2012 Mistubishi Eclipse Review

Recently I rented a car. When I got to the rental desk I asked for something, anything that wasn't a Hyundai.  For as much play Hyundai has gotten in the last year I have not been converted.  When it comes to fleet cars they have been shown no love.  The woman assured me that she had reserved something fun, sleek and sporty for me.  I would love it.  She almost squealed.  I breathed in deeply, knowing I'm hard to please when it comes to vehicles and took the keys. 

When I got to the garage I let out a laugh.  There amidst a host of empty spots was a black 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse.  Shiny and with less than 500 miles on it.  I circled it and chuckled.  I placed my luggage into the trunk and slunk inside.  The engine roared to life with an audible growl and I was off. 

Starting at just under $20k the 2012 Eclipse has a 162 horsepower and 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD. It gets 28-mpg and has six standard air bags. There is a rather sleek looking black-out roof and black grille. I did rather like the 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels too. The car has a nice look to it but I did not find it fun to drive. The loud, gruff sound of the engine sounds one way outside the car. It sounds cool, tough and like it wants to challenge you. Inside it actually makes a tinkering noise that is a tad alarming. The seats are low which is to be expected but they are not comfortable and neither is the ride. I drove all over the states of Rhode Island and Connecticut in this car and felt almost every bump and pothole along the way. I nicknamed the Eclipse the "teeth-banger" while I had it.

The 2012 Eclipse has dual exhaust outlets with polished exhaust tips, ice-blue LED illumination on the instruments and controls and a chrome rear spoiler. It's all looks and noise but not a lot of substance. I'm hoping that the 2013 has a bit more of the latter while keeping up appearances as well.

MPR Rating:  Two Stars (out of five).

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post. Opinions are MPR's only. 

Infinity Sun Glow on the Go

Infinity Sun Glow is another sunless tanner that has crossed my doorstep.  I like to guinea pig myself out for many types of beauty products, including sunless tanners. This one is particularly interesting because it is the first all-natural sunless tanning technology, made with anti-aging anti-oxidants and pure botanicals. It can give you a customized spray tan while hydrating your skin and enhancing natural skin tone.   The Infinity Sun Glow on the Go ($40) bottle says it can last up to two weeks.
   
Applied with a proprietary spray system this product should be operated by a sunless tanning professional. The entire process should only take about three minutes when done this way. I applied it myself holding the spray 4-6 inches from my skin.  What came out was a concentrated brownish color that didn't spray evenly or all over.  It was dark in some spots and light in others. I rubbed it into my skin for an even cover but hours later I didn't have that glow.  The bottle of Infinity Sun Glow states that it must be applied in even sprays.  That's impossible for someone who doesn't do this for a living or have the proper tools.  Having a professional do it is a must.  I will try it again though and see if I can layer a glowing look that way.  I will say this for Infinity Sun Glow on the Go- there is no harsh aroma when applied or after using, which is fantastic and hard to find.  It also doesn't stain your clothes like others or dry out your skin. My legs did not feel tight after use.  I love that!  Must be the 7 essential oils and Vitamins A and E that make it work like that. 

Infinity Sun Glow on the Go is available on the companys website with a host of other Infinity products.

MPR Rating:  Two Stars.  UPDATE:  FOUR STARS- One day later and I'm a golden goddess after only one application.  No streaking either. Not even one little bit. My skin isn't dry either.  Just remember to really wash your hands right after use or wear gloves.  Infinity Sun Glow on the Go pulled an all-nighter and made it work even if it wasn't as the packaging stated.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's only. 

Kraft Veggie Pasta Macaroni & Cheese Review

That blue box. You know the one I am talking about. It sits in your pantry, a frequent staple, and it competes masterfully with the organic purple mac 'n' cheese box that sports a white bunny. At least in my house this happens. Kraft has unveiled a new version of its classic mac'n'cheese, but this time made from vegetable pasta so that kids get an extra helping of them each day. I often puree vegetables in their food and they aren't the wiser so why not make vegetable pasta? It looks just like the regular kind. They won't know it is different, right?

