Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Tea Kettle

I recently upgraded my electric tea kettle.  I've had a couple of them over the years and I find them very helpful as they boil water quickly without using the stove.  My major complaint is usually how scaly and built up with minerals the kettle and heating element become over time. It's easy to clean but also easy to forget to clean.

I decided on the Asani Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle.  It has a large nearly 2 quart capacity, is cordless from the base, is available in a handful of colors and is very quiet.  Two things made my purchase decision easy.  First, that there is no plastic that comes into contact with the water.  My other kettles have had small plastic components in the spout and in the base.  Second, the heating element is not exposed to water.  The element is in the bottom of the pot but in its own sealed spot on the base of the kettle.  Cleaning will be so much easier now that I don't have to scrub some of the tight spots around the heating element.  Even after soaking in vinegar to remove scale, there have always been areas that needed a scrub in my old kettles. 

Operation was simple.  Fill with water over the Min but under the Max line, put kettle on base and push the little lever under the handle down. You can see it is lit orange in the picture below.  When the water is boiling lever quietly pops up. The kettle is cool to touch even when the water is boiling. It is competitively priced with other electric kettles with similar features.

I haven't noticed any plastic smells, aftertastes or chipping.  Counter top space is limited in my kitchen but I am happy to make room for this electric kettle. 

You can find this kettle in black, grey and pink in addition to red by clicking here.  

Although I received this item using a discount, all opinions are my own.

Crenova VS100S Vacuum Sealer Review

I love vacuum sealers.  It’s kind of a weird thing to like, I know.  I like vacuum sealing food, small household items, when packing for travel, etc.  I currently own a large model from the major US brand but the Crenova VS1000S intrigued me.

Why, you ask?  First because of its small footprint and weight.  It weighs in at just over 3 lbs and is much smaller than most vacuum sealers I have seen. It can tuck away quickly or be left out without looking like a behemoth in your kitchen.  The Crenova VS1000S is 14.2 inches x 3.9 inches x 7.5 inches.  It is made of plastic and stainless steel and looks very sleek. It also has convenient cord storage underneath.

It comes ready to use with all of the essential features you need with none of the bulk and it’s super easy to use.  It also arrives packed with 10 vacuum bags in two sizes to get you started.  

Using the Crenova VS1000S:

I tested the vacuum sealer with a half of a bagel.  It was easy enough.  I put the bagel in a vacuum bag, placed the open end of the bag under the hood of the Crenova VS1000S.  I pushed the hood closed and made sure I heard a click.  From the function buttons I selected Vacuum and the machine did its job.  The vacuum got rid of most of the air and when the Crenova was about to seal the bag, it vacuumed out a bit more air which is a nice feature as sometimes air can get back into the bag right before sealing.  The Crenova was smart enough to avoid this.  

Since I was testing, I noticed that the bagel I was sealing was a bit crushed.  I cut the bag open and tested again this time using the Pulse feature.  You start vacuum sealing the same as normal, but after the vacuum begins, you push the Pulse button to start and stop the vacuum as you need.  This is particularly helpful for foods that you don’t want crushed like bread, chips or crackers.  It also comes in very handy when sealing foods with any liquids.  The vacuum is strong enough to pull the juices out of meat and using the Pulse feature can help to make sure you don’t pull liquid up to the seal or even worse out of the bag and into your vacuum sealer.  

To remove your sealed bag, just press the black release buttons on either side of the sealer.

Another feature of the Crenova VS1000S is the Seal function. This will seal only; without running the vacuum. Hitting Seal is how you close up your bag after Pulse vacuuming.  I find it most useful when I want to seal bags of chips and crackers so they don’t get stale.  No more chip clips!

Lastly, I really enjoy that the Crenova VS1000S has an accessory port.  I am able to purchase and use accessories from most major vacuum sealer brands to vacuum seal open bottles of wine, mason jars and even to quick marinate meats.  I’ve begun a complete overhaul of my pantry with the Crenova VS1000S.

I have two small issues with this vacuum sealer.  Because it is so small and lightweight, it can vibrate and move around a bit when the vacuum pump is running.  Also mine arrived with a small ding in the stainless steel, which is no big deal I guess, as I think about how much I will use it, I am sure I will bang it up a bit myself.  

I am so glad that I purchased this vacuum sealer and will be happily vacuum sealing away!  

Check out the Crenova VS1000S Vacuum Sealer here!

Alure Three Barrel Curling Iron Wand

I have really long hair that takes a long time to style so I was very excited to test this curling iron. It arrived in a sturdy box that would keep well if you planned on storing it. None of that drugstore plastic packaging that is impossible to open.

