Reviews by Friends of shadaram

Jo says "Where's all the protein in Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake? " about Herbalife Shakes

Jo — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:00:49 GMT

I am doing a 12-week weight loss program sponsored by Herbalife. When I enrolled I didn't know that they were sponsoring it. I have bought quite a few of their products. The first one I bought was the Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix. It is for "healthy nutrition and weight management".

The flavor I chose is french vanilla, which is delicious. I add soy or almond mix to two scoops and ice cubes and have a yummy snack. The program suggests that we have one or two shakes a day. I normally have one and stick to the amount of calories per day I should eat.

I paid about $35.00 for a 26.5 ounce canister. This makes 30 servings per container.

It has 19 essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients; however, you will get these in a multi-vitamin. For example, you'll get 35% of Vitamin A when you add milk and 50% of Vitamin D, which you will get if you go outside for 15 minutes a day. Yes I am skeptical because I haven't seen results and I think it is over priced.

The "wellness coaches" say that...

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Jo says "I watch TV; my husband works. Thank you Sony Infrared Headphones" about Sony - Infrared Cordless Headphones MDR-IF240RK

Jo — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:45:15 GMT

To the Point

The problem isn't new but the technology to fix it seems to be new - at least new to us. The problem was that our house has an open floor plan meaning my husband's office and our living room are connected. I got used to reading the closed caption wording but sometimes my reading was slower than the words on the screen.

In comes wireless headphones. I tried out a pair of Radio Shack brand headphones at our daughter and son-in-law's but my husband ended up buying me the Sony Infrared Cordless Headphones MDR-IF240RK.

A Closer View: The features

The Sony Infrared Cordless Headphones

come with a transmitter. The transmitter is placed near the television and comes with an AC power adapter.
come with a connecting cord. The box says that the connection to the TV, Audio, or PC equipment is easy. It probably is. For some reason it took us awhile to figure out what plugs went into what holes.
a range of 24 feet depending on the angle of your head.
will last for 60 hours using regular...

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Jo says "My Silicone Grid saves burning or scratching surfaces" about Highly Evolved Housewares Silicone Zone The Grid

Jo — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:44:37 GMT

My Highly Evolved Housewares Silicone Zone The Grid Trivet was an inexpensive ($2.00) impulse buy. You can find the company's website here: http://tinyurl.com/ybywr84 where you will see the assortment of silicone products made.

The Grid comes in red, blue, and black. I bought a black Silicone Grid Trivet. This was my first time using anything like this though if I see potholders and other items I could use I would for sure buy more items by Highly Evolved Housewares.

The Grid is a non-skid counter mat and it truly does not skid. I love the feel of it - soft and rubbery. I don't have to worry that it will scratch my oven, table, or counters.

The Grid is made with InSILate Technology making any thing up to 675 degrees alright to put on the Highly Evolved Housewares Silicone Zone The Grid Trivet.

It is dishwasher safe and made in China. The Grid has a hole so you can hang it or just a place for me to hold on to it.

Highly Evolved Housewares Silicone Zone The Grid Trivet literally is a grid...

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MikeMaroon says "Finding Hope in The Worst Kind of Personal Tragedy." about Steven Curtis Chapman - Beauty Will Rise

MikeMaroon — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:21:39 GMT

May 21, 2008 was to be a special day at the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Steven Curtis and Mary Beth were about to celebrate both their daughter's engagement and the high school graduation of their eldest son. Then, something horrible happened. As one of their sons pulled into the driveway he didn't see his little 5-year old sister Maria. His vehicle struck and killed her, leaving Christian music's most successful singer/songwriter to cope with unspeakable pain, the loss of one child and to father another through heart-numbing guilt. I myself have a 5-year-old little girl and the thought of such a thing is something I cannot bear.

Beauty Will Rise is Mr Chapman's love letter to his lost little girl and a raw look at him working through his pain. With sparse arraignments and acoustic guitar, he publicly wrestles with pain only a father who has lost a child can experience.

He said that, after he lost Maria, he honestly didn't know if he would ever write or sing songs again. ...

