GRDE Retractable Earbuds Bluetooth Headphone

For a while now these over-the-neck style headphones have been out. They solve the problem with what to do with your Bluetooth earbuds when you are not actually listening to them. If you just let a regular set dangle around your neck they could easily get lost. If you stick them in your pocket they are not convenient and could get damaged. LG came up with the original design that lets the earbuds just stay safely around your neck when not in use. I tried an LG headset out and I only gave it 3 out of 5 stars. See my review of it here: LG HBS-800. This headset corrects one of the problems I had with the LG headset and introduces a much simpler interface system but there are still problems.

The sound quality is middle of the road. Not exceptional but not bad, either.

The device comes in four different colors: silver, gold, pink and black.

Pros:

-The easy on/off switch dispenses with the typical "hold and keep holding until you get a reaction" buttons that most Bluetooth headsets use. This is much simpler, especially if you are leaving them on around your neck. The device vibrates when you turn it on and turn it off.

-The Bluetooth pairs easily.

-The LG system uses lightweight magnets to hold the earbuds to the end of their device. This one uses a retractable system. Pull the earbuds out to the length that you want. Push a button and the wire retracts. 

The headset with everything that comes in the box:
a micro-USB cord, its instruction manual and two ear-tip replacement

-The phone works very well through this headset. I used the phone itself to call because I do not like using the buttons on a headset and having to try to memorize where all of the buttons are. When the phone rings when it is paired to this device the headset vibrates.

Cons:

-The headset is actually tight around my neck. I am not a thin guy but this was a new one for me. I would not be comfortable with long-term use of this headset out of fear of breaking the collar by forcing it open to get around my neck. If I had purchased it I would have returned it but I received a free copy in order to write an honest review.

Final thoughts: This headset gets 3 stars out of 5. 1 star was taken away for the "okay but not great" speakers. 1 star was taken away for being tight around my neck.

At the time of this review this Bluetooth headset cost $34.99. Check here for current pricing on Amazon.com: Retractable Earbuds Bluetooth Headphone.

EMIE Memo 8000mAh Compact Silicone Cover External Battery with Smart LED Indicator (Black and Green)

Extra battery power for cell phones and tablets is a hot new market since batteries never seem to last long enough, especially if you are a heavy user of apps or Instagram or the like. If you can't leave your phone plugged into a computer or into a car's electrical socket than you could easily run out of power before your day is done.

The EMIE Memo 8000mAh external battery fits this bill perfectly. 

The box and what comes in it: Battery, micro-USB cord
and the instruction manual.

I charged my battery up and then let it sit for a couple of weeks.  My Samsung Galaxy 3 (Yes, I am still using a SG3) was nearly dead and the Lomui battery quickly charged it to 100%. And, the next day I did it again and it charged it almost all of the way again (90%) before dying. To me, that replicates what most people will do - charge it and leave it in a backpack and forget about it for weeks at a time. Good news - it will do just that.

This battery is designed to be about the size of a smart phone and weighs just a little more than one. It easily fits in anywhere a smart phone fits - jacket pockets, internal backpack sleeves, etc. - until it is needed. 

It has an instruction book with a lot of very good pictures and also a lot of very bad English that manages to get its point across anyway.

This battery comes in nine different color/decoration combinations and has a more powerful battery level (10000mAh).

Pros:

-Holds its charge and is good for about two charges of a smart phone

-Anti-slip coating all around the body so it won't slide off inclined surfaces like school desks or car dashboards easily.

-Sized like a smart phone so it stores in the same places that you would store a smart phone.

-Least importantly, but always nice - this is a good-looking device.

Cons:

-It does tell you what the charge level is but it rather than a traditional design to tell you the charge level it features a color code system that works only so long as you remember the color code system. Shake the battery and a light on the end lights up red (70-100%), blue (30-70%) and green (0-30%). To me, those colors are counter-intuitive. Red should be "Stop! Re-charge this thing!" and green should be "You can go - this thing is all charged up!"

I rate this product 4 stars out of 5. Very good but that charge indicator system needs some work.

