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Monday, June 13, 2016

Sminiker Outdoor Waterproof Motorcycle Cover


I want to make sure that my husband and my motorcycles were covered in our garage for the winter months. I had previously bought a motorcycle cover sometime ago and wanted to find one for my husbands motorcycle. We both have sport bikes and so we definitely like to take care of them as best we can.  Sport bikes are smaller than cruisers and so the XXL size of this cover would do a nice job of covering all parts.

When received, I was very disappointed in the quality of this particular item from looking at the pictures on the seller's listing.  It appears to be a nice weight of fabric from the pictures and thicker. But when received, that was not the case.  From a manufacturing perspective as I looked over the product (see video), the material was not soft at all and crinkled constantly. The material was not thick and very, very thin with seams easily tearing apart when pulled.  As I looked over the sewing around the edges, although there were two rows of stitching, the spacing of the stitches was very far apart which tends to result in the fabric coming apart/tearing. The elastic used felt strong, but the two straps on the edges that buckle together underneath the bike to keep the cover on, broke from the fabric with barely any pulling.  I feel that the low quality stitching with low quality material, caused this major defect in functionality.

I would not recommend this product as I feel the quality was just not up to what it should have been and what I am used to getting from Amazon.
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01EJBZ3FC

Augymer Magic Cube Rubik's Cube 5x5


My little girl absolutely loves puzzles and mazes. In no time flat she figured out the pyramid rubik's puzzle I gave her as a Christmas present. In addition, she also figured out the cool snake like puzzle piece as well!  She has yet to be able to solve a 3 x 3 Rubik's cube, and I purchased this one for her upcoming birthday as I know she'll just love it as an additional challenge!

Overall the construction of the puzzle is very well-done and appears made of a good to high-quality. Each row was extremely easy to move in all directions. This was unlike the original 4 x 4 Rubik's cube which can tend to be a little stiff. Just as the product description says, there were no stickers on this one and the colors appeared well marked on the puzzle.

I think this is a very well-made cube and it's going to create future hours of fun for my girl!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

At the time of this review writing, the 5x5 was unavailable via the regular seller I purchased mine from.  Here is a link to the 4x4.

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01AK1ILZE

Vteyes Universal Mobile Phone Telephoto/Fisheye Lens


This was a great little find to keep with me as I'm out and about and want get a different 'look' for my phone pics.  Sometimes, that little extra space on the sides of your pic can make all the difference in how it looks!

I was very impressed with how the lens was packaged in a simple yet well-designed box to ensure that it did not move during transport and did not accidentally scratch the lens. The weight of the lens in the hand was solid and felt heavier than I would have imagined. This speaks to some of the good manufacturing quality that comes with this particular lens. I could find no major manufacturing defects or pieces of metal sticking out from the apparatus that holds the lens. The product comes with two clip adapters, Which is good for me in case I lose one. The clip adapters are not of as high-quality as the lens itself in my opinion.  However, it did provide a very good and tight fit over my phone.  What I definitely wanted to try out with this particular lens was how close I could get to a flower or something very,very close in order to get a macro picture. I learned you cannot get extremely close with this particular fisheye lens. The closest I could get without it un-focusing was about 8 inches from the object. On a side note, I did try to put this on my laptop webcam and it didn't work (I have a MacBook Air). It doesn't let enough light in and so the picture was very dark and it could not be used this way.

I would have liked to have seen something a little smoother go over the fisheye lens piece that goes in front of your cell phone lens. Only because when you remove the clip, it can drag along your cell phone camera's glass and I am worried it will cause scratching.

Overall, I love the quality of the product itself and its ability to bring out a nice high quality perspective when in use.

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01EJAQMMG

Best Device - OEM Samsung Adaptive Fast Charger


Replacement cables can be so expensive at your local Target or Walmart. I find that it was much easier and cheaper to do an Amazon search and look for an extra cord and charger for my Samsung Galaxy S5. I found this one which claims to be an adaptive fast charger and so I wanted to try it out.

I did find some differences between my original charging cable/plug to this one I ordered. What was most noticeable is that the end piece which goes into your phone does not have the two piece charging port like the original. It is just a standard insertable piece that is seen on most Micro USB chargers. Therefore, I can only assume that the fast charging must come from the actual Block that goes into the wall plug.  There are some differences in Amps which I talk about in my video.

It appears to work well, despite its difference in look and when used with the wall plug, it did charge quickly. I could find no major manufacturing defects or pieces of plastic sticking out anywhere on the product. Mostly, I got this as an extra cable for my car and it's been working just fine.  However, I have come to realize that it is definitely the wall plug that makes the difference in how fast it charges.

Overall I am very happy with this particular purchase and have found it to work well so far.

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01C3AMOW6

Coreal 60L Outdoor Travel Hiking Backpack


What an absolutely fantastic backpack! I've been looking for something that both I and my kids can use when we take weekend camping trips. Although this is not an internal or external frame backpack, it was extremely comfortable and able to hold quite a bit of gear.

Looking over the quality of the back pack, it is extremely well-made with strong straps and a ton of extra storage pockets. No where could I find issues with the stitching and all of the zippers were great and worked very well and smooth. It is great that this particular backpack also has the waist straps that allow for it to sit comfortably on the hips.   The only thing that I would have liked it to have had would have been for the over the shoulder straps and back pad be thicker and a more ventilated back pad.

The adjustability was phenomenal, and the weight was nicely balanced when it was packed completely.  I picked up the orange color and I can safely say that it is a very nice classic hiking orange color.

Overall, I think this is an extremely well-made product and it was very comfortable for me. Although I can see that if you were to go on a very very long trek, the shoulder straps could potentially become uncomfortable after a while due to the padding issue.

