Reviews by Friends of techfusion

GigiandAdonai says "Stepping into luxury and doing it the Parisian way!" about Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Gel Moussant Fresh Bath Gel (6.8 oz)

GigiandAdonai — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:36:09 GMT

I love this time of year or rather the holidays because I often receive gifts or gift cards to get the more expensive items that I so desperately love. Months ago I reviewed some of my more expensive perfumes and Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle was one of them. My perfume came as a gift set with a bath gel and lotion. I loved them all but was a little dismayed when I found out how much they cost individually. So, I resorted back to my other faves such as Bath and Body Works Twilight Woods and Caress's Evenly Gorgeous. Then I was given a gift card to a department store and some cash to go shopping at an outlet mall. Well, someone was looking out for me!

I got into a perfume store at the outlet mall and I can't even remember the name. I thought I was going to buy another bottle of Dolce and Gabbana's Light Blue but instead I went after the Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Bath Gel. This is some luxurious stuff and worth every penny that you invest. You'll step into the bath like a pauper...

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GigiandAdonai says "Snail mail: When you care enough to buy a Forever Stamp. " about United States Postal Service "Forever" Stamp

GigiandAdonai — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:53:51 GMT

I remember months ago when AnnaBanana reviewed the Forever Stamp. Please click here if you would like to read her review. It's very intriguing. The Forever stamp that when purchased at its current price never loses its value as the postage rates go up. Therefore, right now the standard stamp cost $0.44 each. I can buy a book of 20 self-adhesive stamps for $8.80 and if I am still holding one those stamps 10 years from now when the cost of an individual stamp is $1.00 or more I can still use my stamp without adding additional postage.

I am from the old school. I still love to send/receive cards and letters the old-fashioned way, via snail mail. I enjoy getting an e-card or a letter that has been emailed but there is something special about getting that card or letter in your mailbox. I think for me I have added the sentimentality of being able to put it in my hatbox along with all the other cards/letters that I keep. Many nights I will find myself going through old mail...

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GigiandAdonai says "Crimson nail polish was my color of choice for the holidays." about Pure Ice Crimson

GigiandAdonai — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:35:35 GMT

For the past several months I have been wearing a French manicure with white tips. During the holidays I decided I wanted to go with polished nails. I usually use the OPI or Sally Hansen polishes so I am not really sure how I managed to purchase Pure Ice. I guess it really was the color that caught my eye. I was shopping for a pretty red that would compliment many of my holiday outfits and that is when I saw it! Crimson Red by Pure Ice.

Pure Ice is manufactured by Bari Cosmetics. It's a nice brand but doesn't cost near as much as it's leading competitors. I believe I paid around $2.50 for a 5 fl oz bottle at Walmart. This is probably the higher end polish for Bari Cosmetics because they also manufacture Love My Nails; which runs about $1-1.50 a bottle.

I have enjoyed wearing the polish and must admit that for a cheaper brand you will get your money's worth. I painted my nails on Saturday the 19th for my Christmas cantata at church and I am still wearing that polish. ...

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GigiandAdonai says "When washing dishes it smells like you're baking an apple pie! " about Dawn Apple Crisp Scent Dishwashing Liquid (Limited Edition)

GigiandAdonai — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 21:24:28 GMT

I have been using Dawn dishliquid for about 20 years. I love how gentle it is on the hands and that it really does make cleaning dishes easier, cuts the grease on pots and pans, and many of the scents smell wonderful and many are made with antibacterial agents.

Months ago JasyJen reviewed a Dawn dishliquid for hand renewal and I wanted to review it too but somehow never got around to it. If you want to read on that specific product click here and read her review.

The other day I was shopping and needed some Dawn dishliquid. I have been using the Hand Renewal with Oil of Olay for about six months now so I went straight to that one. But then right beside it on the shelf I noticed the Apple Crisp Scent; which is a limited edition. I opened it and it smelled like grandma's homemade pie. Well, I don't eat apples or pies but I sure do like the scent of apples and/or cinnamon and spice so this specific scent was a keeper. It cost $3.79 for a 24 fl oz (1.5 pt) bottle at Walmart because...

