Product review: Evo Dyne Silver Polish, Silver Cleaner 8-oz Bottle Silver Jewelry Cleaner

 

 I use Evo Dyne to polish a silver and pearl necklace.  It worked but required quite a bit of work.  It took many passes over the chain; it was hard to get all the details polished.  I include before and after photos so you can see the chain looks much better, but I have not restored it to its original look.

The solution does not have a strong scent, but instructions say to use it in a well-ventilated space and wear gloves, so you don't get it on your skin.

Not fast, not effortless, but it does remove most of the tarnish.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Esorun Wireless Charger Stand,15W Fast Charging Pad for Qi Device,Compact Phone Charger Stand

 

I am using this wireless charger for Pixel 6 Pro.  This charger works well with it in both horizontal and vertical orientation. The charger is slim and light, just under 3 oz.

Pixel is a large phone 6.5 inches in height, 3.0 inches in width, 0.4 in thick.  I wish the lip of the hold were a bit wider, so I don't have to be so careful when placing the phone on the charger.  The charger has an anti-slip pad, and it feels sturdy when the phone is on it.

Wireless charging, of course, is significantly slower than a wired charger. But slow charging is good for battery life, and wireless chargers are very convenient.

The measured the speed of charging with the Charge Master app.  There is a significant difference in charging depending on whether you use a light or dark theme.  In the light mode with the screen turned on, the charger cannot keep up with the power consumption (discharging at a -91 mAh rate).  In the dark mode, the charger can charge at a reasonable speed (charging at a 1271 mAh rate).  When the screen is off, the charging speed is also reasonable.  For comparison, the phone discharges at a 532 mAh rate when not on the charger in white mode.


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

 

Product review: GOLABS Portable Power Station R300, 299Wh LiFePO4 Battery Backup, PD 60W Type-C Quick Charge, 300W Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet

 

 My favorite feature of GOLABS Powerstation is its portability.  The GOLABS box comes in a case with a handle, it weighs 8 pounds and 11.5 oz, and its size is 8.5"L x 7"W x 7.5"H.

There are three ways to charge the power station: a supplied AC charger that takes about 6 hours from being fully discharged, a 12-volt car charger, and solar with a supplied DC5521 cable.

The power station supports pass-through charging (i.e., you can use it while charging).  The display shows you the information about usage and charging, and if you are doing both, it shows the net watts.


I tested the station by taking out the battery from my laptop, setting the power options to never go into sleep mode, and not to shut down the screen and measure how long it could run.  The laptop ran for slightly under 6 hours.  This is the best-case power usage scenario as I was not running any programs on the laptop other than the idle mode of the operating system. If the computer were doing more intense work, the power consumption would be higher, and the battery would last less time. I thought this was an impressive performance.

Once I exhausted the battery in my laptop experiment, I timed how long it took to recharge the GOLABS battery fully. Using the charger that comes with it charges @35watts/hr.  It is possible to charge it faster by buying a 100-watt USB-c charger.

I have done this full discharge to the automatic shut-off point (2%) followed by full charge without interruption (100%) for the first cycle (only once) based on a comment in QA on the product from the QLABS rep.


To determine how long any devices will run on this battery, you need to divide 299 watts_hours by the amount of power a device draws.  A watt is a current multiplied by voltage.  For example, if I measure my USB fan with a current monitor, I get 0.40A and 5.05V, which is 2.02 watts.  This means this fan should run for approximately 148 hours (6 days) before this USB is exhausted.

Using a laptop, expected 6 hours of use and 42W.

Using a personal heater, expected 15 hours of use and 11W.

Using a bluetooth MP3 speaker player, expected 99 hours of use at 1W.


I like that the display shows the level of power left in the battery.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Breatheze KN95 Face Masks Disposable Made in the USA

 

 Breatheze KN95 masks are surprisingly comfortable and relatively thin compared to other KN95 and N95 masks I own (for example, made my 3M). This light construction makes it easier to breathe through. I also like the shape of the mask.  Some masks come too close to my lower lids, and these masks are about 1/4 of an inch below my eye.

