The Story of The King's Crown

I'm trying to have a bit more fun with my reviewing as of late--taking on fun products and creating silly videos.  Of course, this latest vid is at my husband's expense.  :). 

This king's crown arrived and my husband was less than thrilled, as he knew he would have to model for pics. ;). Whilst the quality control is lacking, it's still a great prop. First, this is definitely sized for adults. It was a little large on my husband. It's constructed of a red flocked fabric and metallic plastic. The jewels are all plastic as well. My biggest complaint is with the glue--it's EVERYWHERE. Strings of glue cover the jewels and the rim of the crown and are virtually impossible to remove. With that said, however, it's effective from a distance! The blues, greens and red in the faux stones are rich and deep and compliment the red of the fabric beautifully. The faux etching on the metallic frame is also intricate and from afar it looks like the real thing.

Overall, keep your expectations realistic and you won't be disappointed!

Note: I received this crown at no cost in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Rubber Ducky, You're The One!

I love rubber ducks.  No, really,  it just doesn't get any cuter than a little yellow duck with an orange bill floating in and amongst the bubbles in a warm bath in the jacuzzi.  Ok, it does get cuter--try EIGHTEEN little bright yellow rubber ducks! This pack of 18 mini rubber ducks from Kangaroo is just the perfect whimsical addition to a relaxing soak.

Each little duck is an exact replica of the last, down to the perfectly painted eyes and bright yellow color..  These ducks have a drain hole in the bottom as well, perfect for suctioning and spraying water on whomever is within reach. They float smoothly and stay upright unless force is applied, in which case they can be made to capsize.  ;).  These would be terrific for rubber duck races in the pool or on top of a cake as ducky decor.  For me, however, our tub offers the perfect swimming hole.

Highly recommended for the smile factor alone.

Note:  I received these ducks at no cost for an unbiased and honest review.

Oh, The Horror!

FindiT Key Finder

If you've ever we experienced the horror of lost keys, this Key Finder by FindiT will ease your mind that it will never happen again! I own two other key finders that purport to be simple. After struggling through the blue tooth pairing and the battery insertion, I would consider them anything BUT simple. This set, however, is a no-hassle, no set-up, no configuring pair of devices.

You receive in the box two items. The first is a thin, credit card sized transmitter. The second is a palm-sized receiver on a key ring. You simply turn on the transmitter (which will then display a small red light on the edge) and press the marked button. The receiving unit will then light and beep. I'm not just talking about a minor bleep", I'm talking about a loud-enough-to-be-effective beep you will most certainly hear. Pressing the button on the receiver will turn it off.

The transmitter is the perfect size to fit in a wallet, so it's never obtrusive or in the way. The receiver is also small enough not to be burdensome when it's attached to your keys. Five big gold stars from me for a product that worked out of the box and did the job it professed to!

Note: I received a discount on this set in exchange for an honest review.

I Love These Curtain Panels On My French Doors!

 Ellington Home Thermal Blackout Window Curtain Panels

These curtains are EXACTLY what I'd been searching for--grommeted panels in a rich brown, long enough to cover my French doors.

First, the grommets are large, polished and slide easily over any rod. The fabric of this panel is listed as polyester, which means that these can be tossed into the washer and dryer with no worries. It's also uber soft! All seams are well stitched--even and straight with no loose threads, and the seam under the grommets is double stitched for reinforcement. As you may see in the video, I didn't press these out of the package, but within two days every wrinkle had fallen out. The deep, gorgeous brown matches my rugs perfectly as well.

Five big gold stars from me! I received one in exchange for an honest review and once I saw the amazing quality, I purchased another for my French doors. Highly recommended!

The Unreliable Narrator Exemplified--Charlotte Bogan's The Lifeboat

The Lifeboat

I read this with some hesitation. I had perused several of the more negative reviews and wondered if it was worth the investment of time. I am so glad I made a leap of faith. I will admit that for the casual reader, this piece might very well fall short. The characters are one-dimensional, the plot is focused to the point of tunnel vision and the action ebbs and flows in unpredictable waves of disconnect. Closer examination, however, reveals that the perceived shortcomings are exactly those things that make this novel a masterful look at the mind of a narcisist engaged in looking back through a lens of indignation and entitlement.

