Brother PE770 Embroidery Machine + Grand Slam PackageIncludes 64 Embroidery Threads + Prewound Bobbins + Cap Hoop + Sock Hoop +Stabilizer + 15,000 Embroidery Designs + Scissors 

5 out of 5 Stars

I have had this machine for a couple years now. My parents got it for me as a gift when my se400 died so I could keep working on my orders. This is the Grand slam package they got me. I have been looking into a second machine as I run a small home based boutique style online shop where most of what I make is embroidered towels. I have been swamped this year & am thinking that I need a second machine just to keep up with the orders I’m getting. As I was going through the different machines & the reviews on each machine I decided to check into the reviews on this to see how they compare. I noticed several negative reviews that had nothing to do with the machine & more due to personal or setup error.  This is why I’m writing this review. I feel it is important for others basing their decisions on reviews to have the most information possible & I have a good couple year of experience with this machine now. Yes sometimes you get a dud, this happens with any brand. If you do, return it.. However there are so many things that can cause any embroidery machine to go wonky that can easily be resolved with the correct information.. Because of this I recommend one very important thing…forums… forums… forums…

When I first got mine I had already been experienced with the brother se400, & yes, this machine has its own learning curve. (I do believe this is common with the purchase of ANY new embroidery machine) I experienced many of the issues other negative reviewers encountered, however, they were not a result of a bad machine. They were in actuality, a matter of things not set right in my machine or the wrong stabilizer or fabric your using, tension not right. There are so many little things from the bobbin tension, to the stabilizer, the wrong needle, to the thread that will case issue with your final product.. There are several variables that will cause most of the issues I noticed other reviewers had. I would completely recommend that even if you’re great on your prior machine to join a couple forums & post in the section for your specific machine when you encounter an issue. The amount of user help will get you through even the most difficult issue. I have even learned how to service my own machine to an extent due to the extreme helpfulness of my fellow embroiders.

I have also found that Brother is extremely helpful as well if you can’t find a solution in the forums. I had a serious issue with my bobbin tension at one point & no matter how many times I tried to reset the tension on the bobbin case, I just couldn’t get it to work. We all came to the same conclusion on the forums that is was definitely a tension issue but just couldn’t figure out why it wasn’t readjusting correctly.  After not getting a suitable answer from the forums, I decided to call brother. They told me that if I’m using prewound bobbins (which I do) that sometimes that can cause a waxy buildup in the workings of the bobbin case. They ran me through the process of cleaning my bobbing case & resetting it & stayed on the phone with me until it was done & working correctly.. I then went back to the forums & shared my solution with my fellow embroiders for others who may have the same issue

I put this machine through the test. As you can see from my pictures, I use it A LOT…Yes it has its hiccups, But when it starts acting up, I just open up & clean out the bobbin housing & thread run, maybe oil it up a bit close her back up and viola… she is Perring like a kitten again. If you’re having an issue with your machine… feel free to ask me about it, if I don’t have a solution, I can surly direct you to someone who can. Don’t give up on your machine! With proper care & a little TLC, this embroidery machine will last you

This grand slam package it fantastic too. It gives you everything you need to start embroidering right away.  The threads are high quality & the extra hoops are a wonderful addition to this machine. The USB port is perfect for me as now I don’t have to connect my computer to the machine. I have a stack of different USB drives all organized with my files.

Pros:

• Grand Slam Embroidery Package Included!!!! (A $1,170 Value)
• Built-In USB Flash Drive Port - Uses USB Memory Stick
• Easily Transfer Embroidery Designs to the Machine without Additional Software
• 136 Beautiful Built-In Embroidery Designs and 6 Lettering Fonts
• Large 5" x 7" Embroidery Field - Create Big Designs in a Few Simple Steps
• 
  

Cons:

This, like any other embroidery machine has its quirks, but once you get to know the machine, she is good. There is not much troubleshooting help in the manual, just a basic list. There are so many other things that can affect the outcome of your pattern that it becomes necessary to have the wealth of knowledge & experience of other users & sometimes brother itself, to fully troubleshoot the issue.