These masks have a nose clip.  During shipping, the clip was folded and formed a sharp V that I needed to mold to my nose to avoid a gap.

Unlike many KN95 masks with elastic loops that go all around the head and provide a snugger fit, these masks have elastic loops around areas. I would have preferred around the head option.

The masks came in a thin, crinkly plastic bag; it tore immediately as I opened it.  It is too fragile to store the masks. I had to find another packaging for storing the masks.

I always perform a water test on the masks I buy. I fill one of the masks with water, hold the water in the mask for about a minute, and test for leaks and wetness on the outside of the mask.  This mask did not leak, so it means it can protect me from spittle-carrying COVID droplets.

I took the mask on and off several times while testing it, and the loops stayed attached and did not snap off, which appears to be a common issue with some of these masks.

Even though KN95 masks are not the same as the N95 masks, they provide reasonably good protection.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Nice 'N Clean Sanitizing Hand Wipes (144 Total Wipes) | Wet Wipes Infused with Aloe & Vitamin E

 These wipes are often out of stock, but they are worth the wait. I like them better than other wipes I purchased over the last two years.  They are 70% alcohol, very moist, and have no additional fragrance.  The alcohol scent evaporates in seconds, and there is no added fragrance that lingers for a long time.

Each wipe is 8" by 6" in size.  Each wipe is individually wrapped, and each package is 4.25" x 2". The wipes are so moist that when I put them on the table, they leave a wet spot, so they are very good for cleaning. Great size for carrying a few packages in my purse and pocket to use when I need to sanitize on the go.

These wipes are small in size; each wipe is 4" by 7".  The wipes are damp, not as wet as many other wipes I have used in the past.  On the positive side, I liked that each wipe is fairly thick with a textured/perforated finish.


CDC recommends using solutions with 60-95% alcohol content for COVID-related sanitizing, and Nice 'N Clean comes in at 70% are well with the recommendation.

I also liked that these wipes are made in the USA.  This listing includes six boxes with 24 wipes each.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: GOLETIO Balcony Deck Hanging Table

 

 The table has some imperfections, but overall it works well for me.

I hoped the adjustments on this table would allow me to use it on either the wood railing or the wrought iron railing, but unfortunately, the wrought iron railing is too narrow, and the brackets do not adjust to that width.  It worked fine on the 3" wood railing; however, the two brackets appear slightly different in width.  On the widest setting, one fits perfectly, and another one is a little too snug.  When I removed the table, I saw that it scraped the wood on one side but not the other.  I move the table, and again the left side is snug no matter where I place the table.

I was able to put the table together without any tools in under one minute.  The table is made out of heavy-duty black plastic, and the brackets are metal with a black finish.  One of the metal brackets had a scrape that exposed the raw metal. It will need to cover the scratch with Rustoleum, so it does not rust.  Fortunately, the black finish allows me to fix it without making the paint too obvious.

The convenience of the table is very good, especially on a small deck.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: WALRUS OIL - Cutting Board Soap

 I liked that this cleaning solution is totally unscented.  I usually use dish soap to clean my cutting board, and this solution works just as well.  It foams well, as you can see in the attached photo.  I am very fond of my well-used cutting board; I hope this soap will make it last longer.

I am not giving it five stars because it is more expensive than dish soap, but I am not sure if it is better.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: LenTok Overhead Tripod Mount for Camera, Flexible Over Head Arm for mobile phone

 

On the picture, this overhead tripod looked like an architect's lamp support, and when it arrived, it was precisely that in height, weight, and construction.  If you are trying to decide if this is the right overhead tripod for you, just look at the table lamp you likely already own.

So the tripod had a bit lighter construction than I hoped.  I bought this mount to use with the Pixel 6 Pro phone, which is a fairly heavy phone. I mounted the phone using the Shinewee cell phone mount with the Ulanzo video light in the cold shoe.  The phone is 7.41 oz, the light is 3.9 oz, and the cell phone mount is 4.9 oz, for a total of 16.21 oz.  The tripod held this weight, but it felt that it was at the top of its capability as I had to tighten it multiple times to keep it stable.

