Mountain S.

I love this line of polishes and cleaners and am happy to give it its first shout out here at Sitejabber.

Their formulations for silver polish, fine furniture wax and crystal chandelier cleaner are all old school standbys for me -- no other products on the market work as well.

The line includes products for: stone care, fine woods, metal polishes and appliance care.

I really do love the fine furniture wax in spray bottle -- it smells divine and imparts such a lovely patina.

Five unreserved stars for Goddard's products.

It is wonderful to be the first to review Monrovia.

This company provides the finest quality plants, shrubs and small trees for the discerning gardener.

I have bought or ordered numerous boxwood, annuals, ornamental grasses and dogwood from Monrovia.

Most nurseries stock these plants, and you may order online as well.

I even love their standard container/pots.

A truly fine outfit... five stars.

If you love to cook and enjoy fine foods, please try the La Tourangelle line of oils. I use their walnut and wild truffle oil.

These products really transform ordinary oil and vinegar dressings into something special.

I have not tried their avocado oil yet but wish to.

Their tins and labels match the culinary aesthetic of the product... truly charming.

Five stars.

These candles are pure elegance.

Made from the purest of paraffin and cotton wicking -- they are also dripless.

I love the pale aqua tapers for my dining room -- unscented.

They also have a fun array of pear shaped candles and fat little votives.

These are pricey -- but worth it.

Five stars.

This beautiful line is part of the Annie Selkie Collection. Pure luxury.

I love their bedding, pet products -- but most of all their lovely robes.

Pine Cone Hill is definitely an upscale and expensive company -- but their quality and elegance make it all worth the investment.

Really, I could not live without my wonderful PCH aqua robe -- so soft and comfy.

Five stars for Pine Cone Hill.

[ Right now they are offering huge promo codes and new customer discounts.]

I am happy to be the first to review Rustoleum paints. I have grown up with it and rely upon it for household as well as craft projects.

The line seems have slipped by the EPA's mandates -- it still contains oil -- and provides a true high gloss finish. I use it on metal awnings, wicker, an old wagon, a glider, metal baseboard heaters, birdhouses -- really just about any project requiring a hard, shiny and durable finish.

They have a mirror product which allows one to turn any glass surface into a mirror.

Finishes range from matte to satin to high gloss. There are spray or brush on formulas.

Sooner or later the EPA will crack down on them; meanwhile, I am hoarding dozens of cans of Charleston Green spray.

I really do love and vouch for Rustoleum.

Five shiny stars.

P.S. The only problem I encounter is trying to use the spray paint on a highly humid day -- thereby clogging the hole. But they warn you about this possibility. Just follow their directions.

This is THE credit card to carry and use, and it is the oldest.

There are several levels of cards for holders -- each level is designed to meet the specific needs for its client: travel, large purchases, fat bonus points, etc.

An AmEx card/account is not for everyone, mind you. You must settle up the balance due each month, or risk a hefty penalty. It is not financially designed for those living from paycheck to paycheck. But, if you want to be able to conveniently charge your purchases, travel, dining, etc, this is the most respected, prestigious and least hassle-free.

Really and truly -- do not leave home without it.

5 lovely stars for my 100th review go to American Express.

It is a hoot to be the first to review UpCountry accessories for cats and dogs. They design the most adorable collars and leashes as well as a few other fun items.

I first stumbled onto this line in Charleston, SC at Alpha and Omega Boutique for pets, and was just charmed. (The next time you are in Chas, you must go there -- it is SOB right off of King Street)

Anyway each year I outfitted my pets in new collars from Upcountry. My favorite pattern was the one with goldfish. But they really have every conceivable cute design. Please check them out AND see some of my faves below.

Their website has a gallery for petowners to show off their wonderful animals -- mine may or may not be among them.

Five paws for UpCountry!

The Sopranos

Six Feet Under

Game of Thrones

Boardwalk Empire

True Detective

These are but a few samplings of what HBO has come to represent.

Their credo of: "It's not television -- it is HBO" speaks for itself.

Admittedly HBO is not for the average viewer; rather, its appeal is probably geared toward the more discerning and cerebral consumer of television.

I cannot give enough praise to this selective and beautifully crafted programming experience.

Five stars for HBO...

Honestly, I am stunned and flabbergasted by some of these reviews.

PBS is the pinnacle of American mainstream television. It gave us everything from Mr. Rogers to Masterpiece Theatre to McNeill-Lehrer.

