Friday, October 21, 2016

Chicic Silicone Ice Pop Maker Set

Product: Chicic Silicone Ice Pop Maker Set

Get it Here

Rating: 5/5



I recently got these Chicic Silicone Ice Pop Makers to have a little fun when we make popsicles!  This set includes 4 silicone popsicle molds with lids, including colors red, yellow, blue, and green. They are BPA free and also are dishwasher safe, which is a huge plus! I love things that you can toss into the dishwasher and not have to worry about getting them clean yourself!  The vibrant colors are also fun, and of course a huge hit with the kids.  It's also great to have different colors in case someone needs a specific dietary item, or, of course, just to let kids know which one is theirs.



To test these out at first, I used just water to see how it worked.  I always like to test these things with water to see the true frozen amount.  They seemed to freeze fast and made nice popsicles!  One of the best features is the cap, which means you can fill it up and lay it however you want.  It's not necessary to have find a good area to prop it up.



The popsicle froze very quickly, but I had a lot of problem getting them out of the molds.  They don't push up easily.  I did find, however, with a quick twist and push it wasn't hard to get them out.  You can also run warm water over the outside quickly to help.




Overall I really enjoyed using these molds and can't wait until the warm months return to use these all the time!

*Disclaimer: I received these molds for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.*

Monday, October 17, 2016

Airsoft Joe Fantastic Jazz 4 Piece Children's Drum Set

Product: Airsoft Joe Fantastic Jazz 4 Piece Children's Drum Set

Get it Here

Rating: 4/5

See the small drum on the floor? Yeah, couldn't figure out how to attach it! :(

Well, I've had a bit of an internet and/or Blogger issue the last week or so, and the reviews that were *supposed* to be posted this week seemed to have been eaten by the internet! Eek!  That being said, I've got a little bit of catching up to do! I've got some great products to introduce to you this week!  Let's start it out with arguably my favorite, this 4 piece drum set!

    Christmas is coming y'all!  And I for one CANNOT WAIT!  I LOVE the season of Christmas Music, Decorating Cookies, Decorating trees, lights and everything else!  I LOVE Christmas.  That being said, I've got my eye on so many things for my loved ones.  Last year, I was privileged to be asked to be the godmother of my cousin's son.  And can I tell you, I love that little guy with all my heart! He's so fun and goofy and nothing in this world makes me happier than making him smile.  SO of course I spoil him! I've been looking at getting him a drum set since his first birthday earlier this year, and I was thrilled to find this gem on Amazon! The Fantastic Jazz 4 Piece Children's Drum set is a great find for any little guy or girl that loves to hit things.  Music is wonderful for kids brain development, so I'm very happy to get him something that'll set him on the right path….and maybe annoy my cousin a little bit!! :P

    So, you may be asking how I ever would rate this 4 out of 5 and not 5 out of 5, right?  There's one HUGE reason…the directions are AWFUL.  It's terribly hard to set this thing up, not because you need tools or anything (which you don't, HUGE plus!), but because it's almost impossibly to figure out the directions. Honestly, I still don't know if it's right. Also, I may or may not be missing a piece, but as the directions are so bad, I can't really figure it out.   The kick drum is a little hard to figure out too…I'm not really sure which way the foot pedal is supposed to go!  EEK!  Luckily, this is getting boxed right back up and his mother can figure it out!! :D  While the directions and figuring out how to set things up are a nightmare, the actual setting up of it is a breeze!  There are no tools needed and everything pretty much snaps or slides together. The cymbal slides over a hook and the drums are supposed to (I think!) hook onto little arms.   I may or may not be missing an arm, I still haven't figured it out!  BUT the great thing is that these are really easy to actually assemble.  Even if it's impossible to figure out where everything goes.

 


   I opened this puppy up and set it up and had some help testing it before I give it to my precious god son.  Let's just say once I (mostly) figured out the setup, it's really an awesome toy! The size is just right for my godson (he's a year and a half, but a BIG year and a half (He's growing OUT of 2T!)  The stool is plastic and is basically a base, a plastic tube and a plastic seat.  It's nothing fancy and snaps together quickly.  It'll set the child at the right height to use the set and have lots of fun! I'm not sure that it'll really uphold a lot of hard use but it seems to be pretty sturdy, so I'm happy with it for the time being.

