RodneyDickson
Member Since: August 14, 2012Reviews
Sambucol Black Elderberry Immunity + Cold and Flu Relief Gummies
Product received for free from Butterly.com in exchange for an honest review. Sambucol Black Elderberry Immunity + Cold and Flu Relief Gummies is said to provide immune support. I work in close proximity with the public and avoiding catching colds... +
Product received for free from Butterly.com in exchange for an honest review. Sambucol Black Elderberry Immunity + Cold and Flu Relief Gummies is said to provide immune support. I work in close proximity with the public and avoiding catching colds is one of my top priorities. Anything that can help me avoid getting sick is advantageous to me. I enjoyed taking Sambucol Black Elderberry Immunity + Cold and Flu Relief Gummies daily to increase illness prevention and protection given that it has a very pleasant taste and it chews and breaks down quite easily in the mouth (unlike other brands of gummies). The Vitamin C and Zinc is said to aid when sick to fight the symptoms of colds and flu (yet another benefit of this delicious little gummy).
- Product received for free from Butterly.com in exchange for an honest review.
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Colgate Total Advanced Repair and Protect Toothpaste
I was able to #tryColgate through receiving the product free of charge through Butterly. It is not easy to review a toothpaste. Toothpaste is not one of those things that provides instant results; toothpaste is rather a 'long burn' where the... +
I was able to #tryColgate through receiving the product free of charge through Butterly.
It is not easy to review a toothpaste. Toothpaste is not one of those things that provides instant results; toothpaste is rather a 'long burn' where the benefits from the use of said toothpaste are said to take place over time. Colgate Total Advanced Repair and Protect Toothpaste is said to help 'repair early enamel damage and protect sensitive teeth'. My tooth sensitivity is mild, and granted I did eat some extremely hot (in temperature) food between uses of Colgate Total Advanced Repair and Protect toothpaste, and no tooth sensitivity pain was detected, so for me the product functioned as advertised. The product claims to whiten teeth, however I'm pretty certain that this is a process that takes quite a bit of time before results are had, so I was not able to detect any immediate findings in that department. Other claims that Colgate Total Advanced Repair and Protect Toothpaste make are to help 'reverse early gum damage', reduce 'bacteria on teeth, tongue, cheeks and gums', and help 'prevent plaque and gingivitis'. Prior to this trial, I was a faithful user of Colgate Total toothpaste. I religiously purchase Colgate Total toothpaste because I believe all the claims and benefits that the manufacturer makes. Do I have any evidence of these claims being true? Well, aside from diminished teeth and gum problems, I do not, but unless other evidence contradicts these claims, I will continue to believe and will continue to purchase Colgate Total toothpaste for these stated benefits. That being said, the same claims that are made of my regular Colgate Total toothpaste are also made for Colgate Total Advanced Repair and Protect Toothpaste, and therefore I too will believe that these claims are true in regards to performance and efficacity of the product. One thing that has changed in recent years is the formula used to make Colgate Total toothpaste (as mentioned on the packaging some months back). Since this change, the product has become 'runnier' in use and will turn to liquid much quicker than its previous iteration. This too seems to be the case with Colgate Total Advanced Repair and Protect Toothpaste - in that one does not receive a thick lather of product upon use, but rather the product does turn to a liquid-form much quicker when used. An advantage that Colgate Total Advanced Repair and Protect Toothpaste has however, is that it would seem that this lather does remain within the bristles of the toothbrush longer than other types of toothpaste, which can disperse quickly and leave the user with nothing but moist toothbrush bristles void of product. The last point I wish to bring up in this review is the claim that 'this mint toothpaste has a flavour that will leave your mouth feeling clean and refreshes breath'. The taste of Colgate Total Advanced Repair and Protect Toothpaste is unique, in that it reminds me of the tartness of apricot yogurt. Is it a bad taste? No. Is it a unique taste? Yes. Use of Colgate Total Advanced Repair and Protect Toothpaste does leave my mouth (including teeth, gums and tongue) feeling clean and fresh, and this for quite some time, so despite its unique taste, I do believe that the product is effective.
