Product review: W&S 1.6 Gallon Kitchen Flat Type Strong Trash Bags, 180 Counts/2 Rolls (green)

The thing about unknown brands of trash bags is that their volume does not always match my expectation. A few times I got trash bags that were much smaller than expected.  This 1.3 gallon W&S trash bags turned out to be larger than I expected it 3/4 of the size of 4 gallon Glad bag, not less than 1/2 size as the label would indicate. In attached photo you can see the white W&S bag on top of the 4 gallon white Glad bag for size comparison. 

W&S bags are feel slightly thinner than Glad bags, they are good for soft light trash.  I am using them in the bathroom trash bin, they work very well there because all the bathroom trash is soft and small. In one of the photos I show my hand inside the bag, I think it gives a good idea of the bag thickness.  The green back is pretty transparent.

Each bag length is 20" and the width is 18" when folded in half (36" total). Note that my measurements are slightly different from the size in Amazon description. The bag has the same width at the top and at the bottom.  The bag has a draw string, which works well to close the bag when it is ready to be thrown out.
The roll has 180 bags.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: SiFREE Silicone Stretch Lids Food Huggers for Platters, Dishes, Dishwasher, Jars, Oven, Microwave, Freezer Safe

This is a set of 6 silicone covers. If you find the right match for the right lid they provide a spill proof lid. They are flexible, so they fit round and oval containers equally well.

I especially like them on Corelle bowls as I misplaced one of the covers. I use the on coffee containers, because the plastic covers on them are fragile and I like re-using those containers for the coffee that comes in bags. The covers also work well with yougurt containers that don't have a cover, this way I can eat half of the cup and save the rest for another time.

I am attaching some sample photos to give you a better idea of the fit.  One of the small lids fit the coffee container - it was great to replace the plastic cover that got damaged.

The package included a bonus - a silicon pot holder  which can also work as a trivet.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Veliis Angle Template, Adjustable Square Tool

When I use this measuring tool it feels like having an extra hand!  I can use it as a square or as a triangle or a trapezoid and I need just one to hold it while I mark, position or cut with the other hand.

The tools is made out of light weight plastic. Each corner has an adjustable nob which you loosen and tighten to change the shape and then lock it in. The measures are in inches and centimeters. Simple, easy, clever!  I like it!


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: W&S 4 Gallon Kitchen Drawstring Strong Trash Bags, 100 Counts/ 2 Rolls / White

The thing about unknown brands of trash bags is that their volume does not always match my expectation. A few times I got trash bags that were much smaller than expected.  The W&S trash bags appear to be true size, they are the same size as 4 gallon Glad bags. In attached photo you can see the blue W&S bag on top of the white Glad bag for size comparison.  W&S is is the same size as a 4 gallon Glad trash bag.

W&S bags is thinner than Glad bags, they are good for soft light trash. In one of the photos I show my hand inside the bag, I think it gives a good idea of the bag thickness.  The blue bag is transparent and you can see the trash inside the bag.

Each bag length is 17 3/4" and the width is 15.5" when folded in half (31" total). Note that my measurements are slightly different from the size in Amazon description. The bag has the same width at the top and at the bottom.  The bag has a draw string, which works well to close the bag when it is ready to be thrown out.  The roll has 100 bags in two rolls.


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Food review: This Bar Saves Lives, All-Natural Whole Food Snack Bar, 3 Flavor Variety Pack

I really like this variety pack includes Dark Chocolate Cherry & Sea Salt, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter & Sea Salt, and Madagascar Vanilla Almond & Honey.  My favorite is Vanilla Almond and Honey, the flavor is subtle not too sweet.  I generally do not like Salt in bar, but again all flavors are subtle and the fact that it had salt did not make it salty.
 