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B015ON62B8

Young Mugs - Dear Dad Love Your Favorite Mug


This is a simple very nice coffee cup for a gift. I picked this one up for one of my children to give to my husband on Father's Day.  When she saw it she couldn't help but giggle a ton! "Oh mom, this is perfect!".

It is a standard size coffee cup without any extra bells and whistles. The construction is simple and yet it feels solid in the hand, The lettering does not look like it will wear off in the dishwasher which is always a plus for me! I hate it when you have to hand wash things. From a manufacturing standpoint, the quality of the cup is very good and I could find no ceramic pieces sticking out or bad molding.

Overall, I am very happy with the cup, and I think it will be a great big hit with lots of laughs on Father's Day.
I received this product free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01FRRQES2

Sago Brothers - Tree Swing/Hammock Straps


A fantastic set of tree straps to go with my new camping hammocks for the summer.  It's time to hit the road camping so I grabbed a set of these straps and have found them to be VERY well made.  They are sturdy, strong, and the stitching if very very good.  The carabiners are what seem to me to be industrial strength without any weak spots.  This was my favorite thing about the set.  They even have a screw on feature!!

The material of the straps is a very nice thickness with no issues in the stitching nor strength.  There is only 1 loop on the end versus others you might find out there that have multiple loop options along the strap.  When tried out on the trees, it worked great with no slippage and morning dew didn't affect the ability to stay in place.

I tested the straps also at my home around square posts and they held up very well.  Please note that you need to do a youtube search for how to best put up straps around square poles.  There was no slipping and no weird 'creaky' sounds like it wouldn't stay put (I'm always scared I don't put them on right and they'll give way).  Overall a fantastic purchase I am very happy with.

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01FQBPUFM

Everyday Vacation Giant Pink Flamingo Float


I can't believe the size and amazingness of this flamingo! It is so big our local community pool will not let us use this as it takes up way too much room. That should give you an idea of just how incredibly big and awesome this float is. So instead, I've decided we will use this at the pond on our ranch!

As you can see from the pictures, this is big enough for an adult to lay down on or 2 kids (14 and 11). When we tried it out on the pond I had to speedily beat my kids running to get on it first. It is so incredibly fun, I cannot even describe it. As an adult, it feels like you're a little kid again when you sit on top of this giant float.

I like to tell everyone about the manufacturing quality of a product as I, like you, want my things to last. For this one, as I looked over the whole product, it appeared well-made and durable. Like with any other float I know that we have to take care of it to prevent it from getting punctured, but it feels like the plastic is nice and sturdy. The seams were nicely done and I could find no major plastic pieces sticking out anywhere or in any areas where it would poke me. The valves were very nice, and appeared well-made and durable.

You may have read from other reviews that the head fills up separately from the body. The head takes a normal size input that we are used to with most floats (and less than 1 min to fill up with compressor). However, the actual body uses a much much bigger hole. So big in fact, that you would not be able to really blow from your mouth into this area. And if you did, it would take you hours and hours and hours. Instead what I used, is my air compressor hose and even with this, it took about 10 minutes to fill up. But that is just my personal experience.

Overall I am super happy with this purchase and the smiles and giggles from my kids were more than enough for me to realize this was a great purchase for the summer! We are even thinking of taking it to the beach with us.

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01D5TFI4U

easyDecor Solar Outdoor String Lights (8 modes)


I don't have alot of outlets in my front yard for decorating and so I am always looking for great solar powered lights. Over the last christmas I coveted led soft blue lights I saw in my neighbors yard on their bushes and trees and vowed to get some. I found these little gems and they work great! It's a nice long cord and after leaving them all day in the sun to get charged up, they shined wonderfully at night. They got an additional test when we had an unexpected rain storm while I had them hooked up.

I will use this in my front garden for now to sit outside at night and have them light up, then move them at xmas to anywhere I want. The quality is great and I had no issues with any of the lights being burned out. The manufacturing quality was fantastic and I could find no issues. I especially like the soft glow these produce and the fact that they have so many great settings! I am super happy with this purchase!

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01DLHPX96

Starling's Car Trunk Organizer


I am absolutely in love with this organizer! I've been secretly in envy of my sister in law's for quite sometime. Do you know when I think about this? When I make a turn and I can hear everything in my trunk rattle from one side to the other. It's a busy working mom's life! So here we go, this is my effort in getting my car and kid stuff organized.

In looking over the manufacturing quality of the product, I have to say, it is extremely well-made! Quality of the fabric feels fantastic, and all the sides felt very nice and strong. What I particularly liked about this was that the straps were nice and strong and felt well attached to the base. The stitching looked good and the amount of pockets is nice!

I can safely report to you now that the organizer has freed up a ton more room in the trunk AND I don't hear the rattling! WOOHOO!

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01AROI49W

SunGrow Digital Thermometer for Aquariums


This is become my new favorite aquarium device. It was a close tie between my CO2 indicator and this, but this definitely won out! I have been testing it out continuously for over a week now and it has consistently given great results. It is so easy to use that there really isn't much to it at all.

The overall feel of the product was good, and I could see no major manufacturing defects or plastic pieces sticking out. The wire connection between the main device and the thermometer probe where nice and tight. After I removed the plastic cover from the digital read area, the LCD was clear and bright for me to read. When comparing readings between the digital thermometer and an aquarium mercury one, the digital thermometer read 78.2 while the mercury thermometer read 79.

This is a great addition to my little 5 gallon community. I'm super happy I got it!

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01E96KHNA

Mobility iPad Folio Case - Light Green


My 11-year-old daughter desperately needed a replacement for her iPad case. If you see my video, you'll understand why. I ordered the lime green color because I wanted to make sure I could spot it anywhere in the room faster. Is that crazy?

