Archive for the ‘Reed Reviews’ Category

One Stop Shop: Car Care Information with RepairPal.com

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Posted 23 Feb 2010 — by Jennifer
Category Reed Reviews, Time & Money

Ford F-150Car Care information is vital in selecting a car to purchase, in up keeping your current car, and in being able to find affordable repair services when your car needs attention. A one stop shop for all your needs is RepairPal.com. These days are busy for most of us and we are all trying to save that extra dollar. Just having a good resource for our vehicle needs will help each of us to save time and money.

To show you what RepairPal.com has to offer and to test out their site myself I searched their database for a 1999 Ford F-150. I found out so much about this powerful beast of a truck. Clickable from my search are reviews and ratings from owners showing pros and cons of their experience, a questions and answer forum, common problem information, recall information, repair cost, finding the best shop for your needs, a buyable search, and much more.

I know I already gave you tons of benefits found on RepairPal.com but I’m not quite done. Let’s say you need repairs and you don’t know where to go. RepairPal.com has a directory for auto shops. I set a search by zip code and my car’s make and tons of options came up for shops that specialize in my vehicle. Another great tip in regards to finding a shop is there is an  estimate tab on their tool bar and it takes you to a great tool perfect for car repairs. Search for your car, the symptom of your car, and enter your zip code from the estimate tab and you will find price estimates, advise and the best shop for what you entered in your search.

Just for kicks, my check engine light is on in my car currently. I wanted to see what RepairPal.com could tell me that I didn’t know being I’m pretty knowledgeable about cars. RepairPal.com advised me what it means and gave me sound advise due to my check engine light being on, let me know how serious of a problem this may be for my car, and advised me what could cause my check engine light to be on. 

I have many friends and family members that will benefit from this site. I believe sending them to RepairPal.com will change the tone of things in my household. My husband will get less calls from those that just don’t get it and he will find the information on this site very useful. Friends, this is a sponsored post but I truly mean every word I have posted here. Such a great site with so many tools and I wish I had access to this site many years ago. To think of the money and time I’ve wasted searching for the right answers. I hope you find this site as much as a benefit as I do. Please check out RepairPal.com and let me know what your thoughts are by commenting below.

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Band in a Box by Melissa and Doug Review

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Posted 19 Feb 2010 — by Jennifer
Category Entertainment, Reed Reviews

Okay, as yall know I’m the “new” Online Customer Service Manager for a very popular Baby to Teens store. If that didn’t tell it all! Every week I bring home a new toy for Yissie because I’m now once again “an absent parent” most days because I’m busy at work (work that I LOVE by the way). Not that gift buying makes up for me being at work all day, but she sure gets excited no matter how big or small the gift is so this gift buying routine is well worth it!

I knew I’d want to one day review a product I bought but haven’t had it in me thus far. Sure the other toys were great and I’m sure I’ll get to reviewing the others that scored big points by the children but this one I can’t wait on!

Band in the Box by Melissa and Doug is the best toy I’ve bought for family fun in some time. “This musical set includes a tambourine, cymbals, maracas, clacker, tone blocks and a triangle!” These musical instruments are designed with children in mind in regards to the quality, colors, usefulness, and was also crafted with your children’s safety in mind!

I came home so excited to show the kids. I got all the kids together from ages 2 to 11 and asked them if they wanted to be in a band. The kids raved with excitement and each of us (four of the kids and I) chose an instrument and we boogied down! Not long after, the kids were showing daddy their new musical talents and who would guess it… one of the teens got involved. I can’t wait for my oldest to get home! She will enjoy the Band in the Box by Melissa and Doug more then the two year old I’m sure! The Band in the Box by Melissa and Doug is great for family fun and to teach your children creativity! Check out Band in a Box by Melissa and Doug by clicking here!

This wraps up it up for Fun Friday!

Do you have a favorite toy that you brought home for your kids? Please let us know by commenting below. We want to know what toys we should be checking out! Thanks yall.

Note: Reed What Matters offers Family Knowledge & Entertainment along with Freebies, Coupons & More, please subscribe to our updates:

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The Ultimate Freebie Site

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Posted 13 Jan 2010 — by Jennifer
Category Reed Reviews, Time & Money

You all know I love freebies! You’ve heard it time and time again, my favorite freebies come from Shop4Freebies.com. Why? Shop4Freebies’ brings me dependability, variety, and value.