These bars are similar to Kind bars but I like their flavor better.  They slightly less sweet and more intense in flavor.  The fact that they are gluten free (so everyone can enjoy them) is nice bonus.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: ELEFT Anti Blister Pad, Medium Size, 4 Pieces

This package contains four blister pads.  They are very thin and made out of gel backed with adhesive paper that you remove to place it over the blister.   They stick well, I was able to wear one for several days.  They come in a small plastic container so you can carry them in a purse or backpack without worrying that you would damage the pads.   The only con is that they are fairly expensive.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: W&S 5 Gallons DrawString Strong Trash Bag Garbage Bag (100 Bags)

The thing about unknown brands of trash bags is that their volume does not always match my expectation. A few times I got trash bags that were much smaller than expected.  The W&S trash bags appear to be true size, they larger than 4 gallon Glad bags. In attached photo you can see the blue W&S bag on top of the white Glad bag for size comparison.  W&S is larger by a few inches.

W&S bags is thinner than Glad bags, they are good for soft light trash. In one of the photos I show my hand inside the bag, I think it gives a good idea of the bag thickness.  The blue bag is transparent and you can see the trash inside the bag.

Each bag length is 24" and the width is 19 3/4" when folded in half (37.5" total). Note that my measurements are slightly different from the size in Amazon description. The bag has the same width at the top and at the bottom.  The bag has a draw string, which works well to close the bag when it is ready to be thrown out. The package includes a total of 100 bags.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Drillpro Multi Ratcheting Screwdriver 6 in 1 With LED Light Portable Kit Tool Set

This screwdriver has a light as both ends .  Having a light as part of the screwdriver is often very handy when I am working in a dark corner.  The screwdriver is a bit hard because of the batteries, but you don't need to hold a flash light in another hand. 

It rungs on two AAA batteries.  You need to provide your own, it comes without batteries.  I thought the screwdriver bits were a bit hard to remove, but other than that it works very well.   To remove the screwdrivers bits you to slide the silicone ring up and then lift a plastic strip which releases the bit.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: EarthlanderPro 2017 Design 50 Ft Expandable Hose + Metal Nozzle + Hose Hanger Gift

I have been using flexible hoses for several summers: I use one to wash the car, another for watering the garden. They are great to work with - they are light and when empty become very short.  However they are more fragile than regular hoses, so you cannot treat them the same as a regular garden hose.

Here are a few things I learned: you cannot leave them in the sun when not in use, you can not drag and pull them like you would a regular hose, you cannot step on them when they are full with water. It is best not to hang them to store (this puts pressure on the internal hose).  I store them curled up in a bucket and bring it into the cool basement when they are not in use.  When I use a hose I lay it out in the direction of where I want to use it, fill the water and then streatch it out as needed. I have strong water pressure, so when I use the flex hose I do not put the water pressure all the way up.  I use it at a half force setting.

This hose has brass connectors which give me good no leak connections. Also included in the package is a sprayer.  The sprayer has all plastic construction. The sprayer has 8 different settings.  All settings work well. Some sprays do not have a good "mist" setting (on some of them mist is a weak spray) but this hose has a fine mist settings. It is truly a fine mist.  The nozzle has flow control and a loop that keeps the nozzle spraying without having to hold down the handle. Flow control makes a shower a very gentle shower which I like to use when I water flowers.  The loops that holds the sprayer open works reliably.

Also is included a sturdy plastic hose hanger.  I use it for short term storage while I am working the garden, I store it in the bucket when not in use.

Yes, this hose requires extra care but I really like that it is so light which makes it easier on my bad back.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: MHU 1875W Folding Hair Dryer Dual Voltage Blow dryer

Nice hair dryer! The handle can be bent so the while bundle becomes pretty compact to travel.  It has how and low temperature, cold and hot air flow, and an air constrictor.   The air constricter did not stay firmly on, the connection was quite loose and it came off a few times while I used it.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: JIEGU PowerLine+ USB-C to USB 3.0 cable Data Sync and Charge , for USB Type-C

I got a set of Jiegu cables of different length for my Nexus 6p Android phone.  These cables are thick braided cables, they have a neat apperance and perform well.