The overhead tripod came with its own cell phone holder, but that holder is pretty bad. It is a tension-built mount that did not feel sturdy or secure enough to hold a large cellphone like Pixel 6 Pro.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆   

Product review: ZLYC Winter Knit Slouchy Beanie Hat for Men Women Thick Fleece Lined Baggy Skull Cap

 

This cap is very practical. It has a warm fleece lining, and the slouchy top leaves enough room to fit a ponytail.  I got the color called "Solid Burgundy" to match my burgundy coat, but in fact, the cap is not a solid color.  It is made out of red and blue yarn mixed together.

I wear a size 22 hat, and this cap is a good fit for me. It is snug without being too tight, and as I mentioned earlier, it fits my ponytail which I wear at the crown of my head.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Rolvse Ravpower USB C Charger, GaN 65W 4-Port Desktop USB Charging Station with 2 USB-C Ports + 2 USB-A Ports PD Fast Charger

 This charger has 2 USB A and 2 USB C ports.  I liked the form factor of this charger and the fact that it has a long cord. The size of the charger is 1.6" by 1.6"  and 3" long. The power cord is 56" and it is detachable.  You need to provide your own charging cables; none come with the charger.

Here are some numbers from my Pixel 6 Pro and Moto G phones:
Pixel 6 Pro (battery level 69%): using type-A to type-C cable 1154mA at 4.09V - 4.7W
Pixel 6 Pro (battery level 69%): using type-C to type-C cable 3209mA at 4.19V - 13.44W

Moto G (battery level 68%): using type-A to type-C cable 1124mA at 4.09V - 4.6W
Moto G (battery level 67%): using type-C to type-C cable 1977mA at 4.19V - 8.28W

The charger is PD 3.0 compatible and has CE certification. The charger supports PD and PPS protocols, and the USB-C ports support fast charging for Android and ISO phones. When I charge multiple devices, the charger gets warm but not hot.  

When using one device on USB-C port: maximum output using PD is 65W
When using one device on USB-A port: maximum output using QC 3.0 is 18W
The charger does load sharing, grouping C-port, and A-ports. The maximum power provided by each port varies depending on how many devices are plugged in.  


How much power your device draws depends on the specific device and the charge level when you are charging. I also saw the difference between the different charging cables I used. This difference was particularly significant using type-A to type-C cords. The max outputs listed above are the theoretical max possible. None of my devices come close to the max, including Pixel 6 Pro, which can theoretically charge at a 22W rate using Type-C to Type-C cable. Nevertheless, the rate I am getting from this charger is better than from other (older) chargers I own.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: NOVMAY Ponytail Beanie Hat for Women Messy Bun Knitted Hat Fleece Lined Neck Gaiters

 This cap is very practical. It has a warm fleece lining, and the open-top leaves enough room to fit a ponytail.  I got the color called "Red" to match my burgundy coat based on the stock photo and was pleased that the stock photo color is true to life; I would describe the color as burgundy rather than red.

I wear a size 22 hat, and this cap is a good fit for me. It is snug without being too tight, and as I mentioned earlier, it fits my ponytail, which I wear at the crown of my head.

As a gator, I find it a little tight and a little tall, but it is very nice as a hat.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Ulanzi VL49 RGB Video Photo Light in use with Pixel 6 Pro Cell Phone

 

This light is compact and provides a decent amount of light. The color temperature is 2500-9000K, and the RGB color is 0-359.  My video includes several examples to illustrate the light in action.

The light has three cold shoes and one 1/4" screw, so it has multiple options for mounting and combining lights. It attaches to small tripods and selfie sticks using a 1/4" screw. I am using the light with Shinewee cell phone holder.

It has a USB-C port for charging the light.  The charger and cable are not included.  Using fast charger and C-type to C-type cable from depleted to fully charged on my fast charger takes 2 hours.  The light can be used while it is charging.

