wonderwhatif
Member Since: January 26, 2015Reviews
Play-Doh Arts & Crafts Magical Oven
Really, really neat and fun toy that kids (ages 3+) really enjoy. As an adult, I would find it frustrating trying to perfect everything and squeeze the Play-Doh into the correct place, but kids don't care. They just go nuts and start throwing it in... +
Really, really neat and fun toy that kids (ages 3+) really enjoy. As an adult, I would find it frustrating trying to perfect everything and squeeze the Play-Doh into the correct place, but kids don't care. They just go nuts and start throwing it in there. The oven is definitely the biggest focal point that both younger and older kids can enjoy. There's plenty of fiddly moldable pieces all over it (and separate) for older kids, but also bigger shapes for those who are on the younger of the recommended side.
There are some things I'd say you want to note when considering buying this:
- It is smaller than expected. Make sure you are ok with the size!
- All the foods with the square shaped bottoms or 'slides' can be slid into the oven and will 'rise' when the handle is put down (complete with light and sound as promised). You want to be careful not to overfill it as the piece pushes out a lot of Doh and it will look kind of crazy.
- Take AAA batteries, not included.
- Oven does not have a 'knob' or buttons as it shows in some of the promo materials, they've actually been made by Play-Doh. Use the 'knob' section to mold one and then reverse it and stick it on for a Play-Doh knob.
It comes with all the colours you need, though they are mini-tubs, but with plenty of accessories and places and shapes to mould with, this is sure to be a hit both as an introduction to Play-Doh or for current fans!
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Marcy Utility Slant Board
This slant board from Marcy is a good option for people who want exercise equipment at home, but don’t want to commit the money and the space for something like a treadmill or exercise bike and prefer muscle workout to aerobic. It’s versatile... +
This slant board from Marcy is a good option for people who want exercise equipment at home, but don’t want to commit the money and the space for something like a treadmill or exercise bike and prefer muscle workout to aerobic. It’s versatile and can be used by people at varying levels of fitness, though it does have some minor drawbacks.
Putting the slant board together is a pretty simple affair, and took me about ten minutes. It can be done alone, but is easier with two people, and doesn’t require additional tools besides what’s included in the packaging. Once assembled, it can be adjusted to different heights, including lying almost flat on the ground for easy storage. It still takes up quite a bit of room still, but being able to flatten it means you can pop it behind something if you don't have a permanent gym storage.
Because the slant board is pretty light (10 kg) it’s easy to move it around the room, or even fold it against the wall and store it when not in use. It makes it much easier to keep it around without it getting in the way, like a permanent fixture would be. Adjusting the height also allows you to use it for various exercises, and just requires you to remove a pin and then re-insert it when you’ve found the height you’re looking for. It's not just a board for lying upside down and doing situps, it's pretty versatile. Just moving around and changing which way you lie will work different parts of the muscle, especially if used in conjunction with some weights.
One downside to this equipment is the weight limit, which is 250 pounds. Most people will be below that, but overweight people and those who are extremely muscled might exceed that limit, and that information isn’t listed anywhere on the product page, so it's really important to note. The board feels very sturdy, and would probably be fine for someone over 250, but I do think that bar should be higher so that anyone can use it without having to worry. The weight limit is probably just the manufacturer protecting itself in case of early breakage due to heavier weights, but if you're above 250 pounds, it's something to consider.
The instruction manual includes various tips about exercising, warming up, and how to make use of the slant board, and there are videos online you can find which provide great examples of how to make the best use of this for your own goals. The types of exercise involved in using it are more intense than just regular strength training if you use it in the right way, but as long as you know what to expect you should be just fine.
Overall, I like this slant board and think it’s a good fit for many people who want a piece of affordable and storable fitness equipment in the house. However, those of a higher weight who work out, might want to be aware of the weight limit on this piece of equipment.