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GigiandAdonai says "For the New Year I got a new Life: Wizard of Oz that is! " about Hasbro The Game of Life: The Wizard of Oz Collector's Edition

GigiandAdonai — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:26:55 GMT

If you have been following me for any length of time or really know me you know that I love the Wizard of Oz. I have one of the guest rooms in my house decorated in the Wizard of Oz theme and have collectibles throughout the room and on the wall. This year my younger sister told me she got me a collectible for Christmas. She wanted to give it to me early because she was afraid it would get messed up but I told her not to. But her comments got me thinking and I began pondering what the collectible would be. Would it be another Barbie doll, porcelain doll, something to add to my Beauty and the Beast collection, a musical water globe or a miniature shoe? Hmm...well, at our family Christmas party I discovered the collectible. My sister gave me The Game of Life: The Wizard of Oz Collector's Edition, woo hoo! I didn't even know this version existed so that made it even more of a surprise.

I now have four versions of The Game of Life (original, Monsters Inc., electronic and the...

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GigiandAdonai says "Winter wonderland is better with the meaning of the snowflake." about Dayspring Christmas Inspirational Box Cards (all designs)

GigiandAdonai — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 18:04:35 GMT

Going online and sending/receiving emails and e-cards is a wonderful thing but I am a very sentimental person so there is something special about sending/receiving a card or letter the old fashioned way, by snail mail. I always tell friends and family that I will keep the United States Postal Service in business because I am always buying stamps and sending stuff. The holidays is no exception. There is no greater joy than to open your mailbox and instead of a stack of bills you find a greeting card.

I have friends across the country from east coast to west coast, from way down south, up to New York and out to California. I love sending cards. This year I had every intention of sending cards but time slipped away and I didn't get them addressed and mailed. But I did still give out approximately 30-40 cards to family and friends that were local. I use a lot of discretion when selecting my Christmas cards because sometimes for me as a Christian I feel as if this is the only way...

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GigiandAdonai says "Smell great stepping out of the woods or out for the night!" about Bath and Body Works Twilight Woods Signature Collection Eau de Toilette

GigiandAdonai — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:40:39 GMT

Yes, another Twilight Woods product by Bath and Body Works. The 2.5 fl oz bottle of Twilight Woods perfume only costs $29.50 so that is a great bargain considering I am usually paying between $80-150 for perfume (Light Blue and Coco Chanel Mademoiselle).

I have stated in previous perfume reviews that I can't really do justice because I don't have the professional know how to describe a fragrance. I've read where people speak of the low and high notes. Well, I love to sing but can't figure out how "notes" apply to perfume; except to say that perhaps the low and high notes are more symbolic of the intensity of a fragrance. Does it go on soft (low) or does it overwhelm you with a strong (loud) scent? Twilight Woods is probably like me. A mezzo-soprano. I have the ability to sing 2nd alto (the high notes) and 1st soprano (low notes) or the melody. Twilight Woods is well versed like me so maybe that's why I like it! Twilight Woods appears to be strong when you spray it but...

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GigiandAdonai says "A bath in the great outdoors! So invigorating and sensual!" about Bath and Body Works Twilight Woods Shower Gel

GigiandAdonai — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:12:03 GMT

Yes, I'm on a roll with my Twilight Woods products! I've been using Twilight Woods Shower Gel now for about 6 weeks and I'm loving it! You have probably read my reviews on the bubble bath and body cream so you are familiar with the details of the scent. It's hard to describe a scent if you aren't familiar with all those fancy terminology about perfumes and fragrances.

Twilight Woods is like being in the great outdoors and every once in a while a sensual and romantic aroma drifts through the clouds and stirs your senses. I am still not 100% convinced that Twilight Woods isn't an enhanced version of the Sensual Amber collection but whatever the case, I love it more!

