Easy@Home Digital Thermometer (Oral, Rectal or Underarm)

ABOUT THE EASY@HOME DIGITAL THERMOMETER:
The thermometer is about 5.25" long. It has a flexible tip. You can use it orally, under the arm, or by rectum. The time it takes to read each varies a bit. It has an LED screen that lights up when the temperature is finished reading. It also has a green, yellow, and red gauge to let the user know if that temperature is normal, slightly high, or very high.

ACCURACY:
I found after 15 tests that my temperature was generally +/- .2 when taken orally. My temperature was generally +/- .3 when done underarm. I did not test it by rectum, and don't plan to anytime soon. I noticed that orally gives you a typically temperature reading. I haven't ever used one underarm before. I was consistently getting temperatures in the mid 96's. According to the instructions, that falls within the normal temperature for underarm. I've heard the general rule that you add 1 degree to any underarm temperature to compare it to a normal body temperature. Given the choice, I recommend one of the other two methods over the underarm method for better accuracy, though both were consistent.

TIME TO LOCK IN TEMPERATURE READINGS:
When I initially reviewed the product listing, it stated that this thermometer worked in "as quick as 10 seconds". I rarely got readings that quick after much trial and error. For testing purposes, I took 15 oral and 15 underarm temperature readings. The oral testing took an average of 17 second (one was as quick as 10 seconds and one or two were as slow as 23 seconds). The underarm testing took an average of 42 seconds. After notifying the manufacture/seller of my results, the product listing was updated to "as quick as 10-20 seconds". They were very easy to work with and promptly updated the product listing, so that it wouldn't be confusing for buyers.

CONCLUSION:
Overall, this product is as good or better in accuracy and timed readings than many comparable oral thermometers. I would like to eventually get a forehead thermometer and see if those are as accurate. However, for now I am happy with this thermometer!

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC) DISCLAIMER:
I received this product for free. However, the opinions expressed herein were formulated based on my personal use of the product. I welcome all suggestions, feedback and/or product questions!

TEC.BEAN Portable Multimedia Mini LED Projector

Available for sale on Amazon at: http://amzn.to/2fbBxnq

ABOUT THIS PROJECTOR:
This projector is a compact, affordable projector with many useful features and inputs for a projector in this price range. I won't go over the specs, because I will post a picture of those. You can also see the specs in the product listing. Basically, you have all the functionality of more expensive projectors, but without HD video, bluetooth, a WiFi connection and things of that nature.

SETUP:
The setup on this is fairly straight forward. If you want to use this as a video projector, you just hook up the HDMI cable to your computer, laptop or whatever else you'd like to use. If you want to use it for pictures, you can insert a USB flash drive or an SD card with your pictures. The recommended projection size (or screen size if comparing to a television) is 20-80 inches. I used it up to 84" and the picture was still very good. For reference, an 84" picture is roughly 9 ft away from the screen. At 7', the projection is 57". The projector focuses at the different distances by turning the projector lens in front. It telescopes in and out. It's easy and simple to do. You can mount this projector on a ceiling, a wall, the floor, or place it on a table.

FEATURES:
The sound on this projector is adequate to fairly good for something so small. If you want cinema quality sound, you will probably want to hook up some speakers. That's probably true of any projector, however. The SD card is easy to use. You put it in and you can choose that input to play the pictures in a slideshow. You can do the same with the USB outlet. I didn't try the audio/visual outlet. The HDMI outlet is useful for any number of purposes. You can hook up a cable box, computer, laptop, etc. You can play videos, a slideshow, whatever the projector is connected to essentially. The projector has a kick stand. I prefer to legs in the front that telescope but it's an easy fix. If you put the projector on the floor or the ceiling, there is likely going to be some tilt. There is a button so that you can tilt the image so it's "squared-up" or not distorted.