I chose the pink option. The handle and the thumb plate are comfortable to use. Despite the width of the curling iron, it isn’t too heavy. I appreciate the digital display and the buttons for + or – heat work with no issue. The curling iron heats up quickly and you place a section of hair in it. My hair is long enough that I need to use it a few times to style the entire of hair. Unfortunately I think the barrel size is too small for my hair making the waves too small. I would love to see this with 1.5″ barrels or larger. I’d also love it if they made a flat iron that is the width of this curling iron.  I’d use one or the other every day because it would make doing my hair so much faster. 

I wanted to love this curling iron but I don’t think it’s for me; however it might be with a few tweaks. I feel it is well made and may be perfect for someone looking for smaller waves than I am. You can find it here (NOT an affiliate link).

I was purchased this item with a discount but these are my honest opinions.

Asani Hair Dryer with Ionic Conditioning

 I really love this hair dryer and I am surprised. I have really long hair and I usually buy a Conair or Revlon hair dryer every few years, it gets gross or starts to smell like burning and I throw it out and buy a new one. I was a bit hesitant to purchase a brand that I am unfamiliar with but this hair dryer is great. It usually takes me about 35 minutes to fully dry my hair. With this hair dryer the time is cut in half. It is not as loud or high pitched as other hair dryers I have used and it has features like Hi and Low, Hot and Cool and a Cool Blast button. It also has a smooth round cord and a hook for storage. It also comes with 2 concentrators that actually stay on the hair dryer. It seems like every hair dryer I have has a loose concentrator. The filter on the back of the hair dryer is very easy to remove and clean when necessary. The hair dryer is made of smooth plastic. A few of my older hair dryers have a rubber grip and after a year or so they almost get greasy or start to deteriorate. I don't anticipate that happening with this hair dryer. I'm a huge fan and would not hesitate to purchase this again. Oh and the hair dryer arrives beautifully packaged too!
I purchased this product and am sharing my unbiased opinions.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0788D8JMM

Pink Changing Pad Cover 2-pack

I had a chance to try and review a 2-pack of Pink Changing Pad Covers by Ziggy Baby. They were sent to me free of charge for my unbiased opinion.

These changing pad covers are available at Amazon.com at this link

I like that the covers come in a 2-pack and that they are contemporary designs.  The fabric is a soft cotton jersey.  I washed them before use according to the package instructions.  

Once I put them on my changing pad I wished they were a bit more generous in size.  They seemed a bit tight and really just fit my standard size changing pad.  Also I feel that the fabric is a bit too thin as it looks a little sheer once on the changing pad.  I was really looking forward to using these covers because I like to have a changing pad cover for summer months that is not minky fabric but I think the sizing and fabric are just a bit off for what I was looking for.

Jammy Jams Pop Goes Lullaby 6

I love the Jammy Jams CDs.  As a parent bedtime can be very rewarding as well as very frustrating if your baby won't go to sleep.  There's a lot of repeating stories and lullabies and it really helps to have Jammy Jams music on hand because they are the lullaby/children's instrumental versions of your favorite songs.

Jammy Jams recently sent me the download of their Pop Goes Lullaby 6 for free for my honest feedback.  They already have their version of Adele's Hello out in this collection.  I wasn't necessarily familiar with all of the pop song in this collection but enjoyed listening to the Jammy Jams version. 

I have a few other Jammy Jams CDs and have to say that U2 is my hands down favorite.  I also enjoy their Aerosmith, Journey and Hip Hop Goes Lullaby collections.  

Check out Jammy Jams for yourself.  You can buy direct from them here or find them on Amazon.com and iTunes.

I received this digital download to review for my honest opinions.

Mommy TLC Toilet and Cabinet Lock

I have been experimenting with safety products to child proof my home for my 15 month old son who is getting into everything.  He really wants in our kitchen trash cabinet so I tried the Mommy TLC Toilet and Cabinet Lock on it to see how it would perform.  The Mommy TLC lock is the first strap of this kind that I have used in my home although I did purchase another popular brand to decide which one I like better.

Unfortunately I don't love it.  The two round pieces have 3M adhesive on the back and stick to the cabinets.  The idea is that the round parts flip open to allow you to open your cabinet. Both of them are able to be opened.  Based on my experience they flip open too easily. If you forget that you have installed them and try to open the cabinet by pulling on its handle the round part of the safety strap easily pops open. This happened every time to me, my husband and for my son.  Additionally although my cabinet faces were clean and dry when I installed them, the adhesive also wore off.  A few times when my son pulled the cabinet door the entire strap popped off because it was no longer sticky enough to hold.