Grace's troubled childhood, defined in her mind by her father's suicide and her mother's subsequent break down, has taken its toll by the time she finds herself stranded on the lifeboat, and it is only after her rescue that she tells the story of her humble beginnings as well the events that led her to be adrift in the sea. When detailing her past, Grace's sense of immediacy in terms of escaping the life of relative poverty into which she was thrust when her parents "checked out" leads her to Henry. Henry is of wealth, and it is through coverage of his activities in a local newspaper that Grace first "sees" him. She knows at once that he is her ticket to the life of privilege to which she feels entitled. While her sister is a *gasp* "working girl" (making her way as a nanny), Grace sees herself as being above that and instead hatches a plan pulled straight from a popular fairy tale to ensnare the wealthy Henry. If we are to believe Grace, after the initial deceit is wrought she actually does fall in love with the man. There, however, is the rub--are we to believe Grace? Did Henry fall in love with her and pledge his everlasting commitment? Did he eventually, as her husband, lead her to a lifeboat, making a mysterious deal with the devil along the way? Was Grace completely in the dark as to those details? Were the two truly married? Her story is full of veiled pleas to take her at her word, and we, as readers, must make the decision to play along if we are to appreciate the enormity of her seemingly depthless self-deception. It is difficult, however, to decide whether or not even Grace believes what she puts forth as "gospel". Is she trying to convince us...or herself? Once the reader realizes that he has the ability to see beyond Grace's portrayal of her reality, the read becomes an exercise in discerning truth from fiction and separating what Grace would have liked to have happened from what truly happened. The realization that the entire piece is a diary of events presented to her lawyers (trying to exonerate her for events that took place on the lifeboat)gives us an "ah ha!" moment that will have you rereading in an effort to unravel what truly occured.

For me, the events in the lifeboat itself are secondary. While one could make a case for "man against the sea", for me it read more like a psychological case study into the mind of a woman desperate to come out looking more human than she had been. The circumstances are harsh, but the author doesn't dwell on those, and instead relates them dispassionately through Grace's recollections, which are full of "intent".

If you are looking for rich character development and a plot you can sink your teeth into (pun intended), this probably isn't the book for you. If, however, you are looking to think as you read--if you are ready to be challenged in an effort to understand the truth, then this is a MUST read.

Confessions of a Phone Case Addict

EVO21 Elephant Case

I have a confession.  I'm a phone-case addict.  I have ones that charge, light up, are akin to armor, sparkle, blink and shine.  My iPhone 6 is better dressed than I could ever hope to be.  With that said, when I saw this case, I knew I wanted, no, NEEDED, to add it to my collection.   It would have been uber cool had it been an actual jeweled or stone mosaic, but the photo realistic quality of the elephant print is pretty damn good.  I do get loads of compliments when I carry it!

First, I love the fact that it's a flexible silicone. The edges have small bumps to allow for a secure grasp (I drop things--a lot), and the top of the case features a raised ridge to protect the phone screen should it be placed face down (yep, I do that too).  Additionally, the corners are rounded bumpers to protect from inadvertent falls (no comment, you may start to get the wrong impression). All cutouts are accurately placed and also easily accessible without the need to have to remove small door covers or tabs, which can be a bear with long nails. The photo adhered to the case is a gorgeous mosaic with rich shades of blue and vibrant reds and golds. It really is a show stopper.

I love that the trunk is up on the elephant, indicating it is a symbol for good luck. A little extra luck never hurts, and i can use it. ;)

Overall, this is a case that will separate you from those who don't dress their phones (GASP!).  If you ever see one that's an ACTIAL mosaic, let me know!  I'll need that one, too.  :).

So watch the video and revel in the drama.  Four big gold stars from this fan!

Note: I received this case at no cost in exchange for an honest review.