The maximum rate 3.1 type-C cables can get is 1500 mA. I tested the phone with battery between 43% and 59%.  In this level of battery the phone uses rapid charging if possible.

In addition to use the braided type-C cable, I also tested converter from mini USB cable to type-C cable.  Below is a table representing the results of my tests.

36" black cable phone was charged at max of 890 mA
36" black cable phone was charged at max of 960 mA
36" black cable phone was charged at max of 960 mA
10 feet silver cable (3.1) phone was charged at max of 810 mA
pink mini cable with converter charged at max of 850 mA
pink mini cable with converter charged at max of 940 mA
6 feet silver cable (3.1) phone was charged at max of 600 mA
10 feet feet black cable (3.1) phone was charged at max of 1310 mA
36" silver cable (3.1) phone was charged at max of 1060 mA
36" silver cable (3.1) phone was charged at max of 1150 mA
36" silver cable (3.1) phone was charged at max of 1020 mA


Silver cable 10 feetType C to USB A 2.0 LRTCA02S_3
Black cable 6 feetType C to USB A 2.0 LRTCA02B_2
Silver cable 6 feetType C to USB A 2.0 LRTCA02S_2
Silver cable 3.3 feetType C to USB A 2.0 LRTCA02S_1
Black cable 3.3feet Type C to USB A 2.0 LRTCA02B_1
Black cable 10 feet USB-C to USB 3.0 LRTC03B_3
Grey cable 10 feet USB-C to USB 3.0 LRTCA03G_3
Black cable 6 feet USB-C to USB 3.0 LRTC03B_2
Grey cable (6+3.3) feet USB-C to USB 3.0 LRTCA03G_2
Black cable 3.3 feet USB-C to USB 3.0 LRTC03B_1
Grey cable 3.3 feet USB-C to USB 3.0 LRTCA03G_1

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: W&S 4 Gallons DrawString Strong Trash Bag Garbage Bag

The thing about unknown brands of trash bags is that their volume does not always match my expectation. A few times I got trash bags that were much smaller than expected.  The W&S trash bags are very similar in size to the 4 gallon Glad bags. In attached photo you can see the black W&S bag  with the white Glad bag on top of it for size comparison.  They are almost identical! W&S is just a little bit larger.

W&S bags are feel slightly thinner than Glad bags, they are good for soft light trash.  I am using them in the bathroom trash bin, they work very well there because all the bathroom trash is soft and small. In one of the photos I show my hand inside the bag, I think it gives a good idea of the bag thickness.  The black bag hides the content of the bag well and this is just right for the bathroom trash bag.

Each bag length is 17 3/4" and the width is 15.5" when folded in half (31" total). Note that my measurements are slightly different from the size in Amazon description. The bag has the same width at the top and at the bottom.  The bag has a draw string, which works well to close the bag when it is ready to be thrown out. The roll has 90 bags.

This trash bag is a good match for the bin in the small trash can of the Nine Stars touch-less trash can.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Food review: This Bar Saves Lives, Gluten-Free Kids Snack Bar, Chocolate Chip

I love the intense chocolate flavor in this bar. It packs so much flavor that I was surprised to see that it only has 110 calories.

These bars are similar to Kind bars but I like their flavor better.  They slightly less sweet and more intense in flavor.  The fact that they are gluten free (so everyone can enjoy them) is nice bonus.


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Food product review: Simply Sesame Spreads (Almond, Pistachio, Plain) 10 oz jar, Non GMO, Gluten free, All Natural

I got all three flavors of Simply Sesame paste, so I can do a taste comparison.  The simply sasame pure roasted sesame is the bast for all three jars.  The paste is sweet, like a desert. The Pistachio sesame paste has a lot of Pistachio morsels and cardamom flavor is there but very light. It is noticeable but not overwhelming.  Vanilla with almond bits, has less nuts that pistachio sesame paste.  Vanilla flavor is light and pleasant.  I particularly like to use the paste as a spread.  Think desert.

