Monday, February 29, 2016
"Forest Secrets" by Laurie Woodward Review!
As an educator, I am continuously exposed to children's and young adult books. I won't lie...I basically do not read outside of the teen/YA genre anymore! I believe it's the magic, imagination, and letting go of the need to have everything be real and logical that draws me in.
Laurie Woodward has done an excellent job of creating this environment for belief, even in the mind of an adult, in "Forest Secrets".
I love the aspects of fantasy in this book (tree people) but what really makes it are the very real emotions that I've experienced myself (not believing in myself, parental separation). The fact that there's a conflict to overcome through finding courage within (it's hard not to spoil!!! I could say so much!!!) And the message of taking care of our earth is fantastic for young readers.
Overall, I'm very pleased with this book. I feel like it's justature enough to feel like the young reader isn't being "talked down"on but is also appropiate.
I received a sample copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have a relationship with the seller.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Linkyo Coffee Press Review!
Upon opening the box, Gage was impressed with it's look. It's VERY shiny! The surface is reflective and sharp looking. The Stainless Steel means that it's not going to tarnish or rust anytime soon! ;)
The press has a nice weight to it. It's not cheaply made at all. It feels nice in the hand and is comfortable to hold. It sits securely and evenly on the countertop, despite looking so narrow at the bottom!
As far as function goes, the spout is narrow and juts out. This helps provide an even and SAFE flow. The lid has a knob that is easy to grasp, and the press overall is very easy to use. It's sizable, and allows for enough coffee to be made for several!
Overall, this is a beautiful piece of equipment. If you're looking for a press, we highly suggest this one!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have a relationship with the seller of any kind.
Turtles Pacifier Clip Bundle Review!
My husband and I have recently found out that we're expecting a baby later this year. While this is exciting, it's also terrifying. This is our first and I honestly have no idea how to hold, change, feed, or ANYTHING a baby! EEEK! To help with this stress, we're stockpiling all that we can as far as baby essentials and conveniences go, and we're planning on taking classes!
One of the "essentials" that I knew we needed was pacifier clips! This set in particular is SO nice for a few reasons!
First: They're VERY well made. The stitching is nice, tight, and even. There's no dangerous loose strings. The elastic is stitched very securely to the strap. The clip is secured very tightly to the strap as well! The clips operate smoothly and the grip that they have is fantastic!
Second: These are ADORABLE! The patterns/images could be considered gender neutral! My favorite is the kitty head one! It's perfect for any cat lover!
Finally: This set comes with a VERY nice protective (from dirt and germs!) case. It's hard, snaps shut easily, and is easy to find in a box of stuff.
Overall, this is a precious set that can back up it's image with great quality! If you're looking for a unique shower gift, consider this!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating and I was not compensated for my review. I do not have any kind of relationship with the seller.
One of the "essentials" that I knew we needed was pacifier clips! This set in particular is SO nice for a few reasons!
First: They're VERY well made. The stitching is nice, tight, and even. There's no dangerous loose strings. The elastic is stitched very securely to the strap. The clip is secured very tightly to the strap as well! The clips operate smoothly and the grip that they have is fantastic!
Second: These are ADORABLE! The patterns/images could be considered gender neutral! My favorite is the kitty head one! It's perfect for any cat lover!
Finally: This set comes with a VERY nice protective (from dirt and germs!) case. It's hard, snaps shut easily, and is easy to find in a box of stuff.
Overall, this is a precious set that can back up it's image with great quality! If you're looking for a unique shower gift, consider this!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating and I was not compensated for my review. I do not have any kind of relationship with the seller.
20 Count Chalk Markers by LINKYO Review!
Chalk markers are a LOT of fun! This set of 20 from LINKYO, if anything, is even MORE fun because this is the biggest set I've seen so far!
The quality of the markers is great! The ink flows smoothly and evenly from the tip, the tips are reversible, and I had no issues getting them started. If you struggle with this, follow the instructions on the box and pop the tip INTO the marker, and hold it upside down on a piece of paper. The ink should flow through pretty quickly! The tip of the marker glides easily across chalkboard labels, glass, plastic, and basically any non-porous surface you can think of! The ink goes on thick, but it DOES come off easily with just some water.
Something that I really liked about this set was that the markers are FULL! I've purchased sets in the past that didn't last long, just because they were only 1/2 full to start with! You REALLY get your money's worth with these guys! As I mentioned, this set comes with 20 markers. That's a HUGE set! The best part about it is the JEWEL tones! I love the burgundy, plum, and teal-y colors! There are a lot of variations of the basics that are nice to have for shading or just more interesting coloring!