I would have no problem recommending this product to anyone. I embroider a good 4 hours a day on an easy day.. Times like now when I’m hit with the Christmas shopping rush.. I’m running it almost 8-9 hours a day, sometimes more… this machine never lets me down

Thank you for reading my review!  If my review has been of help to you, please do me the favor of clicking the “yes” at the end of this review where it says “Was this review helpful to you”  If you have a question, feel free to ask, I will do my best to answer them. 

Minos Moka Pot Espresso Maker - 3 cup - 5 fl oz - StainlessSteel and Silicon Handle- Suitable for Gas, Electric and Ceramic Stovetops

4 of 5 stars

This is my second espresso maker. My other one is only a 2 cup espresso pot. First I must admit that I am a BIG coffee junkie, I truly love my coffee. I have setups for every different brewing methods from French press to cold brew & everything in between. (Except for the Turkish coffee pot, I’m still looking for a good one of them) when this one arrived I was actually a bit surprised by its weight. This is a very hefty well-made espresso pot.  It comes with extra seals & 2 extra handle protectors (they don’t really protect your hand from the heat & are more decretive) as for its functionality I am thrilled with this pot. My first trial run I made a pot with this & one with my other pot at the same time. (I wanted a side by side taste test) The first thing I have to say is that it took twice the time to brew than my old pot. I knew it would take a little longer being a bigger pot, but this pot really brings the espresso to the brewing point at a very slow rate.  At first I thought this might be an issue… Until I tasted it… OMG what a fantastic cup of espresso. When compared side by side, the other pot just made a pot of colored water.. Lol, ok so I may be exaggerating a little there, since the other pot makes an OK cup of espresso.  But honestly, in comparison it is like night & day. This pot made an exceptional cup of espresso. I did have a couple small issue that honestly I can overlook given the amazing results that winds up in my cup & eventually my belly! First, it provides you with 3 colored silicone handle protectors. While these are easy to get on & off, I found that they didn’t really provide my hand much protection from the heat. This could be resolved with a minor design alteration.  (I just make sure to use a potholder which I had to do with my other pot as well so I am used to that.)The other issue I ran across is with that the small piece that you place on top of the grounds before screwing the pot together. It had a little nub for placing it on top of the grounds.. Well, this broke off after about 2 weeks of use.  I can still use it without the nub so it really is no problem for me

Pros

This pot has a very sturdy design & construction and it produces an exceptional cup of espresso. The pot also comes with 2 extra colored handle protectors and extra rubber gasket.

Cons

The handle protectors don’t work as well as they could if it covered the entire handle. Despite the excellent construction otherwise, the small piece that you place on top of the grounds before screwing the pot together could have been made a bit more sturdy. Other than that this is an outstanding pot.

How to use stove top Minos Moka Pot Espresso Maker:

1. Remove the top part of the espresso maker.

2. Remove the filter funnel insert

3. Fill the lower part of the stove top espresso maker with cold fresh water.

 Do not fill past the safety valve!

4. Fill the filter funnel with coarse ground (not espresso fine or you might get a leak) espresso coffee. You can also use a medium blend to make a milder tasting coffee for breakfast.  Experiment with the degree of your grind for different taste characteristics.

5. Put the filter funnel back into the lower part of the espresso maker & place the filter top on

6. Screw the top part back onto the lower part firmly (don't force).

7. Place espresso maker onto stove top (boil setting). If you are using a gas range, make sure you don't burn the moka express handle which migh be made of plastic or rubber.

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8. Remove espresso maker from stove immediately once the top part of the espresso maker is filled with coffee (careful, the espresso maker is hot!)

