mamaluv
Member Since: September 8, 2006Reviews
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
This is a story about how Clorox Wipes saved my life. Please stop reading now if you are queasy about bathroom talk ;) My young son (3-yr) was not feeling well. He roamed around the house whining and making a general nuisance of himself when... +
This is a story about how Clorox Wipes saved my life. Please stop reading now if you are queasy about bathroom talk ;)
My young son (3-yr) was not feeling well. He roamed around the house whining and making a general nuisance of himself when suddenly he let off a giant toot. I turned around and saw the (starts with sh--, rhymes with...) fitstorm.
The Clorox wipes were sitting out in my bathroom, so I grabbed at the box and swiped a handful. Yanked the undies off and wiped up the entire mess quickly, including my son (who I later rinsed off, never fear) although the gagging nearly did me in.
Normally, I would never purchase disposable wipes being a bit of an eco freak (I received these free to review), but I can't tell you how comforting it was to wipe up the whole mess in a few swipes knowing it was also sanitized and I didn't have to launder a reusable cloth (make that, toss out an expensive Norwex reusable cloth!)
The decor canister is cute, but I wouldn't buy it just because of that. The scent is fresh-- very non bleachy and the convenience factor for just such an occasion made it more than worth the price.
I'm a fan!
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Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares
This chocolate tops the grocery-store varieties, second only to the Lindt truffle balls. I have tried many varieties and not yet been disappointed! While it can't compete with chocolatier gourmet blends, it's a great choice for teacher... +
This chocolate tops the grocery-store varieties, second only to the Lindt truffle balls. I have tried many varieties and not yet been disappointed! While it can't compete with chocolatier gourmet blends, it's a great choice for teacher gifts or stocking stuffers. -
Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars
These bars are a welcome change from the Quaker Chewy bars I had been buying for my kids' school lunches. They like most of the flavors, but Oats & Honey is the overall favorite. Yum! I recommend.
These bars are a welcome change from the Quaker Chewy bars I had been buying for my kids' school lunches. They like most of the flavors, but Oats & Honey is the overall favorite.
Yum! I recommend.
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I'll Have Who She's Having by Liz Fenton
This book asks "is the grass truly greener on the other side?" The answer, obviously, is no. The protagonists, sisters Kelly and Kate, can't get away from the feeling they are missing something from life and cannot comprehend the other's... +
This book asks "is the grass truly greener on the other side?" The answer, obviously, is no.
The protagonists, sisters Kelly and Kate, can't get away from the feeling they are missing something from life and cannot comprehend the other's frustration - because one has what the other sister perceives to be lacking. Woven in are the perspectives of the husband, the boyfriend, the best friend, and everyone else down to the seedy liquor store owner.
And this is also what I liked best about the book. The varied perspectives add a little extra spunk to the story and remind the reader that there is more going on than the selfishness of two sisters trying to outdo one another. I found that I could relate to several different characters at once; it would not have been likely had the narrative focused more narrowly on Kate and Kelly.
Some may find this book to be a little simplistic, portraying certain women in stereotypical roles that are unflattering or unrealistic. These readers might forget that exaggeration is necessary and even welcome to convey the point, as any fan of the Shopaholic series can relate.
Will it make you laugh out loud like Sophie Kinsella, or examine the complexities of the romantic and social dynamic like Jane Austen? Perhaps not. Still, I would recommend this as a light beach read :)
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The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The mister and I just watched this movie tonight, and after I had mopped the tears from my face and my husband had gotten all his obnoxious Brad Pitt comments out of the way, I had to take a moment to recommend this movie. The storyline is unique... +
The mister and I just watched this movie tonight, and after I had mopped the tears from my face and my husband had gotten all his obnoxious Brad Pitt comments out of the way, I had to take a moment to recommend this movie.
The storyline is unique, but there has been so much media coverage that little remained unexpected. It's simply the story of a life, and because of the simplicity of it, the characters shine all the more.
Brad Pitt is decent in this movie, but I was blown away by Cate Blanchett. I've long been a fan and every time I see a movie with her in it, I am newly surprised how convincingly she plays the part. She completely stole the show for me. I loved Tilda Swinton as well, and have loved her for a long time, but although she gets so few parts I find I enjoy her all the more for the rarity of it.
Don't watch this movie for the story per se; watch it for the amazing performances. A must-see for any fan of Cate!
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Secret Fusion Shapers Collection
I received two items from the Secret Fusion Collection to review: the camisole and the panty. The idea is to tuck you in a little here and a little there, while smoothing out underwear lines and providing support. The material is lightweight... +
I received two items from the Secret Fusion Collection to review: the camisole and the panty.
The idea is to tuck you in a little here and a little there, while smoothing out underwear lines and providing support. The material is lightweight, though made of nylon and I have not tried wearing it in warm weather yet.
The camisole provides support to your bust and smoothing of your spare tire. It has a v-neck on one side and a scoop neck on the other, so you can use it front or back depending on which side your neckline plunges. I don't need bust support and could have used a little more tummy tucking, so were it not for the neckline cutouts, I would probably not be as happy with this cami.
The brief rises up to meet the cami (not suitable for low riders!) which is a great feature if you are wearing a dress or higher waisted skirt or pant. The bum/leg features a french-style cut and easily conceals any panty lines from whatever you're wearing underneath. For my needs, the smoothing was great but the flattening was not enough. Perhaps I needed a different size?
