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! 

Marky Products Stainless Steel Tumbler - 20oz Multipurpose

5 out of 5Stars

I picked this up because I needed a replacement for the one I was using. As much as I liked the old cup, it was plastic & the seal was not by any means solid. Because of this, it has begun allowing water & coffee to seep into the space between the inner cup & outer cup that is almost impossible to get out. I was extremely let down by this because I really liked it. It’s a shame it was a terrible quality. I was happy when this arrived & washed & began using it right away. I have been using it for a couple weeks now & I’m pleased to say that I can submerge this cup without any fear of water getting in between the 2 layers of the cup. I am also very pleased with the double wall design & stay hot/cold results as well. Wait let me rephrase… it tested great on keeping my smoothie cold. Because of this, I assume the works just as well with the heat.  Unfortunately coffee doesn’t last long enough with me to get cold enough to test it… lol. There is one small thing that I liked better about the other cup in comparison & that is the lid. The old cup had a screw on lid that has a straw with a rubber ring that not only helps keep it from spilling when you knock it over & keep the heat/cold in longer. If this cup/tumbler had that type of lid it would be my perfect cup..

Pros:

The double wall design is an excellent insulator keeping what’s inside not only hot/cold, but protects your hand as well.  Dishwasher safe & its 18/8 Food Grade stainless steel is shatter proof

Cons:

The only down side I can see with this is the lid & it’s not really a deal breaker for me. But I would love to have a more spill proof top with a straw or that would accommodate a straw... if it had that, it would have everything

I would be extremely happy to recommend this tumbler to anyone who is looking for an all-purpose hot/cold cup. Its design makes it excellent for everything from your coffee to your smoothies.

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 “like” at the end of this review. If you have a question, feel free to ask, I will do my best to answer them.

Organic HoneybushTea from South Africa, Wild Tea #13

5 out of 5 Stars

I picked up this tea because I love tea & am always looking to try new teas & expand my variety. This is the first time I’m trying the Honeybush tea. I had hear about it from a couple people & had been wanting to try it. I also have past experience with “wild foods” as I recently had the opportunity to try their “Kosher Flake Sea Salt” which is amazing so I knew what to expect in quality. I can honestly say that it was faith well placed because this is yet another amazing product from them. The aroma when you open the bag is so wonderfully sweet & fresh smelling & that’s just the smell!!! As far as taste is concerned, this tea is wonderfully sweet & smooth, enough so that I did not need any honey. Let me tell you though, a little raw honey really brings all the flavors in this tea to a whole different level of yummy. This tea is also an excellent choice for Iced tea, once chilled it is very refreshing.

Hot tea brewing method: Heat water to 212°F. Place 1 heaping teaspoon per 6 ounce cup and let the tea steep for 5 -7 minutes. Resteep until the tea flavor is exhausted.

Iced tea brewing method: Heat water to 212°F. Place 1 heaping teaspoon per 6 ounce cup and let the tea steep for 5 - 7 minutes. Remove tea leaves and add ice

Pros:

Honeybush tea is a beverage derived from plants in the Cyclopia family and is a cousin of Rooibos, cultivated in South Africa's Eastern Cape region, and is regarded for its potential impact on health. The beverage is sweet tasting and has a history of use as a folk remedy, with recent scientific evidence supporting some the tea's purported effects. Regular consumption of the tea is associated with several long-term and short-term health benefits, making it an excellent alternative tea choice.

Honeybush tea has phytoestrogenic properties, making it behave like estrogen in the body, according to a 2006 study by researchers at the University of Stellenbosch. Phytoestrogenic activity, combined with anecdotal evidence, suggests that honeybush tea is effective in relieving menopausal symptoms in women. The phytoestrogenic attributes of the tea may also be useful in protecting the body against osteoporosis, heart disease and certain hormone-related cancers.

Cons: .

As always please be sure to consult with a physician prior to adding any herbs or teas to your diet if you are pregnant or on medications.

