Saturday, November 9, 2024

Product review: Luggage Tags for Suitcases-Suitcase Backpack Handle Wrap


 
These handle wraps are a perfect match for my cross-body strap. I am very pleased with how they look and feel. They are about 5" long and 4" wide. The Velcro is one inch wide. The back side has a paper label to write down your contact info. I am using it both for a handle wrap and on a shoulder straps to make both feel nice and soft.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Review of Gowraps Handle Wraps

Monday, October 21, 2024

Product review: ZOOEASS woven cross-body shoulder strap for purse or backpack


 


 I really like the strap I got. The strap is woven. The strap is the same on both sides. It looks exactly like the stock photos. The strap feels sturdy yet soft. It is pleasant to touch when it comes in contact with the skin.
The hardware feels sturdy. It is thicker than I imagined. I needed silver hardware to match the purse's hardware and was able to find silvery buckles, which turned out to be a bit of a challenge until I found Zooeass straps.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Review of Zooeass purse strap

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Product review: cobee Hand Wrist Strap


 
This item is a very simple product. It consists of a clear plastic with a metal reinforced ring that slides inside the camera case and a nylon lanyard. It only works with a case that is completely closed on the bottom, which just has holes for charging and earbuds. The bottom of the case is what holds the plastic tab inside the case. I am using a clear case, so I can see the plastic tab, but the tab is also clear, so it does not cover up the color of the phone's back. The tab does not interfere with wireless charging.
The wristlet is made out of black nylon and is 7.87 inches in length. It has a movable buckle that you can adjust to fit your wrist with a tighter fit. The wristlet provides some extra security from dropping the phone or having your hands free. I am going on a boat trip, and this wristlet will give me a little extra peace of mind that I will not drop the phone into the water as I hang over the rail trying to take the best picture.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.
Ali Julia review ★★★★★    

Review of cobee Hand Wrist Strap

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Product review: Azoxus Sunglasses Rimless Pink Mirrored Lens Purple Frame

 


I've been wearing wrap-around sunglasses for years due to my light sensitivity. I've tried countless pairs, and these sunglasses, despite their lower price point, hold their own against much more expensive options.

While they might be slightly large for my face in width, the nose clip can be adjusted, ensuring they stay securely in place without feeling too tight. The height of the frame (top to bottom) is smaller than my other sunglasses, 1.5" at the point near the nose. The glasses are lightweight. The lenses are not removable.

I was happy with the quality of these sunglasses, especially considering the price. They're comfortable, lightweight, and provide good sun protection. The pink arms mentioned in the description are not pink, the color is actually lilac, i.e. light purple. Overall, I'm very satisfied with my purchase.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Review of Azoxus Sunglasses Rimless Pink Mirrored Lens

Monday, August 26, 2024

Product review: Clear Spigen Ultra Hybrid Designed for Pixel 9 Pro XL Case (2024)


 


 This listing combines multiple different cases made by Spygen. I am reviewing a clear case Spigen Ultra Hybrid Designed for Pixel 9 Pro XL Case (2024). The phone arrived yesterday, and I had one day of using the case in various situations.

I have been buying Spigen cases for my Pixel cellphones for many years, and they usually fit like a glove. However, this case is not as perfect as my old ones. On the left-hand side, there is some give; the case flexes a bit instead of hugging the phone. There is no visual gap, so it is not bad enough to return, just not as perfect as the cases I bought for my older phones.

All openings are in the right places, the case works with a wireless charger. The case extends about 1 mm above the screen and above the Pixel 9 Pro XL camera (which extends quite a bit from the back of the phone).

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.
Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆

Review of Spigen Ultra Hybrid Designed for Pixel 9 Pro XL Case (2024)

Sunday, June 16, 2024

Product review: Wildlife Sciences High Energy Suet Cake - great for woodpeckers, bluejays, grackles


 
Suet cakes are loved by woodpeckers, bluejays, grackles, and, unfortenately, squirrels. It is a lot of fun to watch all of them.


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Review of Wildlife Sciences High Energy Suet Cake

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Product review: Perky-Pet 334-1SR Birdfeeder, birds love it, squirrels hate it


 

Perky-Pet 334-1SR Squirrel-Be-Gone Max Large Wild Bird is the first bird feeder that the squirrels gave up on. We had it for over a month, then tried to use it for several weeks, unscrew the top, and so forth, and then gave up. The top is not screwed on, and the openings close reliably. Also, shaking the feeder does not drop seeds like some other bird seeders we tried. This morning, it survived another test. A bear grabbed it and took it away. He left it in the back of the property, unbroken. He removed the top, ate the seeds, and left.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

  You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Review of Perky-Pet 334-1SR Birdfeeder

Monday, June 10, 2024

Product review: FORUP Oriole Bird Feeder, Orange Fruit Oriole. Woodpeckers love it too!


 

Everyone loves FORUP Oriole Bird Feeder: orioles, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, catbird, and, unfortenately, squirrels. It is a lot of fun to watch all of them. Before this feeder we did not have orioles visiting, and now we do.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Review of FORUP Oriole Bird Feeder, Orange Fruit Oriole 


 

Friday, June 7, 2024

Product review: Original metal slinky - squirrel deferral that works


 
We purchased a set of metal slinkies to protect birdhfeeders from squirrels. They are effective! The squirrels slide down and give up.  

