Reviews by Friends of witchenkitchen

TunefulGal says "INFO ON THE FLY: Old Farmer's Gardening, U.S. Capitol calendars" about The Old Farmer's Almanac Products 2010 Gardening Calendar

TunefulGal — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:00:12 GMT

On my way out the back door to garden, I'm less interested in the day's date than I am in the wisdom, tips, poetry and humor of my Old Farmer's Almanac Gardening Calendar.

Once again, I've hung this year's calendar in the back hall where I can scan for info that is folksy -- "If you find a red-tailed bumblebee in your home, expect a visit from a male stranger".

Or pertinent to outdoor projects -- "...to kill mosquito larvae in rain barrels, add one tablespoon of vegetable oil to the water... [to] form a barrier... that prevents larvae from surfacing to breathe.

Or simply collectible as fascinating trivia -- Milkweed "seeds floss is so buoyant that it was used in United States naval life preservers during World War II".

This is education on the fly with vivid art that further explains gardening issues. Your rewards?

There are possible conversational entrees here.
You can have good feelings about stimulate your brainpower with new information.
You may even delve further into...

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TunefulGal says "Kohler's Forte Pull-out Kitchen Faucet makes my day. Every day!" about Kohler Forte Faucet

TunefulGal — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:00:03 GMT

Finally! I've abandoned my no-good, brand name, leaky-squeaky kitchen faucet for a different faucet that makes sense.

Bravo! The Kohler K-10433 Single Handle Pullout Kitchen Faucet from the Forte Series (whew!) brings efficiency and versatility to washing my dishes and my hair. I actually look forward to using it every single time.

The Forte Faucet boasts a wow of a guarantee. Kohler warrants this faucet "leak and drip free during normal residential use for as long as the original consumer purchaser owns his or her home". If the Forte Faucet should leak, Kohler will mail you a cartridge free of charge in order to "put the faucet in good working condition".

Having recently struggled with stage after stage of parts-removal in order to perform my no-good faucet's washer repair, I vow now to track down washer/cartridge issues before buying a faucet of any kind. Kohler states up front that its ceramic disc valves "exceed industry longevity standards two times for a lifetime...

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Jo says " Quick Top Can Cap: best invention under $2.00" about Compac Industries Quick Top Can Cap

Jo — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:22:27 GMT

To the Point

Although the Quick Top Can Cap is an "as seen on TV" product, I picked it up in Wal-Mart. I was looking for inexpensive soda can tops but found the Quick Top Can Cap instead. I hesitated because it was over $2.00. I thought that a lot for what seemed to be a plastic top but it is so much more and really worth the money.

A Closer View

The Quick Top Can Cap was really a necessity for me. We are on the road traveling so I can put the cap on my soda and not be afraid of taking a drink and having it all over me. We also pull a travel trailer. I made the mistake of putting an open soda in the refrigerator.

I love using the Quick Top Can Cap on the beach or outside. I put the can in the arm of my chair and feel as if a bug or bee won't fly in my can.

The Quick Top Can Cap is amazingly versatile. The cover acts as both a cover and a coaster. The can seals into the cover so it stays put. The cap can also be used as a cup.

The Can Cap is dishwasher safe though I have only washed...

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BayouBengal says "Beyond BodiHeat Delivers Heat to Sore & Aching Areas for Relief" about Beyond BodiHeat Heat Pad

BayouBengal — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 17:42:21 GMT

When it comes to aches and pains, I have my fair share having both Fibromayalgia and arthritis. I've learned to live with both and the pain that they bring. I have several prescriptions for pain relief, but I prefer to deal with the pain in other ways if at all possible. Beyond BodiHeat Heat Pads have proven to be one of the products that I can count on for non-prescription relief from aches and pains.

Beyond BodiHeat Heat Pads

Beyond BodiHeat Heat Pads come in various size packages. I picked up the 4 pack which had a bonus pad inside. They were also on Rite Aids rebate list for the month of November so this was a pretty good deal with a discount and also an extra pad! The 4 pack normally retails for around $8.99 a package.

