Reviews by Friends of tomsand

AnnaBanana says "Holy SMACKERS! Good news for all of us snackers!" about Jolly Time - The Big Cheeze Microwave Popcorn

AnnaBanana — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 20:41:07 GMT

Usually in my reviews, I try to concentrate on foods with redeeming features -- low fat, whole grain, less calories, etc. -- but sometimes for something special I will leap the fence and take a chance on reviewing something that is only notable because it is so much fun to eat. Such is the case of Jolly Time The Big Cheeze Microwave Popcorn. My doctor would probably wake up screaming in the middle of the night if she knew I was eating this sort ot stuff (and rightfully so) but for a now-and-then treat, Jolly Time has outdone themselves.

In my first excited forays through Alice.com, I noticed that they had several types of popcorn for sale and took a chance on this one. I always think the winter months are an ideal season for fresh hot popcorn made at home. Last night, as I was watching "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," it occurred to me that if I had seen it in the theatre when it was first released, I probably would have been snacking on popcorn so I stopped the disk for...

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AnnaBanana says "Sears brightens up another corner!" about Grandrich Ceramic Table Lamp Model No. G2084 WHT

AnnaBanana — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 04:55:22 GMT

It is the start of another new year and who knows what the future will bring? Well, here is one safe bet -- as we each get older, we will probably feel less enthusiastic about scaling ladders or perching on chairs and reaching up to change bulbs in overhead lighting fixtures. It stands to reason that most senior citizens depend more and more on table lamps, night lights, or lighting fixtures which can be reached from a safe standing position on the floor.

Alas, my dear Auntie's beloved milk glass bedstand lamp finally gave in this year and it turned out to be hard to replace. Aunt Tatty didn't want something breathcatching and dramatic -- she just wanted a nice little lamp to brighten up the corner where her bed is. Sears had the answer and it was something we were able to find on line -- the Grandrich Ceramic Table Lamp Model No. G-2084 WHT.

This little lamp is perfect for a bedroom oriented to either gender and would also serve well in many other kinds of room as well. ...

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AnnaBanana says "It's still not the REAL thing but it's pretty good." about Dean's 2% Reduced Fat Holiday Egg Nog

AnnaBanana — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 20:53:51 GMT

When I was a little kid, no year-end holiday season was complete at Grandpa Bowen's house until some hero among us adjourned to the kitchen in the evening and whipped up a bowl or pitcher of egg nog. The formula was simple -- according to some old family recipe, you beat up a few raw eggs with an egg beater (Remember egg beaters!) before adding in a quart of whole milk, some sugar, and a touch of nutmeg. After apportioning my share to me, the adults may have spiked what was left before they divided it among themselves. We toasted each other with our glasses of nog for a festive moment destined to become a memory which I will always treasure.

If you have never tasted fresh, foamy homemade egg nog, you really missed something and alas, it looks like a lot of people have missed the boat on this permanently. Not only is a bowl of egg nog a lot of trouble to make but the authorities have warned us about the danger of eating anything made with fresh (raw) eggs which now present a...

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AnnaBanana says "It's made with Whole Grain but ..." about Cheez-It - Baked Snack Crackers made with Whole Grain

AnnaBanana — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 04:46:05 GMT

Alice.com has among other things a wide variety of Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers manufactured by the Sunshine Company. Several of us have reviewed the Cheez-It products, including my own review about Cheez-It Reduced Fat Baked Snack Crackers. Now something new has been added to the line: Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers made with Whole Grain ... to be more specific, 5 grams of Whole Grain per serving. I am a Cheez-It fan from way back but the fact remains that there are OTHER things besides whole grain in these crackers.

STATS:

Twenty-seven crackers constitute a single serving which contains 150 calories with 70 calories from fat. There are 8 grams Total Fat, 2 grams Saturated Fat, 4 grams polyunsaturated Fat, 2 grams Monounsatured fat, zero each Trans Fat. Cholesterol, and Sugars, 250 mg. Sodium, 17 grams Total Carbs, one gram Dietary Fiber, and 3 grams Protein. Also included are 6% (D.V.) Iron, and 2% each Vitamin A and Calcium.

MY VIEWPOINT:

Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers made...

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AnnaBanana says "It's delicious and YES, it is all natural, but ...." about Minute Maid Limonada Limeade

AnnaBanana — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 04:06:00 GMT

Peapod was having a sale on Minute Maid juices to salute the onslaught of the holiday entertaining season and so I decided to take a chance and try something different -- Minute Maid Limonada Limeade, one of the famous company's "Latin-oriented" products. I must say that this beverage has a delightful taste and is also a potion with a great potential for blending into smoothies or mixed drinks. That said, I must add that once again we find that "All Natural Flavors" do not necessarily mean that this is as good for you as the limeade you would make for yourself if you felt like squeezing a dozen fresh limes in your own kitchen.

