I don’t know what it is, but I can easily be persuaded by infomercials.  I have the Set-it and Forget-it rotisserie oven by Ronco sitting in my storage unit. A year ago, I was pulled into the Samy hair products – paying for shipping and handling – only to find out it’s sold at WalMart.

Sunday morning I got sucked into the Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer infomercial (pun intended). Jack and his wife, Elaine, go on about his surgical-quality stainless steel blade, whisper-quiet operation, and special patented extraction technology that delivers up to 30% more juice than other juicers. That’s what he said! The host, Forbes Riley (famous for, “I’m not making this up”), goes on to say, “You really have helped my life! I feel so much better when I juice!”. Forbes tells us her story of when she was pregnant with twins. As they show us pictures of her stretched out belly <violins play> Forbes says,”I was able to get my body back into shape, shortly after giving birth, all thanks to the Power Juicer.” I decide I might want this, and thought I would research the product reviews.

Later that same day, another infomercial is on (different television station). It’s Montel Williams talking about his HealthMaster. He introduces his guest star, “Everyone please welcome Forbes Riley.” No biggie – his HealthMaster is more a blender than a juicer.  As they talk about this wonderful product, Forbes (and I’m not making this up) goes on about how the HealthMaster helped get her body back into shape after delivering twins. They even broadcast the same pictures. Hmm <scratches head> Wow!

Even though I can get sucked into a good infomercial, I’m not naive. I research the products before I purchase. When they say you only have 20 minutes left for this sale price, I know you can call in after the show (even days/weeks after) and get that same price. And, I now know that WalMart and Target carry many As Seen on TV products; check there first as not to pay shipping and handling fees.

I have to say the rotisserie oven actually is a good buy. I’ve made chicken, lamb, seafood and vegetables in it, and all turned out wonderfully.  I don’t use it anymore since I’ve moved, and no longer have counter or cupboard space. Samy hair products is another story. The infomercial promised me I no longer needed to curl my hair. All I need to do is spray my hair, brush it out, and I would have beautiful, shiny, soft, sexy-wavy hair. Let’s just say I looked like I was struck by lightening, and my hair was hard as a rock. In fact, it took several shampoos to get it out.