Beyond BodiHeat Heat Pads claim to sooth and comfort sore muscles and also relieve pain in backs and joints. The pads have an adhesive backing which attaches to clothing so you can adjust the pad for the exact area that needs the warmth and pain relief....

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BayouBengal says "Graveyardmall.com is a Great Online Site for Bargains" about Graveyard Mall

BayouBengal — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 01:45:58 GMT

It has been some time since I ordered anything from www.graveyardmall.com and today I decided to visit the site to see what they had to offer. I was surprised to see many high end items for the kitchen and also name brand lighting fixtures added to the site since I last visited. All of these items will be of interest as we start to remodel our house we moved out of last year. And yes, the project is way behind with my dad's illness.

Graveyardmall.com

In case you don't know www.graveyardmall.com is a discount online store that sells closeouts and other discontinued items. You can find some hard to find items here and some good buys. There are other deals that just make you want to say, "that is junk!" So visit the site with an open mind.

I've always enjoyed surfing the site to see what is available. Stock changes often, sometimes even daily. If you see something you want, you should buy it NOW.

The site is easy to navigate and the pages load quickly. All items are shown with...

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Jo says "Yankee Candle Company Reed Diffuser Sparkles in the Snow or Sun" about Yankee Candle Company Reed Diffuser- all scents

Jo — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:31:06 GMT

Yankee Candle Company Reed Diffuser was my first diffuser. I was always afraid to buy one because of the warnings of not putting them on fabric, etc. I have the Sparkling Snow scent which was a gift.

It wasn't until I started this review that I realized why I like the scent - it has patchouli in it - one of my favorite smells- along with pine and fruits.

The Pros

Unlike some fragrance dispensers the Yankee Candle Company Reed Diffuser gives off the same smell for a long time.
The reeds are put into a beautiful decorated glass piece. The Sparkling Snow has a hand-decorated (really?) white snowflake on it.
The aroma is subtle unless you are sitting right next to it.
There is no flame.

The Cons

It takes 24 hours after putting in the reeds for the fragrance to come about. It can be quicker and these can be refressed by inverting them and then re-inserting the reeds.
The Yankee Candle Company Reed Diffuser is made in China.
You have to be careful with the oil.
The price is $12.00.

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BayouBengal says "ProAir HFA is Not as Good as Albuterol" about ProAir HFA Asthma Inhaler

BayouBengal — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 23:21:12 GMT

I discovered that I had asthma several years ago. I had no idea that I had it but started having allergic reactions to certain things quite often and was sent over the edge with chemical pneumonia when someone decided to do some painting indoors at work without ventilation the building. After that episode it was all downhill. I developed a bad case of allergy induced asthma and was prescribed an inhaler, Albuterol. This past fall when I got my new prescriptions I found a new drug, ProAir HFA, which is the good source of Albuterol sulfate so I was told.

The ProAir HFA Inhaler is smaller than the inhaler I was accustomed to but other than that, it was made the same way. There is a small canister and a mouthpiece with a cover. To use the inhaler you should first shake it up well, remove the cover, place in mouth and make sure your mouth is closed completely over the mouthpiece and press down on the canister to administer the medication. Hold your breath for 10-12 seconds before...

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TunefulGal says "Try Ponds Cold Cream and say 'Piffle' to aging." about Ponds Cold Cream

TunefulGal — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 05:08:56 GMT

Pond's Cold Cream brings back some of my earliest memories re "comfort smells". My mom used it to remove stage make-up in her younger, show business days. As she got older, I still remember her smoothing it on at night, her face glowing as the cream liquified. A little massage, then Mom used a damp, warm washcloth to remove the cream and, with it, the day's accumulation of impurities.

Mom stayed young looking well beyond most of the people her age. She maximized skin care and minimized make-up. Part of her youthfulness was genetic and, I believe, part of it was her religious use of Pond's Cold Cream.

Until just recently, I've preferred soap and water. But dry skin is catching up with me and I'd like to avoid deep and profuse wrinkling if I can. Pond's remains as hypoallergenic and gentle on smooth skin as ever -- a "cool classic," manufacturer Unilever calls it. I'm especially grateful that it doesn't clog my pores as some, supposedly non-comedogenic, contemporary cleaners...