Does it taste like the original version of Kraft macaroni n' cheese? Honestly, I could not tell the difference. I sampled some and gave the rest to my two oldest kids. The middle one scarfed it up and asked for seconds. She liked it just fine. The oldest, my critic, took a bite. Then a second bite. She chewed. She gave me the stink eye and said, "This doesn't taste the same." Sigh. I took another sample taste and could barely taste the difference, if there even is one. It is so minimal and not in a bad way. I couldn't believe it. She's good.

The rundown on Kraft Veggie Pasta Macaroni 'n' Cheese ($1.49, 5.5 oz box) is this- it is cauliflower powder that makes it veggie. One serving equals a half-cup serving of vegetables. While I do sneak vegetables into my kids food from time to time (to enhance flavor and give them an extra dose of vegetables) I don't like the idea that this could be seen as a substitution. However, I hope we are all smarter than that and add a serving of vegetables with this dish anyway. In addition, I wish there was a healthier grain version of the pasta. Maybe Kraft could include the veggies, ditch the yellow dye and make it whole grain? That would really be something to talk about.

MPR Rating: Two Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

Sibu Beauty

Featured on the Dr. Oz show Sibu Beauty is a skincare line with the key ingredient of Sea Buckthorn berry. All-natural the Sea Buckthorn berry in Sibu beauty products has over 190 bioactive compounds. The sea buckthorn berry is a powerful source of Omegas 3, 6, and 9, as well as a rich source of the elusive essential fatty acid, Omega-7, which is vital to collagen production. I tried the facial cleanser, hydrating serum and night cream for a few weeks and these were the results.

The Sibu Beauty Balancing Facial Cleanser ($17.95) is an all-natural balancing facial cleanser that gently removes dirt, impurities and make-up. It aims to maintainin a healthy balance in your skin without drying. I didn't notice any drying in my skin and I have combination skin. As a cleaner it works well, doesn't foam and has a citrus scent. I find the same results with my Cetaphil brand cleanser which is cheaper.

The Sibu Hydrating Serum is light and non-oily. It is a silky moisturizing serum that gives a deep hydration to your face and neck. It helps to fortify your skin against aging with its high does of antioxidants. I really wanted this product to work. I found it to be moisturizing and brighten my skin a bit but the skin tone didn't even out any. At $39.95 I will pass on this serum.

The Sibu Replenishing Night Cream ($34.95) is designed to protect your skin’s natural lipid barrier and stimulate your natural skin cell renewal cycle. The sea buckthorn night cream will help reduce the signs of aging and sun damage too. This must be the gem of the group. I noticed that my skin literally drank this night cream in each night. I felt like I almost craved it. It has a very light citrus scent which goes away quickly. My skin did feel dewier and yet I didn't wake up oily or break out later. I would pick this thick, silky night cream out of all the Sibu beauty products.

Sibu Beauty products can be purchased online and at Name Your Link'>Amazon.com.

MPR Rating: Two Stars and Three Stars (night cream).

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products are for review and test purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

2011 Toyota Corolla S

Recently, I test drove a 2011 Toyota Corolla S , as in Sport, because it has a spoiler on the back. I drove a Corolla back in 1998 when Toyota redesigned this model. I loved this car, it drove across the country twice, logged many miles and only needed regular oil changes and maintenance in the 12 years I owned it. It was a great car without a lot of frills, but it worked and didn't feel too cheap on the interior either.

That was 1998, this is 2011. I was disappointed with the new Corolla. At the Detroit Auto Show in January, I briefly checked this car out and was not impressed. It's grown tired and even with a sporty spoiler it doesn't sing. As I drove along Texas and New Mexico roads I felt the car continuously shifting (this was an automatic) no matter what speed I drove it. It doesn't zip either. Bumps are felt and exterior noise is heard loud and clear. The inside is all plastic and while that is the norm for this price range it doesn't have to "feel" so plastic. Chevy and Ford can show you that. There was nothing impressive about this car. It gets less highway (35) MPG than a Chevy Cruze or Hyundai Elantra but slightly more in the city than those two.

