Now that monsoon season has started (at least where I live), mosquitoes and West Nile Virus they carry. Aside from dumping things that hold rainwater after the rain is gone, (where mosquitoes breed) it is time to start wearing Insect Repellent.
The OFF brand was recommended on a TV show (I cannot remember which one, probably one of the morning shows). One of the main reasons it was recommended is because it has DEET.
I really do not have a problem with getting bit by mosquitoes, they do not like me. However, the people I live with are eaten alive. So, finding one that works is a necessity.
I got the “unscented” version thinking it would be somewhat unscented. I had delusion of it not having any scent at all but I did expect it to be subtle. However, it is strong. You will still be smelling it on yourself (or others if they put some on) for hours afterwards. The only thing that really gets the smell off you is a shower. In addition, if you spray it on your clothes (which you can do, it says so on the can) the smell will be coming from the hamper until you wash laundry.
The spray can works good, it delivers a nice coating of repellent. You only need to pass over each area (leg, arm, etc.), anymore and you would be using more then you need. The button is easy to work and because of the dip where the button is you will never not know which way it is pointing
(have you ever had something that you could not tell where the stuff would come out? Nothing sucks more and makes you feel stupid then spraying yourself in the eye).
Has far as repelling insects, it does the job. There have been no bits since we started using Off Deep Woods Insect Repellent. It is not used everyday, just when we think it is needed (after a good rain).
Like most things under pressure, you should not store them in a car or anywhere that gets hot but I have had one in a shed (through all the seasons) and it is fine, no explosions.
Read all directions; they have the basic cover-their-own-ass and common sense warnings, like do not get in your eyes and do not swallow, etc. They do mention not to keep it on longer then needed (so take a shower ASAP).
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Hey SuckyStuff readers, have you used a “natural insect repellent”? Leave a comment or contact me and let me know what you used.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Style Your Hair with RotoStyler
I really hate blow-drying my hair, it is so thick that it can take hours to style it using blow-dryer and straighteners. The hardest part is holding (and using) a round brush in one hand and a blow-dryer in the other.
“RotoStyler”
The RotoStyler is the solution for lump, thick,curly, and even frizzy hair with roto styler. The RotoStyler rotates up to 100 times per minute easily straightening …
Item #: RS-MC6
Weight: 4 Lbs.
Categories: Hair Accessories
Learn More…
The RotoStyler is the solution for lump, thick,curly, and even frizzy hair with roto styler.
The RotoStyler rotates up to 100 times per minute easily straightening and shining even the most difficult hair. In no time at all your hair is transformed from limp to full, or from curly to straight. It’s great for any hair type!With Triple Action System:
1. Ionic Strips -To Reduce ‘Frizzies’ & ‘Fly Away’ Ends.
2. Infrared Strips - To Heat Hair From Inside Out.
3. Shining Strips - For Spectacular Shine.
(picture and description from asontv.com, I did not get the blow-dryer or the other accessory)
At the urging of my sister I bought a RotoStyler, It was only ten bucks so I figured I was not going to lose much money if I did not like it. Originally, it was around $19.99, when I bought it, it had been out for some time.
It can rotate both ways. I guess that makes it ambidextrous (can be used with both hands) and easier to use. If I remember correctly, this is the “second” model RotoStyler put out, and being able to rotate in both directions was one of the upgrades. It could be problematic for dyslexic people and people that get confused in the mirror, however after using it a few times you will get used to it.
Using this is almost as hard as using regular round brush, maybe harder. The size of it is the biggest problem. I can live with being stuck having to plug it in. Although the plug could be smaller, as it is you have to plug it in the bottom socket because of its size, so if your blow-dryer has a big plug (box shaped) you will have to use two different outlets. Which can be hard, how many bathrooms have you seen with two outlets.
The only thing that is good about its size is it can handle a good size chunk of hair, this comes in handy on thick hair.
The anti-tangle features works good. The anti-tangle feature works as follow; when it feels any resistant, it stops. This is an important feature (no matter what brand your rotating styling brush is) because you could really get your hair tangled in one of these things. I risked my own hair and tried to get it tangled, but it never did.
It worked better when my hair was around shoulder length (and shorter). When using on long hair it can attempt to get tangled more often. However, it is doable.
As it is now I do not use it very much, in fact as time goes on I use it less and less. Like I said at the beginning I only lost ten dollars on it so I am happy but I doubt I would buy it again or anything similar to it that does not have a blow-dryer built in (those are real expensive).
I have passed it on to my Mother-In-Law, I will let you know what she thinks of it!