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BayouBengal says "Cold Sores and/or Chapped Lips? Carmex to Rescue!" about Carmex Lip Balm - 0.5 oz tub

BayouBengal — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:39:05 GMT

I was never one to pick up Carmex when winter weather brought on dry, chapped and cracking lips. My husband, on the other hand is a Carmex believer. It is his product of choice and the first he will pick up when he feels a cold sore coming on or has chapped lips.

Carmex .5 oz Tub

The famous little Carmex Tub with a yellow lid is a familiar thing to see on my husbands nightstand. He reaches for it at bedtime and puts it in his pocket in the mornings on the way to work.

Carmex .5 oz Tub is designed to relieve the symptoms of cold sores and dry, cracked or chapped lips. It contains moisturizers along with active ingredients of menthol and camphor to sooth lips.

Priced at $1.99 or less, it is a good choice for relieving dry, chapped lips or when you are coming down with a fever blister. The product works well at soothing and contains a moisturizer to help restore moisture back to your lips. Carmex can also be found at just about any store or convenience store. Look by the checkout...

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TunefulGal says "Arnica stops bruising cold and relieves muscle soreness, too." about Hylands Arnica Montana 30x 250 Tablets

TunefulGal — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 11:19:30 GMT

If you just walked into a chair and bruised your leg...

If you overdid it in yoga class and your muscles feel sore...

Hyland's 30X Arnica Montana Pills provide the perfect starting point for comfort. Four small white pills dissolved under the tongue (two for children) will minimize bruising and provide a non-irritating form of pain relief when your muscles scream "overused".

Unlike most over-the-counter products, homeopathic meds must be taken at more frequent intervals for relief. This may be a downside for you. Unlike many pain relievers, however, this homeopathic product won't endanger a sensitive stomach or make you sleepy. Now THAT's an upside!

I previously gave a five-star rating to Arniflora Arnica Gel for topical application. (See: www.viewpoints.com/Arniflora-Arnica-Gel-review-6f7c4 ) For me gel is an immediate, ideal remedy and often results in the disappearance of bruises entirely.

Because gel is so immediate, I've given only four stars to Hyland's 30X Arnica...

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TunefulGal says "Kohl's super-comfy and stretchy SO Gloves great for around town." about SO Velour Gloves

TunefulGal — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:01:37 GMT

Gloves don't usually agree with my long fingers, but Kohl's SO Brand Velour Gloves stretch to fit my hands thanks to their nylon/spandex/other composition.

This SO Brand Velour is soothingly soft -- especially comfy if your skin is winter-dry and apt to catch on coarser acrylic-type knits. The cuffs are huggy and fit right under the sleeve edges of my jackets. These gloves don't fill coat pockets with bulk. Their "hand wash" recommendation should be a breeze.

My friend Sandy gave me my original Velour Gloves in a basic shade of charcoal black. I've since ordered a pair each in the pink (see above) and white colors currently offered at Kohls.com.

I'd describe SO Velour Gloves as around-town rather than all-purpose gloves. My charcoal pair live on the hooks with my dogwalking supplies, always ready to go. They keep my hands cozy for the 30-40 minutes I'm out in low, 40-ish temperatures. Beyond that, I'd probably opt for something heavier. They are easy to get on and off,...

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Jo says "New Green Acres RV Park, SC: A great overnight stay" about New Green Acres RV Park, Walterboro, South Carolina

Jo — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 23:59:27 GMT

We left Massachusetts several days ago heading south. The first campground in which we stayed one night was New Green Acres RV Park in Walterboro, SC.

Information you may want:

www.newgreenacres.com
396 Campground Road, Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 538-3450
The longest and widest pull-thru sites east of the Missisippi. That is according to the website; however, the sites were very long and although we are used to backing, in most of the sites were pull-throughs so we went with that.
Electric hook-up (30 and 50 amp)
Water and sewer
Cable- but note: it is an additional $2.00.
Laundry
Swimming Pool
Children's Playground - Note: I wan't all that impressed with the playground. All in all I consider New Acres a great place to stay for a night of two but it is not a destination campground- especially since it seemed to be in the middle of nowhere!
Dog Playground
Wireless Internet Service though we didn't use it so it either wasn't available or it was to hard to use.
Restrooms...