The Best Grilling Tools As Per My Grill Master

Supreme Products Grilling Tools Set

My husband, the household Grill Master, absolutely raves about this set.  Take that will a grain of salt, as he burns everything he cooks (ssshhhh).   The comes with four incredibly well-made utensils and a nylon carrying case that makes storage a breeze.


The first utensil is one that has come in very handy for our grilled BBQ chicken--a black silicone basting brush. It is nicely weighted, easy to grasp and stands up to the dishwasher. The rubber end bristles are soft and pliable and grab the sauce. Finally, the handle boasts a hole for easy hanging if you choose to do so.

The other items, tongs, a grilling fork and a large grilling spatula, are all a polished stainless steel and feature sleek handles. The fork and spatula also have easy-hang rings built in. The tongs offer the perfect resistance for lifting even heavy items, the fork features piercing times, and the spatula has a nice, beveled edge for getting under things that might stick.

The entire set is packaged in a black nylon zippered case. Inside the case, all the stainless utensils are velcroed in place. The zipper moves effortlessly, and the two nylon-webbing handles are reinforced for durability.

Overall, great grilling set that would make the perfect gift for the grill master in your home.

Note: I received a discount on this set in exchange for an honest review.

Makeup Brushes That Will Wow You!

Beau Gâchis® Paris Makeup Brushes  

Once you use these makeup brushes, you will wonder how you ever applied cosmetics without them. I received the set yesterday and used them immediately. I was actually excited this morning to apply my makeup and again put these to work.
The first thing you will notice when you receive them is the awesome case. It's a black, leather-look unit that snaps on either side to hold the top on securely. Inside, the brushes are enclosed in a cellophane bag. Inside the bag, each brush is again wrapped. These are very well protected!

The brushes themselves are well done--all natural hair and shed-free, they are uber soft and feel good against the skin. The handles are all wood and are easy to grasp. The ferrules are copper and are crimped tightly to ensure the hairs are secure.

The variety of brushes in the set is large--from foundation to eyeshadow, you will be covered. The fact that they are protected from dust and very portable when in the case is also a huge bonus, as I frequently travel.

Overall, I am happy to give them five gold stars for quality and functionality.

Note: I received a discount on the brushes in exchange for my honest review.

Another Bluetooth Speaker For Tunes On The Go!

Wireless Copper Speaker

The cliche that big things come in small packages is most certainly true in the case of this wireless Bluetooth speaker/mic combination. First, I love the size of this unit. It's small enough to tuck into my bag for use at the beach or in the break room at work. The portability was a huge factor in my decision to purchase. It's also lightweight, so no burdensome paperweight to lug. The fact that this is also a microphone is the third bonus here--I've used it to Skype AND to conference call and in both cases, the sound transmitted and received was equally incredible. It has button controls for volume and track choosing, and it has an on/off button to conserve the battery. It is completely plug and play and paired easily with my iPad Air 2.

The aesthetic of this speaker/mic is sleek and modern. The contrast between the copper casing and the black trim is at once elegant and sophisticated. It's perfect for more professional use, where neons and plastic of other brands can be a distraction.

Five big gold stars for a first rate speaker that goes everywhere with me! Highly recommended.

Broken Promise--Barclay Just Doesn't Deliver On His

Please let me begin with a disclaimer. I'm a fairly easy going gal. I don't throw temper tantrums, I seldom raise my voice and it takes a whole lot to make me angry. It is at this point that I would like to congratulate Linwood Barclay for raising my ire AND my blood pressure.


Let's start with the premise--well, the center stage premise.   David Harwood is an out of work journalist, as well as a single father.  Through a series of ill-fated circumstances, he finds himself living with his parents.  When his mother asks him to deliver some food she's prepared to a grieving cousin, David reluctantly agrees.  Marla, the in-mourning cousin, recently lost s baby in child birth.  She also lost a bit of her cognitive awareness and lives in the fringes of society, writing bogus reviews for a paycheck.  When David arrives, he finds Marla feeding a baby--a baby she swears was delivered to her by an angel.  When the baby's parents are discovered, the mother has been brutally murdered.  The rest of the novel follows Marla, David and the police as they try to untangle the identity of the murderer. 

