Monday, June 30, 2008

DISHWASHER: GE QuietPower I

GE Quiet Power I
relatively quiet, easy to use buttons, seems to clean well.
Bought this dishwasher in November, 2006. On my 2nd set of racks, which are rusting AGAIN. Rust from racks stains dishes.
Here's a copy of the e-mail I sent to GE:
Model #: GLD4300L00CC
Hello.
We have a GE Quiet Power I dishwasher, purchased in 11/2006 & professionally installed.
Less than 6 months after the dishwasher was installed, the top and bottom racks rusted, we received replacement racks, sent on 4/23/2007.
It is just over one year later, and the racks are rusting out again. I called today, 6/30/2008, and spoke to Wendy, who transferred me to Aaron in Consumer Relations. Aaron kindly informed me that this was not a reported problem and that replacement racks would cost over $100. When I told him that I was not interested in paying $100 plus for the same racks & the same problems, he informed me that I could received up to 20% off of a comparable new model--again with the wire racks.
While this is a nice offer, paying a minimum of $700 for the chance of having the exact same rust issues is less than appealing to me.
I find it remarkably hard to believe that we 1. are the only people who have had racks rust out and 2. that this is not a manufacturing defect, when this has happened TWICE. We live in a city which has a very good water system, we do not put any odd things in our dishwasher, we use recommended detergent tablets, and we run our dishwasher once a day or less.
I will be sure to tell my friends, family, and neighbors about my GE experience.
In addition, I will be placing a copy of this letter on a blog site which reviews everyday products:http://brainyformfunction.blogspot.com/
Good day.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Fiberwig Mascara in Pure Black

I was excited to try this. The claims on the packaging are bold to say the least. "Beyond mascara." "It's paint-on false eyelashes!" I have been known to wear faux eyelashes on a few occasions so I was skeptical that mascara could mimic my falsies. Unfortunately, I was correct. I wasn't really impressed at all. The formula was nice and creamy, easy to apply yet I didn't get that doe eyed look and it definitely didn't seem to outperform any of my other mascaras. Maybe it's just me?

Friday, June 20, 2008

Naieme - Makeup Brush Set

Naieme
Leatherette Brush Set

I am always trying out new makeup brushes. Sometimes I watch makeover shows on TV and go and buy the brushes that they use for makeup (I am addicted to What Not to Wear). Let me say that these brushes are the best thing since sliced bread. I am not kidding. There are 5 brushes in this set. All neatly arranged in a sassy gold case with an extra zipped pocket for storage. All 5 brushes are colored and labeled. The blush/powder brush is a nice size for me. Not too big, not too small. Blush goes on evenly and the brush is soft. Next is the blender/lid brush. I have been using this brush to apply eyeshadow on my lids. Everything gets covered evenly and easily. The next brush is the crease/smoke brush. It is amazing. This brush makes it SO easy to give your eyes that smoky look. I LOVE it. I can't believe how easy it makes applying dark colors to the creases. It is like a little masterpiece paintbrush for my eyes. There is also a concealer/foundation brush. I have found this one useful when trying to cover a blemish or dark spot on my face. Concealer goes on easily and covers well. The last brush may be my favorite. It is a brow/liner brush. I have only used it as a liner brush so far, but it is crazy how great it works. I instantly threw away all of my pencil eyeliners (ok, I didn't throw them away, I just moved them out of my every day makeup bag). All of the girls at my friend's wedding last weekend used the liner brush and asked how and where to get one. I directed them (as I am now directing you) to the emmett cooper HAIRCARE & the naieme collection website. Go and buy this set now. http://emmettcooperhaircare.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=26&products_id=33