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TunefulGal says "My Oreck XL Classic Power Team: still sucking after many years." about Oreck XL Classic Power Team Vacuum

TunefulGal — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 17:41:35 GMT

For more than 15 years, I've been sweeping my way through the clutter with my eight-pound Oreck XL Classic vacuum. The cats have scratched the outer bag. The handle falls backward if I don't park my Classic carefully. I've replaced cords twice. And I've learned that generic bags work as well for me as Oreck's more expensive bags.

If you've missed all the Oreck commercials on TV or all of the full-page ads in magazines... well... I'm surprised! Oreck products are among the most-hyped items of their type.

This hype, however, actually works for me (the hater of hype). I carry my old Classic XL in one hand and change bags fairly often (the XL loves animal air). I can maneuver it in places where most vacuums simply don't fit -- under the piano bench and the bed and the armoire; between the clutter of desks and bookcases, etc.

I like the fact that the Oreck XL self-adjusts when going from carpet to bare floor. I appreciate the direct suction design (how basic can you get?) ...

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BayouBengal says "Maybelline Dream Mousse Eye Shadow -- It's Moussey!" about Maybelline Dream Mousse Shadow

BayouBengal — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:15:26 GMT

I'm not a morning person but I'm also not one to go out of the house without makeup! And that goes for eye shadow too on most mornings. One of my new finds is Maybelline Dream Mousse Eye Shadow. I picked it up because I found it at Dollar Tree and I knew my daughter loved the foundation. So I decided to give it a try.

I bought the pastal lilac shade of Maybelline Dream Mousse Eye Shadow for only a buck at Dollar Tree. I picked up two different shades if I recall. I have opened and have been using the lilac shade for several days now.

Maybelline Dream Mousse Eye Shadow is a whipped formula of eye shadow that is very lightweight. The shade I have is a pastel lilac and it has a shimmer to it that is barely noticeable.

I love the way Maybelline Dream Mousse Eye Shadow applies. It dries quickly, and will allow for you to add another dab if you need the shade to be a bit darker. It is not sticky nor greasy. The slight shimmer is just enough to catch the light and add a bit...

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LisaCarey says "Definitely not on the customer's side" about Nationwide Insurance

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:38:26 GMT

We used to have Nationwide Insurance for our homeowners insurance. We purchased it when we relocated to Houston from Knoxville. Over the three years we had it they had bad customer service, shoddy business practices and changes or increases without contacting policy holder to tell them.

Let me give you a few examples:

My dishwasher broke and flooded my downstairs kitchen area which is an open floor. When calling to find out my deductible I received three different answers - all of them equaling that it is a percentage of the value of my home. I said ok, well the taxed value is this, no it's according to Nationwide standards. if they say your house is worth x dollars then it is. They increased the level of the value of my home by $50,000 causing my deductible to be almost 1000.00 more.

Constant disagreements between the contractor and claims adjuster. It took over 4 months to make the repairs and get my new dishwasher. The payment schedule was hit or miss and to this day I still...

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LisaCarey says "Dusts, protects, moisturizes and smells great too!" about Old English Lemon Oil

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:27:14 GMT

A new dining room table reminded me that I need to start buying Old English Lemon Oil. I probably should have been using it before, but with a new table, chairs and china cabinet it is absolutely necessary now (and a good excuse to have it in the house.

What I like about Old English Lemon Oil

cleans woods
conditions, protects and moisturizes
smells great
easy to use
polishes - makes even old wood look new again
versatile

What I don't like about Old English Lemon Oil

can't use it on everything so it's one more cleaning product to carry around the house
it is oily - but if it wasn't it wouldn't work so well would it
have to go over the wood twice - once to use Old English and once to buff it

Some of this is a pain, but it is SO worth the work because my table and other furniture looks great and I love the way my house smells when I am done cleaning. I like the shine on the wood and the fact that Old English Lemon Oil takes good care of my woods so that they can last...