I was really happy with the quality of this case. I knew when I ordered it that it would not be real leather, but the feel is very good nonetheless. The inside cover and back that the iPad touches is extremely soft! My daughter definitely said to me that she really loved the way it converts to be able to stand upright by itself so she could watch movies without holding it. A look over the stitching revealed no major issues, loose threads, or bad stitching. My 11-year-old has really take to loving the stylus although, when I looked over it, It seemed a bit cheaply made however it has held up to her daily abuse ok so far. The only other thing I wish was different was that the magnets that hold the cover over it were stronger. It really didn't take much to detach them and I'm worried that could fly open easier if it fell. Just a hunch.

Overall I think this is a very nicely made product of good to high-quality and I'm (and my daughter) extremely happy with this purchase!

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01E5YH5S6

2B MASTER Watermelon Slicer


This is the hottest summer gadget this year! I know, I know, I caved and got one because I really was curious as to how this fascinating little device worked. And I'm not ashamed to admit, my husband does not allow me to cut watermelon because I cut crooked or slaughter it every time. Now with this new gadget, he can't say anything!

In looking over the manufacturing quality of the product, the handle plastic was very nice and soft, gripped nicely, and felt good in hand. The only issue that I had, was that the wire which cuts the watermelon got bent somewhat when I was first learning how to use it. I think a little bit thicker or sturdier attachment area for this would help greatly. The small melon baller was a nice addition, and edges were sharp on one side, and the round side did not feel like it would break with some pressure. I didn't particularly like that the welded/molded circle part of the spoon with the straight part (see video).

Overall, I think this is a pretty well made product. After I got the hang of how to use it, it has become easier and easier!

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01EKDPT5I

Sades SA708GT Headset


My review comes from my 14 year old son whom I bought these for. His last set of headphones to play Xbox live with just had the microphone stop working and we figured it was a connection issue/wire between the mic apparatus and where it connects within the earbud. I wanted to pick him up a new set, and this seemed like a very nice one.

When I received the headset, there were a few things that won me right off the bat. One was that these have to be plugged in to get power and so there was no need for extra batteries. Those of you parents out there who have young sons know how fast they can go through these batteries! The next thing that I really liked was that the microphone can be tucked up into the left earphone so there is less chance it can get broken by being sat on, etc. Thirdly, the noise canceling function worked extremely well and the ear pads were comfortable.

The sound quality was good to very good for this level of a gaming headset. My son had no issues with the microphone as some other reviewers have stated happen to their's. Overall, this is a very well-made headset and it passed my 14-year-olds test!

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01EKF3GSS

C Waters Swimming Goggles


An extremely well made a swimming goggles in my humble opinion. I purchased this nice set for my 11-year-old daughter who is on a local swim team.I like to always have extras on hand just in case. She's now moved into an adult size goggles and this seemed like a nice choice.

I really like to check out the manufacturing quality of a product as that can make a big difference and whether something will last or not. As I looked over this pair of goggles, I could find no major manufacturing defects, plastic pieces sticking out, or scratches on the lenses. I particularly liked it that the company went so far as to put protective stickers over the lenses until you take them off. The feel of the straps was very nice, but what I thought was really nice was the feel of goggles over the eyes (comfortable/secure).

I tested these at my local pool and found them to work extremely well. There is no major glare while in use, the straps stayed secure around my head, no lens leakage, and the anti-fogging worked as promised.
Overall, I feel this is a very well-made set of swimming goggles. I also really loved the fact that the storage case was a nice hard plastic to avoid frivolous scratches.

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01E1T5VUO

Sminiker Portable Handheld Car Vacuum


This car vacuum is a godsend. I have a 14 and 11-year-old in my backseat many days. And I can tell you, my carpet has seen better days, and there's been a rogue M&M found more times than I care to admit. This is a great little vacuum! For my review, I tested out the vacuuming ability but not the compressor ability.

From a manufacturing perspective, this is a very well-made vacuum. All the pieces fit together perfectly, I could find no major manufacturing defects in the molding, and even the small filter itself appeared nice and thick to the touch. In looking over the attachment pieces, they were not super high-quality but nice enough that I could see no major issues with them. After testing, the extra attachments worked well and were sturdy to the touch and feel. The vacuum itself, is a bit heavier then I expected, but not overly so. What I particularly liked was that the cord was extra long and I could get everywhere in my small cross-over (Nissan Rouge).  The smaller pointed attachment worked better than the one from my house vacuum cleaner!  Plus the smaller size worked great to get the nooks and crannies with small trash that my house one couldn't reach. The size is fantastic and I keep it in my storage box in my trunk of my car. If there was one thing I could change, it would be for it to also have a DC Power supply so I could use it  for small in the house jobs.

Overall I think it is a very well made product that does exactly what I needed it to. I really do like it!

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01DNMX77E

Breett VR Headset


For purposes of this review I compared this set of glasses to VR Shinecon, Luxebell, and Google Cardboard. Overall the glasses felt comfortable on the head and around the nose.

Comfort: #1: VR Shinecon, #2 Luxebell, #3 Breett, #4 Google
Adjustability: #1 VR Shinecon, #2 Breett, #3 Luxebell #4 Google
Eyepad Quality: #1 VR Shinecon #2 Luxebell #3 Breett #4 Google
Button Access for VR Games: #1 Google - All others have no button for 'choosing' 'shooting' on games
Focal Adjustment Possible from eye distance to screen: #1 VR Shinecon - all others have no way to adjust this length
Eye Lens Adjustment (both in/outward & focus): #1 Breet #2 VR Shinecon #3 Luxebell #4 Google
Ability to hold phone in place: #1 Breet (WITH PHONE CASE ON) #2 VR Shinecon #Google #4 Luxebell

Overall these are a nice mid-level set of goggles that could use a couple of upgrades in design but worked well.

