mamaluv
Member Since: September 8, 2006Reviews
Mott's Fruitsations +Fibre Unsweetened Raspberry
I bought these unsweetened Fruitsations + Fibre Raspberry snacks after reading these glowing reviews, even though my youngest child is 12. I wondered if he'd be a little too old for apple sauce (at least, in his pre-teen mind!). However, he really... +
I bought these unsweetened Fruitsations + Fibre Raspberry snacks after reading these glowing reviews, even though my youngest child is 12. I wondered if he'd be a little too old for apple sauce (at least, in his pre-teen mind!).
However, he really loves them! I have been able to send him these snacks in his lunch in substitution of something much less healthy for him and no complaints from him whatsoever. In fact, when I ran out once and gave him some random cookies instead, he was annoyed with me. NO PROBLEM, I went to the store at the very next opportunity and stocked up. I'm careful to not run out now. Any time my pre-teen is willing to make healthy choices, I can't be happier about indulging that especially since these snacks are actually quite affordable. I strongly recommend them!
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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen SPF 50
This sunscreen wears like a thin watery moisturizer instead of a thick pastey cream, which means that not only does it absorb quickly and not leave white swipe marks behind, but also really feels like you're using a hydrating lotion on your skin... +
This sunscreen wears like a thin watery moisturizer instead of a thick pastey cream, which means that not only does it absorb quickly and not leave white swipe marks behind, but also really feels like you're using a hydrating lotion on your skin.
I used this on myself and my family this past weekend in blazing 25-28 deg C weather and no one got a sunburn. Considering we all have very pale skin that is prone to burning and it is the beginning of the sun season (read here: prime time to get crisped), this is was a great test of the product.
The only critique I have (and this is seriously nitpicking) is that it separates a tiny bit so you have to shake it before using. Really effective product, and I will definitely be buying more bottles as the summer progresses!
I received this product for free, but my opinion is my own and unbiased.
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Voortman S'mores Wafers
I'll say upfront that I LOVE wafer cookies no matter what the flavour. The crispy texture and the burst of flavour in the filling is such a satisfying combination. For that reason, I was pretty certain I would like these Voortman S'mores wafers... +
I'll say upfront that I LOVE wafer cookies no matter what the flavour. The crispy texture and the burst of flavour in the filling is such a satisfying combination.
For that reason, I was pretty certain I would like these Voortman S'mores wafers and sure enough, I did! I tried them right out of the package and then I used the heating instructions on the package (5-10 secs in the microwave on high) to sample the heated version. As someone who enjoys s'mores frequently during the summer, the roasted marshmallow and semi-sweet chocolate flavour did come through for me. Because the heating time is so short, the wafers remained fresh and crispy, so I got my satisfying light crunch AND the summery taste of s'mores all at the same time.
Voortman's Bakery is supposed to be all about freshness, and I can definitely say that their wafer cookies (regardless of flavour) truly do taste fresher than other wafer cookies I've tasted. They are my go-to wafer guilty pleasure (except I refuse to feel guilty). I will definitely buy these again... mostly because the entire package was gone within minutes. IN MY DEFENSE, I have 2 teenaged sons at home and when they saw me sampling them, it was a mad scramble to claim the rest.
I received these wafer cookies free from Voortman to try but this review represents my unbiased opinion.
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essie Treat Love & Color
I chose Indi-go for it, a light denim blue. Essie TLC is a 1-step treatment so you don't have to bother with base and top coat in addition to your colour treatment. All my life I have had weak fingernails prone to peeling. The only way I can keep... +
I chose Indi-go for it, a light denim blue. Essie TLC is a 1-step treatment so you don't have to bother with base and top coat in addition to your colour treatment.
All my life I have had weak fingernails prone to peeling. The only way I can keep them stronger is by using polish but it can be a real pain to have to reapply several times per week. Various household chores are usually very wearing on my polishes, so to have a manicure last more than 4 days without some signs of chipping is really rare.
I was really impressed with essie TLC. The brush on this particular bottle is flat and even which makes application so easy. 1 coat was kind of streaky so I did 2 coats which made it a beautiful milky blue colour. Later I did my toes and painted 3 coats for a bolder look.
When I removed the polish, I did not have any staining which is what I usually experience if I'm not using a base coat. I only removed my polish once it started to chip noticeably (about 6-7 days) and surprisingly the polish remained glossy all the way up to the end. I'm used to my polishes going matte, but not in a good way :/ It's hard to say if my nails were stronger afterward. I do feel some improvement, and I'm looking forward to seeing how using this product longer term might make a difference.
Pretty pleased with this polish, and since I was an essie fan before I tried TLC, I'm sure I'll be buying more shades in the near future. It is a little more than their usual polishes but for the longer wear and glossier finish, I think it's worth it!
I received this polish as a gift.