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LisaCarey says "Absolutely my favorite flavored vodka " about Absolut Mandarin Vodka

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:20:30 GMT

One of my favorite activities is to have some friends over, have a few drinks, enjoy a good meal and watch our children play. One of the alcoholic beverages that I like to have in my home bar is Absolut Mandarin Vodka for it's ability to make just about everyone happy.

What I like about Absolut Mandarin Vodka

tastes great on its own or mixed (if drinking alone be sure it is chilled)
great mixer
versatile
smooth
80 proof

What I don't like about Absolut Mandarin Vodka

a little bitter aroma
expensive

While I don't mind paying for quality, the expense of this bottle means that it better last a long time, but Absolut Mandarin Vodka doesn't stick around long, once it is opened many enjoy it.

My suggestion, drink chilled on the rocks, with tonic and a twist, or mixed with 7 up. And if you use diet guess what - no carbs! So it's almost good for you too!

Consider Absolut Apeach too as a nifty drink to add to your bar - it tastes great mixed with 7 up or orange juice. ...

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LisaCarey says "Nothing select about this beer except maybe the calories" about Budweiser Select 55

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:06:03 GMT

Normally I leave the beer reviews to the experts like AleConnor and BryanCarey, but I have to say in this case there is something to be said for a woman's point of view on Budweiser Select 55.

Let me start by saying, I am not a big fan of Budweiser, but it will do in a pinch and I won't turn one down if you are giving it to me, but I'm not going to actually pay for it. But the idea of a beer with only 55 calories made me at least give it a try.

First, let's start with the pour. Even I know a good beer requires a good head. Forget it, this one falls flat.

Aroma, normally I associate skunky smell with beers in green bottles but in this case the award goes to Budweiser Select 55 in a clear bottle.

Color, caramel "ish" sort of a light golden brown - but who cares when you got all those other things NOT going for it.

Taste, yuck, and double yuck. Even those among my friends who aren't beer snobs like me didn't care for it. One even committed the ultimate offense - poured it down...

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LisaCarey says "Overpriced but fun in its own unique way " about Houston Downtown Aquarium

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:58:18 GMT

I have actually had several opportunities to visit the Houston Downtown Aquarium and am now finally getting around to writing a review. One of the nice things about living here means you have all kinds of fun things to do - things that you may take for granted and forget to share with others.

What I like about the Houston Downtown Aquarium

cool - as in everything is inside and even on a hot day you can enjoy your visit
set up nicely I like having the gulf and the ocean, and the rainforest
unique opportunities - for example you take a train ride to see the shark tank and there are usually some type of performance in the square
outdoor boardwalk atmosphere - with games, ferris wheel, train ride and carousel

What don't I like about the Houston Downtown Aquarium

it is small
it is seriously over priced
the restaurant is so over priced we haven't eaten there
valet parking?
and not enough parking for regular (btw it's $6.00 to park)

So, while Houston Downtown Aquarium...

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LisaCarey says "There is light at the end of my tire " about Accutire MS-4357B Programmable Tire Gauge with Light

LisaCarey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:41:41 GMT

While I may be a "techie" when it comes to cars and repairs I admit to being at the mercy of a repairman. My idea of checking the air in the tires is eye balling them - since I have children in my car and also had a driving trip coming up this is something I worry about a lot (I got a flat on the interstate once in 100 degree heat and was pregnant so this is one of my biggest fears). Instead of eye balling or having to borrow one at a station my husband decided to make my life and his a little easier with the Accutire MS-4357B Programmable Tire Gauge with Light.

What I like about the Accutire MS-4357B Programmable Tire Gauge with Light

everything!
the ergonomically correct curve to the handle makes it easy to hold into place to measure tire pressure
light display
big easy to read numbers
programmable - I don't have to remember what the pressure in the front and back tires is supposed to be

If like me you don't have a DIYer when it comes to the car the Accutire MS-4357B Programmable...

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