“RotoStyler”
The RotoStyler is the solution for lump, thick,curly, and even frizzy hair with roto styler. The RotoStyler rotates up to 100 times per minute easily straightening …
Item #: RS-MC6
Weight: 4 Lbs.
Categories: Hair Accessories
Learn More…
The RotoStyler is the solution for lump, thick,curly, and even frizzy hair with roto styler.
The RotoStyler rotates up to 100 times per minute easily straightening and shining even the most difficult hair. In no time at all your hair is transformed from limp to full, or from curly to straight. It’s great for any hair type!With Triple Action System:
1. Ionic Strips -To Reduce ‘Frizzies’ & ‘Fly Away’ Ends.
2. Infrared Strips - To Heat Hair From Inside Out.
3. Shining Strips - For Spectacular Shine.
(picture and description from asontv.com, I did not get the blow-dryer or the other accessory)
At the urging of my sister I bought a RotoStyler, It was only ten bucks so I figured I was not going to lose much money if I did not like it. Originally, it was around $19.99, when I bought it, it had been out for some time.
It can rotate both ways. I guess that makes it ambidextrous (can be used with both hands) and easier to use. If I remember correctly, this is the “second” model RotoStyler put out, and being able to rotate in both directions was one of the upgrades. It could be problematic for dyslexic people and people that get confused in the mirror, however after using it a few times you will get used to it.
Using this is almost as hard as using regular round brush, maybe harder. The size of it is the biggest problem. I can live with being stuck having to plug it in. Although the plug could be smaller, as it is you have to plug it in the bottom socket because of its size, so if your blow-dryer has a big plug (box shaped) you will have to use two different outlets. Which can be hard, how many bathrooms have you seen with two outlets.
The only thing that is good about its size is it can handle a good size chunk of hair, this comes in handy on thick hair.
The anti-tangle features works good. The anti-tangle feature works as follow; when it feels any resistant, it stops. This is an important feature (no matter what brand your rotating styling brush is) because you could really get your hair tangled in one of these things. I risked my own hair and tried to get it tangled, but it never did.
It worked better when my hair was around shoulder length (and shorter). When using on long hair it can attempt to get tangled more often. However, it is doable.
As it is now I do not use it very much, in fact as time goes on I use it less and less. Like I said at the beginning I only lost ten dollars on it so I am happy but I doubt I would buy it again or anything similar to it that does not have a blow-dryer built in (those are real expensive).
I have passed it on to my Mother-In-Law, I will let you know what she thinks of it!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Celestial Seasonings Black Cherry Tea
100% Natural Herbal Tea, Caffeine Free
I finally decided to try a new flavor of tea (because my regular flavor was out), and I love most of the black cherry flavored stuff I try. It is one of those “safe” flavors.
I like it but to get a good cup of tea you have to use two bags. Especially if you are using a bigger then average cup. In addition, doing this makes the box of tea bags go fast.
It has a nice flavor. I have enjoyed drinking it. If it is in stock next time I go to the store I will be buying another box of this along with my regular tea.
I like it but to get a good cup of tea you have to use two bags. Especially if you are using a bigger then average cup. In addition, doing this makes the box of tea bags go fast.
It has a nice flavor. I have enjoyed drinking it. If it is in stock next time I go to the store I will be buying another box of this along with my regular tea.
Musselman’s Fruit Sauce Lite Blueberry/Pomegranate with Splenda
From my post on the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Cones with Splenda, you know that I do not seek out food with Splenda. However I could not, not try this flavor (blue berry/pomegranate). I like both blue berries and pomegranate separately and the thought of them together got me interested.
I have tried other “fruit sauces”, as they call it but I say flavor applesauce, and I liked them. Therefore, I had high hopes for this one, and it did not disappoint. Although, I cannot say that everyone would like it. It is not very sweet; it has more of a pomegranate flavor with a blue berry bite.
The color is cool. Have you ever seen the home depot commercials where people bring in stuff for the paint mixers to match? I want to do that with this fruit sauce. Be warned though, that cool color comes with a price. If you drop some on light colored clothes/fabric it will leave a little red spot. Some times it comes out, some times it does not.
It is defiantly a nice change to regular applesauce. If you at all on the fence about trying a flavored applesauce, let me be the one to push you off of it, lol. Open your mind and try a new flavor occasionally.
I have tried other “fruit sauces”, as they call it but I say flavor applesauce, and I liked them. Therefore, I had high hopes for this one, and it did not disappoint. Although, I cannot say that everyone would like it. It is not very sweet; it has more of a pomegranate flavor with a blue berry bite.
