Product review: BRITISH M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush 33mm

 

The word "hot" in the name of the brush made me think that this brush heats up to curl hair using its ceramic barrel. But this is just a regular brush; you can not turn it on or make it hot. I do not see how it reduces hair drying time on its own. You need to use it with a hair dryer, just like any brush. The name is confusing, and I was disappointed it was not what I expected it to be.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆

Review of BRITISH M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush 33mm

Product review: Label Weavers 72 Pre-Cut Sew-on Woven Name Tapes Labels Laundry Labels for Nursing Home

 I am happy with these labels. These sew-on labels are fabric ribbons with embroidered lettering. Iron-on labels are faster to attach, but they do not stay on for a long time. These labels are for a nursing home, so I cannot observe when iron-on labels come off in the laundry. These sew-on embroidered labels work much better in many respects.

I had several choices of fonts when customizing, and I selected the font that appears as the top example in the stock photo. Even though the labels are thin, the writing is very clear. The labels are embroidered on a fabric ribbon. Because it is a ribbon, the edges do not unravel. Because the ribbon is fabric, it is easy to sew by hand. Because the lettering is embroidered rather than printed, it does not get washed out.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★    

Review of Label Weavers 72 Pre-Cut Sew-on Woven Name Tapes Labels

Product review: MediCleanse First Aid Sterile Saline Wound Wash

 I purchased this cleaning spray for the medical first aid kit in the car. While hiking a few years ago, I scraped my leg, and without having a way to clean it, I got an infection which, when it finally healed, healed with an ugly scar. A cleaning spray would have made the whole experience a lot better. Lesson learned. The cleaning spray is a saline solution that comes out under pressure to clean without touching the wound.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆  

Review of MediCleanse First Aid Sterile Saline Wound Wash

Product review: JIMEJV Mini COB Flashlight - Bright light with aweful quality control

 

The COB flashlight I received was defective. The case covers half the charging port, so it is impossible to recharge the light. Because the case is not attached correctly, it is also very difficult to turn the light on and off as it does not align with the internal mechanism.

I can't recharge it, and turning it on and off takes dozens of tries. When I finally managed to turn it on, the case got very hot while I tried and tried pushing the on/off button mechanism to turn it off.  Poor quality!

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★☆☆☆☆    

Review of JIMEJV Mini COB Flashlight

Product review: SoulmaaSkin LIPS CARE SERUM - sticky lip balm

 

The lips serum is very liquid and comes in a small glass bottle with a dropper. It feels very sticky on my lips and tastes very unpleasant. I had to wash my lips after about a minute because I hated how the serum felt and tasted.

The serum comes in a small bottle (10 ml, 0.60 fl oz) but is packed in a tall box with a large false bottom. It creates a bad first impression.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★☆☆☆☆

Review of SoulmaaSkin LIPS CARE SERUM

Product review: H&R Block tax software (formerlly known as Taxcut ) and comparison to TurboTax

 

Amazon changed how you find software downloads. It used to be located under Digital Content. But H&R Block software download did not appear there this year. This year you need to click "View your item," a button on your order, next to the "Buy it again" button. The "View your item" link takes you to the download page for H&R Block software and its product code.

I have been using H & R Block tax software for many years, and despite minor complaints here and there, it meets my needs best. I keep using H&R Block because it does what I need and has always been cheaper than TurboTax. I buy the Deluxe version of H&R Block because it covers the mutual fund's sales, cost basis calculations are included (Schedule D, capital gains and losses), the form for Foreign Tax Credit from mutual funds is present (Form 1116), as well as stock sales. It also includes Schedule C (profit or loss from business) and Schedule K1 (K-1 S Corps) if you report personal tax gains or losses (i.e., not as a Corporation). You must buy the Premium software version to get this functionality in TurboTax.

INSTALLATION
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Other than finding where Amazon relocated the downloads, I had no issues installing the software.

* Does H&R allow the installation of the software on two PCs?
No. The license agreement that one needs to accept during the installation says this:

"Software copies. You may only install and use the software on one computer. You may copy the software for backup and archival purposes only, as long as the original and each copy are kept in your possession and control.

Upgrades. You must first acquire a valid License to the software to receive and use any Software upgrades. After you acquire and install any Software upgrade, you may only use the upgraded version of the software. You will no longer use the prior version other than for backup or archival purposes if you need to reinstall the software."

Under limitation, it also states that the software is for use by you and your immediate family members. You cannot sell, rent, loan, or transfer the product to someone else.