Jergens - Natural Glow

Jergens
Natural Glow & Natural Glow Express

I was excited to test these two products out for several reasons. Who doesn't love the thick, soothing feeling of Jergens? Firming & tanning lotion all in one? It sounded too good to be true. The Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer works to improve skins elasticity and tint your skins color over the course of about a week. The Natural Glow Express gives color to your skin in just 3 days (without firming qualities). I tried both lotions over the course about 2 weeks. The Daily Moisturizer goes on thick with a subtle tanning-bed kind of smell. After 1 week, I may have had a little color, but nothing to write home about. The Express version smelled better and gave me a little more color, but not in 3 days. It was about 5 days before I could tell. As the directions said on both bottles, I waited for several minutes before dressing. Sometimes this is a little inconvenient when trying to get to work in the morning. I did end up with some brownish-orange marks on my camis. I also made the mistake of putting the Express on the tops of my feet. After 2 days, I had slightly orange feet. It went away after a couple of days. Luckily, I remembered to wash my hands after applying. The best part about this lotion is that your skin is smooth with a nice little shimmer to it. I actually like using it when I already am a little tan. My tan looks better and I sparkle.

EO Body Lotion

EO
Body Lotion
Jasmine

EO lotion is an all-natural product made from organic oils and herbs. If you have read my blog about the EO shampoo and conditioner, then you know that EO is earth-friendly and people-conscious. (If you haven't read that blog yet, you should!) The everyday body lotion is very thick (almost like a body butter), with a potent jasmine smell. A little lotion can go a long way. I put it on my shoulders that were peeling from being out in the sun, and was amazed at how it covered and soothed my skin. I personally like the strong jasmine smell. This lotion will be great to use during those harsh winter months when I feel like I have scales instead of skin. Thank you EO for making affordable, environmentally friendly products that work!

EO - Shampoo and Conditioner

EO
Rose & Chamomile
Shampoo and Conditioner
(Dry or Treated Hair)

I have been using the EO Shampoo and Conditioner after working out for the past few weeks. They come in thin, environmentally friendly, travel-easy bottles, that fit great in my toiletry bag. Both the shampoo and conditioner smell like chamomile with a hint of rose. It is a nice, clean smell. The shampoo is not runny or heavy, the conditioner is nice and thick. My hair feels light and smooth after I shower. All of the products made at EO are not tested on animals. They are made of all natural ingredients and essential oils (EO = essential oils). EO is a family owned company that prides itself on putting the planet and people first, not profit. They are a Certified Organic Manufacturer who make a wide array of products from haircare to cleaning products. I can't wait to try out the bubble bath! Check out EO's website to find out more about their all-natural products. http://www.eoproducts.com/Default.aspx

emmet cooper HAIRCARE

emmett cooper HAIRCARE
hydration rinse

This is my first encounter with emmett cooper hair products. I wish I had tried it before. This conditioner not only makes your hair feel smooth, but clean, shiny, and light as well. When you first open the cap, the smell is strong, clean, and infused with herbs. It is nice and thick, but rinses well. I didn't feel as if my hair was waxy or greasy after showering and towel-drying my hair. It definitely makes my curly hair easier to manage and straighten. This is a must-have in your shower. No wonder why so many celebrities us his products!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Lips: Tarte-- 24/7 lip sheers with SPF 15

Tarte
24/7 lip sheers with SPF 15

I got
Thursday in the Sephora Sun Care pack & fell in love.
It is a very subtle color, just enough to make it look like my lips have a natural tint (as opposed to pale & non-existent). Keeps my lips soft & protected from the sun. It's my new summer staple.
There are the days a girl needs a little added oomph in the lip department. That is why I went out & bought
Friday! Friday's a lovely berry color, you can put on just enough for a stain, or go whole hog & layer it up for a deep, dark look.
The color stays, the soft stays-- I hope that means the SPF stays. Comes in 11 shades- I want to try Monday & Tuesday & Saturday...


ECOver--Toilet Bowl Cleaner


Toilet bowl cleaner is not exactly a glamorous product, but it is necessary. Unless you're in the income bracket that lets you hire live-in help, it is something you need!
ECOver Toilet Bowl Cleaner is good, fulfills the basic function-your toilet gets cleaned.
It has a nice, thick formula, a peppermint scent (like the plant, not the candy), and won't turn your toilet any funky colors--what purpose does blue serve???
Cleaning toilets is crappy work (pun fully intended), but you won't need a gas mask because of this cleaner, & you won't be killing the earth, fishes, & oceans-- This TB Cleaner, like all ECOver products, is environmentally friendly.
Your toilet will need to be cleaned, accept fact, use this!