The color is cool. Have you ever seen the home depot commercials where people bring in stuff for the paint mixers to match? I want to do that with this fruit sauce. Be warned though, that cool color comes with a price. If you drop some on light colored clothes/fabric it will leave a little red spot. Some times it comes out, some times it does not.
It is defiantly a nice change to regular applesauce. If you at all on the fence about trying a flavored applesauce, let me be the one to push you off of it, lol. Open your mind and try a new flavor occasionally.
Hefty Serve ‘n Store plates
16 plates to a package
10.25 in.
Interlocking ridges for storage, Microwavable.
I am a avid user of fine china (paper plates, lol), but they are not environmentally friendly. I had seen a commercial for these on TV when they first came out (that was a while ago). I did not think much about it at the time; however, they were on sale so I could not help myself.
I like that you can store uneaten food, this is a good feature for people that have kids or eyes that are bigger then their stomach (like me, lol). A downside to the design it that it is not airtight, so you cannot leave food in them for long (just a few hours, at the most overnight).
I like the way the plate is shaped, like a pie pan. It keeps liquid from liquidly food on the plate and not spilling over the edge. You know what I mean, those dishes that are not liquidly enough for bowl (like spaghetti, baked potatoes with butter, etc.). However since it is not airtight when you are storing liquidly food it can leak out if tipped enough.
The size is good but they could be stronger since they are intended to be reused. after regular closing and opening, over time the edges will get little rip. They give you a false sense of security, because they look thick and sturdy you think they will not bend. However, if overloaded on one side they will.
They hold up well in the microwave, I have not had one in there longer then four minutes at a time.
If you use metal utensils the plates get all dinged up, and it is worst when you use a metal utensils on the plate when it is still hot from the microwave. So use plastic or wait a minute to let it cool-down.
The way it gets dents really bothers me. I have heard that went plastic is dented or scratched it can leach its chemicals into food. As the plate’s dents, I just use them for lids, and never put them into the microwave.
The ridges around the edge of the plates (that make it close and hold together) make it hard to clean, especially if you use then for a messy dish. To keep this from being a problem, rinse the plates ASAP.
The cardboard thing they come in makes a good holder; it fits behind the regular plates in the cabinet perfectly (not all Hefty Serve ‘n Store Plates come with the cardboard thing).
I still have about half of the package now, and I probably did not need to throw away some of the ones I did (I did to be on the safe side). If I see them on sale again I will defiantly get another pack.
After looking on Hefty’s website, I have concluded that Hefty does not make these plates anymore. I could not find them in their list of products. You can still find them online (and possibly at stores), check out the link below (Google Product Search results for Hefty Serve-n-Store Plates)
Buy Hefty Serve ‘n Store Plates!
10.25 in.
Interlocking ridges for storage, Microwavable.
I am a avid user of fine china (paper plates, lol), but they are not environmentally friendly. I had seen a commercial for these on TV when they first came out (that was a while ago). I did not think much about it at the time; however, they were on sale so I could not help myself.
I like that you can store uneaten food, this is a good feature for people that have kids or eyes that are bigger then their stomach (like me, lol). A downside to the design it that it is not airtight, so you cannot leave food in them for long (just a few hours, at the most overnight).
I like the way the plate is shaped, like a pie pan. It keeps liquid from liquidly food on the plate and not spilling over the edge. You know what I mean, those dishes that are not liquidly enough for bowl (like spaghetti, baked potatoes with butter, etc.). However since it is not airtight when you are storing liquidly food it can leak out if tipped enough.
The size is good but they could be stronger since they are intended to be reused. after regular closing and opening, over time the edges will get little rip. They give you a false sense of security, because they look thick and sturdy you think they will not bend. However, if overloaded on one side they will.
They hold up well in the microwave, I have not had one in there longer then four minutes at a time.
If you use metal utensils the plates get all dinged up, and it is worst when you use a metal utensils on the plate when it is still hot from the microwave. So use plastic or wait a minute to let it cool-down.
The way it gets dents really bothers me. I have heard that went plastic is dented or scratched it can leach its chemicals into food. As the plate’s dents, I just use them for lids, and never put them into the microwave.
The ridges around the edge of the plates (that make it close and hold together) make it hard to clean, especially if you use then for a messy dish. To keep this from being a problem, rinse the plates ASAP.
The cardboard thing they come in makes a good holder; it fits behind the regular plates in the cabinet perfectly (not all Hefty Serve ‘n Store Plates come with the cardboard thing).
