CRLight 6W Non Dimmable LED Filament Candle Light Bulb

WHY I BOUGHT THESE:
I have been using halogen candelabra lights for years in my outdoor fixtures. I used them, because the steep costs associated with LED lights and I was worried I would never find a match in color temperature to my other outdoor lights that aren't LED (2,700K for the halogen lights I use). However, I grew tired of replacing light bulbs every 6 months, approximately. I keep the lights on 4 hours each night on a timer and the label for those lights claim the halogen bulbs should last about 2 or more years based on that amount of usage. Well, I've never gotten anywhere near that life span. I got frustrated and found went searching for LED bulbs to replace them.

Reach Cables Charging Cord 10 Feet (Apple Products)

This charger comes in a resealable bag with no instructions. I wouldn't think you would need them, but it's worth noting.

Momoday High-speed Aluminum Multifunctional 3 Port USB 3.0 HUB

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT:
This comes with the USB hub and a USB adapter (see attached picture #1). Just to be clear, it does not include your inputs, such as SD cards, a USB cord to connect your device, etc.

ABOUT ME:
I was looking for a device that I could use to transfer files from an SD card to my computer. I also wanted to connect various USB 3.0 connection ports to my computer that this hub provides.

SD CARDS:
First, I'll talk about the SD card function. I have used the SD card reader on my computer as well as this hub. This hub transfers files much, much quicker than using the slot on my computer. I run game or trail cameras that store pictures to a card. There are times where I will have thousands of pictures to view on one card. There are often delays when scrolling through pictures using my SD card slot on my computer. However, this hub allows me to scroll through pictures very quickly.

USB 3.0 PORTS:
First, if you want to use these ports to their maximum potential, I would suggest obtaining some USB 3.0 cords if you don't already have them. You will know if they are USB 3.0 cords if the inside of the slot is blue. If it's not blue, you likely have version 2.0. For reference, USB 2.0 can transfer at speeds of 480 MB/second and charge devices at a rate of 100 milliamps. Comparatively, USB 3.0 can reach transfer speeds of 4.8 GB/second and charge at a rate of 900 milliamps. That's quite a difference, particularly if you use a USB outlet extensively.

I don't use the MS, Micro SD, TF, XXD slots on this hub much, but they are available should you ever need to.

REVIEW:
I have used this hub quite often. I really like having multiple USB 3.0 outlets where I can connect all of my devices. I also like the SD card slot. Both operate very fast. There isn't any unintended disruptions while using it. It works as intended. I'm very pleased with this hub. Sometimes these electronics can seem daunting to understand. If you have a question or comment, please leave it below and I'll try to answer it for you.

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!

Degree Men Dry Spray

I've been trying all sorts of deodorants recently. I was very upset when I bought some new deodorant (because the old was staining) and the new deodorant stained my favorite, new t-shirts. I decided to switch to this spray after receiving a sample for free. I was hopeful that it wouldn't stain, but I was pleasantly surprised that it keeps me dry even longer than my former deodorant. My previous stick deodorants only lasted about 18 hours or less. My wife gave birth last weekend. I wasn't able to shower for 2 days due to all the craziness. I ended up staying 5 of 6 nights in the hospital with my wife. At any rate, this deodorant was still working well up until that shower on day 2. After this weekend, I came home and ordered 3 cans from Amazon. I can't wait to see what they smell like!

UPDATE: 4/11/16
I like the deodorant so much that I went and bought several different scents. It really does a good job of keeping me dry and my shirts stain-free!

Brooklyn Basix Freedom Wind Chime

WHY I CHOSE THIS WIND CHIME:
I was gifted a wind chime when my grandpa passed 2 years ago. I hung it just off my deck and was able to listen to the soothing sounds for about a year. I made some repairs to the cord holding the wind catcher a couple times and it kept coming off. Then one of the chimes fell off. I couldn't throw it away, so maybe one day I'll try to figure out if I can somehow put it back together. In the meantime, I decided to order this Freedom Chime from Brooklyn Basix!

