As a blogger, I am often offered a variety of products and samples for free or nearly free so that I may evaluate them. Below, you will see a video showing some of the many great freebies and deeply discounted products that got throughout 2015.
Some of these freebies were given to me in exchange for an honest review. Others were highly discounted, with hopes of a fair and honest review. Others were given freely or at a discount price with no review requirements.
With all of the items I got for a discount price, I had lots of great gift items for my family and friends. I got men's gifts, women's gifts, children's gifts, baby gifts, wedding gifts and more. The freebies and discounted items gave me a huge selection of gift ideas for Christmas presents, birthday presents, and more.
I don't know about you, but I love getting free stuff in the mail. It feels like Christmas every day when I open the mailbox and find that I have a mailbox full of freebies. Providing honest reviews is a great way to get free stuff by mail, and a great way to get a large variety of free gifts for yourself and others.
The freebies I got throughout the year provided me with lots of unique gift ideas for everyone on my list. I am only going to mention a few of my favorite gift ideas here, but you can check out the attached videos for lots more of the best gift ideas from the year.
As you can see in the part one recap video from 2015, I got lots of great freebies and discounts on a large variety of products for review. Some of my favorite items included my exercise balls, a beautiful tea set, various desk lamps and solar lighting, health and beauty aids and more.
In addition to the freebies and discounted items shown in the first part of the 2015 recap, I got many more free and low cost items. You can see in part two that I also got lots more great gift items. I really loved the wifi camera, and enjoyed trying out a nice selection of essential oils that I hadn't previously used. There were free cookware, bakeware and grilling items, free pet supplies, cellphone accessories, electronic gadgets, and so much more to enjoy.
The freebies don't stop there though. As you can see in the third section of my video recap, I enjoyed several gardening items, household items, travel accessories, sporting goods, organizational tools, cooking tools, art supplies, health and beauty aids, pet supplies, fitness equipment, and more.
All these great freebies and discounted items were received from various companies who provided me with their products for either free for review or at a discounted price throughout the year. This was a great way to get the savings I needed to give some amazing and unique gifts to my family and friends, and I even got to keep some of my favorites for myself.
Getting products free for review is a great way to earn these freebies, and a great way to enjoy trying new things you may otherwise never get the chance to try.
#RealShoppingHelp #reviewhaul #2015
Providing honest product reviews for 2 decades. I also enjoy sharing my opinions on social media. If you have products you would like reviewed please contact me via the contact form below.
My family enjoys many interests so my product reviews cover many categories ranging from electronics, gadgets, health, wellness, fitness, cooking, home & garden, pets products and more. I enjoy helping consumers make informed buying decisions by providing unbiased and honest reviews.
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Thursday, December 31, 2015
(Product Review) Circle of Friends 25 One-Pot Dinners by Gooseberry Patch
It has been a while since I ordered Circle of Friends 25 One-Pot Dinners by Gooseberry Patch. This is volume 2 of the Circle of Friends Cookbooks and it features good variety of one pot dinners.
Many of the dishes included in this book are easy to prepare with ingredients I already have on hand, though some of the ingredients are not something I would normally stock. A couple of the dishes have even become family favorites that I have made multiple times, and others I will probably never use. I bought this in hopes of finding some good recipes to try, and I found what I was looking for. I would recommend this ebook to others who are looking for one-pot dinners to try.
#RealShoppingHelp #Recipes
Many of the dishes included in this book are easy to prepare with ingredients I already have on hand, though some of the ingredients are not something I would normally stock. A couple of the dishes have even become family favorites that I have made multiple times, and others I will probably never use. I bought this in hopes of finding some good recipes to try, and I found what I was looking for. I would recommend this ebook to others who are looking for one-pot dinners to try.
#RealShoppingHelp #Recipes
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
(Product Review) est Knee Sleeve for Weightlifing, Knee Pain, Gym, Crossfit
I have a knee injury and really need the extra support, so this est Knee Sleeve was something I was really looking forward to trying. It is a nice product, made of neoprene which provides a nice support with some flexibility.
When wearing this sleeve, the pain in my knee is somewhat less and I am able to do a little more than what I can do without the added support. I ordered the blue one, and since my thighs are on the larger size I chose the XL size. I'm glad I did because the sizing seems to run a bit smaller than expected.