I still have about half of the package now, and I probably did not need to throw away some of the ones I did (I did to be on the safe side). If I see them on sale again I will defiantly get another pack.
After looking on Hefty’s website, I have concluded that Hefty does not make these plates anymore. I could not find them in their list of products. You can still find them online (and possibly at stores), check out the link below (Google Product Search results for Hefty Serve-n-Store Plates)
Buy Hefty Serve ‘n Store Plates!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Get Window Treatments at SmithandNoble.com
Not everyone has the money to spend big bucks on curtains/blinds for their windows. However, when you buy cheap you get cheap. I have purchased blinds from Kmart and other stores over the years but none of them lasted.
So while on the hunt for better quality blinds, I found Smith+Noble. (Request a Catalog)
Window Treatments Available:
One of the biggest problem with ordering custom products is if it does not work or fit the way it should the buyer is usually stuck with it. Not at Smith+Noble, they have a satisfaction guarantee (read details before ordering)
Get 10 free Swatches- I love that they will send 10 fabric swatches for free. Anyone that has bought something like this online knows how aggravating it is when the material looks different in person then it did online. And, this is truly free (I had some sent to me).
Check suckystuff.info for discounts at SmithandNoble.com!
If you qualify for a Smith+Noble credit card you could get no interest and no payments for 12 months.
Other Smith+Noble Credit Card Bonuses:
• Receive a Gift Certificate in an amount equaling 10% of your first Smith+Noble Credit Card purchase*
• Free subscription to our famous catalogs
• Notification of sale events and special promotions
• No annual fee
So while on the hunt for better quality blinds, I found Smith+Noble. (Request a Catalog)
Window Treatments Available:
- Honeycomb Shades
- Natural Woven Shades
- Roller Shades
- Fabric Shades
- Solar Shades
- Pleated Shades
- Illusions Shadings
- Wood Shutters
- Vertical Solutions
- Sheer Elegance
- Roman Shades
One of the biggest problem with ordering custom products is if it does not work or fit the way it should the buyer is usually stuck with it. Not at Smith+Noble, they have a satisfaction guarantee (read details before ordering)
Get 10 free Swatches- I love that they will send 10 fabric swatches for free. Anyone that has bought something like this online knows how aggravating it is when the material looks different in person then it did online. And, this is truly free (I had some sent to me).
Check suckystuff.info for discounts at SmithandNoble.com!
If you qualify for a Smith+Noble credit card you could get no interest and no payments for 12 months.
Other Smith+Noble Credit Card Bonuses:
• Receive a Gift Certificate in an amount equaling 10% of your first Smith+Noble Credit Card purchase*
• Free subscription to our famous catalogs
• Notification of sale events and special promotions
• No annual fee
Protecting Yourself from ID Theft
These days identity theft is a big problem, and most of us know someone that has been a victim (if not you). This has made way for a new kind of business. Identity Theft Prevention. Most of these companies do stuff you could do yourself (for free), however they bank on the fact that you would rather someone else do it.
LifeLock – If you watch TV at all, you have probably seen LifeLock’s commercial where the guy is standing there with a big sign that has his SSN on it. Their service is $10 a month, and they have a $1,000,000.00 service guarantee. The service guarantee takes effect when you enroll in LifeLock’s services.
The $1 Million dollars service guarantee is for if your ID gets stolen and misused, LifeLock will reimburse direct expenses you paid a professional to resolve any problems. I do not like the word “reimbursed”, that means you will have to pay whatever bills before that $1 Million dollars kicks in.
Read LifeLock’s Guarantee, Click Here!
From LifeLock.com:
“Last, but certainly not least: If your Identity is stolen while you are a member of LifeLock, we’re going to do whatever it takes to recover your good name. If you need lawyers, we’re going to hire the best we can find. If you need investigators, accountants, case managers, whatever, they’re yours. If you lose money as a result of the theft, we’re going to give it back to you.”
What They Do:
- ask the credit bureaus to set free fraud alerts on your behalf.
-re-instates fraud alerts every 90 days, unless told not too.
-submits requests for your name to be removed from pre-approved credit card and junk mail lists
-re-submitting name removal request as they expire
-Request your annual free credit report which is sent to you (everyone gets one free credit report a year).
-WalletLock™, takes the hassle of losing your wallet. If lost or stolen, a WalletLock™ specialist helps you contact credit card companies, banks, etc. to cancel and replace your cards and documents.
-eRecon™ watches known criminal sites for trading/selling stolen ID’s and informs you if yours is spotted.