I go to many sites throughout the week to sign up for freebies to never receive a thing. Shop4Freebies offers freebies from dependable companies doing so means I usually get my freebie without question. On that note, Shop4Freebies knows that many sites plan to honor their freebies and things happen. Shop4Freebies gives clear disclosure that occasionally your freebie just might not come. I haven’t had this arise but I’m very happy to see they took that extra time to let us know what’s up!

Go look at their Free Samples, variety and value speaks for itself. What freebies do you want? Freebies for your beauty needs, feminine care, health, babies, kids, food, drinks, pets, recipes, arts, crafts, and household items. The list goes on and on…

I hope you love Shop4Freebies as much as I do. Let me know what freebies you have scored overtime if you use them, or grab a freebie and comment below the one freebie you are looking forward to getting in the mail.

And as always, subscribe to our updates. How? Click the orange button near the header. Thanks a million.

(Sponsored but you all know I LOVE them)

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Zoobooks: Great Resource for Kids

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Posted 21 Dec 2009 — by Jennifer
Category Reed Educates, Reed Reviews

Zoobooks: Great Resource for Kids

Kids love animals, and love to learn about animals as well. Zoobooks gives children an interactive guide to discover new things about many animals and creates a fun learning environment for the kids. Zoobooks’ website offers your children:

  • Virtual Zoo
  • Animal Directory
  • Interactive learning
  • Games & Activities

Zoobooks’ Magazine offers even more for your children to experience, such a great resource for your kids. My children use Zoobooks as a resource at school, and love Zoobooks. Click here to discover what is awaiting your child from our sponsor, Zoobooks: Get a FREE poster and FREE animal stickers with your Zoobooks magazine!

Note: Reed What Matters offers Family Knowledge & Entertainment along with Freebies, Coupons & More, please subscribe to our updates:

Get updates to your email address:

Or subscribe to our updates through your favorite feed reader by clicking here!

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Wonderful Freebie and Coupon Site

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Posted 18 Dec 2009 — by Jennifer
Category Reed Reviews, Time & Money

Reed What Matters loves Freefly’s.com, one of our sponsors, and we’re not the only ones that love them oh-so-much. Reading Freefly’s.com press page, I came across two videos showing Fox’s Melissa Painter and Roby Brock have a lot to say about FreeFlys.com as well.

Brock states, “FreeFlys.com collects hundreds of freebies throughout cyberspace and offers them straight to you. Shampoo, coffee, make-up, candy bars even over the counter medicine.Whatever you’re looking for, you can find a free sample of it. Name brand products line the virtual shelves of FreeFlys waiting for you to give them a try.” Painter adds, “I only signed-up for Freeflys about two weeks ago, and already I am getting stuff in the mail!”

So get with the program and sign up for your freebies. Most of their freebies have no obligation and are of name brands. Ive been using Freeflys.com for about three months now, and have to say their one of my favorite freebie sites that also offer quality coupons.

Join FreeFlys and get Free Samples of NAME-BRAND PRODUCTS! Click Here.

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Yum Yum Candle Review and Giveaway

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Posted 17 Dec 2009 — by Jennifer
Category Giveaways, Reed Reviews

Yum Yum Candle Soy Candle Review

Yum Yum Candle Review and Giveaway

Smells so yummy, what an understatement! What a treat, I’ve received the privilege to review some of Yum Yum Candles delicious products and to give one of my fantastic readers the treat of winning a candle of their own. I was honored to say the least to receive a review request from one of Yum Yum Candle’s owners.

Yum Yum Candle is owned by three lovely ladies, two sisters and one close friend from high school, Chelsea, Kenitra, and Kelly. I met these ladies on twitter, and have peeked over at their website a few times. I just haven’t made a purchase on my own as of yet.

Yum Yum Candle has a great product line up: soy tin candles, soy massage candles, reed diffusers, room and linen sprays. The best thing about Yum Yum Candle is that their affordable and eco-friendly. I had no clue the difference between soy and paraffin candles. Yum Yum Candles aims to educate by letting us all know on their website that paraffin candles are toxic according to the State Of California. Not only are they toxic but can cause issues with asthma and allergies. Knowing this makes sense, often my husband buys candles, most of them have affected my asthma. I assume that when my asthma didn’t flare we were dealing with soy versus paraffin. Going forward I will be buying from Yum Yum Candle or reading labels carefully if I cross a deal in the store.