PRICE
~~~~~~
If you are looking for the best deal, Amazon often runs very attractive promotions on Black Friday and a few other times between now and April. You can get notified about price drops by checking camelcamelcamel site, which can send you emails when the price drops by the amount you specify. During the last tax year, the price fluctuated between $22 and the list price of $44.99, dipping below $30 several times. It also qualifies for digital credits for No-rush Prime shipping.

* WHAT IS INCLUDED
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Using tax software includes two fees - one to use the software and the second one to e-file the returns with IRS. This package includes the cost of using both the Federal tax return and State return for one state (if you need to file taxes in two states, you will need to buy the second state software at full price).

This package also includes the cost of 5 free Federal e-files, but it does NOT include the cost of an e-file for the state return. Note that there is no limit on how many returns can be printed on paper for either Federal or State returns, so you can print and mail any number of returns you desire.

* The state forms are not available as I write this review. The state form will be available on January 3, 2023. You can enter an email to be notified when it becomes available.

When the state forms become available, the state software can be downloaded directly from the H&R Block application from the first screen of the state tax preparation. There is no extra fee.

All updates of both federal and state software are free.

PROBLEMS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* If you bought an electric vehicle and installed a home charger, you can file Form 8911 to get a 30% credit for the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property you placed in service during the current tax year. H&R Block has a form for electric vehicle purchase credit but DOES NOT have the 8911 form for the charger. The interview does not include the charger question.

* I ran into an issue trying to save my return as PDF995 (i.e., as PDF). Reinstalling PDF995 software (it comes with H&R Block software) did not help. When I looked under Print Settings, it showed PDF995 as the default printer. I had to change the default printer to my actual printer, and then I successfully saved the return as PDF995. I am sharing this tip in case someone else runs into this issue.

* ANNOYANCES
~~~~~~~~~~~~

* H&R Block wants to sell you more services. It refers to this as personalized services, and if you select it will provide you info about software deals (which are never as good as Amazon deals), services, and consultations. Fortunately, you can say "No, thanks," but it requires you to pay attention to opt-out if you want to avoid marketing emails.

* H&R Block starts the interview process with an annoying up-sell pitch, recommending an upgrade from Deluxe to Premium even when it is not necessary. I think they should have determined if the person would genuinely benefit from the Premium version first. That would have been useful. As it stands now, it is just annoying.

What is the difference between Premium and Deluxe? The Premium version offers advanced tools for self-employed and rental property owners: cost basis of home sales, dividends, gifts, and inheritance assets. It has advanced schedule C guidance to maximize deductions for self-employment income. And finally, it has guidance for rental property income and expenses. The rest of the Premium package is the same as the Deluxe.

Note that the Deluxe package has support for self-employed income as well as stock sale cost basis calculations. Schedule C is a complete schedule - expenses, depreciation, and all that through an interview process. The difference between the Premium and Deluxe versions is that you can use Deluxe you report gain or loss on your PERSONAL taxes (i.e., not as a Corporation).  

* GENERAL
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* When you start the software, the first step (after validating your product code) allows you to import old data from the previous year's return. You can load H&R Block software, TurboTax, or a PDF copy of the 2021 return. Importing the old tax return saves a lot of typing as a lot of information is transferred from the old form.

* Since many of my numbers are not final, I use the H&R feature that allows me to mark entries as "tentative" (right mouse click, then select "mark entry as tentative" from a drop-down list).

H&R Block keeps track of all tentative entries and displays them during a "check" step which is typically invoked at the end of the interview but can also be invoked by itself at any time. The check step lists all entries marked as tentative, so it is easy to update them.

* To combat stolen-identity tax returns, H&R Block asks you to provide a state-issued ID number. It is not required but highly encouraged.

* I like DeductionPro, which helps suggest reasonable prices based on the condition of the donated used clothing items. It is nice not to have to come up with what is reasonable on my own.

* The final tax return can be saved in a PDF format for future reference. I always do that so I can re-print an old return without running an old copy of H&R Block (especially when a new computer may not even have an old H&R Block installed). It is a good idea to make a backup on DVD or another form of backup, in case the computer where you did the return crushes.

* H&R Block can print forms when an Ethernet connection is disconnected. In 2014 TurboTax introduced a requirement that the data had to be sent to Intuit's servers to be formatted for printing. H&R Block does not have this requirement.

* If you owe taxes, there are three options for payment: electronic withdrawal from your bank (free), mailing a check (free), and paying by credit card from a secure website (not free). IRS does not charge a fee, but the sites that provide this service do. Several websites provide this service with a "convenience" fee. If you search for "pay taxes by credit or debit," you will see the detailed fee schedule on the irs.gov website.

* Can I download an old version of H&R Block software purchased on Amazon?