Once it stopped working after less than a week I tried the other safety strap I bought and what a difference.  This one has one sticky piece that does not ever open; it is permanently locked.  The other piece will only release if you squeeze a button on each side.  I think this functions much better and provides me with peace of mind and the safety that I am looking for out of a product like this.

I received this product in exchange for an honest review however all opinions are my own.

Hipoglos Skin Protectant Ointment

Hipoglos sent me a tube of their skin protectant ointment to test for my honest opinion and feedback. I had never heard of the brand before but understand that Hipoglos is the leading skin protectant ointment in Latin America and has been for the last 60 years.  That's a long history of helping to prevent diaper rash for babies and toddlers.  

Diaper rash can be a small bump in the road for babies and parents or a huge issue depending on severity.  I've seen some terribly painful looking diaper rash on babies and it is heartbreaking.  I think a parent would do anything to avoid and prevent it.  

I have been using Hipoglos for my 14 month old son for the last three weeks and have had no complaints whatsoever. No bouts of diaper rash here and I've felt comfortable and confident that the little guy is protected.  We've been very pleased with the results we've had using Hipoglos Skin Protectant Ointment.

Typically I use Boudreaux's Butt Paste or Desitin and have been pleased with the results from both of those products.  I believe the active ingredient in all of these products is zinc oxide. Hipoglos has similar amounts of zinc oxide with an added bonus of lanolin to help protect baby's sensitive skin and keep wetness out.

The only suggestion I might offer to the manufacturer is to include a flip top on the tube instead of a screw top.  

Hipoglos is new to the U.S. market and can be found on Amazon.com and at select Walgreens stores.  

Check out Hipoglos for yourself at 

www.facebook.comhipoglosusa

twitter.com/hipoglosusa

instagram.com/hipoglosusa

Hipoglos sent me a complimentary tube of their product for testing purposes; all opinions are honest and my own.

iPhone 6 Plus Flip Case with Mirror

I have recently been using the Abacus 24-7 iPhone 6 Plus Flip Case with Mirror.  Sometimes I like a case that keeps the face of the phone accessible and other times I prefer to use a case that is more protective and that offers more features like this one.  This type of case is especially appealing to me in the summer when I am spending more time outdoors and need more protection for my phone. 

In general I think this is a great case for the price.  I like that it closes with an invisible magnet and stays closed when I want it to.  The interior case that actually holds the phone is a great fit, with ample access to volume buttons, charging port, headphone jack and power button. There is also a hole in the back for the camera.  It is easy to prop up the phone so the case acts as a stand for charging or watching video.  It is a well made case and comes in a variety of fun colors.

Although I appreciated that they were there, I didn't find myself keeping credit cards in the card flap nor did I find the need to use the mirror under the card flap although I realize this could be a personal preference.  I would much prefer if there was camera cut out on the front flap as well because I would like to fold the case back to take photos and videos.  If you fold the front flap back it blocks the camera.  I would have also appreciated a wrist strap.  

I do think this case is of good quality and is offered at a great price but I take a lot of photos and found myself holding the case awkwardly to make it work.  This case might be perfect for someone who does not take a lot of photos and wants to leave their wallet at home.  

I purchased this case for a discounted price for my honest and unbiased feedback.  

Mia Dora Premium Eyelash Curler

I have owned many eyelash curlers in my time and none of them has really impressed me. Some of them have handles that are too short, others pinch my eyelid and others are even shaped in a weird way that doesn't seem to fit my lash line.  I have pretty straight lashes and I have to curl them every day. 

Mia Dora sent me a discounted eyelash curler to review for my honest opinion.  Shipping was super fast and I was happy to see that they included an extra cushion in the box.  This lash curler looks very similar to others I have used except for 2 features which I think really helped.  

First there is a spring that Mia Dora says helps with precision and control.  Second is that there is a no slip grip; meaning there are rubber inserts inside of the handle where you put your fingers.  I think both are really nice touches.  

As far as results I really enjoyed how this lash curler worked for me. I felt the shape of the curler fit well with my lash line and even got the lashes towards the inner corner of my eyes that other curlers usually miss.  Most importantly there was no pinching or pulling.  

And if it doesn't work for you, no worries.  The lash curler comes with a 1 year warranty and is 100% guaranteed or your money back.  

I feel that this eyelash curler is a great value for the price and does a great job.  Find it here on Amazon.com

I received this product for a discount to test in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinions.  

42 BEES Slant Tip Tweezers

I received 42 BEES Slant Tip tweezers to review.  I like to make sure my eyebrows are in check all of the time and have many tweezers.  I have dark hair and don't like stray eyebrow hairs.