This is pretty comfortable to wear, at least for a while, though as with any such item I have trouble wearing it for extended periods. I don't think it is the fault of the product though, since I haven't been able to wear other similar products for long periods of time without getting uncomfortable. I feel that this has been beneficial, and would recommend it to others.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
Labels:
Accessories,
Fitness,
Health,
Outdoors,
Pain Management
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
(Product Review) Santamedical PM-120 Rechargeable Tens Unit Electronic Pulse Massager
I had my first experience with a Tens Unit years ago after an injury that required me to be in physical therapy for an extended period of time. I received treatments during my sessions, plus was sent home with a portable unit where I was to do home treatments between office visits. My original unit has long since stopped working, and once again I am attending physical therapy. I just got this Santamedical PM-120 Rechargeable Tens Unit Electronic Pulse Massager and am using it for home treatments between my sessions.
The Santamedical PM-120 Rechargeable Tens Unit Electronic Pulse Massager is a small and portable device which is used to deliver electrical impulses to the chosen area. It helps to relieve pain by stimulating the muscles with a small electrical charge. I use it regularly on my knees, as well as using it on my back, neck and shoulders. The unit is rechargeable, and fully adjustable so you can set it for just the amount of current you desire. It is easy to use, and really has helped my pain. You can use this for many chronic conditions, or just to help loosen up a stiff neck or tight muscles. Just read the directions, or watch a YouTube video to learn how to use it properly if you have never used one before. I really like my
Santamedical PM-120 Rechargeable Tens Unit Electronic Pulse Massager and would recommend it to others.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
(Product Review) Premium Magnetic Screen Door
I have had a couple of similar products in the past and I really like the idea of a self-closing screen on my doors. Obviously I'm not getting as much use out of it this time of year as I will be during the summer months, but with the warmer weather we have had this year, I have still had ample opportunity to test this product for short periods of time while doing such tasks as carrying in groceries.
Installing the Premium Magnetic Screen Door was pretty straight forward. My son was easily able to put the screen on our doorway in just a few minutes. The door pulls open easily and snaps back together with the magnets, keeping any insects out during the summer hours. As for now, it keeps my dog from running out the door since she sees that there is something there and doesn't try to go through it until it is opened for her. It seems sturdy enough to hold up to our usual traffic, so I am sure that I will enjoy having this on the door a lot more this summer when the insects are more plentiful.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
Monday, December 28, 2015
Website Review: Ebates.com
If you aren't already a member of ebates and you do any online shopping, please sign up through my referral link for an account. I earn cash back on many online purchases through ebates, and you can too. If I get 3 referrals by the end of the month I could earn $100 in referral bonuses.
This will be in addition to the $225 or more I will be cashing out in February.
As an ebates member, it is easy to earn cash back for things you already purchase. For example, you can earn a percentage back on all online purchases from hundreds of stores. They also offer online coupons and deals that can save you money.
I have cashed out a few times in the past and am building my February payout right now. At present, I have very close to $225 payable in February, and every time I shop through the ebates link I add a bit more to the payout amount. Referrals also add to the payout, so I would love to have a few of my readers join me and help me out while helping yourself to the savings.
Please help me out if you don't already have an account by following this link:
#RealShoppingHelp #earnmoney
This will be in addition to the $225 or more I will be cashing out in February.
As an ebates member, it is easy to earn cash back for things you already purchase. For example, you can earn a percentage back on all online purchases from hundreds of stores. They also offer online coupons and deals that can save you money.
I have cashed out a few times in the past and am building my February payout right now. At present, I have very close to $225 payable in February, and every time I shop through the ebates link I add a bit more to the payout amount. Referrals also add to the payout, so I would love to have a few of my readers join me and help me out while helping yourself to the savings.
Please help me out if you don't already have an account by following this link:
#RealShoppingHelp #earnmoney
(Product Review) Chomps Snack Sticks
Over the years, my family has eaten a large variety of assorted snack foods. I try to offer healthy choices when possible, but found that many of the jerky or other meat sticks are not nearly as healthy as one would believe. I was happy for the introduction to Chomps Snack Sticks because these are made with 100% Non-GMO Grass-Fed Angus Beef and they contain no artificial ingredients.
I love when I can find a healthy alternative that also tastes great, and these do. My family loves them, and even the pickiest members aren't complaining about switching from the other brands. This is great because these are a much healthier version than most of the others we have tried.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
#RealShoppingHelp #Chomps #SponsoredPost
I love when I can find a healthy alternative that also tastes great, and these do. My family loves them, and even the pickiest members aren't complaining about switching from the other brands. This is great because these are a much healthier version than most of the others we have tried.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
Sunday, December 27, 2015
(Product Review) FamFave Digital Thermometer with Jumbo Lighted LCD Display
I often have my grandchildren at my house so keeping a thermometer handy is a necessity. My old digital thermometer quit working a while ago, so I more recently purchased this FamFave Digital Thermometer with Jumbo Lighted LCD Display.