If you like Rooibos (also known as Red Bush) tea, you will probably love this one. If you haven’t tried Honeybush  (or red bush for that matter) I suggest you give it a try, you wont be disappointed.

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 “like” 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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 [ks1]

Premium Ceramic Paring Knife with Cover Sheath & Peeler Set

5 out of 5 Stars

I purchased this set to add to the couple ceramic knives I already have. I just tried my first ceramic knife last year & I love them. I am schooled in commercial foods & have worked or been involved in cooking everything from 5* fine dining to cooking for large groups at camping events & everything in between. I’m very particular about my knives & have professional chef’s knives, custom made hand forged cooking knives, & ceramic knives. Each one has its place & this set is no exception. I have tried a couple different brands of ceramic knives & I have to say that I’m very pleased with the quality of this set. Even though the knife is small it feels great in my hand & it’s a good solid handle. The last set I tried had hollow handles & they broke loose after only a couple of uses causing the blades to fall out. I have been using this one almost daily & have had no issues at all. As for its sharpness, yea, there is no doubt this is a sharp blade, it bit me just the other day while I was doing dishes when I grabbed it wrong (I think I’m one of the last people around that doesn’t have a dishwasher… lol) A nice slice on the side of my finger… so be careful. The peeler is not something I don’t use a whole lot since I leave the skins on most things & the last one I had was years ago and it was one of those dull as heck metal ones that did nothing at all but make you angry when you try to use it. So in comparison to that, this is the holy grail of peelers. It worked so well it makes me want make more things I need to peel so I can use it more. There is a good chance I will bring it with me to Pennsic (one of my medieval camp outs) to use in the kitchen where I cook for my group of 15-20 or more if we are doing a multiple group feast. It will come in very handy for that.

Pros:

Ultra-sharp ceramic paring blade & they aren’t kidding about that. It goes through carrots like butter.  Not only are these knives lightweight & fit in the hand perfectly, but they are also antibacterial & easy to clean

Cons: .

Not dishwasher safe, personally I hand wash all my [ks1] [ks2] knives anyway so this is not an issue for me. These are sharp… I mean REALLY sharp. Watch your fingers if it sinks to the bottom of the sink water when you’re doing dishes or you might get bit like I did...

I would happily recommend this product to anyone looking for a really good paring knife & peeler.  

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 “like” 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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 [ks1]y

 [ks2]

Cocktail Shaker Set by SHIKSHOOK

5 out of 5 Stars

I picked this up as a gift for a friend who camps with my camp at The Pennsic War every year. We set up a bar in my camp & he spends a lot of time behind the bar mixing drinks for our guests in the evening hours with a couple of our other friends.  This is a nice 25 ounce shaker that comes with a double jigger & 2 pourers. It seems to be well made with quality product with (304 grade 18/8 stainless steel) this will make a wonderful gift & be a perfect addition to our camp bar as well. This is the 3^rd set I have had the opportunity to try & the first one to come with additional pourers, that is a nice little touch. The jigger measures out correctly in comparison to the other jiggers I have (the set I already have in storage out there is off on size so doesn’t measure out correctly when mixing drinks). The construction of this shaker is strong. I had one in the past that you could easily squish it out of shape. That won’t happen with this one I still have 2 more sets to get for our other members who spent a lot of time behind the bar) so I will update this review accordingly with some more comparison information in the future.

Pros:

Set contains a Cocktail Shaker 25 oz in with a Luxurious velvet storage bag, 1 - double Jigger & 2 - 1/2oz, Pourers & includes a free Ebook. Created with 304 grade 18/8 stainless steel so there will never be an issue with rusting. This set also comes with a 100% satisfaction with a lifetime guarantee  

Cons:

I honestly have no issues with this cocktail set. It preform as you would expect

I would absolutely recommend this jigger set to anyone looking to add a good shaker to their bar. The extra pourers that come with this set make it one step above the other sets I have purchased & the bonus velvet bag is a great storage option for protection when you’re not using it.

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 “like” at the end of this review If you have a question, feel free to ask, I will do my best to answer.