The new light lasts 4 hours on 50% brightness.  If you see 50% that does not change when you charge it, check if the display shows the brightness rather than battery level. My light came set at 50% brightness level, and I saw that level shown as I was charging.  

The brightness can be changed in 1% increments.  The color also changes by one.  These changes have to be done manually, and it does take a bit of time if you are trying to go from one end of the scale to the other.  There is a shortcut to get to white. If you hold down the third button from the left (the button before the power toggle), it switches between RGB and Cool/Warm White. Then use the arrow buttons on the left to tune the colors.

The light is not waterproof, but I can still use it by putting a plastic zip lock bag over the light.

I initially was considering ULANZI VL49 RGB's previous version, which was $10 cheaper. Then on Black Friday, the price for both units was the same, and I got this "upgraded" version.  Here are the major differences between the two:
1. The upgraded version has brighter lights and higher color rendering
2. The charging port changed from Micro USB to C-type, so it charges faster

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Prodcut review: Purple Abalone Shell Earrings for Women Dangle

I ordered Purple Abalone Shell Earrings to match a purple outfit. However, I received green earrings; there is almost no purple in them at all.  They look nothing like the stock photo, and I am very disappointed, as the color was the reason I ordered these earrings.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★☆☆☆

Product review: Ferilinso Designed for Google Pixel 6 Pro 5G Case Clear TPU Transparent

 

 I was attracted to the Ferilinso case because of its thickened corners. I thought they would provide a little bit of extra protection if I dropped the phone. The phone fits, but there is an area on the top left, just below the thick corner, where it bulges away from the glass, and a piece of glass is exposed; the edge is not protected. I thought the quality of workmanship was not the best.

Another surprise was that there were no cut out for the buttons. There is a cut-out for charging.

A note for Tesla owners is that this case does fit the wireless pad. Pixel6 Pro is a large phone, and I was a bit concerned that thick corners would be enough not to prevent it from fitting. The good news is that even though it is a tight fit, it works.

If the case did not have the building area, I would have rated it better.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆

Product review: HIKI Aluminum-Free Deodorant for All Bodies Mint Scent

 

I was a little concerned about the strong minty scent of this deodorant.  It smelled potent in its container, but it was not too bad once I put it on. I could not smell it walking around, and the scent on the clothing after a day of wearing it was faint.  It does not prevent sweating but deodorizes light sweating like the little sweat that might develop doing light errands in a comfortable temperature.  Despite leaving the scent on clothing, it did not leave a white residue.

The container itself felt clunky with sharp edges.  It did not feel as smooth as well-finished the mainstream brand deodorants.

Will I switch from the unscented Ban? No. Perhaps if it had an unscented version.  But the container would need to have smoother edges as well.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆  

Product review: YESPURE Crossbody Case for Google Pixel 6 Pro, with laynard

 

 
I was attracted to the Yespure case because of the lanyard. Pixel6 Pro is rather large, and I thought wearing it on the lanyard might be safer than in a pocket. The lanyard worked pretty well, but the case bulders away from the glass in the button area for about ¾ of the inch, exposing the glass edge and making it sit less secure in the case, which is particularly important when the case is dangling from my neck. I thought the quality of workmanship was not the best.

Another surprise was that there were no cut out for the buttons. I think cut-outs provide extra hold for the phone, and the phone bulges away from the body exactly where the buttons were pressed into the case form.

A note for Tesla owners is that this case does not fit the wireless pad of the car due to the rings on the bottom. Pixel6 Pro is a large phone, so it just fits with another case, but this makes the phone too big to fit.

