Amber Whitman-Currier

Unmentionables

admin — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 08:50:00 +0000

Unmentionables is a striking collection of bold, in-your-face poetry that covers a variety of subjects using a type of broken-up and eclectic writing style. I found the poetry somewhat confusing, and though they focused on ordinary topics, like animals and nature, It was challenging to discern what they were all about. There were a couple of poems that caught my interest, however.

“The Souvenir” seemed more loving, real, and down to earth then many of the other poems because the storyline was clear. This poem is about a couple taking a trip on a train. It tells of how the couple feels about what they encounter on their journey. They come across as newlyweds who want to stay together forever; however, they can’t seem to find any sanctuary from other people. The poem describes the people they see, the atmosphere on the train, and how they cuddle up together as they travel to their destination. I was able to understand what the couple was feeling because the sentiment is safe and familiar.

Another poem that struck me is “Because People Ask What My Daughter Will Think of My Poems When She’s 16.” As a writer and mother, I could relate to this poem, as I have a teenage son and the author's feelings are familiar: sadness when your child no longer needs you, the contempt and rebellion that radiates from them. I have felt similarly while trying to understand and raise my son.

The “Kudzu Chronicles Number 6” is another enjoyable entry. This poem talks about the longing for a lost mother. It is emotionally touching and evokes stunning images and loving thoughts through the use of death, weather, and nature. I can relate to this poem on several levels. People have a weird connection with death, but also fear it in many regards. The imagery of nature is soothing and brings reality to the piece.

The poems in Unmentionables offer different stories from the author’s soul. Many of her poems are bold, daring, and detailed. Despite my confusion, I was able to find work in this collection I could relate to, and that is a sign of a good writer!

Written by: Amber Whitman-Currier, January 2nd 2010

Merry Christmas: Christmas Classics - The Yule Edition Starring Mariah Carey

admin — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:59:00 +0000

By Mariah Carey

Sony Legacy

This DVD features classic holiday scenes and music sung by the great Mariah Carey. The front of the DVD is colorful and has a picture of Carey in a Santa suit. It also shows you one of the scenes you can enjoy while listening to the songs. The songs are a mix of traditional and more contemporary pieces. This collection can be enjoyed alone with a cup of hot chocolate or shared with family and friends.

Inside the case you will find a Christmas pamphlet with a beautiful cabin scene with the titles and words to all the songs included on the disc. On the disc you will find three scenes to choose from including The Classic Yule Log burning in the fireplace, The Cozy Cottage with a warm decorated living room, and The Snowy Cabin nestled deep in the woods. Each one is lively and will make you feel the spirit of the holidays.

The music is beautiful, touching, and elegant. Of course, coming from Mariah Carey you know that her voice is amazing! If you are looking for something to entertain your guests while you host your holiday get-togethers, this is the perfect DVD to pop into your player! You and your guests can be entertained with one of three scenes and listen to songs like "Silent Night," "Joy to the World," "Jesus Oh What a Wonderful World," and much more. Make your holidays sing—and maybe your guests will too!—with Christmas Classics.

Written by: Amber Whitman-Currier, December 24th 2009

I Still Do: Loving and Living with Alzheimer’s

admin — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 17:01:00 +0000

By Judith Fox

powerHouse Books

I Still Do was written to help anyone who has or may be coping with someone in their family who has Alzheimer’s. It is a candid and emotional portrayal of author Judith Fox’s husband Ed along with their heartfelt story. Fox loves photography and capturing that perfect picture, and it shows in the photos in this book, as well as in the striking photo on the book cover. Fox goes into detail about the couple's life together, and she portrays her husband as a genius, athlete, aviator, and talks about his duties as a surgeon.

She explains that he is slowly being robbed of his memories and how hard it is to deal with him slipping away a little more each day. The book is actually set up in paragraphs with pictures accompanying them. The photos are all of Ed in different poses and situations. There are pictures where you can almost see right into his soul, and there are actual tears in his eyes. The pictures are a mixture of funny, candid, and everyday photos of a man who is slowly slipping away. There is one funny picture where Ed is sticking out his tongue in a small round shaving mirror, which shows that he still has some sense of humour and wit. This is how the book becomes real for the reader and truly touching.

Judith Fox wanted the reader to really see the soul of her husband and even shot one picture of him completely naked—minus his penis, of course! Judith goes into detail about the disease and how she has a caregiver to help her with Ed. She also explains the day to day issues that come with caring for someone with Alzheimer’s and the toll it can take on their loved ones. She only tells her husband bits and pieces about his disease, and he has apologized for putting her through the whole ordeal. Sadly, Ed doesn’t remember that they are even married! However, for Judith just loving each other is enough. The story ends with the one thing that the couple used to always say to each other. “I still do…and I always will.” This story will make you believe in true and lasting love.

Written by: Amber Whitman-Currier, December 20th 2009

Eliza Redford Necklace

admin — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 23:53:00 +0000

By Paper Treasure

The Eliza Redford Necklace from Paper Treasure is definitely unique. It was named after a ship that wrecked in a storm on Lake Ontario on November 16, 1893. The necklace it makes you think about the ship that wrecked and the people on it. It takes you back to a far off place and time and makes you wonder about what happened on that day.

