http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/shadaram Sat, 19 Jul 2008 02:52:11 GMT Reviews by shadaram http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Dark-Knight--156296-review-30652 I am not going to go into great detail here, if you have watched any tv in the last few months, then you know what this movie is about, you know who is in it, etc, so, just my opinions. I am not a huge action movie person, and definitely not one for all the super hero/comic movies, but have liked a few, Batman Begins being one of them. My husband is a HUGE batman fanatic and has been since childhood, so, I hopped on the batman bandwagon years ago, therefore making me excited about this movie from the minute Batman Begins ended, showing the jokers card. I am not a comic book reader, and don't get into the back stories, but from what I know of Batman, I think the Joker is probably my favorite of the villians connected to Gotham city, so, again, this movie was a no-brainer. Add the gorgeous Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/batman, and the late Heath Ledger as the Joker, and I was hooked. — I bought our tickets the day they went on sale, got the babysitter lined up, and we anxiously... Sat, 19 Jul 2008 02:52:11 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/The-Dark-Knight--156296-review-30652 shadaram 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Premonition-review-4e263 I love a good thrill/mystery type movie, so this was on my list of to-see movies. Plus, I like Sandra Bullock and am a big fan of Julian McMahon. This movie does deliver, if you like the type of movies with twists and turns every 5 seconds, and one that takes you back and forth over and over. I don't mind all the twists and other plot turns, etc, but this one was a little too all over the place for me, and I think they tried to make it such a mind bender that they forgot to answer many questions that I found in the movie. I don't like to over-analyze movies, but I found myself doing just that with this movie. — — The story: — The movie stars Sandra Bullock and Linda and Julian McMahon as Jim, her husband. The movies starts out as a flash of when they were newly married, before children, and Jim getting his promotion and surprising her with a new, large house and telling her that they have to fill up those extra rooms with children. Fast forward to present, and they... Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:07:32 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Premonition-review-4e263 shadaram 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Nintendo-Wii-Fit-review-b16a2 We bought the Wii fit board when it came out and I have played it everyday since. I wanted to give it several days before I wrote a review. If I had wrote this after playing it once, I would have rated it 5 stars, but I have found a few things I would change. — — Wii Fit in a nutshell: — Wii fit is a "board" that comes with a fitness "game". The board is placed on the ground, and you stand on it. When you first play it, you will make a character mii, and it will take you through a balance test and give you your fitness age based off of your performance and your bmi. My first test had me 9 years older that I was, YIKES! Since this is sensitive and personal info, you can create a password so that noone else can view your bmi, weight, etc. You then get games and training exercises in the following categories: Strength training, yoga, balance games, and aerobics. You also get to pick a trainer for strength training and yoga, either a male or female. Strength training... Mon, 26 May 2008 03:23:38 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Nintendo-Wii-Fit-review-b16a2 shadaram 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Reynolds-Handi-Vac-Vacuum-Sealer-Hand-held-review-9a2a6 With the cost of everything going up, I have been wanting to buy more things like meat, shredded cheese, and that sort of stuff in larger packages to save money. I have been looking into a food-saver so I could freeze this stuff, but it is pretty high. Then I ran across Reynolds Handi-vac sealer, and for the price, decided it was worth trying. It isn't a bad product, but needs some improvement. — — About this item: — The handi-vac comes in a starter kit that contains the sealer and 3 quart size freezer bags. The bags are specially made to go with this handheld sealer. You can purchase extra bags in either a 9 count box of the gallon size, or 14 count box of the quart size. The kit runs somewhere around $10, and I even found a coupon online to save $2.50  for it. I can't say for sure how much the bags cost because it has been a while since I bought this, but when I initially looked at them, I think they were around $3.50 or so. The bags have a blue circle in the... Fri, 16 May 2008 14:45:08 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Reynolds-Handi-Vac-Vacuum-Sealer-Hand-held-review-9a2a6 