STATS:

Eight ounces of this juice beverage are considered to be a single serving which contains 120 calories, zero fat, 15 mg. Sodium, 33 grams Total Carbs, and 31 grams Sugars. There are zero vitamins and minerals.

MY VIEWPOINT;

Minute Maid Limonada Limeade contains lime juice from concentrate and less than 1% each Natural Flavors and Citric Acid. Alas,...

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AnnaBanana says "A great alternative to a muffin for a fun breakfast!" about General Mills Fiber One Toaster Pastry

AnnaBanana — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 12:49:24 GMT

We probably enjoy more breakfast options today than the centuries of people who came before us could have dreamed of. Prominent among these are the quick and easy things. Nowadays, you can just pop a frozen breakfast entree into the microwave, make a bowl of "instant" hot cereal or knock back a serving of the ready-to-eat stuff and then of course there is the notorious sweet roll or muffin. Should we become so jaded that none of that seems exciting, there is always a healthier breakfast goodie option -- Fiber One Toaster Pastries manufactured by General Mills. These taste almost as good as sweet rolls or muffins and are almost as easy -- you just stick them in the toaster under the lightest setting for a few minutes to create a delightful, warm light breakfast.

Fiber One Toaster Pastries come in a variety of flavors; I chose Brown Sugar Cinnamon which cost about 50 cents a bar and was available from Alice.com (and most supermarkets). My expectations were not high because...

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AnnaBanana says "A wonderful treat but chew carefully!" about Today's Farm - Freeze-Dried Fruit Snack

AnnaBanana — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:43:55 GMT

Among the goodies which arrived in my first order from Alice.com was a .75 oz. Today's Farm Freeze-Dried Fruit Snack manufactured by Justus Foods, Inc. of Georgetown Texas. These snacks come in assorted flavors but I chose Apple Cinnamon. At $2.24 a package, this is not cheap but the ingredient list for this treat is delightfully simple: freeze-dried apples, sugar and cinnamon. The package contains the equivalent of two 1/2-cup servings of fresh apples which have been sliced up as though for a pie before the water was extracted from them. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives. As far as I am concerned, less is more when it comes to ingredients and this is no exception.

STATS:

One entire package is considered to be a single serving which contains 80 calories and zip, zip, zero fat, Cholesterol, Sodium and Protein. There are 20 grams Total Carbs, 2 grams Dietary Fiber, 16 grams Sugars, and 6% (D.V.) Vitamin C.

MY VIEWPOINT:

Today's Farm Apple Cinnamon Freeze-Dried...

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AnnaBanana says "Great deals from Alice's Wonderland!" about Alice.com

AnnaBanana — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:26:28 GMT

Of all the social and technological advances in the past decade, perhaps the most amazing is the ability for online shoppers to order groceries from the safety and convenience of home. This has made life easier for a lot of people -- in fact, it has been a real lifesaver, literally speaking. There was a time when a person who couldn't get to the grocery store or have someone else bring back the necessary provisions could literally die of starvation! That is precisely what happened to some senior citizens or other vulnerable people who lived alone especially in neighborhoods where grocery shopping venues were limited or non-existent.

A lot of us already have reveled in the wonders of Peapod -- or other online grocery order services -- but not everyone is lucky enough to live in an area serviced by them. The great news is that now almost everyone has Alice.com to look after them.

Alice Tries Harder

Alice.com can only supply grocery items which can be safely mailed through UPS. ...

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AnnaBanana says "The best of the best!" about Green Giant Immunity Blend

AnnaBanana — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:28:03 GMT

There are a lot of excellent frozen veggies and side dishes out there but one of the best is Green Giant and Green Giant Immunity Blend is perhaps the best they have come up with so far. This medley of broccoli florets, julienne carrots and red and yellow sweet peppers is delightful. The garlic-herb extra virgin oil coating it all is flavorful without being too overpowering. It is called "Immunity Blend" because it is (according to the package information) "naturally rich in antioxidants Vitamins A & C to help support a healthy immune system."

STATS:

The contents of this 7 oz. box is considered to add up to two 2/3 cup servings, each containing 50 calories with 25 calories from fat. There are 3 grams Total Fat, zero each Saturated Fat, Trans Fat, and Cholesterol, 115 mg. Sodium, 7 grams Total Carbs, 2 grams Dietary Fiber, 3 grams Sugars and 1 gram Protein. There are also 30% (D.V.) Vitamin A, 50% Vitamin C, and 2% each Calcium and Iron.

TASTE TIP:

Green Giant Immunity Blend...