As a four door sedan in the under 20k price range it holds up well against the Honda Civic and Chevy Cruze. It has a wider face and seats five with 12.3 cubit feet of cargo room. That's smaller than most of its competitors. As a four door sedan it doesn't have any zing or zip. There is nothing about this Corolla that sets it apart from its competitors.

MPR Rating: Two Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. Products received are for review and test purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only.

*Image from ecabnet.com

RelaxZen Night and Day Shots

RelaxZen is an interesting product. It is one of those you might seen hanging out on the counter at your local conveinence store or gas station or your gym. In fact, it might be the only place you can find it and that's too bad.  Originally I was reluctant to try either of the RelaxZen shots.  I kept putting it off. I don't do the energy drinks so why one of these shots?  Then I had a series of really scattered, bad days.  I looked at the RelaxZen Day formula (2.5) that said "Calm and Focused" on the label and thought- "Zero calories. Why not?"

A berry-flavored shot of liquid was all I needed and about two hours later I noticed that instead of skipping from one task to the next I was completing my tasks without feeling scattered.  Weird, I thought.  Can it be that this shot worked? Loaded with L-Theanine (amino acid in green tea leaves that creates alpha brain waves of relaxation) L-Threonine, Vitamin B12 to support energy and your immune system, GABA for facilitating focus, Vitamin B6, Passion Flower and Acai extract for added relaxation of the body and mind. Whatever it is loaded with it worked. For about eight hours I ran errands, cleaned my house and did work all while feeling unhurried, flustered or scattered.  I just did my tasks and actually felt calm.  I wanted more! 

Two days later I opted to try the RelaxZen Night (2.5 oz) to induce sleep.  Same berry flavored shot and I got into bed.  It had the opposite effect on me. I was a live wire.  Awake on and off all night.  I woke up the next day frustrated and annoyed.  Truthfully, Nyquil has the same effect on me as do other supposed sleep aids so I am not surprised this didn't work for me.  If I had more than one sample I would have had someone else try it to let me know their results.

In fact, if I had more than one sample I would have passed it around asking others if the RelaxZen Day was a fluke.  Instead I just had that one sample and one calm day. 

All the RelaxZen formulas- day, night, sport and flight can be found in bulk online at Amazon.com ($15), Smoothie King, Rite Aids and other food and drug stores nationwide.

MPR Rating:  Four Stars- Day formula.  Two Stars- Night formula.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  Products received are for review purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's only.



*Image from prweb.com

JASON Natural Lavender Shampoo & Conditioner

I was recently sent two 16oz bottles of JASON Natural Lavender Shampoo and Conditioner.  Created to strengthen hair both products contain no Lauryl/Laureth Sulfates or Paraben Preservatives. Loaded with Vitamins A, B5, C, E and F it is supposed to nourish your hair as well.


JASON Lavender Shampoo contains Lavender Extract, Evening Primrose and Vitamins A, B5, E & F. It has that tell-tale natural lavender scent that is revitalizing and fresh when used in the shower.  I liked that a lot about the products.  I have fine, color-treated hair and found that this shampoo really worked against it.  It made my hair dry and hard to work with when I styled it.  I didn't notice any significant increase in its shine either.  While it is supposed to leave it supple, shiny and reduce split ends I just wanted to stop using it.  It felt like it stripped my hair even when I used a double or triple dose of conditioner.  It was so disappointing.  However, it is possible that if you have normal hair that isn't chemically treated JASON Lavender Shampoo would work just fine.   I did not want to attempt to use it on my daughters very curly, dry hair. 

The JASON Lavender Conditioner is also meant to strengthen ones hair. I found that no matter what amount I used it still didn't take care of my hair. My fine hair was hard to comb through each time I used it and it was left feeling dry and limp.  Again, I was disappointed. I did try it out on my daughters ringlets and found the same thing.  She cried each time I combed it through her hair even when I let it absorb and sit for a bit.  It dried frizzy as well.

I am a fan of natural products.  I want to use them over the chemically-ridden ones.  I like how JASON products such as their lotions, body wash and more are available at most grocery and discount stores.  However, JASON everyday hair care products have underperformed this time and it leaves me with no choice but to give it the following rating.