shadaram 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/McDonalds-Southern-Style-Chicken-Sandwich-review-537f4 Today McDonald's was giving out their new Southern Style Chicken sandwich, which is a Chick-Fil-A knock off, for free if you purchased a medium drink. In my opinion, this is probably the only way they will get you to eat it! I am probably being a little on the unfair side, because I am comparing this sandwich to Chick-fil-a's original chicken sandwich, but it is a blatant knock-off, so why not. If you are going to copy the best, then you better do a good job, and McDonald's falls flat. They even copied the chicken biscuit for breakfast. — — In the pictures of this sandwich, it looks exactly like the Chick-fil-a sandwich, but when you receive it in person, it is nothing like that. It is a bun, with a chicken fillet, and 2 pickles, just like someone else's we know, but that is where the only comparison is. And as a side-note: couldn't they have given you 3 or 4 pickles, did it have to be 2 JUST LIKE CHICK-FIL-A???? Even if I don't compare this sandwich, I was not at all... Fri, 16 May 2008 02:57:26 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/McDonalds-Southern-Style-Chicken-Sandwich-review-537f4 shadaram 1 http://www.viewpoints.com/Clinique-Moisture-Surge-Extra-Thirsty-Skin-Relief-review-0b164 My face is the yucky combination of part dry/part oily skin, so I struggle finding a good moisturizer. This, is a good one. To me, it feels like putting water on your skin, but in a cream form. It is cool feeling when you rub it in, which just soothes your face. No matter how much you use, it is light feeling, and lasts the 12 hours Clinique claims it will last. I live in Oklahoma, which has high humidity, and this lotion lives up to the claim that it will hold skins moisture even in humidity changes. — — About the lotion: — You are supposed to use daily, and can refreshen midday by "tapping" a small amount over makeup. It is supposed to last for 12 hours, and for me it does. Cliniques add says that it will give you a "by-a-waterfall feel." It keeps your skin moisturized through changes in humidity as well. It comes in 2 sizes, 1.7 oz for $34 or 2.5 oz. for $46.60. It is allergy tested and 100% fragrance free. — — My thoughts: — I really do like... Thu, 15 May 2008 15:10:43 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Clinique-Moisture-Surge-Extra-Thirsty-Skin-Relief-review-0b164 shadaram 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Gerber-Graduates-Fruit-Splashers-Purified-Water-review-3fa03 My 1 year old is unable to drink 100% fruit juice because of ill effects when she uses the bathroom, so, the pediatrician suggested that we not give her 100% juice items until she is a little older. While searching for a suitable product, I was appalled to see the amounts of sugar in the other juices. In fact, even the 100% juices contained high amounts of sugar. I happened upon Gerber Graduates Fruit Splashers Purified Water while shopping for snacks for her. Being a "Flavored" water, I wasn't sure if she would like it or not, and for the amount you get, it isn't exactly cheap (a little over $2), but had to give it a try. We bought the grape flavor and it was a hit. She drinks plain water and milk fine, but I wanted to add something else for variety, and this works out great. — — All about the drink: — Like I said, for about $2, you get 32 fl oz, and can choose from grape, kiwi-strawberry, or tropical. The "Water" has 40% less sugar than most fruit juices. It is... Tue, 13 May 2008 16:19:31 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Gerber-Graduates-Fruit-Splashers-Purified-Water-review-3fa03 shadaram 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Bath-and-Body-Works-Aromatherapy-Energy-Mandarin-Lime-body-wash-review-20e24 I wrote a review on the lotion that goes with this body wash, so this may look a little familiar! I visited Bath and Body Works not too long ago for an open house event they were doing and If you RSVP'D before the event, you got a coupon for $25 in free product, and I received this body wash and the coordinating lotion as the gift. I wasn't too sure about it, but for free, I figured I would try it. Well, sometimes this is how you stumble upon the best things, and that is the case with this, as I will be buying it for years to come, if they make it that long. The mandarin lime smell is AWESOME and isn't over powering. The energizing scent is very uplifting. The wash lathers great, so a little goes a long way. — — Aromatherapy Body Wash Info: — The bottle comes in a 10 fl. oz. bottle and costs $13. Sometimes the store will run specials if you buy 2 or more aromatherapy items. The wash has essential oils for scent, as well as other natural fragrances. It has green tea... Tue, 13 May 2008 02:55:09 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Bath-and-Body-Works-Aromatherapy-Energy-Mandarin-Lime-body-wash-review-20e24 