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

The Forces of Good Help Fight Evil Skin Cancer!

Olay wants to help you!
Go to www.skincancertakesfriends.org
& find a dermatologist in your area who will give you a FREE skin cancer screening.
Yes, that's FREE, now through the end of July. How's that? Olay & the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) got together to help protect you & all your loved ones!
Go to the site, check out the information, get screened!!!
In the meantime, we shouldn't even have to tell you to use UVA/UVB Sunblock like your life depended on it-- 'cause your life just might!

Avene Thermal Spring Water

Not sure exactly where to post this, it could also go in the Lotions & Potions blog. It is multi-functional;)

Avene Thermal Spring Water is spray-on water.
It sounds ridiculous, but it feels so good.
It is hot & sticky here, and the Avene sprays cool & clean.
I like to spray before bed, when I'm overheated...
Yes, I know it's just water, but it is fancy French mineral water.
I don't care how big a sucker this makes me, I am all about this little can of water & it's cooling effects!

I am addicted! I wish it came in a gallon size.

Just In Case

Better safe than sorry.
Always be Prepared.
Now, Just In Case.
Just In Case makes lovely mirrored compacts.
Their compacts have a secret compartment for holding condoms, keeping them from getting mashed & torn in your purse/luggage/nightstand. No one likes a hole-riddled condom.
Help protect yourself from disease & pregnancy, but in a stylish manner. Very classy.
Right now, Just In Case has a special red case. Buy it & 10% of the purchase will be donated directly to YouthAIDS, a global initiative dedicated to the fight against AIDS. That's helping locally & globally!

Primer + SPF: Alison Raffaele

Alison Raffaele
Primer: Acne Response Formula with spf 15

Not really sure if this qualifies as lotion/potion or make up, although it is technically a pre-foundation... I don't wear foundation, so I'm putting it here!

I was dubious, all this face-primer. Does anyone really have time for yet another step in the morning routine? However, this is worth it!

A couple of squirts of this smooth cream leaves my face feeling soft & protected. It feels like silky velvet, so nice! And it has zit-killers & anti-oxidants! What more does a girl need?

After a couple of weeks, I have noticed improvement in my skin texture & complexion. It's like magic. Thank you Alison!

P.S.: Free of nasty junk & environmentally responsible! Not animal tested:)

Monday, June 16, 2008

Smart Phone: Blackberry Curve


The Blackberry Curve is pretty cool.
I will give it that.
Full Qwerty keyboard, full color & clear screen. The keys are
big enough to actually see them, while the phone is small enough
to fit into a pocket.
This is a well designed piece of equipment, nice curves, sleek, good backlighting...
The big, huge drawback is the hook-up. I have the phone through AT&T.
If I want to send a picture (good images, super flash), I would have to subscribe to a data package. That is a minimum of $30 to send a multi-media message to another phone. This is on top of the rate for just being able to use the phone. This is bull. When I got the phone, I was able to send MMS (MultiMediaMessages) with the normal plan, they have now done away with this possibility. First the IPhone billing debacles, now this--What is up with AT&T? Could they nickle & dime us a little more?

Monday, June 9, 2008

Avene oily skin products

AVENE
Cleanance soap-free facial cleanser
Cleanance anti-shine regulating lotion
These 2 products seem to work well enough, but I had to stop using them after a couple of tries, as the scent is VERY powerful. Not a bad smell, smells like the Gap Heaven perfume, but too much for me!
The cleanser is concentrated, so you only need a bit. The container with its twisty-dispensing is really cool, but hard to work with wet hands.

Cleanance acne spot treatment
Nice, not too harsh anti-zit cream with salicylic acid.
Smells so neutral, it's almost a non-scent.
Works well.

