Product review: ODSEN Phone Call Blocker

This call blocker works - i.e. once you block the number the calls from this number are disconnected after one ring.  The caller hears nothing, it works like a disconnect.

The user interface is easy when you want to block a number of something calling you by pressing the red button while the call is active. However, pre-programming the device to block number using programming code does not work with Verizon FIOS service.  These commands collide with Verizon's own codes and generate an error  when I tried the codes specified in the ODSEN manual on page 10.  You can see an example in my video.

On the positive side, some of the commands can be entered by using the keys on the device itself: such as deleting blocked numbers or seeing which numbers are blocked.  I show this in my video as well.

The second issue I ran into is related to showing caller id on my phone.  I found a solution to this problem as I explain below.  The issue depends on how you hook up the blocker. There are two options for hook up - you can plug the call blocker into the wall, and hook up the phone to the blocker. Alternatively, you can put a splitter in the wall and have the phone and the blocker hooked up in parallel. If you use the phone in-line with the blocker, the caller id is no longer visible on the phone display. I am using the parallel hook up because in this configuration I still see the caller id on the phone.  The phone blocker only displays numerical phone numbers, caller ids are not shown even if you have the caller id service. Since only the numbers are displayed  it is not easy to identify a marking call without picking up the phone or looking at another phone which shows the caller id.

Blocking a marketing calls gives me a lot of satisfaction. Just the fact that I am not helpless and can take some action has a great mental benefit.

This phone call blocker strenth is preventing repeated spammers from calling again, but I have to block them manually once first.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review

Product review: MedPeel Hyaluronic Moisturizer Cream

I am very pleased with this moisturizing cream. I have a dry match of skin on my forehead that has been a problem for about a year. I have tried a number of creams on this area with less then satisfactory results.  Medpeel Hyaluronic Moisturizer Cream worked better than others. I apply it twice a day andthe peeling of the skin totally stopped.  The cream is unscented, which is a big plus as I can apply it before going to bed (scents keep me away and I always seek out unscented creams).

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Hydrofarm HGS16P Green Premium Saucer, pack of 10

I bought these saucers for the 7 gallon fabric pots which are 14" wide at the bottom.  These saucers are 16" wide at the bottom, and 18" wide at the rim.  This means I get a 2" area to catch the water run off to improve hydration of the plants.

The saucers are made out of heavy duty plastic.  The plastic has a little bit of give, but the saucers are sturdy.  For example, I can lift a saucers with water without the saucer flexing under the weight and spilling.

These saucers came in a pack of 10, which works out to be just under $3 per saucer.  When shopping for saucers be on a lookup for the number of saucers included in each item, I almost bought what I thought was a bargain but luckily noticed a review that mentioned that only one saucer was included making that plastic saucer cost around $20! 

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Kamisafe Ultra Thin Dimmable CRI95 LED Video Light Panel

I own several light panels and Kamisafe panel has several features that I really like. The most useful feature to me is the ability to change the amount of light that the panel generates with a simple turn of the knob. This allows me to have perfect lighting in different situations.  This panel is thinner and lighter than my older panel, and I show it side by side with an older light panel for comparison.

The second thing that I find very useful is ability to change the light from cold white to warm yellow.  This is done by pushing down the knob (the same knob that controls brightness by turning). The color temperature adjusts from 3200K to 6200K and the brightness  can change from 10%-100%.

The light panel can run plugged in or on the battery.  The batteries that are compatible are: NP-F550/F750/F960.  The power adapter is included, but batteries are not.

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

Overall, I like this light panel. It is easy to set up and easy to change the amount of light I get to fit any situation.  Is it perfect? No, my panel has a flaw in the back panel where the LED display does not show all numbers.  I show a few photos that demonstrate it. It does not effect how I use the panel, but it does reflect workmanship that is not top notch for that reason I rate this light panel as ok.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆

Product review: WEfun Reward Stickers Smiley Teacher

This bulk set includes a large number of small stickers.  In my video I show them next to a ruler but in general their size varies from 0.5" to 0.75".  There are 10 sheets of each design, and there are 8 different designs.  Majority of the photos are smileys of various kinds and one set is stars.  They stick well and the cost per sticker is much better than what I've been buying at a local craft store.

The stickers come in resealable plastic bags, and in a nice cardboard box to store them in so they don't get bent.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Little World Wheeled Backpack Carry-on Luggage with Removable Roller Frame

This backpack on wheels is unique because the roller platform is not attached to the backpack.  The backpack and roller can be used together or separately.

The backpack has three compartments. The large compartment is 18" tall, but narrows at the top. Inside the main compatment there is a pocket with a velco strap for the thin laptop, that pocket is 8.5" wide, so my large laptop does not fit, but my large tablet fits comfortably.

The roller has an extenable arm, which extends 38"5' inches.  I am 5'2" and the handle reaches my to about my waist so it pretty comfortable to roll.  When the handle is collapsed it can fit inside of the bag (this is how it is shipped), but when it is inside the backpack there is not much room left, so it defeats the purposes of the backpack.

The backpack attaches to the roller in two ways. There are velcro straps that go through the holes in the platform.  And there is a loop that goes over a special holder on the handle.  The velcor loops are a little fussy to attach especially when the backpack is full.

What I like about the roller is that I can use it for other things (like a shopping bag) not just the backpack.  The roller is not super heavy duty but sufficient for the backpack and grocery bags.

The velcro straps on the bottom of the backpack are handy for holding a jacket while I have the backpack on my back when I am not using a roller.

This is not a fancy backpack,  but I like the concept of having a frame that is separate.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★☆

Product review: DaskFire Diving Flashlight 1000 lumens

This flashlight is 6 inches long and weights 8.8 oz. It has 3 modes: bright, normal and strobe. The bright setting is quite bright with a central hot spot (i.e. not a uniform light but rather brighter in the center).

This flashlight runs on a built-in rechargeable battery.  It comes with a charging cable.  The charging is a bit unuseal as the flashlight has type A connector built-in, rather then a more common mini USB.

Attached video shows the flashlight in action to give you a better idea of what to expect.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★