Reviews by Friends of Courtney

houdiniphile says "When you feel combative. . hack, slash, or zap your opponent!" about Vivendi World of Warcraft

houdiniphile — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:56:46 GMT

Vivendi World of Warcraft takes a classic approach. They give you ten days free. After that, you will be scrambling to find a credit, debit, prepaid, or paypal number to hand over to them. It costs only $15 a month and even less if you pay multiple months. You do not have to buy the game CD,because you can download it. Buying the CD, does ensure smoother play and gives you another 30 days free.

You can learn trades in the game like tailoring, first aid, blacksmithing, baking. You can learn magic, how to make potions, or how to wield huge weapons of mass destruction that don't really exist, lol.

Whenever you get an email you don't like, someone cuts you off in traffic, or the work day is long and restelss, pay no attention. Ease the tension of the day by playing a few minutes of wWarcraft. Sedentary life has proven less than healthy. Enjoy World of Warcraft in moderation.

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houdiniphile says "lasted longer than my first marriage!" about Rustler Nate - Black

houdiniphile — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:56:07 GMT

Rustler Boots "Nate" in black are one of my two all time favorite boots from KMart. And that says a lot, because I buy shoes and boots ONLY at KMart.

I can't recall when I bought my Rustler Nates, but it seems close to two years ago,.They feature a safety toe that is not too heavy, like a settl toe, good traction, the high bands on the ankles never fray. The soles have taken zero damage, where as some boots begin to come apart at the bottom of the leather upper.

I will definitely buy another pair, IF I ever have to!.

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houdiniphile says "My new fave from Gloria Vanderbilt" about Gloria Vanderbilt Isabelle Jean

houdiniphile — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:41:23 GMT

The Gloria Vanderbilt Isabelle Jean is my new favorite. It is not the stretch pants I wore in the past, yet it still has that gloria Vanderbilt quality and fit.

I love the pocket detail, the smart embroidery on the pockets, and the way the jeans sit.

They are kind of straightwaisted, so try them on because you may find the hips a bit snug or the waist a bit relaxed for you. I think the fit is near perfect, which is why the Isabelle jean has steadily begun to replace the Amanda jeans hanging in my closet.

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houdiniphile says "Best fitting longest lasting fair price!" about Gloria Vanderbilt Stretch Denims (Amandas)

houdiniphile — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:35:55 GMT

The Gloria Vanderbily Plus Size Amanda stretch jean was my favorite for several years. When I wore a 28, I could squeeze into the size 26 of this jean. As I dropped sizes, it was always more generous in the waist, easiest to find, and a very forgiving jean.

I still love the Amanda jean. but I may break up with it. The material on some of them is a little thinner. I liked the thicker denim. I find I am able to wear some other brands of jeans, which I will review also. Variety is the spice of life!

It is no longer my only jean, but I still keep one or two pairs around.

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houdiniphile says "Great fit, great quality, KMart low price" about Route 66 Babydoll Tee size XL

houdiniphile — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:22:09 GMT

I love this gray babydoll tee from Route 66. I found it at KMart recently and my girlfriend bought it for me. I thought there was no way I would ever wear it.

Another week off of diet soda and viola! The shirt fits. I think it is comfortable because it is 100% cotton, with a cute henley style button line that stops midway down the front. It looks really sharp with black jeans, and of course boots or even sandals from KMart.

Route 66 has lately become my favorite brand. They always have something fun to wear, easy to care for, easy to fit, and all natural cotton!

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houdiniphile says "Cheap work pants, in petite, avg, plus, and extended sizes!" about Chic Limited Edition Pants

houdiniphile — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:30:36 GMT

These Chic Limited Edition pants are on sale every so often at KMart. They feature two front pockets, elastic waist, and are a twill sort of material. There is no zipper. Also, if you lose a size overnight, this is your quick answer!

The colors I saw in store are black and khaki, which are great for work, and in sizes from very small to very large, such as 4-22. There are usually denim jeans as well, and I have seen them in sizes up to 32 or even 34 W. I no longer need extended sizes, but when I did, it was so nice to get jeans instead of just sweatpants. It was also nice to be able to buy affordable work uniforms when Weaver Beavers Oureach was asked to provide them for some women going to work.

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houdiniphile says "Of Cours ethe Army's the best!" about Gildan US ARMY T shirt

houdiniphile — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:30:35 GMT

Gildan has done another fantastic job with these Army Tee shirts.

