Sinful Colors Professional Review

Painted my nails today! I received the aqua color from the Surf's Up VoxBox from Influenster.com (there is the link on the right side of the blog too!)

It's not thick that makes it hard to apply.
It was a little thinner than what I am used to, but after couple more layer; I thought it was perfect. Some parts I think I missed and may need to go back.

Pro: color vibrancy, easy to apply
Con: Thin and need 2 - 3 coats for the color to fill.

The color is so vibrant that I love looking at it!!

So what I think? I love it, and wouldn't mind getting some other colors in the future!

If you try out Sinful Colors, let me know! I'd love to see it!!



Just wanted to make sure you know that I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

P is for Pie and Bob's Red Mill Gluten free Pie Crust Review

The week before P week, I had checked out some DVD's from the library of Word World.
One of the episode was where Pig was making Pies, but he was only putting letters together of PIE, not making PIES. The episode was teaching how a word can be more than one by adding the 's', making it plural.

Here is the pie that they made on Word World:

So anyway, then it was P week. I thought, we should make Pie!

I have not made Gluten-Free pie crusts. 

When I went to our grocery store, I picked up some Bob's Red Mill Pie Crust Mix:

It was pretty easy to mix and put together. 

Here is a semi-blurry picture of Steve mixing it.

We made an apple pie, not a blueberry pie like on the show. 

Here is our version of PIE

Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Pie Crust was absolutely amazing. We couldn't tell that it was gluten free. 

It held up great after a couple days too! 

We also fridged the pie, that may have helped.

Pro: easy to mix, tastes great, still tasted great after a couple days

Con: ... none.

Yep. I recommend Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Pie Crust!

Mary Kay Sun-Kissed Collection Review

I received an Influenster box from Mary Kay. What is your first impression of Mary Kay?
I'm not really a big fan of reselling type of places, especially if it's hosted by your friends... and you feel obgligated to buy. and who likes that feeling? So, quite honestly, not a fan of Mary Kay. If I like something, I will buy it because I like it.

So, I got this box. Definitely didn't expect everything!

I actually forgot to take photos of the two brushes (eye shadow and a medium size brush) that they included in the box.
First impression of everything.
Here is what they included:
Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara - I'm indifferent about mascara until I try it
Mary Kay Cream Eye Color Apricot Twist -  I am still on the look out for good eye cream, so, ok. this is good
Mary Kay Mineral Cheek Color Shy Blush - I don't wear blush enough to have a preference.
Mary Kay Translucent Loose Powder - I may need this since I have oily skin
Mary Kay Gel Eyeliner with Brush, Jet Black - Uhoh, I have used brushes in the past for eyeliner, and it's always been horrible. I'm not looking forward to this.
Mary Kay Bronzing Powder - I'm already olive skin, and don't think I really need this.
Mary Kay Nourishing Plus Lip Gloss, Mango Tango  - Wow, this is awfully bright for yours truely.

I tried it on today. I had to be presentable for an interpreter job! lol
Here is my take:

So my impression of all the products that I used:
In the order of applying it on my face:

Mary Kay Cream Eye Color Apricot Twist - It doesn't have a consistant texture, and it was difficult to apply and have the same look on both eye lids. it dries quickly. I didn't like it at first, but end of the night, it was still on my oily eye lids, and it didn't budge. So, Yes, I like this eye cream!

Mary Kay Gel Eyeliner with Brush, Jet Black - Oh man, I was not looking forward to this. in the past, gel eyeliners made my eyelids all black after a few hours. it was terrible! After applying, it is very thick. I wasn't sure how I feel about it... but i needed to try it! End of the night... even after a few tears. ... I was incredibly surprised on how it lasted and no smears on my eyelid at all! I was incredibly impressed!!

Here is my eyes. it's just a thin line on my eyelid.  Nothing fancy.

I put on my own foundation on at this point.

Mary Kay Mineral Cheek Color Shy Blush - It just gave a little glimpse of pink on my skin... no preference really.

Mary Kay Bronzing Powder - I didn't really see a difference in my skin, and not sure if anyone noticed.

Mary Kay Translucent Loose Powder - I liked the powder and it didn't make my face feel heavy.