I love the size of the display because it is easy to read. The thermometer is large enough that it won't easily be lost like some of the smaller ones I have had in the past. It is waterproof, so getting it wet isn't a problem. Once the thermometer is done taking the temperature, it beeps to let you know it is done. Once the beeping stops, the display lights up making the temperature really easy to read. One of my favorite things about this thermometer though is the length of time it takes to accurately check your child's temperature. I like that it only takes about 15-20 seconds for the temperature to register. That is so much nicer than holding a child still for 3 or 4 minutes while waiting on a slow thermometer to finish.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
For a limited time, FamFave is offering a discount on their Digital Thermometer by entering the following code.
Promo Code T53OFF4U
#RealShoppingHelp #BestDigitalThermometer
I love the size of the display because it is easy to read. The thermometer is large enough that it won't easily be lost like some of the smaller ones I have had in the past. It is waterproof, so getting it wet isn't a problem. Once the thermometer is done taking the temperature, it beeps to let you know it is done. Once the beeping stops, the display lights up making the temperature really easy to read. One of my favorite things about this thermometer though is the length of time it takes to accurately check your child's temperature. I like that it only takes about 15-20 seconds for the temperature to register. That is so much nicer than holding a child still for 3 or 4 minutes while waiting on a slow thermometer to finish.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
Promo Code T53OFF4U
#RealShoppingHelp #BestDigitalThermometer
(Product Review) Easdaily BBQ Grill Mat Set of 3, Non-stick, Reusable - Ideal for Grilling, Baking and Cooking
It wasn't too long ago that I discovered grill mats, and I have tried out and reviewed a couple of others as well as this Easdaily BBQ Grill Mat Set. I have been very happy with the way these work.
This set is very similar to the others I have used, and are a big improvement over using aluminum foil to line my baking pans and charcoal grill. The grill mats are nonstick and easy to clean, so I don't have to waste hours on cleanup. I can just give them a quick wipe down with hot soapy water, or run them through the dishwasher if desired. I generally just wipe them down because nothing sticks to them so they wash easily.
Not only do they protect my pans, and keep my food from sticking, but they also keep small foods from falling through the grates on your barbecue grill. I can cut up veggies and throw them on the grill along with my steaks or burgers, and I don't have to worry about the smaller pieces dropping through the grates into the coals.
If you have never tried these mats, you should. I think they are a great way to save time and effort on cleanup, keep your foods cooking nicely, and save on waste from aluminum foil that I used to use for lining my grill and baking pans.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
#RealShoppingHelp
This set is very similar to the others I have used, and are a big improvement over using aluminum foil to line my baking pans and charcoal grill. The grill mats are nonstick and easy to clean, so I don't have to waste hours on cleanup. I can just give them a quick wipe down with hot soapy water, or run them through the dishwasher if desired. I generally just wipe them down because nothing sticks to them so they wash easily.
Not only do they protect my pans, and keep my food from sticking, but they also keep small foods from falling through the grates on your barbecue grill. I can cut up veggies and throw them on the grill along with my steaks or burgers, and I don't have to worry about the smaller pieces dropping through the grates into the coals.
If you have never tried these mats, you should. I think they are a great way to save time and effort on cleanup, keep your foods cooking nicely, and save on waste from aluminum foil that I used to use for lining my grill and baking pans.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
#RealShoppingHelp
Friday, December 25, 2015
(Product Review) Omega-3 Supreme Fish Oil Softgels
My doctors have been trying to get me to take a fish oil supplement for several years now, but every time I have tried I wouldn't get very far into the bottle without giving up because of the nasty taste and fish burps. I can't stand those! I decided to give it one more try with the Omega-3 Supreme Fish Oil Softgels.
The recommended dosage for adults is two soft gels with a meal, and the bottle contains enough for 90 servings at this dosage. The pills are a little larger than I would like, but that is because they contain a higher concentration than some of the other products out there.
I was pleasantly surprised that I did not end up with a bad case of fish burps after taking these like I have with the other brands I have taken in the past. If you need to take fishoil supplements, I would recommend this brand.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
Monday, December 21, 2015
(Product Review) Bright Outdoors Go Solar Lantern **Special Deal For Readers**
I am really enjoying my new Bright Outdoors Go Solar Lantern. This is a great light for camping, canoeing, pool parties, parties, or in your bug out bag. It is inflatable and solar charged, so you can use it practically anywhere. It has 7 colors of lights and can be used as a strobe light, or a constant lighting source.