I will concede that Barclay is one of those rare writers who excels in character development, and this book is no exception. Every single player here, from Marla, the broken woman with more than a few issues, to David, is believable. What I most appreciate about Barclay's work is his ability to keep each character's actions/dialogue and reactions true to the persona he creates. Nothing is arbitrary, but rather each character interaction furthers that brilliant development and encourages empathy or enmity--occasionally, as in the case of Agnes, simultaneously.

I will also offer props to Barclay for his ability to weave a plot and be able to follow it. He must have a very large storyboard somewhere, as that would have been the ONLY way I could have kept up, as beyond the Marla storyline there are myriad others that meander through this novel like a lost child who never finds his way home. It's a sad commentary when the lack of a graphic interface prevents the reader from being able to fully enjoy the story. Ok, major spoilers are to come, so reader, beware! You've been warned.

Barclay, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? From the very start, I made a conscious effort to follow the Marla thread. I appreciated how it had woven into its tapestry the threads of Dr. Strauss, the doctor who delivered the still born child, and the Gaynors, the baby's parents.  No, really, that was awesome. But there were other threads...loose threads. Threads that kept me page turning to find out how they were to be related. So why am I angry? BECAUSE THEY NEVER CAME TOGETHER. There were vague suggestions of personal issues never resolved, overt declaration of issues that were never explained, and characters who had agendas that in no way related to the main plot.  Instead of bringing it all to some related conclusion, Barclay strings us along for a wild ride that ends in the middle of a damn desert--barren and thirsting for the hours it took to read this novel to be returned in some time-travel scenario. What? It's about as ridiculous as assuming the reader would in any way be content. So, Mr. Barclay, if by chance you're reading, I have a few suggestions and questions.

1. If this was a sequel piece of which understanding and appreciation came with a prereading prerequisite, TELL THE READERS BEFORE THEY BUY THE BOOK.
2. What the hell was up with David's father, Don? Why was he so sullen? What did Walden say to upset him?
3. What the hell was up with Trevor's father, Barry? What did Finley have on him?
4. Why add Arlene's leg injury? What purpose did it serve?
5. Who killed the squirrels?
6. Who put the mannequins on the ferris wheel? 
7. Who killed Rosemary?
8. Who killed Olivia?

There's a start. I've left out questions about the banality of including the extramarital affair of Marla's father (Carol/Gill nonsense); about Fenwick's phone conversation that appeared to be leading to gratuitous phone sex; about the quick lay at Sam's; the number 23: the Thackery College asshats. My GOD, the list is endless.

For me, this read like an installment of a serial story, like those that used to appear, one chapter at a time, in various publications. The difference here is that folks waited impatiently, prognosticating and predicting, full of great anticipation for those serial pieces. With this book, I've abandoned all hope on this bait and switch and will be seeking my closure in a stand alone novel that actually comes to a conclusion. 

Another Bluetooth Speaker Must Have From Captain!

Captain Bluetooth Speaker

This incredible multi-function Bluetooth speaker is, truly, a jack of all trades--and masters them all. I actually ordered two separate Captain speakers for two different places. This one I purchased for my bedside table, as it has a front facing built in alarm clock to rouse me from my sleep (no easy task!).

First, the sound from this speaker is on par with my stereo speakers, a fact that really surprised me from a bar unit. The bass is really rich, thumping and deep. High end frequencies are also captured with amazing clarity.

I've already mentioned the clock/alarm functionality, but this device also has an integrated FM radio with fantastic range and reception. We live fairly far out in the country, and I was easily able to tune in dozens of station broadcasts. Beyond that, however, this speaker allows the user hands free calling and answering when it's paired with a mobile phone. The built in microphone transmits clear speech that is free of static or interference.

Accessible top-mounted buttons make it simple to skip and repeat tracks, change the volume, set the alarm and answer the phone. The overall design is sleek, professional and sophisticated and would be perfect in any office.

