ABOUT ME
My Blogs allow me to rant and rave about movies, scrapbooking, motherhood, saving money, and whatever else I'd like. I'm finding it to be a great release for me. I hope that others enjoy it as well.
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Showing posts with label Product Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Product Reviews. Show all posts
I realize it's a little past the time but I thought I'd share my opinion of some of my 15 month old's X-mas toys. My sister got him the Playhut Carnival Ball Zone that I wanted for him, thinking that if I was a kid, I would have loved it and he does.The problem is keeping the balls in the "zone". I thought that the netting would help but the pit actually has a blow up cushion underneath that tilts when he gets out and there go the balls with him. So, it's turned into Living room Ball Zone. It's okay though, as long as he loves it, that's all that matters.
One of the things we got for him was the V-Tech SmartVille Alphabet Train Station. Now, he already has something similar that you can walk with, but this has a lot of added activities and that's what I was looking for because I am a stay at home mom and some of these things get boring fast.
So, I wanted something that could be used for many things, play time, education, etc. That, and I had a hard time finding great things for his age group. It's like he's too old for baby stuff, but too young for the really cool toys. This is really cool though because there's lots to do.
Now, his B-day was a couple months before Christmas and I got him Parents Busy Zoo. It's just like the ones in the doctor's offices that every kid flocks to, but we never think to get one. Well, I did and we all love it! Everyone who comes over plays with it.
I'm not sure when, but my niece got him the Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Learning Table and I also recommend this toy. He gets very serious "stirring the soup", but he's probably going to be retiring this toy soon to make room for all the other stuff that seems to be taking over my whole house.
Now, before you jump to the conclusion that my son is spoiled, you should know, he's worth it :)I also wanted to mention that I got this baby catalog from One Step Ahead baby products and I have to say I'm impressed. I don't typically buy from catalogs so I looked up the website and I do believe I'm going to buy some baby proofing items.
They really have a good selection of things I haven't seen in the stores. They have all kinds of stuff though, clothes, toys, etc. You should check it out here. Just thought I'd mention it in case there are some other overly cautious parents out there, like me.
Yes, I watch Bravo's Shear Genius. It's definitely not something I ever thought I would like, but much like cooking and fashion shows, I was won over. Why? I do not know. I don't get my hair done a lot and I'm not into trends, nor am I a big cook. I'm not very girlie really.
The experiences I have had in salons haven't been good. A few years back I had a horrible salon experience at Beauty Warehouse on Barry Road in Kansas City, MO, not Kansas. This was before I had a blog to complain, but the experience stayed with me and I intend to take full advantage of my blog now.
Whatever you do, do not go to Beauty Warehouse. I went for a body perm because my hair is ridiculously straight and I can't do anything with it the way it is. Finally, I decided I would try this even though I don't like putting chemicals on my hair, which may be a contributing reason why I can't do much with it. I thought this might give it enough body that I wouldn't have to do much but that it would be better than just lying there.
After 2 hours, I leave with my hair damp and it looks wavy enough; but by the time I got home, it was completely flat again. Still, I thought let's see what it does the next day...still nothing. So, I end up going back and saying that it didn't take and asking what we could do. Without any provocation, the manager jumps down my throat and starts yelling at me, saying that because I didn't use their shampoo, they wouldn't guarantee it. I say to her, first, stop yelling at me; second, no one told me I had to use their shampoo and third, that's ridiculous. Even the stylist thought the manager was rude.
Anyway, after much debate, she tells me my only choice was to come back the next day and re-do it, but that I had to buy their shampoo. I refused because the last thing I needed was straight, damaged hair. So, I went on and have come to terms with my hair the way it is, but I just wanted to warn any of you out there who might have a Beauty Warehouse near you.
That aside, this week, on Shear Genius, they did a "green" challenge, where they had to use organic products in their clients hair. I thought it was great. Mind you, I probably won't be attempting any of those things myself, but I don't use environmentally harmful products either, so no worries. Catch the re-runs if you can. It was interesting to say the least.
The experiences I have had in salons haven't been good. A few years back I had a horrible salon experience at Beauty Warehouse on Barry Road in Kansas City, MO, not Kansas. This was before I had a blog to complain, but the experience stayed with me and I intend to take full advantage of my blog now.