Next summer it will definitely be going along on our river trips and midnight swims because it is a fun light, and also could come in really handy when it gets a bit too dark to see what you are doing. Placing it with the logo up sheds a bit more light on the subject, or you can flip it over with the solar panels up and get a softer lighting from it.
The remote control that comes with it makes it easy to change the settings from across the room, across the pool, or anywhere within probably about 20-30 feet away. It also deflates to a compact size and takes up very little space in your backpack, travel bag, purse, bugout bag, or anywhere else you want to carry it. I am going to love using this at the river, lake, or any outdoor party. I already enjoy using it in my home.
Bright Outdoors has shared a discount code so you can get a great deal on this solar lantern. Just follow the link to this Bright Outdoors Go Solar Lantern and enter this code at the checkout to save on your own solar lantern.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
#RealShoppingHelp #TheBrightOutdoors
Next summer it will definitely be going along on our river trips and midnight swims because it is a fun light, and also could come in really handy when it gets a bit too dark to see what you are doing. Placing it with the logo up sheds a bit more light on the subject, or you can flip it over with the solar panels up and get a softer lighting from it.
The remote control that comes with it makes it easy to change the settings from across the room, across the pool, or anywhere within probably about 20-30 feet away. It also deflates to a compact size and takes up very little space in your backpack, travel bag, purse, bugout bag, or anywhere else you want to carry it. I am going to love using this at the river, lake, or any outdoor party. I already enjoy using it in my home.
Bright Outdoors has shared a discount code so you can get a great deal on this solar lantern. Just follow the link to this Bright Outdoors Go Solar Lantern and enter this code at the checkout to save on your own solar lantern.
M3KD67WI
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
Labels:
Bugout Bag,
Emergency Preparedness,
Lighting,
Outdoors,
SHTF,
Survival,
Yard & Garden
(Product Reviews) iPet Gear Basic Collar (Black, 1" Medium)
I was a bit confused when I first looked at the iPet Gear Basic Collar, but it didn't take me long to figure it out. I really like the way this goes on, and stays on.
My dog generally breaks the clasps on most collars within a short time, but it won't be a problem with the way this collar goes on. If you look at the pictures, you can see that she won't be straining any clasps or snapping them by pulling. I like the design of this collar once I figured it out. This is one of the best collars I have found for her yet.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
Friday, December 18, 2015
(Product Review) 100 Naturals Joint 3X Triplex Joint Supplement with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM
I have been hearing about several natural remedies for joint support for quite some time now, and when a friend who attends physical therapy with me told me how much the Glucosamine and Chondroitin she takes has helped her, I had to try it. I was very happy to try the 100 Naturals Joint 3X Triplex Joint Supplement with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM and so far I have been quite pleased with it.
I have had problems with my joints for a long time, and never expected this to be a miracle cure, but am thankful for what relief it has given me. I am still in pain, but feel that my knees are stronger than they were before I began taking this supplement. Of course it won't cure all of my problems, but is helping me with the pain and discomfort in my knees.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
(Product Review) Tribetailer Digital Luggage Travel Scale
Although I am not a frequent traveler, the Tribetailer Digital Luggage Travel Scale has been a very useful item for me around the house. As an online seller, I use it often for determining shipping weight for my packages.
It has a digital readout and easily toggles between metric and imperial weight measurements. The scale is small and lightweight so it would be simple to take along while traveling. It appears to be very accurate, displaying weights very similar to my bathroom scales. This is an easy and convenient way to measure both pounds and kilograms.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
(Product Review) Lift Care Lemon Essential Oil
I love the fresh, clean scent of lemons so I was very happy to try this Lift Care Lemon Essential Oil. It is concentrated to 5 times normal strength, so a little goes a long way. It just takes a few drops to do all kinds of things from cleaning and deodorizing, to making a detox shake, to insect repellent, to heartburn remedy and even strengthening your immune system.
I love the scent, and the fact that I can add just a few drops to freshen the laundry or even the whole room is wonderful. I love this extra strength version of lemon essential oil and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the fresh scent of lemon.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
Labels:
Aromatherapy,
Essential Oils,
Health,
Household,
Kitchen,
Pest Control
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
(Product Review) Peppermint Essential Oil by Simply Earth
The first time I purchased Peppermint Oil was for a mouse problem. At that time I did a bit of research and found all kinds of other uses for it. This time I got the Peppermint Essential Oil by Simply Earth.