I like the lanyard, but the case itself less me unsatisfied.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆  

Product review: Canopy Wipes ALMA Outdoor Hygiene Wet Wipes for Women

 

 

 

 

 

 

I like:

◆ Good size: 8" x 8"
◆ Fairly thick cloth with a textured finish
◆ Good wetness: not too wet and not too dry

I do not like:

◆ Not unscented. The scent is not strong, but why can't the wipes be unscented?
◆ Closure is just a sticky tab; they get less sticky with use.  Since these wipes have a fairly high price, I would have expected a snap cover to keep wipes moist for a long time.
◆ Price. Much more expensive than many other options.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆

Product review: Shinewee Cell Phone Tripod Mount Holder - fits Pixel 6 Pro

 

I bought this cell phone mount for the Pixel 6 Pro.  It fits well. The mount feels well made and solid. It holds the cell phone very securely.
 
My requirements for the mount were:
1. A metal holder that provides a secure hold for a new pricey phone
2. A holder with a foot that can stand on its own
3. A holder that had an Arca rail mount so it could fir my existing tripods with quick releases
4. A cold shoe mount to hold a light
5. A mount with a ballhead so I can angle it for table photography and other situations
6. Good price (I was initially looking at ULANZI ST-14, which is $40)

The mount arrives in its most compact form. The mount expands in both directions. One side has a screw; the other side does not.  To expand to the needed size, pull the non-screw side open to the proper position that centers the phone, lock the side in place with a lever on the pack, and fine-tune the width with the screw side.  The non-screw side has a level that locks that side in place. I did not notice it right away; it is a small black lever on the back of the left bracket. It is best to place the phone in the exact center; then, the mount is most balanced when using the foot.
 

The phone holder works for phones 2.3" to 3.4", and the depth of its claws is  1/2". Its weight is 4.8 oz weight.

The mount's dovetail is Arca-Swiss and RRS compatible; it fits into my existing tripods with a quick release. The mount also has a 1/4" screw for tripods without a quick-release plate.

The cold shoe is perfect for a light, a microphone, or any other accessory with a 1/4" screw.

I like that its foot, which is 2" long, can be foldable out or folded back in. The foot is attached to the mount.  I like this design better than the ULANZI ST-14 design, which has a magnetic foot that is a separate piece,  and since it is not attached to the mount, it is easy to lose.

I am very pleased. This mount lived up to my expectations.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2021

 

I have been using H&R Block tax software for many years, and overall despite minor complaints here and there, I find that it meets my needs best. This year, I have more complaints than in the past; I will describe them in the PROBLEMS section below.

I keep using H&RBlock because it does what I need, and it has always been cheaper than TurboTax. I have been buying 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 are reporting gain or loss on your personal taxes. To get this functionality in TurboTax, you need to buy the Premium version of the software.

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

* In the past, the interview started with a prompt to import last year's return.  Importing the old tax return saves a lot of typing as a lot of information is transferred from the old form.  This year's return does not prompt to import automatically. The interview began by asking me to type my name, social security number, and so forth.  I found the option to import last year's return under File - Import Last Year Return.  So the capability is there, but you need to know to start there. Bad change!

* If you bought an electric vehicle and installed a home charger, you can file Form 8911 to get 30% credit for 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. Big miss!

* 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 email.

* 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 was able to save the return as PDF995 successfully. I wanted to share this tip in case someone else runs into this issue.

INSTALLATION
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* If you are using a digital download, you will need an activation code to install the software.
The activation code is shown in the Amazon email with the subject line "Your Amazon.com order of "H&R Block Tax Software Del...". If needed, you can also get it from Amazon Software downloads. To locate it, you need to do this:
1) Log into Amazon
2) Select 'Your Account' and the section called 'Digital Content.'
3) Select 'Your Games and Software downloads.'
4) Then, under H&R software entry, you will see activation code

* Does H&R allow to install of the software on two PCs?
No. The license agreement that one needs to accept during the install 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, and you will no longer use the prior version of the software 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 for you and your immediate family members. You are not allowed to sell, rent, loan, or otherwise 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 the price drops by checking camelcamelcamel site that 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. However, it no longer qualifies for rewards from Prime Card rewards (this restriction started in 2019).

* 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 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, 2022.  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.

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

* When you start the software, the first step (after validating your license) allows you to old your data from the previous year's return. You can load H&R Block software, TurboTax, or a PDF copy of the 2019 return.

