Butterviews

Ballas Hough Band

The wonderful peeps at the One2One Network sent me the newly released Ballas Hough Band CD to review.

EQUATION: You all know all about Dancing with the Stars. What you may not know is that Mark Ballas and Derek Hough – two of the professional dancers paired with the stars – sing too! So – not only are they great teachers and dancers (they’ve each led their partners to victory) they’ve got this side gig going and recently released a CD, the self titled Ballas Hough Band, on March 10th. Maybe you can’t call it a side gig. They’ve been making music together for over 10 years. They wrote over half the songs themselves, and “Do it for You” was cowritten with American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. The Ballas Hough Band will be hitting the road for a national US tour in the summer of ’09, and the One2One Network is getting them some much deserved attention. Along with those two headliners, you’ve got: Emily Grace (keyboard/vocals), Sam Marder (bass), and Harry Sullivan (drums).

The track listing for BHB is as follows:
1. Do You Love Me
2. Devastated
3. Closer
4. She Was The One
5. Longing For
6. Birthday
7. Fall
8. Do It For You
9. Breakthrough
10. Together Faraway
11. Underwater

You can follow them on facebook, MySpace, and their website.

As for the review – I should tell you where I’m coming from.  First – I have eclectic tastes.  I like a little bit of everything, and while I don’t play any more for a host of reasons, I’m trained in clarinet, flute, piano, and pit percussion.  I’ve played everything from the classics, to marches, to scores, to pop.  So – I listen to everything, but I always have a different spin on things.

PLUS: It’s catchy.  It’s really catchy.  It’s pop-y.  I found myself bouncing my head before a lot of the songs really got started.  It’s musically sound.  They can sing.  For me – this would be perfect music to clean to.  I know that doesn’t sound like a plus – but it is in my head.  It’s something that I can get things done to.  It’s a bit boy-bandish which could be a plus or a minus.  I can’t decide which category THAT little tidbit should go in, but hey – boy bands can rock it, so I’m putting it on the plus side.

MINUS: It’s a little bit formulaic.  There’s no surprises here.  I hesitate to say this – but I think that they may attract a younger demographic.  I’m not saying ‘tweens young – but say early 20′s females.  That’s not necessarily a minus, but it does limit their reach.

EQUALS: I think that this is a fine starting effort.  They’ve all been playing together forever, so I think they’re going to go through some growing pains finding their market and making their true voices shine.  But if they plow through and do the work, they can really come through to become a successful band that lasts.   So, all in all – I’m keeping the CD, and giving them a positive review!

Barielle Deluxe Hand and Body Lotion

Equation:

When the PR rep for Barielle contacted me about a potential product review, I immediately suggested their Deluxe Hand and Body Lotion.  I have very dry, itchy, flaky skin (emphasis on itchy), especially this time of year, and I’m always on the hunt for something that works.

From their website:

Restores, Hydrates & Nourishes Dry Skin, Absorbs Odor

A unique formula that will bring out the natural glow of your skin. This lotion also serves as a cleansing agent and odor absorber. Enriched oils and mango seed butter will leave your skin smooth and silky to the touch. Fresh citrus scent.

Size: 6 oz. / 170 gm.

Use: Massage into hands & body after bathing or as often as desired.

For Best Results: Massage into damp skin to seal in surface moisture.

Key Ingredients: Shea Butter, Mango Seed Butter, Green Tea, Aloe, Vitamin E

Barielle – “Your source for beauty from tips to toes” – caters to skin and nail care.  They even have a Problem/Solution section to their website.