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Irish Spring 5-in-1 Body Wash
I received Irish Spring 5-in-1 Body Wash at no cost to me (#gotitfree) in exchange for my review. Although I use body washes frequently, I mostly use them as shampoos and rather rely on bar soap for my body. Of course in this case I tried this... +
I received Irish Spring 5-in-1 Body Wash at no cost to me (#gotitfree) in exchange for my review. Although I use body washes frequently, I mostly use them as shampoos and rather rely on bar soap for my body. Of course in this case I tried this product in all of its advertised capacities. I've never been much of a fan of conditioner: I keep my hair short and conditioners serve little to no purpose for my hair type and length. Frankly, I feel that conditioners not only take longer to rinse away, but they tend to leave one's hair looking and feeling oily/greasy much sooner than washing with but shampoo. The product description refers to the product's 'sudsy lather that washes away bacteria, so you can use it as a face wash or hand soap.' Frankly, the lather itself was not 'sudsy' at all - the product provided little lather, and rather went on thin and slippery like conditioner liquid. Furthermore, on hair, rinsing away the lather after application and agitation takes time to rinse away properly (as does most conditioner products), and when used as a face soap / hand soap / body soap, then the product feels like it never fully rinses away. Prior to my preferred bar soap being discontinued, it boasted in its advertising that it 'rinses you fully clean' - a feeling that I sought. This product does not leave that feeling, and rather, leaves a feeling that is not unlike the other famous bar soap that touts '1/4 moisturizing cream' - I understand that those who suffer from dry skin prefer this type of soap, but I myself do not. So, yes, this product did retain moisture as advertised, but this is an aspect that is not a 'selling point' to me. As a shampoo, the product did leave my hair clean, manageable, style-able, and with a great fragrance, so that is a plus. The amount of product needed to work up a lather on hair was less than some other body washes, but I know of shampoos (one particularly marketed to men such as this one) that can generate a healthy hair lather using much less product. Even after a 24 hour period, my hair was still respectable (not ideal, but respectable) and did not turn to a oily/greasy mess. Regarding the 24 hour deodorizer claim: the product did not eliminate all corporeal odour (as made evident after sleeping and after doing exercise) BUT it did significantly reduce these odours, so in that aspect, the product probably performed just as well as other body wash counterparts that make similar claims. #TryIrishSpring -
Kraft Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa
I received this product in sample form for free from ChickAdvisor. Kraft Hazelnut Spread tastes very close to the 'known brand' that has dominated this specific market for years. Knowing that it is made in Canada is a huge reason to support this... +
I received this product in sample form for free from ChickAdvisor. Kraft Hazelnut Spread tastes very close to the 'known brand' that has dominated this specific market for years. Knowing that it is made in Canada is a huge reason to support this spread over the 'known brand'. Apparently, Kraft Hazelnut Spread not containing palm oil is important - I cannot say that I know much about the benefits of Kraft Hazelnut Spread not containing palm oil, but given that its taste and texture is just as good as the 'known brand' I guess that it is good that it does not contain palm oil. -
Schmidt's Here + Now Natural Deodorant
I received this product at no cost to me through ChickAdvisor's Product Review Club #trySchmidtsNaturals #gotitfree . Let me begin by stating that I generally use deodorants during the summer months. I work a job where I am outside in the hot sun... +
I received this product at no cost to me through ChickAdvisor's Product Review Club #trySchmidtsNaturals #gotitfree .
Let me begin by stating that I generally use deodorants during the summer months. I work a job where I am outside in the hot sun, and yes, at times I require a 'freshening up' during my workday. Fortunately, in the winter season, perspiration and body odour are not really problems that I have to deal with on a regular basis. I was given the opportunity to try Schmidt's Here + Now Natural Deodorant in the dead cold of February, so its effectiveness could only be tested on my moderate winter body odour and not the full potency of summer's body odour. Regardless, through a home workout, I was able to muster up enough perspiration where I feel it merited being tested.