There are two color designations one looks very much like a recruitment commercial with the black and gold. Then the Gray on gray looks like a PT (exercise) uniform shirt. If you can't decide, just get both! Roll them up tightly to make a little joke, and wrap them up.

This is a winner that any proud Army servicemember or veteran would love, Remember we do more before 9 am than most people do all day! Show your pride with a Gildan Army shirt.

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houdiniphile says "Is this the Navy shirt?" about Gildan HERO T Shirt

houdiniphile — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:30:35 GMT

Gildan has one United States Marine Corps, Two United States Army, and one United States Air Force shirts I have seen so far.

There was no US Navy on display. Maybe the demand is lower in this area. Or maybe they meant for the navy blue tee with the word "HERO" emblazoned in white to do the job. I worked closely with the Navy while I served, and it certainly fits. As will all the shirts, they could do with more sizes. Not all veterans and supporters of the military are as trim as the troops. The Navy is full of HEROES. This must be their shirt!

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houdiniphile says "I'd give it 5 stars but I was Army!" about Gildan USMC Colors Tee Shirt

houdiniphile — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:30:34 GMT

Gildan has a great line of military themed T shirts in KMart stores this year. The marine corps shirt is standard fire truck red with gold "USMC" lettering.

i suggest you carry them in larger sizes, though, as some of the marines can be pretty big guys, and tall. Larger than life, really. It just thrills me that KMart thought to have such a sharp display rack dedicated to these shirts.

Related shirts include "Hero" , "USAF", and two different "ARMY" shirts. That's right! the Army is twice as good! Hoo-rah!

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houdiniphile says "Great for kids and grown-ups, too" about American Fare Apple Juice (100% apple juice from concentrate)

houdiniphile — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:28:40 GMT

It was just 99 cents!!

American Fare 100% Apple Juice from Concentrate 64 ounce shatterproof plastic is the best deal in town. There is no reason to mix it from frozen, or anything like that to try to save money. I have noticed with some major grocery chains that the generic apple juice has color variations from one bottle to the next. NOT SO with American Fare!

It is always good, it meets the standard for WIC, but you don't have to be on WIC to get a great bargain. The baby drinks it straight and I splash it into my water instead of lemon sometimes.

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houdiniphile says "Perfect Christmas Gift and right on budget" about Gildan USAF Tee Shirt

houdiniphile — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:28:40 GMT

Have any Air Force personnel or veterans among your friends and family? This is the perfect gift for them. Air Force Blue, with the USAF acronym in bright white. Below that it says "Just Another Day at the Office". We all know that nothing can stop the US Air Force!

These come in sizes that would work for the fighting fit, such as Medium to Extra Large. Check your local store for other size options, I am not aware of the complete range. These are colorfast, well knit shirts that will look great on the USAF folks in your life.

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houdiniphile says "Fantastic sauce for busy or new home cook" about Classico Classico tomato Basil Pasta Sauce

houdiniphile — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:42:29 GMT

Classico Sauce is fantastic! It comes in different varieties like tomato Basil, Roasted Red Pepper, and, my all time favorite, Italian Sausage Flavor. There is no need to tamper with Classico. Kids won't eat certain vegetables? My soup always worked.

Hidden Vegetable Soup:

2 Omaha steaks or equal seared in with garlic and onions, and sliced up Seared not completely cooked.

Add One jar of Classico any flavor and two jars water and a teeny bit wine

Add 2 cups leftover veggies or ones you want to HIDE, i.e. broccoli, squash, cauliflower

Bring to a boil, then turn down to low for 15 minutes. Add one can ANY rinsed beans

Put your bread in the oven and they are both done at once. Serve with tossed salad. Feeds a large hungry family.

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houdiniphile says "Best for kids, or to start your sauce" about Del Monte Original Flavor , Garlic, Tomato Basil, variaties

houdiniphile — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:42:16 GMT

Del Monte Pasta sauce makes a fantastic base for semi-homemade sauce. We like to doctor them up with pantry pizzazz like chili paste, minced garlic, oregano, fresh basil, capers, and black olives. You don't need all of these, but at least one or two makes the sauce a lot better, and fit for company.

It has a little sugar in it, which cuts the acid nicely, and makes a smoother product that children really like. If you do get the meat flavored variety, you can satisfy a hearty appetite without adding meat and it's mostly vegetable protein, so it has health benefits.

