cathy3087
Member Since: June 23, 2009Reviews
Breville Barista Express
I got to test out this espresso machine courtesy of the brand and I even got a tutorial how to use it! First of all, let me just say that I felt like a real barista using this - it was a lot of fun! Once the machine is set up, all you need to do... +
I got to test out this espresso machine courtesy of the brand and I even got a tutorial how to use it! First of all, let me just say that I felt like a real barista using this - it was a lot of fun!
Once the machine is set up, all you need to do to prepare is to have the water filled in the back and coffee beans filled in the top space (both are large enough to last for multiple uses so no need to fill each time!).
Okay now onto using the machine: It's really easy. You press 2 buttons and it automatically grinds the beans fresh for you and pours you either a single or double shot of espresso. Honestly, it's so simple and the espresso is delicious. But I warn you, once you have had freshly ground beans, you'll be hooked and likely become a coffee snob!
If you would like a cappuccino or latte, you can make professional quality crema with the frother. It's easy to use, but will take some practice to get the best results. The downside to the frother is the cleaning. You certainly want to clean it immediately after use, but even still the milk will harden on the stainless steel and you have to really scrub it. But it's worth it for the delicious coffee it makes - seriously, your friends are going to show up in the mornings to make coffees rather than buy one. Another option that I have been doing is to warm up some milk in the microwave and add the espresso from this machine - it's really tasty and very fast.
The price may seem steep if you are an ordinary drip-coffee drinker, but it's actually a fantastic bargain for such a high quality machine. This is a really affordable price and a couple years ago, something like this would definitely cost upwards of $1000 (if not $2000). I was actually shocked when I saw what a great price this was so the quality you get. If you are someone who enjoys a good coffee, you will save bundles of money in the long run with this machine.
This would definitely make a fantastic gift.
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Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash
I only use Listerine mouthwash. The taste is very strong, but compared to other mouthwashes I have tried that have a more mild taste, Listerine is more effective. It leaves my breath fresh for a long time and my whole mouth feels cleaner after... +
I only use Listerine mouthwash. The taste is very strong, but compared to other mouthwashes I have tried that have a more mild taste, Listerine is more effective. It leaves my breath fresh for a long time and my whole mouth feels cleaner after using it
I really like how it doesn't just freshen the breath like other mouthwashes, it also fights tartar, gingivitis, plaque, etc.
I prefer the classic mint taste to freshen my breath. Highly recommend for daily use.
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Softlips® Nourish Maxilip Lip Balm
I got a sample of this balm courtesy of the brand. It leaves my lips feeling, well, nourished! It applies really smoothly like all Softlips products and I find that when I put this on in the morning, my lips feel smoother all day. I tried it in... +
I got a sample of this balm courtesy of the brand. It leaves my lips feeling, well, nourished! It applies really smoothly like all Softlips products and I find that when I put this on in the morning, my lips feel smoother all day. I tried it in Bergamot and it has a really nice scent that is not too strong.
I also prefer the thick container size of this compared to normal Softlips as I feel it is lasting longer.
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Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Suncreen Lotion SPF 30
The scent of this sunscreen reminds me of past family vacations in Florida. I always adored the delicious coconut scent. I remember my Uncle would always buy it, so I'd want to wait to apply sunscreen until he came to our condo every morning... +
The scent of this sunscreen reminds me of past family vacations in Florida. I always adored the delicious coconut scent. I remember my Uncle would always buy it, so I'd want to wait to apply sunscreen until he came to our condo every morning just so I could use this.
Because the scent has such a positive association for me, I always buy Hawaiian Tropic now.
I've also caught my Dad applying it to his hands in the winter because he loves the smell too!
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Hawaiian Tropic Sunblock SPF 45
If you have very fair skin and burn easily, you should try this. I wore this in the hot sun in 45 degree weather in a tropical country and there was literally no change of colour in my skin. I can burn easily but I do like to get a bit of a tan... +
If you have very fair skin and burn easily, you should try this.
I wore this in the hot sun in 45 degree weather in a tropical country and there was literally no change of colour in my skin. I can burn easily but I do like to get a bit of a tan on vacation - so I did not continue to use this during the rest of my vacation, but for the start where I was pale as ever, it really helped in preventing burn.
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Green Works Natural All-Purpose Cleaner
I tried this product for the first time a while ago and was really pleased. I thought it did a great job cleaning, and it did not have a harsh chemical scent - it just made the house smell fresh. I definitely think it is important to use... +
I tried this product for the first time a while ago and was really pleased. I thought it did a great job cleaning, and it did not have a harsh chemical scent - it just made the house smell fresh.
I definitely think it is important to use cleansers that are environmentally friendly - particularly on days where your home is cleaned from top to bottom, you spend the whole day breathing in toxic fumes. Especially in the winter when it is too cold to open the windows on cleaning days, it is nice to have a cleanser like this.
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got2b Kinky Curl Defining Curling Mousse
I bought this for myself a while ago and was not impressed. It didn't add definition to my curls. It is supposed to be weightless and while it is good that it did not make my hair stiff, I found that it was just too light for my liking. I... +
I bought this for myself a while ago and was not impressed. It didn't add definition to my curls. It is supposed to be weightless and while it is good that it did not make my hair stiff, I found that it was just too light for my liking. I need something to combat frizz! -
Sense Appeal Coffee Roasters
I tried a latte from Sense Appeal this morning and it was excellent. The froth was perfectly smooth and the coffee was fresh. I also loved how I got a leaf design and Jen got a heart made with the cream - a fun touch. I really like the rustic... +
I tried a latte from Sense Appeal this morning and it was excellent. The froth was perfectly smooth and the coffee was fresh. I also loved how I got a leaf design and Jen got a heart made with the cream - a fun touch.
I really like the rustic feel of the shop, the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and prices are excellent. I have nothing but good things to say.
I would honestly choose Sense Appeal over Starbucks any day (and not just because it's only a few floors below the office).
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Mary Kay Creme Lipstick in Confidence
I received this lipstick in a swag bag at the ChickAdvisor summer staff party. I first saw the deep red and thought I would look a bit gothic. But when I put it on it's actually a nice plum colour -- a rich red. I've since worn it several... +
I received this lipstick in a swag bag at the ChickAdvisor summer staff party. I first saw the deep red and thought I would look a bit gothic. But when I put it on it's actually a nice plum colour -- a rich red. I've since worn it several times and I'm really pleased with it.
It applies extremely smoothly and is really long lasting. I also love the pretty packaging!
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Green & Black's Organic Chocolate
I got a PR sample in Dark Chocolate with Orange and Spices. Normally I prefer milk chocolate, but I wanted to try this one because I used to love those Terry's Chocolate Oranges (do they still make those?). Anyways, I really enjoyed this... +
I got a PR sample in Dark Chocolate with Orange and Spices. Normally I prefer milk chocolate, but I wanted to try this one because I used to love those Terry's Chocolate Oranges (do they still make those?). Anyways, I really enjoyed this flavour! It didn't have the bitter taste some dark chocolates have. When you first bit into it you can taste the spices - it's tastes Christmas-y. And then the after taste is orange!
I admit when I took my first bite I tasted the spices and was taken aback, but then the orange flavour kicked in and I loved it!
I love that this is organic and certified fair trade chocolate - a huge incentive to choose this again.
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