The markers are weighted nicely and are easy to hold and use. Little hands can grasp them easily (I've used them in my classroom!).
If you're looking for an AMAZING set of chalk markers, look no further! You're sure to be envied with your colors that go FAR beyond the typical set!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have a relationship with the seller.
10 Count Linkyo Chalk Markers Review!
Chalk markers are a LOT of fun! This set of 10 set from LINKYO is no exception!
The quality of the markers is great! The ink flows smoothly and evenly from the tip, the tips are reversible, and I had no issues getting them started. If you struggle with this, follow the instructions on the box and pop the tip INTO the marker, and hold it upside down on a piece of paper. The ink should flow through pretty quickly! The tip of the marker glides easily across chalkboard labels, glass, plastic, and basically any non-porous surface you can think of! The ink goes on thick, but it DOES come off easily with just some water.
Something that I really liked about this set was that the markers are FULL! I've purchased sets in the past that didn't last long, just because they were only 1/2 full to start with! You REALLY get your money's worth with these guys! As I mentioned, this set comes with 10markers. That's a good beginner set! The best part about it is the NEON tones! I love them!
The markers are weighted nicely and are easy to hold and use. Little hands can grasp them easily (I've used them in my classroom!).
If you're looking for an AMAZING set of chalk markers, look no further! You're sure to be envied with your colors that go FAR beyond the typical set!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have a relationship with the seller.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
MamaWay Baby Sling Review!
Recently, my husband and I found out that we're expecting. I've been doing a lot of research on what makes life more convenient for parents. I won't lie...I'm freaking out a little, as this is our first go-around!
From what I've researched, baby slings are a convenient way to keep your baby nearby while completing tasks that you normally wouldn't be able to, due to having your hands full of baby. This makes me happy because I rarely (besides being so morning sick all day lately....) like to be doing nothing. Being on breaks from work (I'm a teacher) make me very antsy. I like to be doing SOMETHING, even if it's just reading or playing games. Having this sling will make that easy to do.
Of course, my first thought it to give the sling a thorough check-over. I was really happy to see that EVERYTHING is durable. THAT makes me feel secure in using this sling. The material itself is made of a thick cotton. At first it reminded me of a bed sheet, but it's much thicker and a little coarser than that. This provides extra support. I then took a look at the stitching. The stitching is important because I don't want this thing breaking on me! I also want to make sure that it can stand up to being washed without fraying or raveling. The stitching is very neat and looks to be done over twice. There are no loose strings anywhere which is good because I don't want those strings cutting our baby or myself!
The stitching around the two rings is VERY well done, and the reinforcement there is awesome! Overall, I really like this sling. It's a comfortable material, the stitching is very well done, it is easy to loop through the rings, and it is adjustable for all sizes of adults and babies! If you're looking for a great, safe, quality sling, this is it!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have any sort of relationship with the seller.
From what I've researched, baby slings are a convenient way to keep your baby nearby while completing tasks that you normally wouldn't be able to, due to having your hands full of baby. This makes me happy because I rarely (besides being so morning sick all day lately....) like to be doing nothing. Being on breaks from work (I'm a teacher) make me very antsy. I like to be doing SOMETHING, even if it's just reading or playing games. Having this sling will make that easy to do.
Of course, my first thought it to give the sling a thorough check-over. I was really happy to see that EVERYTHING is durable. THAT makes me feel secure in using this sling. The material itself is made of a thick cotton. At first it reminded me of a bed sheet, but it's much thicker and a little coarser than that. This provides extra support. I then took a look at the stitching. The stitching is important because I don't want this thing breaking on me! I also want to make sure that it can stand up to being washed without fraying or raveling. The stitching is very neat and looks to be done over twice. There are no loose strings anywhere which is good because I don't want those strings cutting our baby or myself!
The stitching around the two rings is VERY well done, and the reinforcement there is awesome! Overall, I really like this sling. It's a comfortable material, the stitching is very well done, it is easy to loop through the rings, and it is adjustable for all sizes of adults and babies! If you're looking for a great, safe, quality sling, this is it!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have any sort of relationship with the seller.
Arm the Animals Catastrophe 2.0 Shirt Review!
Arm the Animals is a business that I had seen advertised over and over on Facebook. However, as I had been ripped off several times from purchasing products through Facebook ads, I wasn't keen to purchase from them, despite how AWESOME their products looked. I was terrified because I had literally had my entire bank account compromised because of one of these shopping experiences.
I really liked how edgy Arm the Animals' line of clothing is. The artwork is very unique and it definitely sticks in your memory! I wanted something different, but again, I was worried about the risk.