Overall, I love this speaker and the sound it produces, not to mention the many functions it offers. Five gold stars.

Note: I received a discount on this speaker in exchange for an honest review.

I Never Said That--Get It On Cam!

Conbrov Personal Security Cam

This tiny security cam is just perfect for my needs! I am a mystery shopper. I do dozens of shops per week, retiring to my car after each one to frantically write notes, then snap pics, so that I don't forget any important details for the shop report. Many times, those reports must also include video of the location, or certain aspects of the location, such as the parking lot, restrooms, etc. Lugging a camera is very conspicuous and could blow my cover. This cam, however, has solved that problem!

First, I am able to capture quick recordings of locations with just the press of a button. No detail of that locale is lost or forgotten, and since the cam clips right on my collar, no one is the wiser. Second, the quality of the recording is great for such a tiny cam. To watch or transfer the video, I simply place the mini SD card (which is not included) into a card adapter, then into my laptop SD slot. It could not be any easier.

The cam itself is very versatile. It can be wall mounted or carried, clipped to clothing or a car visor. It can be set to record with motion detection or simply to record on command. The status lights make it clear which mode the cam is in at any given time. The fact that it's infrared makes it a breeze to get good, clear footage at night as well. Used as a security cam, the motion detection mode will record up to SEVEN DAYS or 100 minutes on a single charge. Considering I have to charge my iPad every three hours, the seven days on standby really impressed me. ;) Finally, it has a sensitive built in microphone so that you don't miss a sound.

Overall, this is a sound little device that will provide you with viewable footage, complete with full audio. Five stars for performing as promised!

Note: I received this cam at no cost in exchange for my honest feedback and review.

After the Read...Gould's After The Cure

After The Cure

I just turned the last page in this post-apocalyptic novel. I must admit to being of two minds here. Generally, I am a tough critic, able to pinpoint the weaknesses of a piece of fiction whilst also being able to recognize its merits and thereby coming down on one side of the love/hate critique. This one, however, has me straddling middle ground. On one hand, I was glad to reach the end, as I felt that some of the details were becoming tedious. On the other hand, I was sad to say Bon voyage to Nella and Frank.

The plot of this piece is one that's been done, but this author adds a breath of fresh air to the whole flesh-eating zombie genre. Here, the infected are cured, but retain the memories of their days spent wantonly lunching on friends and family. The resulting prejudices and societal biases are far too symbolic of our current climate to be ignored, if, indeed, that was the author's intent. In any case, some of the scenes reflect those precipitated by racial tensions today and hit the mark both physically and emotionally. The divide between the Cured and the Immune stretches far and wide.

This story comes with some of the genre-specific requirements somewhere written in the rules to penning apocalyptic fiction. There are, as mentioned, still roving hordes of zombies eager for a meal; there are those either cured or immune trying to elude these zombies; and there's a secondary love story to tug the heart strings. Surprisingly, all of these elements work here without appearing cliche. The plot moves quickly for the first 3/4 of the book, and at times the reader feels like they've been taken along for one hell of a ride. This author excels at dialogue, which is a good thing, as there's a lot of it.

Here's where things fell short. That amazing dialogue is delivered by characters who, for me, fell a little flat. For several reasons, I never fully "invested", which I think is the reason for my critical ambivalence. First, while we learn Frank's back story, it's not nearly with enough detail to develop any empathy. The same holds true for Nella, and even more so for Dr. Pazzo and Dr. Schneider. The former was seemingly non existent before the plague, whilst the two latter were inconsistent in their actions. Perhaps a starting place for them would have at least explained their behaviors. For example, what motivated Dr. Pazzo to engage in this type of work? Was there something personally motivating him to work on the bacteria? Were he and Ann together long? How serious was it? In order to feel the connection, I would have needed more from them--more of what they were before the plague, of how they ended up where they were when the plague struck. Did Frank.have siblings? What about Nella's parents? What became of them? I wanted to feel what they were feeling, but without a place of reference to who they were, it was difficult to relate to who they had become.