Yum Yum Candle sent me two candles, Sweet Passion Fruit and a Pumpkin Spice Scented Soy Candle at 4 oz in size in a cute tin can. I told the husband, “Pick one for me to test out!” He chose the Sweet Passion Fruit, and being Pumpkin Spice is more appropriate for the holidays, I figured Pumpkin Spice would be best for the winner of our giveaway!

In testing out my Sweet Passion Fruit Scented Soy candle from Yum Yum Candle, I was very pleased. A flowery yet fruity smell comes off of the candle and fills the air. My children came home from school and the first response I heard was, “Mmmm… What’s that smell?” I’m sure they were wishing my candle were food. I’ve burned the candle long and everyday making sure the scent wasn’t too good to be true. Maybe the candle would burn too fast, or the wick would disappear like most candles… I was wrong. My Yum Yum Candle is still burning strong and the wick is still holding up great.

Now, you seen before I mentioned that Yum Yum Candle has Soy Massage Candles, what is that right? Well, I didn’t read this till after I touched the Yum Yum Candle’s wax… (Mind you this isn’t the massage candle, either). I rubbed the wax between my fingers like I’m some candle wax expert, right? Well, regardless my skin felt smooth. I now have to get my hands on their massage soy candles.

Okay, so you get the picture, I’m a big fan of Yum Yum Candle and they’ve earned a customer for life just by sending me some candles to test. I love it, and I hope you love them as much as I do. Please check out their website by clicking here and support such a great team and cause to keep things eco-friendly!

Yum Yum Candle Pumpkin Spice Scented Soy Candle Giveaway

Here are the Yum Yum Candle Pumpkin Spice Scented Soy Candle Giveaway rules and such:

Must Enter By:

Comment in this post that you have visited Yum Yum Candle’s website, and do so by clicking here!

Extra Entries:

  1. Follow me on Twitter (unless you already are) and comment here that you did so.
  2. Follow Yum Yum Candles on Twitter (unless you already are) and comment here that you did so.
  3. Sign up for my updates by clicking: (RSS Feed) by email or your favorite feed reader and comment here that you did so.
  4. Some of you are signing up for our Newsletter on the sidebar on accident versus the RSS Feed link at #3, I will count that as an entry as well. Comment below that you signed up for the RSS Feed, the newsletter (monthly updates) or both. Each comment will count as an entry.
  5. Tweet about this giveaway and include “@reedwhatmatters” in the tweet and “@yumyumcandle in the same tweet. Make sure you comment here including your twitter user name that you did so. (Only once a day, I don’t want you to appear spammy to your followers)
  6. Comment on any post here at Reed What Matters and comment here the link of where you commented. (this is a daily option)
  7. If you have a blog, blog about the giveaway!

Giveaway Info:

Open to US residents only (shipping purposes). This giveaway will end Tuesday, December 22nd at 10 AM PST. The winners will be picked by Random.org and will be announced Wednesday, December 23rd. The winner will need to claim their prize by Sunday, December 27th or I will pick another giveaway winner (extended the claim prize date due to the holidays).

Have fun & enjoy!

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McCormick Cajun Seafood Fry Mix Review & Reed’s Famous Cajun Fried Red Snapper

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Posted 07 Dec 2009 — by Jennifer
Category Reed Cooks, Reed Reviews

Reed's Famous Cajun Fried Red Snapper Recipe

I’m always raving about my Cajun fried red snapper recipe. It’s been my best kept secret until today… it will be your best kept secret going forward! I promise you that all your family and friends will think you really out did yourself on this one. I usually cook for a crowd or have leftovers for days, and use the whole box of McCormick Cajun Seafood Fry Mix with a few pounds of Red Snapper! I will explain to this great recipe in smaller crowd terms, and must warn you that my measurements are approximate. I don’t measure unless I’m baking.

McCormick Cajun Seafood Fry MixReed’s Famous Cajun Fried Red Snapper

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 cups McCormick Cajun Seafood Fry Mix (no other will do, so sorry)
  • 2 lbs of Red Snapper fish (substitutions okay)
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 cups Vegetable oil

Steps:

  1. Place oil in a deep fryer or deep frying pot. Turn stove on to medium high. (To test oil if hot enough… sprinkle some of the fry mix in the oil. It will sizzle if hot enough for the fish)
  2. Place McCormick Cajun Seafood Fry Mix in a shallow bowl.
  3. Place eggs and milk in a separate shallow bowl and beat until well mixed.
  4. Wash fish and cut in half if needed. Fish should be about as long as your hand.
  5.  Dip fish in milk/egg mixture, then in McCormick Cajun Seafood Fry Mix, shake off excess, and place in hot oil.
  6. Cook several pieces at a time, turning them once to brown evenly.
  7. Cook for approximately 5 -8 minutes. They will turn golden brown and will be flaky once cooked thoroughly.

