Product review: MAGID N95 Respirator Masks with Double Metal Nose Clips & Latex-Free Elastic Headbands

 

I test each mask I buy using a water test.  I fill each mask with water and hold the water in a mask for about a minute. Then I examine if the mask starts to drip, has become wet on the outside, or remained dry on the outside of the mask.  If a mask cannot hold water, it cannot protect me from contaminated droplets.

This mask did well on the test; after I held water in it, the outside of the mask remained totally dry.  When I poured the water out of it and shook it, it shed water, and the inside felt dry.

The mask fits very comfortably because it is stiff and does not move when I inhale or exhale. Keeping it away from the face and nose makes it much more comfortable to wear than other masks. The double metal nose hard keeps it well shaped around my nose.

The mask is made in China but has NIOSH-N95 and 42CRF84 (TC-84A-8141) approvals on the box and the mask itself.


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: NvVn 5 Pack 7 Gallon Grow Bags Thick Breathable Non-Woven Fabric Pot for Plants Flower and Fruits

 

NvVn 7 gallon grow bags are 14" tall and 11" wide.  I have been using growing bags for my tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini for the last five years.  The first set of bags is still intact, but parts of the bags are covered with green mold, and I decided to replace them.  These bags are a little taller and a little more narrow than my original bags. I each 7-gallon bag for one plant, so the slight shape change should not matter. 

These bags have a flap that Velcro holds down. The flaps are useful if you are growing potatoes, but they are a negative otherwise because after a few years, Velcro becomes less sticky, and the dirt begins to fall out. I used my sewing machine to stitch around the opening to close the flaps permanently.

The package also includes large gloves (they are too big for me) and a set of small-size garden tools (7.5" long).  I've had such small tools and not sure how useful they will be.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: The Live Green Co Pancake Mix – Plant-Based Waffle Non-Gluten Mix

 

The box contains four portions in plastic packages; each package has two servings, each serving is 140 calories. One package was enough to make eight small size pancakes. Instruction called for 5 oz of water or milk, and an optional egg. I used 5 oz of soy milk and 1 egg. The resulting pancakes were not as good as your traditional pancake.  They were less fluffy; the texture was not resilient. The taste on their own was edible but not great. I had to pile up the tasty jam on top of them to make them pleasant. 

This pancake mix is made in Chile.  The box only has the manufacturing date (the label is in Spanish, this phrase is "fecha de elaboracion") and no expiration date.  This manufacturing date on my box is September 23, 2020.  Purchased in February 2021.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆
 

Product review: Holikme 2 Pack Kitchen Sink Strainer 4.5 inch Diameter Stainless Steel Sink Strainer

 

This strainer fits the kitchen sink as expected: nice overlap on the side, nothing flows below the edge. It is a fairly deep strainer without a center a post.  I got this strainer to use with disposable strainer bags - they require a kitchen sink strainer without a post.  This strainer works well; the disposable bags fit, and nothing escapes under the edge.  The strainer has a handle which makes it easy to lift it so I can clear it.

I am not giving this strainer a 5-star rating because this is a two-piece strainer; the mesh and the ring are two separate pieces. After using this strainer for a week, I decided I prefer one-piece strainers (where the holes are made in the bottom and sides of the one piece of metal) as there is less place for dirt to get stuck and mold to grow.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.  

 

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

How to register for COVID vaccine in Massachusetts: how to find availability and which vaccine is available at which location.

How to sign up for COVID Vaccine shot in Massachusetts

 

I have helped several of my elderly neighbors to get through the maze of registering for the COVID vaccine.   This post shares how to use several websites to find available appointments in all Massachusetts locations and which vaccine is available at which location.  

The official Massachusetts website for vaccination is not a centralized website with information about all vaccine sites available in Massachusetts. It only handles Mass vaccination locations. These official locations are located close to Boston and maybe less convenient for people who live in other parts of the state.  While it is worth pre-registering on the official Mass.gov site as a backup plan, several other options might be more convenient. 

In addition to the official Mass vaccination, vaccines are available at selected Walgreens, CVS, Osco, and special locations such as former Wang Towers and a few others.  There are many websites, and they all change frequently. 

Fortunately, a website https://www.macovidvaccines.com/ crawls all websites and generates a list of all locations with available appointments. However, this website does not include information on what specific vaccine is given at which location. To find vaccine type information, you need to use another website https://vaccinefinder.org/search/. This website appears to be less up-to-date regarding availability, so I found that combining these two websites provided me the best information. 