Murad Sunblock/Bronzer


Murad

Okay, great color.
No weird smell.
However, the color comes off on EVERYTHING!
It says to wait for the product to dry-- I gave it 7 minutes the 1st try, 15 the next, still have bronzed clothes, car seats, office chairs...
I used just enough to cover, not even full amount recommended for proper SPF coverage.
What gives?

Scrub: Be. Fine Pore Refining Scrub

Be. Fine
Pore Refining Scrub
Very Nice! Pleasant, actually.
Not at all rough, a very refined scrub.
Skin feels clean & healthy after using this, not raw or overly tight.

Mask: Be.Fine--Warming Clay Mask

Be. Fine
Warming Clay Mask
Pros:
  • Goes on nicely
  • Smells good (light, earthy, fruity)
  • Warming sensation not too warm
  • Seems to clear up blackheads on nose & weird chin zits
Cons:
  • Does not rinse off easily
  • Leaves face coated in oil/waxy stuff

I like the during part of this mask, but I wind up washing my face afterward to try & cut through the oil/wax. The water beads up on my face when I am rinsing off. Am I doing this wrong?

Shampoo: Redken--Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo

Redken
Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo
I love this shampoo!!!
Gets rid of the build-up & goo, leaves hair feeling soft & clean.
Nice, thick formula smells fruity, but not in the childish way.
I use it once a week or two, it even makes my other shampoo/conditioner work better.
I use a good dollop & leave it in till I can feel my scalp being clean. I know that sounds weird, but use this & understand!

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Lip Balm: Bag Lunch's Strawberry Milkshake


Strawberry Milkshake Lip Balm
Who isn't always on the lookout for a yummy, moisturizing lip balm? This stuff works and the taste is enough but not overpowering. It's waxy yet just enough to cure a case of the chaps. It's in my work bag and it'll stay there.
And check out the website. It's indie owned and operated with a poster gallery and pics. You can even request custom balms. Sweet.

No! No! The Chronicles of Hair Removal, Part 3

To say I was excited to receive this is a huge understatement. I hate to shave, and having 40 " legs doesn't help. I read the booklet quickly, plopped myself down on the edge of my tub and rolled up my sweats. The first pass on my skin burned and made me jump. It reminded me of the Epilady. After I got over the initial fear, I noticed the singed hair smell that has been talked about so much. Sick! After I got used to the smell I got to work. When used properly, it is effective. Thing is, I'd have to sit for about 45 minutes to an hour to shave both legs. Who has that kind of time? And a regular electric razor will give you the same results without the burning or the smelling. I was very disappointed with this as the ladies in Asia have been loving this for a while. Boohoo.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Frederic Fekkai - Glossing Creme

Frederic Fekkai
Glossing Creme


For application before and after drying/styling, this is a lovely product! Made with olive oil and other goodies, it has a light scent that won't interfere with any of your other smellies. It leaves hair touchably soft and with the perfect amount of shine. One word of caution: this is not a humid weather/frizz-fighting product. I found out the hard way when my sleek bob poufed out yesterday! But come fall, Fekkai and I will be friends again.

Laura Mercier - Tinted Moisturizer

Laura Mercier
Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer
Nude

Don't be scared off by the color - this blends perfectly for fair skin that's been slightly sun-kissed - even though it looks dark before application. Goes on easily and smoothly - I squirted a dime-size amount into my hands and rubbed on. How's that for effortless?
A little concealer under the eyes and over any blemishes, and this is the perfect foundation alternative for summer. Lasted through a lazy Sunday afternoon nap, so the staying power is there for sure. If you're oily, might want to dust on some transluscent powder to polish off your look.

Monday, June 2, 2008

ECOVER Dishwasher tabs


ECOVER Dishwasher tablets
I love these!!!
I am all about the tablets--no more messy liquids & powders-- & these are great.
No over-powering smell, just a subtle air of clean.
The tablets are hard-working & rinse clean, no soap speckles yet.
As an added bonus, they are eco-friendly! I am pro-green, especially when it does a great job.