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Jo says "There were 16 then 15 of my Anchor Hocking Beverage Set" about Anchor Hocking Trivium Beverage Set

Jo — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:04:50 GMT

To the Point

So there I was looking at glasses trying to remember which ones Rudi recommended. I bought a 16- piece glassware set by Anchor Hocking. The style is called Trivium.

A Closer View

When I got home I looked Anchor Hocking Trivium up online and saw some bad reviews. But I only paid $10.00 for eight 11-ounce double old-fashioned glasses and eight 16- ounce coolers. I would have preferred a color but there was only clear in this style. I just wanted to get through Thanksgiving with a new set of glasses.

I liked the style of the Anchor Hocking Trivium glasses. They are simple but have an hour glass design. I thought out of all the ones on the shelf these would be the least likely to spill. They are dishwasher safe and seemed to be thick enough so that they would last at least a month. I have Pfaltzgraff glasses that have been with me for 15 years!

I am the type of person who saves new things. Not wanting the glasses scratched I didn't use them but my husband did. The point is the...

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MikeMaroon says "Play On, Carrie, Play On." about Play On [11/3] * by Carrie Underwood

MikeMaroon — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:26:01 GMT

It is my belief Carrie Underwood is the best singer to graduate from American Idol. She has an almost perfect voice and the range of Celine Dion. Loves ya Kelly. Respects ya Adam. But Carrie, she da man, er, woman. She really showcases those gorgeous pipes of hers on Play On, her third and definitely most pop-leaning album yet. Shania, watch your back.

And Ms Underwood went to the studio determined to hit a massive homerun this time. She very nearly succeeds. Bringing in the the ringers, like producers Mike Elizondo and Max Martin along with writers Brett James, Tom Shapiro, and Paul Overstreet, Carrie presents us with an eclectic group of songs that sometimes feels like pandering but mostly feels like a nice variety.

Kicking things off with her already huge radio hit, Cowboy Casanova, Elizondo imparts a juiced-up dance hall flavor that sounds like an attempt to bring back line-dancing. With Underwood's booming vocals, this "warning" song is sure to have urban cowboys...

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Jo says "Pur Power Resistance Cord gives you a traveling gym" about Zenzation Athletics PurPower Resistance Cord 10128

Jo — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:14:05 GMT

The PurPower Resistance Cord was an impulse buy. If you have a Marshall's near you then you'll know the bargains offered. The $11.99 Cord was $5.99 so I grabbed it. I've used Resistance Cords or Bands as I call them for years. If you haven't it is a great piece to either add to your routine just use it to work your whole body. Don't worry because it comes with a piece of paper that show you a few exercises to do. You can see the PurPower Cord here: www.jr.com/zenzation-athletics/pe/ZNZ_WTE10128/.

The PurPower Resistance Cord

is made of latex so stay away if you are allergic to latex.
is purple which is a medium strength. Other name brands such as Spri makes it much easier to know what the strength is of the Tube/Cord/Band. There was no indication on the package but I figured if it was too easy I could just make this 5' Cord small by wrapping it around my wrists. This makes it shorter and thus harder.
is portable and a super prop to take with you on your travels. Unless you are a body...

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Jo says "Colgate Orabase didn't Relieve my tongue Pain" about Colgate Orabase Maximum Strength Oral Pain Reliever

Jo — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:22:27 GMT

To the Point

I had surgery on my tongue yesterday or shall I say in my tongue. In any case I had a tongue lesion which was removed and I have stitches. Dr. Lane, an oral surgeon, gave me several samples of Colgate Orabase Maximum Strength Oral Pain Reliever.

A Closer View

I have been taking Tylenol and Advil which has helped the pain somewhat. This morning I decided to give one of these samples a try. Colgate Orabase Maximum Strength Oral Pain Reliever comes in a .21-ounce tube in the $5.00 range.

The active ingredient is benzocaine (20%) which is supposed to stop the pain of mouth and gum sores.

Adults and children two years and older can use Colgate Orabase Maximum Strength Oral Pain Reliever. I followed the instructions which are to gently dab on the site of irritation with a cotton swab or fingertip. I can use it up to 4 times a day or according to what your doctor or dentist recommends.