9. Enjoy the freshly brewed espresso. Thoroughly dry the unit immediately and do not air-dry.

At this point you can add your final touches

And enjoy

I would also like to note that I received this product free or discounted in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.  I do my best to provide you with the most useful & helpful review I can and strive to write honest reviews regardless of whether I purchased a product at full price, at a discount, or received it free. I am not connected to this company or any of the companies of products that I review. No monitory compensation was received and I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you!  If my review has been of help to you, please do me the favor of clicking the “yes” at the end of this review where it says “Was this review helpful to you”  If you have a question, feel free to ask, I will do my best to answer.

U-FIT Unisex UV Protection Anti Fog Scratch Resistant Lenses Non Leaking Performance Swimming Goggles Bundle with Swimming Goggle Case

4 out of 5 Stars

I got these for our coming vacation in January. Since I don’t have a pool or anywhere to use these until I go on vacation, I was only able to test these out in the shower/tub. Nun the less it gave me a good test run on these for my upcoming vacation. I am all around very pleased with these swim goggles. The construction is high quality. They adjust easily & fit me well. So far so good with these. I noticed some reviewers that had issues with fogging & unclear vision underwater. Although I have not experienced these issues as of yet, I will however be updating my review after I return from vacation & I have been able to use them on a regular basis to test out some of the issues other reviewers have mentioned. I’m starting at 4 out of 5 stars due to the issues other reviewers have encounters. If they fail to preform consistently while I’m on vacation I will come back & adjust my review accordingly. Should I come back from vacation & they have worked perfectly, I will come back & bump it up to 5 stars.

Pros:

#1 RATED SWIM GOGGLES ON AMAZON: Happy Swimmers Agree That U-FIT Goggles Are The Best Pair of Goggles That They Have Ever Used! Not Only Are They Happy With Their Top Quality U-FIT Swim Goggles But Also, Customers Rave About The Outstanding Customer Service That U-FIT Provides!

100% U.V. PROTECTION, ANTI-SHATTER, ANTI-FOG, MIRROR COATED LENSES - Mirrored Goggle Lenses Don't Just Look Great, They Preform Great Too! Our Durable Lenses Will Keep Goggle Fogging To a Minimum! They Also Provide Exceptional Clarity In Vision! Their Anti-Shatter Technology Protects Against Drops And Scratches!

EASY REMOVAL SYSTEM (PATENT PENDING Highly Durable And Comfortable Fitting Goggle Strap Can Be Adjusted to Fit Men, Women, and Youth! The Revolutionary Clip On And Clip Off System (Patent Pending) Saves Swimmers Time And Provides Extra Comfort While Removing Or Putting On Their U-FIT Goggles!

PRE-BLACK FRIDAY SALE - Save 15% On Any U-FIT Item Purchased By Entering UFITBFR1 At The Checkout Screen.

Cons:

It seems some people have had some issues with unclear vision under water & fogging after multiple uses. Since I have not been able to fully uses these in a pool as of yet & mine are working fine. I will make sure to come & update my review after I have a chance to give these multiple uses

I would also like to note that I received this product free or discounted in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.  I do my best to provide you with the most useful & helpful review I can and strive to write honest reviews regardless of whether I purchased a product at full price, at a discount, or received it free. I am not connected to this company or any of the companies of products that I review. No monitory compensation was received and I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you!  If my review has been of help to you, please like this poste

Click here to check out this product

Organic Caffeine Eye Whip

4 out of 5 Stars

I have been running out of my regular eye cream so when I got the opportunity to try this product I was very excited. I will start by saying that at first I wasn’t too sure about the smell right out of the container, but once I smoothed it on it had more of a sweet coffee/mocha scent to it. Not like fresh ground coffee, but sweeter, maybe like a coffee ice cream or candy like smell. It is a bit strong when you first apply it, but fades out pretty quickly. As for results, well it’s only been a week so I really don’t expect much in the way of results right away. This is something that I need to use regularly for at least a month before I can truly say what the full effects are. I would like to point out though that this is not, nor is there any miracle cream or treatment I have found that will miraculously make dark circles & puffiness disappear. (and I have tried a lot of things) The best you I can expect from ANY product is a reduction with regular use. I noticed that with this eye whip I have to really be careful how close I get it to my eyes. It soaks into the skin so well that if I get to close, within about a half hour to hour it will eventually work its way to my eyes & cause a slight bit of oogies. My other cream soaked in rather quickly & does not disperse on the skin as much as this does. This isn’t a truly horrible thing. It just means that I have to be a bit carefully when applying it, that’s all.