This battery cost $23.99 on Amazon.com at the time of this review. Check here for current pricing: EMIE Memo 8000mAh Compact Silicone Cover External Battery with Smart LED Indicator (Black and Green).

iDeaUSA Mini Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker with Built-in Mic, Supports SD/TF card,

One of the hottest things at the school where I teach is the mini-bluetooth speaker (as a teacher, I hate them but as an audio listener I have several).
Smart phones generally have pretty good speakers, considering how small they are. But, one of these little speakers can turn your smart phone into an old-fashioned boom box in a few seconds.

This little speaker is built for life in a backpack. It is rubberized and claims it is waterproof, although I didn't test it. Clearly, it is designed to be water-resistant so it should be able to make it through a rain storm or a coffee spill without a problem. It comes with a little carabiner clip to attach outside of a backpack, or to a loop on the inside as well. 

The Bluetooth attaches easily. It has the ability to read music off of a micro-SD card and play it but I did not test that feature since I have no spare micro-SD cards sitting around. But, I have used it with its phone feature and it works great. If you are paired with your smart phone and you receive a phone call (or want to make one) just use your phone as normal and this speaker makes your phone a very loud speaker phone. No need to disengage the Bluetooth and all of that mess. Very helpful if you are listening in the car while driving. Just hang the speaker from the sun visor with the carabiner.

The instruction book comes with plenty of good illustrations that are very helpful. The text is almost always very clear and easy to understand. Sometimes, it is amusing, however.

When this review was written this Bluetooth speaker cost $22.99 on Amazon.com. Click here for current pricing: iDeaUSA Mini Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker.

Note: I received a free speaker in order to test it and give you my honest thoughts about it. This speaker will not rock out a party by itself - it is simply too small. But, for its price and because it is designed to travel it would be great on trips or to stream music with a smart phone in a car that is not compatible with wireless devices. 

I rate this Bluetooth speaker 5 stars out of 5.

LITOM Soleil P2 Solar Spotlight

Quick and Easy Solution for Outdoor Security Lighting

This is my second solar-powered spotlight. I use them both as security lights on the side of my house where we don't go much. They turn on automatically when it gets dark and they turn off when they detect light.

This all enclosed system has a a shaft with an attached solar panel and spotlight. You can move around the lights and the panel to whatever position you think might work best.  Keep in mind that it turns off when it detects light so don't put it someplace where other lights will keep it off.

The spotlight is designed to be staked into the ground but if you want you may remove the stake and attach the base to a wooden surface. They have included three screws and three drywall anchors.

The system is waterproof and I have been using it for a little more than a month. Winter time is not the best time to be using a solar light for three reasons: 1) there is longer nighttime in which would like the light to be working; 2) there is less daytime to charge the light; 3) the limited daylight is of less quality in the winter because of the angle of the sun in the sky so the batteries have a harder time charging.

While all of that is true, I used my head and countered by setting the light on the low setting. So far, I have had light shining no matter how late I come in. The sun sets before 6PM here and it can be pitch dark by 5PM if the cloud cover is right. Still, this light is glowing strong after midnight.

This would also be great on a camping trip, assuming you set up camp in time to let the solar battery charge up.

The instruction manual is well-written in easy to understand English.

As of the time of this review, this solar spotlight cost $20.99 on Amazon.com. Check here for current pricing: Litom Soleil P2 Solar-Powered Spotlight

Note: I received a free spotlight in order to make an honest review. 

iGearPro Bluetooth Headphone

Great Headphones

  The iGearPro Bluetooth Headphone comes with a micro-USB cord to plug into a charger or a computer, three sets of ear bud tips, three sets of different-sized ear stabilizers so you can customize how they fit and a little plastic device to take up the slack in the connecting cord, if you decide you would like to do that. Even though those ear stabilizers look horribly uncomfortable, they really are quite comfortable and very stable once you get them all screwed in (and I do mean screwed in - you think it has to be in all the way and then you twist a little bit more and then it all fits perfect!).

The headset is described as being compatible for exercising. It is true so far as the plug that protects the charger port is very snug (I have to use the tip my pocket knife to pry it out every time) so it is about as sweat resistant as a piece of consumer electronics can be. But, if you want something to wear while jogging or doing aerobics, this set would probably work its way out of your ears pretty easily. It would be great for walking, hiking or working out on piece of equipment.

The text in the instruction manual is very small and printed with a light colored ink so that you have to squint to read it. The English is easy to understand and is much better than you usually find in an electronics manual.