Don't use Colgate Orabase Maximum Strength Oral Pain Reliever if you are allergic to local anesthetics...

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Jo says "Yogacise Lifts my Body without hurting my neck" about Gaiam Yogacise Body Lift

Jo — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:56:58 GMT

I don't think I have met a Gaiam product I didn't like and this is true of the Yogacise Body Lift. We use this prop regularly in Yoga class.

The specifications

Yogacise Body Lift

is made in China
supports 250 pounds
is 28 inches long by 21 inches wide by 15 inches high
is very portable weighing in at 19 pounds

Why use the Yogacise Body Lift?

I'll talk about what I see as the primary use of the Body Lift and that is to do an inversion. Yoga is one of the few systems of health that suggest you regularly turn yourself upside down for extended periods of time. My Yoga teacher always tells us how amazing inversions are from relieving anxiety to relieving constipation.

I know I feel great after using the Yogacise Body Lift. I have done head stands on the floor but for some of us due to injury, age, fear, or name the reason, prefer not to. In comes the Body Lift. This prop allows me to go upside down without any compression on my head.

The padding is super thick making it very comfortable to rest...

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MikeMaroon says "It's a Great Day for America Everybody! Ferguson Wrote a Book!" about American On Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot

MikeMaroon — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:48:27 GMT

I like biographies. Always have. One of the first ones I remember reading was about Hammerin' Hank Aaron. Don't remember the title, but if you don't know who he is, you must not be American. But Craig Ferguson is, and he's proud of it. American on Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot is the story of how a young man born in Glasgow, Scotland realized a dream he formulated very early in life, to come to America. See he had, and apparently still has, a view of this county only someone who wasn't raised here can have. That it's the best place in the world to be living. Unlike an awful lot of us, he considers himself lucky to be an American.

Telling us right in the preface that, "This is not journalism. This is just my story.", Mr Ferguson proceeds to craft a fine piece of writing that spares us the self-indulgent "pat-my-own-back" mentality found in a lot of Hollywood memoirs. What we get, instead is the man who became famous as Mr. Wick on the Drew...

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BubleFan1 says "LOVIN' MY TOSHIBA" about Toshiba Satellite L555D-S7930

BubleFan1 — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:56:48 GMT

Just got a new Toshiba Satellite laptop with my bday money (thanks family!). I've finally gotten a brand spanken new laptop. I've always received hand-me-downs from work - no complain there!

Well this laptop is super cool! I was debated between a desktop or a laptop and decided on this Toshiba Satellite laptop. We've been checking out reviews from Consumer Reports and think we've made a great decision. Well this laptop was only $30 higher than the HP desktop that I was looking at. I couldn't go wrong.

I'm still pretty new to the laptop but I can tell you from a non-techie point of view....it's really pretty! Its shiny black with smooth, flat keys. There are so many options and programs on this thing! It's got the new Windows 7 Home, which I'm still learning. It comes with great tutorials. Windows Media Center is a-m-a-z-i-n-g! You can view TV shows on it for crying out loud! My kids are getting tired of me yelling "oh my gosh" every time I figure something new and exciting...

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BubleFan1 says "I'm so glad I went to the Matinee and it was only $5" about Paranormal Activity

BubleFan1 — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:41:09 GMT

Paranormal Activity..... hmm, let me start by saying that anyone who truly knows me knows that I am a believer in the unknown. That being admitted, I listened to the hype and saw this movie today. After all, the reviews have been very favorable and it's made a ton of money.

Paranormal Activity left me saying "I'm so glad that I did not pay full price for this movie." I love spooky movies. I want to be scared without all of the blood and guts - its not necessary. Paranormal Activity is unique in that it is made like The Blair Witch Project. You see the film through their amateur camera. You will either love it or hate it. I loved The Blair Witch Project. I did not love Paranormal Activity.

A little about the movie:

Katie and Micha are a young couple who have been together for a few years. Katie has dealt with paranormal experiences since she was 8. When she moves in with her boyfriend, she never told him of her past experiences. I can understand that because there are...