Serving suggestions:

  • Serve with rice or pasta, salad, and garlic bread. Last night I overdid it, I made crab, Cajun friend red snapper, crawfish, pasta, salad topped with shrimp, and garlic bread. Isn’t Sunday dinner the best?
  • Note to those that want to eat healthy: Yes, you can Oven-Fry! Directions are on the box. Og Trans Fat per serving and No MSG!

This is a great recipe and will turn into one of your favorite recipes. I’m big on boycotting against bland food and promise you that McCormick Cajun Seafood Fry Mix is the only thing you will need to season your fish with. Normally with fish fry it is imperative to add seasoning. McCormick handled their business in the seasoning department. McCormick Cajun Seafood Fry Mix makes fish so delicious that my husband buys 6-8 boxes at a time.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do! Please comment below once you try it, I would love your opinions! Don’t miss out on our coming recipes, subscribe to our updates by clicking here.

Do you have a recipe you want Reed What Matters’ blog to feature? Please submit your recipe on our Contact Us form. Thank you!

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Leslie Blodgett’s Bare Skin Eau de Parfum Review

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Posted 27 Nov 2009 — by Jennifer
Category Reed Reviews

Leslie Blodgett’s Bare Skin Eau de Parfum

Leslie Blodgett, CEO of Bare Escentuals, created Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries which is a “limited edition fragrance collection, created exclusively for Sephora, that revisit and evoke pivotal moments in Leslie’s life.” Bare Skin being the first scent of this creative series starts with a scent that reminds Leslie of a trip she took to Mexico. The sun shining down upon her, the beach setting gave her a carefree spirit and the hope is that each of us could feel carefree and inhabited to live a little with the help of Bare Skin. 

Receiving my sample for review in the mail I was excited and relieved.  Bare Skin scent isn’t overpowering yet is screams out a statement at the same time to say the least. Bare Skin has a hint of “black pepper, freesia and anise, heart notes of iris, vanilla orchid, plumeria and patchouli, and the dry down sizzles with sandalwood, labdanum and musk.” When I opened the package I could smell the scents of black pepper, anise, patchouli and sandalwood right away. My two favorite scents are Rose or that of Sandalwood so I grew even more excited to try out Bare Skin. 

I’ve been wearing Bare Skin for a few days now and I’ve received different reactions. My sister-in-law I asked outright what she thought after I placed a small amount on my wrist and neck. She told me, “That smells delicious… I wanna eat it!” I was laughing and told her back off. She knew immediately that there was sandalwood in Bare Skin. She let me know she wanted her own bottle. 

A few of my children told me I smelled good and asked me where I was going! That’s a good sign. The kids must have thought “Mommy smells special… it’s date night for daddy and mommy.”

Then the funniest reaction was that of my husband. He got out of his car and had arrived from a potluck at work. He smelled something good… he kept sniffing the air. Then took put his head in the car lightly and smelled again. He asked if that was me that smelled good. I laughed and told him about Bare Skin. He told me he was so worried he carried a scent home from one of the ladies dishes he had in his hand. Being we have six children, we have dibs on the leftovers, hence the reason he had “ladies dishes” (I should’ve warned him I had a new scent Ha Ha)! Too funny, my point is Bare Skin is a scent to make others “wanna eat” you up, make people wonder what your up to and where you are headed, and Bare Skin make others love the smell so much they get worried the wife is not going to understand. Not that Bare Skin is a trouble making scent, just that the scent of Bare Skin is just that… Bare skin is a flirty scent that is very comforting and earthy.

Bare Skin has different products to suit different needs,

Bare Skin Product Offerings

  • Bare Skin Eau de Parfum 1.7oz ($55):
  • Bare Skin Solid Perfume Compact ($35):
  • Bare Skin Perfumed Body Cream ($30):

I will be watching Leslie has she pushes out more scents our way. I’m  very please with Bare Skin and love the comforting, soothing, and exciting feeling I get when wearing this scent. I love the reactions I received wearing Bare Skin as well.

To grab your Bare Skin products click here to visit Sephora.com. If you’ve tried Bare Skin or you do in the future please let me know what you think by commenting below.

