Coasters Bar and Grill of Santee, South Carolina review

This is conveniently located at:
9135 Old Number Six Hwy
Santee, SC 29142
(803) 854-9955
The food choices offered at this quaint restaurant are wide and varied and there is something for everyone.
The atmosphere-
Coasters Bar and Grill is a come-as-you-are environment.  Leave the fancy duds at home when coming to this place. The restaurant is set up into sections for eating,including indoor and outdoor dining. There is a bar for those just looking to unwind and socialize and large screened TV's are provided and on Sports channels for the fellows. The restaurant is decorator in an ocean hut style, lots of wood beams, and you have the feeling you are near the ocean.
The food-
You can get almost anything at this restaurant, however the platter deals are the way to go. The Surf and Turf platter includes a large salad, decent sized steak cooked to order, large stuffed baked potato that you can have piled to the gills with bacon,cheese,sour cream and butter. Fresh veggies, scallops, and shrimp as well. This is a large platter you will have no room for dessert. The food is mouth watering and delicious, and that is just one platter sample. There are many.
The prices-
Coasters Bar and Grill offers a lot of food for the money, and the prices are comparable to many seafood restaurants in the area. You are getting large portions and for an occasional outing with your family or just the two of you, the prices are worth it. Their massive Surf and Turf Platter is currently advertised at $15.95.

The Bottom Line:
For great food, larger than life proportions, and a friendly environment, Coasters Bar and Grill can not be beat and is highly recommended.

UPDATE 6/7/2012
We're not sure whether the economy played a role here but Coasters Bar and Grill was recently visited and unfortunately the food was not to the level and quality it was when this review was first written. The Surf and Turf platter was a mere remnant of what it was before. While the steak was good, the Shrimp was over cooked, and the "loaded" potato was a shadow of it's former self. Oh, and the scallops that was included with the Surf n Turf platter? Gone.

Saint Josephs Manor elderly care facility, a little shop of horrors

Image by LOLren via FlickrIf you live in Maine and are considering elderly housing and care for your aged loved one, make sure to do your research with a fine toothed comb. The Saint Josephs Manor has a well publicized story regarding the mistreatment and eventual demise of a patient earlier this year.  Please read below for the SJM report and use this tool for your research before placing your loved on in any facility.

Saint Josephs Manor Free Report - Quality Rating, Maine State Inspection Details, Complaints, More...

Dreamfields Low Carb Pasta product review

What is it?
Dreamfields pasta is a low carb pasta that was manufactured  to be a healthy part of the low carb lifestyle. The Dreamfields Pasta line is available at many grocery stores and from many online sites specializing in diet goods. They make a variety of different types of pasta such as Linguine, Penne Regatta, Rotini, Elbow, Spaghetti, Lasagna and Angel Hair.

What makes it low carb?
Dreamfields pasta is a special recipe  made with durum wheat semolina. Dreamfields has a patent-pending recipe and  uses a special manufacturing process that allows for only 5 grams of the carbohydrates per serving to be digested. Dreamfields pasta contains Inulin, a natural pre biotic fiber found in  many common foods like garlic, raisins, artichokes and asparagus. Inulin provides a food source for the healthy bacteria living in the digestive system and thus helps promote healthy digestion. Inulin is a water soluble fiber found in oats, etc. Inulin  is reported to help lower cholesterol and glucose levels  in your diet. Dreamfields  states on their website that their pasta has been clinically proven to have a lower glycemic index than traditional pasta. Although its label lists a total carb count of 41, all but 5 grams of it are indigestible due to the unique recipe and manufacturing process.

How does it taste?
Dreamfields Pasta's taste is indistinguishable from traditional pasta. Because it is a high fiber product you may experience the same side effects you would have with many other high fiber products, however this is actually healthy and promotes good health. It cooks in the same time period traditional pasta does and can be substituted exactly the same way for all of your favorite pasta dishes such as Lasagna, or Baked Macaroni and Cheese.

What is the cost?
Online store www.netrition.com sells the whole Dreamfields Pasta line at $2.49 per 13.25 oz. box. It is also available for purchase in cases of 12 boxes per case for ($28.68), and 20 boxes per case for ($47.80). The more you buy the more you save.