Looking at ATA's website, you can easily navigate to find what they're about. Their mission is simple: while not completely non-profit, the company donates a portion of their sales to help animals in need. I love that they've taken a movement with a typically negative image and distanced themselves by being simple: donating to help animals. There are no radical messages or hate speech spewing from their social media outlets. This is refreshing and gives the movement a new face. So thank you for that, ATA!
I was VERY excited to receive this shirt. My concentration in college was linoleum printmaking, and the hard-edge style of the kitten on the shirt reminded me a lot of that. This also creates a very striking image that stands out, even from a distance. It's easy to see WHAT the image is of and the detail is great. When I first opened the package, I noticed how SOFT the shirt is! It wasn't stiff at all and felt like it had been loved for years! The image is printed onto the shirt and isn't painted on, so it's not crunchy feeling. The stitching on the sleeves, seams, and collar is all even and durable. It's nicely done. There are no loose strings, weak spots, or holes on this shirt anywhere. Another plus in the comfort department is that the shirt is tagless. The information is printed on the inside of the back of the shirt, so no itching!
Overall, this is a comfortable, unique, and meaningful shirt! When you purchase, you're helping animals! Everyone wins! Give it as a gift that the recipient will LOVE or keep it for yourself! Either way, it's awesome and you need one! smile emoticon
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have a relationship with the company.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Goodog Collapsible Dog Bowl Set Review!
With so many animals running around this house, it can be nearly impossible to find a treat bag or bowl when I need it. It seems that they're always being carried off, chewed up, or just disappearing into thin air! When we do major cleans, we will find some...but for the most part, bowls don't fare well around here because they're so hard to keep up with. However, now that I've got an amazing set, that is in the past!
I was so excited to receive Goodog's collapsible bowl set. I didn't look too closely at the listing, so I was VERY surprised and happy to see that each bowl came with a color-coordinated whistle and key-chain clip when it arrived. Each of these are removable, and were clipped to the bowl. I didn't care what colors I received. I literally had no preference. I didn't know what to expect there, but I do know that I didn't expect the colors to be SO vibrant! They are very eye-catching, so if you were to drop one outside somewhere, you should be able to find it pretty easily!
Of course, once I finished playing with the dog whistle, I had to collapse and recollapse the bowls over and over to see if they showed any signs of wearing out or difficulty in folding. To that test, these bowls definitely pass! It's so easy to open and close them! The bowls are DEEP, also! Much deeper than I expected! The rim of the bowl is what keeps it together. It is a hard, durable plastic that doesn't bend or show any signs of strain as the rest of the bowl moves.
Overall, I really like this set of bowls. They're going to be something that we take care of, just for the convenience! Long car rides will be made much easier in that I can fold the bowl down and stick it between my seats! If you're looking for a pet bowl for any reason, this set is for you!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have a relationship with the seller.
I was so excited to receive Goodog's collapsible bowl set. I didn't look too closely at the listing, so I was VERY surprised and happy to see that each bowl came with a color-coordinated whistle and key-chain clip when it arrived. Each of these are removable, and were clipped to the bowl. I didn't care what colors I received. I literally had no preference. I didn't know what to expect there, but I do know that I didn't expect the colors to be SO vibrant! They are very eye-catching, so if you were to drop one outside somewhere, you should be able to find it pretty easily!
Of course, once I finished playing with the dog whistle, I had to collapse and recollapse the bowls over and over to see if they showed any signs of wearing out or difficulty in folding. To that test, these bowls definitely pass! It's so easy to open and close them! The bowls are DEEP, also! Much deeper than I expected! The rim of the bowl is what keeps it together. It is a hard, durable plastic that doesn't bend or show any signs of strain as the rest of the bowl moves.
Overall, I really like this set of bowls. They're going to be something that we take care of, just for the convenience! Long car rides will be made much easier in that I can fold the bowl down and stick it between my seats! If you're looking for a pet bowl for any reason, this set is for you!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have a relationship with the seller.
MyHomie Anti-Slip Bath Mat Review
Our bath tub is made of some sort of plastic. I can't tell you how many times I've nearly busted my rear getting into and out of the tub. If shampoo or something of the sort has spilled in there? Forget about it. It's SO much slicker! As bad as it is for me, I'm used to it! My poor pets, on the other hand, have a REALLY rough go about it. Recently, I've found out that I'm pregnant so as I grow bigger, I know that my balance will be off and I'll be at higher risk for slipping. THAT was my main motivation for trying the MyHomie Anti-Slip Bath Mat out.