ABOUT THIS WIND CHIME:
This chime utilizes recyclable, renewable & sustainable materials: the chimes are made of recycled and sand blasted aluminum, the wood is made from renewable laminated bamboo.

CARE:
All components of the Freedom Chime are designed for the outdoor environment. However, it is recommended that the chime be hung in an area offering some protection from direct sunlight if possible and periodically be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Bamboo - can be maintained by applying a thin layer of tung oil with a clean cloth as needed. Regular oiling will help protect the natural bamboo finish and inhibit the natural aging process.

Aluminum - does not rust and the sandblasted finish is an added protection from pitting (although pitting may occur due to long term exposure to the elements).  The tubes with mild non-abrasive soap and water periodically.

OPTION TO PERSONALIZE:
The windcatcher can be removed and put back on the chime in short order. In doing so, you can personalize it any way you like.

REVIEW:
The components of this wind chime are very simple but work well. It would be easy to repair...much easier than the other wind chime I have. The sound from the chimes is sharp, crisp and doesn't linger. The wind paddle is a bit small. On a windy day, this chime won't be too annoying like many chimes. However, it's a bit on the light sounding side in calm conditions. I can't tell if the cordage holding the chime together is different from my previous chime. I hope so though. I would hope to get more than a year and a half out of this chime. I will update my review if it does break in that time frame. Speaking of which....

WARRANTY:
This wind chime comes with a 1-year warranty should anything happen to it during that time.

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

Ohuhu 100' Expandable Hose

UPDATE: Do NOT buy this hose. The latex connections don't hold up well causing the hose to leak.

WHAT WAS INCLUDED IN MY PURCHASE OF 100' HOSE?
A 100' expandable hose with a brass on/off valve (you can also choose the 150' hose)

MY REVIEW:
I really like this hose for the convenience factor. This expandable hose is 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 would not 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:
+ Shut-off valve
+ Lightweight
+ Space Saving/Easily Hides
+ Doesn't Kink
+ Brass Fittings (as opposed to plastic which was common in the past)
+ Convenient

CONS:
- A flow rate of approximately 3.15 gallons/minute which is less than a traditional hose
- 100' hose is actually 70-75' for all practical purposes*
- The hose has a latex collar to attach the inner tube to the brass fittings (time will tell how it holds up)

*This listing (and all expandable hoses like this) states it's expandable to 100' long which is true but a bit misleading. While it does expand that long if you turn the water on and shut the hose valve off so no water comes out. However, when you open up the valve, the hose shrinks back to approximately 70-75' long. If you turn the water off completely, it shrinks down to the 33'. So, while it says it expands up to 100', it's actually a 70-75' hose for all practical purposes.

UNKNOWNS:
- As durable as a traditional hose?

CONCLUSION: This hose is a great addition to my collection. Whether you buy this expandable hose or another, do yourself a favor and get one with the shutoff valve. It's a great feature! This hose is great for the convenience factor. It's lightweight and easy to transport. There are many positives. However, if you are watering your lawn, connecting a pressure washer, or something that necessitates a high flow rate, use a traditional hose. For most other uses, however, this will meet your needs. Just keep it out of the daily sun and winter freezes to prolong the life.  This hose definitely has a place in my yard. I hope my review was helpful in your decision!

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!

Kazoo Microfiber Steam Pocket Mop

WHAT COMES WITH THIS STEAM MOP?
Steam mop, 2 microfiber pads, a cup for filling the reservoir, and a piece/glider for use on carpets

ABOUT ME:
I've used a Eureka Enviro Hard-Surface Floor Steamer, 313A for several years. It's done a decent or better job at cleaning floors. However, I had some things that I wasn't particularly happy about when using it. First, the pads it comes with are very nice quality. However, they are so thick that the steam doesn't get hot enough, I presume, to kill bacteria on the floor. That's very important with a steam mop. Second, it takes a couple minutes to warm up enough to steam. It's not something you necessarily want to leave and go do something else, but you don't want to wait that long to start either. Finally, it doesn't enter corners very well. As you can understand, I was looking for a different steam mop that was capable of doing those things.