The Bottom Line
Dreamfields pasta is a delicious, healthy  transition to make in a low carbohydrate diet.  It is not only healthy for those who are trying to lose weight, it is also healthy for diabetics, and those just wanting to improve their diet. It is a great product and highly recommended.

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Clean-Rite Purple Power cleaner/degreaser product review

Clean-rite Purple Power cleaner/de-greaser comes from out of a company called Aiken Chemical Company. This company is located in Greer, SC. This product is an industrial strength bio-degradable cleaner/de-greaser. This product was recently part of a free give-a-way at a local auto parts store.

What it does:
Purple Power works on a number of different stains,dirt, and grease. It is concentrated so a little goes a long way. The labeling states that it is for use in your Auto, home, industry,and marine needs. It is SCS (Scientific Certifications Systems) certified biodegradable.

Pros:
This product worked very well on a number of stains, including set in blood stains which are particularly hard to remove without the use of stronger more volatile chemicals such as bleach. It works very well on all non-porous surfaces and will remove fingerprints, greasy residue, and dirt.
This product was exposed to the skin and had no adverse side effects, however rinsing the solution from hands etc. is recommended. It is a local company, and is listed online with contact information for those having special concerns.  Purple Power is non-abrasive, non-flammable,and Phosphate-Free.

Cons:
Purple Power does recommend that consumer be careful when using this product as it is corrosive and can cause burns. It can remove certain finishes, and even in some instances paint from furniture. It is not recommended for use on wood, or finished wood products if it will be for an extended period of time.

The Bottom Line: This product worked well on fabrics, carpeting for spot removal, lawn furniture, vinyl siding on the home etc. It does what it says and therefore is economical. It is recommended for most cleaning needs. I personally did not develop any rashness, redness or soreness from direct skin contact with this product. However, if you are sensitive to cleaners, be careful as there are some reports that this product does cause problems for some.
For more information on this South Carolina product you can go online at: www.clean-rite.com
You may also write the company at :
Aiken Chemical Co.
P.O. Box 27147
Greenville, SC 29616
864-968-1250     

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Better Homes and Gardens Citrus Blossoms Damask Comforter Set product review

The Better Homes and Gardens Citrus Damask Comforter set boasts bright colors, and a bold printed floral motif. The fabric is a textured matelasse blend of 100% cotton on the top, and a 60/40 blend cotton polyester on the bottom. The complete comforter set comes with coordinating sham, dust ruffle and comforter. If you are ordering Full, Queen or King, you are going to receive two shams appropriate to the size of the comforter chosen. The comforter has a reversible coordinated design for extra versatility.
The pros-
Visually appealing-
This comforter set is stunning. Brightly colored with floral pattern and a textured mattelasse background it will fit in well with any number of design schemes.
Great quality-
The Better Homes and Gardens Citrus Blossom comforter set is no thin, lightweight comforter. It has a good weight to it, and is sewn well.
Easy Care-
Machine was cold on gentle cycle and tumble dry on low setting. Touch up with iron as needed.
Coordinating pillows-
There are cute coordinating pillows for separate purchase online at www.walmart.com
Price-
Ranging from $ 64.00 - $ 84.76 this product is a good value for the set.
Multiple five star ratings from Customers-
If you research this product and read the ratings and reviews you will note this product in particular had a high rank in customer satisfaction. Customer reviews are worth their weight in gold.
The cons-
No matching curtains-
Unfortunately there are no matching curtains to further complete the look with this set.
No matching sheet sets-
Although there are no matching sheet sets to the pattern in the picture for the Citrus Blossom comforter set, on some of the sites this set is sold are costumers who list what sheet sets went with the comforter set they purchased.
Price-
Although the quality is spot on, some may find the price a little steep. It ranges from $64.00 to $84.76 online from Wal-Mart.
Limited Sizes-
Only available in Full, Queen and King.
A little heavy-
If you live in a warm climate you may find this heavy comforter a little warm.
The Bottom line-
The Better Homes and Gardens Citrus Blossom Damask comforter set is a fine quality, well made product that should hold up for years under normal usage. The fabric is soft and supple yet strong and durable. It is bright and cheerful and should really add charm to almost any bedroom. I highly recommend this product to those that like to bring Springtime cheer to a bedroom.
Recommended

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Touvit Forte Classic Clean product review

Touvit Forte Classic Clean Cleaning Paste is a white paste cleaner made in Germany. The product boasts a 40 year history in the field of cleaning your stains. It is a multi-surface cleaner and can be used on your hands, fabric, leather, vinyl, auto grease etc.  It has been dermatologically tested. On the popular online shopping show, Home Shopping Network, demonstrations show the product removing a wide variety of stains from ink to those that are of unknown origins and compounds.