The iiGearPro Bluetooth Headphone syncs very easily with my Samsung Galaxy 3 and my Chromebook. The device tells you when it has powered on. Continue to hold the power button and it tells you that it is pairing. Push it again and it tells you that is powering off. 

The sound is very good - extremely clear and rich. The bass is true, but not pumped up like a lot of people like nowadays. The highs are not tinny. They get loud enough that you can easily drown out the surrounding world.

This set of Bluetooth earphones has excellent range. I had no problem going 20-35 feet from my Chromebook with no skipping out.

The device comes with an excellent built-in phone.  I am told that I sound like I am speaking into the phone normally and not like it is on speaker phone. I have not used the headset's phone features (the buttons on the headset). When I use Bluetooth to talk on my phone I always use the phone itself rather than the headset features to interact (meaning I answer using the phone and hang up using the phone, etc.) because I just find it easier than blindly pushing buttons.

Note: I received a free sample of this set of ear buds in exchange for an honest review. This is an excellent set of Bluetooth ear buds.

I rate these earbuds 5 stars out of 5.

As of the time of this review, the iGearPro Bluetooth Headphone cost $28.99. Check for current pricing here: iGearPro Bluetooth Headphone - Noise Canceling Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth

iDeaUSA® Wireless Bluetooth Sweatproof Hiking Earbuds

  Absolutely Excellent!

  The iDeaUSA® Wireless Bluetooth Sweatproof Hiking Earbuds come with a little bag to put everything in, a micro-USB cord to plug into a charger or a computer, three sets of ear bud tips and two sets of different-sized ear stabilizers so you can customize how they fit. Even though those ear stabilizers look horribly uncomfortable, they really are quite comfortable and very stable once you get them all screwed in (and I do mean screwed in - you think it has to be in all the way and then you twist a little bit more and then it all fits perfect!).

The instruction book has plenty of good graphics but the text is very small so you have to squint a little to read it. The English is easy to understand but clearly written by someone who is not a native speaker.

The iDeaUSA® Wireless Bluetooth Sweatproof Hiking Earbuds syncs very easily with my Samsung Galaxy 3 and my Chromebook. The headset quickly and easily re-pairs with a device once you have paired with it - it is surprisingly quick. 

The sound is very good - extremely clear. The sound is very rich. I used these headphones while watching the Civil War movie Glory - one of my favorite movies and one I have seen close to a hundred times on all kinds of devices.  I heard off-screen dialogue and sounds I have never heard before - not just in one scene but in scene after scene. The bass is very true, but not pumped up like a lot of people like nowadays. 

This set of Bluetooth earphones has excellent range. I had no problem going 20-35 feet from my Chromebook with no skipping out.

The device comes with an excellent built-in phone.  I did not use the headset's phone features (the buttons on the headset). When I use Bluetooth to talk on my phone I always use the phone itself rather than the headset features to interact (meaning I answer using the phone and hang up using the phone, etc.) because I just find it easier than blindly pushing buttons.

Note: I received a free sample of this set of ear buds in exchange for an honest review. This is an excellent set of Bluetooth ear buds.

I rate these earbuds 5 stars out of 5.

As of the time of this review, the iDeaUSA® Wireless Bluetooth Sweatproof Hiking Earbuds cost $25.99. Check for current pricing here: iDeaUSA® Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Sweatproof Earbuds Earphones with Microphone and High-Fidelity Sound via Apt-x, Hand Free Calling and Noise Cancelling for Hiking, Running and Climbing (Black)

Fabric Braided Micro USB Cable (1 meter/3 feet) by Pvendor

Micro USB cables. 5 years ago I had one just one cable - it charged my 2nd generation Kindle. Now, I am charging all sorts of stuff all over the place with them. They have gone from a curiosity to a necessity.

Sadly, the ones provided by the manufacturers to charge Bluetooth headsets or portable speakers are often very flimsy and in my household we have had a half dozen or more fail in the last two or three months. Plus, the cords provided by the manufacturers are not very long and sometimes they don't even allow you to transfer data to your phone or tablet - they just charge and then they die an early death.

These 5 1 meter / 3 foot long cords by Pvendor are an excellent choice to replace your dead cords. They are not only long enough to let you use your device while it is plugged in (try to have a passenger use her smart phone to consult Google maps in the car while it is charging on one of those little cords!) but they also transfer data. The bright colors and the thread wrapping are a fun plus. I have also noticed that the micro USB head makes a very snug and very secure fit into my phones and tablet - you don't have to worry about it bouncing loose as you are driving.