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01F4YUV3C



LOUISE MAELYS 20 piece Nail Art Painting Kit


The number of brushes you get with the set is just fantastic. I do my own nails at home (and I love to do my daughter's). I wanted this set because I knew it came with the pieces that could be used for stones and jewelry application. In looking at the manufacturing quality of the bag everything comes in, it is just a small vinyl plastic bag that is nothing very fancy. But the stitching on it was well-done and the two buttons used to hold it closed worked very nicely. I particularly like that it had a plastic cover go over the tops of the brushes to protect them.

My only issue was that the tops of the brush heads were not attached to the rest of the brush very well. Without very much pressure, I pulled on the tops of the brushes and they detached from the rest of the brush very easily. I thought maybe this was perhaps just the one brush that I chose, so I picked another one randomly to do the same test. It too came apart very easily. I believe if the manufacturer could add a stronger adhesive to prevent them coming apart, that would definitely help with quality.

Overall I feel it's a very nicely made set with many options. When my daughter and I tried out the brushes, we found that they tell very good in the hand and performed nicely. They were also relatively easy to clean and after drying kept their shape. We also tried the accessory attaching pieces. It was super nice to have different options of sizes as we had to go through a couple until we found one that would work with the size of this jewels we wanted to add to the nails.

I'm very happy with the set and will probably be using some hot glue or superglue to reattach the paintbrush heads that came off when I pulled them.

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B016W7L4U4

Better Bliss Kegel Exercise Kit for Women


There are lots of different reasons why people need to do kegel exercises. For me, after having two kids and now being in my 40s, things are just not as tight as they used to be and bladder control starts becoming an issue. As my urologist said, doing Kegel exercises helps keep everything strong and 'together'.

I was pleasantly surprised at the high-quality I saw with these. The material used is extremely soft and very comfortable with a good size and design. The 'tail' of the ball was very flexible and felt comfortable while pulling it out. During the course of the day, and having the ball inserted, I can honestly say that it was very comfortable, and I could notice the difference while performing the exercises during the day due to the weight of the ball. At home, it was washed with antibacterial soap and dried. It did not dry out but stayed soft and supple.

Overall, I feel it is a very nicely made product and was comfortable well being used per the manufacture's directions. I was never uncomfortable while it was in use and I do very much like that it came with a discrete bag I can put away.

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B013J2I7TQ

Zeuste [3-Pack Silver 6Ft] Lightning Charging Cables


This is a very nice three pack of lightning cables. I picked up this particular package because my kids iPhone and iPad cords we're not working very well anymore. It was time for replacements. What I really liked best about this particular pack was that they were 6 foot long cords which allowed them (and me) more room when things were charging. For example, my kids sitting in the backseat of my car needed to charge something, but that cord wouldn't reach as far as the cigarette lighter. Now with these long cords, there is no problem with them plugging in and still having enough room to maneuver their device.

Overall, the manufacturing seemed to be very good for this particular product. I could find no major manufacturing defects or pieces of plastic sticking out anywhere. I do need to report that after two weeks of use one of the cables connection heads popped off. I wasn't too worried about this as I had to back ups now, But just wanted to add that into my review so others could be aware. Both of the other cables are working perfectly, So this just could have been a glitch.

Overall I'm very happy with the performance of these cables so far.

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01D4IGO7M

Hydor 25W Submersible Glass Aquarium Heater


This is a great little heater! I wanted to buy something for my 5 gallon aquarium as I have a beta and some other fish. And I know they need to be at a warmer temperature, so I picked this one up to ensure that. When I looked over the product itself, I could see no major manufacturing defects or issues. The thermometer looks very well-made and sturdy.

I also have a digital underwater aquarium thermometer, so I tested to see if the temperature I set this heater at was truly accurate. I set the heater for 79°Fahrenheit and checked it the next day on the digital thermometer. The digital turn thermometer read 78.6. For my personal use this was acceptable and I did not feel this was a significant difference in what the heater was putting out.

Overall I think this is a great little tear in it did a wonderful job in my small aquarium.

To buy on Amazon: https://amzn.com/B0006JLPG8

Monday, June 6, 2016

Wunderglass Screen Protector Samsung E5


This screen protector but it's very well-made. As I looked over the product, all the edges were very smooth. In addition, the screen protector had a nice flexibility to it while remaining strong.

If you've never put on a screen protector like this, it is nearly impossible to not get a speck of dust or air bubble in underneath the screen. However, try to use lint free gloves and an area that's is clean as you can get it. Although there are no direct instructions on how to apply the screen protector, I would suggest doing a YouTube search to watch others perform this.
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Overall, I think this is a nicely constructed screen protector and well made.

To buy on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B01472UIXA

Perfecto 'I Love You' Pendant


I wanted to surprise my 11 year old after her dance recital with something special along with her flowers from me and my husband.  She was absolutely THRILLED to get this cute little pendant necklace.  I have to say, when I took it out of the package I was pleasantly surprised how nicely it shined.  She wore it non-stop for the whole week as I wanted to see how the color would hold up before I wrote my review.

From a quality standpoint it is of fair to good quality for the price.  I don't feel it's designed to be a high end item but the workmanship on the moon and hear was nice with the cute font used for the lettering.

To buy on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B0185S1S9U

Colore Watercolor Paint Set


This is a beautiful watercolor paint set. The fact that it comes with so many different colors to choose from was just a fantastic plus for the price.

I found that the feel of the paint was very good, a very small bit feeling of liquidity only in that when the plate I had it on (and turned completely vertical) it did run ever so slightly . But the colors were very vibrant and brilliant when they did not have any water added.