Mary Kay Lash Love Mascara - it's thick, it covered every single lash... I'd get it again, but I don't think it's the best mascara ever.

Mary Kay Nourishing Plus Lip Gloss, Mango Tango  - Wow, again. it's bright! But after smoothing it out, it's glossy. It's not too thick, so i like it. Would I get this? Sure, but probably not if I'm trying to save money.

Over all, I really like the eye cream and the eye liner, and I would definitely get it! It may be my new favorite! I'm definitely a fan of the eye make up and excited to try out the other colors!

Thank you to the Influenster for giving me this opportunity to try out Mary Kay's Sun-Kissed Cosmetics! #MKGlam

If you're interested in joining me on the Influenster, click here to register!

Just wanted to make sure you know that I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Udi's Gluten Free Pizza Crust

Gluten free pizza crust by Udi's

I love pizza. I really really do. But it's not always easy to find a gluten-free pizza that's actually good.

And the selection on gluten-free pizzas are very limited... very.

So, I picked up a 2 pack of Udi's Gluten-free Pizza Crusts at Whole Foods.

pic source

We kept the crusts in the freezer, and take it out whenever the pizza mood strikes. 

Saturday night, it struck. I wanted pizza. 

We made a pretty simple one, with just mozzarella cheese, basil, ham, and salami.

The direction says to bake it longer than 5 – 7 minutes if it came out of the freezer. 

The first time, we baked it for about 8 minutes, it wasn’t enough. The center was soggy; the experience was just not that great. 

So, this time, we baked it for almost 10 minutes. The center wasn’t soggy, and everything tasted pretty awesome. The crust didn’t fall apart, and it had a nice crunch to it. 

I’d definitely get the crust again, but bake it for about 10 minutes. 

As you can see from my pizza here, I couldn't wait to take a bite out of the middle! 

Julep Maven - Review

I am not a big fan of the monthly subscription stuff. For a couple reasons:
1. I never like or use everything that they send me (so, this makes me feel like I'm wasting my money)
2. I never know what's in the box, and if I can opt out that month, or maybe it's not in my budget that month

Even though I enjoy getting my nails done, I just can't afford it all the time. I did have a freak incident once. The tech cut my cuticles too close, and it bleed... then it got infected. I even have a picture, but I don't want you to lose your meal that you just had, so, I'll keep that to my photo album.
Let's just say, I haven't really gone to salons to get my nails done for about 6 months now.

So, to start, you go to Julep to take a quiz on what your style profile is. It's quick and fun! There are five different ones: Modern Beauty, BohoGlam, Bombshell, Classic with a Twist, and It Girl. I am BohoGlam.

Now, if I didn't like the other monthly subscription stuff, why would I like this one?

Every month, they send me an email that they have the package selected for each profile. I won't deny it, I don't always like what they have in the Boho Glam box!  I sometimes like Classic with a Twist instead. If I don't like any of the five package selections, or maybe I just don't have the budget to spend this month... Julet let's me skip it! They don't have a requirement on how many times you can skip, but I usually find something that I like from time to time.

If you love painting your nails or do at home manicures, I really think you should try out Julep!

From Julep Maven Intro Boho Glam box

Julep Nail Polish in Misti

P.S. Julep did not pay or give me anything to review their product. This is all completely my own opinion.

P.P.S - I'm sure you're like, well, how am i suppose to check out all their polish colors if I have to take a quiz? No worries! Here is a link to their nail color polishes! ;)

Gingher Seam Ripper Review

I am currently on a hunt for a good quality seam ripper. I usually use the cheap ones that's short, and awkward to use. So, my requirements are a good handle for now.

I saw this pretty neat looking Gingher seam ripper. I like how the blade retracts. So, I purchased it and decided to try it out.

I opened it last night, pretty good looking.

I really like how it has a retractable blade (p.s. I'm not left handed, I just needed my right hand to hold the camera and take pictures)

A little awkward for my hand. Not sure if I was holding it right.
Well, then the most important part... the seam ripping.

the tip, it's a bit curved, not sure if you can see it here:

It doesn't work very well on getting under the thread, it keeps slipping away from the seam. The tip is pretty thick, so, it is difficult to get under the seam. I can see how it would be nice to use when ripping the seam of two fabrics. For any seam ripping of top stitches, it's going to be difficult.