Whatever you do, do not go to Beauty Warehouse. I went for a body perm because my hair is ridiculously straight and I can't do anything with it the way it is. Finally, I decided I would try this even though I don't like putting chemicals on my hair, which may be a contributing reason why I can't do much with it. I thought this might give it enough body that I wouldn't have to do much but that it would be better than just lying there.
After 2 hours, I leave with my hair damp and it looks wavy enough; but by the time I got home, it was completely flat again. Still, I thought let's see what it does the next day...still nothing. So, I end up going back and saying that it didn't take and asking what we could do. Without any provocation, the manager jumps down my throat and starts yelling at me, saying that because I didn't use their shampoo, they wouldn't guarantee it. I say to her, first, stop yelling at me; second, no one told me I had to use their shampoo and third, that's ridiculous. Even the stylist thought the manager was rude.
Anyway, after much debate, she tells me my only choice was to come back the next day and re-do it, but that I had to buy their shampoo. I refused because the last thing I needed was straight, damaged hair. So, I went on and have come to terms with my hair the way it is, but I just wanted to warn any of you out there who might have a Beauty Warehouse near you.
That aside, this week, on Shear Genius, they did a "green" challenge, where they had to use organic products in their clients hair. I thought it was great. Mind you, I probably won't be attempting any of those things myself, but I don't use environmentally harmful products either, so no worries. Catch the re-runs if you can. It was interesting to say the least.
So, I've been trying quite a few things that I might not have had I not gotten them free or close to it. I thought I should share my thoughts.
I typically eat Honey Bunches of Oats as my cereal of choice and I tend to like the "bunches". So, I was sure I would like Just Bunches. While I like it, I don't love it. Turns out you need the other stuff in there to balance it out. It's just too much bunches.
Now, sure, I'd buy it again if it were free with coupons, but it's not my favorite.
On the other hand, I did like Kellogg's Smart Start Antioxidants Cereal. However, I did not like the Maple & Brown Sugar kind. Not to worry, it didn't go to waste. I gave it to my mom and she liked it. I'm just pretty simple when it comes to food. I'm not a maple and Brown Sugar girl I guess.
Wow, LiveActive, where do I begin? It's not that it's bad per say, but it's pretty bland and verrrrry crunchy. You are not having a conversation with anyone while eating this cereal because it takes a long time to chew all of the texture that is in your mouth at one time.
I just keep telling myself that it's good for me and it makes me feel better. I have considered adding some Just Bunches to add flavor, but I don't think my teeth could handle it.
Now, on a different note, Diapers. I prefer Pampers over anything but with all the great deals at Walgreens and things, I've been trying other options.
Walgreens diapers are actually pretty good. They're not too different than Huggies from what I can tell. I haven't had any problems. The only thing is that they run small, so I had to buy the next size up. Luckily someone told me that ahead of time, but I'm sure they'd let you exchange them if you get the wrong size.
I would not suggest anyone buy CVS Explorers Diapers. I hated them! They are hard to work with. They don't fit well around the legs, causing a lot of leakage unless you really fix them just right. It's too bad because I know they are a good deal sometimes, but it's just not worth it in this case.
See my post on Pampers points and my Pampers review here.
I typically eat Honey Bunches of Oats as my cereal of choice and I tend to like the "bunches". So, I was sure I would like Just Bunches. While I like it, I don't love it. Turns out you need the other stuff in there to balance it out. It's just too much bunches.Now, sure, I'd buy it again if it were free with coupons, but it's not my favorite.
On the other hand, I did like Kellogg's Smart Start Antioxidants Cereal. However, I did not like the Maple & Brown Sugar kind. Not to worry, it didn't go to waste. I gave it to my mom and she liked it. I'm just pretty simple when it comes to food. I'm not a maple and Brown Sugar girl I guess.
Wow, LiveActive, where do I begin? It's not that it's bad per say, but it's pretty bland and verrrrry crunchy. You are not having a conversation with anyone while eating this cereal because it takes a long time to chew all of the texture that is in your mouth at one time.I just keep telling myself that it's good for me and it makes me feel better. I have considered adding some Just Bunches to add flavor, but I don't think my teeth could handle it.