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SharkNinja BL660C Professional Blender
This blender has a place in almost every kitchen. One of the big problems for me, with blenders, is a lot of times their use is very limited. Thanks to a few smart design choices this SharkNinja Blender does a lot of the things I'd normally need a... +
This blender has a place in almost every kitchen. One of the big problems for me, with blenders, is a lot of times their use is very limited. Thanks to a few smart design choices this SharkNinja Blender does a lot of the things I'd normally need a food processor for. I'd recommend this without hesitation, even though there is always room for improvement, specifically in the Nutri-cups.
For example, the nutri-cups are a great idea and mean that you don't need to make a whole jug for a personal serving of smoothie (less mess is always welcome), however the Nutri-cups aren't watertight, which makes their use a little more limited. The cap on the cup is the kind of travel mug top that will be ok in the event of a little shaking, but must generally be kept upright. Not only does this mean it can't be taken in a bag and can easily be spilled, but it also makes me wary of leaving it out, since air can get at the smoothie. I think including a leak-proof travel mug/cup style nutricup would bring this product to perfection.
It's still handy, but more limited.
Setup and cleaning
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This is extremely easy to put together. Instructions are clear, everything clicks into place simply and with a clear, concise guide and there really isn't any confusion. All you have to do is give the parts (excluding base for obvious reasons) a quick wash and you're ready to go. Cleaning itself is really easy with no annoying nooks or crannies, very easy to wash.
It is quite heavy, so eldery relatives might want a more lightweight model, but it's also sturdy and well-made. Suction cups on the bottom do a great job at holding it steady so you can feel at ease and not worry about it moving around when operating it.
Cutting Power
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This is where the SharkNinja blender really shines. Compared to my old blender, which has one set of blades at the bottom and struggles with things like turning nuts into nut butter, the Ninja has no problem with this! It has three sets of blades going from bottom, mid and top, all connecting to one 'blade pillar' type assembly that can be lifted out and cleaned in one piece. This means you don't end up with all the stuff at the bottom that doesn't get cut properly.
It doesn't even struggle with nuts or ice and can easily be used to make smoothies as well as nut butters of all kinds. I haven't yet used it to make lentil flour, but will give an update when I do.
Design
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Looks-wise, the Ninja just looks cool. The design is lovely, professional looking and very high-end. It really looks fantastic, though the size is quite big so if you're looking for a more compact blender this might not be right for you. However, the power and design are both top-notch.
The only thing that gave me pause was that parts of the plastic looked a little cheaper than expected (for example the blade pillar) and it could just be that they are 3D printed or made of recycled materials. It does make me worry that in the future it won't last as long as I'd like, but I'm sure that's just paranoia on my part.
My only BIG complaint would be the pouring spout. I was really excited at first, since the lid locks in place (no worries about spills!) and it has a spout that you can open and just pour without removing the whole lid. This feature is ingenius, but unfortunately it doesn't work perfectly. The spout is leakproof when closed, but when open, it isn't hinged, so it stays on top of the 'flow' of liquid. This means that when you tip the jug to pour, it ends up coming out quickly and then getting blocked by the lid, before flowing quickly again. In other words, the flow is uneven and builds up behind the lid and then you end up spilling it as it rushes out, or overfilling your glass. This also means it overflows and drips over the side of the blender. These problems could be solved by making the spout stay up when open, so it doesn't get in the way, but perhaps they couldn't do that without compromising the leakproofness of the lid.
It's not a huge issue, but it does mean it's just easier and neater to take off the whole lid and makes the spout a bit useless unless you are filling big container that holds a lot.
The square design looks great, apart from adding visual interest it just works. I was concerned stuff would get stuck in the corners, but thanks to the slightly rounded design it doesn't build up there and works just as well as a round blender.
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Very few products are perfect and this blender is no different, but make no mistake, while it lacks absolute perfection it's a really, really great blender and as long as you're aware of the few areas where it could be improved, it's great value and works wonderfully.
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Pros:
- Gorgeous, high-end looking design.
- Stronger than lower-end blenders with a three blade design that cuts very well.
- Does nut butters and ice.
- Jug is large and holds a lot.
- Suction cups hold it to counter.
- Nutri-cups mean you can make one portion rather than a whole jug.
- Easy setup and cleaning.
Cons:
- Nutri-cups are not spill-proof or airtight.