Plus:

When I use things to review here, I tend to use them a while, to really get a feel for the product over time.  In other words, I don’t just put the lotion on my hands, and then write the review.  I mean, I want to tell you if I use it for a week, and my skin turns green or something.  So I appreciate that Barielle did indeed send me a full size to use.  I’ve been using this product for several weeks now.  It even traveled to Blissdom ’09 with me, so I’ve now used it sick, well, in two states, not to mention air travel.  It’s thicker than most lotions out there.  So, it’s not drippy, and feels as though it coats well.  It really does the job for me in terms of my itchy skin.  The scent is wonderful.  It’s “fresh citrus” but my husband insists it’s kiwi.  It’s fresh, light, and not cloying.  I’ve nearly used the whole body.

Minus:

It IS thicker, and so you might use more than you would a more thinned lotion.  Because of this, the price is a little high in my opinion for the quantity.  I have highly sensitive skin, and I did break out a little bit after a couple of days.  However, a couple of days after that, the breaking out was gone, so I have a feeling it was a frequent issue I have with new products…  Just needed to break it in.

Equals:

A positive review.  I really liked the product.  Would I purchase it?  I don’t know.  Let’s face it – I’m cheap.  It’s a little pricey for the quantity – but you don’t have to purchase from their website.  They have other locations you can search on, and perhaps buying it retail would be cheaper depending on the store.  I didn’t find this particular product on Amazon, but I did find other Barielle products.  If I found it cheaper, I would certainly purchase it.  If you do?  You won’t be sorry.

EQUATION:

The good promotional people sent me a “sample” that was actually a full sized Febreze for Fabrics, Carpets and Air in the “lavender vanilla & comfort” scent for me to use and review for you good people.

I chose my reading chair – a second hand find that’s made of a nubby corduroy type material.  I vacuumed it first – cause eewwww cat hair.  And then I followed the instructions and sprayed away.

Of note about the product:  It’s safe for dogs and cats (which, you know, good for me since I have two cats) but unsafe around birds (as with all air products).

PLUS:

When I picked it up, even the bottle felt good.  It’s rounded, and the sprayer attachment isn’t all pointy.  When you spray it, it sprays evenly and easily with no drips. To me, it didn’t smell like lavender and vanilla.  But it did smell like a freshly changed baby.  You know when you use the wipes, and a fresh diaper, and clean clothes, and then pick them up?  That scent, which is wonderful.  It was nice and light, and not overpowering or “chemically.”  It took about a half an hour for the dampness to subside, which to me, doesn’t seem terribly long since you purposefully made fabric wet.  And when I sat, it set off that wonderful scent again.

MINUS:

Honestly?  None.  It’s rare that I can say that…  Usually something rubs me wrong on everything (aren’t I a ball of sunshine?)  But in this case – nope!

EQUALS:

A positive review.  A great product, and one that I will willingly and purposely buy in the future.

EQUATION: I have a book review for you today…  America’s Hidden History, by Kenneth C. Davis.

From Amazon:

Kenneth C. Davis, author of the phenomenal New York Times bestseller Don’t Know Much About History, presents a collection of extraordinary stories, each detailing an overlooked episode that shaped the nation’s destiny and character. Davis’ dramatic narratives set the record straight, busting myths and bringing to light little-known but fascinating facts from a time when the nation’s fate hung in the balance.

Spanning a period from the Spanish arrival in America to George Washington’s inauguration in 1789, America’s Hidden History details these episodes, among others:

• The story of the first real Pilgrims in America, who were wine-making French Huguenots, not dour English Separatists
• The coming-of-age story of Queen Isabella, who suggested that Columbus pack the moving mess hall of pigs that may have spread disease to many Native Americans
• The long, bloody relationship between the Pilgrims and Indians that runs counter to the idyllic scene of the Thanksgiving feast
• The little-known story of George Washington as a headstrong young soldier who committed a war crime, signed a confession, and started a war!

Full of color, intrigue, and human interest, America’s Hidden History is an iconoclastic look at America’s past, connecting some of the dots between history and today’s headlines, proving why Davis is truly America’s Teacher.