MPR RATING:  Two Stars.


Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  Products received are for review and test purposes only. Opinions are MPR's only. 


*Image from cloettafazer.com

Le Baby Hair- Detangler

Le Baby Detangler ($7.95) is a safe, natural detangler that gently detangles hair.  It's hypoallergenic and contains no harsh chemicals, parabens or sulfates.  You can spray it on wet or dry hair and its fragrance-free formula does not leave behind any sort of odor. 

Since my oldest daughter has extremely curly hair I am always searching for a good detangler that works fast and on dry hair.  I lean towards natural products as well but haven't had much success in the hair detangler category.  Kiss My Face makes hair seem sticky and doesn't make it much easier to comb through.  Would Le Baby be any different?  The answer is 'yes'. 

Le Baby hair detangler really works on her hair.  I spray it on while she brushes her teeth in the morning and then comb it.  It doesn't make her hair rough, sticky or dry.  It is a good but the specially designed spray nozzle is not a favorite of mine or my child's.  The nozzle sprays one solid stream at a time instead of a dispersed, light spray.  This is so the detangler reaches the roots.  Great idea except it makes one part of my child's hair saturated and the other bone dry.  I have to use a lot of product each time.  At almost $8 a bottle it isn't worth it.  Instead we have started to spray it into our cupped hands and massage it in but this takes more time and is messy as it usually drips too.  I wish Le Baby hair detangler had a different spray nozzle because it does work well on curly, tangled hair. 

You can purchase Le Baby Hair detangler or Gel at their website and some salons.

MPR Rating: Two Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  All products received are for review and test purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's own.






Image from lasplash.com

Candlewood Suites, Richmond,VA (West)

Staying in extended stay hotels is always a bit odd to me, especially when I am only booked to stay for a day or two. There does not seem to be much of a point, but if the hotel is the only game in town, so be it.  I stayed at Candlewood Suites in Richmond, VA (West-near Short Pump) for that very reason.

Upon entering the facility I found it to be clean and the staff friendly.  Aside from an easy and quick check-in I noticed a tiny store, called the Candlewood Cupboard, filled with instant meals, toiletries and snacks that I could buy on an honor system during my stay. This hotel also has a small lobby, movie rental area and pool on site.  A Subway restaurant, gas station and McDonald's are within walking distance as is the Phillip Morris cigarette plant.  It is also just off Interstate 95.

My room contained a small kitchenette, a desk with chair, queen-sized bed and television.  My entire stay I had to deal with a TV remote that didn't work properly and a television that made a weird buzzing sound intermittently.  The staff could not fix the problem and didn't offer to discount my rate.  This was disappointing.  The photos on the website also show flat screen TV's.  Mine was a standard box television.  Trash removal only happened once - I assume after I checked out.  Both my bathroom and bedroom/office trashcan were completely full after my two night stay.  I was not pleased.  Nor could I fix or the staff the fact that my telephone message light blinked the entire stay.  The towels in the bathroom were rough, except for the facecloths.  That seemed odd.  The bathroom lighting was harsh and the soap was basic.  I'm talking old school White Rain products.  While the bed looked as if it had been updated with clean, soft sheets.  The kichenette was stocked full of dishes, dishcloths, paper towels, pots and pans and utensils.  It is a nice touch and everything worked properly.  This was probably the high point of the room even if I didn't use it.  I liked that it was there and I could nuke my oatmeal in the morning since there was no where nearby for me to eat breakfast.  Free internet access in rooms was another plus. 

Overall, I did not enjoy my stay at the Candlewood Suites.  I don't know if they are all like this but a brand new Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn with free breakfasts at both, gyms and restaurants are now open right next door to this hotel.   Candlewood is going to have to do more than a soft sheet, four pillow upgrade to compare to those two new, full amenity hotels to maintain a competitve business.  For the money this particular Candlewood Suites isn't worth it.



MPR Rating:  Two Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  My stay at this hotel was for work purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's only. 

American Inn - Bethesda, MD

The American Inn in Bethesda, MD is conveniently located on Wisconsin Avenue just off 495 and located near Bethesda Navy Medical Center.  Having it located right downtown works well, a CVS drugstore is right across the street, great restaurants abound and many places are within walking distance. 