CONCLUSION:
They say a picture is worth a 1,000 words. I put together a video, so maybe that's worth more. At any rate, it should give you an idea of the product you are reading about. I really like this projector. The native resolution is not high definition, but it still has a good picture. You'll have to spend much more for HD capability, unfortunately. It's imperative with these projectors that the room be dark, or you won't get the colors and brightness you want from any projector. Overall, this is a good product without all the frills (wireless, Bluetooth, etc.) at a good price.

Click the link/picture to the right to find the product on Amazon: 

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC) DISCLAIMER:
I received this product at a discount. However, the opinions expressed herein were formulated based on my personal use of the product. I welcome any and all feedback and/or product questions!

PinJian Exercise Ball (29.5") Installation, Comparison, & Demonstration

WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- Exercise Ball
- 2 plugs (1 is a bonus)
- Hand Pump
- Plug Remover Tool
- 90-day "no hassle money back guarantee, life-time warranty"

TIME TO INFLATE:
The instructions above state that the ball takes 6-10 minutes to inflate. I was able to do it in 4:40 seconds. I'm not saying that to brag in any way. I just mention that, because that's a conservative time frame if you go slow in pumping it up. Inflating the ball is a bit of an exercise, ironically, but it's not too bad.

MY USE & REVIEW:
I've used this ball for a few days since inflating it. I've used it as a chair and as an exercise tool. It hasn't leaked at all. The wrinkles from packaging have worn off. My wife plans to use it during the birthing process (in 5-6 weeks), because a neighbor made the suggestion. Quite honestly, there are plenty of exercise balls available for sale. Most or all of them are sufficient for regular use (unless you plan to some sort of jousting or rolling on sharp objects in which none of them will last). I've had a good experience with this one or there are many other quality ones out there as well.

VIDEO REVIEW & DEMONSTRATION:
Part I - What's Included with the Pinjian Exercise Ball?
Part II - Blow up/Installation
Part III - Demonstration & Comparison to A 55 cm Exercise Ball
Part IV - Exercise Ball Uses (briefly)

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC) DISCLAIMER:
I received this product at a discount. However, the opinions expressed herein were formulated based on my personal use of the product. I welcome any and all feedback and/or product questions!

Available on Amazon - Click Here

SterlingPro French Coffee Press, 35-ounce

ABOUT THE STERLINGPRO FRENCH PRESS:
The product arrives with all the parts you need including: 4 mesh screens (you use 2 at a time for screening out coffee grounds), 18/10 stainless steel (same material as most utensils), lid with plunger, instructions (brief and not complicated to understand).

GENERAL PROS & CONS OF A FRENCH PRESS (COMPARED TO A AUTOMATIC DRIP COFFEE MAKER)
PROS:
+ Unlimited control of brew process
     + control how strong your brew is
     + control the duration of brew (3 minutes is given in instructions)
     + control the water temperature (195-205 degrees is recommended, with 205 being best...many drip makers don't reach that temperature)
+ Can be used as a pitcher for water or used to steep tea
+ Small footprint & Sleek looking
+ small enough to store in a cabinet or looks nice enough to keep on the counter top if desired
+ Easy to clean with very few parts and it can be cleaned it in the dishwasher

CONS:
- Must be active to brew coffee (whereas with an auto drip maker you put coffee grounds in filter, add water, and it does the rest)
- Probably not as consistent of a brew as an auto drip maker (might vary based on temperature, coffee grounds used, etc.)
- Won't strain as much of the grounds as an auto drip maker (it's recommended to use a coarser grind)
- Coffee will get bitter from over roasting if you leave the grounds in (recommended to serve immediately or store in a thermos)

NEITHER A PRO OR CON (PERSONAL PREFERENCE)
o French press will not remove the coffee oils
     o taste preference - your coffee may be more bitter in a french press, which is a natural attribute of most ground coffees
     o research has found that those oils contain cholesterol-boosting substances that are normally removed with paper filters

CONCLUSION:
I have really enjoyed using this french press. I will admit I don't make coffee with it every single time (I cheat and use an auto drip maker at times), but I like using this french press most often. There is a slight difference in taste between this and an auto drip maker. It's strictly a personal preference whether you might like it better. Coffee in a french press is a little bolder, because it extracts the full substance of the coffee grounds.