When I received this mat, it was rolled up nicely and inside of a plastic bag. This kept it from coming in contact with the other things I had ordered (essential oils). As soon as I opened it, I noticed that it's actually quite sizable. It is big enough to cover a good section of our tub. The most noticeable thing about this mat is the GIANT grips on it. They're about the size of a quarter and look kind of like hot glue blobs! These are fantastic for ensuring that you don't fall.
The mat is made of a foam-like material, and has ridges through it, going cross-ways. This will be VERY easy to clean with our removable/adjustable shower head.
Overall, this is a nice mat and it provides an AWESOME grip, even if wet. If you're looking for something to make your tub safer for pets, children, and elderly, this is it!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have any kind of relationship with the seller.
Get yours here!
When I received this mat, it was rolled up nicely and inside of a plastic bag. This kept it from coming in contact with the other things I had ordered (essential oils). As soon as I opened it, I noticed that it's actually quite sizable. It is big enough to cover a good section of our tub. The most noticeable thing about this mat is the GIANT grips on it. They're about the size of a quarter and look kind of like hot glue blobs! These are fantastic for ensuring that you don't fall.
The mat is made of a foam-like material, and has ridges through it, going cross-ways. This will be VERY easy to clean with our removable/adjustable shower head.
Overall, this is a nice mat and it provides an AWESOME grip, even if wet. If you're looking for something to make your tub safer for pets, children, and elderly, this is it!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have any kind of relationship with the seller.
Get yours here!
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
AMIE Finery Tunic Top Review!
I was excited to see this top, because I've had a VERY hard time finding tops that will go with my leggings and cover my rear. I'm 5'8.5" and EVERYTHING is too short for me. My problem is that I have a long torso. It SUCKS! I LOVE my leggings, but I don't like having my bottom uncovered. I'm that way with jeans, too. I just feel immodest and unprofessional.
When I received this top, it was packaged nicely in a plastic wrap to keep it from getting messed up or dirty. Since it shipped with other items, this was a good thing. Pulling it out of the bag, I noticed first how nice the top is. It is nice and flow-y and feels very soft to the touch. I wasn't sure how it would be to wear it, but the next day I found out.
Unfortunately, when I put the top on, I realized that it was see-through. I had to wear a tank top underneath to keep my stomach and chest from being visible. It's not that I'm stretching it thin (thought I may have been in the chest). The stomach part is very flow-y and loose, and I could still see through it. Like I said, though, there's plenty of room to wear a tank top to solve the problem.
The only thing that I didn't like about this top was that it's not as long as I had hoped. It doesn't allow me to wear leggings confidently. It could be my freakish proportions. I'm not sure as I haven't asked anyone else to try it on. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it and will keep it around as a dress top.
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have any sort of relationship with the seller.
When I received this top, it was packaged nicely in a plastic wrap to keep it from getting messed up or dirty. Since it shipped with other items, this was a good thing. Pulling it out of the bag, I noticed first how nice the top is. It is nice and flow-y and feels very soft to the touch. I wasn't sure how it would be to wear it, but the next day I found out.
Unfortunately, when I put the top on, I realized that it was see-through. I had to wear a tank top underneath to keep my stomach and chest from being visible. It's not that I'm stretching it thin (thought I may have been in the chest). The stomach part is very flow-y and loose, and I could still see through it. Like I said, though, there's plenty of room to wear a tank top to solve the problem.
The only thing that I didn't like about this top was that it's not as long as I had hoped. It doesn't allow me to wear leggings confidently. It could be my freakish proportions. I'm not sure as I haven't asked anyone else to try it on. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it and will keep it around as a dress top.
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have any sort of relationship with the seller.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
NOVICA United Origami Bird Necklace Review!
As you may remember, I've been lucky enough to be able to work with NOVICA United in getting the word out about their handmade goodies! I've been able to review a hand-woven blanket, some crane earrings and now: a beautiful, BEAUTIFUL Origami Bird necklace.
The pair of earrings that I reviewed recently were crafted by an artist named Ying. This necklace, true to the quality produced in the past, is definitely no exception! I am always SO proud to wear these pieces and start conversations about them. In a world where things are cheaply made thanks to machinery, the art of designing, perfecting, and cherishing a design is lost. Ying definitely has not forgotten about this, and the proof is in this elegant bird necklace!
Thai culture, passion of the artist, and general appreciation for delicacy are very apparent in this design. I'm always blown away at how LARGE the art looks in the photos, but how small and delicate it is when it arrives! It seems that, to get that much detail and those smooth edges, a much larger size would be required. However, that's not the case, and the result is absolutely breathtaking! It's similar to my feeling about diamonds: sure...huge is expensive and eye-catching, but the clarity and simplicity of a smaller stone is much more to look at.