Yes. Amazon allows you to download the software purchased on Amazon as long as you have an Amazon account. There is no extra charge for downloading old software. The first download I bought on Amazon was in 2009, and I tested that I could still download it. The software appears under the Downloads and Codes section of your orders.

Note that if you purchased the software directly from the H&RBlock site, they add on a charge for "extended download service." Amazon does not charge for this service.

* Does the application provide a feature to confirm IRS/state agency tax acceptance status?

Yes, once you submit your return, there will be a button on the first page to request a status check. The resulting status will be displayed on the first page. You can request status updates multiple times.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.  

 

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: Ginger Lily Farms Botanicals Plant-Based Liquid Laundry Detergent

 ⭐ I like:
1. Light scent while the detergent is in the bottle; no scent after the wash. Excellent.
2. Cleans well, although we do not have heavy staining

★ I do not like:
1. Price
2. A gallon container is hard to handle while the bottle is full; I over-poured it the first time. I moved the content into an old Tide laundry jug.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Review of Ginger Lily Farms Botanicals Plant-Based Liquid Laundry Detergent

Product review: TearRestore NeutraWipe Hypochlorous Eyelid Wipes for Dry Eeyes

 

Each wipe is 7" x 4.5" in size.  Each wipe is individually wrapped in a foil-lined envelope.  The wipes have good wetness: not dripping wet and not too dry.  They do not sting my eyes and do a good job cleaning.  I have used a good number of eyelid wipes because I have dry eyes, and these wipes rank high among the ones I have tried in the past.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Review of TearRestore NeutraWipe Hypochlorous Eyelid Wipes

Product review: WDF 50 Pack 14 Inch Food Trays Disposable (video review)

 

 I purchased 14" x 10" food trays. They came in a pack of 50. The trays are made of thick paper; the paper is made of sugar cane fiber. They do not have any scent. The finish of the tray's surface feels a bit rough to the touch, but the liquids do not soak through.

I like their size, and their sturdiness meets our needs.  

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆    

Review of WDF 50 Pack 14 Inch Food Trays Disposable

Product review: Spunspon Facial Sponges Compressed Natural Cellulose Sponge

 

These sponges are 3" x 2.5" in size. They are less than 1/16" thick when dry. They expand to about 1/4" thick. These are the typical cellulose sponges that are reusable many times and can be disinfected in a microwave.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆    

Review of Spunspon Facial Sponges Compressed Natural Cellulose Sponge
 

Product review: BITOSEE Refillable Retractable White Out Correction Tape

 

 This is my second white-out tape dispenser. The first one I used is from Bic and covers writing in one stroke. Bitosee does not work as well; it requires many strokes. The Amazon description said the package includes 2 dispensers and 2 carrier tapes for replacement. I did not get the extra replacement cartridges. Disappointed.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★☆☆☆

   

Review of BITOSEE Refillable Retractable White Out Correction Tape

Product review: Compressed CGR 6 Pk Pop-Up Cellulose Kitchen Sponges

 

These sponges arrived compressed (only 1/8" thick) and expanded in 3/4" after they were soaked in water. If you don't have a lot of room for supply storage, it is nice that they take up so little room while they are not being used. I can also see this helpful for camping, when you must be very thoughtful about what you take.

Once the sponge expands, it is very much like any other cellulose sponge. These sponges are the right size for washing dishes or cleaning counters. Unlike other expandable sponges I got in the past, these sponges are slightly uneven (i.e. not plum angles) when they expand. They don't stink.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Review of Compressed CGR 6 Pk Pop-Up Cellulose Kitchen Sponges

Product review: ZHIWHIS Portable AM FM Radio with video

 

The best feature of this radio is its small size and light weight:
3.3"L x 1.8"W x 0.5"D and weight of 1.6 oz

The worst feature of the radio, is the user interface. Almost every button has three functions. The instructions are sparse and incomplete. It was hard to figure out was how to preset stations. What the instructions do not say is that you need to press the memo button twice; otherwise, it does not save the setting. Do not press that button for too long because that will delete the preset. The interface is the worst part of the radio. It is too complex for my elderly mother.

When the radio can tune the station, it sounds clear. Tuning can be improved by moving around the earbuds cord, which serves as an antenna. Overall, I thought tuning capabilities were acceptable, even though not outstanding.

The radio runs on a built-in rechargeable battery. You cannot remove the battery; you have to recharge the battery in the radio case. A built-in battery is slightly less convenient than having the radio run on a standard AAA or AA battery, which can be switched as soon as it runs out of juice.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆ 

  You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Review of ZHIWHIS Portable AM FM Radio