- Spout design makes the spout pointless as it's easier to take off the lid.
Be aware:
- Heavy.
- Can be hard to pull up suction cups if you have weak muscles or disability.
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Purina ONE True Instinct Cat food
Absolutely great food. From the second I got it and put out a small sprinkle, my cats were desperate to eat it. As I slowly switched them over they became more and more excited to eat this new (and to them better tasting) food. My three cats have... +
Absolutely great food. From the second I got it and put out a small sprinkle, my cats were desperate to eat it. As I slowly switched them over they became more and more excited to eat this new (and to them better tasting) food. My three cats have very different personalities and needs, so I was happy that they all loved the taste and I didn't notice any worsening of their coats.
In fact, I noticed a slight improvement in softness of their coats while using this. They seem to really like the size and unique shape of the pellets and I like the nutritional value. Happy to see it's grain-free as that can often cause problems with cats and means it's much more nutritionally sound. Happy kitties = happy me!
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Denorex Extra Strength shampoo
I don't consider myself to have any medical issues, but lately, probably due to testing so many shampoos and hair products, I find I have more dandruff than I'd like. To be blunt, when I tip my head and rub it, I can basically make snow. That's not... +
I don't consider myself to have any medical issues, but lately, probably due to testing so many shampoos and hair products, I find I have more dandruff than I'd like. To be blunt, when I tip my head and rub it, I can basically make snow. That's not something anybody wants and can feel a bit embarrassing, especially in the season of removing hats and fixing your hair. Since I got the chance to try this, I was curious to see if it made any difference, but not expecting much.
After first use my dandruff was gone. Not improved, not slightly better, but literally not there anymore. Now, I might not be representative of those with more severe dandruff, but it was definitely verging on moderate. When tilting my head and rubbing it hard now, no more snowstorm, not even a snowflake. I'm thrilled.
It's true, the smell isn't great. The tar color and medicinal tar smell will be familiar to anyone who's ever used a medicated shampoo (I recognise it from family member's time with other medicated shampoos), but while it's pungent, it's not any worse than the others. If you're going to use a serious medicated shampoo for dandruff, the smell is something you'll have to put up with. I actually prefer the smell of this to some of those I've smelled in the past, but for me, the proof is in the pudding. And this pudding is dandruff-free!
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Summer Infant 32683 3Dtote CS+ Convenience Stroller
The only difference between this stroller and the original Summer Infant 3D Tote Convenience Stroller for those wondering, is this one comes with a bumper bar and can also be used with a car seat. You'll want to make sure your car seat is... +
The only difference between this stroller and the original Summer Infant 3D Tote Convenience Stroller for those wondering, is this one comes with a bumper bar and can also be used with a car seat. You'll want to make sure your car seat is compatible, obviously ( Chicco Key Fit 30, Graco Snug Ride Click Connect, Cybex Aton Q and Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 30 and 4/35), but other than that, this has all the good points of the original model.
It's a good budget stroller, though the wheels are a little cheap.
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Wahl Lithium Ion Stainless Steel Trimmer
Everyone in our house has short hair, so we primarily use these trimmers to keep our hair short and neat as well as to give ourselves haircuts when needed. While the size of these might make you think it's more intended for beards, it works... +
Everyone in our house has short hair, so we primarily use these trimmers to keep our hair short and neat as well as to give ourselves haircuts when needed. While the size of these might make you think it's more intended for beards, it works perfectly on short hair. Having an easy to use trimmer like this is essential when you have an undercut and cut it yourself and it works great for that purpose.
There were a few things that I really liked about it. Firstly, the design is really sleek and beautiful. It's definitely got a bit of weight to it compared to trimmers I've used in the past. This could be a pro or con, depending on the person. Pro is, the quality is clear and it should last longer than a cheap plastic trimmer. The con is, extra weight might be difficult if you have grip or strength problems. Looks-wise, it just looks really cool and I love the stainless steel design.