Here is the process I have used to help those who are eligible (Note: you need to meet eligibility requirements for the vaccine or you will be rejected in step 5)

1. Go to CVS and Walgreen websites and look up their location. They both have a huge number of locations all over the state. Using their websites, create a list of all acceptable to you locations in terms of driving distances. Lookup and write down zip codes for these towns. Note that if you are a Mass resident who lives near New Hampshire, you CANNOT use New Hampshire locations; they will reject you.

Create an account on CVS and Walgreen site if you don't already have one.  You need to be logged into your account when you are making your appointment.

I recommend that you do everything described in this step before you become eligible so you can do things quickly when you become eligible. When you become eligible proceed to steps 2 through 6.

2. Go to https://www.macovidvaccines.com/ and see which locations have the vaccine in stock. 

3. Go to https://vaccinefinder.org/search/ and enter the zip code of the locations you like from Step 2 and enter them as *YOUR* zip code. This search will bring up the location of your choice and will list which vaccines are currently in stock. This information will allow you to reject a location if it has the vaccine you don't want. 

4. Go back to https://www.macovidvaccines.com/ and pick the link for the location that has the vaccine you want. The link will take you to the specific website to make an appointment (CVS, Wallgreens, etc.).   

5. To register, you need to meet eligibility requirements. Neither Wallgreens nor CVS websites tell you which vaccine you are getting, although you will get a hint if it is J&J vaccine because you will only need to book one appointment, not two. If you are asked to book two appointments, then you are getting either Moderna or Pfizer. 

6. When you are registering for an appointment, you need to work quickly. Your appointment is not locked in until you select two dates and two times. Sometimes when you are done, it will tell you that the appointment is no longer available. You need to go back and select a different time slot. Fortunately, it remembers all other information, and the second time around, you can be faster. 

You will see all information you need on the confirmation screen (you are assigned a number, and you need to bring this printout to your appointment). I suggest you print this confirmation page for your records.  You will also get a confirmation email. Email is not instant and might take 12-24 hours to arrive.

Product review: 3 Ply Protective Disposable Face Mask by COCOHONEY (COCO HONEY) Covid Face Mask

 

 This package contains 100 masks.  There 20 packages each with 5 masks.  The masks have a nose clip and passed a number of tests I do on each paper mask to ensure they are reliable (more on the tests below).

The masks fit comfortably over my face, do not pull on ears too much, and breathing in them is very easy.  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.  The masks are a little bit smaller than other masks I have, so they don't cover as much of my face, and there is a little bit of bunching going on the side, forming gaps.  I believe because the mask ends in the middle of my cheek rather than going closer to my ear.

I found five tests to tell apart fake masks and reliable masks and performed three of the tests. The main test is the "water" test, which shows that the mask does not let through the water.  This means it keeps my spittle inside the mask and keeps other's people spittle away from me.

Since the masks passed those tests, I did not do the burn test, so I would have to destroy the mask.

Below are the five tests to tell part a good surgical mask from a bad one:

1. Light penetration
The real mask does not let the light through; the fake mask lets the light through.

2. Blow out a flame
You cannot blow out a flame through a real mask; you can flow out a flame through a fake face mask.

3. Hold water
The real mask holds water, the fake mask leaks.

4. Burn test
The filter in the real mask melts but does not burn; the filter in the fake mask burns with a flame.

5. Electrostatic attraction test
The real mask attracts particles; a fake mask does not.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: DALIX Skin Tone Cloth Face Mask 3 Layer Filter Pocket Nose Piece

 

 This mask feels nice and soft, and the skin-tone color is nice. However, its effectiveness is not good.
The cloth mask's effectiveness is affected by the number of layers, material, and fit.  

I did not like:

1. Some cloth masks can hold water like a surgical mask.  This mask is not one of those. I test every mask I buy by filling it with water.  This tells me how effective they are in preventing spreading the spittles that carry COVID-19. This mask leaked water quickly.  The water runs through it like it was not there rather than drip or not come through at all.
2.  This mask has no pocket for a filter.