The wire mesh does a good job at removing grinds, better than most french presses in fact. However, if you use a fine coffee grind, you might notice a small amount of very fine grinds at the bottom of your cup. It's a very small amount , so I hardly think it's something to be concerned about if that thought crossed your mind. I have noticed that I can remove some of the coffee oils and very fine coffee grinds by rigging up a medium-sized paper coffee filter to the plunger (easy to do). It's certainly not a requirement though. All-in-all, I have been very pleased with both the look and functionality of this french press by SterlingPro. I hope this review is helpful!

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC) DISCLAIMER:
I received this product for free. However, the opinions expressed herein were formulated based on my personal use of the product. I welcome any and all feedback and/or product questions!

Cosy House Collection Silky Soft Bed Sheets Set

WHY I PURCHASED THESE SHEETS:
I was looking for a soft set of sheets. I currently have 2 sets of sheets. 1 of those sets of sheets is very stiff and loud every time I move. I hate them. The other set is a cotton set. I like it, but I don't necessarily love them. I was looking for a premium set of sheets. I purchased these hoping to find a quality set of sheets.

MY REVIEW OF THE COZY HOUSE COLLECTION MICROFIBER BED SHEETS

+THEY ARE SOFT:
When I received these sheets, I opened them up and was blown away at how soft they were. There are different types of soft. As an example, I have some crib sheets that a different type of soft. Those crib sheets (Ziggy Baby Crib Sheet Set) are similar in feel to a thin version of a microfiber blanket. These sheets from Cosy House Collection are soft as well, but in a different way. To me, they feel like a cross between cotton and silk sheets. These sheets remind me of sheets at a high-end hotel.

+THIN SHEETS (PROBABLY BEST SUITED FOR WARM SEASONS)
These sheets are on the thin side, so I think these are better suited to warm-weather sheets. I will use these in the winter as well, but it's because my wife likes the bed cold. She keeps the thermostat low and then she closes the vents in the room. I think she is cold-blooded or something. For most people, these sheets are best suited for warmer seasons or locations.

+WRINKLE FREE
These sheets are said to be wrinkle free. I cringe when I hear that. I have shirts that are "wrinkle-free". I've never seen anything that is free from wrinkles. I will say that they are wrinkle resistant, however.

+DEEP POCKETS:
As you can see from my pictures, these sheets have deep pockets. My previous sheets would ride up the mattress every night (also pictured). I have an approximately 14.5" mattress. These sheets fit the mattress comfortably and stay put.

+PILLOWS:
The pillows are very large. I have a really big pillow that I was worried would stick out of the pillow case. However, it covered the entire pillow and then some. If you have small or medium-sized pillows, you might have some excess pillow cover. I wouldn't think having extra would be a problem but it' worth noting.

+WASHING/STAINS
These sheets don't shrink in the wash. I washed them in a hot cycle and dried them on high heat (I didn't read the tag). Even though I didn't follow the wash/dry directions, I had no problems with shrinking. I haven't tested the product claim that these sheets are stain resistant.

+LIFETIME WARRANTY
I don't have much to add to this, but it's nice that Cosy House Collections stands by their product!

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC) DISCLAIMER:
I received this product at a discount. However, the opinions expressed herein were formulated based on my personal use of the product. Please comment with any feedback and/or product questions below.