As much as I love the look, it does not pass the test on ripping the seams. It is difficult to get under the seams. If I can't get to underneath the seam, then it makes it kind of pointless on ripping the seam, huh?

Don't get me wrong, I love Gingher, just not their new seam ripper.

So, onto the next seam ripper.

Lunette Menstrual Cup Review

This is a girly post. Yes, this is me talking about girly month stuff. If you are not interested, please ignore this post! ... You are warned...

Just to let you know, I was not compensated or paid to do this review. I was looking for a menstrual cup to purchase, and this is what I purchased, and wanted to give you a review on the Lunette.

Here is my first video review [ever]. I think I sound nervous, just ignore that! It's 5 min. long.



If you don't want to watch the video... here is just an idea of what I talked about:

The last few months, I have been researching on these menstrual cups. I was tired of those days where I'm unsure if anything is showing, or consistently going to the bathroom to check if i need to change anything. Since I am [somewhat of] a runner, I don't like running with pantyliner, pads, etc.
I heard about menstrual cups a few years ago, but I really started to look into them few months ago.

After reading reviews and everything on menstrual cups... I decided on the Lunette menstrual cup.

I have gotten a chance to use it twice. I have to say, it was not as bad as I thought it would be.

At first, I thought it would be a little strange, which it wasn't that bad. It's easy to use, they give you picture instructions so you won't get too confused.
I wasn't sure which model to purchase. there are two models. 1 and 2. 1 is for light flow and for women who have never had intercourse. 2 is for normal to heavy flow.
well, obviously I have kids, but my flow is always light. So I decided to go for model 1.
After trying it, it was definitely the right choice.

I even had it in when I ran a few miles one day. I didn't even notice it!

I think it's the best feminine product I have ever purchased!

I really recommend it, and if you are looking for a menstrual cup or a different brand, try Lunette!

When you do try it out, let me know what you think!

Hoover Twin Tank Steam Mop - Review

As you know, I have two little boys. We have wood floors in the kitchen and eating area. As any mother with toddlers would know, there is hardly a time where food does not fall on the floor.
Our boys are definitely no exception. Child #2 loves to eat off the floor. Do not ask me why! He would dump his food sometimes on the floor just to eat it off the floor.
Child #1 would throw away anything that touches the floor, with the exception of any types of sweets.

[Almost] Every night, I sit on the floor by the dining table with a bottle of floor cleaning spray, and clean up the floor with a towel. If there is a spot that is hard to get off, I'll spray and let it sit there as I get to other spots, and then spot clean the tough crusty part. We haven't found a mop that really cleans the floor.

I had the opportunity to try out Hoover Twin Tank Steam Mop! I was very excited -- as you can tell by the picture below!  This is when I came home late from work, and I was telling Steve that I had received an e-mail that the Steam Mop was coming soon... and he walked to the other room and brought it out and said, "this steam mop?" ... I was very excited! Yes, the little things in life excites me!!!

So, here are some things on the box that Hoover Steam Mop does:

• Disinfects & Kills or Removes 99.99% of harmful bacteria (with steam alone)
• TwinTank Technology - which allows users to keep formula cleaning solution and water separate for total control.
• Solution Control Dial - users can easily control the amount of cleaning solution used to meet the needs of any cleaning job
• 30-Foot Power Cord - pretty awesome if you have a big kitchen
• Removable Tanks - for easy filling and emptying
• Triangular Swivel Mop Head
• Carpet Glider
• Microfiber Triangle Pads
• Soft-Touch Grip
• Cord Release
• "Steam Ready" Indicator LED

I didn't clean the floor for a couple days, believe me, it was really difficult walking on the sticky floor.
While the boys were taking a nap, I took a picture of the spot under where the boys usually eat.

I swept first, so you can actually see the spots rather than extra dirty floor.
If you click on the picture, you can probably see better of all the dirty spots.