I liked:

1. The mask is large and covers my face starting from the nose going well under the chin as a good mask should.  I particularly liked that the nose piece went high on my nose
2. The mask has a nose clip so I can adjust to fit around my hose.
3. This mask has adjustable earpieces, so you can synch it tight around any shape face


Comparison of mask effectiveness:
1. Cloth masks provide 30% protection
2. Surgery masks  provide 60% protection
3. N95 or KN95 masks provide 95%

When I go into crowded places, I actually double mask.  This washable mask goes on top of a surgical mask.  However, the mask provides little protection against spittle compared to other cloth masks.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆

Product review: JAVABERRY Laptop Cooling Pad, Portable Ultra-Slim Quiet Laptop Stand with Cooling Fan

 

I own a lot of computers and a lot of cooling pads. JAVABERRY Laptop Cooling Pad cooling pad is below average.
1. It has only one small fan (3.5" cage) in the center of the pad; if this fan does not line up with the vents on the bottom of your laptop, too bad.
2. It has a very short USB cord. Some of my computers don't have enough USB outlets for everything I need to attach to them, so I plug in cooling pads into another power source.  This cord is too short to reach anything but the computer that sits on it.
3. It has no adjustments whats-so-ever: no on/off button, no fan speed control.
4. It can only be used at one angle because it has no adjustable feet. I would have preferred if it was flat and leveled or gave me options to adjust the angle.
5. On the positive side, the fan is very quiet.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆
 

Product review: A-DUDU indshield Snow Cover, Extra Large & 600D Thicker Fits Any Car Truck SUV Van

 

 

I test each mask I buy using a water test.  I fill each mask with water and hold the water in a mask for about a minute. Then I examine if the mask starts to drip, has become wet on the outside, or remained dry on the outside of the mask.  If a mask cannot hold water, it cannot protect me from contaminated droplets.

This mask did not do well on the test; after I held water in it, I could see that the mask's outside surface became shiny and darker from being soaked.  Even though it did not drip like a cloth mask, it did not do as well as the other disposable masks I have tested.

This package contains ten masks individually wrapped masks.  The masks have a metal nose clip and loops that go around the ears. The masks are large and cover a large portion of my face.  The ear straps feel comfortable, and the mask fits without gaps.  However, because it did not hold water without letting it seep through the mask, I cannot rank it as a good mask.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: OATNESTLY - Plant-based Oat Drink. Made With 100% Whole Grain Oats, Strawberry and Banana Flavor

 

 

 

OATNESTLY oat drink is a thick liquid, and it is almost flavorless. There is a slight hint of strawberry banana sweetness to it.  The best I can say I found it non-offensive.  I thought it definitely needs something else added to it to make it pleasant to drink. It does work as a thickener for smoothies, adding more of my own fruit does make it better.  So far, I am not inclined to repurchase it.

I purchased this in January 2021, and the expiration date is June 2021.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆

Product review: JIGA Pumice Cleaning Brush with Handle Toilet Bowl Cleaner - very effective

 

I have very hard water. I have tried a large number of toilet cleaners trying to remove the sediment/rust ring. I tried Clorox, CLR, Vinegar, Various Toilet bowl cleaner. Nothing worked. I was embarrassed whenever company came over. The pumice stick works much better.  It crumbled as I rubbed it against the stains and the stains disappeared.  It was not instant but not too bad. After I cleared a spot, I touched the areas with my finger, and I did not feel any scratches. So it appears to be softer than porcelain but harder than mineral deposits.  My photos show the toilet before and after and well as the stick before and after.

Some usage tips:
1. The pumice stone easily crumbled. Keep that in mind, when you open the package, a piece of newspaper or a paper towel will help to contain the pumice dust.
2. I store it in cling wrap to avoid crumbling
3. Make sure pumice stone has a handle; it makes it easier to scrub without having a lot of pumice dust in your hand


It did a great job cleaning and did not appear to damage the porcelain.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: ENGIVE Essential Oils Diffuser - 400ml, Oil Diffuser with Top 10 Pure Essential Oils

 

 Review of ENGIVE Essential Oils Diffuser - 400ml, Oil Diffuser with Top 10 Pure Essential Oils

We have forced hot air heat, so we have several humidifiers around the house to combat very dry air. This diffuser generates a nice mist, not just a tiny trickle. It has a 400 ml capacity, which is good for 8 hours. It does not produce much light in the dark; just the buttons are visible, which is what I like.  The faux wood finish is beautiful; I like it.

The package also includes a set of 10 essential oils: lavender, tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, sweet orange, cinnamon, rosemary, frankincense, grapefruit essential oils. Each bottle has a built-in dropper. This set will make a good starter kit.

Overall, a pretty nice diffuser.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: KUFUNG Hand-held Groove Gap Cleaning Tool Brush for Door Window tracks, Air Conditioning, Blinds

 

 This is a great little brush. Nothing fancy, lightweight plastic, but the size is perfect, and it did the job cleaning the tracks of the slider doors better than other brushes I have.

