Last week, I was sent a Cel-Lab Pedometer and Activity Tracker Band to test out and review. The tracker is a small device that you charge by hooking to your computer via a USB charger. You can then slip it into the band once charged. It connects to your phone through Bluetooth and will work with Android and Apple devices. The device tracks steps and sleep, and also has an alarm function. I was very interested in trying this out because I have been looking for an inexpensive alternative for my Jawbone UP24, which recently went the way of the Monty Python parrot. The device is pretty small and come with a special holder so you can charge it. I let it charge overnight and then slipped it into the band. My mom wanted to try it out first, so I installed the tracking app (J-Style Health) on her phone. To our dismay, it didn’t work and never even saw the band. She wore the band for a day or so and I kept trying to sync it, but didn’t have any luck. Surprisingly, I was able to get it to ...
product reviews
Book Review – Redshift Rendezvous by John E. Stith
Redshift Rendezvous is a science fiction novel by John E. Stith. The Redshift is a technologically advanced vessel capable of traversing the layers of hyperspace. A routine transport becomes derailed after a passenger is found dead and the ship is taken over by hijackers. The hijackers plan to use the ship to steal the wealth of a colony that’s location is only known to a few. Will the crew be able to stop them? The premise was very interesting and the book delivered lots of suspense and action. The characters were well developed and interesting, especially the main character Jason. His background made him a very sympathetic character...and a little intense at times. I would definitely be interested in reading a follow up story about him. The world building was also well done. You got lots of detail without it taking up entire chapters. There were a few spots in the plot that were a bit predictable, but there were more than enough twists to keep it interesting. The twist ...
Product Review – Ankle Strap Kitten Heels
Last week, I was sent a pair of Ankle Strap Kitten Heels from ZOOSHOO. The classic design of the shoes are lightweight and will go with practically any outfit. They are made form vegan material and the heel measures 2.5 inches. I received the black pair. I have been looking for nice shoes to go with my work outfits. I prefer heels, but I need them to be low because I haven't been able to wear taller/higher ones since my knee surgery. I also like the low heels because I don't need to take them off to drive in. Currently I only have one pair that is brown, and was looking forward to getting these shoes so I could have another pair. The shoes seems to be very well made and the material is very soft. The heel is the perfect size for me, and I don't feel like I'm going to tip over in them. However, I ordered a size 8 (which I normally wear) but they are about half a size too big. I contacted ZOOSHOO about exchanging them. They promptly got back to me, letting me know that ...
Product Review – Silicone Muffin Pan
Last week, I was sent a silicone muffin pan from Bear Bakeware to try out and review. The pan in nonstick, so the muffins will easily come out when they are done. It’s heat resistant up to 450 degrees, and makes 12 regular sized muffins. I have a similar silicone pan for jumbo muffins that I wore out. I’ve noticed lately that the majority of the muffin mixes no longer have the recipes for jumbo muffins, so I’ve haven’t bothered to replace it. I was very excited to get this pan since I’ve never tried a silicone pan from regular sized muffin before. You use the pan like you would any other; however you really don’t have to grease it with anything. Now, I do put a light spray of spray butter right on the bottom to ensure that nothing sticks. I have had that happen in the past with my other pan. You have to make sure that you don’t get any on the side or the batter won’t be able to rise well because it will have nothing to stick to. I made a batch of blueberry muffins, and ...
Product Review – ChiroDoc Coccyx Cushion
A few weeks ago, I was sent a Coccyx cushion from ChiroDoc to try out and review. The cushion is designed to help reduce back pain. It’s made from memory foam, and relieves pain by relieving direct stress & pressure from your tailbone. I recently started working a full time desk job and I never realized how uncomfortable sitting for long periods could be. I never really noticed it at home since I could get up and move around when I needed to. I decided to try it out at home first before taking it into work with me. The cushion is very soft to the touch and comfortable. I noticed right away that my posture was better. I don’t feel the need to slouch in order to get comfortable in my chair. I’ve used it now for about two weeks for at least a few hours each day. So far, it’s hasn’t flattened out or gotten lumpy. My daughter really likes it too and is constantly trying to use it as a pillow. Overall, the cushion has been very nice so far. It’s comfortable and my back ...
Product Review – Electronic Bug Zapper
A few weeks, I was asked to try out and review the Electronic Bug Zapper from Ohuhu. The zapper is designed to be used indoors and uses two 10 watt UV bulbs. It covers up to 320 square feet and makes no zap sound. The zapper itself is made with thin metal and plastic. You can replace the bubs by first discharging it with a screwdriver, then pulling down the screen. It also has a plastic tray to catch bugs that slides in and out. It comes with a chain that you can use to hang it. It’s a nice looking bug zapper, but there are a few issues. First of all, I placed it in a variety of places around the house & even outside under our covered porch. It zapped a grand total of 4 bugs. It attracted swarms of mosquitoes & little gnats, but they just kept flying in and out of it. At one point, there was a fly going in and out of it. It would get zapped and land in the tray, but then after a few seconds it would fly off again. The other issue I found is that it gets ...