Available for purchasing on Amazon - Click Here

Ziggy Baby Pack N Play Playard Sheet Set

ABOUT THIS PLAYARD SHEET SET:
- Made of 100% high quality jersey cotton
- Universal fit for any standard playard mat or playard mattress up to 4 inches
- Gender neutral designs in grey & white
- Lightweight, soft and breathable
- Great baby shower gift for Boys or Girls!
- Deep 5" pockets for a secure fit

WHY I CHOSE THESE PLAYARD SHEETS:
I chose these sheets, because they match the motif of our nursery precisely. We have a blush pink, white and gray theme. They are also gender neutral should we ever have another child. These sheets are white with either gray polka dots or chevron stripes (2 separate sheets). The two sheets arrived together in a package. I knew instantly upon pulling them out of the package that I liked the way the sheets looked and felt.

Note: These sheets are nearly identical to the crib sheets I reviewed here previously. However, they're for a playard rather than a crib. 

MY REVIEW:
After taking them out of the package, I felt just how soft these sheets are! The softness I would compare to that of a microfiber blanket, but on a much thinner scale (it is a sheet after all). I wondered to myself if these sheets would be this soft after washing them. Before I was able to determine that, I wanted to make sure the sheets fit the playard. They fit well. There is a deep enough pocket that you don't have to worry about the sheets slipping up the side. Both sheets were the same size (as you would expect).

I washed these sheets in accordance with the directions on the tag (pictured). I put the sheets back on the playard pad, and there was no shrinking. The sheets were just as soft as they were when they arrived.

CONCLUSION:
Overall, I am very pleased with these sheets. I'm sure there are other nice sheet sets out there, but I haven't found many this soft!

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC) DISCLAIMER:
I received this product free. However, the opinions expressed herein were formulated based on my personal use of the product. Please comment with any feedback and/or product questions below.

Resistance Bands Review

ABOUT ME:

I'm not a big gym membership kind of guy, but I enjoy working out at home. My wife is a gym rat, even as she nears the end of her pregnancy. She belongs to two gyms and she sometimes works out at home with me. I got her a different set of bands, because she wanted to use those for stretching and light work outs. I knew I wouldn't like those bands. I do have some free weights, but I only have one dumbell from 15-25 lbs and none any higher. That limits my exercises. I wanted something that I could add extend the weights, but without taking up a ton of room and taking a dent out of my wallet. That's when I found these bands.

ABOUT THE PRODUCT:

These come with 7 straps from 5 to 35 lbs of resistance. It has 4 handles and straps (also includes ankle straps and door straps). Basically, this set has everything you need, plain and simple.

MY REVIEW:

My wife didn't know I had ordered these until they arrived at home. She told me there were some fitness bands and they "actually look really nice". This coming from her got my attention, because she belongs to two gyms with all sorts of equipment, pools, etc. I took them out of the included bag, and she was right. These are very nicely made. I was expecting a set of bands that I could "get by" using, but I can do more than that with these. They have anything and everything you could need included. The bag is a nice touch too for keeping everything neat and organized.

I like that you can double up on the bands if you need more weight. There are hundreds of exercises that you can do with these bands. You can check YouTube for proof. I made a short video of some exercises that you might find helpful in getting you started (or at least give you an idea of how the bands work

CONCLUSION:

As I mentioned earlier, I am very impressed with this set. I like the versatility of these bands, they pack up neatly and compactly, and they are a very reasonable retail price too. I intend to pick up a set of these for my dad who just quit the gym and is eyeing retirement in 2 short months. I think he will like these as well.

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC) DISCLAIMER:

I received this product free. However, the opinions expressed herein were formulated based on my personal use of the product. Please comment with any feedback and/or product questions below.

Solo Stick Tripod Mount

ABOUT THE PRODUCT
The Solo Stick Tripod Mount allows you to take pictures/movies or watch movies on your phone. You can set it on the table or you can put it in unconventional positions to suit almost any location. It's 10" tall (depending on how you have the legs situated) and can hold a phone up to about 3.25" wide. In essence, this product is designed to fit the budget niche for holding phones for videos or pictures

MY REVIEW
I have used this to take videos of several products I bought on Amazon as well as to record some YouTube videos. I like the flexibility it gives me. I can stand it or put it almost anywhere. I even did a video in my car using the headrest. It's a great value for most people using their phone. It's easy to pack away. It's light. It's a good price.

