Why I love product reviews

When it comes to purchasing a product, whatever it is, I will most likely take the time to read up reviews on it. This is especially true for products over $20. Why? Well, I want to know what I'm paying for, and if it is even worth paying for!

Product reviews that are done by actual bloggers (for a few examples, check out In My Bag and PJ Mommy) are my favorite, because even if the blogger is being compensated with the product in question, nine times out of ten you can count on them to "tell it like it is". I know I do. :)

However, there have been a few times where I've gone ahead and purchased a product without reading up on it first... either on a whim, or because I trust the company. A few examples of that? Well, there's my T-Mobile G1, my iPod, my HP d7v notebook, and the notebook I bought for my husband for his birthday!

eBay! eBay! eBay!

I know, I know, eBay is nothing new. But c'mon... how can you not love eBay? Where else can you buy a perfectly functional T-Mobile G1 power charger for less than $5 -- S&H included? or a $0.78 micro-USB cord (perfect for connecting my Peek to my laptop!)? Or a $18 book for just $5 (My Sister's Keeper, FYI).

But if you're going to eBay, do it right. First, set up a PayPal account and make sure it's verified. This way, you'll be able to pay for your transactions easily and efficiently.

And secondly, shop smart. Always check out a seller's feedback. And if there are a few negatives, don't let them discourage you. Read more and find out WHY those negatives exist. The negatives themselves aren't enough to prove a seller as being suspicious, sneaky or a rip-off -- it's the content of the negatives that will determine how trustworthy and reliable a seller is.

Happy eBaying! :)

Baby Furniture that Will Last

One of my favorite things is to shop for my little girl so of course I have a lot to talk about when it comes to little ones! I just bought some of the nicest baby furniture I have ever come across! Designer furniture like this by Nurseryworks is made to last and will continue to look great through many generations! I have had this crib for my first child and it is looks just as nice for my second one on the way! This clean and modern looking crib goes great with the rest of our decor throughout our home. I believe in investing in any kind of furniture that will not only look good but is of good solid quality. Why buy something that is going to have to be replaced in a few years? Especially when little ones can really be tough on furniture. I'm really happy with this because it can also convert into a toddler bed! So, you actually are getting two pieces of furniture in one! How awesome is that! You can find this particular crib and much more at Babybox.com!

Fab Maternity Jeans!

With all the maternity clothes you can choose from why not invest in a pair of designer jeans to make you feel awesome while you are pregnant! I just checked out the new Citizens of Humanity from "Seven" and was like, "I have to Have those Jeans!" These are the best fitting jeans even if your not expecting! Now moms can look hip and not give up style just because they have a little one on the way! These pants Rock!

Live webcasts are the way to go

I am a huge fan of live satellite webcasts. Whether I watch them or TV or check them out online, satellite webcasts are neat because you see everything while it's happening, with no editing or even any commercial breaks.

Besides live webcasts, I also enjoy YouTube videos, particularly for product reviews, because there's nothing like being able to *see* a product, in addition to reading about it. :)

A New Look For DueMaternity!

I come across a lot of websites for mom's and expecting mothers and this one caught my eye because it look like so much fun! Duematernity.com has everything from maternity clothes, baby clothes, a place to post photos, baby name help, pod casts and more! I know when I was expecting I wanted a place that had everything wrapped into one and this place exceeded my expectations! I even joined the new Forum where I can kick back and talk about everything to do with pregnancy, mom experiences and share with other cool mommies! I would recommend this place to every mom, new mommy or expecting!

Football Jerseys for the Guys!

Do you live in a house of men too? Picking out gifts for the guys is always tricky for me! I am always on the lookout for a gift that they would really like. I asked a friend of mine who suggested that I check out these really cool football jerseys! Heck, this is better than great! Why didn't I think of that? All their favorite teams and I can pick them out and have them delivered! How easy is that! I know they will be pleasantly surprised when they open up their birthday gifts! With youth sizes too, Gametimeusa.com made it fun picking out a jersey for the younger fan in the family!

Finding product reviews online

Nine times out of ten I will use an unbiased product review to determine whether or not I'll purchase a product. Manufacturers of products provide plenty of reviews of their own, but of course these reviews focus only on the positive, and ignore or simply gloss over the negative aspects and elements.

How do you go about shopping? Do you read reviews, or simply take the plunge and hope for the best?

Vision Direct

In my experience, shopping with Vision Direct is a real hit-or-miss kind of thing. The first time I ordered contacts from them, I paid for the three day shipping. Two weeks later, after calling and ripping the useless phone center representative a new one, my contacts finally arrived. The excuse for the delay? Supposedly, my contacts were on backorder. Okay, fair enough, but shouldn't the website have stated that when I ordered them? And shouldn't I have been notified shortly after I ordered that there would be a delay?

The second time I ordered contacts from Vision Direct, they arrived in four days. That time, I paid for the standard 7-10 day shipping.

This last time around I ordered contacts and paid for overnight shipping. Four days later I'm notified via email that my order has been canceled, due to an issue with my prescription.

Like I said, Vision Direct is a hit or miss type of company. Buyer beware -- shop elsewhere if you need your contacts immediately!

Give Your Medical Staff the Best This Season!