They come in 5 different colors: green, blue, pink, orange and grey/silver.

I rate this product 5 stars out of 5.

Note: I received a free set of these cords so that I could evaluate them in order to write a review. For the last month I have used them in two different cars, two different indoor chargers and on one desktop computer and have been very happy with them

As of the time of this review this multi-pack set cost $9.99 on Amazon. Click here to check current pricing: Micro USB Cable, Pvendor 1M 3FT 5 Pack 5 Colors Premium High-speed USB Fabric Braided 2.0 A Male to Micro B Sync/Charging Cables for Android, Samsung, HTC, LG, Sony, Nokia, Nexus and More Devices.

Voix Enhanced Bass Music Wired Ear Buds - Grey

As I am writing this review I am listening to Tocatta and Fugue in D Minor being played on a pipe organ. I know that most people would use hard rock music to test the bass, but I have found that this song tells you all that you need to know. The version I was listening to was played on a massive pipe organ and if you have never sat next to a very large pipe organ you have no idea of the depth of the bass and the strength it sends out across the sanctuary. Listen to what I was listening to here. 

The extraordinary bass of the Voix Enhanced Bass Ear Buds conveys that overwhelming bass amazingly well. My head feels like I am listening to it live - the song just permeates by entire range of hearing and, no, I am not listening to it with the sound all jacked up (just sort of jacked up because this is a great version of this song).

So, here's what you get with these earbuds: 

-a metal carrying case not unlike an Altoids case but without the hinged lid.

-three sets of earbud tips to customize your fit.

-An amazing set of metal (not plastic) ear buds for the price.

-Instructions with clear illustrations.

-Plus, almost as a bonus these ear buds can also be used to talk on your smart phone. Just plug them in and talk away. I used the phone controls on my phone and I was told that I sounded great - just like I was using my phone normally.

I rate these earbuds 5 stars out of 5.

Note: I received a set of these ear buds in order that I may evaluate them and give an honest review. Honestly, these things will rock your musical world and won't empty your wallet.

At the time of this review the Voix Enhanced Bass Ear Buds cost $16.99 on Amazon. Click here for current pricing: Voix Enhanced Bass Ear Buds Grey

Glasstic Shatterproof Glass Water Bottle - 16oz - Double Walled - Flip Cap Sports Water Bottle

We are all told to drink more water. But, if you buy a case of bottled water from the store you are not only wasting money but you are filling a lot of garbage bags with empty bottles. 

If you use a re-usable plastic bottle you have the specter of BPA and those very tough "shatterproof" hard plastic bottles are actually freakishly easy to crack. Plus, if you leave something in it too long that goes bad (like milk) the plastic can absorb the smell and it always smells bad.

Metal water bottles are hard to break, but they sure can dent. More importantly, it is hard to guarantee that a metal bottle is completely clean because you cannot see through the metal to check.

The water bottle and two replace end pieces.

Glass bottles don't absorb the bad smells if something goes bad inside and you can see if they are clean. But, they are so easy to break.

The Glasstic water bottle solves this problem by having a plastic sleeve surround a 16 ounce glass bottle, secured by two screwed on ends. The sleeve serves as a bit of a shock absorber in case you drop the water bottle. But, more importantly, this sleeve should easily contain any pieces of glass.  When it is time to wash out the water bottle, just unscrew the lid and the bottom of the bottle and wash out the glass.

The manufacturer says that it will replace the bottle for free once in the first year in the case of breakage.

All parts are top-shelf dishwasher safe.

I rate this water bottle 5 stars out of 5.

Note: I received a free water bottle for testing purposes so that I could write an honest review.
                                    
 At the time of this review this water bottle cost $19.99 on Amazon. Click here to check for current pricing: Glasstic Shatterproof Glass Water Bottle - Green

iDeaUSA® Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Headphones, Sweatproof Running Earbuds (black)

The iDeaUSA® Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Headphones, Sweatproof Running Earbuds come with a little bag to put everything in, a micro-USB cord to plug into a charger or a computer, three sets of ear bud tips and three sets of different-sized ear stabilizers so you can customize how they fit. Even though those ear stabilizers look horribly uncomfortable, they really are quite comfortable and very stable once you get them all screwed in (and I do mean screwed in - you think it has to be in all the way and then you twist a little bit more and then it all fits perfect!).