This pendant is VERY lightweight and that allows it to move with you! Having my movements mirrored by this little guy is just comforting! I love beautiful little things! The chain is delicate, but not cheaply made. It's strong and it catches your eye. I added an additional extender, as I like for my necklaces to be longer. It wasn't any issue to do this.
To top off the beautiful piece, you get a solid, unique looking gift bag! Even if you decide to keep it for yourself, as I did (hey...I can't imagine giving it up!! Sorry friends and family!!), you have a safe place to keep the necklace and you'll always be able to easily find it thanks to the eye-catching design on the bag.
There's also a card that tells all about the artist and the series. This bit of information is fantastic. To me, it makes it more special to know who worked on it!
Overall, this is a beautiful necklace with so much going on! It's not so simple as buying a necklace. There's a lot of culture, craftsmanship, and passion in this piece! If you're looking for a unique gift that won't soon be forgotten and will be cherished forever, this is it!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I was not compensated for my review.
The pair of earrings that I reviewed recently were crafted by an artist named Ying. This necklace, true to the quality produced in the past, is definitely no exception! I am always SO proud to wear these pieces and start conversations about them. In a world where things are cheaply made thanks to machinery, the art of designing, perfecting, and cherishing a design is lost. Ying definitely has not forgotten about this, and the proof is in this elegant bird necklace!
Thai culture, passion of the artist, and general appreciation for delicacy are very apparent in this design. I'm always blown away at how LARGE the art looks in the photos, but how small and delicate it is when it arrives! It seems that, to get that much detail and those smooth edges, a much larger size would be required. However, that's not the case, and the result is absolutely breathtaking! It's similar to my feeling about diamonds: sure...huge is expensive and eye-catching, but the clarity and simplicity of a smaller stone is much more to look at.
This pendant is VERY lightweight and that allows it to move with you! Having my movements mirrored by this little guy is just comforting! I love beautiful little things! The chain is delicate, but not cheaply made. It's strong and it catches your eye. I added an additional extender, as I like for my necklaces to be longer. It wasn't any issue to do this.
To top off the beautiful piece, you get a solid, unique looking gift bag! Even if you decide to keep it for yourself, as I did (hey...I can't imagine giving it up!! Sorry friends and family!!), you have a safe place to keep the necklace and you'll always be able to easily find it thanks to the eye-catching design on the bag.
There's also a card that tells all about the artist and the series. This bit of information is fantastic. To me, it makes it more special to know who worked on it!
Overall, this is a beautiful necklace with so much going on! It's not so simple as buying a necklace. There's a lot of culture, craftsmanship, and passion in this piece! If you're looking for a unique gift that won't soon be forgotten and will be cherished forever, this is it!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I was not compensated for my review.
Monday, February 15, 2016
Memory Yoga - Fun for the Whole Family!
I have to say..."Memory Yoga" is truly a unique game that really gets you and your family involved! In the technological age, that can be a rare occurrence. For those of you who don't typically do much, this game is a gentle method of getting up and active!
Memory Yoga, depending on the method you play, requires players to hold a pose for 10 seconds in order to keep the cards that they have attempted to match. If you're like me, balance is definitely not your strong point. This game is a recipe for face-plants and laughs for someone with my coordination! Of course, this isn't necessarily a bad thing! In fact, it may make the game more fun for your group!
If you're playing with young children, it'll be a HOOT! On top of that, you're working with them to build their coordination and balance. From my first time looking through the cards, I learned a lot about the different poses and how to do them. I had NO experience with Yoga, but you don't need to have it to be able to play this game! Anyone can join in on the fun without having played before, and that makes this game extremely laid-back.
If you're looking for a fun time that gets your family up and moving, this is it! I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have a relationship of any kind with the seller.
Memory Yoga, depending on the method you play, requires players to hold a pose for 10 seconds in order to keep the cards that they have attempted to match. If you're like me, balance is definitely not your strong point. This game is a recipe for face-plants and laughs for someone with my coordination! Of course, this isn't necessarily a bad thing! In fact, it may make the game more fun for your group!
If you're playing with young children, it'll be a HOOT! On top of that, you're working with them to build their coordination and balance. From my first time looking through the cards, I learned a lot about the different poses and how to do them. I had NO experience with Yoga, but you don't need to have it to be able to play this game! Anyone can join in on the fun without having played before, and that makes this game extremely laid-back.
If you're looking for a fun time that gets your family up and moving, this is it! I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have a relationship of any kind with the seller.
KUKPO Mixing Bowl Review!