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AnnaBanana says "It does what it promised but I am very concerned." about Pantene Pro-V Silver Expressions Daily Color Enhancing Shampoo

AnnaBanana — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:27:36 GMT

Usually, I don't do reviews about shampoos or conditioners with rare exception (i.e. Aveda Sap Moss about a year ago). A few weeks ago, I ran out of the Aveda Sap Moss Shampoo only to discover it had been discontinued by Drugstore.com. Whilst cruising the aisles at CVS, I noticed they were having a sale on Pantene Pro V Silver Expressions Shampoo. "What the heck?" I thought, and took a bottle home.

According to the label information, this stuff promises to help remove dulling residue from white or silver hair, leaving it brighter and healthier-looking. I've got to say that it does what it promised. The other night, while chatting with the cashier at the 7/11, I happened to glance up at the security mirror above us and my hair looked absolutely dazzling. I have also received nice comments about it.

I really, really wanted Pantene Pro V Silver Expressions Shampoo to work for me on an indefinite basis but I am a little concerned about what I perceive to be greater-than-normal...

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AnnaBanana says "Childhood revisited!" about Classic Shirley Temple Paper Dolls in Full Color

AnnaBanana — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:43:48 GMT

A couple years ago, a friend who knows about my interest in antique toys gave me something really cool ... a copy of Classic Shirley Temple Paper Dolls in Full Color edited by Grayce Piemontesi. This book,published by Dover Publications, consists of 16 beautiful colored "plates" which combine to form a republication of rare authentic paper dolls originally published in 1935 and 1936 respectively under the titles "Shirley Temple Standing Doll No. 1727" and "Shirley Temple, a Lifelike Paper Doll Cut-Out / 34 Inches High." Included are three paper dolls of various sizes and poses to be cut out, along with paper outfits which can be attached to the dolls in various ways.

The price on this book says $3.50 (although it may have gone up since my friend bought it for me.) There are many fine Dover Publications including coloring and paper doll books available at Barnes & Noble. My guess is that they might have this book and offer a pretty good deal on it too.

MY VIEWPOINT:

Shirley Temple's...

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AnnaBanana says "This may not be everyone's cup of tea." about Hellmann's Mayonnaise with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

AnnaBanana — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:35:51 GMT

For years, I have loved extra virgin olive oil and also mayonnaise, especially Hellmann's. A while back I took a chance and tried Kraft Mayonnaise with Olive Oil and was pleasantly surprised. It seemed to be a healthier option and tasted very similar to the "regular" version of this famous sandwich spread and salad dressing. My favorite mayo continued to be Hellmann's though and so I was glad to finally try Hellmann's Mayonnaise with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

STATS:

One tablespoon is considered to be a single serving which contains 50 calories with 45 calories from fat. There are 5 grams Total Fat, half a gram Saturated Fat, zero grams Trans Fat, 2.5 grams Polyunsaturated Fat, 1.5 grams Monounsaturated Fat, 5 mg. Cholesterol, 120 mg. Sodium, less than one gram Total Carbs and zero Protein.

MY VIEWPOINT:

Since I love the taste of extra virgin olive oil and also Hellmann's famous signature product, I expected the blend of the two to be a sure winner in my book. For some reason,...

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AnnaBanana says "Definitely, one of the GOOD things!" about Green Giant Healthy Heart

AnnaBanana — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:50:03 GMT

One of the good things about being retired is that you don't have to go racing off to catch the bus or train every day. Except for occasional errands, appointments or shopping, there is no more commuting for you. That's the GOOD news. The BAD news is that you may be getting less exercise than you used to when your daily routine included rushing up the El steps to catch a train.

Don't get me wrong, I love being retired but I have also been trying to find light, lean options for lunch to accommodate my less active lifestyle. Here is one of the good things out there -- the collection of Green Giant healthier entrees and side dishes, especially Green Giant Healthy Heart. This blend of "pearled barley, sugar snap peas and Julienne carrots in an herb-infused extra virgin olive oil sauce" is something I would not have thought of on my own and it was delicious. I especially enjoyed the wonderful snap peas which are one of my favorite vegetables. This dish has earned its moniker...

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AnnaBanana says "Abandon hope all ye who enter here? MAYBE not!" about Lay's - Classic Potato Chips

AnnaBanana — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:00:11 GMT

Like most of us, I have come to look askance at the "Snacks" aisle at the supermarket or convenience store. I realize too well that a person like me has no business shopping in that part of the store unless I am buying a contribution to bring to a party. Instead of "Snacks" there should be a sign over that aisle which proclaims "Abandon hope, all ye who enter here!" As a matter of fact I rarely ever enter there as the only attempts at healthier products seem to have resulted in low-fat overtures which seem hard enough to pry open windows or those dreadful things booby-trapped with the deadly Olestra that I have read so much about. All of this not withstanding, there I was at the 7/11 the other night with a taste for a little something to go with that leftover turkey sandwich at home. What happened next may not have been pretty to watch but I won't lie to you -- I oh Lord picked up a 2-1/2 oz. package of Lay's Classic Potato Chips and actually took them home with me.

