about lotions, mostly because of the scents (half of which make me sneeze myself silly), but also because some of the dry skin applications on the market are just plain greasy.

Ever the sceptic, I bought a tiny little trial size tube of Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Body Lotion at WalMart. I think it's a wonderful idea for reputable companies to offer trial sizes to begin with, and also I knew my mountain man husband with his rough hands would use up what I didn't should I despise the stuff (or sneeze).

What a feel to this lotion. It's thick going on, but comforting, cooling and not a bit greasy. I used it for three consecutive days (or rather, applied at night before bed) and the product worked just as claimed. I have my hands in water quite a bit, and apart from that, they've always had a tendency to be dry (and chapped) anyway.

There is a fragrance to Gold Bond Ultimate Healing lotion, but it's subtle and in its own way a little comforting, too.

This is a product...

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mrssnell says "Tresemme ColorThrive does what it claims" about TRESemme ColorThrive Shampoo

mrssnell — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:46:50 GMT

I keep a bottle of both Tresemme ColorThrive and its companion conditioner on hand, and have ever since it was introduced on the market.

This is a lovely shampoo with a terrific non-sneezy fragrance that gives chemically treated hair softness and sheen many other commercial products can not genuinely lay claim too. That said, when you've got fine hair and lots of it, using Tresemme ColorThrive regularly will make your hair unmanagable, as in "too" soft.

If however, you have coarse, damaged or lots of frizzy hair, and don't have the issue of fine locks, this is absolutely the shampoo for the in home hair colorist, It keeps its promise, so your color will last a bit longer (who doesn't wish for that?), alongside the big bonus; it is very inexpensive. That huge bottle will last a good, long time even for those who shampoo every day.

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mrssnell says "You can't eat just one, I'll betcha" about Ritz - Whole Wheat Crackers

mrssnell — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:31:10 GMT

My husband loves wheat-everything, so I bought a box of Ritz Wheat Crackers during a visit to the grocery, surprised to even find them on the shelf.

Many snack crackers containing a good percentage of whole wheat have a "scorched" taste to them which I dislike, but these do not. I'll assume they may have a combination of flours in them for that reason. Even so, I have to agree with my fellow reviewer, both the taste and texture are excellent for a whole wheat flour product, and the price is exactly the same as it is for a box of original everything-sits-on-a-Ritz crackers.

Being of a curious mind, I served a tube of Ritz Wheat crackers along with a variety of others with a chicken spread everyone loves, just to see how the new addition would go. The wheat crackers were gone in a flash, and no one even asked what they were.

If you wish to add fiber of the tasty variety to your diet, I'd recommend Ritz Wheat Crackers.

I'd recommend them anyway, just because they so complement my Chicken...

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mrssnell says "Delicious light meal, but bring salt and pepper shakers" about Stouffer's Lean Cuisine Chicken Fettuccini

mrssnell — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:16:49 GMT

As I've said in other similar reviews, I'm all about healthy when it comes to "fast food". It's never the calories I concern myself with as I don't have weight issues. It's the F-A-T. We can all do without that saturated fat building up in our arteries as we swallow.

As a rule, I generally choose another name brand for my own quickie meals, but really I do enjoy Stouffer's Lean Cuisine entrees as well, particularly this Chicken Fettucine offering. It's "enough" for a meal, as opposed to "not quite enough", I don't think it's particularly expensive, and really the beauty of it is, Lean Cuisine entrees tend to be very light on the seasonings, so you get to control how much salt goes in that dinner, and how much pepper is right.

Another interviewer mentioned that the entree, overall, is watery. Really you do need stir it halfway through cook time, and make sure there's a "steam escape hatch" sufficient for such a small container.

I know it's good if I take a looooong time getting to the...

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mrssnell says "I sure wouldn't want to drive around in the country without them" about AAA

mrssnell — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:34:25 GMT

My husband and I have one of the premium plans available through AAA, and thank God we do. I have used their services 3 x in two years. Two of those times included tows. I could call the number on my card and a friendly, but noticeably efficiently "all business" voice would come on the line (no dial 1 for this, dial 2 for that stuff). They'd take my card number, verify my information and tell me who would be coming to help me. Also they make sure their signed on companies give a courtesy call after they've been contacted by AAA to let you know about how long it will be until they can get there.

I don't know anything specifically about AAA's internal quality control, but it appears they they keep a routine "check" on the companies who work under them. Twice I've had to sign off on the garage's paperwork which is sent in to AAA. That's kind of reassuring; to know not just anybody can become a certified "Triple A" agent.

All three experiences were perfectly good for me. I'd give this...

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mrssnell says "High Recommendations from a home baker!" about Krusteaz Lemon Bars

mrssnell — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 03:10:13 GMT

I have always been very critical of 'boxed and bagged' baked goods, because I am a from-scratch cook and baker.

Even so, there are times when I just don't have the luxury of 2 or 3 hours to put into home baked items. Years ago, I tried Krustreaz muffin mix because I really needed something "quick and filling" for a breakfast I was hosting. Holy cow, was I ever surprised by the homemade taste of the product.

I make lemon bars from scratch. They are my dad's absolute favorite bar cookie in all the world, so again, I am going to be a critic of any prepared boxed mix. Krusteaz Lemon bars are absolutely delicious and taste 'fresh' and I can't find a single complaint about this product.

I have not tried the cheesecake recipe another review had such great things to say about, but that doesn't mean I won't. :)

Overall, the Krusteaz brand tastes homemade, is not that terribly expensive, and all the instructions and included recipes are easy and not time consuming.

Try them all! You won't be disappointed!...

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mrssnell says "The perfect partner to your home made marinara" about Barilla Spaghetti Rigati

mrssnell — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:18:24 GMT

I make a home made marinara sauce, which is fragrant with herbs and rather on the "chunky" side. When I noticed how well it adhered to the various pastas with ridges (like baked rigatoni), I set out to find a long strand spaghetti type pasta for our spaghetti-and-meatball or chicken parmesan meals.

I found Barilla Spaghetti Rigati right in the local WalMart. Cooked to al dente, this pasta clings on to my heavier marinara, and the taste and texture just really can't be beat. It's a tad thicker than thin spaghetti, and isn't so great texture-wise if it's cooked beyond the al dente (chewy) stage. Our family absolutely loves it, and notices immediately if I've used traditional spaghetti.

Barilla pasta is widely available, and can be purchased for just cents more than even store brand offerings. It's worth that few cents, and cooked leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen without compromise to texture for later use.

My family gives this pasta a big unified "high five"....

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