The instruction book has plenty of good graphics but the text is pretty small so you have to squint a little to read it. The English is clearly written and easy to understand - much better than what is normally found in instruction booklets for electronics.

The iDeaUSA® Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Headphones, Sweatproof Running Earbuds syncs very easily with my Samsung Galaxy 3 and my Chromebook. The phone quickly and easily re-pairs with a device once you have paired with it - it is surprisingly quick. 

The sound is very good. The bass is good but not great. It is not the best stereo sound I have ever heard - but this is not a top end head set that can set you back hundreds of dollars, either. Considering the price and the convenience of Bluetooth it is a pretty good deal. 

This set of Bluetooth earphones has excellent range. I had no problem going 25-30 feet from my Chromebook with no skipping out.

The device comes with an excellent built-in phone.  I did not use the headset's phone features (the buttons on the headset). When I use Bluetooth to talk on my phone I always use the phone itself rather than the headset features to interact (meaning I answer using the phone and hang up using the phone, etc.) because I just find it easier than blindly pushing buttons.

Note: I received a free sample of this set of ear buds in exchange for an honest review.

I rate these earbuds 5 stars out of 5.

As of the time of this review, the iDeaUSA® Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Headphones, Sweatproof Running Earbuds cost $39.99. Check for current pricing here: iDeaUSA® Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Headphones, Sweatproof Running Earbuds(Black)

AngLink S015 Universal Mini Wireless Hands Free Bluetooth Headset (Golden)

This is Anglink's version of an old classic - the Bluetooth earpiece. This unit, however, does modify the classic Bluetooth earpiece design - and not necessarily for the better.

This single ear bluetooth headset is gold-colored (the instruction book shows three colors but Amazon only features two colors - black and golden) and sports two ear stabilizers for what should be a very good fit. 

Unfortunately, because of the over-the-ear stabilizer I could not actually get the device into my ear all of the way. That stabilizer held the earpiece just short of being fully inserted in my ear. But, if I did not have the stabilizer on the device it would not stay in my ear, especially if I was moving. By moving, I am not talking about anything more strenuous than walking around. So, the entire time that I used the device I was pushing it into my ear and holding it there so I could actually hear the conversation I was having. I felt like Lt. Uhura in the original Star Trek TV series who seemed to always be shoving her earpiece into her ear. But, all of this pushing caused another problem as well. The entire outer shell of the device is a button and as I pushed the device into my ear it pushed the button and caused all sorts of things to happen.

When I used the device inside people I called said they could hear my voice very clearly. But, when I was outside the sensitive microphone picked up traffic, birds and everything else and people said that it sounded like I was driving in a car.

I did not use the headset's phone buttons. When I use Bluetooth to talk on my phone I always use the phone's buttons rather than the headset features to interact (meaning I answer using the phone and hang up using the phone, etc.) because I just find it easier than blindly pushing buttons, especially when I was already having a problem with random button-pushing at it was (see the comments two paragraphs above). 

The earpiece comes with two different-sized pieces that go into the ear and a short micro-USB charger cord. I used both earpieces and I still could not get the headset to fit snugly in my ear.

The instruction booklet was clearly written by someone who does not speak English as their first language - but it is perfectly understandable. 

At the time of this review this Bluetooth headset cost $19.99 on Amazon.com You can check here for current pricing: 
AngLink S015 Universal Mini Wireless Hands Free Bluetooth Headset(Golden)

I rate this Bluetooth earpiece 2 stars out of 5.

Note: I received an earpiece for evaluation purposes in exchange for an honest review.

Kicty® Unique Chalkboard Labels with Liquid Chalk Marker - Premium Stickers for Jars (36 Pcs)

This is a simple product and it works!

Here's what you get: 36 "chalkboard" stickers, each measuring about 3 inches wide and 2 inches tall and 1 liquid chalk pen.

The pen writes like a marker and you can erase whatever is written on the stickers with a wet rag or paper towel. Once it dries, write again. 

What can you use it for? Labeling just about anything such as tubs, leftovers containers anything else you can think of.

There are two sizes of this product. 1 has 36 stickers, 1 has 56 stickers.

I rate this product 5 stars out of 5.

