rawms14
Member Since: August 12, 2013Reviews
Dairy Queen Blizzard Cakes
I was selected to receive a free DQ ice cream cake as part of the Chick Advisor Product Review Club. Thank you - what a wonderful treat! I've had a DQ cake before. I ordered a 10" blizzard cake (oreo cheesequake) for a combo family birthday dinner... +
I was selected to receive a free DQ ice cream cake as part of the Chick Advisor Product Review Club. Thank you - what a wonderful treat! I've had a DQ cake before. I ordered a 10" blizzard cake (oreo cheesequake) for a combo family birthday dinner (we all hit milestones this year). Overall, the cake looked good (though not like the picture) and served well. The various layers maintained their position which was good. However, I was a bit disappointed that there were so few pieces of cheesecake inside the cake - only two of us got a couple of pieces. Similarly with the oreo and chocolate pieces - unlike a real blizzard where it's mixed in, this was precisely layered and not many pieces. The cake was was mostly plain ice cream. From the description I also expected a crunch centre but I didn't taste that; just a thin layer of what I guess are oreo crumbs but they were soft and more cake-like. The fudge was a bit too sweet.
I requested chocolate ice cream rather than traditional vanilla and I was very pleased that I could have this option. I haven't had DQ ice cream in years. I expected a bit more flavor to the ice cream itself. It was more or less 'one note' and not very flavorful. Some chocolate shavings or cookie or cheesecake chunks something throughout would have been nice.
I like that even the DQ cakes could be personalized (it would have been nice to know this from the get go), however, at least with my cake, it meant that the top was plain (perhaps this could be an option - writing on the cake and no topping OR writing goes on a cookie that rests on top).
If I were to order again I would likely try a different flavor or just go with a plain ice cream cake as this didn't seem very different anyway.
Some details re: the ordering process:
Generally easy but there is a lot of clicking and you're following it blind. I checked out the site a few times before doing the ordering.
One the cake page the types of options available are shown but apparenly, not all are available for online ordering (which we don't know from the get go). An overview of the whole ordering process would be helpful early on.
When you click on a cake type, you see a few options but these aren't the full selection. You only see those after selecting one of these flavors and then putting in postal code and selecting a location. Again, somehow indicate this from the start.
Cupcakes show up as a cake option but disappear after clicking it and selecting a location. Perhaps this means that it's not available at the location I selected but that wasn't indicated earlier and should be. If availability is limited by location that should be stated and when you select an option it should indicate the locations at which it's available. it's nice that on the map they indicate which ones take online orders.
As mentioned above, I like that even blizzard cakes can be personalized, though it's unclear how that would look (e.g. if the generic version shows a certain topping, will that be removed for the writing to be added or would that be added on a cookie?).
I like the comment box after ordering where we can add requests or provide details (knowing that this would be available would have helped make selection easier). I was also able to specify date and time of pick-up. The cake was ready when I arrived and payment with the giftcard was quick and smooth.
Suggestions:
When you click on a type, that page should have a drop down menu for easy and quick access to the other types of cakes instead of requiring visitors to hit the 'back' key as many times as necessary.
'mouseover' descriptions are handy though they don't show up for all types (e.g. each torte) and they're only available on the page that shows all the cakes not when you select individual one. Because of all the options, it would be useful to be reminded of the details.
Allergies - items with nuts should be flagged (the general allergen warning is useful albeit disappointing, but still items containing nuts are different than those that may have come in contact with nuts and therefore should be noted OR, if none contain nuts, add that note in the allergen warning). I called a store to ask since 'crunch centre' wasn't defined on the website.
All cake pictures should be the same (i.e. some show a cut version so we can see the layers while others don't).
An FAQ would be handy (e.g. how long can cakes last, what kind of personalizations/requests are possible, allergens, ingredients, availability of types across locations, overview of the ordering process etc.... even though you can find this as you go along).
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Marble Slab Creamery Ice Cream Cupcakes
These are a nice alternative to a full-sized ice cream cake; because they're expensive, you'll want to wait for a special occasion and special guests (but they'll be wowed!0. Great any time of the year. You may either special order the flavors you... +
These are a nice alternative to a full-sized ice cream cake; because they're expensive, you'll want to wait for a special occasion and special guests (but they'll be wowed!0. Great any time of the year. You may either special order the flavors you want or buy a 6-cupcake variety pack. A good size, delicious flavors - generally not too sweet. Although there's no actual cake in it (basically ice cream with mix-ins and toppings in a waffle cup) you feel like you're eating a cupcake. Although you may want a bit more (b/c they're that good), for the health or weight conscious, the good news is that there won't be another 'small slice' available anyway!
They're 21.95 regular price which is a bit steep but then, everything there is pricey, so wait for one of their coupons.
You can order online here http://marbleslab.ca/products/to-go/ice-cream-cupcakes or by phone.