1. The bristles are pretty stiff so that they can dig into the stubborn dirt
2. The width is just right to get into the grooves of the deck slider doors
3. The handle has a scrubber tip, so I get into the corner that the brush may not be able to clean as well.

A pretty thoughtful design for such a small item.
 
You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: VITA Mountain Elderberry Gummies with Zinc Vitamin C - Dosage is off

 Review of Elderberry Gummies with Zinc Vitamin C from VITA MOUNTAIN

Vitamin C supplements daily recommended amount is 400 mg for young children,  650 mg for children aged 4–8 years,  1200 mg for kids aged 9–13, 1800 mg for teens, and 2000 mg for adults.

Zinc supplements daily recommended amount is 3mg for young children 1-3 years,  5 mg for children aged 4–8 years,  8 mg for kids aged 9–13, 11 mg for 13-18 years, and 11 mg for adults.

This supplement contains 90 mg of Vitamin C and 7.5 mg of Zinc.  As you see, Vitamin C is way too low, and Zinc might be too high depending on the age of the child.

Purchased in January 2021, and the expiration date is November 2021.  I expect more than 12 months of shelve life from any supplement I buy.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★☆☆☆

Product review: 500ml Essential Oil Diffuser by Aneralied

 

Aneralied diffuser is the best diffuser I own. It generates a generous amount of mist and it holds a decent amount of water.

I purchased the diffuser with remote control, but I received only the diffuser. I triple checked the box and the inside of the diffuser, but the remote control was not included.  Fortunately, I was able to contact the seller via Amazon's "Ask question" and received the remote as a follow-up package.  Using a remote is really convenient.

This diffuser is 7 inches across and 5 inches tall. The instruction state not to fill the diffuser above the marked max line, but the diffuser has no markings.

The diffuser has an automatic shut off, but there is no manual off button.  The only way to stop it if you want to stop misting before the basic empties is to unplug it.  Perhaps there is a stop on the remote, but since I did not get a remote, my only option is to cut off the power.

The instructions state that the diffuser needs to be cleaned with citric acid (not included) after every 5-6 uses or every 2-3 days.  That is more maintenance than I expected.

The capacity limit is 500 ML. 125 ML of water evaporated in 3 hours. The diffuser is fairly quiet while it works; the only noise I can hear is the air bubbles' gurgles.


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Small Portable Pill Box, 3 Compartment Pill Case, Waterproof Emergency Medicine Container, Daily Pills Holder, Mini Storage Box with Keychain, for Outdoor Travel

 

I always carry pills in my purse, just in case.  Unfortunately, a few pillboxes I tried either opened and spilled their content or are too bulky to carry in my purse.  This pill addresses this issue.  However, it is not perfect, and I hope the vendor might come up with another version, which will address my concerns.

I like:
1. Excellent quality; the pillbox feels and looks great.
2. Closes tightly.  Each compartment screws into another, so they cannot open unless I want to open them

I don't like:
1. The pillbox has only three compartments. That does not work for me. I either need 7 compartments (one for each day) or 5 compartments (one for each medicine I take).

I would like to see a fully customizable version of this container to select how many compartments I want to have.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: Mercase USB Condenser Microphone in use with Win10 and Linux

 

I use Mercase microphone with  Windows 10 and Fedora Linux. Both operating systems recognized the microphone immediately. I did not need to reboot either of the machines.  

On Windows 10, I needed to give the application permission to connect. On Linux, I had to select this microphone from Hardware preferences/Sound/Input.  The microphone also is recognized as a sound output device by default (the microphone has an audio plug for a headset).  If you want to use your computer speakers, you will need to disable the microphone as the output device.  If you can't hear the other side on your web conference call, it is because the sound is going to the microphone, not your speakers.  This step tripped me up the first time I started using the microphone, and I wanted to mention it.

How does it work?  

+ I like the stand that comes with the microphone. It has a heavy base and is very sturdy.  At the same time, the stand and the mic are both fairly compact.
 

+ I like the controls on the microphone. For example, I can mute the mic and see a big red light rather than the green light, which indicates the microphone is turned on and people can hear me.
 

- I was told the other side could hear me, but the sound was not as loud and crisp as my old microphone.  However, the old microphone stand is a little tripod that keeps falling over, so I was hoping to replace it.
I hope I will be able to improve the Mercase mic's loudness by fidgeting with the setting in the configuration.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.