Pros:

HIGHEST QUALITY INGREDIENTS include:  

• ORGANIC ALOE, ORGANIC COCONUT OIL, ROSEHIP SEED OIL: Some of the most effective moisturizing ingredients in the world

• CAFFEINE EXTRACT: Known for increasing circulation, de-puffing and lightening under eye circles • GREEN TEA and CUCUMBER: Antioxidant and anti-aging benefits

• ANISE EXTRACT: Rich in mineral salts, helps smooth expression lines

• HYALURONIC ACID locks moisture in and plumps up fine lines for smoother, younger looking skin

PACKED WITH 10 ORGANIC WILD CRAFTED SUPER FRUIT EXTRACTS for more anti-aging benefits: • Acai Berry  • Blueberry  • Brown Seaweed  • GAC Fruit  • Goji Berry  • Grapeseed  • Mangosteen  • Noni Berry  • Pomegranate  • Sea Buckthorn GREAT FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGES  as a light moisturizer for the eye area, but especially great for women over 30.

Cons:

So far my biggest issue with this is the issue of it not soaking in quickly thus spreading on the skin surface enough to give me eye gookies. I’m not blinded by this or anything, however there is a little discomfort if I don’t be careful & pat off any remaining surface oil after a few moments. I don’t foresee any future new issues but should I encounter any in the near future, I will come back & update my review accordingly

In the long run, I’m pleased so far with this & would be happy to recommend it for at least a try.

I would also like to note that I received this product free or discounted in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.  I do my best to provide you with the most useful & helpful review I can and strive to write honest reviews regardless of whether I purchased a product at full price, at a discount, or received it free. I am not connected to this company or any of the companies of products that I review. No monitory compensation was received and I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you!  If my review has been of help to you, please do me the favor of clicking the “yes” at the end of this review. If you have a question, feel free to ask, I will do my best to answer.

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 Check out this Organic Caffeine Eye Whip

SolarCharger Panel,Vodool 21 Watt Portable and Foldable Dual-USB Port External SolarBattery Pack

4 out of 5 Stars

 I picked this up because every year I run a cam of about 18 at a 2 week medieval camping event & we are always looking for ways to keep our tech charged without having to trek all the way up to the “Barn” & sitting & waiting as your phone charges with tons of other people doing the same thing, or having to hook up a converter to one of the vehicles. I have been wanting to get one of these for a while for the camp as we have one nice good sunny spot in camp that would be perfect to set this in.  Upon arrival, I wanted to give this solar charger a shot, so I set it up in the back yard with both my cell phone & my cell external battery charger & extra battery & left them to charge while I did my yard work & gardening. I will have to admit, it worked very well. I don’t honestly recall how long I was out there (time escapes me when I’m gardening) but when I was ready to go in, everything was fully charged. The true test will come when I have multiple people using this one after the other for 2 weeks. I don’t foresee any issues as this seems to be well made & it folds up nicely for protection when storing it.  I’m going to start with just 4 stars because I still want to test it some more & would like the ability to add a star if it truly preforms well after 2 weeks of our abuse at the event. So far I really do love this Solar panel charger & am looking forward to having the convenience of having it while I’m camping. At the moment I see no reason why I won’t be upgrading this review to 5 stars once I return from my event.