My goal is to work towards a kitchen that's totally decked out for baking. I LOVE making breads, cakes, pies, casseroles, etc. However, I know how obnoxious it can be to try to make something without the proper materials to make it with! My biggest pet peeve is trying to mix in a bowl that's way too small for all of the ingredients. Egg, flour, oil, and other messy things always end up on me or the counter or the floor. This makes for more time spent on clean-up.
Luckily, I have AMAZING mixing bowls from KUKPO. These guys have a lot of great features that make them excellent additions to the kitchen. First of all, these are bowls are made of DURABLE plastic. I tested them by bending them back and forth and found that they were extremely strong. They have a little bit of give, so they won't crack or shatter when hitting the floor. In fact, these guys are actually dishwasher safe, so you can wash them in confidence, too!
The bottom of the bowls has to be my favorite. They're rubberized, so the grip on the counter is fantastic. This provides resistance when you're mixing. The grip goes up about half an inch around the bowl.
The lids fit the bowls snugly and go on easily. These lids allow your mixing bowls to function as storage for your leftovers! How convenient is that??
The last aspect of these bowls that I like is that they nest inside of each other...even with the lids on! This allows you to store all of your bowls just in the amount of space it takes to store only the large bowl.
Overall, these are fantastic and I'm really enjoying them! If you're looking for a NICE set of mixing bowls, go for this one!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have any kind of relationship with the seller.
Luckily, I have AMAZING mixing bowls from KUKPO. These guys have a lot of great features that make them excellent additions to the kitchen. First of all, these are bowls are made of DURABLE plastic. I tested them by bending them back and forth and found that they were extremely strong. They have a little bit of give, so they won't crack or shatter when hitting the floor. In fact, these guys are actually dishwasher safe, so you can wash them in confidence, too!
The bottom of the bowls has to be my favorite. They're rubberized, so the grip on the counter is fantastic. This provides resistance when you're mixing. The grip goes up about half an inch around the bowl.
The lids fit the bowls snugly and go on easily. These lids allow your mixing bowls to function as storage for your leftovers! How convenient is that??
The last aspect of these bowls that I like is that they nest inside of each other...even with the lids on! This allows you to store all of your bowls just in the amount of space it takes to store only the large bowl.
Overall, these are fantastic and I'm really enjoying them! If you're looking for a NICE set of mixing bowls, go for this one!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have any kind of relationship with the seller.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Cute to the Core Flats Review!
I LOVE animals. Seriously. I have since I was a kid, and it's something I can't help. I've always preferred animals over people, even. I know...that's awful...but I'm honest!
Another love? Clothes, shoes, makeup, etc. For someone who doesn't care as much, I can be surprisingly girly! I like to look nice when I can. :)
Tie the two of these loves together and you've got me hooked! Animal shirts, scarves, sweaters, etc... I'm there! I LOVE expressing my love of animals through my clothes and accessories. To me, that's the easiest way! On top of that, they tend to be conversation pieces, as well!
When I saw Cute to the Core's animal shoes, I squealed at the Panda version. They're SO CUTE!! I knew that I HAD TO have them...and luckily, I was able to snag them!
As cute as they are in the photos, they're cuter in person! I didn't realize that my new shoes would be so awesome! The main difference is that I expected the face and ears to be painted on. I was prepared to be SUPER careful with them. However, when they arrived, I saw that the detail is actually done in stitching! This means that the design will STAY and not come off! How awesome is that??
Inside the shoe, the logo is stitched as well! I LOVE that this attention was given to the detail.
I also love that the top of the shoe is scalloped to the shape of the Panda's head instead of going straight across! It gives it more dimension.
After wearing these guys for one day I can tell you that there's really no hard breaking-in stage. I normally wear a 9.5-10 and I ordered the 10. They fit perfectly! The toe is a BIT tight at first but after a few hours, they were fine!
The shoe is made of a leather material and is easy to wipe down if you get it dirty. I was VERY happy about this as my adventures led me through dirt.
Overall, these shoes are VERY cute and WELL made. If you're looking for a cute show that not many people will have, this is a good one for you!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not compensated for my review.
Monday, February 8, 2016
Gurin Ceramic Flat Iron Review!
Since around middle school, I've straightened my hair religiously. Over time, I've come to realize that doing it daily is NOT good for it. Really, it took me having a NICE iron stolen and going for months without being able to have one! My hair grew FAST and LONG! However, that iron didn't match the quality of the irons on the market today! Since those days, ceramic irons have become a thing and straighteners are being made to actually give BACK to your hair!
The Gurin Ceramic Flat Iron is one of those straighteners!