PLUS:  The information in this book does not take on a snobby overly intellectual look at the subject matter.  It is very readable by a layman – and I am certainly a layman in history.  Of particular fun for me was the introduction to each section…  Quotes from the time of the historical figures involved.  Such as, “Arnold has betrayed us!  Whom can we trust now?” – George Washington (September 1780) speaking about Benedict Arnold.  Also helpful were the timelines before each section.  The content itself is also a plus.  These are not stories that you read about in history class in school, so while much of the surrounding historical context is familiar, it is merely setting for new stories to you.  There is an extensive bibliography, as well as an index in the back of the book, which in my opinion lends credibility.

MINUS:  This book is for history buffs, in my opinion.  The information is dry – and we’re not talking about fictionalized accounts, so some of it is QUITE dry.

EQUALS:   A positive review.  Although it’s not for me, personally, that is completely about genre, and not about quality.  If you’re an American history buff, this is a must-read.

I received this book gratis as a review copy.

Equation: Another Thing to Fall is the latest Tess Monaghan novel by Laura Lippman. From the flyleaf:

The California dream weavers have invaded Charm City with their cameras, their stars, and their controversy…

When private investigator Tess Monaghan literally runs into the crew of the fledgling TV series Mann of Steel while sculling, she expects sharp words and evil looks, not an assignment. But the company has been plagued by a series of disturbing incidents since its arrival on location in Baltimore: bad press, union threats, and small, costly on-set “accidents” that have wreaked havoc with its shooting schedule. As a result, Mann’s creator, Flip Tumulty, the son of a Hollywood legend, is worried for the safety of his young female lead, Selene Waites, and asks Tess to serve as her bodyguard/babysitter. Tumulty’s concern may be well founded. Not long ago a Baltimore man was discovered dead in his own home, surrounded by photos of the beautiful, difficult superstar-in-the-making.

In the past, Tess has had enough trouble guarding her own body. Keeping a spoiled movie princess under wraps may be more than she can handle – even with the help of Tess’s Icily unflappable friend Whitney – since Selene is not as naive as everyone seems to think, and far more devious than she initially appears to be. This is not Tess’s world. And these are not her kind of people, with their vanities, their self-serving agendas and invented personas, and their remarkably skewed visions of reality – from the series’ aging, shallow, former pretty boy leading man to its resentful, always on the make cowriter to the officious young assistant who may be too hungry for her own good.

Plus: It’s a good old fashioned mystery – and those can usually be great. I love female PI leads. There is quite a bit of character construction which adds to the story and their development is part of the story. If you’re into movies, there’s plenty of references here both to the process of making a television series to film history.

Minus: When I took this book as a review, I didn’t realize that this was a sequel. As a result, sometimes I felt I was missing something somewhere – and then would realize that that was probably fleshed out in a previous novel. This, obviously, isn’t a problem for someone who’s read the series until now. Some of the characters, perhaps didn’t need as much development. I felt some of the characterizations were strictly there to confuse rather than enhance the understanding of the character. The ending could have been fleshed out a bit more. I felt a little cheated by how it ended in some way.

Equals: Actually – I’m giving this one a positive review. Why? I was hooked into the story – not just reading it because I “had” to for the review. I wanted to find out how it ended. In addition, this has made me want to go back and fine the other Tess Monaghan novels, and read about her adventures from the beginning. If an author is able to do that for me I must say “read this.”

Some excerpted quotes:

What I’ve come to realize is that the key to wearing your life well is to fully understand what you have and, equally important, know what you want.

This book may force you to be more truthful than ever before, but I promise it will be worth it!

There are always going to be fears; you’ll always be afraid of something. It’s just a matter of what kind of emotional muscle you’re willing to develop in order to be able to handle those fears and then move on with your life. If you can turn your fear around and learn to use what you’re afraid of, then your fear can often propel you to make a huge difference in your life.

Self-examination is never easy, but when you read or hear something that reroutes your thinking and inspires you to move in a more positive direction, then every step of the journey becomes more gratifying than the next.