The directions to the steam mop was very easy to follow and easy to use! It's not loud, and with the tough spots, I just went extra slow over it. Just one time over the spot, it's gone! What? I didn't have to go back and forth with the mop! I didn't have to get down on the floor and scrap at it!

It's gone! How easy was that? It didn't take the floor long to dry from the mop, maybe 5 minutes or less.

Here is another spot. I think this is probably drips of juice and just got dirty from walking on it. I have no idea how long it has been there.

Just a slow glide over the spot...

I had to take a bigger picture because I couldn't remember where the spot originally was at!

Now, for the carpet test:
I have no idea what my kids had spilled here, I think it may be cranberry juice. Child #1 was on a cranberry juice kick for a little bit.

 Not sure if you can see it, but there is a small reddish stain.

I did the Spot Clean for this part. You can see a slight spot, but you can hardly see it now!


PROS:

• Super light and compact
• Triangular head, I could get the tight corners under the bar easily
• Disinfects 99.99% -- this is nice since my youngest enjoy eating off the floor
• TwinTake - which means, I don't necessary have to use the solution and I can use just the steam (this means I can save some money)
• Microfiber Pads that I can just throw in the wash for easy cleaning!
• Cord Release makes it easy so I don't have to unwind 30' of cord just to wind it back up!!
• Steam Ready Indicator is super quick, barely one minute and it's ready for me to use!
• It glides very easily on the wood floor and carpet!
• Swivel head, that's easy to turn with just a twist of the wrist

CONS:

• Need to refill water with every cleaning job.

I don't think it's a big deal with refilling the water with every project, but we have used it at least 2 - 3 times a week now.  We don't let the water sit in the tanks for very long.

Overall, I think it's a great product! Super easy to use! Definitely better than sitting on the floor!

“I received a sample of this product to facilitate my review, but my opinions are entirely my own.”

BluePro Services - Review

As you may [or may not] know, we've been going through a few local cleaners.

We haven't had great luck. I decided that I am not going to go through any deal sites for cleaners anymore.  So, I asked one of my former co-workers who they use.

This is my review for BluePro Services.

The main contact is Alex. Everything was done through e-mail. He gave me the free estimate through e-mail. I like this because this is the easiest form of communication for me.
The cost is very reasonable. They show up on time, I have no complaints about their cleaning. The first time they came, they cleaned our blinds, ceiling fans, even took the cushions out of the furniture and vacuumed. That's awesome, because who knows how many cheerios are hiding under those cushions! They have three cleaners and they were done in about 2.5 hours. After the first time, they spend about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Best part is that they also come on Saturdays, so this way, I do not need to take work off.

If you are a bit picky on a few dusting areas or such, just let them know. They've been pretty good about everything. I set out new sheets for all the beds, and they change them. They even put the used sheets in our laundry room.

We have it set up to where they come to our house every other month.

I really recommend BluePro Services if you're in the Kansas City Metro Area.  Let them know that you heard about them through me, Nicole!




I was not paid, compensated for this review. This review is completely my own opinion, good and/or bad.
If you had a different opinion, please feel free to comment on the post.
If you would like me to review your website, restaurant, etc. please contact me.

American Pest Management - Review

We had such a warm winter. Since Spring is here gracing us with beautiful weather, you might notice that there are more bugs than usual that want to enjoy that weather with you, sometimes with you in your home, enjoying your air conditioned home.

We have used American Pest Management for about four years, I think almost five now.
Renee is usually the one on the phones, she's very friendly and I think she knows all the customers!

They have competitive prices.
What I like the most is that they always send the same person that comes to our house to spray our house, and I like this because I don't like having random person in my house every time. Marty is the guy that comes to our home. He's super friendly and just a really nice guy and I trust him when he walks around our house. I don't feel like I have to follow him around. Marty comes out every 3 months for a routine spray.

There are times where some bugs would sneak in our house a month or two after Marty visits. If it's bad, I just call and let them know. Marty would come back and check on the bugs. Check out their guarantee policy. Hands down, that's pretty awesome.

