mamaluv
Member Since: September 8, 2006Reviews
Slumdog Millionaire
I just saw this movie last night, and can simply say that the critics and Academy Award folks got it right. This is a must-see! I have not seen a Bollywood production before and didn't know what to expect. The story is simple yet engrossing... +
I just saw this movie last night, and can simply say that the critics and Academy Award folks got it right. This is a must-see!
I have not seen a Bollywood production before and didn't know what to expect. The story is simple yet engrossing, the characters for the most part very well played, and every other aspect is so un-Hollywood that it adds an unexpected but welcome flair.
I bawled, which I don't often do. The plot is satisfying, if perhaps a little predictable. The actors are fresh and Dev Patel in particular has hit my radar in a big way (oh, to be 10 years younger...) I think I have a little crush right now.
See it, but with your girlfriends. Macho men will appreciate neither the blubbering nor the daydreamy sighs you'll utter all the way home. The movie itself, while at times violent, is a thinker and Dev's character too romantic for the Bruce Willis fans.
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Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Perfect 10
I received a box of Perfect 10 in #9 (Light Blonde) to test. I have used box color many times in the past and eventually went back to the hairdresser just because it's so hard to find the right color (especially when the seasons change).... or... +
I received a box of Perfect 10 in #9 (Light Blonde) to test. I have used box color many times in the past and eventually went back to the hairdresser just because it's so hard to find the right color (especially when the seasons change).... or was it because I'm no good at doing my own hair? I'll never say ;)
What I loved:
-it really works fast. 10 minutes or thereabouts covers gray and delivers the color it shows on the box.
-it comes with two applicators; a comb-like one that streaks the color in (like heavy highlights) and a single tip for all-over application
-Clairol includes a large tube of conditioner (remember the Dark Ages when all you got was a teeny little tear-open pack?), although this is more and more common lately.
What I didn't like:
-it worked so fast that by the time I was finishing up the sides and back of my head, it looked like the top was fully processed. I have really thick hair (and I'm not complaining!), so it takes a while to get through it all. This is the first time I've used a product that dyed this fast and I was unprepared for it. Should I have done the root test first? Yes. But I never do it, do you? Exactly.
-there was nowhere near enough product to treat all of my hair. In fairness, though, I always need to buy 2 boxes to get full coverage. However, in this case there would not have been enough time to dye it all before the sections that were colored first were totally nuked.
I recommend this for:
* women with shorter, thinner hair - if you need all over coverage
* highlights and/or root touch up - so fast and convenient!
* someone who's a lot better at this than me. I really should have known better.
The bottom line, though, is that I'm really happy with the result. I had outgrown highlights before application, so against all odds I ended up with exactly what I would have wanted (even if unexpected!). Fast, convenient, and true to box picture. Really, what else matters?
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Special K Red Berries Cereal
Red Berries is my favorite Special K blend (although Cinnamon Pecan runs a very close second!). My children love it too, and paw through the bag searching for the dried strawberries. In fact, that's the only thing I'd change - more... +
Red Berries is my favorite Special K blend (although Cinnamon Pecan runs a very close second!). My children love it too, and paw through the bag searching for the dried strawberries. In fact, that's the only thing I'd change - more strawberries.
Delicious and low fat. 'Nuff said.
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A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
I agree; this is a powerful story. I have not yet read Kite Runner, but after reading this book in one huge gulp, I will certainly pick up more from Khaled Hosseini! Not wanting to spoil the book for anyone who hasn't read it yet, I don't... +
I agree; this is a powerful story. I have not yet read Kite Runner, but after reading this book in one huge gulp, I will certainly pick up more from Khaled Hosseini!
Not wanting to spoil the book for anyone who hasn't read it yet, I don't want to give any details. It is a story about the hard choices women who have no options must make. It also gives a sympathetic "behind the scenes" look at the real-life issues in Afghanistan over the last several decades. I highly recommend it!
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Casino Royale
Always a James Bond fan, I didn't know what to expect from Daniel Craig. I can only say that after seeing it in the theater I was so impressed, I immediately ordered the movie from Amazon as soon as it was available. Daniel Craig is my... +
Always a James Bond fan, I didn't know what to expect from Daniel Craig. I can only say that after seeing it in the theater I was so impressed, I immediately ordered the movie from Amazon as soon as it was available.
Daniel Craig is my favorite 007, and the ways this particular movie explores this totally new side of Bond was fantastic. Eva Green, Judi Dench, and John Cleese were all wonderful and I would absolutely recommend this movie to anyone. In fact, I bought a few copies as Christmas gifts!
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Pantene Pro-V Blonde Expressions
I have to admit, I was extremely skeptical when I received a shampoo and conditioner from the Blonde Expressions line to review. I have seen red- and brown-tinted shampoos work with success for friends, but I seriously doubted the same could be... +
I have to admit, I was extremely skeptical when I received a shampoo and conditioner from the Blonde Expressions line to review. I have seen red- and brown-tinted shampoos work with success for friends, but I seriously doubted the same could be true of a blonde shade. After all, it usually takes some form of bleach to get my dark blonde hair lighter!