The shower gel lathers up into a rich and bubbly lather. I am probably a little too overindulgent when using it because I squirt a lot on to the poof ball! When I start bathing I am covered from head to toe in the most aromatic fragrance and bubbles. Twilight Woods will awaken your senses. You can see, feel...

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GigiandAdonai says "Confession: I use it as an air freshener!" about Bath and Body Works Twilight Woods Frangrance Mist

GigiandAdonai — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:50:17 GMT

I am so in love with the Twilight Woods Signature Collection by Bath and Body Works. While looking for the perfume I came across the body mist. I sprayed it and just like all the other products; it smelled divine. I bought a bottle but I don't use it on a regular basis as a body spray. I have been using it as an air freshener. This bottle is a lot larger and therefore, going to give you more use than the smaller air mist can that is intended to be the air freshener.

I spray the body mist up toward the ceiling fan blades and it just whirls around a wonderful fragrance and yes, the scent does linger. Usually if I am in the bathroom I will spray it toward the air vent.

During the holidays I had many asking me what air fresheners I was using. Well, I had a blend of the Glade Bayberry Spice plug-ins and this wonderful Twilight Woods body spray.

Twilight Woods opens up your senses and makes you feel as if you are walking through the woods and breathing in the various aromas of the...

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vivasuzi says "Soft, warm and comfy - what more do you need!" about Martha Stewart Everyday Extra-Soft Blanket

vivasuzi — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 03:46:01 GMT

I never buy Martha Stewart brand things, not that I have anything against it, I just don't tend to buy it. My Grandmother-in-law gave us the Martha Stewart Everyday Extra-Soft Blanket at our wedding shower and we just busted it out this winter.

The Extra-Soft blanket is - extra soft! It says it's made of microfiber yarns. I'm not sure what that means but it must mean something that makes it soft. We have a queen/king size blanket so it fits great on our bed. We put it on top of our other blankets as an extra layer on really cold nights and it really helps keep us warm.

Outside of bedtime, I use this blanket a lot in the living room while I watch tv or work on the computer. It may be queen/king size, but I love how warm it keeps me so I pull it off the bed often :) It's so soft and cuddly that I can fall asleep and take a nap with it anytime. The great thing is, I never feel overly HOT when I use this blanket. I feel warm and toasty but not hot. So I don't end up...

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Reviewer11 says "The healthiest and delicious burgers there is!" about In-N-Out Burgers - California, CA

Reviewer11 — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:00:36 GMT

Although some people who claim to be "Experts" might say that "In-N-Out" is unhealthy, it it FALSE. These experts should actually try the product and witness it themselves in order to write an accurate review. Why are "In-N-Out" burgers healthy? Here's why:

1. Burgers aren't fried. They're grilled.

2. Burgers come with lettuce and tomato which is, what ladies and gentlemen?-- healthy! Duh!

3. For those who don't eat or limit their carbs, In-N-Out has a burger called "Protein Style" burger which has no bun and it is covered with lettuce.

4. The french fries are fried in 100% vegetable oil. That's one of the healthy oils compared to peanut oil and others.

5. It tastes fresh because wow, they use real potatoes! You can SEE them slicing the potatoes on the window when you use the drive-thru. You can see what the workers are doing when you use the drive thru.

~In-N-Out also has a few foods that aren't posted on their menu sign but few of them can be found on their official website at: http://www.in-n-out.com/default.asp...

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Meredith says "Big Star wins!" about Big Star - Chicago, IL

Meredith — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:48:05 GMT

I really love the new Tex-Mex cantina in Wicker Park - Big Star. The owners of Avec started Big Star... nice group. Let's just say I went there 3 nights in a row so it must be good. Located across from The Violet Hour on Damen near Milwaukee. Great vibe, greater food and drinks. I'm in love.

The highlights...

- $2 tacos (chicken, fish, pork, veggie)

- Impressive tequila & bourbon list. Plus, a ginger & beer cocktail that I love. Most cocktails are $7.