What Touvit Forte claims to do:
This product was tested in the home on a wide variety of stains. This product claimed to remove old stains, new stains, and "mystery" stains. After carefully testing on a wide variety of fabrics and surfaces it was found to work fairly well on carpet stains, that were of an organic nature.

The Pros-

Effective on dirt-
It is pretty effective on stains that are organic, meaning anything made by plant or animal. Carpet stains from mud,etc will usually come up if you follow the instructions.

Convenient size-
The product can be stored literally anywhere as it is no larger than a tube of toothpaste.
It appears to be safe to come into contact with your skin.

The Cons-

The Smell-
 This product will smell up your house. The smell is putrid, it smells like a combination of old hair permanent chemicals, hair removal creams and vomit. The smell lingers a long time and is quite embarrassing.

Removes color-
 Be very careful about what fabric you put this product on. It will either remove the color and leave the stain, or change the color all together. It did not remove an old ink stain on a pair of Khaki slacks. It left the stain and created a pink area around the pants making them useless.

Negative Reviews-
 A quick look at consumer reviews on Home Shopping Network and elsewhere reveals an overall dissatisfaction with the product.

Price-
The price on Home Shopping Network was $19.98, and that was $19.98 over what it was worth.

Must have water to work-
Touvit Forte needs water to activate its ability to clean. This can be inconvenient and just not worth the extra hassle.

Comparison to other cleaners-
 For the money, Touvit Forte was not found to work any more efficiently or effectively than other well known product cleaners such as de-greasers, or the latest green products.

The Bottom Line-

This product proved to be disappointing in almost every aspect. While videos seem impressive, one must remember this is in a controlled environment where the demonstrators are using fresh stains and known stains. The price, smell, ability to further damage fabric and lack of real effectiveness make this product simply not worth it.
Not recommended.

Intex metal frame above ground swimming pool product review

With temperatures in South Carolina already nearing 100 degrees, and the economy struggling, more and more consumers look for ways to enjoy the summer at home. There are a wide variety of ways to do this, one of the most inexpensive ways is via the above ground swimming pool. There are many on the market ranging in prices from a few hundred dollars to well over two thousand. This product review will cover the Intex brand, metal frame 24'X 24' above ground swimming pool.

The pros-

1. Easy set up- This type of above ground pool is easy to set up and did not require but two people to assemble. It takes around two hours on the very outside to snap all the metal components into place. The pool can be ready for filling in a few hours.

2. No ground preparation- Other than finding a level spot in your yard, this pool can go anywhere with no real digging of any kind. A large tarp is included that you evenly spread over the spot you wish to erect the pool and after several years, no apparent weeds, etc have managed to get into the pool via the liner. Note: if most of your yard is unlevel, or has any sharp protrusions you will need to remove these as common sense would dictate.

3. Sturdy construction- The vinyl 3 ply liner is extremely thick and tough. It will resist most punctures, holds up well under normal use. The metal framework is power coated and galvanized and resists rust. The metal frame work is strong enough to withstand the force of over 12000 gallons of water.

4. Can be taken down and move with you- If you are planning to move, this pool is ideal, as it can be taken with you. Many above ground pools that have metal walls can be taken down but it is nearly impossible to do so with out damaging a good deal of the various metal components.

5. Easy to clean- Because most Intex Metal frame pools now come with a salt filter, maintaining the pool is easier than ever.

6. Many accessories are included- Filter Pump, Deluxe Salt Water System, Ladder, Ground Cloth, Cover, Deluxe Maintenance Kit, Volleyball Set and Instructional DVD.

7. Price- These pools offer all the size and durability that above ground permanent pools offer, yet the price is usually around $800-1000.00. Pools of the same size that are metal walled and permanent will run for around $2000.00 and up.