 


        On to the big ticket part: The actual drums!  I must say that I, as a godmother giving this to someone else's kid for someone else's home (and maybe doing it a little mischievously!!!) am a little disappointed…they aren't loud and clangy!  But really, this is a huge huge plus!  This is the type of drum set you really and truly will love to buy your OWN kid.  The noise is fairly loud but not at all 'bangy', and it really isn't something you'll quickly be annoyed by. It's more of a good thud than a loud crash.  I think parents will be really happy with this as an alternative to loud drum sets that would quickly get on their nerves!   The drum sticks are plastic, so you won't have to be worried about kids breaking them either.  I also am very happy with the nice coloring and pictures around and on the drum.  I am a bit concerned about the set being a little 'plastic' heavy, ad I do hope it isn't an issue with breaking in the future.  However, for the price, you can't beat this set!  I really think kids would enjoy this, and parents would be happy for this price.  The little ones that tested this out with me really enjoyed it and hated for it to be put away!


 











Another great thing about the assembly being so easy on this set is that it's pretty easy to unsnap and store in a much more compact way! It's a nice little feature for those that are short on space!

  I really can't wait to watch my favorite little guy use this like crazy! I know it'll be a hit come Christmastime!


**Disclaimer: I received this drum set at a discount in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.**
 

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Copper-Natural Luxury Moscow Mule Set

Product: Copper-Natural Luxury Moscow Mule Set

Get it Here

Rating: 5/5

  Can we just start this off with a simple fact: I love Moscow Mules!  My cousins are like siblings, and we all drink these constantly! I honestly can never have enough of these mugs!  That being said, I got another set of copper mugs that are used for Moscow Mules! This set is made by Copper-Natural and includes two 16 oz. hand crafted 100% copper mugs, as well as 2 stainless steel stirring spoons.  Comparing this to other sets of similar mugs, these are a little more expensive (list price is currently $34.80), but I also feel like these are a very nice quality.   I do like that they come wrapped in a nice cloth to keep them dry and safe. The included extra is also two stirring spoons as opposed to stars or shot glasses, which I like better, just because I know I'll use them.  The downside of these stirrers is that they are made of stainless steel and not copper like the mugs.  I would prefer the copper just for uniformity's sake.  They do feel nice in your hand though and do a great job stirring up your drink to help to keep it cool.


   The mugs themselves are a very nice quality.  The hammered indentations on the outside produce a very nice look in the sunlight as well as help to fit in with other mugs I have.  They have a nice opening as well as swell out to allow a good amount of drink in the mug.  I love that they are made out of all copper.  For those of you that don't know, the copper reacts with the acidity of Moscow Mules (the lemon in the drink), to create a better tasting drink. The copper also keeps the drink cool and adds a "refreshing" feeling to the Moscow Mules.   All of this, as well as a classic Moscow Mule recipe and care instructions for the mugs are included in an instruction book.  Too often you're given these mugs with little to no information on their usefulness, care, and recipes.  The care of these is important, as these mugs are prone to naturally tarnish.  They will develop a patina color over time, but it is easy to rectify this if you care for it correctly. Another feature that I like is the stamped name on the bottom.  This isn't anything crazy or useful, I just think it's a nice touch!



  This set is beautifully crafted, and is sure to be a hit with any Moscow Mule lover, or anyone with a cherished home bar.  With the holidays coming up, these would make a fantastic small gift for a friend or stocking stuffer for a loved one!  They would also be beautiful added to a basket of ingredients for a Moscow Mule gift basket!  You're for sure going to want to pick up a couple sets of these, and if you're giving it as a gift, do it right and get a high quality set! 



*Disclaimer: I received this mug set at a discount in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.*

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Nestl 4 Piece Luxury Microfiber Bed Sheets

Product: Nestl 4 Piece Luxury Microfiber Bed Sheets (Queen, Stone Gray)

Get it Here

Rating: 4.5/5


 


 I ordered the Nestl 4 piece luxury microfiber bed sheets about two weeks ago and I've been loving them ever since they arrived! These sheets are perfect for the spring and fall as the weather transitions and (at least here in Michigan) it's different every day! Not all sheet sets are cool and breathable in the warm weather but still keep you snuggled up and warm when it cools down.  These sheets are just the fit for this time of year!  I love how soft they feel against my skin.  The biggest downside is that you only get two pillowcases.  I wish you got four! I know this is the norm for sheets, but still, I always have a pile of pillows on my bed and I just wish they weren't always mis-matched!

One of the great things about this set is that it's literally available in every size, from twin to California King! There are also twin XL sheets, so anyone in college dorm rooms will love these! There's also a wide variety of color choices, which is always a plus!  