LATER,...

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AnnaBanana says "A delicious alternative to meat!" about Green Giant Rice Medley

AnnaBanana — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:51:26 GMT

Reprobate that I am, I probably never will give up meat and become a serious vegetarian. However, I am also a realist and so am trying to reduce my meat consumption even at dinner as painlessly as possible. If you feel as i do (or if you really are a vegetarian) then you might enjoy this delightful Green Giant Rice Medley which is a mixture of "gold standard" rice, peas and mushrooms combined in a delightful, albeit meatless brown sauce which tastes like beef stew without the beef. Savory flavor, luscious textures and satisfaction we have here in abundance -- enough to rival any steak.

STATS:

If you are serving this as a side dish, you could probably stretch it to two servings, but if this is what's for dinner than the folks at Green Giant were right to consider the entire contents of the 10 oz. box to be a single serving which contains 250 calories with 35 calories from fat. There are 4 grams Total Fat, 1 gram Saturated Fat, zero Trans Fat and Cholesterol, 1,000 mg. Sodium, 48...

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AnnaBanana says "Okay, THIS is more like it!" about Fudgsicle Original Fudge Bars with No Sugar Added

AnnaBanana — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:10:56 GMT

A few days ago, when I reviewed Skinny Cow Low Fat Fudge Bars, I said that they were good in their own way but lacked the true chocolate essence of the Fudgsicles we used to eat when we were kids. Imagine my surprise to discover since then that someone is still making Fudgsicles and now the Unilever Corporation has come up with Fudgsicle No Sugar Added Frozen Pops. Skeptic that I am, I didn't really expect them to be all that good but these are delicious -- I have no mixed feelings about them at all.

Fudgsicle No Sugar Added Frozen Pops come a dozen to a box. They are a delicious reminder of the old days when we didn't have to worry about calories. The matchless frozen but slightly chewy texture common to all "Sicle" products is here. Sugar has been replaced by Sorbitol and Maltodextrin, the milk is non-fat, but there is enough cocoa and a touch of malt to convey that wonderful, matchless Fudgsicle flavor of old. There was no aftertaste which I could detect and you know I...

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AnnaBanana says "A great treat but -- Chocoholics, don't hold your breath!" about Skinny Cow Low Fat Fudge Bars

AnnaBanana — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:03:02 GMT

Just in time for Thanksgiving, I found another "alternate" dessert since one cannot live by Pumpkin Pie alone. If you've eaten a big dinner or it is getting late in the evening and you just want a light sweet snack, you might want to try Skinny Cow Low Fat Fudge Bars which are delicious big hunks of ice cream firmly grounded on a sturdy stick for convenient indulging. These frozen bars don't really taste like a low-fat product -- alas, they do not really taste much like chocolate either! To all the Chocoholics out there, I can save you a lot of time and disappointment by advising you to look somewhere else for your true fudge fix.

STATS:

A 74 gram frozen bar is considered to be a single serving containing 100 calories with 10 calories from fat. There are 1 gram Total Fat, a half a gram Saturated Fat, zero Trans Fat, 3 mg. Cholesterol, 45 mg. Sodium, 22 grams Total Carbs, 4 grams Dietary Fiber, 13 grams Sugars and 4 grams Protein. Also included in each bar are 2% (D.V.) Vitamin A, 4% Iron,...

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AnnaBanana says "I could get used to this!" about Progresso 100% Natural Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth

AnnaBanana — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:24:12 GMT

There I was the other day, rudely shoving the last leftovers from Thanksgiving around, when to my horror I discovered MORE leftovers in my freezer compartment. Apparently the last time I had bought a roast chicken from Dominick's, I had not finished it and just stuffed what was left in the freezer for "later." Now here I was, with some leftover chicken and also -- as fate would have it -- most of the Del Monte convenience cut onions and celery (which I had used for my stuffing), a half a pound of baby carrots, a half a bag of egg noodles and -- most importantly -- almost an entire 32 oz. carton of Progresso 100% Natural Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth. If ever there was a time to make Chicken Noodle Soup, this was it but first I tried a little of the broth.

A BETTER IDEA

Progresso means what they say when it comes to "All Natural" as this ingredients list bears out: chicken broth, autolyzed yeast extract, sugar, sea salt, carrot puree, salt, natural flavor, chicken powder, chicken...

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