It may be a small bottle, but a little goes a long way. It is 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oil which means that only a drop or two needs to be mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, and this will make this little bottle last a long time.
Peppermint oil is great for a lot of things, including everything from migraines and the common cold to deterring pests like mice, spiders and more. I am very happy with my Peppermint Essential Oil.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
(Product Review) Hair Growth Botanical Renovation Paraben-free Conditioner
My hair tends to break easily and is often dull and lifeless. I have been using Hair Growth Botanical Renovation Paraben-free Conditioner for a little while now and am very happy with the product.
It has a pleasant scent and leaves my hair smooth and shiny. I can't say whether or not it is stimulating hair growth since I haven't been using it for that long, but I do like the way it makes my hair look and feel. I have gotten several compliments on the way my hair smells too.
If you are interested in purchasing this product, they have given me a 20% discount code you can share with you. Just enter 6FI8TI6V at the checkout to receive your 20% discount.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
Monday, December 14, 2015
(Product Review) Pure Garcinia Cambogia Extract Plus Detox Cleanse System
The Pure Garcinia Cambogia Extract Plus Detox Cleanse System is a combination of two products, which taken together are intended to help those with 10 or more pounds to lose. Unfortunately, one of the ingredients in the cleansing product caused a flareup with my Crohn's Disease, and I had to stop taking these before seeing any positive results from the combination. I didn't know for sure what had happened until doing a bit of research on some of the all natural ingredients in this product.
I can't fault the product for my problems since they did include a disclaimer that anyone with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement. Aside from what I have already mentioned, I had no problems with these. They were easy enough to take, and quite possibly would have worked for someone without medical conditions.
Although the combination did not work out well for me, it may work very well for others. I will be discussing this with my doctor, and if he gives his approval I may try just the one product to see if it will help on it's own without the detox part. I will only attempt it with his approval though, and I suggest that anyone else who might be considering this type of product to check with their doctor before taking, and hopefully avoid the consequences.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
Sunday, December 13, 2015
(Product Review) Tire Pressure Gauge - Pro Edition - By Federico's Car Care
This is the best tire pressure gauge I have owned, and I have owned several of them. Most of the tire gauges I have purchased have been the flimsy ones. This Tire Pressure Gauge Pro Edition is well made. It is sturdy. It looks and feels more like a professional tool. It accurately measures the pressure in tires and can be used for most cars, trucks, and bicycles. It is made from 13 inches of steel tubing and a flexible rubber hose.
I love the 2 inch dial because it is very easy to read, so you can read your tire pressure at a glance. The non-slip handle is comfortable in my hand, and I have had no problems with the gauge slipping from the valve when checking my tire pressure. This gauge measures tire pressure up to 60psi, so you can easily tell whether or not you need to add more air to your tires. This is a very useful item, and one that should be in every toolbox.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
Saturday, December 12, 2015
(Product Review) Tongue Twisters for Kids [Kindle Edition] By: Riley Weber
I was looking for some things to keep handy for my grandchildren and stumbled across a few ebooks that I thought them might enjoy. One of them was Tongue Twisters for Kids [Kindle Edition] By: Riley Weber
#RealShoppingHelp
Obviously, since this is a book made specifically for children, there isn't likely to be much to it. It isn't intended to be particularly educational, and is geared more toward entertainment.
This eBook is 55 pages long and contains 50 tongue twisters ranging from familiar ones to many I had never heard before. Some were not too difficult to say, and others will take a bit of practice to get them right. My three year old grandson enjoyed listening to the book, although he is too young to read any of it himself. I will have to wait for my granddaughters to visit to get their opinion of this eBook. I think they will be amused by it.
I ordered the eBook, but this book is also available in paperback or audio versions.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
(Product Review) ekSel COOL Oven, Grill & BBQ Gloves
My new ekSel COOL Oven, Grill and BBQ Gloves make it much easier for me to take hot pans out of the oven or to remove a hot pot from the stove. I used to fumble around with bulky oven mitts or potholders, but with these I can move my fingers easily and grab the hot pots and pans with no trouble at all. The grip strips on them assure that you can get a good grip so you won't be dropping a hot pan.
I haven't tested them against boiling water or steam because quite frankly, I would imagine that dipping my hand in boiling water would probably not be a good idea. I have had 3rd degree burns on my hands from a boiling water incident years ago, and don't want to go through that pain again, so I will not be testing that (at least not intentionally) with these gloves. I would advise against it though, just to be on the safe side.