When I opened the package, I noticed that the company placed the straightener in a small box. This is great, as it helps to preserve the Earth's resources! When I opened it, it had arrived safely and had no damage. I immediately went to plug it up to see how it worked. My major "need" in an iron is how fast it heats up. Sometimes, I'm in a hurry, and need to have it done FAST. I don't have time to wait fifteen minutes for it to heat up.
The Gurin straightener heated up FAST and it gets HOT! Of course, the temperature is adjustable...I just need the highest setting for speed and being able to get through my thick hair. Once it heated up, I carefully ran it over a section of unstraightened hair. My fear was that it would catch a strand or two in the plate and pull them out! This has happened before and it HURTS! However, the iron had no trouble with gliding over my hair and leaving it shiny, smooth, and straight with one pass.
The bag that comes with this straightener is SO amazing! It's a THICK silk/satin feeling material and the straightener slips right down into it perfectly. It's BRIGHT red and overall it's just beautiful!
Now, as I'm frantically trying to get out the door to work, I know that my iron heating up and working efficiently on my hair won't be a problem!
Overall, I really like this iron. It's fast to heat up, it's easy on my hair, and I LOVE the results! The iron is weighted nicely and is easy to hold. If you're in the market for a new straightener, why not give Gurin's Ceramic Iron a try?
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback rating or star rating. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have a relationship of any kind with the seller.
The Gurin Ceramic Flat Iron is one of those straighteners!
When I opened the package, I noticed that the company placed the straightener in a small box. This is great, as it helps to preserve the Earth's resources! When I opened it, it had arrived safely and had no damage. I immediately went to plug it up to see how it worked. My major "need" in an iron is how fast it heats up. Sometimes, I'm in a hurry, and need to have it done FAST. I don't have time to wait fifteen minutes for it to heat up.
The Gurin straightener heated up FAST and it gets HOT! Of course, the temperature is adjustable...I just need the highest setting for speed and being able to get through my thick hair. Once it heated up, I carefully ran it over a section of unstraightened hair. My fear was that it would catch a strand or two in the plate and pull them out! This has happened before and it HURTS! However, the iron had no trouble with gliding over my hair and leaving it shiny, smooth, and straight with one pass.
The bag that comes with this straightener is SO amazing! It's a THICK silk/satin feeling material and the straightener slips right down into it perfectly. It's BRIGHT red and overall it's just beautiful!
Now, as I'm frantically trying to get out the door to work, I know that my iron heating up and working efficiently on my hair won't be a problem!
Overall, I really like this iron. It's fast to heat up, it's easy on my hair, and I LOVE the results! The iron is weighted nicely and is easy to hold. If you're in the market for a new straightener, why not give Gurin's Ceramic Iron a try?
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback rating or star rating. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have a relationship of any kind with the seller.
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Origami Bird Stirling Silver Earring by NOVICA United Review!
As you all know, I'm an art teacher. My many, many years of art school have led me to a profound respect for those who create with their hands and who nurture a vision for their life that involves creative work. Those who support themselves with their hands are my absolute heroes. One of the reasons I went into education was because I NEEDED the safety net of a teaching degree. I didn't feel confident enough to try to make a living on art alone. Yes...as confident as I can be...that thought scared the holy beejezus out of me.
That alone makes this product review so special to me!
NOVICA United works in partnership with National Geographic to offer beautiful handmade goods from all over! Their storefront is literally a taste of SO many different cultures and artstyles! I could spend all day talking about all of these things, however, my focus for this review is the Origami Bird Stirling Silver Earrings!
I can't express how beautiful these are! I was worried at first that they would be bulky, heavy, and distracting. However, the first word that came to mind when I saw them was delicate. NOT in the cheap, flimsy way...but in the strong but petite way. The guys are little...but solid! I couldn't believe that each fold of the crane was represented in such a small place! Typically, the posts would bend and break on something so hefty attached to it. However, the posts are strong and long enough to fit through my ear and the back of the earring stays put without falling off!
To add to the quality of the earring, each flat surface of the bird design is polished. Along the ridges, there are no rough points or bumps. Everything is beautifully smooth and this provides an overall soft, dreamy feel. The fact that these are handmade, the bag it came in is so ornamental, AND you get an informational card with each purchase about the artist really takes you to another place! I find it easy to wonder about the artist, their process, and the work itself!
These earrings are definitely hand-me-down quality! I am hoping that my first child (that I am carrying now!) is a daughter so that someday she can experience the beauty of these earrings for herself!
These earrings are definitely unique and essentially come wrapped!
If you're looking for a very unique, beautiful, and memorable gift...these are the best bet! They're fantastic for really anyone, artist or not!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have a relationship with the seller. I did not promise any certain feedback or star rating.