We had some spider issues lately. I do NOT like spiders. They freak me out, I was not always like this. I think I started getting freaked out after getting married, because I have a tough man to kill my spiders now! Haha! Anyway, back to the point, Marty would come back and check out our place. Sometimes we try to get the spider to get in a sandwich bag so Marty and let us know if it's a dangerous spider. We are in the Midwest, which is where most brown recluse live. I freak out more now that I have kids.

Back in 2009, there was this weird animal hanging out at my parents' place. Here's the picture that they took.

My parents love to take care of their garden. I sent them some pictures that my parents took, and they went out to my parents' yard and the neighbors' to find any sighting of this animal, for free. Yes, they took the time to look for this animal for free. They said it was a gopher. After the visit, they e-mailed me and said that they were unable to locate any nesting sites. And to contact them for price if they start burrowing in my parents' yard. This incident just really impressed me that they took the time to go out and look. In the end, my parents started to notice less of the gopher, and then it disappeared... weird, huh?


I HIGHLY recommend American Pest Management for all your pests issues.
They have coupons on their website too if you want to give them a try!

So, if you're looking for a good exterminator in the Kansas City, Wichita, and Manhattan area, you should call American Pest Management.



I was not paid, compensated for this review. This review is completely my own opinion, good and/or bad.
If you had a different opinion, please feel free to comment on the post.

Review - Rock My Run

As you know, I run. I'm not good at anything else. The hand-eye coordination is not so good. haha

So, I like listening to my music as I run. Before my half marathon, I found Rock My Run.  I downloaded Sweat, and added some other music to my playlist for the half marathon.
Since I'm training for another half-marathon end of this month, I need more music! I just purchased Bringing Sexy Back, which I really enjoy right now. I enjoy pop music. It's true, my high school love was *NSYNC.

picture source

It's easy to use. You get 1 free credit every month, and they expire one year after you receive it. You can wait until it fills up or you can use it as soon as you get it. All mixes have different amount of credits.
30 minutes is 1 credit
60 minutes is 2 credits
90 minutes is 3 credits

I really like the fact that they do it for (almost) free. I did purchase 5 credits so I could download more mixes!
Just to let you know, when you purchase a remix with your credit, you can download it more than once. This way, you can download it on your mp3 player, your computer, phone, etc.

Let me know what you think!




I was not paid or compensated for this review. This review is completely my own opinion, good and/or bad.
If you had a different opinion, please feel free to comment on the post.

Zeke's Paint & Design Centers - Review

We purchased two groupons to Zeke's Paint & Design Centers awhile back.

Of course, like the best procrastinator ever, we went the day it expires ... I panicked a bit because I had no idea what colors to do! I still wanted to paint the boys' room, but I still haven't figured out what I wanted to do yet. I have an idea, but nothing set!

I called Zeke's when they opened, and the guy who picked up the phone was very friendly (I called the Prairie Village location). I explained that I have groupons, but don't know what I want to do with them yet. He just told me that I could just get the white paint in the finish that I want, and just come in with it to add color to it. It didn't cost extra to add colors. What? really?! That's great!! It definitely calmed me down and not frantically searching for a color that I may not even like later.

That's exactly what we did. The guy at the counter was super friendly (we went to the Overland Park location). He helped put all the paint in my trunk while the boys (this includes the husband, don't worry, I didn't leave the kids in the car with the windows cracked) were in the car. The kiddies were passed out!

So, overall, it was a great experience. Customer service was great!!

I'll be back to get my colors!

Hair Room - Review

I had gotten the Morgan's Deal for Mani and Pedi Combo, Warm Water Soak & Scrub, Warm Oil Massage and $10 off next session at the Hair Room.

Apparently, only one of the ladies was doing this deal. So, I originally had made the appointment on a Saturday, then a week before I got a call that she only does it Tuesday and Fridays.
So, we moved the appointment to Dec. 23, right before Christmas in the afternoon. So, my nails were all fixed up for Christmas.

Michelle was the lady that did my nails and toes. She was friendly, soft spoken. Overall, I thought she did a good job.
The Hair Room was nice. The customer waiting area was open and not crowded with beauty supplies. The manicure area was a bit crowded (three total tables). They only have one room for pedicures. That would limit timing for pedicure. I didn't get to see the salon side, but it looked nice from a glance. It seems that the Hair Room was limited in colors of nail polish.