Plus: It really is quite motivating. Just the right combination of disgust at the habits we have today, and understanding of how difficult it really is to change. There is a lot of information, so you’re not getting a whole lotta words, and a whole lotta fluff. I appreciate that. There’s some really sound advice, and it seems to me to be coming from someone who walks the walk so to speak. She adds both personal anecdotes from her own life, as well as the personal stories of her members at marilu.com. She reaches braod strokes of life, such as closet organization, to the foods you eat, to how to present yourself to a stranger. It really is quite comprehensive as a life guide.

Minus: Because of the amount of information, it can be a little intimidating. Especially the food section – if you’ve never attempted a healthier lifestyle before. I think some of the terms she uses might be for someone a little higher up in the food chain so to speak. In addition, I was a little confused as to the direction of the book, especially since so much time is spent on the food you eat. Now that I’ve read the whole thing, I think it is on purpose because of how strongly she feels about the health properties of food. In addition, I think some of the advice she gives in the cleansing section might put off some readers. I don’t think she is wrong or misinformed, but it might be a little on the “too much” side for those readers who’ve never in their life heard of a colonic.

Equals: A positive review. I thought it was so motivating I’m considering signing up at her website. I was forced to examine some life choices. And I’m planning on making some healthy changes to those choices. And really – if you’re talking about a self-help book – what better a review is there than that?

Just when you feared your overstuffed, eyesore of a closet was a lost cause, here’s the antidote to all your closet woes. Closet expert and style maven Melanie Charlton Fascitelli is here to help you whip your closet into shape, refreshing your wardrobe and saving you time along the way.

With this accessible, stylish guide, you’ll find out how to redo your closet and organize your clothes so that you can, yes, go shopping there—sort through shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, scarves, and shoes, all in perfect condition and ready to go.

From the first closet face-off to long-term maintenance, Charlton Fascitelli takes you step by step through the entire process of turning your closet into a “safe haven” for your clothes.

The format is three sections

1. Be Your Own Editor: Letting go of clutter, enhancing your wardrobe, and defining your style.
2. In the Closet: Closet organization logistics.
3. Staying Organized: Basic maintenance.

Plus: It really gets into the nitty-gritty. What you should keep and why. What you should toss and why. How to store things from beaded gowns to your belts. What you should hang versus fold. How to actually organize (ie: hardware etc.) your closet. It also goes into how to shop, both the physical vs. online aspect of it, and how to shop for your particular body type.

Minus: She promotes using an actual inventory (written and stored.) That just a bit TOO anal for me. I’m simply not that into clothes and accessories to go that far, and I’ve far too much to do.

Equals: I do recommend this book. I’m saving it on my shelf, as we’re doing a home renovation room by room. Once I get to the bedroom I’ll be getting this puppy out to use as a guide.

You know, I’ve played a lot with the various “buy through us, and we’ll get you money back.” Even my own businesses built around that concept. It’s just never really paid off for me to work that hard for something versus the return those things gave me. Until now.

EQUATION: According to the Ebates site:

How Ebates Works? Ebates has over 800 merchant partners that pay us for your business. Most sites keep the money, but not Ebates! We send you the savings in the form of a big fat check!

Basically, you buy through them, and they send you a rebate based on the total amount of your purchase. The various merchants have various percentage return rates.

PLUS: I definitely shop through them, so the fact that I use them myself is a plus. The biggest positive to me is the actual stores. You’re not getting rinky dinky mom and pop stores of eclectic goods… You’re getting the big kahunas like Old Navy, Target, and more. And to prove it, here’s my printscreen (click to embiggen): You get paid whatever rebates you’re due each month. I get mine through PayPal.

MINUS: They don’t have EVERY store known to man, so depending on where you’re used to shopping this could be a negative for you. It’s not for me, since they do the big ones I go to. Other than that, I don’t particular care for the colors they use, but that’s a personal aesthetic – site navigation is fine. So – yeah… Not many negatives in my book.