The cons-

1. The Pump- The pump that is included is typically inferior to those offered with permanent above ground pools. You may have to replace your pump yearly, or every few years under ideal conditions.

2. Not as attractive- The pool is not as attractive as many permanent metal construction above ground pools.

3. The liner can be punctured- Even though the liner is extremely durable and strong, once the pool is filled to capacity the sides can be punctured. A shovel or sharp metal object can puncture the pool. That being said, the way the liner is constructed does make repair easy, as most punctures will tear in a slit, not a hole and thus vinyl repair kits will and do work efficiently to repair the damage.

4. Inferior ladder- The ladder that is included with this pool is very small. It is only about 12 inches across and not strong enough to withstand heavy adults. Anyone over weighing over 200 lbs. will find the ladder weak, and easy to lose balance on. It is recommended that a larger heavy duty ladder is purchased separately for larger family members.

5. Lacking Longevity- This pool will not last longer than five years without repair and replacement parts.

The bottom line-
The Intex metal frame above ground pool is a great product for the price and has held up well for the past 3 years of use, that being said don't expect it to last indefinitely. It comes in a wide variety of sizes and comparatively speaking is a great alternative to the metal walled above ground permanent pools. The 24' round model referenced in this article can accommodate comfortably around 6-8 people at one time. Price, construction, and accessories make this a great way to spend a summer. If you are looking for a temporary pool until you can get the one of your dreams this one will do for about five years before major replacements will have to be considered. The metal joining parts will rust, and plastic pins will break. To get longevity from this pool it is suggested that you DO NOT allow water to stay in it throughout the winter months. Drain each season after use.

PRODUCT REVIEW OF THE INTEX KRYSTAL CLEAR SALTWATER FILTER SYSTEM  
 










Questions about this product or review? Contact us at:  ProductDudz@yahoo.com

Intex Saltwater Pool Filter System product review

If you want your family to really enjoy their summer, there is no better place than  to be than in your own swimming pool. However, swimming pools require a lot of upkeep and maintenance. During these hot summer months it is a real chore keeping our swimming pools crystal clear and in good shape.

Whether you have an in-ground or above ground pool, keeping it healthier and cleaner with as little effort as possible is a great way to enjoy the summer.

 Intex Heavy Duty Saltwater Pool Filter System promises to keep your pool healthier and clear with out the negative, harsh chemicals used traditionally in pool maintenance.

How it works:

The Intex Saltwater Pool filter takes natural salt that is added to your pool and converts it into swimmer safe chlorine. As a result, your pool stays crystal clear, and sanitized without the dangerous various chemicals. The filter will monitor salt levels automatically and alert you when your salt levels are low. When levels are low, you simply add more salt to the pool and allow your pool's pump to circulate it. You will not need chlorine tabs. The salt treatment lasts extremely long. You may only need to occasionally dump in more salt, depending on weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, or long periods of hot weather and no rain.

 The pros-

The filter is easy to install, and sets up quickly and works with your pools pump. The digital read out lets you know when and if you need to add salt. The price of the Intex salt water pool filter is around $169.00 at retail stores like Walmart and is well worth the money. If your pool is dark green and murky, the salt filter will usually clear it in a few days. Salt water in the pool is easy on swimsuits and your eyes. Because of Intex's salt filter systems efficiency you will have very little pool maintenance other than skimming leaves etc. Other than salt, no further chemicals need to be added.

The cons-

There are very few cons to this salt filter. The only con is that if you suffer a power outage you will have to re-program the salt filter again.

The Bottom Line-

  The Intex salt water pool filter system delivers long lasting, crystal clear water all summer long with little maintenance and effort. It is affordable and will pay for itself in the long run. Coupled with easy set up and installation, this pool filter is a must have for anyone that has a pool and hates using all the harsh chemicals.

Questions about this product or review? Contact us at:  ProductDudz@yahoo.com

This product gets two thumbs up, and is recommended.

To read my product review of the Intex metal frame above ground swimming pool, read:
Intex metal frame above ground swimming pool product review

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Rachel Rays Hard Anodized Cookware product review

Finding great cookware for your needs at a reasonable price is always considered a great score. Ideal even heat distribution, ease of use, and easy cleaning are high ranking for the perfect cookware quest. We all tend to go to the cooking celebrities we see on television  for their products, if we can afford them. Rachel Ray has a whole product line of cookware, utensils and bake ware.