Note: I received a free sample of this product so that I could write an honest review.

At the time of this review this set of labels cost 8.99 on Amazon. Check here for current pricing: Kicty® Unique Chalkboard Labels with Liquid Chalk Marker - Premium Stickers for Jars (36 Pcs)

Parasheet Beach Blanket / Picnic Blanket by Gecko Active

Maybe this idea as been around for a while and I just haven't seen it. But, if this is a new idea, it is so simple yet so clever at the same time you would think that it would have been invented long before now.

Here's the deal. Most people go to the beach and they lay their towels out on the sand, go play in the water, come back and rub a sandy towel all over their wet body. Plus, the towel is rarely big enough for a grown person to lay on anyway.

This parasheet blanket (made out of nylon, like a parachute) is designed to go straight down to the ground first and then you put the towel (and everything else) on top of it. It is 7 feet and 6 and 1/2 feet wide. And, if that isn't big enough, you can snap several of them together in a row. 

The blanket has little pouches in each corner to put sand in to serve as anchors and, if that is not strong enough, you can even use the corner loops and put stakes down.

When you are done, shake the sand or dirt free , fold it up, stick it in the little bag, clip it to your backpack and you are gone. 

I rate this blanket 5 stars out of 5.

Note: I reviewed a free sample in order to evaluate it so that I could write an honest review.

MeasuPro BPM-20A Digital Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor and Heart Rate Monitor by Measupro

This blood pressure monitor is very easy to use (I didn't even get the booklet out). The measurement seems accurate to me. My dad and I played around with three different monitors, taking our pressure one after another after another just to see how this one measured compared to the other two.

The results?

All three of them measured within 5 points of each other on the systolic measurement and even closer on the diastolic measurement. 

This monitor is designed for two different users and will keep track of 60 different measurements for each user.

This monitor is powered by 4 AAA batteries and it comes with a set of batteries to get you started.

I rate this blood pressure monitor 5 stars out of 5.

Note: I was sent a free monitor so that I could make an honest review of this product. 

As of the time of this review this monitor cost $44.99 on Amazon. Click here for current pricing: MeasuPro BPM-20A Digital Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor

Foxnovo® Selfie Stick, Self-Portrait Monopod [Battery Free] (sky blue)

If you have ever wanted to take a group selfie or just wanted to get you and a whole lot of the background in a selfie, a selfie stick is the thing you want. This particular selfie stick stretches out to 33 inches (almost 36 inches if you count the phone clamp) - that doesn't sound like much but it can really add a lot to your picture. There are selfie sticks that extend longer but not many are as easy to fold up and store away as this one. 

The set up is easy. Your phone locks into a sturdy spring-loaded clamp on the end of the stick. Large devices such as a tablet will not fit into this clamp. 

The camera can swivel left and right and up and down and so you can pick the best angle and then tighten everything down. The extension works like an old-fashioned radio or TV antenna and it is very sturdy. 

This selfie stick folds up into a very tidy package. While I was on a recent trip I was able to fold it up and stick it in my pocket and carry it around comfortably. At one point I forgot it was in the front pocket of my shorts and thought I had left it behind in a gift shop!

This stick comes in two colors: Sky blue and black.

On a newer Apple phone the white cord plugs into the earphone plug and makes the camera snap pictures. Now you can take pictures with a button in the handle of the selfie stick. Aim it at yourself or maybe turn on the video and get some cool video footage of a concert (no heads in the way!).

But, if you have an Android or another operating system you will have trouble. The manufacturer promises in the instructions (written on the side of the box) that it will work with Samsung Galaxy 4 and above after it downloads an app. I have a Galaxy 3 so I just used the 5 second delay feature and held the stick up and took my picture. It worked just as well and I was pleased with the results.

I rate this selfie stick 4 stars out of 5.

At the time of this review this selfie stick cost $8.99 on Amazon. Click here to check current pricing:  Foxnovo® Selfie Stick (Sky Blue).

Note: I received a sample stick for free so that I could review it and write an honest review.

Smart Weigh High Precision Digital Milligram Scale, with Case, Tweezers, Calibration Weights, by Smart Weigh

This scale comes in a very nice black semi-hard sided foam-lined case with two 20 gram weights that are designed to calibrate the scale. It requires 4 AAA

batteries, which are included. The case even includes a space to carry AAA batteries so that you can remove them from the scale for storage. This would protect the scale just in case one of the batteries would start to leak. The case also includes a set a tweezers (and a place to store them). There is a set of instructions in an expandable mesh pocket in the top of the case.

