Monday, February 29, 2016

Wine aerator

So I don't drink very often, but when I do I like to have something that tastes good. I've had hard time finding wines I like and wondering what it is about wines that people like. Well I've never used an aerator before and boy I had no idea what I was missing! I opened a bottle of wine I received for my birthday and tasted it without the aerator. I was fruity but had a heavy flavour to it. So then I inserted this aerator into the bottle and poured another half glass. The first words out of my mouth was WHAT THE HE**? How adding oxygen can change the taste of something that much is beyond me, the wine seemed lighter, more refreshing and actually more pleasant.
So take it from someone who is in no way a wine connoisseur, having one of these is well worth the money to improve the flavour of even a cheaper wine, plus it looks really cool too!

*I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion. No one likes things that suck.

#MLVOCWineAeratorPourer

http://www.amazon.com/MLVOC-Travel-sized-Aerating-Decanter-Accessories/dp/B01AHJ45B8/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1454933079&sr=8-13&keywords=mlvoc

Powercube Charger

This this is a lifesaver. Ok maybe not a life saver but it really helps me out in the kitchen. We have a two level island and there is an outlet on the side wall where the island steps down. It lays sideways and is a pain in the a**. If I want to use my mixer there, the plug is too bulky and doesn't fit, or someone else has something plugged in that covers the two outlets. The area is too small to plug in one of those multi plug adapters and I did not want an extension cord sitting there.
Then this arrived. Its PERFECT!. It eliminates the problem of plugs not being able to fit, and with the USB ports that's one less thing to have plugged in. I also love that it has a power switch, so if we're not using it we can just turn it off.

*I received this product free or at a discount in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion. No one likes things that suck.

#powerstrip
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ANJW6XG

The Oriental Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder

I looked over some of the other reviews before trying this brand of Matcha and its clear to me that this is not what most would consider Matcha. Matcha is a Japanese specialty and the process of growing, harvesting, and cultivating it is very different than any other tea. Also this is from China, where the soil, terrain, and cultivation methods are different.

That being said, this product does state that it is from China, not Japan. I compared this to my other Matcha brands that I have and I found the colour is no where near as vibrant and Japanese Matcha, which stems from it having been cultivated in a manner as a regular tea would. The scent and flavour were both much stronger, bolder, and bitter. It does have a grassy taste to it as other reviewers have mentioned and I would not drink this as a tea, but using it for baking or smoothies works fine, I just use a little less since it is more bitter.

I gave this 4 stars because it really isn't a true Matcha, I would say this is the Folgers compared to say a Blue Mountain Jamaican coffee comparison.

*I received this product free or at a discount in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion. No one likes things that suck.

#MatchaGreenTeaPowder
http://www.amazon.com/Matcha-Green-Powder-100-Organic/dp/B0168EU2M2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8
http://www.theorientalorganic.com




First aid kit

Great little bag to keep in the car in case of emergencies. You never know when you may need a band-aid or a thermal blanker (If your car breaks down in the middle of winter). This is a must have for everyone because you never know when disaster will strike, even if its just a paper cut. Small enough to fit in the glove compartment or console of your car, or backpack or anything else you might carry or to just have around your house. I love that it comes in a zippered case rather than a bulky plastic box.

*I received this product free or at a discount in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion. No one likes things that suck.

#survivalhax
http://www.amazon.com/First-Aid-Kit-Emergency-Survival/dp/B01B5PVWMS
http://survivalhax.com/products/emergency-first-aid-kit


Aposon Mens Digital Waterproof Sport Watch

I wasn't sure about this watch at first because the face is so big, but my son in law actually likes it. It was easy to program, came with instructions and has a cool LED light for when you're in the dark. It's nothing fancy but neither is the price, so if you're looking for an inexpensive watch that functions well, and is easy to use this would be for you.

*I received this product free or at a discount in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion. No one likes things that suck.

#Aposon
http://www.amztk.com/1068

Garden Hose Nozzle

I haven't gotten a chance to really use this too much since it's winter and we got hit with almost 2 feet of snow recently, but what I can say is this feels like good quality construction, hasn't leaked, no problems with any of the spray options and I like that its a bright colour, makes it easier to find in the grass. The biggest plus is that it comes with an off/off adapter, EXCELLENT, especially when I want to change the sprayer out for the kids for the sprinkler. For $10 I think this is a great deal.