shadaram 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Bath-Body-Works-Aromatherapy-Body-Lotion-Energy-Mandarin-Lime-review-08583 I visited Bath and Body Works a little over a month ago for an open house event they were doing. If you RSVP'd before the event, you got a coupon on the day of the open house for $25 in free product, and I received this particular lotion and body wash as that gift. I wasn't sure about it, but hey, for free, I'll try just about anything. Probably going to end up being an expensive free gift because I will be buying this as long as they are making it. The mandarin lime smell is heavenly, and not at all over powering. Those aren't 2 smells I usually get excited over, but it works great in this lotion. The lotion goes on creamy and doesn't leave a greasy feeling. It lasts for hours as well, and a little goes a long way. The energizing scent is very uplifting. — — Aromatherapy energy lotion info: — The lotion comes in a 6.5 fl. oz. bottle and costs $13. Sometimes the store will run specials if you buy more than 1 aromatherapy item. The lotion has essential oils for... Tue, 13 May 2008 02:34:27 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Bath-Body-Works-Aromatherapy-Body-Lotion-Energy-Mandarin-Lime-review-08583 shadaram 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Buffalo-Wild-Wings-Bar-Grill-Oklahoma-City-OK-review-8e0e3 I love boneless wing, but have yet to find any as good as BWW's! I think I like theirs so much because of all the different sauces you can choose from, varying in heat.  We even buy bottles of our favorite sauces to use at home. In addition to wings, they have an extensive menu of items, most of which still come with their sauces. — — They are on the higher side, but Thursday is 50 cent boneless wing day, so we go often on Thursdays. They have different specials on a few other days as well. They have awesome onion rings and burgers as well. Their sauces range from mild to blazin', and there are even some un-typical ones like Parmesan garlic and Caribbean jerk. There is something for everyone. The atmosphere is a little loud and rowdy, but pretty typical for a wing joint. The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is because of their service. Here is the star breakdown: Food = 5 stars  and Service = 3 stars at best. So, I placed them in the middle. We do not... Sun, 11 May 2008 04:57:27 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Buffalo-Wild-Wings-Bar-Grill-Oklahoma-City-OK-review-8e0e3 shadaram 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Cover-Girl-Smoothers-Concealer-review-60bd3 I, unfortunately, suffer from rosacea on my cheeks, and as I get older, the red patches get a little worse. I have had a hard time finding something that will cover it and even out my skin tone, and if I do find something to work, it only works for a few hours. So, after talking with a beauty consultant live on covergirl.com about this issue, I decided to try the CG Smoothers Neutralizer concealer. WOO HOO!! What red patches? You wouldn't know they were there, as long as I use this. — — This concealer comes in various shades, depending on what you need it for. Like I said, I used the Neutralizer. It looks like a tube of lipstick, and is inexpensive. It runs about $4.50 for a .14oz tube. It applies easily, and lasted all day. Now, I did use it with Covergirl foundation and makeup, so not sure if that helps it last, but it made it through work and leisure. It is dermatologist tested, and is not supposed to clog pores. It conditions skin and helps hide dark circles under... Sun, 11 May 2008 04:30:03 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Cover-Girl-Smoothers-Concealer-review-60bd3 shadaram 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Target-Baby-Laundry-Detergent-review-d0670 When my daughter was born, I was very insistent on using Dreft, especially since I have sensitive skin. I know how delicate newborns skin can be, and I didn't want to up her chances of having sensitive skin, so we stuck with Dreft. While shopping at Target, I found they carried their own brand of baby detergent, and at about 1/2 the price. And, with all the laundry I was doing just for her, I was ecstatic at the possibility of maybe saving a few dollars. So, I decided to try the smaller bottle just to see. I love the smell of Dreft, but was willing to give up the smell for the price, but I didn't have to. Targets brand smells just like it, and does just as good of a job as Dreft. It works great to pre-treat stains. We haven't had any problems, and she is now 1 1/2. I am still using this detergent, but will probably switch to what we use for ourselves when we finish this bottle. — — I can't remember the specifics of the smaller bottle, but the large one is 200 Fl. oz. and... Sun, 11 May 2008 04:12:47 