The scale is very easy to operate but I did have a hard time getting it to measure 20 grams as 20.000 grams. I kept getting a weight of 20.002 and 20.004 grams which, in the scheme of things is pretty darn close, but it is still slightly off. It started off a little farther than that but I kept on re-calibrating the tare weight and eventually it got that

close. It could be that the weights themselves are off by that little bit - I wouldn't know because I don't have any other scale that will weigh as precise as this one.

It has a flip-down cover to protect the item that is being weighed. 

The scale measures in grams, ounces, carats, troy ounces, pennyweight and grains.

I rate this scale 4 stars out of 5. It is weighing off that little bit - very, very close but no cigar. If you can live with being off that little bit, this whole package is very nice. The scale feels solid, the case is impressive. It all looks like it was designed for somebody that knows what they are doing.

Note: I received a free scale from Smart Weigh so that I could look at it and try it out in order to write an honest review. 

At the time of this review, this scale cost $49.99 on Amazon. Click here for current pricing: Smart Weigh High Precision Digital Milligram Scale, with Case

MADKING RGB LED Globe String Lights 50LED 16ft/5m Indoor Outdoor Use

These are very interesting decorative lights. First of all, they are indoor/outdoor so they are very versatile. They are LED lights so they are unlikely to create a fire hazard with the heat a traditional bulb can create. They are not in a traditional Christmas light design so they can be used for any sort of party. But, they could certainly be used as Christmas lights - either on the tree or outside.

This string of lights is 16 feet long with 50 different bulbs. Each bulb is just a bit smaller than the end of an adult's index finger. When you first plug the set in it starts out a light blue color but soon each bulb starts to change color. Sometimes it looks like there is a pattern, sometimes the bulbs change randomly. The colors are blue, white, purple, red, green and yellow. You cannot set the lights to a certain pattern - they just do what they want to do. It doesn't bother me any but some people like to control such things.

The light set has a plug at the end of it so you can string together multiple sets. The set uses just 20 watts of power. 

I rate this light set 5 stars out of 5. I love the randomness of the light pattern.

Note: I received a free set of bulbs so that I could make an honest review of the light set. I will be using them this Christmas.

As of the time of this review this set cost $12.99 on Amazon. Click here to check current pricing: MADKING RGB LED Globe String Lights.

Blood Pressure Monitor by VIVE - Automatic Digital Upper Arm One Size Fits All Cuff

This blood pressure monitor is very easy to use (I didn't even get the booklet out). The measurement seems accurate to me. My dad and I played around with three different monitors, taking our pressure one after another after another just to see how this one measured compared to the other two.

The results?

All three of them measured within 5 points of each other on the systolic measurement and even closer on the diastolic measurement. 

This monitor is designed for two different users and will keep track of 60 different measurements for each user.

This monitor is powered by 4 AAA batteries and it comes with a set of batteries to get you started.

I rate this blood pressure monitor 5 stars out of 5.

Note: I was sent a free monitor so that I could make an honest review of this product. 

As of the time of this review this monitor cost $39.99 on Amazon. Click here for current pricing: Blood Pressure Monitor by VIVE

BestFire® Land Rover Evoque High Quality Bass Desktop Speaker (Black)

So, you want to rock out with a little style? Regular speakers are for boring people and you want something that stands out?


This speaker just may do it for you then.

Modeled after the Land Rover Evoque crossover SUV, this little speaker is also a true toy car. It's wheels do roll and it is sharp looking. 

When you charge it, this car's rear lights turn on. When you play it, the front and rear lights go on. 

The speaker can be played with a 3.5 mm line-in or using the Aux in plug (an over-sized mini-USB). The speaker is powered by rechargeable batteries that can easily be removed and replaced when they start to fail. The speaker can be played while it is charging but I found that it makes a slight hissing sound when you do. 

The speaker comes with the 3.5 mm line-in cord and a separate cord to charge the battery.

This little speaker does make quite a bit of noise for its size. It would be great for a home office, not so great to rock out a frat party. 

The speaker measures about 7.5 inches long, about 3.5 inches wide and about 3 inches tall. It comes in three colors: red, black and gold.