Ali Julia review

You can find Roasted sesami on Amazon by following this link.
You can find Almond sread on Amazon by following this link.
You can find Pistachio spread on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: JIEGU USB Type C Adapter, USB C to Micro USB Adapter 2 Pack

Jiegu adapters allow me to convert a regular micro USB cables to work with a phone that has type-C port. Sometimes when I travel it is a nice backup to have as I have many more micro USB cables than type-C cables.

The maximum rate 3.1 type-C cables can get is 1500 mA. I tested the phone with battery between 43% and 59%.  In this level of battery the phone uses rapid charging if possible.

pink mini cable with converter charged at max of 850 mA
pink mini cable with converter charged at max of 940 mA

For comparison purposes, here are the results with Jiegu 3.1 cable:
36" silver cable (3.1) phone was charged at max of 1060 mA


JIEGU USB Type C Adapter

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: QUEENX Womens Clutch Leather Long Bifold Wallet

I am slightly flat footed, so I often wear sole inserts in my shoes.  This one is different from a guzzilion insole I already own.  It has pads made out of memory foam type material.   They are very comfortable, but they do not provide strong arch support a flat person would want.  I am wearing them inside of my home sleepers, where I want to be super comfortable and do not want stuff arch support.

I got size 8 women inserts an fit perfectly the size 8 shoes.  On the back they have lines, so someone with a smaller foot can trim them easily.

Sometimes inserts have unpleasant chemical odor that takes a few weeks to air out.  I was happy to find that these inserts had no scent at all and I was able to use them right away, no airing out needed.

Nice comfy inserts as long as you understand they are soft and do not provide firm arch support.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Food review: This Bar Saves Lives, Gluten-Free Kids Snack Bar, Wild Berries

I love the combination of the sweet and tart in this bar. It packs so much flavor that I was surprised to see that it only has 120 calories.

These bars are similar to Kind bars but I like their flavor better.  They slightly less sweet and more intense in flavor.  The fact that they are gluten free so everyone can enjoy them is nice bonus.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: ELEFT 4D Barefoot Arch Support Insoles

I am slightly flat footed, so I often wear sole inserts in my shoes.  This one is different from a gazillion insole I already own.  It has pads made out of memory foam type material.   They are very comfortable, but they do not provide strong arch support a flat person would want.  I am wearing them inside of my home sleepers, where I want to be super comfortable and do not want stuff arch support.

I got size 8 women inserts an fit perfectly the size 8 shoes.  On the back they have lines, so someone with a smaller foot can trim them easily.

Sometimes inserts have unpleasant chemical ordor that takes a few weeks to air out.  I was happy to find that these inserts had no scent at all and I was able to use them right away, no airing out needed.

Nice comfy inserts as long as you understand they are soft and do not provide firm arch support.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: Kitchen Gvode Food Grinder Attachment for KitchenAid Stand Mixers

In attached video you can see assembly and usage of this grinder.  It fits my KitchenAid mixer very well. The fit it tight and does not need to be re-tightened.  I purchased round steak which is less than $3, it made much better tasting hamburger than the store-bought ground meat.  The grinder drew in the meat in easily, I only had to push the very last pieces.  The grinder is easy to clean, there was not much left inside.  The little bits of fat were stuck to the plate which I rinsed with hot water. The plate (the piece with the with the holes) is made stainless steel and can be washed in the washer.

A few words about cleaning.  The grinder is made out of three different materials, and the washing instructions are different depending on the material.