They do work well for the intended purpose of removing hot pots and pans, or grabbing hot dishes out of the microwave. They also work well for opening stubborn jars because of the silicone gripper strips, and changing light bulbs is no longer a problem. I will be testing them next summer for grilling, although I see no reason why they wouldn't work great. Just don't expose them to the open flames and you should be fine.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
#RealShoppingHelp #giv
I haven't tested them against boiling water or steam because quite frankly, I would imagine that dipping my hand in boiling water would probably not be a good idea. I have had 3rd degree burns on my hands from a boiling water incident years ago, and don't want to go through that pain again, so I will not be testing that (at least not intentionally) with these gloves. I would advise against it though, just to be on the safe side.
They do work well for the intended purpose of removing hot pots and pans, or grabbing hot dishes out of the microwave. They also work well for opening stubborn jars because of the silicone gripper strips, and changing light bulbs is no longer a problem. I will be testing them next summer for grilling, although I see no reason why they wouldn't work great. Just don't expose them to the open flames and you should be fine.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
#RealShoppingHelp #giv
(Product Review) ekSel Oven, BBQ & Baking Mats
I bought this set of ekSel Oven, BBQ and Baking Mats, in addition to a couple of other sets. I have used these for cookies, biscuits, and chicken nuggets so far, and enjoyed the easy, nonstick cleanup. Everything cooked well in my oven, and once the food was gone, I just needed to give the mat a quick wipe with soapy water to clean it up. These can also be used on the barbecue, and washed in the dishwasher. I may use them on the barbecue next summer but haven't done much grilling lately because of the time of year. I like how easy they are to use, and to clean up.
Just remember not to use any sharp utensils on them, such as cutting your meat, pizzas, etc, because it would likely damage the mats. Other than that, I see no reason not to use these on a regular basis. It sure beats wasting aluminum foil for lining pans or catching drips. Grilling tests will likely be performed at some point in the future, but for now I am giving these 5 stars because I really enjoy cooking with them.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
#RealShoppingHelp #giv
Just remember not to use any sharp utensils on them, such as cutting your meat, pizzas, etc, because it would likely damage the mats. Other than that, I see no reason not to use these on a regular basis. It sure beats wasting aluminum foil for lining pans or catching drips. Grilling tests will likely be performed at some point in the future, but for now I am giving these 5 stars because I really enjoy cooking with them.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
#RealShoppingHelp #giv
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
(Product Review) Dackers Over the Glasses Sunglasses, Polarized Wear.
I got the Dackers Over the Glasses Sunglasses because I wear prescription glasses and have a lot of trouble with glare. These sunglasses fit nicely over my glasses, and also cover the areas around my glasses to prevent the glare from entering.
The only place these don't fit well is above my glasses where they do have a small gap that allows the light/glare to enter. This isn't a big problem since the sun visor will generally catch the worst of that, but was still worth mentioning.
I know that I am going to love having these for my upcoming eye appointment since they will be dilating my eyes, which makes it virtually impossible for me to drive.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
(Product Review) Midori Spring Ceremonial (GOLD) Matcha Green Tea
Midori Spring Ceremonial (GOLD) Matcha Green Tea was something new for me. I have enjoyed tea for as long as I can remember, but had never drank this type of tea before. I love the bright green color of this tea, and was curious to try it. I didn't have a matcha bowl or anything special to make this tea, so just made it in a tea cup. They recommend 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoons of the powder to 2 ounces of hot (not boiling) water. I found that the 1/2 teaspoon was plenty for me because this tea is stronger than the other teas that I am more accustomed to drinking. Rather than mix it in the ceremonial tea bowl with a bamboo whisk, I put mine in a tea cup and stirred it with a small whisk. It mixed up rather well and was ready for tasting.
The tea comes in a metal can with a screw on top. Under the lid is a ring pull, so you know it is well sealed and protected. This tea is a bit more bitter than most of the other teas I have drank in the past, but not too bad. I think it will be an acquired taste, but I think I will enjoy it more once I become more accustomed to it. I've read that matcha has a lot of health benefits, so I will continue drinking it and probably learn to enjoy it more. I find that the health benefits of drinking this tea are worth the slight bitterness and recommend that you at least try it. If the bitterness is a problem you can always add a bit of honey to your drink. I didn't find it necessary though.
Although I got this product at a discount or received a complimentary sample in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions on the products I review are always my own and have not been influenced by any discounts or samples which may have been provided to me.
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