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Target-Baby-Laundry-Detergent-review-d0670 shadaram 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/All-Free-and-Clear-Liquid-Detergent--27265-review-576f2 I have sensitive skin, and am allergic to several types of detergent, so I try to stick with the "free and clear" types. I have been pretty disappointed in the past, but those days are over. I decided to try All Free and Clear because I heard it worked great for infants and toddlers, as well as for individuals with sensitive skin. Used it, loved it, I now have a new detergent! — — All Free and Clear is hyperallergenic, and is free of perfumes and dyes. It also has All's patented stainlifters to get out those nasty stains. It comes in the 3X concentrated formula, so it is better for the environment as well, by having less waste. One "small and mighty" bottle does approx. 32 loads of laundry and runs around $4 - 5. — — I haven't used this on my toddler yet, I am still using up her huge bottle of detergent, but I plan on using it for her soon. I have been using it for my laundry for about 2 weeks now and love it. My clothes are nice and soft, and it seems to... Sun, 11 May 2008 03:40:31 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/All-Free-and-Clear-Liquid-Detergent--27265-review-576f2 shadaram 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Nestle-Mini-Brownie-Bites-review-5d821 We are trying to eat healthier around here, but still like to snack. Because of this, I like to keep refrigerated cookie dough on hand so that we can make just a few cookies at a time, then there isn't over indulgence. So, when I saw that Nestle had made refrigerated brownie dough as well, I was thrilled because we love brownies. These are called mini brownie bites, but they are nothing more than just a chocolate mini cookie. — — The pack contains 40 mini brownie bites that you pull apart and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. You can make as many or as few as you would like at a time. Any unused dough can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. They are extremely convenient, and at just a few dollars a package, a great deal since you are getting 40 of them. — — Don't get me wrong, they are delicious, but very rich. They don't taste anything like a brownie to me, they taste like a chocolate chocolate chip cookie, just in miniature size. If I had wanted cookies,... Fri, 09 May 2008 04:32:12 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Nestle-Mini-Brownie-Bites-review-5d821 shadaram 3 http://www.viewpoints.com/Olay-Regenerist-Micro-Sculpting-Cream-1-7-oz-review-d8601 I received a sample of this that was for a 4 day trial, which is how long Olay says it should take to see results, so, I tried it. The sample lasted over a week, and I used it the whole week as directed. Now, I didn't have any noticeable results in 4 days, or even 7, but I loved this cream so much that I continue to use it. I was already using other Olay regenerist products, so this fit right in. — — The box says that this cream has plumping intercellular hydration that is supposed to micro-sculpt for a lifted look, even across your jawline. Olay claims that it has the highest concentration of their signature amino-peptide complex. It is supposed to firm areas that are prone to sag, even the jaw line, smooth your skin, and restore your skins elasticity. — — Twice a day, you rub a small amount in a circular motion on the areas that you want improvement. It goes on like silk, and leaves your skin feeling wonderful. I have dry skin, not bad, but I always use... Fri, 09 May 2008 02:52:57 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Olay-Regenerist-Micro-Sculpting-Cream-1-7-oz-review-d8601 shadaram 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Kraft-Bagel-fuls-review-86d70 Since I am on the go all morning, I love things that are made for convenience, even if I have to pay a little more for this. Shopping the other day, I saw these new Bagel-fuls by Kraft. I will have to admit, at first I thought YUCK, but then realized that I do like bagels and cream cheese, so not sure why these came off as gross at first. Since a box only had 4 bagels, and was under $2, I thought why not give them a try. I chose to try the original. — — What they are: — Bagel-fuls basically look like a hot dog, but they are a bagel that are filled with philadelphia cream cheese. They can be refrigerated, and then take less than 30 seconds to heat up, or frozen, and then take less than a minute to heat up. They last 2 weeks in the fridge, and up to 1 year in the freezer.They are able to be hand held to eat. Each bagel-ful is 2.5 oz. and individually packaged. There are several varieties to chose from: plain, cinnamon, strawberry, chive, and whole grain. ... Thu, 08 May 2008 01:53:55 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Kraft-Bagel-fuls-review-86d70 shadaram 