Reviews from the Eyes of Me

I like to try new things. I especially like to try things if they have two comman features. They are “good/better” for the environment and they save money!

This page is dedicated to my hits and misses! (from my point of view)

Yadas = Thumbs up

NAILS MAILED

I decided to try out Nails Mailed. The reviews were good, but the online video reviews were few and not super impressive, but the cost was in my ballpark to try something new. I liked the various patterns they offered. I ordered 7 sets for $26.76. Half the price of a manicure of course I would have to do the work myself.

My package arrived in 5 days including a mini nail file.

I applied the “Wispy Floral” pattern. I rewatched an application video, though it is not rocket science. I made a few mistakes starting off. Each strip comes with 2 strips of 8 nails. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I would be able to get at least 2 wears out of each design. With my nails trim and cuticles pushed back, I was ready to go. For me the most difficult part was deciding which size nail to use, but it got easier as I went along. I received 2 suggestions from the video that were very helpful. First take off the clear plastic strip off the nails before cutting them. I forgot this step a couple times and it was much easier to remove before cutting the nail strip. Secondly, cut the nail in half so that you can use both sides which could mean that you would 4 wears out of each strip. My nails were slightly longer, so this was only applicable to a few of the nail wraps, but every bit helps.

After finding the wrap that fit my nail best and trimming it so it only slightly, I applied them. The feel is similar to stickers, but the look is like nail polish. I was able to lift them up t reset them if they did not set right. I took my thumb nail and pushed the edges down around my cuticle while doing my best not to have apply them on my cuticles. I pressed and slightly rubbed the wraps toward the end of my finger tip. I preferred to wrap the trimmed edges over and around the tips of my nails. After everything was pushed down, I lightly filed the tips of my nails and the excess separated and I removed it. After all the nail wraps were applied I choose to cover them with a clear coat of polish. Necessary, probably not, but I felt it would offer another layer of protection.

I really like the look of them, but forever the perfectionist, I do notice a few areas that I went of the cuticle so I expect some lifting to occur. I also started with my thumb nail. I will try not to do that in the future as I use my thumb nail to help push down and secure the wrap on each nail. Though they still look nice, I can see where that could do damage.

Bonus: I was able to take the largest wrap and use it on my big toe. If I had the time, energy and flexibility I could use the trimming remnants to do a full mani – pedi. Maybe next time around I will try this.

My thoughts. If these nail wraps last 1 week. It will be worth it to me for the price. Estimating I get 2 wears out of each pack the average cost per 1 wear set under $2 including my toes if I choose. A mani-pedi for $2. That is crazy talk!

Here the Yada.

Price – 2 Yadas

Application – 2 Yadas

Options – 2 Yadas

Durability – 2 Yadas

Day 3 – no chipping or lifting

Day 5 – Still no issues after showering, washing dishes and gardening.

Day 15 – Other than my new nail growth which can be seen at t h e base of my nails, t he design and color still looks new!!

INSTANT POT

instant pot

Where was this product when I had a family of 5 with teenagers at home? I can’t rave enough about this product!! My instant pot

Duo, the number 1 selling multi-cooker, combines 7 kitchen appliances in 1, Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Marker and Warmer, prepares dishes up to 70% faster to support your busy lifestyle – AMEN!!
Features 14 Smart Programs – Soup, Meat/Stew, Bean/Chili, Poultry, Sauté/Simmer, Rice, Multigrain, Porridge, Steam, Slow Cook, Keep Warm, Yogurt, Manual, and Pressure Cook. Now, your favorite dishes are as easy as pressing a button – I USED THE SOUP, MEAT/STEW, BEAN/CHILL, SAUTE/SIMMER, SLOW COOK, KEEP WARM, YOGURT which will be featured in an upcoming blog, MANUAL which I use the most AND PRESSURE.
Healthy, stainless steel (18/8) inner cooking pot made from food grade 304, no chemical coating, 3-ply bottom for even heat distribution, fully sealed environment traps the flavours, nutrients and aromas within the food – IT HAS NOT SCRATCHED OR WARPED. I HAVE READ PEOPLE HAVE HAD A HARD TIME CLEANING IT, BUT I HAVE HAD NO ISSUES AND IT HAS BEEN EASY TO CLEAN.

I am not certain what my favorite feature. Is it that I can make chili from browning the meat and letting it simmer all day all in one pot? Is it that I can program it when to start cooking so that dinner is done when I walk in the door? Could it be that I can have a chicken dinner done in 30 minutes when I forget to thaw the chicken beforehand? Yes, it will cook frozen chicken in 30 minutes!! There are so many things I love which is why this is my favorite product of 2017!! I still use it at least 4 time a week!

A few of my husband’s favorites include pulled pork, BBQ ribs and chicken wings. I don’t even think I can choose a favorite! I am still discovering new recipes weekly. This week’s new recipes include jambalaya and yogurt (This be a festured upcoming blog post)!!

I love the flexibility of this unit. I can use it as an oven, slow cooker and a pressure cooker! There is a slight learning curve of cook times and pressure release, but once you figure it out it is the Oscar winner of kitchen appliances. The internet is filled with tips, tricks and recipes!!