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cmohr80 says "My disposal smells citrus-y fresh! Ahhh!" about Plink Garbage Disposal Cleaner and Deodorizer

cmohr80 — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:29:04 GMT

As someone who is a bit over obsessive about cleaning and odors, I was elated when I found Plink on a clip strip in the cleaning aisle.

Plink Garbage Disposal Cleaner and Deodorizerby Phelps Industries "contains citrus scented liquid safely encased by a patented hardening process. Plinks break open to deodorize the disposal and dissolve fatty deposits which cultivate unpleasant odors. It freshens your whole kitchen." It's biodegradable and does not harm your pipes. 10 treatments. Comes in Citrus Orange and Citrus Lemon Scents.

After running the disposal to get rid of scraps, run the warm water on a trickle. Drop a Plink in the disposal and let it run for 15 seconds. To revive the scent, run the warm water on low for 15 seconds. Using Plink twice a week, it's about 5 weeks of uses for roughly $3.99.

"Plinks break up food particles, helps prevent disposal clogging and eliminates odors in the disposal, leaving a fresh smelling sink." I feel like the kitchen isn't really clean without...

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Jo says "Home Cookin Toaster Oven Works in all sorts of Weather" about WeatherWorks Home Cookin Toaster Oven

Jo — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:36:26 GMT

We needed a new toaster and usually buy inexpensive small appliances and replace them frequently. I picked up Home Cookin by WeatherWorks at one of the large department stores for $20. The website http://www.weatherworks.net has it for around $34.00 but I am sure you can do better. The model number is 6868.

Pros

Home Cookin by WeatherWorks Toaster Oven

is attractive. I got it in black but it also comes in white.
is compact. There are only 2 of us who eat human food in my house so the fact it will fit 4 slices of bread is just fine.
has an easy to open cool touch door handle.
has feet that do not skid on my counter top.
has a baking tray and a grill rack.
has a power light so I know when the toaster is on.
has a full ranger of temperatures.
has a 60-minute timer but also has a stay on feature so I don't have to time something.
has 3 settings: broil, bake, and toast pizza.

Cons

I am lucky enough to have cleaning help so I didn't notice this until I went to review my HomeCookin Toaster...

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cmohr80 says "I should have walked out of the theater and got my $ back!" about Where the Wild Things Are

cmohr80 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:37:30 GMT

Reading the picture book Where the Wild Things Are is a fond childhood memory. When I heard they were making a movie based on this children's classic, I was anxious with anticipation for it's creation. When I heard that Spike Jonze (director of Being John Malkovich) would be the director, I was even more excited. The commercials made it look excellent. Before the opening day, I was already hearing great things about it. Some friends who had seen it opening weekend used the words "moving," "heart-warming," "emotional," and "meaningful" to describe the family film. So, I must say, that I had great expectations for this movie.

Where the Wild Things Are, a film based on the classic children's picture book by Maurice Sendak and directed by Spike Jonze, stars a character named Max, played by Max Records, who is over active and has a wild imagination, but lacks in courage and angers easily. After acting out and lashing out at his mother, played by Catherine Keener, Max runs off and...

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Jo says "Canker Melts: licorice cures canker sores" about Orahealth CankerMelts

Jo — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:04:16 GMT

To the Point

I get canker sores because I have an autoimmune disorder called Sjorgren's Syndrome. I was sent some samples of CankerMelts which can be bought in a package of 12 for $8.00 in Walgreens.

A Closer View

Let's look at the ingredients first:

The active ingredient is Glycyrrhiza extract (GX), which comes from the root of the licorice plant. GX is thought to have pain relieving, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. The inactive ingredients are Hydrophilic Gums and Potassium.

Since I found my CankerMelts to work I'll just get right into what the claims are.

Relieves pain in minutes
Heals sores in 1-5 days
Time releases soothing collagen and natural medication, not numbing chemicals.
CankerMelts have a mild flavor
They are somewhat self-adhering. They are advertised as being self adhering and that may be true in some parts of the mouth. I used mine on the sides of my mouth and held it in place. It would stick a bit but not enough. Also you can use these at night so...