Each tube does come with a foil seal in order to keep the paint fresh within the tube. When actually testing the product, the feel on the paintbrush had a very nice smooth feel and absorbed into the paper quickly. Adding a tad bit amount of water did not over-lighten the color. It's going to be a great addition to my crafting area.

Overall I feel the variety of colors and the way it felt on the paintbrush as well as how easily it washed off indicated if very high quality paint. I am very happy with this product!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

To buy on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B01B17UBI6

Home Complete Space Saver Bags


We've all seen the space saver bags on TV and although they may seem a little cheesy, for me, they are actually pretty darn helpful!  I've tried using the cheaper generic ones where you just put things in and squish them closed to get the air out, then zip them up, but inevitably the air leaks back in.

I desperately needed some for all the extra pillows I have in my house.  4 are for camping, 4 are for when company comes over and I just don't have any extra space for something that takes up that much room!  So I decided 1 finally needed to buy some of the better ones. These fit the bill perfectly!
Not only did I get a great bargain with so many bags and one box, but the different sizes really work well with some of my smaller items as well.

The manufacturing of the actual bags themselves felt very good, and I did not feel like the plastic used to make them was too thin or would tear at the seams. The clip that actually seals the top part of the bag probably could have been a little bit better made, but it didn't affect the functionality at all. I had no issues at all with the bag after all the air was out, and those plastic pieces that you turn to close the hole felt very well-made.

Overall, I feet this was a very high-quality set and very easy to use. I will definitely be picking up a couple more boxes for other items in my home.

To buy on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B0191OBGH6

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Spigo Resin Pot


I thought this pot was going to be one of those very lightweight items that you see at Home Depot or Walmart. I was totally surprised that this is a very solid and slightly heavy plastic resin pot. I chose the blue color since I wanted a pop of color in my front garden.

From a manufacturing standpoint, the pot is very well-made.I could find no major defects or pieces of plastic from the molding process sticking out. It has a smooth feel all the way around but just know that it does not have holes at the bottom for water drainage. There is a spot or you could drill one hole through but you will have to do it manually at home (that's what I did).

For my blue color, it almost seems from afar that it is made out of clay until you get a little closer and feel it. Overall, I think it was a very well-made pot and suits my needs perfectly.

To buy on Amazon:  http://amzn.com/B01EGM3LQ2

Boyon Cube Clock


You know I used to have a clock right by my sink in the bathroom so I could time the mornings on school days. Unfortunately, that particular clock had a second hand and so my daughter stole it from me to time her teeth brushing in the morning. Ever since then I've been looking for a replacement. Just something small and easy that I could quickly look at as I'm getting ready.

This little cube clock is really nice and definitely fit the bill for what I needed it for. Although it is not true wood, and the corners might come undone because it's just a fake wood like layer adhesive on top, it doesn't matter to me. I thought this would just tell me the time but I have found that it can do so much more. It has three alarm settings, can cycle through the time, date, and temperature (then turn off or you can set it to stay on) and you can even adjust brightness. (just read instructions and keep playing with the settings). For me in particular I really like the brightness feature as in the middle of the night when I get up and go in the bathroom I don't even have to turn on the light. It acts just like a nightlight! I would say that it's not a super high quality product however it could last a while if you take care of it.

Overall, this nice little clock did exactly what I needed it to. And the fact but it has a few extra features is a nice little plus. But don't expect a super high-quality item.

To buy on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B016D8DZZE

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Ozeri Touch II Scale

Okay, are you ready to get on that plan to lose some weight? Are you looking for a scale that's not only gives you your weight has some other fantastic bells and whistles? Then look no further than this scale! I got this Ozeri Touch II to replace my Health-O-Meter scale that I've had forever. Now granted, my last scale was pretty good but it was big and bulky and you had to set things with your toe (like pick which profile you wanted to use and saving the info, etc.). But now......well....now I am totally IN LOVE with my new scale! All you have to do is enter your profile information once and every time you get on it, it already knows who you are in the family. I'm like WOW! I don't have to press any extra buttons at all. So...there I got.... I made a profile for my husband, myself, and my son in less than 3 minutes.

The quality of this particular scale is amazing. It is so thin compared to other electronic scales I've seen and it just looks professional! The display is very nice and bright and easily read as you're standing above it. The actual set, tare, and up and down arrows are not even raised buttons and it can sense the delicate touch when you put your finger on them as you make your profile. The plastic clear top cover almost looks like glass but is strong and the metal discs used are so smooth you can barely feel them under your feet. I could find new major manufacturing defects in the product like plastic pieces sticking out or rough/sharp edges. It is very well made.

Overall I think this is a wonderful new scale for our home and I love that it can cycle through all your different body settings so you can better track your weight loss journey. I feel it's gonna stick around my house for quite a while!

To buy on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B004NXUAXW

Goreit LED Headlamp

As camping season comes upon us, it's time to send my kids off to summer camp. Not only that, but we do quite a bit of camping on the weekends as well around where I live so it's time to get my supplies ready. Safety has always been one of my biggest things, I guess you could say it's just because I'm a mom. Anyway, I've been wanting to move over from regular batteries to rechargeables for our headlamps when we're out and about. This particular headlamp fits the bill and is absolutely fantastic!

The quality of this particular product is extremely good. It is well-made and solid, a tiny bit heavier than I would've liked but that is only because of the battery pack in the back. The overall size is nice and I could only find a few manufacturing defects from the molding where the plastic stuck out a bit on the lamp case and was not smooth. The straps are comfortable, adjustable, and fit well on my head. I can definitely see being able to use this headlamp for several hours at a time if need be. One of the other very nice things about this particular product is that you get three ways to recharge the batteries! You could use a USB, a wall plug, or a car charger. No matter where we might be, we'll always have one of these three things available to us to recharge them if need be. But after reading that this can go 20 hours without having to recharge it, we may not need to haul all the cords after all!