PRICE:
Now I am someone who generally finds the most affordable product to do the job and sticks with that (provided it does what it is meant to do of course). Truth be told, I regularly buy off-brand deodorant at a dollar store, paying around $2 a stick. Not only does it do the job well, but I appreciate its 'sporty' fragrance. The cheapest that I could find Schmidt's Here + Now Natural Deodorant was at Wal-Mart for $9 a stick...even compared to the name brands in the category, Schmidt's Here + Now Natural Deodorant is selling at double the price of the name brands (I can buy 4 sticks of my off-brand deodorant at that price). The reason I do not consider price to be an eliminating factor in this review is that I understand that there are those who may have sensitive skin and/or those who may face irritation using standard-type deodorants, so for these individuals, Schmidt's Here + Now Natural Deodorant might be a viable option.
APPEARANCE:
My off-brand 'common' deodorant appears as most other deodorants appear, that is to say translucent blue (and for some other brands that I've used in the past, white or clear), and once applied, a creamy white residue remains. Schmidt's Here + Now Natural Deodorant appears grey, and its residue following application is stringy and cottony, almost spider's-nest-like. It should be noted that Schmidt's Here + Now Natural Deodorant did leave overall less residue than did 'common' deodorants, so perhaps this could be an advantage to those who fear that too much product appears under their arms and on their clothes during the day.
APPLICATION:
My off-brand 'common' deodorant (and practically every other deodorant I've ever used, name-brand or not) is applied smoothly and leaves a good layer of coverage pretty evenly and with one 'swipe'. Schmidt's Here + Now Natural Deodorant feels dry, and its application feels dry as well. It perhaps was not the sensation of having a layer of product covering my armpit that I am used to, but for the sake of testing, I applied but 2 swipes of Schmidt's Here + Now Natural Deodorant under each armpit (as I would do with a 'common' deodorant) and left it at that. Did I feel that there was a layer of Schmidt's Here + Now Natural Deodorant under each arm? Yes, but the sensation was different. That being said, if Schmidt's Here + Now Natural Deodorant uses less product to cover one's armpit, then it can be presumed that Schmidt's Here + Now Natural Deodorant will wear-down slower and will give the user more use of the product over time (again, this is simply supposition on my part and not a tested result).
FRAGRANCE:
'Common' deodorants tend to smell 'sporty' (as the vernacular would describe it), almost like a youthful cologne. Schmidt's Here + Now Natural Deodorant smells spicy, specifically, like dried seasoning, Sadly, my palate is not sophisticated enough to detect what is the major dried plant that is being used here, but the only thing I can think of would be the dried seasoning one would apply to a tomato sauce (to be specific, the fragrance of Schmidt's Here + Now Natural Deodorant is similar to dried seasoning and NOT to tomatoes nor tomato sauce). It is not a bad smell in any way, but it is a unique smell. That being said, if one fears that their fragrance can be mistaken for dried seasoning, perhaps it would be best to select another product. I can attest that the fragrance of Schmidt's Here + Now Natural Deodorant did stay with me throughout the day (even into the next morning when I awoke) and at times would permeate the 3 layers of clothing (including my winter coat) throughout the workday. Schmidt's Here + Now Natural Deodorant did eliminate any body odour that was generated earlier that day, and no sign of body odour returned, even after a night's sleep, so the product did accomplish what it was meant to accomplish.
