spotty
Member Since: March 14, 2007Reviews
Simmer Down
I just finished reading Simmer Down after having read the first book in the series, Steamed. Simmer Down was pretty entertaining, but I have to say the 1st book was much more enjoyable. Simmer Down did not grab me right out of the gates. The plot... +
I just finished reading Simmer Down after having read the first book in the series, Steamed. Simmer Down was pretty entertaining, but I have to say the 1st book was much more enjoyable. Simmer Down did not grab me right out of the gates. The plot took a long time to thicken. However, once it got there, the end was pretty good and already has me thinking about book 3!
The authors do a great job continuing w/ the characters they developed in book 1 and they provide nice "back descriptions" so readers that may have not read Steamed don't miss a beat. All in all, this was a fun read and I plan on sharing both books w/ a friend of mine who is all but a chef herself!
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Steamed
I liked this book. For me, it was a breath of fresh air to read contemporary "real-life" fiction. I generally read non-fiction, and when I do read fiction, its been older stories (e.g., Steinbeck) or fantasy (e.g., Harry Potter or Lord of the... +
I liked this book. For me, it was a breath of fresh air to read contemporary "real-life" fiction. I generally read non-fiction, and when I do read fiction, its been older stories (e.g., Steinbeck) or fantasy (e.g., Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings). I enjoyed reading the main character's development and problems and relating to them, if only b/c she lives in the present day world.
The authors do a great job w/ character development, particularly Chloe. Even if she's not likable, as noted by the previous reviewer, the authorsdeveloped her enough for you to make that decision. If you're able to establish an opinion about a character, she's been well-developed.
I felt the story line was perhaps a bit rushed. But, again, I looked past that b/c I was so excited to read contemporary fiction. I had fun w/ the story line, nonetheless, and found myself picking up the book during any idle moment. I was hooked pretty early on. My only major let down was the end. It seemed a little too matter-of-fact and not enough of a shocker. But given that, I'm interested enough in the main character to pick up the 2nd book in the series.
Despite some minor flaws, I was entertained and enjoyed the book -- surely the goal of any author. I recommend the book!
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BALLBUSTER Hand Cream
Yummy hand cream! Mmmm! This moisturizer is great on many levels: 1. The marketing. It is humorous and spot on. The nutcracker on the lid had me and my boyfriend laughing. 2. Its effectiveness. The cream is very thick, but it goes on light... +
Yummy hand cream! Mmmm! This moisturizer is great on many levels:
1. The marketing. It is humorous and spot on. The nutcracker on the lid had me and my boyfriend laughing.
2. Its effectiveness. The cream is very thick, but it goes on light and non-greasy. And a little bit goes a long way.
3. The scent. It smells of a combination of floral and citrus w/ an ever so subtle musk undertone.
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Patagonia Capilene Active Brief
When doing anything athletic, I swear by Patagonia's capilene underwear, sports bras, and camisoles. This synthetic fabric, called capilene, is incredible at wicking away sweat/moisture to keep your skin dry to reduce uncomfortable chafing. The... +
When doing anything athletic, I swear by Patagonia's capilene underwear, sports bras, and camisoles. This synthetic fabric, called capilene, is incredible at wicking away sweat/moisture to keep your skin dry to reduce uncomfortable chafing. The fabric is also firmly stretchy to fit around all body types. And, the underwear is seamless, another helpful element to reduce chafing and bunching. The underwear comes in a variety of colors and styles (brief, hipster, thong). I own several pairs of the briefs and thongs (and camisoles) and both styles are quite flattering -- so you can look good underneath it all while working out!
For all of you environmentally conscious folks out there, you should feel good knowing that Patagonia recycles their clothing. When you are done w/ any of their synthetic clothing products, you can return them to your nearest Patagonia store and the garment will be fully recycled and used to make future synthetic garments.
The price for a pair of undies is kind of steep for my tastes (that's why Patagonia is often dubbed Patagucci), but the product is MORE than worth the price. I will continue to purchase Patagonia base layer undies and camisoles.
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SeaVital Exfoliating Facial Wash
I also received this product compliments of ChickAdvisor. I love it. The scent is fabulous and the clean, refreshing feel it provides is amazing. I had a couple of dry spots at each nostril corner from so much tissue usage during allergy season... +
I also received this product compliments of ChickAdvisor. I love it. The scent is fabulous and the clean, refreshing feel it provides is amazing. I had a couple of dry spots at each nostril corner from so much tissue usage during allergy season and this face wash coupled w/ some alpha-hydroxy lotion smoothed it up in a few short days.
My only caution is that the small fruit grains take forever to rinse off. I've learned to use the face wash in the shower so its much easier to rinse your face w/o making any mess.
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Aveeno® Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Yup, Aveeno's product is amazing. I prefer the menthol version, though. Yeah, you smell a bit like a medicine cabinet, but the anti-itch relief is well worth it. I was suffering from a bout w/ poison ivy and a friend suggested this lotion. The... +
Yup, Aveeno's product is amazing. I prefer the menthol version, though. Yeah, you smell a bit like a medicine cabinet, but the anti-itch relief is well worth it. I was suffering from a bout w/ poison ivy and a friend suggested this lotion. The oatmeal really locks in moisture and the anti-itch menthol relief helped me keep my hands off the poison ivy rash and heal a little faster. -
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF15 Face Cream
I LOVE this product! I've used it daily for years and years and years. You can't beat the SPF bonus. What I really enjoy most about the lotion is alpha hydroxy. My skin is prone to acne breakouts and alpha hydroxy acts to slough off old/dead... +
I LOVE this product! I've used it daily for years and years and years. You can't beat the SPF bonus. What I really enjoy most about the lotion is alpha hydroxy. My skin is prone to acne breakouts and alpha hydroxy acts to slough off old/dead skin cells so they don't stick around and clog pores. I find the effect similar to other lotions that label "non-comodogenic" (non pore clogging), but only better! -
Neutrogena Oil-Free Daily Cleanser
I'm not sure if this is the EXACT product that the original review refers to, but pretty much Neutrogena's entire line of acne cleaners and treatments are phenomenal. The daily cream cleanser is my favorite. It cleanses very well and leaves my... +
I'm not sure if this is the EXACT product that the original review refers to, but pretty much Neutrogena's entire line of acne cleaners and treatments are phenomenal. The daily cream cleanser is my favorite. It cleanses very well and leaves my face fairly moisturized and less stripped of my skins natural/healthy oils. -
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
This hand cream is awesome. The tube is tiny but will last a LONG time. The formula is super concentrated, so all you need is a tiny dab. If you live in a cold or a dry climate, and suffer from rough/dry elbows or knuckles, or know somebody who... +
This hand cream is awesome. The tube is tiny but will last a LONG time. The formula is super concentrated, so all you need is a tiny dab. If you live in a cold or a dry climate, and suffer from rough/dry elbows or knuckles, or know somebody who does, this product works wonders. Just apply a small dab to the affected area, and after a week or so, you'll notice considerable improvement and healing. -
Crest Whitestrips
I'm so glad to read that other's experienced pain and sensitivity when using this product. I quit using the regimen b/c of the discomfort. For that reason alone, I do not recommend Crest Whitestrips and will never use them again.
I'm so glad to read that other's experienced pain and sensitivity when using this product. I quit using the regimen b/c of the discomfort. For that reason alone, I do not recommend Crest Whitestrips and will never use them again. -
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