In comes Rachel Ray's Hard Anodized Cookware. Price ranges depending on where you buy this 10 piece set. Shop around and certainly read the fine print from the reviewers.  On first inspection, this set seems ideal, weight is good, not too heavy but certainly not light and cheap. Handles are Orange and made out of silicone, easy to grip and stay cool. The bottoms of these pans are completely flat and this heats the pan up quickly and evenly.


Problem
These pans can not be washed in the dish washer. Now most people would not mind, they are easy to clean after all. However, if you ever, the mistake of putting these pans in the dishwasher, you will be shocked at the end results. The flat black coating on the outside of the pans will become chalky, faded and a portion will be washed completely off. End result, old looking pans that have a horrible look and feel. Will they still perform? Yes, but at nearly $200.00 for the set, it should be dishwasher safe. Why on earth is this otherwise good set not coated with the same type of non stick surface on the outside? We may never know.
Recommendation: For $99.99 Brylane Home offers a dishwasher safe 12 pc. hard anodized cookware set. Less money and almost a five star rating by 44 customer reviews, click this link for this  good alternative:
http://www.brylanehome.com/decor/NonStick-Hard-Anodized-12pc-Cookware-Set.aspx?PfId=188753&DeptId=15208&ProductTypeId=1

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Hamilton Beach Electric Skillet model # 38540 Product Review

Electric Skillets enable cooks to cook family sized meals all at once. They are a versatile tool to have in the kitchen. For those loving one pot meals most electric  skillets are invaluable. The Hamilton Beach Model 38540 promised to deliver all that and more. Here's the scoop on this product.

First and foremost the product features:

*Large 12"X 16" die cast aluminum pan with nonstick interior
*Brushed stainless steel platform
*Die cast Aluminum handles Larger than average, for easy transport to table.
*Attaching lid with a spout so meats can be drained and poured. Also great if whole pan needs transporting.
*1500 watts of power, warm setting and temperature goes to 400 degrees

The pros:
This skillet has a great weight and large cooking surface. Unlike its predecessors with plastic easily breaking handles, Hamilton Beach got it right this time. The design of the aluminum handles  should hold up well with many years of use. The large interior cooking surface heats up fast and delivers even heating. The added bonus in the design of this skillet is the built in spout and attaching glass lid. This is a great innovation in electric skillets. This glass lid attaches easily and snug. The spout on the pan allows for the cook to easily lift pan for draining off fats from cooking, or pouring things such as gravy into a container etc. This lid also allows the whole pan to transport with relative ease, to potluck dinners etc. Even though it has a built in spout with a little care this is a great way to transport food and keep warm.

The cons:
The Hamilton Beach skillet model has few drawbacks. However, after a short period of use in the kitchen one glaring defect became apparent. The non stick coating began to peel. As a veteran of electric skillet cooking, and moreover cooking with non stick cookware, it goes without saying only rubberized, plastic utensils were used when cooking with this appliance. Even with proper care, the interior non stick began peeling. Not small little flecks, but large pieces, that could get into your food. This rendered the pan unusable. The pan is dishwasher safe, however, it is so large that it can not fit into the bottom of your dishwasher with anything else. Due to the design of the handles it will not fit in such a way as to allow the best cleaning, and must be placed on the diagonal. This makes it near impossible to wash with any other items in the lower part of the dishwasher. The rubber stops on the bottom of the pan, will come out and when handled will cover your palms in a greasy like black substance. If one of these little rubber stops become lost, your pan will not sit evenly on the counter top making even cooking impossible. The price of the Hamilton Beach Electric Skillet model # 38540 is a little steep, at $59.99, especially when you consider the fact that the interior coating may not stand up to repeated uses at the example model for this review indicates.


The bottom line:

Hamilton Beach has addressed a few common problems and made great strives in improving the functionality of the electric skillet. However, the peeling non stick coating is definitely still in the dark ages. The rubber stops come out easily are small and easy to lose. If this happens even cooking will be no more. This makes the product hinder on a very tiny factor. Is it worth the money? No. Until Hamilton Beach addresses the non stick coating, and the messy black residue leaving rubber stops this product still has a few glitches that make it virtually useless.