Product Review Time...again

Product: Smart Taste Penne Rigate- cost $1.29

HPLuvr Review: A new recipe using this fiber enriched pasta. At first I was going for the new wheat pasta (which I have tried a few times and have loved), but then I saw this fancy packaging and I was a goner. It was an easy recipe to follow (calling for canned spaghetti sauce) and took no time at all to cook. Which is ideal because with the temperatures around here, I have not wanted the stove on for extended periods of time. I would recommend making your own spaghetti sauce, or me choosing a different brand. Other than that it is worth at least a try.

It is also probably a good idea to invite others over to share in new recipes...if the amount of leftovers in my fridge is any evidence. You can only eat so much of the same thing.

HPLuvr Recommendation * * *

Product: Drinkwell Pet Fountain & Aqua Garden- cost $34.99 + $9.99

Ronald Review: I'm not much of a drinker, of water that is. That pet bowl of water that sits all day getting stale. It just reminds me of Tantor from Disney's Tarzan...

...and that my friends is why they invented this fabulous product. I can play in the water, drink the water, relax to the sound of a gentle waterfall, and best of all because of the hydroponic wheat grass- "Aqua Garden" -I can eat in this baby too! My caution to others is this 'if you are too tempted to gnaw on those enticing electrical cords, I think the water bowl deal is best for you.' This treasure also came with a special deal- 3 filters and a 5 piece cleaning brush pack. To keep my water tasting fresh and wheat grass crisp.

The little blue basket clipped onto the left side of the drinking fountain contains the wheat grass seeds, that amazingly took only 3 days to grow. 3 Days!! And took me only 2 to eat.

+

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Ronald Recommendation * * * * *

Product Review

I have recently begun trying some new products. After the 3rd or 4th new item, I decided that I was going to sprinkle some practical product reviews in this blog. Then thinking some more about this...lots of me time right now...I realized that Ronald was trying out some new items of his own as well, so...

Note: 'It's my thing. I love it. Let it go.'

HPLuvr Review #1: Chicken-Bacon-Artichoke Pizza a la Papa Murphy & Pizza Cutter

Review: I for one have not been a regular patron of Papa Murphy's for quite a long time. My Dad loves their calzones (which I must admit are tasty!) But when I usually think of pizza, I think of places that actually cook them before sending them home with me. So when the idea was suggested for my recent girls night, we decided to check out what they had to offer. Well, I was thoroughly impressed with the prices and then saw this little number on the menu - I haven't looked back since. This pizza is one of their deLite crusts (thin crust) and the ingredients were as fresh as you could probably get. The wait was short and the cooking of the pizza made my entire apartment smell deLicious. Plus, I was able to buy the most efficient pizza cutter that I have had the pleasure to use. But if you already have one of those cutters- I still say you should make a trip to your local Papa Murphys to try this pizza.

Recommendation * * * * *

Ronald Review #1: Pet Window

Review: For a price of...free...you too can enjoy front row window seating. Thanks to family back in Seattle, I am now able to appreciate "Neighbor Spying" from the comfort of a cushy seat. This is especially good when I am on my own in the morning (ie only one awake) and the window I am sitting next to is open...and it is still cool air blowing in. So if you really want one, I'm pretty sure PetSmart or Petco is selling them for around $30. The only issue is that one has to always move the pet window around in order to open/shut the window, because it hooks onto the window frame- other than that -Have fun!

Recommendation * * * *

spoof@paypal.com

The other day I received this in my inbox:

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Your case ID for this reason is PP-423-132-206
From: accounts@paypaI.com (accounts@paypaI.com)
Sent:Fri 7/11/08 4:13 PM
Reply-to:donotreply@paypaI.com

To: HPLuvr

Dear Customer,

As part of our security measures, we regularly screen activity in the PayPal system. We recently contacted you after noticing an issue on your account.

We requested information from you for the following reason:

We have reason to believe that your account was accessed by a third party. We have limited access to sensitive PayPal account features in case your account has been accessed by an unauthorised third party. We understand that having limited access can be an inconvenience, but protecting your account is our primary concern.

Reference Number: PP-423-132-206

Due to this, you are requested to follow the provided steps and update your informations details for the safety of your Account.
Please Click Here To Start

(Your case ID for this reason is PP-423-132-206.)

In accordance with PayPal's User Agreement, your account access will remain limited until the issue has been resolved. Unfortunately, if access to your account remains limited for an extended period of time, it may result in further limitations or eventual account closure. We encourage you to log in to your PayPal account as soon as possible to help avoid this.

We thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Please understand that this is a security measure intended to help protect you and your account. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Yours sincerely,
PayPal Account Review Department

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It did not go to my junk box which peaked my interest...but it made me suspicious because I had not previously received any emails from them, AND the donotreply email address- odd. So being cautious, I went to my paypal account (which by the way I rarely use anyway) and followed their instructions to contact them with any suspicious emails. I got this reply within 10 minutes:

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RE: - Your recent report to Paypal
From: spoof@paypal.com
Sent:Fri 7/11/08 5:45 PM
Reply-to:spoof@paypal.com
To: HPLuvr

Dear HPLuvr,

Thanks for taking an active role by reporting suspicious-looking emails. The email you forwarded to us is a phishing email, and our security team is working to disable it.

------What is a phishing email?------

Phishing emails attempt to steal your identity and will often ask you to reveal your password or other personal or financial information. PayPal will never ask for your password over the phone or in an email and will always address you by your first and last name. Take our Fight Phishing Challenge at https://www.paypal.com/fightphishing to learn 5 things you should know about phishing. You'll also see what we're doing to help fight fraud every day.

------You've made a difference.------

Every email counts. By forwarding a suspicious-looking email to spoof@paypal.com, you've helped keep yourself and others safe from identity theft.

Thanks,
The PayPal Team

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Note: if something seems odd; it probably is.

Smokey the Bear says...

Happy 4th of July! During my girls weekend, Yanaj and I watched the Stadium of Fire, fireworks display from her back porch. The cheap seats one might say. I was amazed at how big the fireworks were and was enjoying the peaceful evening.

I wonder why we celebrate our nation's birthday with fireworks?

...here comes the Smokey the Bear part...

Only we can prevent 'forest' fires!