Thumbs up, thumbs down

There’s a reason that Mommy Bloggers are all the rage right now.  Besides the fact that we’re fabulous, we’re also smart, savvy consumers.  Companies know that word-of-mouth can make or break them in many instances, and they are increasingly reaching to the social media world to get their message across.

I both love and hate that.  It’s great because I’m more likely to buy and use a product that a friend (virtual or otherwise) recommends.  It’s also bad because now the lines are blurry as to what is a legitimate recommendation and what is smoke and mirrors designed to net the writer some swag.  But overall, in a time when many of us are short on both time and money, peer reviews can help save some of both.

These are a few items that I have bought and paid for with my own money, and my un-sponsored, un-censored opinions of them.

Thumbs up:

Heeltastic cream – works as promised, as fast as promised.  I’m impressed.

Glee CD - Love. It.  So do my girls – we play this one non-stop.  Get the Target version if you can – it has 3 bonus tracks.

Handy Manny Repair Shop -  Oh my goodness is this cute!  Lilly got it for her birthday, but even I my 7-year-old enjoys the projects.  It comes with build-your-own plastic parts that are like 3-D puzzles.  Most are too complex for my 3-year-old to do on her own, but her big sisters are happy to help.  And since she loves all things Manny, this is right up her alley.

Henry’s Crab Cakes - These are sold in my local Kroger store.  They aren’t pre-packaged as the website indicates; rather, they are delivered in cases and the stores packages themselves on those little styrofoam trays.  They are $1 each (here) for a 2.5 ounce crab cake.  Besides being insanely delicious, they are also pre-cooked, so no need to fry in oil.  They bake to crispy, delicious, low-fat perfection in about 15 minutes.  Serve with this yummy sauce and dig in.

Combine 1 clove minced garlic, 1/2 cup mayo, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon cilantro, and lime juice to taste. Yum!

Thumbs down:

Dreamgear Stylus - replacement pens for the Nintendo DS – you were such a disappointment.  All 3 broke in less than a month.

The Princess and the Frog – You know I love Disney, but this movie was a huge letdown.  As a Christian, I didn’t appreciate the voodoo-centric storyline.  Especially since there is ‘good’ voodoo portrayed as well.  It was not appropriate viewing for my daughters, and I’m disappointed in myself for allowing them to see it on a school field trip before I had properly researched the plot.

Julie & Julia - Do you see the ratings on this page?  A-, B-.  Critics and viewers, you lie.  Darcie tried to warn me, and as much as I value her opinion, I didn’t listen.  That’ll teach me.  Yawn-fest is an understatement.  I kept watching, even when I wanted to stop.  Everyone I know liked it, so I kept thinking Darcie must have turned it off too soon.  It must have gotten good at some point.  FYI – It didn’t.  Don’t bother.

There you have it – a few of my recent picks & pans.  If you have any of your own to share, I’d love to hear them!