They did not give me the $10 off for the next session. I may need to call and let them know about that if I want to go back.

I rate the Hair Room: 4 out of 5.
I'll probably go back for the mani and pedi.


P.S. I just want to make it clear that no one paid for any of our vouchers. We purchase them as we need them and I write reviews on them. If you have different experience, feel free to comment. Not everyone has the same opinions.

Taste of Home - Review

Back in November (November 3 to be exact), I ordered four books from the Taste of Home website.

Two weeks later, I received an empty box (with two leaves in it) with an USPS sticker on it that says "Received Unsealed".

I called their customer service as soon as I could (which was about 6pm).
I spoke with someone that didn't speak English very well.

So, she tells me that it's going to take 4-6 weeks to process, not to ship... but to process. wow. I asked for a confirmation number, she said that they do not do confirmation numbers. I asked what can I get to know that this is going to be processed. She responds, "this is all that you will get". REALLY?

At this point, I'm pretty much fed up with them. I went on Taste of Home's facebook page, and made a comment. I get a response fairly quickly... letting me know that I should e-mail them to get this figured out.
I e-mailed them on Dec. 8. ... it is currently Dec. 15. No response back.

Now, I really just want my money back. Why do I want to give them money if they can't take care of me?
I called the customer service, and AGAIN, someone who could not speak English. She called me "Mister Hall" the whole time. Really? REALLY?

This time, she gave me a confirmation number for the refund when I asked for it. Oh... I thought you guys don't do confirmation numbers? How funny.

She said it'll take 1 - 2 billing cycles to send me the refund - of course she doesn't know how long it'll take. Don't worry, I'm waiting for it.

I am not beginning to think that companies don't respond to unsatisfied customers through phone or e-mail anymore... they only respond when you post on their facebook page. Pretty pathetic.

I'm not upset about not getting the books, I'm mainly upset about the way they have handled this.




If you order through Taste of Homes... you are warned, if ANYTHING unfortunate happens to you, customer service doesn't make sure you are satisfied.

Jewelmint - Review

S and I just started to go through our financial planning - so, we can pay off loans. We're trying to do the Dave Ramsey Debt Free challenge.


So, back in October (29th to be exact), I purchased a pair of hoop earrings from Jewelmint.  And it's not very good either. The hooks seriously look like it's about to rust over. I only wore it once, and it irritated my ears and one of them kept falling off.

This month, S and I were going through statements, and saw a $29.99 charge from Jewelmint.
Apparently by purchasing ANY of their jewelry... you are automatically signed into their monthly membership, and if you don't want to pay, you need to 'personally' opt-out every month.

I looked through ALL my past emails to see if they ever told me about this membership when I purchased the earrings in October. NOPE. Couldn't find a single e-mail that said that I was automatically signed onto this $29.99/month membership.

So, they charged me Nov. 5 and Dec. 7. to earn one credit a month (which doesn't even total up to ONE jewelry per credit). No thanks.

The only two ways to cancel your membership is to e-mail their customer service and/or call their number.

I e-mailed them Sunday night, they said they canceled my membership, and said they will refund me. They never said they'll refund me for two months worth.  This is what I'm trying to do right now.

to be continued....



If you purchased anything from Jewelmint, check your statements. You may have been paying $29.99 a month for how ever long ago you purchased jewelry from them.


Update: (02/28/12) This is an overdue update. Jewelmint is very accommodating with refunding the monthly charges. I also realize that many blogs who has Jewelmint as a sponsor are now pointing out the monthly fees. I'm assuming that Jewelmint have been getting complaints about not letting people know about this monthly fee.

Either way, I do not sign up for anything that makes me pay a monthly fee for "credits"... especially for not so good quality items.  I want things to last, and I want them to be good quality. Not something that is going to make my ears all green.

Pressed4Time - Review

Pressed4Time voucher was purchased through Groupon.
The voucher was for $30.