The American Inn is a small, boutique hotel that prides itself on reviving the lost art of hospitality. I have to say that they did do a great job at that. When I checked in parking (which is difficult because the lot is very small) was not there for me.  They solved this problem fast. The manager moved his car and parked on the street so I could have his spot in the lot.  I checked in quickly and found the lobby which was renovated in the last few years to be up to date and a bit on the chic and classy side.  A small business center is right off the lobby too.  Coffee and tea are always available there as well. 

Upon entering my room (a queen bed) I couldn't help but notice how small it was.  Like New York City hotel room small. I didn't need to turn to find a rod to hang my clothes on and the bathroom was right there next to me too.  It was probably ten paces to cover the length of the room.  However, the room was very clean, modern and fresh.  There was a sleek black refrigerator and a nice flat screen TV.  My desk was small and the bed took up most of the room but it was comfortable.  I didn't like how my window looked upon a brick wall or that the walls were so thin that I could easily hear the toilet flushing next door but it was clean and I wasn't going to be in the room much. 

I stayed in the American Inn for two nights.  During that time I had breakfast there once.  It was lacking.  If you want yogurt cups and an apple or orange then you can eat here. If you want protein and don't mind a cold hard-boiled egg as your only option then you will be fine. I require a bit more than that.  I wanted more than a doughnut.  I also had a bit of a fire alarm issue while staying here.  I needed to iron a shirt and since the only room I had to set up the ironing board was in the small space between the bathroom and clothing rod I did so.  Right under the smoke detector.  The iron was on no more than a few minutes and the alarm went off in my room.  I freaked out and opened my room door and nothing else happened. Eventually the detector went off. No one from the hotel ever came to check things out.  Upon leaving that day I notified them of this issue.  They seemed concerned but who knows if that issue can be fixed.

Overall, my stay at the American Inn was pleasant. It is a good value if you need stay in the Bethesda area as it is not as expensive as the nearby Hyatt.  It is close to many different types of restaurants and some shopping as well.  The NIH and Naval Medical Center are also a minute away.  The rooms and building were clean and the staff was accommodating.  Children under 18 can stay free with parents, making that a nice deal, but I would be concerned about having enough room for a family.  Nothing stood out as exceptional at the American Inn of Bethesda and I probably would not stay here again.

MPR Rating: Two Stars.

Disclaimer: MPR was not paid for this post. MPR stayed here for business purposes and opinions are MPR's only. 

Images courtesy of yvonnefoong.com and travel32.com

Kraft Homestyle Macaroni & Cheese

If you have kids then you are probably familiar with 'the blue box' and macaroni and cheese.  We've eaten them all from organic to that very recognizable blue box.  Kraft sent me three bags (12.6 oz) of their new 'homestyle' macaroni and cheese in the following flavors- Classic Cheddar, Old World Italian and Hearty Four Cheese. 

Kraft Homestyle Macaroni & Cheese ($4.95) is supposed to be easy to make, convenient for your family and yet taste just like homemade.  I make homemade macaroni and cheese every once in a while and I have used many different recipes. None of them taste like any of the three Kraft flavors.  My kids who love this macaroni dish don't like homemade and they didn't like Kraft Homestyle either.  As my four year-old put it, "I don't like this crunchy stuff and it tastes weird."  Each flavor got the same response and I have to say I agree.  While I don't mind the extra steps it takes to make the homestyle version I was really put off by the squeezable bright orange cheese and the flavor which just wasn't there.  It was quite disappointing.  The Hearty Four Cheese tasted like barely one cheese.  The Classic Cheddar?  Tastes better in the old box version and the Old World Italian was the same as the Hearty Four Cheese.  For the extra price I would rather take even more time to make it 'homestyle' myself.  While the macaroni is ridged to hold the cheese better the flavor just wasn't there.  Sorry Kraft, but this was just not a hit at our house with anyone. 

MPR Rating: Two Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post.  Products received are for testing and review purposes only.  Opinions are MPR's own. 

Image from the Krazy Coupon Lady.