The speaker has an built-in FM radio butI could not get it to change stations. 

I rate this speaker 4 stars out of 5. I was bothered that I could not get the FM radio receiver to work correctly.

Note: I received a free speaker for testing purposes in exchange for an honest review.

As of the time of this review, this speaker cost $18.66 on Amazon. Click here to check current pricing: BestFire® Land Rover Evoque High Quality Bass Desktop Speaker (Black)

Key Holder Magnetic Message Board Hanging Dry Erase Board Cork Board with 3 Key Holders 2 Magnets 1 Thumbtack by Perfect Life Ideas

  Perfect for a dorm room

When I got this memo board I was hoping to use it in my high school classroom. Actually, I was hoping to use it just outside my high school classroom. I was going to hang it outside my classroom door and leave little notes like "Don't forget your binder today" or "Back in 10 minutes" on it when I stepped out during my prep period.

But, this is just not tough enough for that. 

This really would be perfect for a college dorm room and it would probably have to be tossed out at the end of the school year. It is lightweight and really could not stand the kind of traffic of a high school classroom.

The frame is made of plastic, the dry erase board is magnetic. The board measures  6.25 inches Wide x 16.5 inches High x 0.9 inches Thick. The board is hung like you would hang a picture frame.

The board comes in two colors - black and white.

I rate this memo board 3 stars out of 5. It is convenient to hang, but it is not a permanent solution for a house or a classroom.

Note: I received a free sample of this memo board in order to give it an honest review.

As of the time of this review this memo board cost $20.77 on Amazon. Click here to check for current pricing: Key Holder Magnetic Message Board Hanging Dry Erase Board Cork Board with 3 Key Holders 2 Magnets 1 (Black)

BestFire® Car-Shaped Wireless Bluetooth Speaker With Subwoofer (Red)by BestFire®

Usually I go for speakers that are designed to do the job but not stick out. But, this speaker just grabbed me. Is there any guy that resist a shiny red sports car. This car is the GT by Citroen, a car literally designed for a video game and then brought to the road as a concept car.

This speaker feels like a remote control car when it is picked up. All four wheels roll easily - it will roll off of the table if it is not perfectly level. It measures approximately 10.5 inches long, 5 inches wide and 3 inches tall. When it is playing, the tail lights light up and the headlights blink blue (about two seconds on, two seconds off).

But, how does it work?

This speaker is more than loud enough for a home office space, but it will not shake the walls. Currently, I am listening to it and I found that I had to turn it down - it gets loud enough that I have a hard time writing and listening. If you move the car around, it makes the bass sound more prominent or less prominent. This is not due to electronics, but the simple physics of audio. I found if you tilt the car up on something (like the driver's side wheels on the ground, the passenger side wheels up on a book), which you could easily do in setting it up as a display item on a shelf, it sounds best.

It comes with a replaceable rechargeable battery. The instructions are all one a half-sheet of paper. I used them to get started and then started experimenting. The car is pretty intuitive to operate. 

Everything that comes with the speaker:
1)  the speaker, 2) a combination USB/line-in
cord and a half page instruction sheet.

When you turn it on the car makes a roaring engine sound then there is a voice that speaks to you in Chinese. But, the back window of the car is a digital screen and it says, "HI" in English. Hit the "M" button and you pick the mode you are in: Bluetooth, FM radio or Line-in. The screen identifies them as "blue", the current FM station's numbers you are on (it does remember where you left it, which is a positive) and "Line". As you switch modes the Chinese man comes back and says something. Hit the power button once and it puases (or "PAUS" as the screen calls it), hold it down and it says "OFF" and powers down.

The Bluetooth hooks up easily.

If you are listening to your speaker plugged in to or Bluetoothed to your phone you can use the car as a speaker phone. I asked people how I sounded over the speaker phone (or my "car phone" as I took to calling it) and I was told that I sounded just like normal. I used my phone to answer and call - I hate to use the buttons on a device that is hooked up to my cell phone because while I am looking at the Bluetooth device trying to remember what to do the phone stops ringing. 

This speaker comes in three different colors: red, yellow and blue.

As of the time of this review this speaker cost $58.99 on Amazon. Click here for current pricing: BestFire® Car-Shaped Wireless Bluetooth Speaker With Subwoofer (Red)