* 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.

* 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. In my opinion, they should have determined if the person would truly 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 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 use Deluxe you report gain or loss on your PERSONAL taxes (i.e., not as a Corporation).    

* To combat stolen-identity tax returns, H&R Block now 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 having to run an old copy of H&R Block (especially down the road when a new computer may not even have an old H&R Block installed).

* 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.

* Is it possible to 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 can still download it.
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 do that.

To get an old digital download, go to "your orders," then "digital orders," and select a year from the drop-down list. The list goes back to the year I opened my Amazon account.

* 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: Miracle Made Liquidless Laundry Detergent Sheets

 

The Amazon description stated that the detergent sheets are fragrance-free. My first impression was negative because the detergemt sheets have a strong perfume scent.  However, when the laundry came out of the dryer, the clothing and towels did not have any scent. Everything was unscented, just like I like it.
 
I was not sure if the detergent sheets would totally dissolve in water, so I performed a small experiment putting a piece of a sheet in a container with water and agitating it with my finger.  You can see this experiment in the attached video.  The small piece of the sheet totally dissolved.

Since I began using the sheets, my laundry has not had any stains, so I can't tell yet how well it would handle stains.  However, I can tell that it does a nice job of cleaning towels and sheets, leaving them without perfume scent when the laundry is done.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★
 

Product review: Anteam Digital Camera FHD 1080P 36MP Vlogging Camera for Kids with 16X Digital Zoom

 

This is an inexpensive camera, and thus we cannot compare it to Canons, Nikons, or cameras in high-end iPhones and Pixel phones.  I thought it did a reasonable job for what it is.  To illustrate my review, I am attaching photos and videos taken under different conditions.

You can see that the camera did very well in bright sun conditions with the sun at my back.  In the dusk, the images are smudged, making them look a bit like modern art rather than crisp photographs.

The camera has an easy user interface.  The display on the back of the camera is easy to see unless the screen is in the sun.

To move the pictures from the camera to my computer, I can either take the SC card and mount it in the card reader or plug the cable into a USB slot, and I will see the camera as a mounted disk.

The package includes:
◆ The camera.
◆ Two batteries.
◆ The camera leash.
◆ A charging cable and a charger.
◆ A bag as a substitute for the camera case.

The SD card is not included.  One of the photos shows everything in the packages.

The product title refers to it as a camera for kids, and I think this is a good description.  The camera has limitations, but for the price, it would give some children a lot of fun.

You can find this camera on Amazon for under $50 by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆
 

Product review: Dark Spot Remover for Face & Body, Dark Spot Corrector with Arbutin and Niacinamide

 

This cream comes in a 4" tube.   It is made in Ireland. It has two main ingredients, niacinamide and arbutin. Both ingredients lighten the skin but require a certain concentration to be effective.  Neither the box nor the Amazon concentration of either of the main ingredients.  I asked a question on the product page a week ago about the concentration of ingredients and did not get a response.

While studies show kojic acid is more effective than alpha-arbutin for lightening skin pigments, the kojic acid breaks down easily. It is prone to oxidize, which means that the acid is sensitive to air, heat, and light. The oxidation makes the ingredient less effective as time flies, and this makes it hard to store. Arbutin is more stable.

However, I found references that state that the use of arbutin in cosmetics has been banned since 2001 because of the high risk of carcinogenesis in case of prolonged exposure.  You might want to check with your doctor before starting a regiment using it.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆

Product review: Twin Peaks Coffee Honduran Single Serve Pour Over Drip Bag Medium Roast Coffee

 

I love the pour-over coffee, and I prefer a medium roast, so this is a perfect combination for me.  The pour-over delivery system has a clever design with the paper tabs resting on the sides of my coffee mug. The flavor is pleasant; the taste is fresh; I like it!

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★
 

Product review: Fanoshon Large Temporary Tattoos, 12 Sheets Children Adults Body Stickers, Variety of Fake Tattoos

 

These temporary tattoos go on easy, stay on well, and are removed best with alcohol (I also tried baby oil, and it was not as easy).