*I received this product free or at a discount in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion. No one like things that suck.

#carefulgardener
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0103G33QI


Pizza Cutter

First I will say this is much smaller than my other pizza cutter, but it works great. The blade isn't wobbly as a few other have mentioned and is very sharp and cut through out pizza with no problems, the handle is pristine and fits well in my hand. It looks very sharp too, although that's not usually a concern I have when it comes to utensils.
The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because of how small it is, there is no way it would cut through a deep dish or Chicago style pizza. If it were larger it would be 5 stars easy.

*I received this product free or at a discount in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion. No one likes things that suck.

#pizzacutter
http://www.amazon.com/Wilkwish-Premium-Pizza-Cutter-Slicer/dp/B01AA9FY3I/ref=sr_1_51?ie=UTF8&qid=1455603542&sr=8-51&keywords=pizza+cutter&tag=pizza%20cutter



Automatic Pencil Sharpener

This thing is pretty awesome. Stick your pencil in a bit, it pulls it to the sharpener, sharpens it, then spits it back out. Pretty genius! We've been looking for a new sharpener for a while because all the ones we have are no good, so far this has done the job perfectly!

*I received this product free or at a discount in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion. No one likes things that suck.

#sharpenerimikas

http://www.amazon.com/Electric-Pencil-Sharpener-Automatic-Office/dp/B018Y7CNPK/?ie=UTF8&keywords=pencil+sharpener

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Original Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow

So I've read through a lot of the reviews and I found one thing in common: most people assume memory foam means soft and fluffy. Well, I hate to break it to you, it doesn't. Memory foam can be firm or soft, there are different types, try going to a mattress story and you'll see what I mean. I love some memory foam pillows and hate others, because it just depends on the type and firmness of the product used to make it.

The foam in this product is pretty firm, so if you don't like firm, this pillow isn't for you. Plus it is SUPER fluffy, which is fine with me. It comes basically shrink wrapped and you toss it in the dryer for about 10 minutes and BAM, full fluff. Pretty cool if you ask me.
I find it comfortable for side sleeping but not tummy sleeping, it's too big for that unless I want to use it under my body as well. It is long for a typical queen pillow but I'm ok with that too, I have some King pillow cases I put on it and they fit great.

My reason for not giving this 5 stars is I think all of these pillows should be adjustable, all it takes is a little zipper on the side and the consumer can remove as much or as little of the foam as they like. They do sell an adjustable one, but it just seems sensible to me for them all to be that way.

*I received this product free or at a discount in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion. No one likes things that suck.

#OriginalBambooPillow
Company site: Original Bamboo
Amazon link: Original Bamboo



Probiotic Supplement Powder for Dogs and Cats

I've used DE around my house for a while in the summer to help prevent fleas, but until this product I had no idea they could consume it to help prevent and fight off intestinal parasites! What a bonus!
I have 3 dogs that have been taking this for about 2 weeks now; a GSD/Lab, around 100 lbs, a Husky/Corgi around 40lbs, and a Min Pin/Dacshund around 25 lbs. They all tolerate it well, except the little one, if he gets too much he gets very gassy, so I have been giving it to him every other day instead of every day and that has helped with the gas.
Since they started taking probiotics they have had more energy and have had a better demeanour and seem happier and more playful. We have also switched their food, which I'm sure had made a difference as well.

It is a bit messy, but I'm guessing that is due to the diatomaceous earth, it is naturally a fine powder. I keep the scoop out of the container so I'm not digging for it and making a mess when I open it and that helps eliminate a lot of the messyness. The daily dose is very small so this container will last me quite a while.

*I received this product free or at a discount in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion. No one likes things that suck.

#AgilePetSupplies
http://www.amazon.com/Probiotic-Supplement-Icelandic-Vitamins-Digestive/dp/B015D9DBKS/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1453850465&sr=1-1&keywords=B015D9DBKS


Au Naturel Origins Premium Bamboo Washcloths

These are actually pretty nice wash cloths. I lean towards anything made from Bamboo due to its sustainability. Also these are incredibly soft. I have had no issues with them falling apart or snagging, my only issue is lots of shrinkage, although I did wash them prior to reading the washing instructions. I washed them in cold and didn't notice a difference but I dried them like I dry all my other towels, definitely not the best thing to do. Even though they did shrink, they are still usable. I use them on my face and its a great balance between softness and enough abrasion for exfoliation. Definitely recommend if you aren't afraid of them shrinking a bit.