Double Whammy- Twin Draft Guard & Wonder Hanger

In theory I can see how the Twin Draft Guard is supposed to elmininate air leakage and help in reducing your heating or cooling costs.  Sticking the affordable ($9.99) and easy-to-use double-sided insulation device into a window or door does work, just not in my house.  I tried in vain to stick the Twin Draft Guard under doors (interior and exterior) only to have it rumple it up and make it impossible to either shut the door or keep the guard in place.  I stuck it in windows too and the same thing happened.  Maybe it is my house.  I would like to know if anyone else had this issue because the benefits of this guard would be great.

Benefits include:  Can fit windows and doors up to 36 inches.  Can be used on interior and exterior doors with little to no installation required.  It simply slides under doors and the cotton cover is removable and washable.   It is double sided for maximum protection and helps reduce noise, dust and odors from the outside. 

Creating an airtight seal of any kind can reduce your heating and cooling bills from 13-20%, which is great for your wallet and the environment. I really wanted this product to work as we have some real drafty spots in our home.  Unfortunately, it either didn't fit in our windows or it got stuck  or didn't fit under the doors. 

Try it out at Lowe's, Walmart, Target, Walgreens and Bed, Bath and Beyond.  Let me know what you find.

MPR Rating:  Two Stars.

The Wonder Hanger ($9.99) is another one of those products that are 'As Seen on TV'.  It is a great, affordable closet organizer that works well in any budget.  If your closet is overflowing, you have trouble finding items or your clothes are frequently wrinkled due to the over crowding then the Wonder Hanger can help you.  It creates closet space by stacking. Each Wonder Hanger can hold five wood, metal or plastic hangers. It is perfect for organizing your purses as it is also quite durable.  Because of it's open mouth design you don't have to tangle with the other clothes on the Wonder Hanger when you grab another item.  That is one of my favorite parts. I have loads of space-saving hangers in my closet but trying to grab a pair of pants off one and it gets tangled up in the other pants on the hanger.  It annoys me every time. 

The Wonder Hanger is perfect for organizing clothes by season, color or similar type.  I love to hang belts off of it and it really does keep stuff free from wrinkles.  It is avaible everywhere too.  You can purchase it at CVS, online,  at Walmart, Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond too. 

MPR Rating:  Four Stars.

Disclaimer:  I was not paid for this post.  Opinions are mine alone.  Product was received for testing purposes only. 

The Star Guide

Five Stars, Four Stars, Three Stars- what does it all mean? Here's a guide to MPR's star system.

Five Stars- Fantastic! We/I Loved it! Can't say enough about it! A five star review could consist of all or a few of these factors. High quality product, good value in price and hard-pressed to find any flaws in it. Everyone involved in the testing process loved the product.

Four Stars- Great quality and good value typically. However, the price might be a bit steep for the product or it may be a hard to obtain item as well. The item tested is good but could use a tiny bit of improvement or didn't test high with all those who reviewed it.

Three Stars- Average. Item does not stand out from the crowd. Other items have been found that perform/taste/wear better or are a better price for better quality. There are also others products on the market that are below it in standards thus elevating its ranking.

Two Stars- Below Average. A disappointing product that could be great in theory but usually doesn't test well due to quality, ease of use and/or taste/wear of item.

One Star- We are trying to be nice here. We are giving you a star but this product has no redeemable value to anyone who tested it.

All MPR products are tested by me personally as well as my family, friends, other bloggers and even the random neighborhood kid or pet if needed. I write honest reviews that are not based on a relationship with a company or on compensation. My disclaimer is below.

Cover Girl Make-up

I admit it, I am a make-up snob. I like my department store brands for many of my beauty needs. I've tried and tested so much make-up in my short lifetime that it could probably fill a dump truck. I am not kidding. I buy what works for me and I don't like to deviate. I was reluctant to test the three products Cover Girl sent me too. The Simply Ageless Foundation, Outlast Lipstain and Lashblast Luxe Mascara are new in the Cover Girl arsenal so I thought I would give them a whirl and my honest opinion.