The amount of light given off by this particular headlamp is amazing. It is so bright there's actually a warning that you should not look into the light itself or you could hurt your eyes. I am super happy with this purchase and it's going to be a great addition to our camping supplies!

To buy on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B01E97XLM8

Ozeri Touch II Scale

Okay, are you ready to get on that plan to lose some weight? Are you looking for a scale that's not only gives you your weight has some other fantastic bells and whistles? Then look no further than this scale! I got this Ozeri Touch II to replace my Health-O-Meter scale that I've had forever. Now granted, my last scale was pretty good but it was big and bulky and you had to set things with your toe (like pick which profile you wanted to use and saving the info, etc.). But now......well....now I am totally IN LOVE with my new scale! All you have to do is enter your profile information once and every time you get on it, it already knows who you are in the family. I'm like WOW! I don't have to press any extra buttons at all. So...there I got.... I made a profile for my husband, myself, and my son in less than 3 minutes.

The quality of this particular scale is amazing. It is so thin compared to other electronic scales I've seen and it just looks professional! The display is very nice and bright and easily read as you're standing above it. The actual set, tare, and up and down arrows are not even raised buttons and it can sense the delicate touch when you put your finger on them as you make your profile. The plastic clear top cover almost looks like glass but is strong and the metal discs used are so smooth you can barely feel them under your feet. I could find new major manufacturing defects in the product like plastic pieces sticking out or rough/sharp edges. It is very well made.

Overall I think this is a wonderful new scale for our home and I love that it can cycle through all your different body settings so you can better track your weight loss journey. I feel it's gonna stick around my house for quite a while!

To buy on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B004NXUAXW

5 Pack 45 mm Rotary Crochet Edge Skip Blades



What a great set of replacement blades! I've expanded my sewing experience onto crochet and although I am just a beginner I wanted to ensure that I had some good blades for my Fiskar's Rotary cutter. These blades completely met my expectations as they are very sharp, come pre-oiled, and I love the fact that they come with their own carry case. They take up hardly any room at all in my sewing storage space and their quality is fantastic! In fact, I cut myself while shooting my review video, so that tells you how sharp they can be!

I have a 45 mm rotary cutter and the blades fit extremely well within it. They are not loose and while in use, they move smoothly. The holes this crochet edge skip blade made were very good not too big. After just one pass on my self-healing mat, they gave me the results I needed. Overall it's a fantastic replacement blade that is just as compatible as the original manufacturers in my opinion.

I love the quality of these blades and will definitely be ordering replacements by the same company next time!

To buy on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B01D1X0W2I

Friday, May 27, 2016

Stuhrling "Specialty Winchester" Mens Watch


My husband loves watches, and I picked this one up as it seemed to be something that he would really like the style of. And you know what? I was right! The watch is not too big at all and the weight is nice and solid. What he especially liked best about it was that you can actually see through the watch face to the back. Neither of us had ever seen anything like that before and so it was such a cool design.

The watch is extremely well presented in a beautiful box and case typical of most higher end watches you can buy. The design for this particular model specifically was simple and yet nicely classy. The watch band itself does not catch on the hairs of his arm and the color of the silver has a nice finish. The slight amount of shiny blue on the hands and the watch face hours is a beautiful color that really catches your eye.

The only thing my husband had an issue with was that it was difficult to get the pins out of the watch band so that he could size it properly.  We are likely going to need to take it to a jewelry/watch repair store to get them to do it for us.  Other than that, we are extremely pleased with the high-quality and look of this particular watch. It can be an everyday watch for work or one that can be kept to the side to use only on special occasions; it truly is that versatile in style.  We are super happy with this purchase!

To buy on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B01FMPBP6U

Boyon Stage Light


I think this is a great and fun little lamp to use in my gym fitness classes. I am an instructor so I'm always looking for small good lighting toys to use in group settings. Plus, I have to admit that my kids actually love using these around the house as well!

In looking over the manufacturing and quality of this particular product, it's not made out of the thickest or best plastic around. But if I had to rate it, I would say the plastic is fair to good. Although, there is no way to change the patterns, it can still put out a lot of light. When I tried it out in my class, I used it in one corner that had a plug and let that that corner of the room light up. It did a good job and with some decent use already it has not cracked or broken. Then again, I tend to take pretty good care of all my lighting accessories. The plug in mechanism that comes with this product is a little more cheaply made (at least in my opinion). There are seams and pieces of plastic from the molding that are sticking out somewhat and I was actually very surprised that the plug did not have the usual large metal piece on one side that we're used to in the US however this did not affect the functionality at all as it still works just fine.

Overall I think this is a great little product if you're looking for something to have for a kids party or for a DJ booth or like me, for a fitness class. Now that I can see what it can do, I know that I can just take a lamp that I can point upwards and put the bulb in there for future classes.
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

To buy on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B01EZQQAVW

What a great UV dryer! I thought based on looking at the pictures in the description that it would be very small and boy was I wrong! It is actually a great size for me as my daughter and I love to do our nails occasionally. Rather than going to the salon and paying a ton of money every month to have our nails done, I opted to get this dryer and a set of good tools on the side in order to do my own nails at home.

First, let me tell you about the two little tools that come with this set. The cuticle tool had a nice weight to it and the edges were relatively sharp. The other tool has a cute little crystal on the top and also appears to be well made. As for the actual dryer itself, I would say that the quality of the plastic molding is good. Although there are a few areas on it where small pieces of plastic were sticking out from the manufacturing process and they were not completely smooth.  In addition, the reflective material on the bottom (seen in the picture as the bluish piece) had some bubbling in it and was not smoothly adhered to the plastic bottom.