The last third of the book failed for me because I hadn't established those character connections necessary in order to fully appreciate the gravity of their situations. I wanted to find out more about Frank and Nella before they sailed off, but I was also eager to say adios, as I had all but given up hoping for those details.

Pleson Wireless Qi Charger--I Love This Thing!

Person Wireless Qi Charger

I am quite the fan of the Qi technology and was pretty upset when I realized that the new iPhone 6 didn't support it. Hubby has a Glaxay s6 that works on the Qi pad in our new vehicle as well as with this unit. It's so simple--no more cord hunting, adapter locating or outlet scavenging. The pad is plugged in permanently beside out bed--he just has to lay his phone on top and it charges up in record time.

I so loved the simplicity of the process that I was in the verge of trading in my phone for a Galaxy. Low and behold, I discovered an inexpensive adapter and viola! My iPhone 6 is able to sit stop this unit and charge! I am so thrilled that I am ordering several more of these pads to place at work and in different areas of my home.

Super charger--super easy.

Never Be Without Your Tunes--Great Bluetooth Speaker

DBPower Bluetooth Speaker

This rechargeable Bluetooth speaker has gotten rave reviews from our household of teenagers. In fact, it was at the center of an argument that ended in fisticuffs and a long period of grounding when two of them wanted to use it at the same time--it's just that good.

First, aesthetically, this is an attractive unit. It is a column design with rounded ends and no sharp lines to break the flow of the eye. The sound is fairly good. My husband loves the fact that higher frequencies are clear and crisp. He was also satisfied with the timbre of the bass, though I felt it was missing that "in-your-chest" thump I like to feel.

The buttons are easy to operate--once you find them. I am generally pretty gadget savvy, but finding the charging port and buttons, in spite of the instructions, was a nightmare. On the instructions, it clearly shows that the buttons are located on one end of the column. When looking at the speaker, however, it was initially impossible to determine which end as they are both solid. If you try the wrong end, as I did, you inadvertently peel off a piece of rubber trim that will need to be reglued. The correct end (the one with the silver ring) will allow you to peel back the rubber cover located inside the circle to reveal the controls. I hope that little disclosure saves someone else the frustration I encountered!

Overall, this is a well designed speaker with more than adequate sound quality. Recommended, but with the caveat that instructions to find the controls should be added.

~I was provided a discount on this product, though all views are my own.

I Swear it Wasn't My Fault--I Love This Dash Cam

Conbrov Dash Cam

This car dash cam does exactly what I need it to do! Ok, I must first disclose that I am a gadget geek. I love anything that is electronic. If it has buttons, uses a power source and produces video, I'm elated. This car dash cam totally hit all MY buttons. Let's get this out of the way first--the price point on this cam is uber low. You won't be getting a high end cam to record details like insects at fifty feet. What you will get, however, is a solid dash cam that captures the road.

When I received this cam, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it's a nice, palm-sized, light weight device. I am a stickler for a clear field of vision when I'm driving (which could have something to do with prior accidents that I still swear were NOT my fault), and this cam requires very little windshield real estate. I found it incredibly intuitive to install--you stick it on the windshield, where is stays securely with the provided suction.

The operation of this little cam is also intuitive. The included directions will guide you to button functions, but honestly, you probably won't even need them, it's that straight forward. You plug it in with the included adapter. start your vehicle, and the cam starts recording. You stop, turn off your vehicle, and it stops recording and turns itself off. All video is captured on a micro SD card (which you must purchase--buy a class 10 32g and save yourself the trouble of having to coax a recording). The cam features on board playback as well, so chances are you will never have to remove the card to view vid on your computer (unless you want to see more detail in the video, as the cam screen is small). If, however, you do wish to view the vid outside of the cam, there's an included USB cable. Once attached to your computer, it's truly plug and play--just follow the cam's onscreen prompts and then choose your file. I recently purchased a Windows 10 HP laptop, and this cam was immediately recognized.