If Fox News is P.S. 101 -- then PBS is Choate Rosemary Hall or Phillips Andover.

Elevate your tastes and sphere of reference, my fellow Americans -- join me at PBS.

Five stars for you, Public Broadcasting Serivce.

I just love Clearly Natural Aloe Vera liquid (and bar soap).

It is priced well at $3.99 per bottle and sold in health food stores as well as places like BB&B, Home Depot and the like.

Its scent is fresh and clean... and the bottle looks stylish in kitchen or bathroom.

I do see some poor reviews here... but do not confuse a five star product with human ineptitude from some mail-order warehouse.

An array of scents is offered... but I stick with aloe vera.

Five lovely stars.

I am heartened to see that the other reviewer loves this old and wonderful company.

From their powder, lotion and oil to their old first aid cream, one can/could really depend upon the integrity of this company.

I know that there have been class action law suits regarding their talc baby powder and a possible cancer link, but I remain loyal.

The scents of their products, alone are just divine. Honestly I prefer J&J bath products to Vitabath.

Five stars for J&J...

If you ( or yours) enjoy a daily espresso or two, may I suggest that you invest in a little Bialetti Moka Pot. They are made in Italy by the Bialetti family and are just charming. The pots are beautifully engineered and constructed -- adding a stylish touch to your kitchen.

These little espresso makers are sturdy workhorses -- but should you ever need replacement parts, the company offers these online.

Some of the matching porcelain demitasse cups and saucers are still available through Amazon.

Enclosed are pics.

Five rich and dark coffee beans for Bialetti!

Who does not love the smell of babies and the scent of baby detergent?

I use only baby detergent to do all the laundry. I love the smell; most of all of the other mainstream soap powders are now way too strong.

So Ivory's formulation fits the bill for me: sweet smell, softening and good cleaning. If certain laundry items need a cleaning boost, I just add borax.

In this corporate age, it is wonderful that some products have remained the same.

Five soft and sweet stars for Ivory Snow.

I am happy to give the first shout-out to this lovely Italian specialty line.

Really, their entire line is superb: pastas, sauces, bread sticks, seasonings, etc.

I have come to rely upon their risotto mixes, mushroom sauce and jarred pine nuts.

The packaging is lovely, as well.

This is an upscale line, but many grocery store chains carry at least some of their products.

Five stella stars for Alessi Foods.

Wow I can hardly believe that this company has not been reviewed. Scotts products have been my standbys since I started gardening.

At one time they sent out a little quarterly publication to all of their loyalists.

I have used their seeds, feeds, weed-killers, mulches, spreaders and soils.

Admittedly this line is more costly than store brands -- yet I find the entire line to be highly reliable. It is wonderful to bring their big bags home and get to work outside on a gardening project.

Scotts: a tried and true... five green thumbs for you.

Website: www.scotts.com

I am pleased to see other glowing reviews of Eyebobs.

Their ready-to-wear frames are available without a prescription is an range of magnifications, and the frames are classic and stylish.

Also, they offer repair service.

These are beautifully made eyeglasses -- not inexpensive, mind you -- but well worth the pretty penny you will spend. My favorites are the tortoise shell line of frames.

I think you will like the eyeglass case that they also provide.

Five readable stars for eyebobs.

My old standby soap which was Aloe Vera by Crabtree and Evelyn... was discontinued. This happened when the company was sold to the Chinese. Yes, another corporate blunder and error in judgement.

So I had to scramble.

I remember that my grandmother had always used Dove. And her tastes in life were pretty spot on. In my desperation, I gave their Sensitive Skin formula a try and really liked it.

It smells so sweet and is cleansing without being drying -- very nice and classic packaging as well.

I know they make or did make a dish soap and lotions, as well... have not tried them (yet).

Five stars for a classic American product.

Several times a year I must rent a car for one reason or another.

I have nothing but high praise for Enterprise... their rates are competitive... the reservation and booking are reliable... but most significantly they offer pick-up and drop-off service.

At the moment I am knocking on wood so as not to jinx my good fortune with this company.

All the vehicles have been new and clean... probably nicer than my own cars, for that matter.

Five stars for you, Enterprise...

This company is run like an old - school Bostonian financial advising firm. The consultants are educated ladies and gentleman with personal experience in finance, investment and/or banking. Many have MBAs or were business majors in college.

They encourage diversified portfolios; the more you invest the more you advance in terms of representation and access to consultation.

I have been associated with Vanguard for quite some time and remain pleased and impressed by their competence and savvy expertise.

Five stars...