This comes with four special UV tube lights and all of mine we're in great condition when received. Just make sure that when you take out the Styrofoam from the inside of the product around the lamps, that you and sure you push the lamp base all the way back into the socket if itAccidentally gets pulled out as you remove the Styrofoam.

Although this product comes with no instructions, if you watch my video, you can figure out very quickly how to use it. It has that will leave the UV lights on in definitely. And it also has a second setting that when turned on and then when the timer switches also turned on, it will keep the UV lights on for two minutes. There's really not much more to it than that!

Overall, I think it is a good product and when my daughter and I tried it out, It worked exactly as it was supposed to. We really like it!

To buy on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B01EWACUE2

Sminiker 88 Piece First Aid Kit


My husband has a great first aid kit that came automatically with his Xterra and I only wish that mine also had one. My family and I do a lot of camping and long road trips and sure enough, something always happens to my two kids. Either someone gets sick or gets a bug bite or gets a headache. This is a perfect size first aid kit for putting in my car's glove box and it can also fit under the driver/passenger seat.

I really was quite happy with all the different pieces that came in such a small set. It has all the basics that you need and I will add my own little bags ofTylenol, ibuprofen, Benadryl, Etc. I have to say that the piece I liked best was the self winding flashlight. If you watch my video you can see just how excited I am about getting this one! As I looked over the quality of the case itself, I found that it was very well-made, sturdy, and the zipper was very smooth. All the actual individual items within the case appeared in good condition as well.

I really do like this little first aid kit and it is going to get lots of use!


To buy on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B01ERBVU6K

De Dazzle Dishwasher Magnet


I totally love this cute little magnet! Almost every single day my kids ask, "Are the dishes in the dishwasher clean or dirty?" Well, my husband and I have just had enough of it. So I got this great magnet to put on our stainless steel dishwasher. Now no one ever has to ask if they are clean or dirty.

The magnet is well-made, flexible, and I love the size. It's not too big at all and the magnet piece is nice and strong. It also came with a 3M adhesive sticker/backing in case you don't have a dishwasher that the magnet can normally hold onto (like one with a plastic front finish). The front of the magnet has that rubbery soft material and the letters and hand images are slightly raised up which was a nice touch. I did warn the kids not to drag it along the stainless steel finish or it would scratch and so far so good! I think the way it was presented on arrival in this great little box shows that the manufacturer/seller really wants to make a good impression on the buyer.

I am super happy with this purchase! It does everything I needed to do especially when I no longer have to answer one more question from the kids everyday! Ha!

To buy on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B017NKI3KS

Kingstar Pet Grooming Kit


An absolutely fabulous set of grooming supplies. I got tired of the high cost of taking my dog to the groomer all the time so I vowed I would just learn how to do it myself. Since I made this decision, I have purchased an Andis electric clipper I was using an old set of hairstyling clippers for the rest of her touch ups. Now I am so excited that I have this new set to add to my dog grooming stuff!

Manufacturing of the actual holding case itself was very well done. It is very thin, had good stitching, is easily storable, and the zipper was smooth. In looking over each individual scissor piece, I noticed that all came in their own plastic sleeves and were very sharp upon arrival.  I love the fact that you can unscrew them to have them sharpened separately whenever the time comes (my old set didn't come apart). The fact that they also included a small bit of oil to keep the scissors nice and lubricated was a fantastic plus. The additional comb that was also included is great for getting out knots and giving a quick comb through.

I couldn't be more pleased with this little set! It has everything that I needed to have in order to ensure my dog is always looking her best!
I receive this product at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

To buy on Amazon:  http://amzn.com/B016QL3VHA

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Ulife-JOY U80 Smart Bluetooth Watch

Are you looking for a watch that will give you some nice reminders to stay healthy?  Then this is a great entry level smart watch for you.  I had long wanted a smartwatch that could talk to my phone and I could take calls from.  Such a great new technology I think.  But before I tell you my pros and cons on this item, let me talk about the feel of the watch.

As I looked over the product, it appeared well made with no major manufacturing defects of pieces of plastic sticking out anywhere.  The band was a very nice soft silicone-feel like material which was very comfortable on my wrist.  Now, I have very small wrists and I did find a small 'con' in that the way this strap is designed to go on, it's very difficult to snap the button and pull the band through the hole on your own with 1 hand.  That said, the face of the smart watch is a bit larger than my wrist but that is just me.  The display is a very nice brightness and that can be turned down in settings to conserve more battery life.  Speaking of battery - With a common day usage it had to be charged by noon of the next day.  This can vary from user to user but the battery life is not terribly long.  The plastic face touchscreen does tend to get pretty smudgy with alot of swiping I noticed.  The overall feel on my wrist was extremely comfortable.

As others have said, you'll need an app on your phone to get this to work in order to take calls and get notifications you normally see on your phone.  The app to get from the Google Play Store is: Mediatek SmartDevice.  (I have a Samsung Galaxy S5 running Marshmallow).  Once I had that installed and connected to the smartphone (via the app) everything started to work correctly.  The one thing to not is that the app will automatically have every app possible notification to 'on'.  This can get quit annoying as there is no way to just scroll through them all via the watch.

The reminders to drink and get up from sitting were very nice.  A good activity reminder and with the pedometer app it can help you reach your goal # of steps.  I also took a call with my husband using the watch and he said I came through nice and clear.  He even sounded pretty good to me too.  Music was just ok, but I didn't expect much because....after all....it's supposed to be a watch.  And you can't move very far away from your phone before it disconnects.  Plus it doesn't reconnect automatically - you have to manually go in each time to connect it to your phone.  There's no ability to add/delete/move apps from their current locations as well.  Texts - You can read them on the watch but you will still have to reply on your phone.  Same for email.
BUT!  With all that said, this watch can do a basic things very well.  The display is great, the ability to make and receive calls clearly is a huge plus and the ability to alert you via vibration of a notification that could be an important text is really good.  The occasional reminders to drink and move are also very nice.
I do really like the simplicity of the watch but the lack of any real user settings is somewhat frustrating.