The following  parts are made out of stainless steel and can be washed in the dishwasher.
~ The 3x Grinding plates
~Grinding blade
~ 2x Stuffing tubes
The plastic food pusher also can washed in the dishwasher.
~ Food pusher (Plastic)

The Grinder body, grinding worm, food tray, locking ring are Aluminum die-cast. Since its surface is polishing only, without extra nonstick coating it will discolor if you washed in dishwasher.  Even though this does not ruin it does make it look bad.  The aluminum parts should be washed by hadn in soapy water.

The package also include the sausage making attachments.  I will post an update when we use them.

Overall, I am quite pleased. Using the grinder did not make much extra time to set up or clean, I was able to use better cuts of mean, and there is less worry about contamination that happens with the store-bought ground meat.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Female Urination Device (Universal Portable Urinal)

Does it work?  Yes. But it does takes some practice to find the right position and angle to avoid drips and getting your clothing wet. Try practicing in the shower before taking it on the road.

The device comes without instruction of how to position it. One side is longer and one side is shorter. The best position is with the long side up, which makes the tip point slightly up and thus directs the stream away from you and your clothing.

The device arrived quite misshapen, it was flattened and narrow.  However I was able to improve the funnel's shape by reshaping it under hot water and making it wider and oval shaped.  The device is made out relatively stiff silicone, it is not floppy, which is good as it reduces the risk of spills.

Woman's underwear is not designed to be use with such a device, so you have to drop your garments and risk exposure but it less noticeable than squatting. It works very well in a messy porta potty where exposure is not a problem.

Shop around for price, I purchased mine for $9.99 and now I see that there are some as low as $4.99.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: Gvode Flex Edge Beater for KitchenAid Tilt-Head Stand Mixer 4.5 and 5 Quart

Before I got Flex Edge Beater attachment, we were using the whisk attachment for KitchenAid to make pudding and waffles. My husband was skeptical that it would make a difference, but we were both surprised - it made a noticeable difference!  In attached video you see pudding and waffles being made with the Flex Edge attachment.  The pudding came out much creamier and than waffles batter was much smoother. The Flex Edge Beater fit perfectly and when it works it scrapes everything from the side, incorporating everything into the batter.  With a whisk attachment I need to use spatula to scrape the sides, with a Flex Edge Beater is not necessary.

Waffles are my husband's specialty on Sundays, so I can this will be a permanent change!

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: LD-160 LED Video Lamp Light By Kshioe

I have been using light panels in my table top photography.  Pangshi light panel is the newest addition to my set up. It has features I look for in a light panel:

1. It gives me an ability to change the amount of light that the panel generates with a simple turn of the knob. This allows me to have perfect lighting in different situations. 

2. It comes with a built-in swivel which allows me to aim it. I use this light panel on table-top tripod as you see in the video.

3. It has a battery level test button on the back, so I know if I should switch batteries before I start a new photo session. It lets me avoid stopping in the middle.

3. It can run on a large number of batteries, including AA batteries.

4. It comes with three filters: frosted, yellow (my favorite), and purple.  The filters fit snugly and do not fall out even when I have the panel upside down or side ways.

The light panel generates continuous light. Once you turn it on the light panel stays on. This panel does not communicate with the camera like a flash. I use it mounted on tripod so I have more control of where the lighting goes and my camera is lighter for a steadier shot.

This panel is easy to set up and easy to change the amount of light I get to fit any situation.  It is working really well for me.

You can find this light panel on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Set of 10, OUTOWIN 304 Stainless Steel 3 MM Extra Thick Hooks

This review is from: Set of 10, OUTOWIN 304 Stainless Steel 3 MM Extra Thick Hook Bathroom Toilet Single Robe Towel Coat Hook Rustproof Kitchen Utensil Utility Hanger Heavy Duty Wall Mounted (Kitchen)
This is a set of very plain stainless steel hooks. The hook extends 1.25" away from the wall at its tip. The tip of the hook is 3/8" wide. The hooks are sturdy, and held by two screws. The package comes with the hardware for hollow walls and also includes nice looking caps for the nails.

Very simple hooks (total of 10), useful for many things.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★