That alone makes this product review so special to me!
NOVICA United works in partnership with National Geographic to offer beautiful handmade goods from all over! Their storefront is literally a taste of SO many different cultures and artstyles! I could spend all day talking about all of these things, however, my focus for this review is the Origami Bird Stirling Silver Earrings!
I can't express how beautiful these are! I was worried at first that they would be bulky, heavy, and distracting. However, the first word that came to mind when I saw them was delicate. NOT in the cheap, flimsy way...but in the strong but petite way. The guys are little...but solid! I couldn't believe that each fold of the crane was represented in such a small place! Typically, the posts would bend and break on something so hefty attached to it. However, the posts are strong and long enough to fit through my ear and the back of the earring stays put without falling off!
To add to the quality of the earring, each flat surface of the bird design is polished. Along the ridges, there are no rough points or bumps. Everything is beautifully smooth and this provides an overall soft, dreamy feel. The fact that these are handmade, the bag it came in is so ornamental, AND you get an informational card with each purchase about the artist really takes you to another place! I find it easy to wonder about the artist, their process, and the work itself!
These earrings are definitely hand-me-down quality! I am hoping that my first child (that I am carrying now!) is a daughter so that someday she can experience the beauty of these earrings for herself!
These earrings are definitely unique and essentially come wrapped!
If you're looking for a very unique, beautiful, and memorable gift...these are the best bet! They're fantastic for really anyone, artist or not!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have a relationship with the seller. I did not promise any certain feedback or star rating.
Friday, February 5, 2016
ExfoliMATE by Green Heart Labs Review!
I've recently discovered exfoliating as the solution to a lot of my skin problems. I use a bath pouf (the fluffy balls made of mesh) and I never stopped to consider that while they may lather well and get soap onto my skin, they don't really DEEP clean. With that in mind, I've purchased a few brushes and even tried some mitts. Each of these had the problem that they weren't covering enough area or were hard to hold onto. Lately, my mitt has been swelling so much in the shower that I can't really direct the exfoliation where it needs to go easily!
I was VERY excited to try the ExfoliMATE by Green Heart Labs. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I DID know that it was a different kind of tool! If it worked, I thought about the fact that it would take up minimal space in my shower. In fact, I hang it on the hand-rail on the wall above the shower and it doesn't bother anyone!
The ExfoliMATE is essentially a rough fabric material. Mine came cutely printed up with leopard print! I LOVE it! It's grey and black and the contrast is really attractive to me! The material feels like it would be HORRIBLE as a dress....but I can tell you...as a way to remove dead skin cells that are itching you up, it's HEAVEN!
Where this exfoliating tool is different from others is that it's so flexible and versatile. No matter what part of the body you need to exfoliate, you can reach it! One way to do it is to put the cloth in your palm and rub your hand back and forth. With the cloth being so big, you don't have to worry about your hand slipping off! Another way to do it is to grab one end with each hand and rub it back and forth over the body part that you need! I use this method for my back, thighs, calves, and even the bottom of my feet!
Now that I've been using the ExfoliMATE, I feel like my showers are MUCH more effective. On top of that, I'm far less itchy and my skin glows!
Overall, I'm REALLY happy with this tool. It seems SO simple, but it does so much for me! If you're looking for relief from dry skin...here it is! Go get one....NOW!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I do not have a relationship with the seller.
I was VERY excited to try the ExfoliMATE by Green Heart Labs. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I DID know that it was a different kind of tool! If it worked, I thought about the fact that it would take up minimal space in my shower. In fact, I hang it on the hand-rail on the wall above the shower and it doesn't bother anyone!
The ExfoliMATE is essentially a rough fabric material. Mine came cutely printed up with leopard print! I LOVE it! It's grey and black and the contrast is really attractive to me! The material feels like it would be HORRIBLE as a dress....but I can tell you...as a way to remove dead skin cells that are itching you up, it's HEAVEN!
Where this exfoliating tool is different from others is that it's so flexible and versatile. No matter what part of the body you need to exfoliate, you can reach it! One way to do it is to put the cloth in your palm and rub your hand back and forth. With the cloth being so big, you don't have to worry about your hand slipping off! Another way to do it is to grab one end with each hand and rub it back and forth over the body part that you need! I use this method for my back, thighs, calves, and even the bottom of my feet!
Now that I've been using the ExfoliMATE, I feel like my showers are MUCH more effective. On top of that, I'm far less itchy and my skin glows!
Overall, I'm REALLY happy with this tool. It seems SO simple, but it does so much for me! If you're looking for relief from dry skin...here it is! Go get one....NOW!
I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I do not have a relationship with the seller.
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