Time is something we don't have. Regardless when we had kids or not. Before kids, we would iron our clothes... I think either S and I did it (whenever we could) about once every other week of a full hour of just ironing all the clothes that needed ironing. This is BC (Before Children).  But even then, we still were crunching for time.
But now, I think I'm just lazy. haha. I don't think we've ironed our clothes for a very long time.

When I saw the voucher, I was like. I NEED this!

Since it was for $30, I really had a hard time trying to come up with $30 worth. The prices were incredibly reasonable.  Since they didn't go out to our house, I had them pick up and drop off from my work place.

I'm at work longer during the day than at home. So, it all worked out.

We used the voucher in September.
I did call them once to ask about the voucher -- left a message, but they didn't call back. I really don't even remember what my question is now. It probably wasn't a big deal.
I called them again a week later -- left a message to set up time.
Shelly called me back and she was going to pick up around noon, and drop off 3 days later at the same time.

The clothes were dropped off at the receptionist desk. The receptionist told me that people were questioning and thought it was a good idea to do dry cleaning that way. I can't complain. It worked out pretty well.

They gave me a bag for future drop offs.

We used to go to Pride Cleaners, but Pressed4Time is much more convenient!

I rate Pressed4Time:  5 out of 5

P.S. I just want to make it clear that no one paid for any of our vouchers. We purchase them as we need them and I write reviews on them. If you have different experience, feel free to comment. Not everyone has the same opinions.

Pierpont's Restaurant - Review

Pierpont's was purchased through Groupon. It was a voucher for $40.

S and I took his parents out to lunch. It has been a crazy week for them due to preparation and everything with Grandma K's passing.

We thought it'd be nice to take them out.
We went to Pierpont's on a Thursday for lunch.

S and Mom had Blue Crab  & Sweet Corn Bisque to start.

Dad and I had a salad. Dad had the Walnut & Pear Salad and I had the Classic Caesar Salad.

For our entree:
S, Dad, and I had the Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin ($14). Mom had the Sauteed Rainbow Trout ($14).

The three of us that had the tenderloin thought it was delicious and it was just the perfect portion for lunch. The tenderloin was cooked well for our liking. S had it medium rare. Dad and I had medium.
Mom thought the trout was delicious as well.
Needless to say, we cleaned our plate.

For Dessert we ordered: 
S and Mom ordered the White Chocolate Bread Pudding
Dad ordered Key Lime Tart
I ordered the Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee.
We all ordered coffee. We're all coffee drinkers.

Steve and Mom enjoyed their pudding, but the waitress put too much rum on their pudding to where it was overwhelming. Steve thought the pudding would have been better if it wasn't so cold. I always thought bread pudding should be warm. But he said it wasn't that great. Mom didn't finish her's.


Even though Dad didn't say much about the tart, I could tell it wasn't his favorite.


The vanilla bean creme brulee was okay. I cannot say it was the best I've ever had, but it wasn't the worst.  They put a lot powdered sugar on the creme brulee. It almost felt like that they premade the creme brulee with the sugar burnt on it.... instead of burning the sugar before bringing it out.


The coffee is the issue.  It was the only thing that we all had the same.


I started to feel 'uncomfortable' during the drive home.... I had requested that S not stop at any yellow lights! S started to feel sick maybe 30 minutes after we got home. Later we found out that Mom and Dad had to make a pit stop on their way home. Dad later felt sick, about the same time as S.


So, I'm going to tell you now... maybe not drink their coffee.


Oh yes, the service. Meh. It was okay. The waitress waited a long time to refill my water. It went to empty twice. It took her a long time to take our credit card. And with her putting too much rum on the pudding didn't help either.


Overall, I rate Pierpont's: 3.5 out of 5

I'll probably go back for the entrees. ... definitely not for their coffee!

Blanc Burgers - Review

Blanc Burgers was purchased through Groupon. It was a $20 voucher.

S and I decided to go to Blanc Burgers for our much needed date night. We went there the same night as the Fire show at the Plaza. Parking was absolutely terrible! We seriously spent an hour looking for a parking spot. I was getting so hungry - it was almost 7. lol, I know, 7pm isn't even that late! Our normal dinner time is around 630pm, and if you know me... when I'm hungry... I get angry and sometimes turn green, possibility looking like the Hulk. So, I told S to park further away and we can walk... it's a good way to walk off dinner too right? See, I'm thinking! lol

The wait. oh the wait. It was 40 minutes. So, we didn't really sit down until almost 8pm.  Can you imagine what my angry face looked like when the hostess told me 40-45 minutes?