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houdiniphile says "If you don't like coffee, you will soon!" about Maxwell House Mocha Latte

houdiniphile — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:42:15 GMT

Thank goodness for this Maxwell House coffee from Super K! I weaned off soda, and I have always hated coffee since my Army days. Water is hard to deal with if you have a thyroid condition or diabetes insipidus, which is "water Diabetes" and not related to sugar diabetes at all.

I can dilute this coffee with tons of ice to cut the calories, and turn it into a virtual soft drink. It is economical, KMart accepts coupons for it, and i drink far less than I would drink of soda and this is free of many of its chemicals.

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houdiniphile says "High end baby clothes Bargain Price" about KMart Small Wonder One piece dress with bottom snaps

houdiniphile — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:42:13 GMT

Small Wonder makes fantastic layettes that are even better than the expensive competition. It stands up to the washing demands of baby clothes, every time, Every detail from the buttons, to the trim, holds fast and does not fray. The color sticks with you, and the baby seems really comfortable, often in tagless design.

Now, when I shop at KMart, i look for Small Wonder layettes and one pieces, and mix and match apparel. The sizing works, and tell me, have you ever liked the layette and then found the baby outgrows it? NO PROBLEM> Small Wonder makes gift sets for babies up to a year old!

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houdiniphile says "Popeye's Little Secret" about McCormick White Pepper

houdiniphile — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:48:06 GMT

McCormick White Pepper is the Popeye's chicken chain's little secret. Their chicken is marinated in milk and red cayenne pepper that you can see. It is the dusting of white peppet that really sets it off.

Making this at home will save you dozens of dollars and thousands of calories.You can get flour, milk, cayenne, optional paprika, McCormick White Pepper, and chicken at Super KMart or any grocery store.

Most people use oil but we just put it on a small baking rack inside our electric skillet from KMart.

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houdiniphile says "economical, tasty,cheaper than the other famous Kraft bake shake" about Kraft Oven Fry Crispy Pork

houdiniphile — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:46:37 GMT

Kraft Oven Fry shake and bake style product in Crispy pork is cheaper and less fattening than the one in the famous blue box. We don't even use oil. One of our favorite things to do is add chicken to pork mix and call it "chork". We do this because many of our friends do not do pork, and chicken is a weight loser for most people.

We just coat the meat and throw it in the electric skillet, with the lid on and bake as if it were in an oven. The crunch and even coat is beautiful to behold. Try it with a pork loin that is buy one get one free sometime. you can slice it or ask the meat department to do so. CHEAP AND JUICY!

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houdiniphile says "Great value and can be served in small portions" about Rogers Lumberjack Smoked Sausage 28 ounce box

houdiniphile — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:46:36 GMT

Rogers Lumberjack Sausage was on sale at my Super KMart for just $2.99 for a 28 ounce box. Compare that to a 12 ounce link pack for about $2.50 at your regular store.

It is basically one very long link as you can see from the photo. Very thin slices go great with a potato, an onion, a pepper, and a little seasoning of your choice. Usinn only 1/4 of the meat or so, with the other items, you can feed 3-4 people with just what is in the photo. Add bread or salad and that makes 4-5 people.

We also use it in spaghetti, with homemade BBQ sauce, or to add flavor to dry or baked beans. Not too terrible for your health if you portion it.

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houdiniphile says "Daddy's tool bench doesn't do this!" about Diego Talking Tool Bench

houdiniphile — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:46:34 GMT

Diego's Talking tool set features a string of exuberant characters that jump for joy when activated. It teaches children to sing, dance, and get moving.

I am familiar with Diego's character but not all of the toys. It looks fun, I cannot be certain of its educational value, but I would probably buy it for my grandbaby if I thought my daughter would tolerate it.

Kids love repetition but it can get old with the parents. Again, I am not sure how educational this one is compared to the other toys, but it looks waayyy more fun.

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houdiniphile says "IF Santa brings a bike, make sure you get a helmet!" about Spongebob Squarepants Juvenile Bike Helmet

houdiniphile — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:02:55 GMT

Spongebob Squarepants has a line of bike helmets in blue, and pink. These work for kids and the display makes it easy to find. There is absolutely no excuse not to grab one when you buy bikes for tykes this year.

Plesae remember how the helmet should fit, and how it is made. Adjust it snugly under your child's chin, and show them how to put it on and take it off. If your child should ever take a spill, please replace it right away. The material protecting your child's brain case will be flattened inside the helmet and will only provide safety once.

Merry Christmas and safe healthy biking to you all.

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