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Kellogg's Bran Flakes
This has been my weekday breakfast for a few years now. While I like them, I have noted a few things that bug me: the size of 'jumbo' changed, though they left the packaging and the price the same, clearly giving less for the same $$, and too much... +
This has been my weekday breakfast for a few years now. While I like them, I have noted a few things that bug me: the size of 'jumbo' changed, though they left the packaging and the price the same, clearly giving less for the same $$, and too much of the contents are just crumbs. Though I can use these for stuffing zucchini or tomatoes, or as coating for chicken etc., I'm really just wanting Bran Flakes as cereal so want to get the most out it. Some boxes have way more crumbs than others. Sodium is also a bit higher than necessary. -
KitchenAid 9-Speed Architect Hand Mixer
I have hunted for a handmixer that would be quiet, have enough speed options, could handle more than just whipped cream, and had strong beaters/whisks (i.e. quality). Took a few years! I recently got this mixer and have used it more than my... +
I have hunted for a handmixer that would be quiet, have enough speed options, could handle more than just whipped cream, and had strong beaters/whisks (i.e. quality). Took a few years! I recently got this mixer and have used it more than my standmixer! It's sturdy, powerful (but amazingly quiet), and has a great color (I have the dark red). I didn't think I needed/wanted a digital display but I do like it. As with all KA products, it's pricey so wait for a good promo/sale. -
Sally Beauty Supply
I just discovered Sally and have visited both locations in Winnipeg within the last two weeks. I think it is worth buying membership card - you get the $5 back as a voucher. Every month you spend $35 or more they send you a $5 to use the following... +
I just discovered Sally and have visited both locations in Winnipeg within the last two weeks. I think it is worth buying membership card - you get the $5 back as a voucher. Every month you spend $35 or more they send you a $5 to use the following month on a $25 purchase.
I was expecting to see brandnames so was surprised that I wasn't familiar with most of them. Sally has their own brand too, apparently. I was looking for a flat iron. Prices were ok, seems that there are frequent sales. I like their return policy, and it is hassle-free. Extended warranty seems a bit pricey
My one concern was the lack of knowledge by the staff. They seem to just promote whatever is on special at the time (though they don't know why) and can only tell you what the box says vs. knowing anything else. For example, they had no idea about the difference between the flat iron for keratin treatment vs. argan. Or one brand vs. another. Maybe it's different with hair care products or makeup. But they should have some knowledge "beyond the box" about some of the more expensive items too. I have to do all my own research and it's hard to find some of these products online. I have tried two flat irons so far; the first one they strongly recommended is too small (but I think she 'pushed' it since the size I wanted was out of stock); the second one may have a problem with the plate. Have to check.
Most of them lacked enthusiasm/interest when answering the phone or in-store looking for products or answering questions. A couple of them took initiative to find out what they didn't know, which I appreciated. Customer care and product training is highly recommended.
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Ritz Fudge-Covered Crackers
Salt and chocolate are not a combo I would go for and I don't naturally associate choclate with a cracker. So when I first saw these crackers I thought it was a dumb idea. Until I tasted one. Yum! It doesn't taste like two items just stuck together... +
Salt and chocolate are not a combo I would go for and I don't naturally associate choclate with a cracker. So when I first saw these crackers I thought it was a dumb idea. Until I tasted one. Yum! It doesn't taste like two items just stuck together. It is a uniform product - light, flaky, not too sweet, I couldn't taste the salt so I don't know if salted top crackers are used (i hope not), fudgy. Addictive.
In my region I only found them at Canada Safeway, at only some locations, and only for a short period of time. Regular price is a bit 'up there' so I waited for the sale. Used it as a stocking stuffer and it was appreciated!
Definitely recommend trying them for something different. I prefer making my own cookies and eating chocolate straight up but these would be one of my exceptions. I suppose one could make a chocolate ganache and dip Ritz in it themselves, but why? :)
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Pepperidge Farm Baked Cracker Chips
I don't generally eat chips because of they're fried, and have high salt and starch content and because they're addictive. I don't generally eat crackers for similar reasons (white flour, salty). These cracker chips however, have managed to make... +
I don't generally eat chips because of they're fried, and have high salt and starch content and because they're addictive.
I don't generally eat crackers for similar reasons (white flour, salty).
These cracker chips however, have managed to make their way onto my short list of guilty pleasures. I have tried the BBQ and the Zesty Chilies & Lime and like them both.
Pretty robust flavor; not too salty (though sodium is still high). The chips are a nice bite size, thin but still substantive and I like that they're baked and made with wholegrains. They're sort of an upscale chip/casual cracker (which also makes them fragile in the package so handle with care!)
Regular price is a bit expensive but I buy them on sale ($2) and then ration them out.
They come in a resealable bag that works for the first couple of times but then I still have to use a clip. Perhaps a ziplock-style closure would be better, or a box.
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