Now, on a different note, Diapers. I prefer Pampers over anything but with all the great deals at Walgreens and things, I've been trying other options.
Walgreens diapers are actually pretty good. They're not too different than Huggies from what I can tell. I haven't had any problems. The only thing is that they run small, so I had to buy the next size up. Luckily someone told me that ahead of time, but I'm sure they'd let you exchange them if you get the wrong size.
I would not suggest anyone buy CVS Explorers Diapers. I hated them! They are hard to work with. They don't fit well around the legs, causing a lot of leakage unless you really fix them just right. It's too bad because I know they are a good deal sometimes, but it's just not worth it in this case.See my post on Pampers points and my Pampers review here.
I have OCD and so I wash my hands like there's no tomorrow. Thus they are usually dry and cracked. On top of that, Missouri winters are always extra hard on my skin. I've tried many things for this. The one thing that works better than anything else is Maynard skin creams; specifically, Maynard Beautiful Lady Hand Care Cream.
My mother actually had some that I tried for the first time. She couldn't remember where she got it. So, I wrote the company to try and find out where I could get some and they told me that I would have to buy on-line because no store's sell it in my area. Apparently they used to have it at JC Penny's I believe they said, but no more. That's unfortunate because the shipping seems steep to me on their site, but it does work.
If you don't feel like buying on-line, you might want to try, Yes To Carrots Body Butter for Dry Skin. It isn't as good but it does help. This you can buy in stores. I know Walgreens definitely has it. I got a great deal on it with a rebate.
My mother actually had some that I tried for the first time. She couldn't remember where she got it. So, I wrote the company to try and find out where I could get some and they told me that I would have to buy on-line because no store's sell it in my area. Apparently they used to have it at JC Penny's I believe they said, but no more. That's unfortunate because the shipping seems steep to me on their site, but it does work.
If you don't feel like buying on-line, you might want to try, Yes To Carrots Body Butter for Dry Skin. It isn't as good but it does help. This you can buy in stores. I know Walgreens definitely has it. I got a great deal on it with a rebate.
Before I had my baby someone recommended Pampers over the other diapers and I so I bought some. I also bought the Luvs and Huggies, just to see; and man, were they right. I much prefer Pampers over Luvs or Huggies. You can tell by the feel of them that they're better. They fit much better.
Another good thing about Pampers is that they have points on their products that they call "grow points". These can be collected and exchanged for different toys and things. So that's an extra bonus.
If you go to their web site, you can read more about the points, including where to find the points within the packaging.
One tip for moms to be is to start stocking up on diapers before you have the baby. Luckily, someone told us this and it turned out to be great advise. I just wouldn't get too many newborn diapers because they go through them so quick. My baby was 10 lbs. so he didn't use them much at all. I'd get 1's or 2's. They'll eventually need them so you can't go wrong. Most stores will let you exchange them if you do happen to outgrow something you've stocked up on. Hope that helps.
Another good thing about Pampers is that they have points on their products that they call "grow points". These can be collected and exchanged for different toys and things. So that's an extra bonus.
If you go to their web site, you can read more about the points, including where to find the points within the packaging.
One tip for moms to be is to start stocking up on diapers before you have the baby. Luckily, someone told us this and it turned out to be great advise. I just wouldn't get too many newborn diapers because they go through them so quick. My baby was 10 lbs. so he didn't use them much at all. I'd get 1's or 2's. They'll eventually need them so you can't go wrong. Most stores will let you exchange them if you do happen to outgrow something you've stocked up on. Hope that helps.
Do you remember the Hefty commercials where they'd show their bags being picked up and they'd say, "Hefty, Hefty, Hefty."; then show someone else's bags falling apart and say, "Wimpy, Wimpy, Wimpy"? Well Hefty is "Wimpy, Wimpy, Wimpy". I find that they fall apart easily and so Glad bags are all that I use now.