These tweezers shipped quickly and arrived in a plastic tube.  They aren't my sharpest or pointiest tweezers but are still able to do a great job of helping me keep my eyebrows neatly groomed each day.  The paint is black and they are not overly slippery which has been my experience with some other tweezers I have owned.  With  assistance from my magnifying mirror I am able to pluck the smallest stray hair. The blades are lined up evenly and there is no gap between them like I have found with some lower priced tweezers.

The best thing about these tweezers is that the end is also a brow comb.  I love that I can use just one tool to take care of my brows. This comes in handy especially while traveling because there isn't a need to pack a brow comb.  My new 42 BEES Slant Tip Tweezers have become a great addition to my travel bag as I have been spending a lot of weekends away recently.

I think these tweezers are a fantastic value at $7.42 on Amazon.com right now.  You can find them here.

I received a complimentary pair of 42 BEES Slant Tip Tweezers to review; all opinions are honest and my own.

Win your own 42 BEES Slant Tip Tweezers by entering using the Rafflecopter below:

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aVo Essentials 100% Pure Lavender Essential Oil

I received a large 4 oz bottle of pure lavender essential oil to try from aVo Essentials. 

Over the past month I've really enjoyed using it in a number of different ways. I've made a calming room spray, linen spray, natural insect repellant and natural baby wipes.

I love that the bottle is so generous and that it comes with a glass dropper for easy measuring. It makes it so much easier to mix up all of the ingredients for my various concoctions while being careful; essential oils can be strong and without a dropper you can quickly use too much. 

I also appreciate that the product is 100% pure. With all of the different essential oils available online it can be hard to know if you are buying 100% pure essential oil. aVo says their lavender plants are grown without using pesticides, herbicides or other harmful additives. aVo also uses Bulgarian lavender which many consider to be sweeter and smoother than other lavender plants. I certainly agree that aVo's lavender oil smells light, sweet and fresh. 

It is available on Amazon.com and is a great value at $18.49 for the 4 oz. bottle. 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00U9S6TTY

Thai Deodorant Stone

I was very skeptical about this and deodorant crystals in general but I was wrong. I remember using a different deodorant crystal when I was in college but I don't think I was applying it correctly. I have been through just about every natural deodorant there is to buy and I have also made my own. They are all convincing with their explanations of ingredients but they don't work. I'm not a particularly sweaty or smelly person but I shower at night. Using all natural deodorants including the ones I made would leave me with the slightest hint of stink when I woke up. Not to mention burnt skin from baking soda. And a house full of beeswax, kaolin clay, essential oils etc. This is why I was suspicious of the Thai Deodorant Stone but I gave it a try. It kind of smells unpleasant itself but the smell does not transfer to the skin. I either wet it under the faucet or apply it while I'm still wet from the shower. The trick is to apply it in a much larger area than you'd typically apply traditional deodorant and to make sure to cover the area with several passes over. I haven't noticed a bit of stink at all even after exercising. I don't smell like anything. I reapply it in the morning as a just in case but have never had breakthrough stink overnight. I love it and hope it continues to work forever.

Find it here at Amazon.com

iPhone 6 Case

I had a chance to review Ravierri's clear iPhone 6 case.  I had been using a case I purchased from my phone carrier when I bought it and thought it was a bit bulky.

I liked this case for a lot of reasons.  It is very thin but provides protection for my phone while being clear.  I appreciate being able to see the color of the actual iPhone, not a design on the case.  I also really love that it is not slippery.  It's certainly not sticky but there is some grip to it so when I put it down in my car it isn't sliding all over as I drive.  The laser cuts for the phone ports are all cut perfectly.  I had no issues using chargers, headphones or using the camera and I know some less expensive cases have issues with the laser cuts.

One other positive I have noticed is that the case does not scratch.  I wasn't sure if it would dull and scratch and get beat up after use but I have not had that problem.  After several weeks of use it is still in great shape and crystal clear with no scratches. 

I only have one slight issue with the case.  I they cut it a bit small on the front.  The case stays on the phone just fine except when I pull it out of my pocket.  Then the case slips a little at the corners.  It seems if they had cut it to be a bit larger or cover just a tiny bit more of the front of the phone that it would not have this issue. Regardless it does offer a lip on the front of the phone that protects it if drops on its face.  Ravierri also provides a free screen protector film when they send you the case which is helpful to protect your investment.

All in all I am really enjoying the clear, minimalist and streamlined protection that this case offers for my iPhone 6. 

I received this case free to review for my honest opinion.

goPure Naturals Fractionated Coconut Oil

I was given the opportunity to test this new fractionated coconut oil for an unbiased review.  Up until now I have always used coconut oil that is solid at room temperature and melts when 78 degrees or warmer.