Oh sure, there are more modes, bells and whistles on this cam. You can set it to detected changes in acceleration to trigger recording, it has auto infrared for night recording, it can be set to record on motion detection, you can take snap shots and you can even change the resolution, allowing more or less recording time on your sd card. Like anything, if you want to learn the intricacies. just play with it. The buttons are clearly labeled on cam and in the included instructions, so don't be afraid to get your feet wet and try a few! Some of the reviews reflect a reticence to give things a go and some seem to be intimidated by the technology. Out of the box, this cam is super simple, but take a few minutes and learn what ELSE it can do. It's packed with the options I've listed that you only need to press buttons to discover.

Overall, this is a great entry level dash cam that says what it does and does what it says. It provides a decent recounting of your driving through micro SD saved video, has on screen playback and can be set to only record with motion detection. If you're not looking to determine whether a penny on the street is heads up or down, this cam will definitely do the job.

Note: I received this cam at no cost in exchange for my honest review.

Cover That Old Comforter!

Ellington Duvet Cover Set

This is my second Ellington Home purchase, and I couldn't be happier with the quality! First, this set was purchased for our queen size bed. We have three dogs, and one insists on being on the bed no matter how many times we boot her off. I was sending my comforters out once a week to be dry cleaned, but at $35 a pop, I knew I needed a more economical solution. When I saw this duvet cover, I was sold.
The design is lovely--a light satin-sheen stripe that is both tasteful and elegant. The color is also very subdued--perfect for our décor. The fit was amazing, once I wrestled it onto the comforter (a problem with any duvet cover for me...lol) and the plastic snaps down one seam were easy to click together.

The set comes with not only the cover, but also two shams. The shams also are lovely, with a free edge giving them a framed appearance, and the same satin sheen striping runs across the fabric. On all pieces, the stitching is extremely well done--neat and even.

Overall, this is a great set that I can take off, throw in the laundry and put right back on--without the exorbitant dry cleaning fees I had been paying. For me, that's a definite win!

Note: I received this set at no cost in exchange for my honest review.

Maybe I WILL Decide to Hike...Really!

Park Ridge Outfitters Trekking Poles

These trekking poles are the most versatile and durable poles we have found. My husband is an amateur nature photographer and enjoys hiking to remote locations to shoot. His adventures have taken him to the tops of mountains and far into the woods and forests in search of the perfect shot. He is never without a set of hiking poles to assist. Unfortunately, as we've grown older, the need for the poles has become more, shall we say, "necessary". With that came my concern that the poles we had just weren't secure enough to provide me with peace of mind, especially when hubby ventures out solo. With this set, however, I have ZERO worries.

First, these poles are extremely light weight--a bonus when you are carrying loads of heavy equipment. In spite of the weightlessness, however, these poles are STRONG! I have no fears of these collapsing or bending, as it would take a Herculean effort. The construction also has built in "shock absorbers" that allow for less impact felt when in use. The rubber grips are comfortable over the long haul and haven't resulted in the blistered palms we've experienced in the past.

Included are three options for use--rubber tips, snow cups and spikes. For the most part, we utilize the spikes for leverage and have found the spikes on this set to be just the right length to do so. Another set we own has very long spikes which we thought would be a bonus, but just ended up slowing hubby down, as he had to work harder to lift them out of the soil. Whomever designed THIS set was obviously extremely in tune to a hiker's needs. Finally, I love that the set is adjustable, as either of us can use them.

Overall, a well designed set of poles with an attention to detail that is impressive.

Note: I received a discount on these poles in exchange for an honest review.

My iPhone Is Happy

Waldo Power Bank

This powerbank is one that, whilst basic, will do the job. First, I have to say that this is the most aesthetically pleasing external charger I own. The rubberized woven cover is a nice added touch that keeps a smooth polished unit from slipping through your fingers. The size is also reasonable. Whilst larger than a stick charger, it is still far lighter than many comparable units. I was able to fully charge my iPhone 6 from a dead battery, but it took a little longer than with another charger with a more powerful output. Of course the price point on this one is far more reasonable, so it's a matter of what's important. I do love the integrated protection from overcharging--definitely a bonus.

Overall, a sound device that delivers!


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