The main issue I had with them was that many tattoos are ugly/crude; some look like child drawings.  A few are attractive, and quite a few are not something I would want to use.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆  
 

Product review: Good Good Keto Pancake & Waffle & Crepe Mix Low Carb

 

This mix is based on almond flour with vanilla and other flavors to give it more flavor. The title states no sugar added, which does not mean it is unsweetened.  The mix includes erythritol as a sweetener.

To make it, you need to add water & oil/butter, mix, and cook.  The instructions are really off in the proportions. The instructions call for 1.5 cups of water for 1 cup of the mix. I reduced the amount of liquid to 1 cup, and still, the resulting mixture gave me crepes, not pancakes or waffles. I liked the flavor of the crepes, and I can stuff them with other goodies to further improve the flavor.  If you want pancakes, you probably need 1/2 cup of liquid rather than 1.5 cups.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆

Product review: Caliwater | Organic Nopal Cactus Water, WILD PRICKLY PEAR + Electrolytes for Hydration + Recovery, 100% Plant-Based, Non-GMO, Non Carbonated, No Artificial Sweeteners or Ingredients

 

The drink tastes very, very, very sweet.  No artificial sweeteners do not mean any sweeteners.  The overly sweet flavor comes from blue agave and monk fruit, which are the sweeteners used in this drink.

I do not detect any other flavors other than sugared water.  It is too sweet for me to drink as is. I can tolerate it if I dilute one can of this drink with one can of plain water and add fresh lemon juice to turn it into something I can drink. Then it turns into a type of lemonade.

Ingredients: Water, blue agave, lemon juice, raspberry juice, natural flavors, prickly pear powder, monk fruit extract.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★☆☆☆

Product review: KitchLife Reusable Bamboo Towels

 These bamboo towels are pretty stiff compared to regular paper towels. They are strong, stretchy, and absorb water well. The towels are slightly narrower than regular paper towels. The rolls still work in my paper towel holder because it is not tension-based; my holder has an end-to-end rod. If you have a tension-based paper towel holder, these rolls will not work because they are not as wide. For their strength and rough finish, I use them as shop towels. You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Foot Warmer Electric, 3 Timer & 3 Temperature Control Foot Heating Pads,Brown 14" x 14"

This is an electric pocket with heat elements for feet.  The warmth is generated only on the bottom of the pocket and not over the entire surface; the top just keeps the warmth inside the pocket. The pocket is 14" x 14", so you need to keep your feet fairly close together.  The pocket is divided into two parts, locking in how your feet have to be positioned; I would have preferred one big opening to angle the foot as I wish.  I do not like sitting with my feet so close together so that I can warm only one foot at a time.
 
The pocket has a controller that controls the heat level. The manual is NOT aimed at the USA audience; all temperature levels are given in Celsius.  I looked at conversion for the manual, and the temperature can be controlled from a high of 140 °F to a low of 113 °F. The timer options are 30/45/60 minutes.

The warmer comes with a relatively short USB cable of 56".  AC converter is not included.  The foot warmer can run from an external battery bank, but it does take a lot of energy, so you need several power banks to run it all day.

My feet always get cold in the winter, and it will be nice to add this heated pocket to my collection of electric socks, electric insoles, and electric booties.  However, by comparison with other products, is not at the top of the options.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆

Product review: kemimoto Heated Insoles, Rechargeable Remote Control

 

 My feet get really cold in the winter, and I own a collection of heated socks and insoles. The insoles come in two types, ones that have a battery in the insole itself (they are thicker) and the ones that have an external battery strapped to your leg (they are thinner but more cumbersome).

The heated element in Kemimoto insole is located in the toe area of the insole. The battery is located in the insole heel.  Because the battery and the heating element are located inside the insole, the insole is relatively thick. Once I insert these insoles in my shoes/boots, my foot no longer fits as the shoes/boots are not large enough to fit the additional thickness.  I use the insoles in my husband's slippers while sitting behind my desk, working on the computer.  This solution addressed my primary need.