I like being able to use fractionated coconut oil because it stays in liquid form no matter what the temperature.  It has no smell and won't go rancid like other coconut oils.

I have been using this as my baby's exclusive moisturizer because it is so gentle, doesn't leave a greasy residue and can be blended with essential oils.  My son has a hard time falling asleep so I add a few drops of lavender to help calm him down after a bath and before bed and his skin is always so soft.

I have tried using it as a foot rub with a few drops of peppermint oil and slept with socks on to wake up to super soft feet.

You can even use this oil as a light hair oil, being careful to avoid applying to your roots.

The bottle is huge and is a good value for the money.  I think it will last me forever.

Find it on Amazon.com here

Check out goPure Naturals' Facebook page here

or check out goPure Naturals web page by clicking here

This product was sent to me for my honest review.  These are my own opinions.

Pure Body Naturals Fractionated Coconut Oil-Large 16 oz bottle

I have been using coconut oil as a moisturizer for a long time.  I have always liked how it makes my skin so soft and that it is an all natural product that's good for you.  Coconut oil is supposed to have many benefits like being anti bacterial.  The one thing I haven't loved about using coconut oil moisturizer is that it either smells like coconut or is unscented.

I think I have a solution by using Pure Body Naturals' Fractionated Coconut Oil.  It is a large 16 oz bottle of coconut oil which stays liquified no matter what the temperature.  It doesn't solidify in colder temperatures.  The scent has also been removed.  

I have put a portion of the coconut oil in another container and have been using it mixed with lavender essential oil for a calming moisturizer before bed.  I love the smell and that as the label says is non greasy.  

You can also use this oil as a massage oil or in your hair.  The possibilities are endless depending on which essential oils you choose to mix with it.

I received this product free to try for my honest opinion.

Magnetic Screen Door

I have been looking for a product like this to use at our second home on the doorway that leads to the screen porch.  This magnetic screen door is the perfect solution.

It fits doors up to 36" wide and doesn't have any gaps where it is installed or where it connects together in the middle with magnets.  The mesh is a tight enough weave that it won't allow bugs into the house.

This will come in very handy since our 2 dogs love to come in and out of the screen porch freely. It also saves us the trouble and expense of having to buy and install a screen door in this location. 

The Magnetic Screen Door is a great solution for us and I can see also purchasing one for the door that leads to the garage.  It easily installs in about 10 minutes with included velcro and tacks. Other similar products I have seen don't have gapless install or magnets which allow bugs to fly in and out of your home. When you walk through the screen the magnets automatically close the mesh behind you which is fantastic for the dogs or if your hands are full.

I received this product to test for an unbiased review regardless I only recommend products I think will be helpful to readers.

Fox brim Advanced Formula Vitamin C Serum & Seaweed Complex Lotion

Foxbrim has been generous enough to send me samples of some of their products to test.  I recently tried their Advanced Formula Vitamin C Serum and their Seaweed Complex Lotion.  

The Advanced Formula Vitamin C Serum is a nice product that claims to help with anti-aging efforts and to boost collagen.  

Key Ingredients Include:

+ Vitamin C - Promote collagen formation while fighting against free radicals
+ Vitamin E - Essential antioxidant that helps protect and nourish skin
+ Amino Complex - Effective skin repair treatment to keep skin firm
+ Hyaluronic Acid - Unmatched natural moisturizer for plump and smooth skin

I found the serum easy to use and it made my skin feel smooth, hydrated and nourished.  

I used the serum in conjunction with Foxbrim's Seaweed Complex Lotion.  It is recommended that you use a moisturizer on top of serums with Hyaluronic Acid to seal in the moisture.  

The Seaweed Complex Lotion is also power packed with helpful ingredients to help keep your skin looking young and plump. 

Key Ingredients Include:

+ Phytochemicals - Effectively prevents premature aging of the skin. 
+ Polysaccharides - Essential building block for skin repair and renewal. 
+ Organic Spirulina (Blue Green Algae) - Reduce skin inflammation while boosting antioxidants and defending against free radicals. 
+ Hyaluronic Acid - Unmatched natural moisturizer for plump and smooth skin.

I like the fact that I can use these 2 products together and that I didn't experience any breakouts or dryness from using them.  I noticed some red spots on my face seemed to heal  faster than usual after using this regimen of serum and moisturizer for 2 weeks.  

Although I really enjoyed the scent I felt it was a bit too masculine for me and have passed the remainder of the bottle onto my husband so he can use it.  

I received both of these products free in exchange for my unbiased opinion.  I only recommend products I feel will benefit my readers.