Surprisingly, the original metal Slikys, invented by Richard James in the early 1940s, are still made in USA as stated on their package.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Review of Original metal slinky

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Product review: Perky-Pet 334-1SR Birdfeeder anti-squirrel bird feeder, survied a bear visit


 

Perky-Pet 334-1SR Squirrel-Be-Gone Max Large Wild Bird is the first bird feeder that the squirrels gave up on. We had it for over a month, then tried to use it for several weeks, unscrew the top, and so forth, and then gave up. The top is not screwed on, and the openings close reliably. Also, shaking the feeder does not drop seeds like some other bird seeders we tried. This morning, it survived another test. A bear grabbed it and took it away. He left it in the back of the property, unbroken. He removed the top, ate the seeds, and left.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Review of Perky-Pet 334-1SR Birdfeeder 

 

 



Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Product review: Homewizer Extra Large, 23” x 18” Silicone Dish Drying Mat - does not lay flat


I purchased a large silicone drying mat. It is 23 inches by 18 inches. I received it folded many times, and I cannot get it to lay flat. It is disappointing. It would have been better if it had been mailed flat or rolled.

It has ridges for dripping and a hole on one side for hanging. Even though the hole is convenient for storing the mat, and it is slightly raised, it still lets the water seep out onto the counter. It would be better if the mat had a loop instead of a hole.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★☆☆☆

Review of Homewizer Extra Large, 23” x 18” Silicone Dish Drying Mat

 

Sunday, May 12, 2024

Product review: Dr. Uang watering can - when one gallon can is not not one gallon


 

I purchased a watering can advertised as a one gallon watering can. When I received this can, it looked small. Sure enough, it is not one gallon, as stated in the description. It measured 3/4 of the gallon, which is about what you get when you convert 3 liters into gallons. The description should be more accurate when sold in the US market.

The spout is made out of three pieces. I think it will start leaking soon because I have hard water that will gum up the connections. The water comes out in a very gentle shower, which I like.

However, the size is not described correctly, and the size is the major factor in the rating.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★☆☆☆

Review of DR.UANG Store Outdoor Watering Can for Plants 1 gallon

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Product review: Slofunife Pinwheels - Step-by-step slow-mo video of pinwheel assembly


 

These spinners are visually appealing and add a decorative touch to my garden. I installed them with the intention of deterring rabbits from my vegetables.

I used to see the rabbit family continuously through the day, While I haven't observed any rabbits on the first day after installation, it is too early to determine their effectiveness definitively. If they stops avoiding them, they still look pretty.


Assembly was straightforward after understanding the initial step, which involved attaching the leaves to the yellow clips for subsequent threading through the plastic arm.

The spinwheels are pretty sturdy; the sticks, however, are not. They are made out of plastic straws, and some were loose-fitting. Two out of twelve too were loose. I had to make them shorter by throwing out the loose parts.




Review of Slofunife Reflective Pinwheels
 

You can find these spinners on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Product review: Portable Travel Toilet Handheld Peri Water Bottle Manual Bidet foldable


 I have used manual bidets (Perl bottles) as part of my routine for many years. I have tried many models, and this review is based on a comparison of the materials and the construction of the ones I have tried:

1. Some bottles are made of plastic, while others are made out of silicone. I prefer silicone bottles because they are much easier to squeeze because silicone is softer and more pliable. When it is hard to squeeze, it is harder to generate a strong stream. This bottle is made out of silicone, so my first reaction was very positive. However, because this bottle is made to fold, it collapses in your hands as it empties; the air cannot re-enter the bottle, and thus, the bottle does not generate a good stream.

2. This bottle does not have an air valve on the bottom. The valve allows the air to enter as you squeeze, making generating a strong stream easier. The bottle without a valve makes very loud gurgling noises when the air goes in and out. If you are trying to be discreet in a public bathroom, it could be embarrassing. A bottle with a valve is silent. Because this silicone bottle folds as it empties due to its construction, the air has a hard time entering the bottle, and you need to straighten it out with your hands so the air can enter the bottle so you can continue to keep squeezing out the water. The result is a weak stream and getting your underwear wet as you don't have good control of the stream.

3. The package includes a waterproof pouch, which is very helpful when using the bottle away from home. The pouch is big enough to accommodate the bottle in its expanded form. This pouch is the best part of the entire package because it seals well. I am definitely going to use it with my other Perl bottles, where the bottle itself is unlikely to be used much.

4. It comes with a nozzle cover and a spray tip. The spray is stronger with the tip and nozzle removed.

5. The bottle folds. Its folding mechanism works very well. Unfortunately, the side effect of being foldable is poor spraying.

Overall, the folding is excellent, but the spraying functionality is poor. Perhaps adding an air valve to the bottom of the bottle could rescue the overall design.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link. 

  Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆

Review of wilieskata Foldable Portable Handheld Peri Bidet Water Bottle

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Product review: Flexible Grabber Drain Snake Hair Drain Clog Remover Tool (does not work)


 


 After a plugged toilet that cost me a bundle, I decided to get this snake. Unfortunately, it is not very good, so I suspect I will have to call a plumber again if the situation repeats.

Here are the problems:
1. The snake is very stiff; it is quite hard to operate (squeeze)
2. The grasping fingers are very difficult to control; out of 10 tries, I could grab a cloth only twice. This was on the table where the conditions were ideal.
3. Once the fingers grasped the item, they barely held it. A slight pull disengaged the cloth from the fingers. Pulling it out of the toilet or drain would cause the fingers to lose grasp within a second.

This tool's head is too large to fit into drains, it does fit the toilet, but its grasping ability is very limited.

Overall, I would not recommend this tool.

Ali Julia review ★☆☆☆☆

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Review of Wanjotec Flexible Grabber Drain Snake