The tip of insoles can be trimmed to fit different shoe lengths.  The battery is not removable.  It is recharged by plugging in a C-type charging cable directly to the insoles.  The charging cable is provided, but it is very short, and I am using my own cables to give me more length.  It takes about 4 hours to charge fully.

There is no indication that the insoles are charging.  The only way to tell if they are charged is to remove the cable, and then there is a brief blink of a led - red for fully charged, blue for partially charged, and green for not fully charged.

The package includes a remote control to turn on the heat.  The insole itself does not indicate if it received the command from the remote.  The remote does blink with a red light when the buttons are pressed.

If the remote does not work, the insoles themselves have a power button next to the USB port.  To turn on using the button, you need to hold the button down for 3 seconds.


The warmth of the insoles is pleasant. It is not too hot and not too cold. I usually start on hot and in a couple of hours switch to medium.  I can do that with a remote without taking out the insoles.  If you lose the remote, you can also change the temperature by the button on the insole itself. I was pleased that they did not have the chemical scent some of my other insoles have.

Overall, this is probably the best insole I purchased, with the only negative that the thickness restricts what shoes I can use them in.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Cleanitize Hospital Disinfectant Wipes

 

These wipes contain a strong disinfectant used in hospitals to combat viruses like COVID-19 and MRSA.  
Active Ingredients: Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride, Dimethyl Ethylbenzyl Ammonium Chloride.

The wipes should not be used on surfaces where you prepare food.  Skin contact either should be avoided or minimized, and then the hands need to be thoroughly washed before preparing food or using the bathroom (per instructions on the package).  For cleaning and disinfecting, the surface should be thoroughly wet and then left to dry.

The wipes are sized 7" x 8.5", made out of thick cellulose and synthetic fibers.  The wipes are not unscented. I would have preferred a totally unscented.  

Powerful cleansing wipes require careful use, so they are not for everyone and everything.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: TB12 Vibrating Mini Massage Ball - Relieve Pain and Soreness, Lower Back, Shoulders, Calves and Glutes, Pliability Massager with 4 Speeds

 

 I have been using Lacrosse balls for pressure massage to help work off the knots in my painful shoulder, upper back, and neck area.  When I use the Lacrosse ball, I  press it against the wall and roll it against the painful spots in my neck, shoulder, and back. If I am in pain, I use the ball several times a day.  As soon as I feel a twinge of pain, I can usually work it out with the pressure massage.  It is incredibly effective.

I thought this ball might work as well and hoped vibration would add additional help.  Turns out it is not as good as a Lacrosse ball.
1. Lacrosse balls are made out of hard, smooth rubber.  The hard rubber has some give.  When I press against it, it does dig into my skin. It only provides intense pressure.  This ball does not have much give and has some ridges.  The combination of ridges and stiffness does not allow me to put as much pressure as I want on the painful knots.
2. What helps the pain is not the pressure in one spot, but the ability to move pressure over a bigger area.  The movement I can achieve with a Lacrosse ball is similar to how massage therapists move their hands; they don't just press in one spot and then another; they move over the entire area.  The ridges and the stiffness of this ball make it difficult for me to move the ball (by pressing against the wall or floor) over the painful knot as easily as I do with the Lacrosse ball.
3. There are four vibration modes.  The vibration sensation is "interesting" but does not relieve the pain as effectively as the good pressure I can generate using a Lacrosse ball.


What I liked: The packaging is very nice. Everything in the package looked upscale. I liked the on/off button was recessed, so I could not accidentally turn it off.

I think the ball would have worked better for me if the vibrations were added to the ball with the following changes:
(1) If the ball was slightly smaller. This ball is 3.5" in diameter; Lacrosse ball is 2.5."
(2) If the ball was slightly softer. Lacrosse ball is made out of very firm rubber.  Side by side, the Lacrosse is only slightly softer than this ball, but it makes a big difference.
(3) If it was less expensive.  Lacrosse ball is 5 dollars.

You can find it on Etsy by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