EQUALS: POSITIVE! I love using them, and getting money back. Love it. I use it every time I’m shopping for something. Or – if I find something I’m looking for via other ways, I first go see if I can click through to that store from Ebates. It’s a win/win all around I say.

I honestly don’t remember who turned me onto this site, but I think it was one of my Twitter pals. Mon.thly.Info is basically a site to track your period easily.

From their site:

How does it work?
Each time you start your period, add the date to your Mon.thly account, and it will use your history to predict the next time your cycle will start. This provides you with a record of your menstrual cycles, which can be an important addition to your medical history. If you want, Mon.thly will also email you a customized reminder before or on your next estimated start date.

PLUS: It’s a great site design. Aesthetically pleasing, love the graphics, and way easy maneuverability. There’s a clear “About” page to tell you how to do it. If you choose, you can have an email reminder sent to let you know your cycle’s coming. The more data you feed it over time, the better it becomes at predicting your cycle.  Great for knowing when it’s coming, or to have the info for that infamous question, “And when was your last period?”  Here’s some screenshots in which you find out more information than you EVER wanted to know about me.

MINUS: The only thing I can see is that you cannot mark notes on the days – it’s strictly a calendar.  In other words, if you want to track your flow, or pain levels, that’s not possible here.  This also wouldn’t be a totally fabulous tool to try and get pregnant, except for a general ovulation date.

EQUALS:  LOVE IT.  I love it.  I use it.  I recommend you use it too!

In second grade my mom took me to her beauty parlor. She wanted my hair cut. Her regular guy – I cannot remember his name – said, “You want short?” Mom said, “Yes.” And then those dreaded words, “Like mine.” Mom wore her hair boy short. I was a girl going into 2nd grade, and I know I didn’t want boy short. But that didn’t stop them. The look on her face after was priceless. A deer caught in the headlights of her own making.

But she’s not the one who had to walk the walk of shame into the classroom. I was. Not only that, I had the pleasure of being late for school (again) because of my mom (again). I had to walk into class already in session, where everyone turned around and watched, and I had to make my way to the lunch money box, put away my day’s money, and then get to my desk, put my backpack down, and then walk back and join story circle. I was painfully shy ever since that kindergarten underwear incident in which my mother thought bloomers were the *it* of kindergarten fashion. All those eyes on me. Then the snickering started.

I never forgot that day. Never. And to this day, I’ve never worn my hair short.

That incident is the focus of Damage Control: Women on the Therapists, Beauticians, and Trainers Who Navigate Their Bodies (edited by Emma Forrest.) A book of essays on women and the various life changing, perspective changing incidents involved in the beautification process women go through.

I really enjoyed the stories. Not all of the stories resonated with me, but that’s to be expected from that many different sources. But I triumphed with some, was aghast at others, and felt sorry for some. This is not a book about horror stories… It’s simply a collection of experiences. Some of which you’ve had. A very interesting read – I recommend it.

Traditionally, women share their secrets with their hairdressers. But what about their manicurists, masseurs, chi gong teachers, and tattoo artists? In Damage Control, women wax poetic about the experts and gurus who help them love themselves, sharing stories of everything from friendships born in the make-up chair to the utter dismay of a truly horrible haircut.

Minnie Driver finally meets a Frenchman who understands her hair . . . and tries to teach her not to hate it.

Marian Keyes remembers the blow-dry that pushed her over the edge.

Francesca Lia Block tells the ugly story of the plastic surgeon who promised to make her beautiful.

Rose McGowan explains why it’s harder to be depressed when you’re glamorous . . . and shows how it takes a village to transform from mere mortal to movie star.

Witty and wise, Damage Control is an intimate, sometimes dark, look at our experiences with the professionals who pluck, prod, and pamper every inch of our bodies—and a reminder why we surrender ourselves to their (hopefully) very capable hands.

Overall Review: Positive