2 Yadas

This item can be found in many places. My default online product information link is Amazon. Click the link below for more information.

HELLO FRESH

Hello fresh

My son and his wife began using Hello Fresh shortly after they were married. Knowing my dislike for shopping, he encouraged my husband and I to try it. In January, we went to www.HelloFresh.com and placed our first order. We signed up for the Classic Plan for 2 people with 2 meals for the week. They graphics were beautiful, though my husband did have a challenge in selecting the 2 meals for the week that we wanted. With the help of their friendly chat, we were back on target. We ordered Chicken Sauage Orzotto and Maple and Rosemary-Glazed Pork cutlets, at the cost of $5 a meal. Our Hello Fresh box was delivered the following week. The instructions were simple and the ingredients well, were fresh. For two nights that week with a little help of songs from John Denver and Billy Joel playing in the kitchen, together we did the minimal preparation of chopping vegetables and arranging the other ingredients and began cooking. It was fun, simple and within 40 minutes we had a delicious meal (both nights). We would continue to order 2 meals from Hello Fresh each week or every other week depending on that week’s evening schedule. It was much simpler than I was expecting to select our meal and skip the weeks that we did not wish meals after logging into our account.

We had opted to skip the following week due to our crazy evening schedule of meetings and appointments. When I logged back in to place our next order I was delighted at the variety of meal options. Everything was good until I went to check out and our $20 for 4 meals had more than doubled to $54 a week for 4 meals. It would be $10 a meal with $6 in shipping. I knew our first order was discounted, but I was still in sticker shocked. Our grocery budget is $300 a month and our eating out budget is $220 a month. Hello Fresh could fit, but we decided that we wanted more flexibility in our food budget than would allow.

My thoughts on Hello Fresh: If you have a busy schedule, want to cook a quick healthy meal and have a flexible budget Hello Fresh is great!! Give them a try at their extreme discount offer and see what you think. If you like the meals and it fits in your budget – FANTASTIC! If you enjoy it, but the price doesn’t fit in your budget look at other options. We really enjoyed new fresh food options and cooking together. I looked online and found several recipes from Hello Fresh and Blue apron and purchased the items from Aldi (discount grocery store) and saved money. We made the Honey – Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Caramelized Sweet Potatoes and Crispy Green Bean. I found the recipe online. It was easy. We purchased pork loin for $5, a bag of sweet potatoes for $2.50 that I used for several different meals. I admit we cheated on the green beans. I used a steamer bag of frozen green beans and substituted them. But if I had to have purchased them, they would have been $2 or $3. I had the other ingredients in my own pantry. My Aldi purchases made enough for 3 meals. The taste was restaurant quality and it cost was less than $4 a meal. Best of both worlds: New Fresh Food Recipes & Saving Money.

Hello Fresh – 1 Yada

THE ECOEGG LAUNDRY EGG

Laundry Eggs

I purchased the Fresh Linen Scent Ecoegg Laundry Egg with 720 washes in November 2018 from Premier Gourmet Outlet and began using in December. I love the simplicity of it’s use. I just toss the egg on top of the laundry and remove after. I filled it up in November with the little beads (I am not getting to the scientifics of the product.) It sits on top of my washer when not in use and is ready to drop in whenever I need to do laundry. Our clothes come our clean which is the purpose of doing laundry. Though the clothes are clean, the clean linen scent has faded which could be the result of needing new beads as reccommended after 3 months. It’s time so I added one packer of beads that will last me another 3 months!

Here are the advertising claims.

Money-saving, eco-friendly and hypoallergenic alternative to washing detergent – uses natural cleaning pellets that contain no harsh chemicals – YES, I PAID $34 AND HAVE NOT HAD TO PURCHASE ANY LAUNDRY SOAP. IT IS RIGHT ON TRACK FOR LASTING ME 3 YEARS. IN MY ESITMATE, I PAY ABOUT 4 CENTS A LOAD. I USED TO MAKE MY OWN LAUNDRY SOAP WHICH WAS A GREAT SAVINGS. I ONLY HAD TO MAKE IT 2 TIMES A YEAR, BUT FINDING THE INGREDIENTS SOMETIMES COULD BE A CHALLENGING AND THE PRICE OF 3 OF THE INGREDIENTS INCREASED OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS.
Lasts for up to 54 washes, that’s around 3 months of washing for the average family – I WOULD AGREE.
Completely replaces normal washing detergent – no liquid or powder required – AGREED , BUT AROUND 16 WEEKS THE SCENT BEGINS TO FADE WHICH IS AROUND THE 48 LOAD THE LINEN SCENT IS FAINT.
Scientifically proven to lift away dirt and grime and suitable for white and coloured clothes (no bleaches) and safe for all fabrics, even delicates – NOT CERTAIN ON SCEINTIFIC ASPECT, BUT OUR CLOTHES ARE CLEAN AND MY UTILTY TUB THAT THE WASHING MACHINE DRAINS INTO BECOMES FILTHY AFTER 3 LOADS.
Great for sensitive skin – dermatologically tested and endorsed by Allergy -MY HUSBAND AND DAUGHTER BOTH HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN AND HAVE HAD NO ISSUES, WHICH CAN NOT BE SAID FOR OTHER DETERGENTS.