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Dove-go-fresh-Therapy-Energize-Shampoo-review-0adb2 I like to switch up my shampoo's once a week or so, a cosmetologist once told me this was a good and inexpensive way to help keep build up from happening. Not sure if it really works, but I have done this for years. I am pretty partial to my main shampoo, but switch up my alternate shampoo pretty regularly. So, when I saw that Dove had made a shampoo and conditioner that is supposed to be energizing, I was sold. I am always looking for something to give me more energy in the morning, that doesn't involve caffeine. This shampoo is scented with grapefruit and lemongrass. It smells great, and is truly uplifting. Not sure about extra energy or anything, but it definitely wakes up your senses. — — About this shampoo: — This particular shampoo has a protecting serum that is supposed to protect hair from normal wear and tear, and it is formulated to be light, as to not build up, in fact it claims to help remove build up. They claim that it will leave hair clean (which is... Thu, 08 May 2008 01:31:22 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Dove-go-fresh-Therapy-Energize-Shampoo-review-0adb2 shadaram 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Quaker-Simple-Harvest-Chewy-Granola-Bars-review-23093 I got a sample of Quaker Oats Simple Harvest Dark Chocolate Chunk, so decided to give this a try. I am trying to eat better, but leery of all the new granola bars, energy bars, etc, because most taste like cardboard, but this one was different. It was chewy, and had wonderful dark chocolate chunks. The granola was great in itself. I am not really a dark chocolate kind of girl, but it really works with the granola. I went out and bought a box, and was still pleased. These make a great snack. They are sweet, but have ingredients that are good for you. — — Each bar is made of all natural ingredients, such as oats, barley, and wheat. Now, they aren't the lowest calorie/fat snack, but much better than many out there. On this particular bar, you get 150 calories and 4.5g of fat. One box has 6 bars, so they are great to have around for that occasional snack. They are also available in Honey roasted nut and Cinnamon brown sugar with apples and cranberries. They are worth... Wed, 07 May 2008 02:48:56 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Quaker-Simple-Harvest-Chewy-Granola-Bars-review-23093 shadaram 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/1408--139589-review-a83d4 My cable was out today, so I decided to rent a movie. Not much looked good, and I wanted to scare myself a little, so I chose 1408. I know it has been out for a little while, but I am a John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson fan, so decided to give this one a try. It is based on a Stephen King story, and I have liked some of his work, but not all. I really enjoyed this movie though, scary enough, but not too scary. — — The plot: — The movie is about a writer named Mike Enslin, who, after losing his daughter, gets obsessed in the afterlife. He begins writing books about haunted places. He visits haunted hotels, and writes about his experiences there. After some time of doing this, he has decided that there are no ghosts, but longs to find one. He receives a post card from the Dolphin hotel and all it says is "Do Not enter room 1408." So, of course, he visits there. The hotel manager trys to talk him out of staying in that room, which Mike chalks up to him trying to scare... Wed, 07 May 2008 02:03:30 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/1408--139589-review-a83d4 shadaram 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/LeapFrog-Fridge-Farm-Mis-Animalitos-Interactivos-Bilingual-Package-Refresh-review-2b104 My daughter loves to be in whatever room I am in, and I don't mind that one bit. But, the kitchen isn't the safest place, and the way my house is set up, my kitchen isn't completely open, so, when I saw this, I hoped that it would be something she would enjoy. We put it on her Christmas list, and was thrilled when she received it. She loves it, and will sit and play with it while I cook or clean the kitchen. The main piece looks like a barn, and there are 10 magnets that come together to make 5 different animals when put together correctly, or you can make up to 25 silly animal combinations. When you make a correct pair, it sings a song about you making a match. If you make an incorrect pair, it sings a silly song about the animal you made, such as a "pigcow". There is also a button with "Farmer Tad" on it and he plays 5 different banjo tunes. My daughter loves to play those tunes over and over, too. You can buy this either in just English, as ours is, or in bilingual. — ... Mon, 05 May 2008 16:08:01 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/LeapFrog-Fridge-Farm-Mis-Animalitos-Interactivos-Bilingual-Package-Refresh-review-2b104 shadaram 4