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Jo says " I make smoothies with my Wave Station Dispensing Blender" about Hamilton Beach Wave Station Express Dispensing Blender

Jo — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:00:49 GMT

We are now a 2-blender family. My husband's smoothies have two many calories so I bought the Hamilton Beach Wave Station Express Dispensing Blender for about $20.00.

Pros

The 48-ounce jar is plastic so if it falls it won't break.
Hamilton Beach Wave Station Express Dispensing Blender has a Wave Action system. This actually works. The blender forces the mixture down into the blades. I have made smoothies before in other blenders and have to scrape the sides but I haven't had to this with Hamilton Beach Wave Station Express Dispensing Blender.
It it dishwasher safe.
It is attractive.
It has a dispenser so I can just pull on it and out will come my smoothie. If I use the spout there is a hidden spot under the blender for the cap. If I use the cap then I have to put the spout in a drawer.
It crushes ice really, really well.
It has 4 speeds which are smoothies, juicer, pulse, and milk shake. There is also a dispenser function which the dial should be on when using the dispenser.

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cmohr80 says "Yes! Betty Crocker has brought out a line of gluten free items!" about Betty Crocker Gluten Free Brownie Mix

cmohr80 — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:16:50 GMT

Calling ALL Celiac patients!!! Have you seen the latest in gluten free products? Do you miss the taste of real sweet dessert treats? Well, Betty Crocker now carries a line of gluten free goodies right at you local grocer! You heard me right: Betty Crocker! Yay!

Betty Crocker Gluten Free Brownie Mix, 150 calories per serving prepared, 10 from fat, 0g os Trans Fat, 1g Saturated Fat, 0 cholesterol, 1g fiber, 24g carbs, 18g sugars, 1g protein, product contains soy, but NO GLUTENS

Betty Crocker Gluten Free Cookie Mix, 150 Caleries per serving (2 cookies) prepared, 60 from fat, 0g Trans fats, 1g Saturated Fat, 0 cholesterol, 1g fiber, 13g sugar, 1g protein, product contains soy, but NO GLUTENS

I'm so excited I found these products at Albertsons. You expect nothing but the best from Betty Crocker and these gluten free line delivers. Mmmm, so good! I am stoked Betty Crocker got on board the gluten free bandwagon.Now, I can have my cake and eat it too, with their vanilla and...

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Jo says "Wow someone with the simplehuman step can" about simplehuman fingerprint-proof slim step can 1872

Jo — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:15:39 GMT

I will pay for quality but I bought a $10.00 waste basket which may not last too long. I guess in that case I wasn't paying for quality. Our daughter and son-in-law have the simplehuman fingerprint-proof slim step can model1872. This is what I would have liked but

I thought it would look too modern in my kitchen.
I would not pay $100.00 for a trash can.

I know there are copycats which you can buy for 1/2 the price. I have seen them in the store and I've seen dented ones. The simplehuman fingerprint-proof slim step can will dent anytime soon.

The features

I cannot imagine the copy cats have stainless steel that is finger proof (Imagine how great this is with children?) and whose inner bucket is dent-proof plastic. In addition the pedal and step area are solid stainless steel.

The simplehuman fingerprint-proof slim step can uses regular sized kitchen bags depending on what size you buy. Our daughter's is 30 liter/8 gallon measuring 18.7" in diameter by 10.4 inches wide by 22.4 inches high....

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Jo says "Apples to Apples is the party game of the year" about Mattel Games Apples to Apples

Jo — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:47:15 GMT

We were first introduced to the board game, Apples to Apples, by our daughter and son-in-law. We spent a weekend playing it. When we got home I went out and bought the game. It's super!

We played and bought the Party Box. There are other versions. We got

756 red apple cards
252 green apple cards
the rules

Apples to Apples is intended for 4 to 10 players. From experience the more players you have the more fun the game is. It is made for those over 12 years old. You can finish the game in about 1/2 hour but you'll want to play again.

How to play

Each player is dealt seven red apple cards. On each card there is a word or it could be a phrase such as "doctor" or "a bad haircut."

One person who is called the judge draws a green apple card. On this card there is an adjective such as "smart" or "shocking." That card is put down so the other players can see it. Then each player (except the judge) chooses a card that they think is the best match for the green apple card, and places it face-down....

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