To buy on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B019FSWYYW

Nicrew LED Clip-On Light for Aquariums


I decided to set up a new aquarium in my office as it really helps when I work to be able over and see my betta and neons swimming around. I love to recycle old things and so I took my son's old aquarium tank to use, but unfortunately the hood had cracked and I had to throw it away. So I thought to myself, why don't I get one of those new aquarium LED clip lights?

First let me tell you about the product itself. As I looked over the light, arm, the plastic pieces, and the plug, I could find no major manufacturing defects at all. The lamp was light in the hand the flexibility was extremely good. The amount of light the LED put out was fantastic. It had the nice blue lights for nighttime, or I can use the full white lights during the day. This is a great little screw on lamp (it's not truly a clip), but sadly, it didn't fit the rim of my aquarium. I really do like the product and will need to figure out how I can attach it as the plastic rim around my aquarium was too thick for the screw clamp area to go over. (You can see my video to understand what I'm talking about.) Essentially, the space between the screw tightening side and the main part it screws into or against is only 1 cm wide and my plastic area around my aquarium is 1 & 3/4 cm. No matter what I tried to do I couldn't get it to fit. I will need to think up some other way to make it work as I did receive this as a review product and would hate to send it back. But for everyone reading this, just know that my issue didn't affect the functionality of the product at all. Hopefully it will fit yours!

To buy on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B01CNE45VK

Sminiker Anti-Bark Collar


I had previously ordered a anti-bark collar and it's him to be working well and also had the sensitivity setting. However after a short while it did stop working and now I've picked up this brand of dog collar in the hopes that it will work. So far so good.
I've got an English Springer spaniel who doesn't exactly bark very loud but does sort of a 'boof' sound but when she gets going she can't seem to stop even after she's been commanded to.

What I like best about this particular collar is that the sensitivity and shock can be tested with the little tool that comes with the product. I do like how it gives two warning beeps first and then will slowly increase in shock intensity. The nylon strap is made of a good material and I could find no major manufacturing defects in the actual big pieceIt's self. Although it takes a special battery, which most do, I had no trouble figuring it out and inserting the battery and then putting the strap over the covering.

After putting it on my dog and watching her for a while, sure enough I knew when the postman would be coming to deliver a box to my door. It worked beautifully and gave her enough time between beeps and the shock that she got the idea quickly. I will update this review should it fail to function after a short period of time like my last one, but right now, I am very happy with it.

To buy on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B01B2K6V9K

Rover Adventure Gear Nylon Hammock


I decided to pick up another small light hammock for when my family and I go camping. Since I have two kids, each one must have their own so things are fair. One of the best things that I loved about this hammock was the fact that you can stuff it right back in the bag which does not detach from the hammock itself. The more things that I don't have to find at the end of the camping trip to pack up the better!

In looking over the hammock sewing it appeared that it was relatively well made and the stitching would be strong along the edges. The carabiners where very sturdy and although this doesn't come with classic tree straps, they did include some rope that can be used. The only item that I had an issue with was when I put stress on the seam between the colors, it did give a little bit and tear somewhat although this was pressure applied to one specific area, and I don't think it would have torn significantly for someone just laying in. The nylon is very thin and can be a bit hot if you are laying in it somewhere sunny, but it's very lightweight and in that respect it will work well for me with a child's weight inside.

My two kids and I set it up easily but I decided to use some tree straps instead of the rope that was included.All three of us climbed in and it could support our combined weight which was around 350 pounds. The kids were totally excited that each of them have one now. Overall I think it's a very nicely made entry-level hammock, however you must be careful as the nylon is relatively thin and could get punctured or torn very easily on a sharp branch, etc.

http://amzn.com/B01D12RHUY

Classic Dwelling Salt & Pepper Grinder Set


It really was time for me to replace my old salt and pepper shakers.I still have two little turkeys sitting on my table that we've been using since Thanksgiving! These are extremely well grinders, and a bit larger than what I had expected. However these look great sitting by my stove and look good when I put them on the table.

I love the fact that depending on which way you turn the grinder it will change how course the spice comes out. That's a super nice plus in my book. I also love that the bottom part is glass and not some cheap clear plastic plus it can hold so much. (This makes for way less time between refills). The metal pieces were nice and smooth and the turning mechanism is a little stiff but that is to be expected when grinding. I had no issues with the grinding mechanism at all.
Overall a very well made product!


To buy on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B01AB29DB8

Ripstop Ultralight Parachute Nylon Hammock


I really do like this very, very light nylon hammock for back trail backpacking or for camping. It is extremely light, Much more than I would have thought just looking at. The size of the bag is small and can easily be stored in a small place.

As I looked over the manufacturing of the product on each end where the carabiners attach was very good and strong. I did a stress test on those areas and they held up well. I could find no major flaws or defects in the carabiners or the ropes used at each end. As for the tree straps, those were perfect. The rings are welded together and the carabiners are nice and strong. Add to the fact that it can fit in the same storage is a total plus!

The only thing that I wish have been better was the stitching between the colors on the hammock. You can see in my video, I gave a stress test here and could hear/see some slight tearing. Granted, I did put stress on only one piece versus if someone was laying all the way stretched out it. I think that if something sharp got too close to this nylon or accidentally got caught on a branch, it could potentially tear.

When we set it up to try it out on the trees, straps held up extremely well with my son, daughter, and I in it. (Collectively we would weigh about 350 pounds.) I do like the product very much and find that it will be a big bonus for the next camping trip!

To buy on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B015Q1T16Q