MY REVIEW:
The Kazoo steam mop does a much better job at getting into corners. It also heats up much quicker, and it gets much hotter. I can put my hand underneath the Eureka steam mop for a short time. I can't do that with this steam mop. This is going to sound minor, but it's something I really like...the top knob where you wrap the cord around before storing slides out and rotates in any direction. This is nice, because you don't have to unwind every strand or pass you made with the cord when wrapping it up. You just turn the knob down and pull the entire length of the stored electrical cord off and you're done. I love that feature even if it's minor.

I like that I can check the water line at any time to see if I will need to refill it soon. I didn't measure the cord, but I'd say it's either 20-25 feet long. If you need an exact measurement, leave a comment below and I'll do so. Finally, I like the shape of the head. It does a much better job at getting into corners than the Eureka steam mop. I haven't used the carpet cleaning attachment yet. I just haven't had any potential stains where I would need to use it, so I can't comment on how well that works unfortunately.

THINGS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVEN'T OWNED A STEAM MOP:
-You can wash the pads in the washer
-You will need to sweep before steam mopping if your floors have dirt
-Steam mops are not recommended for use on wood floors (it could result in damage if left on wood floors too long)

CONCLUSION:
Overall, I'm very pleased with this steam mop. I have contacted the manufacturer to ensure that the water reservoir capacity is listed properly. I think it's closer to 300 mL than 450 mL. In terms of operating, it doesn't really matter much since it heats up so quickly. You can more than likely expect to get approximately 3-4 rooms mopped with 300 mL. Other than that, I have no complaints.

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!

Chef Remi Grill Mats

WHY I CHOSE THESE GRILL MATS:
I was looking for an alternative to Aluminum Foil that I've used on my grill for years. Even the Heavy Duty aluminum foil gets holes in them and food falls through. I saw grill mats, and I got really excited about the possiblities. I chose these grill mats, because they are PFOA Free and made with materials from the U.S.A.. I remember reading up on PFOA warnings when I was researching non-stick cookware. There have been numerous tests that have shown that when used at high heat, they put off fumes that have undoubtedly killed birds. However, the researchers weren't sure if it was bad for humans. I don't see a need to take the risk when there are options out there that don't contain the ingredient.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
When I first received these, I figured they would be somewhat slick like a silicone baking mat. However, these are more like a nylon-like material. With that said, I am confident you could grill an egg with a touch of oil. Nothing I have cooked on this has stuck. They aren't thick, but they aren't thin either (real descriptive, I know). These are thin enough to be pliable, but thick enough that I think you could use metal grill equipment and not be too concerned about poking a hole through them.

MY REVIEW:
I have washed these grill mats with warm, soapy water and I've tossed it in the dishwasher. Both are fine to do with these grill mats. I've used these on a variety of food and they do a great job. They keep the grill grates much cleaner. It's easier to clean these than food that has been baked onto a grill grate. They also prevent food from sticking, so if you are cooking chicken for instance you won't have the skin stuck to the grill grate when you remove it from the grill. As I said earlier, you can probably use metal utensils. However, if you have silicone, it might be the way to go. I These mats are very basic to understand and use. I think you'll be happy with them. Should they ever break, they are covered under warranty.

CONCLUSION:
As you can likely tell, I am very pleased with these grill mats. I use them on my grill exclusively since I've received them!

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!

Basstyle Bluetooth 4.0 Outdoor/Shower Speaker

WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Speaker, Micro USB cable (for charging), 2-sided 3.5mm audio cable (AUX-in cable), and a user manual

VIDEO:
I briefly give a glance of the speaker and accessories. I also give a short test/demonstration.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Size, charge time, run time, Bluetooth pairing:
The speaker itself is the width of a soda can, but slightly longer. Battery life depends on how you use the speaker (high volume or low volume, Bluetooth vs auxiliary cable, etc.). However, it should last between 8-10 hours. Charging time is between 5-6 hours to fully charge. The 2 speakers are 6-watt speakers a piece with Bluetooth transmission of up to approximately 30 ft. Speaking of Bluetooth, pairing the device is very easy. Turn the power on the speaker, enable the Bluetooth function on your phone, iPod, etc. and wait for your device to pick up the signal from this speaker. When your picks up this speaker, click on it to enable it and that's it!