Second, the red 'plug' is genius. If you insert the plastic plug into the charging port, it won't turn on, so you can easily travel without worries. It won't activate while the charging plug is in there either, but has quick charge if you need to use it in a hurry. When it comes to cutting power, this works better than my current trimmer and doesn't seem to snag as much. We're using it on short hair and haven't had any issues trimming it down to a neat buzz cut level.
One thing that might give some people pause, so be aware, is that the blades do need oiled and it comes with a tiny tube of oil. They also can't be washed and can only be brushed clean. I have to admit that I prefer washable blades that don't need to be oiled, but it just depends on what you like. There is a brush included so you can clean it, as well as a case to keep all the attachments, of which there are more than you'll ever need.
The button is also quite hard to press, so if you have poor grip strength a different model might be more suited, but the good news is you won't accidentally be turning this off or on.
Overall, it cuts short hair really, really well and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who cuts their own hair on a regular basis.
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Dr. Mist
Well, this is an interesting one. I wasn't sure what to make of it at first, so I made sure to test it extremely thoroughly, using it as I would my normal deodorant for more than 2 weeks before coming back here to leave my thoughts. I went into it... +
Well, this is an interesting one. I wasn't sure what to make of it at first, so I made sure to test it extremely thoroughly, using it as I would my normal deodorant for more than 2 weeks before coming back here to leave my thoughts. I went into it with a heavy dose of scepticism, the Dr Mist website looks like it survived Geocities in the 90's (usually a warning sign), but there's no denying that the accolades they have received are legit. In particular, the Geneva innovation award is the real deal and to get it in the medical category made me pause.
Honestly, I have no idea the science, but if you want to know if Dr Mist worked for me, the answer is yes. You're supposed to give it a week to let your body adjust, but weirdly I found it to be MORE effective for me in the first week and my body started to require an extra spray the second week in. One thing I would say it make sure to follow the instructions on rubbing it in and giving it a week, you can hardly fault a product for not doing what it says if you don't follow the directions. Shake, apply and rub in, make sure you don't miss any patches! Wash your hands afterwards as they will feel a bit salty.
Here's the low-down. Dr Mist worked as well for me as a regular budget-moderate name brand deodorant. I did need to apply it morning and night, 2-3 sprays under each armpit. When I did start to need a 'refresher' I could smell a little BO starting, but I had to stick my very sensitive nose all the way into my armpit and breathe super deep. This was pretty surprising to me as I didn't expect much. Dr Mist is nowhere near as effective as, for example, a clinical deodorant or anti-perspirant, but equally as effective as my regular cream deodorant. In some ways, it's actually an improvement.
One of the big plusses for me, was the feeling of wearing Dr Mist. No overbearing, cloying scent. No crusty, uncomfortable and itchy underarms. No getting my nails full of deodorant gunk when I get itchy. It feels like wearing almost nothing. There is a very slight layer that can be felt, it might be akin to a slightly salty feeling, but it's the closest to freshly washed armpits I've felt from a deodorant. I also found I sweated a lot less, though again, I have no idea how. To me, it was like magic, clearly something was happening, but I had no clue how it worked.
So there are a few negatives to be aware of. Like I said, for me, it started to become less effective over time, though I think this would depend on individual body chemistry. It also expires, so be careful of where you buy it.
As a shoe deodoriser, I didn't find it could compete with whatever terrible bacteria lives in my partner's shoes. No improvement there. However, as a deodorant, I would fully recommend it to anyone looking to try a more natural deodorant, whatever the reason. The pros far outweighed the cons for me.
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Alice by Christina Henry
Love the idea, but I just found this a little bit of a juvenile read for me. I usually enjoy teen or young adult books as well, despite being firmly in the 'adult' category, but I found myself having to force my way through this one. Fairy story... +
Love the idea, but I just found this a little bit of a juvenile read for me. I usually enjoy teen or young adult books as well, despite being firmly in the 'adult' category, but I found myself having to force my way through this one. Fairy story retellings or reimaginings (especially darker ones) are some of my favourite type of story, so I'm not sure why this one didn't grab me.