The necklace has a round, gold locket that opens, allowing the wearer to keep a picture of a loved one close to your heart. Both the face of the locket and the inside can hold a photo. The locket has a smaller medallion and a feather attached to it. They are almost pewter in color so the charms contrast with the gold. The medallion has intricate etchings on the front and back, including an inscription of the word dragon, which is quite lovely.

The chain for the piece is made of recycled gold with vintage silver-toned links. It is quite long, so the locket naturally hangs low on the neck. You don’t have to wear the necklace long though; you can adjust the length of the chain to suit your needs. At the clasp's end there is a tiny etching of a ship sailing through the water, which is a neat little surprise!

The company's name, Paper Treasure, invokes the feeling that simply by visiting the website you are sure to find a beautiful bounty just like the Eliza Redford. The piece is not just decorative to the body, but can also function as wall art by hanging it from your mirror or somewhere special to give it meaning. When your friends and family ask where you found such an unusual piece of jewelry, you will certainly have a story to tell them.

Written by: Amber Whitman-Currier, July 18th 2009

My Pussy Rocks Panties

admin — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:38:00 +0000

By Girlie Pants

These vibrant cherry red briefs are 100% cotton and made in the U.S. by independently-owned Girlie Pants, who prints their designs on American Apparel underwear. The thing that makes these panties unique is the front stencil, which stands out because the caricature on the front is of a hand with two fingers up in the classic and universal rock fork symbol. Above the hand in little black writing are the words "My Pussy Rocks." The fingernails on the hands are painted black, and there is a black band around the wrist. The coloring really makes the graphic pop.

When I recognized the design on the front of these little briefs, I did think it was a little crude—I mean, who puts these kinds of brash hand gestures on their apparel?—but I just had to have them! When I wore them, I changed my mind about the design. It made me feel kind of empowered as a woman. I felt a little bit naughty, and that was my little secret. I think they are cute too!

At first, I didn't think many people would wear this underwear. The sentiment (“My Pussy Rocks”) is definitely a bold statement. It’s certainly different than my typical underwear, and I have never seen underwear quite like this anywhere else.

After wearing them for the day, I found the panties very comfortable. They are cut bikini fashion and sit easily on your hips. The cotton fabric is comfortable, which means they can be hand washed or machine washed, and the undies are made for long-term wear. The fabric is thick enough that you know they are there, but light enough to be worn in the summertime. I am happy to add these unique panties to my collection.

Written by: Amber Whitman-Currier, March 18th 2009

Nyx Eau de Parfum

admin — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:57:00 +0000

By Mandrake Apothecary

When I first received this vial of scent, I was disappointed. It was a tiny little pamphlet with a small vial of the scent attached. The vial itself wasn’t even full. The pamphlet's cover lacked interest, and on the inside were the contents of the vial in great detail. I recognized some ingredients—like jasmine and ylang ylang, black pepper and grapefruit—but when it came to the last ingredients, I was confused? What were ecstatic dance, intoxication, and prophetic sleep? Was this the fantasy aspect of this concoction?

On the following page was a description of the perfume. "Nyx" apparently is a primordial goddess of the night who was born of Chaos and the mother of atmosphere and day. It goes on to state that the perfume is the deeply sweet slumber of night with intoxicating florals and musk ambrette. The back of the pamphlet stated that Mandrake Apothecary was a woman- and pagan-owned business. It also stated the perfume could be bought by the bottle or vial and gave a website address. I was intrigued. I wanted to open the vial and see what this magical scent would smell like and what it would do for my senses.

It was hard to get the vial open, and I struggled with it. When I did get it open, I found the scent overwhelming and too powerful. In fact, the scent was making me kind of sick! I did persevere though and decided to put some on anyway. After a while the pungent aroma did dissipate and became milder, softer scent.

In the end, the whole experience left a bad taste in my mouth. If the other products and scents are like this one, I don’t think I will be having a sweet slumber wearing these products any time soon!

Written by: Amber Whitman-Currier, November 27th 2007

Whipped Edible Massage Cream

admin — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 20:28:00 +0000

By Pure Romance

I was very happy to receive this product. This is a great way to spark a couple’s lackluster love life by giving each other a sensual massage. The product came in the flavor of strawberry cheesecake, which is definitely one of my favorite desserts. I loved the tube that the pink cream came in, as well as the black classy writing on the front. It definitely depicted romance. It has a flip top that makes it easy to use, even with creamy hands. It contains softening moisturizers, which is also a plus.

When first trying this rich lotion, I was happily surprised by the smell. It really did smell like strawberry cheesecake. It was a little hard to work into the skin, and after a while, the smell became too much for my fiancé. He found it overpowering, and the lotion itself was hard to work into the skin. I was intrigued to see if it tasted like strawberry cheesecake. Unfortunately, I found it tasted a bit like a plastic substance. Even with this little downfall, I found this product interesting. The best part is that it is safe and can even be used as a lubricant. So if you are looking for a sweet, pretty and sensual surprise, this may be the product for you.

