Thursday, August 13, 2015

Cover That Old Comforter!



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.






Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Maybe I WILL Decide to Hike...Really!


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.


Tuesday, August 11, 2015

My iPhone Is Happy


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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