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Canada Dry Diet Cranberry Ginger Ale
#GotItFree through @ChickAdvisor . Canada Dry has always been known to produce a high-quality Ginger Ale. Canada Dry Ginger Ale is made with real ginger, and the use of real ginger in the production of Canada Dry Ginger Ale contributes to its... +
#GotItFree through @ChickAdvisor . Canada Dry has always been known to produce a high-quality Ginger Ale. Canada Dry Ginger Ale is made with real ginger, and the use of real ginger in the production of Canada Dry Ginger Ale contributes to its overall taste. To add a certain 'zing' to the product, for a limited time Canada Dry is introducing Cranberry to their Ginger Ale products, putting both Canada Dry Cranberry Ginger Ale and Canada Dry Diet Cranberry Ginger Ale on the market. In this review I tested Canada Dry Diet Cranberry Ginger Ale, so that I may enjoy the product all with 0 calories. The scent of the product, once the can has been opened, is that of Canada Dry Ginger Ale with just a hint of Cranberry. Upon opening the can, the product fizzes outside of the can slightly and appears with a pink hue instead of the traditional amber-esque colour of regular Canada Dry Ginger Ale. Its taste, like its scent, is the same quality Canada Dry Ginger Ale that you would expect, but with but a hint of Cranberry. The addition of the hint of Cranberry makes Canada Dry Diet Cranberry Ginger Ale just that much more special. I can see those who appreciate both traditional Canada Dry Ginger Ale as well as those who appreciate the tartness of Cranberry really appreciating this product (it would be to these individuals that I would recommend this product). It could also represent a special twist on a classic for events such as parties. As for me however, I would prefer a sweeter 'zing' to Canada Dry Ginger Ale, such as cherry flavouring perhaps. Also, Canada Dry Diet Cranberry Ginger Ale, perhaps given its limited release, was difficult to find in my regularly-visited grocery stores. I had to go to a more-premium grocery store to find it, and this translated to a higher price point than I would expect for 12 cans of soft drink, albeit from a name-brand such as Canada Dry. -
Knorr One Skillet Meals in Spicy Chipotle Chicken Brown Rice and Quinoa
#gotitfree @KnorrCanada @Knorr #tryKnorr @FamilyRated #FamilyRatedClub Knorr One Skillet Meals Spicy Chipotle Chicken Brown Rice and Quinoa is a dried product bought in a sachet that is used as a meal cooking preparation (Knorr uses the term 'meal... +
#gotitfree @KnorrCanada @Knorr #tryKnorr @FamilyRated #FamilyRatedClub
Knorr One Skillet Meals Spicy Chipotle Chicken Brown Rice and Quinoa is a dried product bought in a sachet that is used as a meal cooking preparation (Knorr uses the term 'meal starter'). Its sale price is at par with other, similar 'meal starters' on the market. Knorr One Skillet Meals Spicy Chipotle Chicken Brown Rice and Quinoa certainly required more ingredients to prepare than did the simple Knorr side dish I had prepared earlier in the month: for this 'meal starter' I required 45ml vegetable oil, 2 bell peppers, 250ml corn, 1lb chicken breast, and 1tbsp flour. The sales-pitch behind the 'One Skillet Meal' entails that the thinly-sliced bell peppers and corn first be cooked in said skillet, but then one must set these ingredients aside in order to prepare the chicken and the contents of the sachet in the same skillet that was previously used to cook the bell peppers and corn; leaving the corn and bell peppers sitting out exposed and getting cold during this chicken and sachet-content cook time (approximately 25 minutes). Once I realized Knorr's game-plan in this regard, I left my corn and bell peppers in their skillet under very low heat, and then broke out yet another skillet to prepare my chicken and sachet-contents. I must say: the longest part of this meal preparation was the cleaning and slicing of the bell peppers and chicken, because other than that, preparation of this meal was rather simple and easy: once the chicken was browned and then the 500ml water and contents of the sachet were poured onto the chicken, one had to simply bring these contents to a boil while stirring to ensure proper distribution of the mixture, and once brought to a boil, one had to simply lower the burner heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and leave simmering for 22 minutes. The last step involved turning off the burner after 22 minutes of simmer-time had elapsed, and then adding the cooked bell peppers and corn to the mixture; stirring it all up to achieve proper distribution of flavours. The suggested cook times, temperature settings and directions produce a wonderfully-cooked meal. Loving very spicy food, I found that the Knorr One Skillet Meals Spicy Chipotle Chicken Brown Rice and Quinoa did not produce a dish that was particularly hot-spicy, but rather produced a dish that was very flavourful, and the juxtaposition of the corn and bell pepper flavours really accentuated the overall taste of the meal. Flavour was evenly distributed throughout the dish, and the texture of the rice and quinoa really went well alongside the more-supple chicken, corn, and bell pepper textures. The sachet-package claims that this meal yields four servings: I would say this preparation yields 2 adult servings and 2 child servings, if not 3 calorie-conscious-sized adult servings. This experience really changed my opinion on 'meal starters', and in the future I may consider using a 'meal starter' in lieu of my normal meal preparations.