-TrueAddress™ notifies you of new address associated with your name (helps prevent fraudulent address changes).
Kid plans are available for $2.50 a month.
—————————————————————————
IDWatchDog - “our 100% guarantee is simple. If you become a victim on our watch, we fix it. We will not stop until the damage in your personal records is restored to the way it was before you became a victim.”
Instead of monitoring credit reports like LifeLock, ID Watchdog monitors public records databases (such as: Social Security Administration, drivers or pilots licenses, auto, boat or plane registrations, criminal records, Homeland Security watch lists, address or name changes, bankruptcy, liens and other judgments or filings)
ID Watchdog is twice as expensive as LifeLock, 19.95 a month. However, you can try it on a “free trial” basis; you get 15 days free (The trial is not truly free, you have to pay a $1.95 from your bank account to verify who you are).
I am not comfortable with seeing “patent pending” on the site. It may mean nothing but I do not like it.
Statistics Page on IDWatchDog.com- If you want to read some stats on ID theft.
—————————————————————————
Click Here!
This site list more identity theft prevention companies, most I have never heard of. I have been thinking about signing up with one of these companies (not for me but a family member), but I cannot decide which one. I am leaning towards LifeLock, but they do not handle ID theft problems from before you sign up with them (I asked their customer service), however, ID Watchdog says they do (again, I asked customer service). And, that is the deal breaker, because I know someone has used my family members ID but if they will not cover it why bother.
I would like to hear from others that have used any ID theft Prevention service. Let us know if you were happy with it or not to waste the money!
LifeLock – If you watch TV at all, you have probably seen LifeLock’s commercial where the guy is standing there with a big sign that has his SSN on it. Their service is $10 a month, and they have a $1,000,000.00 service guarantee. The service guarantee takes effect when you enroll in LifeLock’s services.
The $1 Million dollars service guarantee is for if your ID gets stolen and misused, LifeLock will reimburse direct expenses you paid a professional to resolve any problems. I do not like the word “reimbursed”, that means you will have to pay whatever bills before that $1 Million dollars kicks in.
Read LifeLock’s Guarantee, Click Here!
From LifeLock.com:
“Last, but certainly not least: If your Identity is stolen while you are a member of LifeLock, we’re going to do whatever it takes to recover your good name. If you need lawyers, we’re going to hire the best we can find. If you need investigators, accountants, case managers, whatever, they’re yours. If you lose money as a result of the theft, we’re going to give it back to you.”
What They Do:
- ask the credit bureaus to set free fraud alerts on your behalf.
-re-instates fraud alerts every 90 days, unless told not too.
-submits requests for your name to be removed from pre-approved credit card and junk mail lists
-re-submitting name removal request as they expire
-Request your annual free credit report which is sent to you (everyone gets one free credit report a year).
-WalletLock™, takes the hassle of losing your wallet. If lost or stolen, a WalletLock™ specialist helps you contact credit card companies, banks, etc. to cancel and replace your cards and documents.
-eRecon™ watches known criminal sites for trading/selling stolen ID’s and informs you if yours is spotted.
-TrueAddress™ notifies you of new address associated with your name (helps prevent fraudulent address changes).
Kid plans are available for $2.50 a month.
—————————————————————————
IDWatchDog - “our 100% guarantee is simple. If you become a victim on our watch, we fix it. We will not stop until the damage in your personal records is restored to the way it was before you became a victim.”
Instead of monitoring credit reports like LifeLock, ID Watchdog monitors public records databases (such as: Social Security Administration, drivers or pilots licenses, auto, boat or plane registrations, criminal records, Homeland Security watch lists, address or name changes, bankruptcy, liens and other judgments or filings)
ID Watchdog is twice as expensive as LifeLock, 19.95 a month. However, you can try it on a “free trial” basis; you get 15 days free (The trial is not truly free, you have to pay a $1.95 from your bank account to verify who you are).
I am not comfortable with seeing “patent pending” on the site. It may mean nothing but I do not like it.
Statistics Page on IDWatchDog.com- If you want to read some stats on ID theft.
—————————————————————————
Click Here!
This site list more identity theft prevention companies, most I have never heard of. I have been thinking about signing up with one of these companies (not for me but a family member), but I cannot decide which one. I am leaning towards LifeLock, but they do not handle ID theft problems from before you sign up with them (I asked their customer service), however, ID Watchdog says they do (again, I asked customer service). And, that is the deal breaker, because I know someone has used my family members ID but if they will not cover it why bother.
I would like to hear from others that have used any ID theft Prevention service. Let us know if you were happy with it or not to waste the money!
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