One thing I will say is that the pillow cases are a bit long (pictured below), but they still are very nice.  I also think the color is a little weird for a "stone gray", it does have a bit of a green/olive tinge to it.  Other than that I am very happy with my purchase!





Next to a charcoal gray sweatshirt


*Disclaimer: I received this sheet set at a discount in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.*

Monday, October 10, 2016

Bohemian Kissed Hammered Moscow Mule Set

Product: Bohemian Kissed Hammered Moscow Mule Set

Get it Here

Rating: 5/5



    The Bohemian Kissed Hammered Moscow Mule Set includes two copper Moscow Mule Mugs, 2 copper straws, and one copper shot glass. When I first received this set, it did have a little bit of a smell, but after I washed it a couple of times it was just fine! There are also two copper straws which are nice to drink your Moscow Mules out of, though I prefer not using the straws! The shot glass is also nice, though with only one, it makes it a little awkward.  It would be much better if there were at least a second one, as I hardly ever take shots alone!  That being said, when I purchase a second set, I'll have two, so that makes it better!

   The glasses have a very nice, wide opening and bulge out in the middle.  The handle is comfortable, but tapered a little so it is a little small.  I do like the hammered appearance of the outside, it gives a really cool reflection when you're sitting in the sun drinking one of these!  One of my favorite features (and I'll admit, it's a little silly!), is the bottom of the mug which has a little stamp that says "Bohemian Kissed".  I just think it's a really nice little touch!

 

  Moscow Mules have become super popular, and I love that it includes a recipe on the box! The only thing I would say about this, is that I wish it were on a little slip of paper or a nice laminated cardboard which would be easier to keep, as I like to get rid of the boxes.

  As such a popular drink, these mugs have also become a hot commodity.  Anyone with home bar or Moscow Mule lover will absolutely adore this set! With the holidays coming up, this would also make a great gift! A great gifting idea would be a basket with this set, and all of the fixings of a Moscow Mule together! However you gift it, it's sure to be a hit!  I know my family and friends will be enjoying this set for quite some time!

*Disclaimer: I received this set at a discount in exchange for an honest and unbiased review*




Inspired Art 15 Professional Art Brushes

Product: Inspired Art 15 Professional Art Brushes and Protective Carry Case

Get it Here

Rating: 5/5



The Inspired Art Professional Brush Set is one of the best set of brushes that I own!  For the value (Currently listed at $24.95), you receive a set of 15 long handled brushes in a variety of sizes.  The brushes also come in a fantastic protective case that is a home run! These brushes can be used for with acrylic, watercolor, oil, gouache, and face painting, and the bristles are no-shed.  The larger brushes have wider handles, but all of the handles are of a nice quality and easy to grip.

When I first purchased these, I did not realize that they were long handled. This is totally my fault, but I just thought I should re-emphasize that they are long handled.  What's the difference between long and short handled you may ask? Long handled brushes tend to be used for work on larger canvases and easel work where you want to be able to see a broader area while you're painting.  I usually use short handled brushes as I work on small canvases, wood pieces, and ornaments.  This isn't a big deal and it's totally my fault but please make sure you know these are long handled if you're purchasing them!

The long handle of the brush in comparison to my planner and iPad mini.

That being said, these brushes were a fantastic surprise as I expected good brushes but not great ones.  These were definitely great.  The versatility of the set is one of it's best attributes.  Both round and flat brushes are included.  The sizes on the brushes are: 11, 9, 7, 5, 3, 1, 0, 2/0, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, and 3/0.  Each one has a  nice handle and the bristles are soft.  They have a really nice feeling in the hand as well.
       

 

 

 


One of my favorite features about the set though, is the case.  It's nice and hard shelled, protecting the brushes as well as keeping them together.  Each side of the case has a tab where the brushes are stored and they pop out.  You can then velcro the top of it so that your brushes are set up on an angle. (there's actually two angles you can use!) This is great for when you're painting, in between painting, and after you've washed them and need to let them dry.

 

Overall, the variety of this set is fantastic, as is the quality for the price.  I can see these being a fantastic gift for any artist in your family, as well as phenomenal for a student just learning.  They are easy to take care of and don't shed, as well as coming in this great case, perfect if you're taking them to class and back, or just to keep them together.  They are a great quality and I'd definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a quality, affordable, long handled brush set!

 

*Disclaimer: I received this brush set at a discount in exchange for an honest and unbiased review*