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AMERICAN CREW Fiber
I initially received one of these products for free from the brand but have since purchased 2 more and will continue to buy going forward. My teenage son uses it and it's so perfect for his hair. He has thick, coarse-textured hair about 2-3 inches... +
I initially received one of these products for free from the brand but have since purchased 2 more and will continue to buy going forward. My teenage son uses it and it's so perfect for his hair.
He has thick, coarse-textured hair about 2-3 inches long on top. He used to use a cheaper gel or pomade product but we found that it often looked greasy or had too much hold (stiff) or not enough hold. It's true that American Crew Fiber requires a little more fussing, mostly in that you have to rub it briskly between your hands until it's a soft and even coating on your fingers (like thick lotion) because it comes out of the container like thick butter. Once it's skin-warmed and thinned out, you just rake your fingers through the hair and get this amazing, non-stiff-yet-perfect-hold style. It's not at all shiny and the scent, while noticeable on your fingers, completely dissipates in the hair. My son does not like wearing scent so this is really perfect for him.
It may cost a bit more but it's so much better for him than the products he was using before and you really don't need much to create the style. My son gives this two huge thumbs up!
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AXE Phoenix Body Wash
My husband and teenaged sons all enjoy using Axe and my youngest in particular always requests that I buy this particular fragrance, Phoenix. It's a nice masculine scent and of course does a good job of cleaning everyone up. Axe is available... +
My husband and teenaged sons all enjoy using Axe and my youngest in particular always requests that I buy this particular fragrance, Phoenix. It's a nice masculine scent and of course does a good job of cleaning everyone up. Axe is available everywhere and for a good price, so it's easy to always find more bottles when we're running low. I recommend it. -
Dove Powder Anti-Perspirant Stick
Dove has been my deo brand for years. I'm not a really sweaty person, but I do have sensitive skin on my underarms which are prone to drying out. Dove is one of the few brands that really keeps my armpits moisturized and still manages to neutralize... +
Dove has been my deo brand for years. I'm not a really sweaty person, but I do have sensitive skin on my underarms which are prone to drying out. Dove is one of the few brands that really keeps my armpits moisturized and still manages to neutralize the odour. I often go back to this classic baby powder scent since it doesn't clash with other scents I may be wearing. The price point is also a huge plus! I definitely recommend it. -
Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste
I've always had sensitive teeth and the only brand that works for me is Sensodyne. Since they came out with their Pronamel toothpaste, I find it works even better than the original. Occasionally I will use a family member's toothpaste if I'm out of... +
I've always had sensitive teeth and the only brand that works for me is Sensodyne. Since they came out with their Pronamel toothpaste, I find it works even better than the original. Occasionally I will use a family member's toothpaste if I'm out of mine, but within a week or so I feel the return of the sensitivity and I head straight to the store for more Pronamel. My dentist often has coupons, and you can often find it on sale so I stock up whenever I can. Seriously, if you suffer from tooth sensitivity, I can't recommend the Sensodyne family of toothpastes strongly enough, especially the Pronamel line! -
Voltaren Emulgel
I always have a tube of Voltaren in the house for after a workout, yardwork, or any other strenuous activity. I like that it's so targeted (you get the relief exactly where you need it) instead of ingesting it and having general pain relief. I love... +
I always have a tube of Voltaren in the house for after a workout, yardwork, or any other strenuous activity. I like that it's so targeted (you get the relief exactly where you need it) instead of ingesting it and having general pain relief. I love hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, inline skating, running, etc, so that's what I use it for. I'm not sure how effective it would be for intense training like weight work.
It doesn't get rid of ALL of my aches; nothing really seems to. The only defense against that is stretching out properly and listening to your body. But this definitely helps and I would strongly recommend it.
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Planet Box Lunch Box - Rover
I have always used containers to pack my kids lunches to minimize waste. Until about a year ago, that meant Tupperware and other similar options. I really love that Planet Box is made of metal though. To keep your Tupper longer, you really should... +
I have always used containers to pack my kids lunches to minimize waste. Until about a year ago, that meant Tupperware and other similar options. I really love that Planet Box is made of metal though. To keep your Tupper longer, you really should handwash because the harsh dishwasher detergents and high heat of dishwashers can break down plastics and I hate the thought of getting any contaminants in my food.
While Tupperware maintains a special place in my heart, lunch prep for school now belongs solely to Planet Box. No more concerns about the heat of the dishwasher, and because it's an all-in-one solution (there are compartments within the box) you don't have to have multiple containers rattling around in the lunch sack. That was my other issue. In the mornings I either was missing the lids or the bottoms of the Tupperware containers, but this obviously sidesteps that whole issue.
The design is also completely style-neutral so it works for boys, girls, moms, and dads. The only downside is that Planet Boxes are not cheap BUT once you buy a couple of Tupperware pieces, that's not exactly cheap either. A bit of a high entry point for budget-conscious families, but if grandma is eager to give the kiddos a back-to-school gift, this might be a cool suggestion!
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