I noticed results immediately. I pessimistically assumed that it was my imagination - I was looking for a change after all, and maybe this highlighting effect was just the result of switching brands. Did I just have that much build-up from the other brand, I wondered?
My natural dark blonde hair is highlighted with light wheat-colored strands and low-lighted with caramel tones. Sandwiched somewhere in between (and hopefully covered under!) are my premature grays. I was due for a trip to the colorist anyway, but with the belt-tightening going on in my house decided to try this product first.
In the end, nothing replaces fresh highlights. But I'm pleased to say that this product certainly has extended the lifespan of my old ones. I'm two weeks in to using it and will continue with it. I'd certainly consider buying this product again!
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Quaker Mini Delights Chocolatey Drizzle
I always have these snacks on hand - in my bag, in the dash compartment of the car, wherever. Really yummy little snacks with only 90 calories! My only complaint is that they do not fill you up as much as, say, a granola bar. Still, for that... +
I always have these snacks on hand - in my bag, in the dash compartment of the car, wherever. Really yummy little snacks with only 90 calories! My only complaint is that they do not fill you up as much as, say, a granola bar.
Still, for that quick chocolate fix it does the trick! My favorite flavor is chocolate mint!
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Netflix
We have subscribed to Netflix for over a year now and I can't see myself ever switching back. They have all the new releases, and receiving/returning via mail is so convenient. We have the $14.99 plan where you receive 3 movies at a time with... +
We have subscribed to Netflix for over a year now and I can't see myself ever switching back. They have all the new releases, and receiving/returning via mail is so convenient.
We have the $14.99 plan where you receive 3 movies at a time with unlimited rentals per month. This is perfect for our family - 1 movie for the adults, 1 for the kids, and 1 for the whole family. You also have access to many movies on "View Instantly", though the selection for this is more limited. Still, we are always able to find something that we all enjoy to watch. Considering that the price at the regular rental places is $4-$5, it is a huge savings.
We also find that we buy far fewer movies because (a) you can keep the Netflix rental as long as you like (although I think in the fine print if you keep it for more than 30 days you are billed the retail value) and (b) you can watch others online as often as you want. For example, I was planning to buy Enchanted (with Amy Adams/Patrick Dempsey) but since it's available online we just watch it whenever we want!
The only drawback is that you have to wait between sending it back and receiving the next one. This can be annoying if you spontaneously decide you'd like to watch something. We have on occasion run out to Movie Village for those few times. Overall though, we have saved a ton of money.
Highly, highly recommended!
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Glaxal Base Moisturizing Lotion
I have used this for my daughter's eczema in the past. It worked like a charm! A good product for a fix, but probably not something you'd want to use long term.
I have used this for my daughter's eczema in the past. It worked like a charm! A good product for a fix, but probably not something you'd want to use long term. -
Mama Mio SuperMama Kit
I received this SuperMama kit to review. Now where do I start? First off, I love the concept! Mama Mio has many products created specifically for moms, including skincare and fitness. Bootcamp for Butts and Bootcamp for Boobs help redefine those... +
I received this SuperMama kit to review. Now where do I start?
First off, I love the concept! Mama Mio has many products created specifically for moms, including skincare and fitness. Bootcamp for Butts and Bootcamp for Boobs help redefine those areas that take the hardest hit during pregnancy. But I didn't receive those (boo).
I did receive the SuperMama kit, which is all about pampering (come to think of it, I didn't really want a fitness DVD anyway. Too much work!). It includes:
* 200mL (6.8oz) Super-rich Body Cream with avocado oil and shea butter
* 300mL (10oz) Moisturizing Shower Cream with chamomile and aloe vera
* 200mL Body Buff with sweet almond oil, aloe vera and Vitamin E
* 30mL (1oz) Wonder-Full Balm with manuka and gold of pleasure oils
The Body Cream is an all-over lotion that goes on light but moisturizes really well. I have several products with avocado oil and shea butter; this one has the mildest scent and soaks in quickly.
The Shower Cream has a citrusy scent and lathers up decadently.
The Body Buff is an all-over exfoliant that is gentle but effective, while moisturizing with the almond oil.
The Balm is perfect for all those dry patches - elbows, knees, cuticles, heels... wherever.
What really sells these products are the high quality ingredients - extra Omega 3, 6, and 9, plus no parabens, petroleum products, sodium laureth, sulphate, or synthetic colors or fragrances. The price is not bad considering the quality. Compared to The Body Shop or Fruits & Passions, you will have a tough time finding such variety of specialty products at this price point.
I really like every detail of these kits. Of course you can buy these products separately, but what a fabulous gift for a mom at any stage - pregnancy, postpartum, playgroup mama, or soccer mom. My only regret is that I didn't know about these products earlier. A big Thumbs Up from me!
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