- On tap: Goose Island's Matilda ($6), Lagunita lager ($4) & Schlitz ($1)

- Super fresh quacamole, handmade tortillas

- Chill atmosphere, friendly staff

- Good music. They play records. Yes real records on a record player! Mostly rockabilly, old country (think Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash)

Go early-ish for any hope of getting a seat at the bar or seats anywhere, for that matter.

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vivasuzi says "Use them on the window, or the fridge, or the wall!" about Product Works Jingle Jelz Window Decor

vivasuzi — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:12:35 GMT

I bought two different kinds of Jingle Jelz at Bronner's Christmas Wonderland and now I can't wait to go back and buy some more.

Jingle Jelz are holiday decorations that come in a variety of cartoon characters and shapes. At Bronner's I only saw the Christmas kind, but online I see they have various holiday designs. I bought Woodstock (from snoopy) and a set of snowflakes as seen in the picture. These are window clings, but what makes them different is that the Jingle Jelz are made of a thick gel-like substance that makes them soft and mushy.

Jingle Jelz aren't just for windows! As you can see from my pictures, I use them on my painted walls. I was worried they would eventually fall off, but they've been up for weeks with no trouble. Last year I had woodstock on my fridge and the snowflakes on my glass door. So there are various places that these will stick. Any smooth surface should do. I like to keep the Jelz inside the house where I can see them rather then putting...

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vivasuzi says "For once, I'm glad I ran out of Chapstick!" about Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil

vivasuzi — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:13:43 GMT

I had never used Burt's Bees, but I signed up for their email newsletter because everyone told me they had great products. A few months ago, I received an awesome email deal and went and got a ton of their products, but I didn't open any of them until now.... when I finally ran out of Chapstick.

I always used Chapstick because it is supposedly medicated, and supposedly the best thing for chapped lips, however now that I had some Burt's Bees to try - I couldn't wait! The Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil smelled great when I first opened it, and every time since. It is hard to describe the smell of Burt's Bees products, all I can say is they are strong! But don't worry, it doesn't smell that strong after you put it on.

I choose to try this one first because it said it was Replenishing. My lips get dry often and I can't stand it. With Chapstick I often had to reapply over and over. However with Burt's Bees I put it on once and my lips stayed moisturized...

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GigiandAdonai says "Slip into the Twilight Woods and let your senses carry you away." about Bath & Body Works Bath Body Works Twilight Woods Bubble Bath

GigiandAdonai — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:28:31 GMT

I love bubble baths and my Saturday ritual consist of sleeping in and then taking a long, hot bubble bath. Nothing relaxes me more than to put some music on and to slip into a tub full of bubbles and to just soak in the warm water and breathe in the aroma. Twilight Woods has such an intense fragrance that it truly is enchanting. I have never used any sort of aromatherapy bubble baths but this would probably do the trick.

I use two capfuls and it will produce a nice amount of bubbles but not the amount that I really want. You know I want the bubble bath like Julia Roberts had in Pretty Woman. I guess if I were in Hollywood someone could produce that effect for me but for now this will do. So, Twilight Woods doesn't give you all the bubbles but it will bring a lot of delight.

The fragrance is the same as the Twilight Woods body cream. It's a very deep moisturizing bubble bath. It's not very greasy. I don't have to worry about stepping into my garden tub and slipping and...

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GigiandAdonai says "I'm now in the Twilight Woods cheating on Sensual Amber." about Bath and Body Works Twilight Woods Triple Moisture Body Cream

GigiandAdonai — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:11:40 GMT

Several weeks ago I was sitting in my office when a client walked in and I was immediately taken by the scent that followed her. I asked her if she was wearing a perfume or lotion because I really liked it. She told me she was wearing Twilight Woods by Bath and Body Works and she pulled a small bottle out of her purse and let me smell it. At first I thought I was smelling Sensual Amber under another name. I took a bottle of Sensual Amber out of my desk drawer and let her smell it and she noticed the similarity too. Twilight Woods is being sold under the Signature Collection series and since I have been introduced to it I must admit that it is now my favorit fragrance at Bath and Body Works.