I have been wearing the Secret Slimmers High Waist Shaper until now and will probably use it until it falls to shreds. The Secret Fusion items will be handy for when the Slimmer is in the wash, but otherwise I'm just not as thrilled with them.
It's a difficult critique to make, since every body is different and it may work wonders for someone else. You will be very happy with the smoothing and comfortable wear. The slimming is hit or miss.
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Cargo Blu_Ray High Definition Lip Gloss
I recently received the CARGO blu_ray lip gloss in "Belize" to test. The Blu_Ray line was created for high def filming and has now been released to the public. I have no idea what is so "high definition" about it; for my purposes, I couldn't... +
I recently received the CARGO blu_ray lip gloss in "Belize" to test.
The Blu_Ray line was created for high def filming and has now been released to the public. I have no idea what is so "high definition" about it; for my purposes, I couldn't care less because this gloss needs to succeed for me on its own merit.
More accurately, this is a gloss plumper. I noticed plumping results immediately, and the tingling sensation that went with it. It is quite possibly the most effective plumper I have ever used. It's not remotely sticky to wear and what small minty scent it has quickly dissipates after a few minutes.
A most unique feature is the Timestrip technology. You insert a small strip into the slit at the top end of the wand at the time when you first break the seal. Over time, the strip gradually turns red and helps you keep track of how "fresh" the product is. The cap has a window so you need not remove the strip to mark the progress. Now all I'm wondering is why the mascara giants haven't figured that little trick out, because it's freakin' brilliant.
The color I have is Belize, a warm pinky tone. I won't offer much commentary on that point because it's a personal preference thing. I will probably wear this particular shade a lot during the summer when my skin is sunkissed and not so ghastly pale.
Highly recommended!
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Cargo Cosmetics Blu-Ray High Definition Bronzer
The CARGO blu_ray line was originally created for high def filming and has recently been released for the rest of us to try. I received the Bronzer and immediately headed to the mirror to test it. Prior to this, I had been using Lise Watier's... +
The CARGO blu_ray line was originally created for high def filming and has recently been released for the rest of us to try. I received the Bronzer and immediately headed to the mirror to test it.
Prior to this, I had been using Lise Watier's bronzer that is probably better described as a bronzing blush with its pinky tone. The CARGO product surprised me with the darker orangy/brown hue, and at first I didn't like it very well at all.
I quickly realized that this is a case where practice makes perfect. It's a warm color and on pale skin like mine should be applied with a light hand. Once on (properly!), it lends a gorgeous sun-kissed glow that is so flattering. Now that I know what I'm doing, I use it often.
Bottom line: a very good product that I will happily use again.
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Secret Slimmers High Waist Shaper
This is my secret weapon. I call it my gut-sucker-inner, butt-organizer, and must-have for any slim-fitting, thin fabric outfit. Extending from just under the bra strap to mid thigh, it is ideal for dresses and dressy pants. It completely... +
This is my secret weapon. I call it my gut-sucker-inner, butt-organizer, and must-have for any slim-fitting, thin fabric outfit.
Extending from just under the bra strap to mid thigh, it is ideal for dresses and dressy pants. It completely eliminates panty lines and assigns my pregnancy-loosened skin to the appropriate location: booty is lifted and rounded properly; gut is smoothed out (not completely flattened, but improved), and inner thighs nipped in just enough to give the seams on my favorite charcoal trousers a little extra space.
It is a little uncomfortable to wear, which is to say that I'm aware of it at all times. The fabric is not itchy and the whole piece stays put. I suppose a larger size would make it a little more comfy but at the sacrifice of all the squishing power - no thanks.
I've never tried a Spanx product, but for anyone thinking of buying one, you should try these out first and save your money. Highly recommended!
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Olay Pro-X Anti-Aging Starter Kit 3pc
I received this to review a little while ago, but since I was busy having a love affair with RoC's anti-aging line, I didn't try this until recently. The starter kit includes a night cream, a day cream (with SPF30), and an eye cream. I... +
I received this to review a little while ago, but since I was busy having a love affair with RoC's anti-aging line, I didn't try this until recently.
The starter kit includes a night cream, a day cream (with SPF30), and an eye cream. I have only the lightest of wrinkles, so I expected a great result - how much repair could I possibly need?
The switch from my previous brand was harsh. I broke out so badly I nearly gave up, but after my skin acclimatized to the new regimen it was a different story. I should mention that I always have trouble switching brands, and the only time I did not have issues was when I tried the organic line from Exuberance.
What I loved:
* this product does the job! My wrinkles, but for a stubborn pillow-crease furrow that nothing seems to fully cure, are gone. This was my main concern. What I didn't expect was....
* my skin is glowing and hasn't looked this good in a long time. The color and pore size are both improved.
* SPF 30 is better than the SPF 15 I was getting from Aveeno, which I used until recently.
What I didn't care for:
* the day cream has a slight sunscreen-y scent. It fades after a few minutes and is only noticeable during application.
* the eye cream is nice, but on days when I've misplaced it, I find the regular day cream does as good a job. To be honest, I've never really found an eye cream that would justify buying extra. If I continue with this regimen, I'm not certain I'd spend the money on the eye product.
I would put Olay's Pro-X line on the same level as RoC. Both are pricey, but you can usually find sales and/or coupons that price them to an affordable range. Between the two, I will certainly be buying again!
Highly recommended.
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