If you’re interested on my reviews and other family knowledge and entertainment topics please subscribe to our updates by clicking here.

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Top 5 Tips for Back Pain Relief

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Posted 21 Oct 2009 — by Jennifer
Category Reed Educates, Reed Reviews

As some of you know, I had been down with a backache since yesterday. I have backaches more often then the next, and sometimes it gets a bit unbearable. I have disc degenerative disease. It’s not uncommon, many with chronic backaches have disc degenerative disease. This can happen with age or in my case, through carrying heavy babies during pregnancy.

Top 5 things you can do to help your back while in pain:

  1. Hot and cold compresses – I used a heating pad and a frozen pack of lunch meat. Yup, I said it… Lunch Meat! I didn’t have a cold pack so I used lunchlunchmeat meat. Whatever works, right? Heat does nothing for your back but make it feel good. The heat pad actually causes you more swelling. That’s where the cold pack comes in or in my case, lunch meat. The cold brings the swelling down. So switch back and forth, hot and cold, cold and hot… you get the picture! Do this throughout the day. The more you use the cold the better it is for your back. You have to alternate; you don’t want heat bumps or frostbite! I use my heat pad for about 15-30 minutes and the cold pack for 5-10 minutes a few times a day. I should probably lay off the heat a little.
  2. Aspercreme Heat (Fast acting therapy pain relieving gel) – The best yet, I’ve tried the other Aspercreme rubs, Bengay, you name it! This one works the best. It even has a little sponge applicator so you don’t get messy or waste it! Yay! Apply this a few times a day.Aspercreme
  3. Motrin – pain reliever that reduces swelling at the same time.
  4. Make sure your bladder is empty. If you have to go to the bathroom just get up and go! As much as it hurts to get out of bed, it will hurt worse holding it. Think of your back swelling and a full bladder. Not good.
  5. Rest – Don’t bend over, and don’t do too much. If laying down, change positions. If you lay on your side then place a pillow in-between your legs. This trick helps line up your spine. If on your back, place a pillow under your thighs, and a few under your back keeping you elevated slightly. I don’t recommend sleeping on your stomach with back pain at all.

There you have it. My backache is just about gone. Do you have any tips for back pain? Please share below with comments. We can all use these tips.

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My Top Commentators & This Great Widget

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Posted 20 Oct 2009 — by Jennifer
Category All Things Techy, Reed Reviews, Reed Tidbits
topcommentatorI just added a nifty tool to Reed What Matters! Top Commentators Widget, it’s on our right sidebar to the bottom a bit. This tool tells everyone who comments the most on Reed What Matters website. I set it up to list the top 5 commentators for the last 90 days. I’m in love with this tool. I can now formally thank my top 4 commentators:

1. My Mama 

Mama, I love you and thank you for reading my blog regardless of how busy you are! I thank you even more for leaving such great feedback in our comments. Everyone check her out! She is an amazing soul who does lots for our homeless community and for our climate. You can spot her efforts at: SafeGround Sacramento & SHOC!

2. Hailey’s Dragonfly Garden

My lovely friend with a sweet soul I met on Twitter! She is the reason I’m only formally thanking my top 4 commentators (she can’t decide if she wants to type her user name on our website as “Hailey’s” or “Haileys” so she stole two spots Ha-Ha!) She is always there for me when I need her to be, and she always reminds me to have a good day. She also has a fabulous website offering the best handmade soaps! Not only is her soaps the best, but they’re affordable. Check out my review and her site here: Hailey’s Dragonfly Garden of Botanicals Review & Hailey’s Dragonfly Garden. 

3. Donna

Someone I’m very fond of. I found her on iMommyTalk.com. Most of her post I have to comment because the topics are great. She Vlogs (video blogs), I don’t always get to watch her videos because my home gets pretty noisy. She covers me there and types up a summery of her vlog. Still video or summery, COMMENT WORTHY!  Thank you Donna for a great website!

4. Toya

Another friend I met on Twitter. This lady here, she has a deep spirited soul. Go to her blog and you have to think. Soothing soulful music, content that enriches my soul, and I can’t wait… She is writing a book! Thanks Toya, for being you! Check her out here: Tales of Literary Nobody  (She is REALLY Somebody)

I will continue to show love to my top commentators, that means free advertising for you if you have a website or a business!!! And If you don’t, either way I want to show the love to those that show it to me! Thanks friends!

Bloggers, if you want this great widget click here: Top Commentators Widget

Enjoy!

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