A few weeks ago I was at the mall and stopped by Bath and Body Works because they were having a 3 for 3 sale. You bought 3 items and got 3 of equal or lesser value free. Well, I stocked up on the body cream, shower gel and bubble bath and then I went up front and picked up several of the...

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GigiandAdonai says "Simple Pleasures is my favorite lip balm of all!" about Simple Pleasures Snowman Lip Balm Set

GigiandAdonai — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 16:33:15 GMT

Several months ago PattyTherre and I were discussing the various lip balms and I got into a discussion with her about the most fabulous product I had ever tried. It's the Simple Pleasures lip balms. I never can find them except for at Christmas time and it's usually in gift sets at Kohls. So Patty and I began to search the Internet and she found the manufacturer but we couldn't find the product. Just as I suspected it is now back at Kohls and I have once again stocked up on them. There are several varieties and each gives you a bag full of flavors. My favorite is the Snowman collection. I don't know if it's because I actually like those flavors the best or if the thought of snowman and snowflakes warm my heart during the holidays. I have also purchased the Gingerbread collection and the ice-cream treats.

Kohls website has this to say about the snowman collection:

Deliciously sweet. This lip balm gift set is perfect for the gift-giving season.

Powdered sugar, gumdrop, mint...

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vivasuzi says "Another one that you have to see at the IMAX in 3D!" about A Christmas Carol starring Jim Carrey

vivasuzi — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:40:11 GMT

My mom and I have had A Christmas Carol reserved on our calendars since months ago when we heard it would be showing at the IMAX in 3D. As with most IMAX movies, this was totally worth the $11.75 ticket price and the 1 hour wait in line! Buy your tickets early because many showings are selling out at the IMAX by us and it will only get worse as it gets closer to Christmas.

A Christmas Carol takes the classic story that we all know and love, and transforms it into something you've never seen before. Even if you know the story inside and out as I do, this movie will still shock and amaze you because it doesn't happen exactly as you expect. This is the story of Scrooge as you've never seen it before - and it's in 3D!

Jim Carrey stars as Scrooge and also voices the 3 ghosts. As you may expect from Jim, there is some humor thrown in to each of these characters. The audience giggled at many parts throughout. The animation was so well done that some of the characters, including...

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vivasuzi says "I'm making Fannie May into a new Christmas Tradition" about Fannie May Candies

vivasuzi — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:28:18 GMT

I discovered Fannie May Candies last year after a supplier sent us some Trinidads at work. Trinidads are made of chocolate cream covered in a toasted coconut shell. They are very yummy! So I went online to find Fannie May and ended up buying an assortment that very same year. The gift went over so well that I did the same thing this year!

The Create Your Own Assortment allows you to pick your favorite chocolates to build an assortment of any size ranging from 1 pound to 2.5 pounds. I purchased the 2.5 pounds assortment and picked 10 different 1/4 lb candies to include. This assortment cost $45 before shipping and I think that is pretty reasonable considering how I distribute the candy to 6 or more people.

What I have been doing for the last 2 years is ordering a variety of 10 of my favorite Fannie May candies. The assortment comes in a large tower box that is decorated to look nice under the tree. However I take things a step further! I open the assortment and all...

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vivasuzi says "Cute but a little silly" about I Me Wed (2007)

vivasuzi — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:48:25 GMT

Isabelle is a successful 30 year old woman who is sick and tired of all her friends and family pressuring her to settle down. She's perfectly happy being single and successful and finally decides she is going to prove it to everyone once and for all. How can she do that? By marrying herself!

I Me Wed follows Isabelle as she plans her wedding - in which she plans to marry herself. It starts as a simple fun thing she wants to do for herself, but then a news story comes out of it. That news story turns into more newspaper stories and then the tv shows get involved. Isabelle meets a man that she actually really likes! Will she still go through with wedding? Will the man be okay with it all? And can she get her friends and family to understand what she is doing?

I Me Wed is cute but silly. Ok, so I get the point Isabelle is trying to prove. She wants to show her friends that she can be perfectly happy even if she never finds a man. Her story starts to inspire other...

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