I was testing it to the extreme after about a week or so (after doing this video). I used too much force and broke a leg. Fortunately, I contacted Solo Stick and they were AWESOME. I got an email within an hour saying they would ship me another, no problem. I don't love when I have an problem, but it's really nice when a business stands behind their product!

CONCLUSION:
For professional use, you likely want to upgrade out of this price point, but for the average user I think this fits the bill.

VIDEO
In the video, I discuss the product and hopefully give you a feel for how it operates. I also included some pictures using this tripod in various positions and poses.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I received this product at a discount or free. I welcome all feedback!

You can find this product on Amazon at Solo Stick Tripod Mount

Seal'In Nestable Food Storage Vacuum Containers (Microwavable, Freezer, Dishwasher Safe)

WHY I BOUGHT THESE:
I wanted to get a vacuum container set to store food for a longer period of time. I like to BBQ, but it's not worth the hassle to do a small quantity at one time. I liked the idea of have a vacuum container that keeps the food fresh longer, so I don't have to freeze the leftovers.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The container set comes with a pump and 4 containers - 20 oz, 1.1 qt, 1.5 qt and a 5 qt container. The set is made from a hard, durable plastic ("highly durable Polycarbonate"). The seals are also a very sturdy silicone. The containers nestle inside of each other to save on storage space. They secure tightly using the 4 tabs on each side of the lid.

MY REVIEW:
These containers do a great job of maintaining a seal. They don't leak air out little-by-little like some containers have a tendency to do. They do what they are intended to do, keep foods fresh longer. The first time I used it, I got a coffee grind in the silicone seal preventing it from sealing. I mention that, so you make sure you keep the seal free of debris. I quickly realized it (and it was obviously not holding a seal), so it wasn't a problem. Also, I recommend disinfecting before each use to help maintain that freshness longer. I suppose it's similar to the principles of canning food. Other than that, these are really straightforward.

CONCLUSION:
I really like this set. I just wish they had a container for storing lunch meat. Having said that, I think this set will be good for keeping snacks, soups, BBQ, lunches, etc. fresher for a longer period of time. I also think this set will be very durable over the long run. Keep the pump in a safe place and I think you would be very happy with this set of containers.

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC) DISCLAIMER:
I received this product at a discount. However, the opinions expressed herein were formulated based on my personal use of the product. Please comment with any feedback and/or product questions below.

This product is available for sale on Amazon - Click Here

Detroit Tool & Supply Expandable Hose Review

ABOUT ME:
I enjoy gardening and working in the yard. I water the flowers and grass frequently during the summer. I was looking for a hose that I didn't have to spend as much time unraveling and then winding up again...especially when it's 90 degrees outside. I also wanted a hose that I could hide, because the hose spigot is right next to the front door. It's unsightly to leave a hose laying there and it's a pain to take it around the back of the house every time I was finished.

MY REVIEW:
I really like this hose for the convenience factor. It's a quick way to water the plants. It doesn't take up much room and it hides away in a container with a lid very easy. I'm not sure I would leave this hose out in the winter or even exposed to the sun on a daily basis. It may be able to handle it, but it's not something I would recommend. The following is a list of pros and cons I've noted during my use with this hose.

PROS:
+ Lightweight
+ Space Saving
+ Doesn't Kink
+ Brass Fittings
+ Easily Hides
+ Convenience

CONS:
- No shut-off valve on hose
- Slightly less water volume/minute
- The hose end goes wild if you set it down with the water turned on

UNKNOWNS:
- As durable as a traditional hose?

CONCLUSION: This hose is a great addition to my collection. It's not great at everything, but it definitely has a place in my yard. I hope my review was helpful in your decision!

DISCLAIMER: I received this hose free for purposes of testing. The opinions noted are based on my personal use of this product.