If you are looking for a great gift idea for your medical staff why not some new womens lab coats or new scrubs for your staff? You can even give gift certificates to Medelita and, the staff can find the perfect set of medical scrubs in their size! Give your hardworking nurses and medical staff the best this season! Medelita carries the sophisticated scrubs and lab coats in soft performance fabrics that flatter the female figure!

Great Prices on Grow Lights for the Horticultural Lighting Industry

Looking to get some great deals on residential lighting, commercial lighting and grow lights for your home or business? Accessdiscounts.com Discount Grow Lights offers the the best value in lite, & lighting fixtures for the horticultural lighting industry. Check them out and compare to others before you spend more than you need to! Great discounts for all your lighting needs!

Popular Playmobil Toys for the Holidays!

Find those great kid's Holiday gifts this shopping season at BigSmileToys.com! The always popular Playmobil toys that bring hours of fun time play! One of the New 2008 Playmobil additions are for the horse lovers at heart! The Playmobil Horse Circus Act has what circus's are known for! All the great horse acts that prove a winning good time! Save right now on select Playmobil toys for kids for Christmas!

Dragonfire Racing Introduces Performance Parts For The Much

Custom Yamaha Performance Parts Now Available at DragonFireRacing.com

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AmericanBridal.com Founder Publishes Wedding Book

Burlingame, Calif. November 10, 2008 — www.AmericanBridal.com, the Internet’s most expansive collection of unique and affordable wedding favors and bridal shower favors, announced today that its founder and Chief Executive Officer Shirley Tan has authored a wedding tips book that includes everything from choosing rings, to locations...

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Make Your Dream Nursery a Reality!

Making that dream nursery complete finding the perfect baby furniture is key. Adding such items as a cozy chair to relax in or a charming armorie brings charm to the baby's room. That's why I loved this picture of what I would call an ideal nursery. Soft colors, inviting patterns, and plenty of extra storage for all the things little ones need!
The "Country Roses" armorie that you see here is from the "Sweet Beginnings" baby furniture collection. It has a precious and romantic feel to it with its floral design and trim. These can be customized to your preferences. Whatever your dream nursery is, Babybox.com can help you create it!

Everything You Need For Your Wedding!

Your wedding day is suppose to be everything you dreamed of. And, it can be with the help of a couple places that I came across today! Mybridesmaidsgifts.com has some amazing choices for your guests and bridesmaids as a way of thanking them. You can find something as simple as a personalized handbag or robe that they can use way after the wedding is over!
Give them something that says that you appreciate them as much as you do! With so many choices in affordable and quality bridesmaids gifts, you could afford to give more than one! Check them out today and their sister site Americanbridal.com for everything you need for planning your perfect wedding day!

The Right Wedding Bands For a Lifetime!

When choosing the most important rings of your life, its important to know what type of engagement rings, mens wedding bands and, wedding rings are out there! With so many choices of metals, styles and, traditional settings, you may feel overwhelmed. That's why I always say, "Knowledge is power!" Questions you may have is what type of metal is best for me? What are the pros and cons of these different precious metals and how can I find out about these? I would like to share a little secret that I have passed onto many of my friends when it came time to choose their wedding rings. By far, the most interesting and, knowledgable sight for really getting to know what to expect from each type of wedding band material such as, Palladium, Platinum and white gold. Titanium-jewelry has a education section on their site to help you make a educated decision, and, with their top notch customer service, they are there to help! Do yourself a favor and skip the endless search of knowledge and, check Titanium-jewelry.com out and learn from the best! You may find that perfect ring that you've always been looking for!

Little Girls Love Biscotti Dresses!

We know what my little fashion Diva wants to wear! The beautiful styles of Biscotti dresses are always a favorite with little girls during the upcoming holidays! The new Biscotti dress Collection will thrill little girls that love to dress up! Just in time for the holidays new items are arriving weekly at Sandboxcouture.com! Check out all the holiday baby clothes, outfits, and dresses you need to make your little girl shine this season at Sandbox Couture today!

Simply the Best in Designer Baby Clothes!

Simply the best in designer baby clothes, Estella-nyc.com has always made a huge statement when it comes to dressing up for those special events or occasions! With attention to the smallest details is what makes this online baby store so irresistible and sought after. With so many European inspired clothes for stylish kids, its hard to choose just one little outfit! Shopping for my kid's has always been so much fun, so when I came across all the beautiful kids clothes here, I couldn't stop myself from shopping for the rest of the kids in the family. Well lets just say I have a big jump on my Holiday shopping list!

Planning A Wedding?

Planning Your wedding is such an exciting time! Don't let the stress of all your planning get to you! You enough to do when planning your wedding, make it easier with the help of Americanbridal.com! Looking for a fast and easy way to get those wedding invitations that are beautiful, affordable? Take a look at the biggest selection of wedding invitations online!
You can get everything you need for the wedding, including bridesmaids gifts, bridal shower, and wedding favors, and more. You can purchase everything you need to for your wedding in just one place! Americanbridal.com has the widest selection of wedding invitations online!
Receive a 25% discount off the retail cost when ordering Carlson Craft wedding invitations! And, don't forget to check out the New Fall items that just arrived for that special Fall Wedding theme!