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Knorr Selects Roasted Garlic Alfredo Rice
Knorr Selects Roasted Garlic Alfredo Rice is a side dish that is purchased dried in a sachet. Its price point is quite similar to other similar dried sachet side dishes (often of the noodle variety). It requires the following to prepare: a stove... +
Knorr Selects Roasted Garlic Alfredo Rice is a side dish that is purchased dried in a sachet. Its price point is quite similar to other similar dried sachet side dishes (often of the noodle variety). It requires the following to prepare: a stove top, a saucepan with stirrer (wooden spoon for example), measuring cup, 375 ml water, 250 ml milk and 30 ml unsalted butter. The preparation is no more complicated than preparing macaroni and cheese. The instructions claim 'cooks in 10 minutes' but factoring thickening time and prep time, you're looking at closer to 20 minutes overall, which is not a tremendous amount of time all things considered. Following the instructions as listed on the pouch prepared the side dish to the intended consistency. The rice grains were sticky yet firm enough to not be considered 'mushy'. The end product had a rich, creamy taste, with ample flavour (including both alfredo sauce and roasted garlic). This taste was present throughout and was distributed evenly throughout the dish's consumption, from start to finish. The sauce was thick enough to hold in the heat deep within the rice, to the point where it was more palatable to scoop up rice from the top layer rather than dig deep down to fork rice from deeper in the dish (this method of only eating rice from the top layer ensured that the consumption temperature was enjoyable throughout the meal). For those who prefer a milder taste, perhaps Knorr Selects Roasted Garlic Alfredo Rice would be too rich and too powerful a taste for your palate, however myself, loving both alfredo sauce and roasted garlic, enjoyed the side dish very much. -
Q-tips Cotton Swabs
I often use cotton swabs to clean internal computer fans (these often get gummed up and provide less-than-adequate cooling performance). To reach all angles of the fan blades as well as the heatsink radiators, nothing beats cotton swabs dipped in... +
I often use cotton swabs to clean internal computer fans (these often get gummed up and provide less-than-adequate cooling performance). To reach all angles of the fan blades as well as the heatsink radiators, nothing beats cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol. Now I've used both Q-Tips brand as well as the less-expensive dollar-store brand, and for the most part, the Q-Tips brand of cotton swab lasts the longest and provides the most thorough cleaning. On the Q-Tips, the cotton swab end stays intact long after the dollar-store brand end shreds and disconnects, and the plastic stem on the Q-Tips brand remains rigid long after the dollar-store brand stem bends out of shape. For whatever you use cotton swabs for, Q-Tips brand cotton swabs are a worthwhile purchase. -
Arm & Hammer™ Truly Radiant™ Clean & Fresh Toothpaste
I received Arm & Hammer™ Truly Radiant™ Clean & Fresh Toothpaste for free as part of the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club. After over a week of use, I cannot confirm that the product improved upon the whiteness of my teeth, as a before-and-after... +
I received Arm & Hammer™ Truly Radiant™ Clean & Fresh Toothpaste for free as part of the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club. After over a week of use, I cannot confirm that the product improved upon the whiteness of my teeth, as a before-and-after comparison yielded no visible improvement, however, it should also be noted that my teeth did not become yellower either, so in this regard Arm & Hammer™ Truly Radiant™ Clean & Fresh Toothpaste can be said to maintain one's teeth appearance. Arm & Hammer™ Truly Radiant™ Clean & Fresh Toothpaste also claims to provide 'Deep Cleaning & Lasting Freshness' with its 'Clean Mint' flavouring, its 'Breath Freshening Agents' and claims to use [their] 'most advanced cleaning & freshening technologies for an unmistakably clean and fresh feeling'. All of these claims can be said to be founded: not only is the sensation one feels of their teeth after using said toothpaste that of newly-polished teeth from the dentist's office, but also the unique 'fizzling' of the toothpaste when used certainly does freshen breath extremely well, giving the user the confidence of having minty fresh breath after brushing. Now, this product is not without its downsides: the toothpaste lather (when brushing one's teeth) is extremely liquidy, runny, and is rather difficult to keep in one's mouth without it leaking all over the bathroom sink. Furthermore, this toothpaste, while it does a good job of cleaning the teeth to the point where they feel newly-polished, also is rather rough on the gums and inner-mouth, causing (in my case) irritation (because of this, using said product twice a day is becoming quite difficult at this point). Although my mouth may be too sensitive for this toothpaste, if one can use this toothpaste regularly without irritation, and does not mind an extremely runny lather when brushing one's teeth, then this product is recommended. -
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