But... patient ol' me, waited the lovely 40 minutes.

Sadly, I didn't take any pictures. I think my mind was more focused on when I'll be eating.

Since I was about to eat the menu, We orderd fries and onion rings first to come out. They came out in cute little shopping carts! Both were delicious! There were two different sauces. One is homemade ketchup, and the other was Chipotle aioli. Both delicious. I like how the homemade ketchup wasn't runny, it's not as good as Heinz, but still pretty darn good. Yes, I love my Heinz ketchup.  There are some places that make their own ketchup and it's super runny.
I ordered the Bison burger, and S ordered the Au Poivre.
I think S's burger was a little too peppery because he'll sometimes start coughing after he takes a bite or two.
I really enjoyed my Bison burger. It was what the waitress recommended.

All in all, I thought the burgers were delicious. I wish mine was a teeny tiny bit pinker. But it was still good. Can't complain!

And of course, we ordered dessert! :)
We ordered the salted caramel shake! DELICIOUS!!! Definitely would go back for that!

The environment was lively, fun and modern decor.

Overall, we had a good time. Good service and good food!

I rate Blanc Burgers: 4.5 out of 5.

We went to the one on the plaza, next time if we decide to go there, we need to make sure there wasn't an event going on! lol

Sweet Perfection Bakery - Review

Sweet Perfection Bakery is in Olathe. I purchased the voucher from Morgan's Deals.
We stopped by on a Saturday morning. I wish they opened a little earlier. The boys wake up so early, it would have been nice to stop by around 8. The shop doesn't open until 9 on Saturdays.
They had cookies, cupcakes, cakes, bread, etc. Everything looked SO delicious! We had gotten breads (spinach artichoke bread was delicious!), cookies, and cinnamon rolls.

They also do custom cakes too. You can see some of the decorated cakes on their website.

Overall, the sweets were delicious!

I rate Sweet Perfection Bakery 4.5 out of 5.

Beauty Mi Amour - Review

I had purchased a Mani and Pedi combo from Beauty Mi Amour through Lucky Monkey (which is CrowdSavings now).

My voucher expired Oct 31, 2011. I called September 26, 2011, and got the answering machine, but then it said the machine was full.  I called again the next day. Answering machine was full. I called again September 29, 2011.  I got a person. I told her about the voucher and how I'd like to make an appointment. She tells me that they are booked and that they would not be able to take me until November 3. I explained that my voucher expires end of October, and would they will allow me to use it? She said no, but I can use the amount that I paid for. She also explains to me that because of the vouchers on so many various other deal sites, that is the reason why they don't have very many openings.

I said I really much prefer using my voucher, I told her the only two days I'm not available are September 30 and October 1. She said she'll call me back to see if she can squeeze me in before October 31 because the computer system does not allow them to see open times all at once. I find that strange, but sure.
She calls back saying she has two openings for September 30. I explained to her that that was one of the only two days out of 32 days before my voucher expires that I am unavailable. She said she'll call me back to see what she can do.

Never received a call back. When I did call back the next day, machine was full again. I'm sorry, but having your machine full every time someone calls is unacceptable.
Another issue I had was if the business is going to be on so many deal sites, then they should accommodate to the rush and busy times that these deals will be bringing. I do not believe the excuse that they cannot accept my voucher because they're busy accommodating other people's deals and not allow me to use it past the expiration date if they are full. Companies/restaurants/services/etc. have allowed vouchers beyond the date because they are so busy the month of the expiration, and that's just from ONE deal site that they've been on, not three or four.

Last issue, maybe they need to write appointments down in a calendar planner instead of a computer if it is that difficult to use.

I decided that I'm not wasting my time with them. CrowdSavings was very accommodating with me, and gave me a refund.

I rate Beauty Mi Amour: 0 of out 5.