There are rubber bumpers on the top, bottom, and sides. The cover for the power port and 3.5mm audio cable seals to make the speaker water resistant or water proof (I haven't tested this claim to see if it's water proof but the owner's manual states both which is a bit confusing). I haven't had an issue with it, but other reviewers have had small problems. At any rate it's worth noting.

Using the speakers:
You can use the volume rocker when using the Bluetooth function. When using the cord, you must adjust volume from your device. The speakers themselves are very nice for this class of product. The speakers get very loud without any discernible distortion. The bass isn't top end like you'd get out of a stereo system, but there is certainly noticeable bass with these speakers. These speakers are certainly nice in comparison to similar products.

REVIEW:
I'm very impressed with this small but capable set of speakers. The sound is great. The bass is sufficient. The battery lasts for a while. Charging might be a bit longer than others, but I like the tradeoff of longer operating times. Overall, this is a solid product and a good value.

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!

1byone 2.8L Ultrasonic Humidifier/Aroma Diffuser (7 LED Colors)

VIDEO COMPONENTS:
1. Overview of the Humidifer/Diffuser
2. Demonstration
3. How to Clean
4. LED Colors Demo
5. Conclusion
6. Bonus: Essential Oil Blends (for different moods)

I ordered this humidifier and diffuser, because it has a large capacity (500ml) and long run time (10-20 hours based on setting). I'm not big on using LED's myself, but I can see how they would be useful for a child's room. Alternatively, if you are having company over, the LED's may provide some interest or be a conversation starter. However, most of the time, I just run the diffuser with the lights off.

MY REVIEW:
First Impressions - My first impressions of this product were very good. I could tell the company took great care in packaging. There were covers for the plug, the packaging was shape molded for protection, the instruction manual is well written, etc. The reason I mention this is because there are so many companies selling these units that make them cheaply and sell them quickly.

Positives
+ The mist begins within 1-2 seconds of turning the knob.
+ There is quite a bit of difference between low and high, which pleasantly surprised me.
+ Quiet - It's extremely quiet to operate.
+ Automatic turn-off - the diffuser will turn off the motor (though it's so quiet it's hard to tell), stop the mist and the LED will turn red when the water gets low. This prevents the diffuser from burning up the motor.
+ If you lift the tank off the diffuser when it's full, you might get a touch of water that comes out, but it doesn't spill all of it's contents.

Improvements
- I would like to see the cone on top that directs the flow of the mist lock or slide into place. As it is, the cone just sits on top. If you bump it, there's a chance it could fall off. It's not the end of the world if it does, but it's worth noting.
-Tray for essential oils - the tray to place your essential oils in could use some deeper finger grooves. It's not terribly difficult to take out, but in a perfect world that could be slightly easier.
- Faint smell using essential oil tray (I put 7 drops of essential oils in the tray on a few occasions. I can tell that there's scent coming out, but it's a bit on the faint side. Using 7 drops into the tank (which the instructions advise against), it smells much stronger and better. I didn't have any issues with the unit not working properly when doing so, but I suppose there is a possibility of that occurring at a later time.

Other Notes
This unit comes with a filter, which is nice for filtering the water you use. On the flip side, it must be replaced after approximately 500 uses.

CONCLUSION:
Overall, I really like this diffuser. It's really well made. Most of the "improvements" I've listed are very minor. However, I do wish I could just add drops of essential oil into the tank rather than the tray. I may contact the manufacturer to see if that might cause problems in the long run.

Available for Sale on Amazon by clicking HERE