Written by: Amber Whitman-Currier, October 25th 2007

Aviator Tee

admin — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:31:00 +0000

By Damned Dollies

When I first discovered this t-shirt, I was pleasantly surprised. I have to say, though, I was a little taken aback with the color. It is not something I would normally choose to wear. I usually go for more formal colors in whites, blacks and muted shades. I immediately put it on to test it for form, shape and length. It was marked a large, but it felt like a small to medium on my frame. I was a little disappointed with that.

I did, however, study the amusing scene trailing across the upper right shoulder of the garment. It features a girl flying a plane. She looks melancholy, with a cigarette hanging from her mouth. A scarf of stripes flies in the wind behind her. There are birds flying all around the plane. The plane itself is bright red, which really catches your eye. She has on a cute little jacket, emblazoned with a red crest, and a little cap and jacket to finish the ensemble.

On a positive note, it felt good on and, upon further inspection, was actually made of 100% cotton, which is great because we all know that cotton breathes. The washing instructions were simple and required just a warm wash and tumble dry. This is certainly an easy garment to care for, which is always a plus considering our hectic lives. After wearing it for a while, it remained comfortable on the skin, and I like the shorter sleeve length.

I would say that other than the fit and the color, this is a good little tee. It is fun and vibrant with a sense of whimsy, which we can all use from time to time.

Written by: Amber Whitman-Currier, July 17th 2007

Mineral Blush (Satin Collection)

admin — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:10:00 +0000

By Jenulence

I have always loved makeup, so I was excited when I received this blush for review. I liked the small round container it came in: slick, black with a transparent lid , the name “Jenulence” emblazoned across the top. I think that it would be great for traveling or throwing in your purse. It has a screw on lid so there is no chance for spillage. The bottom label is in gold and contains the name, site address, ingredients, weight and the fact that it is made in the U.S. These are all crucial elements.

There were a few problems, though. When I first opened it, it was very light and powdery with a luminescent glow. It contained tiny little sparkles floating among the powder itself, but the color was too light, and it did not come with any kind of applicator. I have a large blush brush though, which I think many women own. I had a hard time getting that to fit in such a small container. When I did finally get it in the powder was so loose I took too much, and it ended up everywhere. It did not apply well and really did not cast much color onto my face. I had to re-apply, this time with my fingers.

The consistency and the color reminded me more of a pressed powder foundation than a blush. The color could be bolder and the consistency of the powder could be thicker. The container itself could be bigger and an applicator or brush should have been included. I think that this is an innovative product and it could take off, but it definitely needs some tweaking to really hit the market with a bang instead of a blush.

Written by: Amber Whitman-Currier, July 16th 2007

There’s Always Tomorrow

admin — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 11:23:00 +0000

By Alison Ray

Chime Entertainment

When I opened [There’s Always Tomorrow], I was first taken with the layout and colors of the cover and inner jacket. The boldness of the red and the muted blue really complimented each other and gave the sense of class and distinction. I also thought Alison could be a model if this singing thing doesn’t work out. With a slender build and long, flowing reddish brown hair, she is quite striking.

When I slipped the CD into my player, I was almost immediately hit by the tone of the singer. To me she sounds a little bit like Cyndi Lauper, who I grew up listening to. She has that high pitched tone to her voice with a slight warble. Unfortunately, Cyndi Lauper is not one of my favorite singers. However, I did like the message the song embodied. I also like the fact that the words of the songs were displayed on the inner jacket; it makes for a more enjoyable listening experience.

While the message and lyrics are good, I was not drawn to the singer’s voice. I think the vocals could have been stronger to really portray the message of this song, which is that not matter how you feel today, there’s always tomorrow. Life is ever changing and one day is never like the next. Just hold and believe that there are better things to come. This is a message that we all should try and remember when those darker moments in life rear their ugly head.

Written by: Amber Whitman-Currier, April 29th 2007

City Beach

admin — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 12:34:00 +0000

By Jill Cunniff

The Militia Group

When I first received this album, I already had preconceived ideas. I thought the music would be terrible and the lyrics even worse. I was actually pleasantly surprised. When I put the disc in and started listening to the music, it was very positive with good beats. The singer’s voice is mellow and she reminds me of such singers as Melissa Ethridge and Sheryl Crow, which are two of my favorites.

This is definitely a feel good compilation. It is full of real life lyrics that I’m sure many people could relate with. It is also relaxing and heartfelt and could be enjoyed by yourself and a partner. These songs are thought provoking and image laden and cover the spectrum between soft and hard. I was actually taken back to my younger years while listening to this music, to some of my own relationships.

Some of my favorite songs are “Happy Warriors,” “NYC Boys,” “Eye Candy,” “Love is a Luxury,” “Kaleidoscope” and "Disconnection." This album helped me to relax, remember fond memories and enjoy the music. Give it a listen and maybe you will remember days gone by too.

Written by: Amber Whitman-Currier, April 4th 2007