I don't remember how or why but I got a free Schick Intuition Razor. This particular razor has a moisturizing bar around the top. While it was good for the first few days; once the moisturizing bar wears down, you're left with this big, awkward razor.
Disappointed, I wrote Schick and they ended up sending me a coupon for another free one, just in case the first one was faulty. It was not. I just don't like the razor. However, I was impressed by their customer service.
I originally bought the Provo Craft paper trimmer when I couldn't find blades for my Fiskars trimmer at JoAnn's and was very disappointed. For one thing, the surface is too slick. The paper slides around and causes you to make crooked cuts. On top of that, the arm snaps into place, making it tedious to have to make multiple cuts.So, I wrote Provo Craft and complained so they sent me their Cricut version. Well, it's the same exact thing. Now, I'm stuck with two worthless cutters and I go to Michael's to get blades for my Fiskar's paper trimmer.
Fiskars is well worth the money. I think it's only $15. It's arm raises to the side and does not snap into place, making it easy to turn your paper and make straight cuts.
I have the Fisher-Price Rainforest bouncer, playard and the Melodies & Lights Deluxe Gym and my baby really enjoys them.
I actually use the playard (playpen) as a changing table. Then, when he wants to play, I just snap off the attachment. It's great!
The bouncer stays in the office and is great for when I'm working.
The Melodies & Lights Deluxe Gym is just great all-around because you can attach whatever toys you want to it and he can just play on that all day and never get bored if I let him.
The only problem I have with these, like with all the toys is that the songs get old fast. I know we considered buying the Rainforest swing but we use that to help him go to sleep and the songs are just too upbeat. Now that we have to hear the songs play in his other Rainforest items, I'm really glad we went with another swing.
I actually use the playard (playpen) as a changing table. Then, when he wants to play, I just snap off the attachment. It's great!
The bouncer stays in the office and is great for when I'm working.
The Melodies & Lights Deluxe Gym is just great all-around because you can attach whatever toys you want to it and he can just play on that all day and never get bored if I let him.
The only problem I have with these, like with all the toys is that the songs get old fast. I know we considered buying the Rainforest swing but we use that to help him go to sleep and the songs are just too upbeat. Now that we have to hear the songs play in his other Rainforest items, I'm really glad we went with another swing.
I'm 30 and the last time I enjoyed gaming was with the original Nintendo (NES). However, the Nintendo Wii has changed that. It is the perfect system for me and my family. It is wholesome fun, not like the shooting games that I might enjoy if I were a teenage boy. After playing some of the games, you feel like you've had a workout and it's not just that your thumbs are sore like with the old games.
Everyone who has played our system, has ended up buying one of their own because it truly is fun for everyone. My mom has played it, my husband's parents. People we never thought would enjoy video games do with this system. I just love it and I'm so glad my husband stood out in the cold for hours to buy it. Even he says it was totally worth it.
Everyone who has played our system, has ended up buying one of their own because it truly is fun for everyone. My mom has played it, my husband's parents. People we never thought would enjoy video games do with this system. I just love it and I'm so glad my husband stood out in the cold for hours to buy it. Even he says it was totally worth it.
Okay, I wrote Avent bottles because my husband and I are both unhappy with their products. Everytime we go to shake the bottle, formula goes everywhere. Then when it seems like we've got it, formula comes pouring out, down our baby's face.
Their response:
Their response:
While all of that sounds fine and good, the fact of the matter is when you have a screaming baby demanding a bottle and fast, you don't have time to do all of these steps to ensure a perfect seal. So they can suck it. I won't be using their products anymore.Thank you for contacting us about your AVENT Feeding Bottles. We have some advice that may help resolve the problems you have experienced.
The connection between the bottle and the nipple is very important as it provides a seal and vacuum to avoid leaking. Please be aware that over tightening of the screw cap should be avoided and that the nipple should be wet or damp during connection to ensure the best seal. This is achieved by wetting the skirt on the nipple and snapping it into the ring, making it upright and ready for use.
Additionally, we also suggest thoroughly cleaning the neck of the bottle when using formula as any residue of powder could obstruct the anti-colic valve. In this case, it is more advisable to mix the formula prior to putting it into the bottle, making sure the powder is completely dissolved.