It's not that Henry is a bad writer, in fact, I get the feeling that cut free from the strings of needing to do an 'Alice' story she would be infinitely better. The story, characters and visuals suffer from having to hit all of the 'key' Alice in Wonderland points, but manage to do so with a 'twist' to the story that doesn't fit and feels like it comes from an entirely different (and more interesting) idea.
I wish I'd bothered to read more excerpts before buying, because the dialogue and descriptions did sometimes make me cringe. They are a bit too 'angsty teen', 'tortured' but in a force, eye-rolling way. It might sound a little harsh, but I'm not sure I got much out of this other than a longing for better written retellings of this classic tale. The villains were dispatched too easily, the love story shoehorned and the 'grit' of the thing entirely forced and sensationalist feeling. Only one particularly gory moment (the story of the 'butterfly' evoked sympathy and was genuinely horrifying) really had me wanting to read more, unfortunately, the main characters were not nearly as intriguing, despite having so much backstory left untold. Much of the violence against female characters feels like a really exploitative way to build a world, without putting in enough effort. In short, it feels forced and ultimately unsatisfying, like the 'shock factor' in a Ryan Murphy show.
Ah well, It's not the worst book I've ever read and more naive, juvenile readers might enjoy it. But therein lies the crux. It's too gritty and violent for particularly young readers, but too 'juvenile' and not deep enough to hook older readers.
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Sony WF1000X/B Earphones Headphone
These wireless headphones from Sony are a really fantastic way to listen to your music at home or on the go. You don't have to deal with wires tangling or getting caught on anything, but they’re marred by some serious issues such as major... +
These wireless headphones from Sony are a really fantastic way to listen to your music at home or on the go. You don't have to deal with wires tangling or getting caught on anything, but they’re marred by some serious issues such as major connectivity problems and a short battery life.
Features
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The biggest thing these headphones have going for them is the fact that they’re totally wireless. Other features like digital noise cancelling are useful, but it’s the truly wireless design that makes them stand out from other similar headphones. Unlike Apple’s earpods these can be used with any bluetooth-compatible device. That means if you have multiple devices, you aren't stuck with multiple pairs of headphones. The audio quality is great, and easily on par with other headphones I use on a regular basis.
The battery life for these headphones is not amazing, and could be a problem for long trips or other situations where you would need to listen for more than two hours at time. The carrying case charges the headphones, which is very useful, but that still means you need to put them back into the case every few hours to recharge. Including the charge in the case, you can easily get 10 hours of listening time, but without the case it’s closer to 2 hours.
This is a little less than comparable designs, but it really depends on how much you plan to use them, if this is a dealbreaker for you.
Design
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The headphones don’t work entirely independent of each other, as the left one is the “main” headphone and the right one simply connect to the left one via bluetooth. This means you can actually leave the right headphone behind if you prefer, but you can’t take the right one and leave the left one. So if you want to go jogging with one headphone in, make sure you take the left one.
In terms of the in-ear feel and comfort I was pleasantly surprised that I had almost no issues with these headphones falling out of my ears. Similar headphones often fall out of the ear even while walking or jogging, but I didn’t have any such problems with these. They feel comfortable to wear for long period of time and come with foam and non-foam tips of various sizes. There's no reason this shouldn't fit in anyone's ears as the smallest size should fit comfortably, unless you have abnormally small ears in which case any earphones will not work for you.
Connectivity issues
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The biggest issue with these headphones and the reason for such a reduced star rating, is the connectivity issues. The right headphone frequently drops out and then reconnects within a few seconds or sometimes a few minutes. I have no idea what causes this to happen, as I sometimes can go hours without any issues, and other times the connection will drop and then reconnect ten times in a minute, which makes it almost impossible to focus. Any other headphones, if they acted this way, I would assume they were broken.
It feels like Bluetooth technology just isn't there yet. I've previously used wired Bluetooth headphones with no issues, but removing the wire seems to mean that these headphones just can't keep up with communicating and the dropping audio is very frustrating.
Conclusion
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The connectivity issues really hurt these headphones, but despite it I have found myself using them all the time since I got them, and I no longer care to use my other headphones. Not having to deal with wires is a big draw. They’re easy to use, the carrying case is convenient and useful, and the audio quality is great.
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