Pros:

High efficiency solar thermal conversion: Built with SunPower solar arrays, its conversion up to 21.5% ~ 23.5%, but most of panel on the market only 15%. This solar charger can automatically test maximum current and voltage charge; fastest possible charging speed up to 2.4A max per port, overall to charge two devices simultaneously under direct sunlight.

Cons:

At the moment all is good with this solar panel, however I have not had sufficient time to test this in the manner it will be used at Pennsic. I will be updating my review after the event with additional pictures of it in action & how well it held up to the constant use over the 2 week period

I would be happy to recommend this to anyone looking for a backup method for charging your tech either in power outages or while hiking or camping or any other place you have a good source of sunlight

  I do my best to provide you with the most useful & helpful review I can and strive to write honest reviews regardless of whether I purchased a product at full price, at a discount, or received it free. I am not connected to this company or any of the companies of products that I review. No monitory compensation was received and I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you!  If my review has been of help to you, please do me the favor of clicking the “like” at the end of this review If you have a question, feel free to ask, I will do my best to answer.

12-Inch Green EarthWok by Ozeri, with Smooth Ceramic Non-Stick Coating (100% PTFE and PFOA Free)

5 out of 5 Stars

I have been looking for a new wok for my kitchen so I was very excited to get the opportunity to give this one a shot.  This is my second Ozeri Pan so far, so I already have experience with this company. As with the other pan. This one feels to be a well-made pan. I only used it a couple times so far, but I am very pleased with the results.  I wanted to get my initial review impression of this Wok after a few uses, I will update my review in a few months after I have used it a bit more & let you all know how the Non-Stick surface holds up, since I noticed some reviews saying after a couple months they had issues with the nonstick wearing away. I always treat my non stick with care & these pans are no different so if I notice any reduction in the non stick surface I will be sure to adjust my review accordingly.  As it stands now, I’m extremely pleased with this pan & am thrilled to have a wok again. I also recently got the opportunity to get a cast iron wok as well, but Cast Iron is whole different animal in terms of cooking LOL.. (Also not something I would be using on a regular basis). This pan offers me the convenience of cooking with a wok with a bonus of nonstick surface for my everyday use. I love the fact that the Ozeri Pans come with their own protection pad for storage so you don’t have to go out an get one. That is one of the biggest mistakes nonstick pan owners tend to make & one of the first things you forget about... Next thing you know you’re putting another pan inside it in the cabinet and BAM…the scratches begin!

SOME TIPS

1 - Get rid of cooking sprays, unless you want to frequently scrub the pan free of the residue that builds up in areas where the spray doesn't cook off (think sticky sides of the pan that just won't come clean with soap and water). Alternatively, try an oil mister you can refill with the oil of your choice and avoid the additives in traditional sprays which cause build up (soy lecithin, for one).

2 - Do not put the pan in the dishwasher. I know some claim to be dishwasher-safe, but the high heat and strong dish washing detergents weather a pan far quicker than elbow grease alone. Always hand wash!

3 – In regards to the loss of nonstick. If your pan coating loses some of its nonstick properties with repeated use try cleaning with lemon juice or vinegar & a paper towel or soft cloth after the next few uses, after that, repeat periodically to restore it before throwing in the towel, it may just need some extra TLC

Pros:

Safe Nonstick coating created with GREBLON ceramic. 100% PTFE, PFOA and APEO free (no heavy metals or chemicals). Sturdy construction. Magnetized bottom for rapid heat transfer on induction stoves, and a heat resistant Bakelite handle

Cons:

As with the other Ozeri pan, I noticed other reviews that have stated that their nonstick coating didn’t last more than a couple months. I have not had this issue as of yet, but feel it is worth mentioning in order to provide a detailed & helpful review. I will be updating my review in a few months & if I notice in the future that this degrades faster than expected I will update my review accordingly. I would also like to note though that is you have had this issue, give the lemon juice or vinegar & a paper towel or soft cloth method a try 

So far I would be happy to recommend this pan for anyone looking for 100% PTFE, PFOA and APEO free alternative to the average nonstick pan. I will remind you that special care is recommended to maintain the coating. At the moment, this pan is a wonder & I’m loving it.. I will update my review if that changes in the future.  