The Simply Ageless Foundation comes in fifteen different shades and has SPF22 in it. The Olay Regenerist Serum included in it (the white swirl) blends well and it is supposed to suspend over fine lines and wrinkles instead of gathering in them and making your skin look older. It is also clinically shown to provide significant improvement in skin condition in just four weeks. I have to say that in four weeks I did not notice a difference there. I did however love the smooth texture of this foundation. The sponge applicator works so well that the foundation blends evenly and glides across your skin. It is a light foundation but it evened out my skin tone. I found I used less concealer when I used this product. That is a huge plus! It is compact enough to fit in a purse and easy to take with you for touch ups during the day. However, I completely agree with another online reviewer who hated the packaging. It is confusing and tough to open each time. In transit the foundation melted and stuck to the wrong side of the compact too. I would rather both ends be flip tops and not a flip top for the applicator section and have to unscrew the foundation section. The Simply Ageless foundation is very affordable though and widely available at many drugstores, discount stores and online. Combined with its wide array of colors, nice coverage and price- it's a good buy.

MPR Rating: Four Stars. (Would have been five if the packaging was better.)

Cover Girl's Outlast Lipstain (tested Everbloom Kiss) is a water-based colorant that is supposed to give your lips a beautiful, lightweight bloom of color. One that won't come off, will last for hours and not look or feel heavy. It's essentially a pen applicator for optimum precision. You can simply draw on your lip color.

First off, the color was all wrong for me. It is a hot pink color that just screamed at me and the people I conversed with during a lunch date. They commented that they couldn't look at anything else but my bright pink lips. When the lunch was over I noticed that the color had faded a bit but the essence of the bright pink did stay for hours. Just not nearly as strong. It also felt drying. I have to say, putting on the Lipstain was akin to using a marker on my lips. It's precise but that is about all I liked about it. It has gotten some very mixed reviews on the Cover Girl website as well and I have to agree. I wouldn't buy it myself.

MPR Rating: Two Stars. (Good idea in theory. Just doesn't work well in real life.)



LashBlast Luxe Mascara (Black) is the one you see Drew Barrymore shilling these days. Mascara is tough for me. I wear contacts and I'm an eye rubber. I try a new mascara about every three months. I'm always looking for one that won't smudge, bother my eyes or clump up on my lashes. LashBlast Luxe Mascara has converted me. The black formula is tinted with luxe shimmers. The brush is larger than your average mascara wand which helps "blast" your lashes to their "biggest, boldest, and most beautifully shimmering" selves. LashBlast Luxe comes in four shades and it goes on evenly. On the first use I noticed it didn't clump and it lengthened better than most mascaras be they drugstore or department store variety. I don't see the shimmer in it but I do love using it. At the end of the day I don't have dark mascara-induced circles under my eyes either.


MPR Rating: Four Stars (No shimmer to be seen but it works beautifully.)

Cover Girl products are available online at the Cover Girl website and your local food, drug and discount stores.

Baby Jamz - It's all about the music

Baby Jamz, created by Mathew (Beyonce's father)and Solange Knowles (her sister) is the first hip hop/rhythm-inspired toy line. Available exclusively at Wal-Mart I tried out the Baby Jamz Nursery Rhymes Volume 1 CD, Cell Phone and Baby Jamz Music Crew all designed to stimulate and promote learning and movement through the use of music.




The Baby Jamz Cell Phone ($8.88) is bright red with multi-colored short ribbon pieces in the place of the antenna. Geared for ages six months and up this colorful phone is easy to use and plays up to three different songs, such as 'Buckle My Shoe' and 'Mary Had A Little Lamb' when the large buttons are pushed. My two year-old daughter didn't have much interest in this phone. She likes the music it plays but quickly became bored with it. It is a little too simple for her it seems. she likes more complex toys and since this phone only needs to have one or two buttons pressed in order to play music she quickly grew tired of it and it became lost in the toy bin. I think younger children and babies would love the bright colors, buttons, music and ribbons as it is very stimulating. It will keep them busy at home, in the car or while you are running errands.