*I received this product free or at a discount in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion. No one likes things that suck.

#AuNaturelOrigins
http://aunaturelorigins.com

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Aposon Dual Time Watch - Mens

So I wasn't sure what I would think of this watch until it arrived and I have to say, its pretty darn cool. Its going to be a gift for a relative whom I think is going to love it. The quality of the face seems incredible considering it's listed at only $12.99. The band isn't anything to shout about but it looks decent, and will keep it on your wrist.
I would like this better and would have given it 5 stars if you could change the bands, but I don't believe you can. Also it states its waterproof but then recommends you don't wear it in the shower. I'm guessing this may have something to do with metal vs hurting it internally, but I'm not sure. Also it states it is supposed to some with instructions, but mine did not. However, for the price, I felt 4 stars was an acceptable rating.

*I received this product free or at a discount in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion. No one likes things that suck.

#Aposon
http://www.amztk.com/hp9591


Pruning saw

I have to admit this pruning saw is much sharper than I expected. It has a plastic handle with a release button for opening and closing the saw, nice touch. Its VERY sharp, which makes me happy, and handles the smaller branches quite well. This would be perfect for camping and cutting up smaller bits for firewood and kindling. The only thing I would suggest to the manufacturer is to somehow make it easier to grab the blade when pulling it open so your fingers aren't so close to the blade edge. Other than that, this thing works pretty well.

*I received this product free or at a discount in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion. No one likes things that suck.

#CGpruningsaw
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B018N0S6OK


Cat perch

This thing is actually pretty cool. I was skeptical after reading some of the reviews, but I was given a chance to check out the newer version at a discount and figured it wouldn't hurt.
One thing I noticed people complained about was that they had to put it together. That is no longer the case, mine came already assembled, all I had to do was add the suction cups, which is really simple (I made a video in case someone needs a quick heads up).
I also noticed people complained it didn't stay suctioned to the window, and at that point it looks like the suction cups were much smaller than they ones they include now. I decided to test this out on my fat cat that weighs over 10lbs to see how it would handle the weight, and to my surprise it help him! The width of this just barely fits on my front door, where he would get most of the sun, but it did fit none the less.
In my opinion if you want something like this for your cat, this is a great thing to try now that it has some upgrades, so far I haven't had any issues, but if I do I will update my review.

*I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion. No one likes things that suck.

#catwindowperch
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0196V4TDC



Wine Chilling Stick

This is pretty nifty. While not an avid wine drinker, when we have gatherings at our house we always have wine available and it usually gets left on the counter, so having a chilling stick is a fabulous idea to keep it from getting warm too quickly. It also comes with a pourer, which is NOT an aerator, although if this came with an aerator as well, this would be 5 stars easily, but since it doesn't it adds a step for me because I love my wine aerator and don't drink wine without it.

*I received this product free or at a discount in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion. No one likes things that suck.

#MulberrWine
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0199MIX4E



Portion control containers

My biggest issue on my journey to healthier eating and living is over indulgence. Not necessarily by choice, but because I've never been sure how much is the right amount. When I got the chance to try these out I was very excited, I could finally see what my portions should look like! But after receiving these and trying to figure it out, I realised there's much more to portion control than the physical size of your portions.

Take dried raisins vs blue berries, a cup of dried raisins is over 200 calories but a cup of blue berries is only 81, so while what your consuming may fit the physical size of the portion, you're essentially comparing apples and oranges, to use a relate-able idiom. Same goes for veggies, a half cup of peas is about 58 calories where a half cup of cucumber is roughly 7.

I was dismayed there wasn't more information included with these, while it does give you directions on how to figure out your needed caloric intake it doesn't give any info on overcoming the issue in regards to portion sizes. If it did this I would certainly give this more stars because I feel as is the people who pick this up and are still learning about how to manage portions vs intake would be incredibly confused and could be doing this all wrong.

Something that I think would raise the value of this idea is including a list of "100 calorie" options or something along those lines.

All in all I still gave this 3 stars because the containers are quite nice, sealable and reusable.

*I received this product free or at a discount in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion. No one likes things that suck.

#PortioControContainers
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B018X9GBS4