Banshren 7Polished, Holistic Healing Chakra Crystals Stone Set with Engraved SacredGeometry Symbols

5 out of 5 Stars

I purchased these because I have been needing a new set of large chakra stones for home.  I’m very pleased with the set I received. The size of the stones if a little bigger than an old silver dollar at about 1 ½ inches across & have a nice thickness of about 3/8 inch thick. These really are nice sized stones & perfect for my home use. They come in a lovely black box that is not only perfect for gift giving but also nice & durable enough to keep them safely stored in for everyday use. Each chakra design is carved in & filled/highlighted with a nice gold paint making them very easy to see against the stone itself.

Here is a list of the stones that where included in this beautiful set.

Crown – Amethyst - Called the “All-healer,” Amethyst is one of the most effective crystals for healing people, plants and animals. Natural unpolished Amethysts or geodes are particularly helpful placed where plants will not grow or animals refuse to sit. It also counteracts negative earth energies beneath buildings or anywhere that feels hostile.

Third eye – Clear Crystal - Clear Quartz is excellent for amplifying the energies of other stones or to enhance groups of stones, and is ideal for gridding. It is the perfect base material for wands, staffs, templates, etc., and clear crystal spheres have long been used for crystal gazing

Throat – Lapis Lazuli - The Throat Chakra is the voice of the body, a pressure valve that allows the energy from the other chakras to be expressed. If it is blocked or out of balance, it can affect the health of the other chakras. In balance, it allows for the expression of what we think and what we feel. We can communicate our ideas, beliefs, and emotions. When the throat chakra is in balance and open, we can bring our personal truth out into the world. We have an easy flow of energy within the body and spirit. The energy that springs upward from the lower chakras can continue its path enabling free expression and natural release. Blue crystal energy will unblock and balance the throat chakra. The darker shades of blue carry the power of truth.

Heart – Green Aventurine - Green Aventurine is a comforter and heart healer, used to clear and activate the Heart Chakra for general well-being and emotional calm. It is also a powerful protector of the Heart Chakra, providing a shield to block entry from those who would “tap-in” and use the energy of another

Navel – Yellow Jade - Yellow jade is energetic and stimulating but with a mellowness. It brings joy and happiness into your life. It teaches you that all beings are connected. It helps the digestive and elimination systems of the body.

Yellow jade aids meditation and visualisation.  It helps you let go of material things, ego, selfishness and greed. This stone stimulates and heals the mental body. Promotes heightened awareness and compassion.

Sacral – Carnelian - Carnelian, in its beautiful shades of orange, stimulates the Sacral Chakra, or Second Chakra, located below the naval and above the pubic bone at the front of the pelvis. It controls the flow of energy and is the center of gravity of the body. It is the center of the Life Force of the body, and controls the flow of information from the body to the mind and from the mind to the body.

Root – Red Jasper - All Jaspers connect to the Earth and may be placed on the Base Chakra to stabilize and energize the physical body. Laying it over each chakra in turn, will cleanse, boost and realign the chakras and aura, balancing yin and yang energies as well as aligning the physical, emotional and mental bodies with the etheric realm

                                                                                     Pros:         

This is a nice set perfect my home. Great for reiki, healing, meditation, chakra balancing, or ritual. Can also be used in conjunction with a chakra wand.  Easy to take anywhere with you if need be as the box is good an strong

Cons:

At the moment, I am very pleased & have found nothing I can really say negative about these stones. If by some chance after extended use I come across anything I see as an issue I will be sure to update my review accordingly.

I feel very confident in this product & would recommend these stones to anyone looking for the perfect set for gifting or just simply spoiling yourself... this set is well worth the price & a beautiful set to boot!