Baby Jamz Music Crew ($4.88) has become a big hit in our house. From the moment I opened the package my child clamored for it! There are three different versions of this toy and we received the red one. It plays a modified hip hop version of 'Hush Little Baby'. If you are a stickler like me then this song might begin to grate your nerves. The wording is changed and Solange sings the word bling instead of diamond in this version. My daughter however, could care less. She put her music crew to the test repeatedly placing the two figures on and off the music box to get it to play the tune. While she loved this toy and learned the song quickly no one else in our house could share the love. The fact that it only plays one song wears on an adult and it feels very cheaply made. I expected it to play more than one song with two figures to place on the music box but no matter what button is pushed it plays the same 20-second version of 'Hush Little Baby'. It was disappointing.




Finally, we reviewed the CD, 'Nursery Rhymes Volume 1' ($10.47) which accompanies the line. It has classic favorites like 'This Old Man', 'Old MacDonald' and 'Skip to My Lou' all in a new hip-hop adaptation. All the songs are sung by Solange Knowles on this CD and she has a pleasant voice just like her sister. I really expected my daughter to love this CD since she likes the songs all the other Baby Jamz items played. Yet, it had no effect on her. We played it at home and in the car repeatedly and it did not engage her. Then again, she is more of a techno or psychedelic music fan so what could I expect. I had hopes though because I want her to learn these songs and it was a good refresher for me to hear them. It was nice to hear a kids CD that did not sound either too babyish and interpreted in a new way. I liked it better than she did. I'm hoping she'll come around.



While I did not fall in love with the Baby Jamz line of musical toys myself, my daughter did. I think that it is fun way to get kids into the classic nursery rhyme songs and in a way that isn't sickly sweet. There are many other items in this line to check out as well so even if these don't do it for you then others surely will.





This review brought to you by Team Mom.

Under Lock & Key Garage and My MP3 Player

Recently a fun box arrived at our house courtesy of the company Parents. They make all those great toys you often see stocking the shelves of Target. Little did I know what was in store for us or how much of a life saver one of those items in particular would prove to be.


My MP3 by Parents is geared for ages 12 months and up my 22 month old daughter could barely keep her hands off of this kiddie simplified MP3 player. It looks like a giant Ipod and it is just as entertaining. There is a great little wrist strap and easy to push buttons to play the songs. The top button is a dial to turn that changes the color of the screen as you listen to the pre-programmed songs. While there aren’t many songs on this MP3 player they are classics like, Do You Know the Muffin Man and the ABC song. My daughter loves to carry this device with her wherever she goes. She dances and rocks out to the songs all day until the batteries run low. I knew she loved the toy just like she loves the key ring set and cell phone from Parents, but I had no idea it would be such a lifesaver. Once on the long ride to grandma’s house over this past holiday and again while I waited in line at the auto place for over two hours. This little toy kept her incredibly entertained. It is a god-send! She has even started jumping because of one of the songs called Jump! She has dropped this toy countless times and it’s survived without a scratch or dent. I am very impressed with this toy MP3 player and highly recommend it for your next trip. It's been the go-to toy in our house for over a month now!


We also got to play around with Parents Under Lock & Key Garage. This toy is good for ages 18 months on up. It is a good idea too. The three car port garage has three different colored cars that can park in the garage with corresponding colored garage doors. As the manufacturer says, “match key by color and shape of lock, push-and-release mechanism on top propels cars out the door, cars store away behind color-coded doors, tote-along handle folds flat.” My daughter? She just loves to jingle the keys, race the cars and slam them back into the garage. She’s none too gentle and this toy stands up to the abuse. One of the drawbacks that I find with this toy is that the top is clear. Kids and adults alike gravitate towards it all the time thinking they can remove the top or unlock the garage that way. You cannot. The keys can be stored up there and I think that is where confusion comes in. The doors on the garage tend to stick as well and most of the kids who have played with it become frustrated and end up playing with just the keys and cars and leave the garage after a few minutes. Some kids may love the keys and cars like my daughter does and the idea of the garage so it could still be a decent toy.

For buying information on each of these items visit Amazon. The MP3 player sells for $16.95 (incredibly worth it!) and the Under Lock & Key Garage for $19.99.