Review

Improving my White Fridge – PicStick review

I don’t think I’ve told you about my fridge. When I was redesigning my kitchen I decided I would love a funky modern fridge. I have always wanted a coloured one and although one of the old fashioned styled fridges (I am sure they have a name but I have no idea what!) would be my dream, I knew practically I would need a large freezer as I would be doing a large amount of batch cooking and freezing.

Looking at the options available I quickly realised that a ‘pretty’ coloured fridge was out of the question; my options had become black, white or grey. I found a make I liked the look of, with a large freezer but small enough that it would fit in the space I had assigned it (I got very geeky when planning my kitchen, scale drawings were produced and everything!!) and it came in a very ugly grey, a very boring white or the most beautiful shiny black you have ever seen. I am ashamed to admit I fell in love with the black fridge (I may have stood and stroked it in the shop, in the style of Gollum, while muttering my pretty!) and the best bit of new was this model was in the sale…

Except it wasn’t; boring white and ugly grey were in the sale. My pretty fridge, the one I had fallen in love with, the one I had stood and stroked in the middle of the store and done a happy dance on finding was not in the sale. If I wanted my fridge in lovely, shiny, beautiful black it was going to have to pay full price. To get my fridge in black I was going to have to pay over £200 more.

You won’t be surprised to learn it didn’t happen and I resigned myself to having a plain… boring…same as everyone else… white fridge.

That was until I discovered PicStick.

PicStick transform your digital photos to gorgeous fridge magnets; at a cost of £9.50/$14.99 for a sheet of 9 and shipped (very quickly) worldwide for free I was a little bit giddy.

The website was so easy to use and can be linked with your Facebook profile. I will admit to taking a long time to choose the photos which would make it onto my final sheets, especially as this task involved trawling through a few hundred photos of me and the ex. This meant I logged on and off the site a few times, but everything saved for me each time and despite waiting weeks in between, everything was still there when I returned to the site. The site works pretty much on common sense, and so I found it very straight forward to use. I was impressed how easy it was to rotate and re-size the photos I had chosen.

My only complaint would be that when you are building your sheet, you can’t see the photos you have already selected for any additional sheets. I bulked upload a lot of photos, which this site lets you do with relative ease, but once I’d completed one sheet I had to reply completely on my memory to complete the second; which I failed at. You do get an overview of all the products before finally buying them, but it would be a nice touch to see all your magnetic photo sheets while you are choosing your final photos.

I had intended on giving a PicStick magnetic photo sheet to my mum and dad for Christmas, and then giving other family and friends individual pictures. However I am so blown away by the final magnets that I am really struggling to give them away. The finish is brilliant and I am blown away by how fabulous the prints are.

I am confident that with their quick delivery a PicStick photo magnet would make the perfect last minute Christmas gift or stocking fillers.

When the lovely people at PicStick heard about my boring white fridge, they very kindly sent me 4 sheets of photos for free to review. However, this in no way affected my opinions, and all words and photos are my own.

December 10, 2014December 9, 2014 by 25castleson25clouds Categories: knowing me better, ReviewTags: Fridge Magnets, Photos 10 Comments

Do you do fancy dress? Betty Boop costume #Review

I don’t know about you, but I always have mixed feeling about receiving an invite to a Fancy Dress Party. I love the idea of them and have even tried to throw one myself, but that massively backfired when everyone started bitching about the theme…. and don’t even get me started on the time I was invited to an optional fancy dress party. Can I just go on record to say ‘option and fancy dress’ should not be allowed in the same sentence and definitely not on the same invite. Now not only did I have the whole, “what do I go as that won’t cost a fortune” problem but I also had the added challenge of going dressed up, but not ridiculously so in case everyone else had decided to ‘opt out’. My original plan for the party (movie and musical themed) was to go as Fiona from Shrek, but there was no way I was walking into the room green to find everyone else in dinner jackets and their best little black dress. So in the end I played it safe and opted for an all in one kit where I became a white Uhura.

The only thing that made me feel better about the whole thing was that I treated myself to some ‘knee high boot’ covers (which cost far more than they should have) and I spent most of the night showing everyone my boots!

So why might you ask am I sharing this story with you. Well I was approached by Jokers Masquerade and asked if I would be willing to review one of their fancy dress costumes or wigs. I originally said yes hoping they would supply a selection of wigs for me and my friends to trial on a night out, we had a whole night out pretending to be someone else plan all sorted out – that I will tell you about another time – but the lovely people at Jokers asked if I would be willing to review one of their adult fancy dress costumes.

I have to admit, it was free and by accepting I would double my fancy dress costume collection so I thought why not. They offered me a selection of fancy dress adult and children costumes to choose from and loving the idea of having a wig to try for the above mentioned ‘night out’ I selected Betty Boop.

The Betty Boop costume arrived quickly, and if you visit their site they have a clock which shows you when you have to place your order to ensure next day delivery – which being know for leaving things to last minute I absolutely love.

However, here is where my review takes a slightly negative turn. You see I was sent a standard packet which I know you can get from various fancy dress sites and shops (not my issue) and the few times I have received these packs I have been slightly annoyed. For example here are some pictures of Betty Boop:

Now looking at all these images I would say there are somethings that make Betty Boop, well Betty Boop. A red dress, black curly hair, red shoes, a heart shaped garter and gold jewelry. Now looking at the image on the pack …..

….(excluding the jewelry and adding a small white dog thing) they seem to agree that Betty Boops essence is red dress, black curly hair, heart garter and red shoes. So what did I find in the pack……

A red dress and a black wig.

So to complete the outfit I have to find or buy gold jewelry, red shoes and a garter with a heart; which I ain’t doing!!

Now I can understand why they don’t supply shoes and hell I can even over look not including any big hoopy gold jewelry (although why some cheap costume jewelry couldn’t be including within the pack I’m not sure). But for the garter to be missing I was a little bit annoyed. If a company is sending out a ‘complete’ outfit for you to become a character then I can’t help but feel that the pack should include everything you need to become the character…. if extras need to be added then why not sell it all separately at a reduced price?

However, that being said something a little crazy came over me and I have to say, when I finally put on the costume I kinda fell in love with it. The dress was fine and fitted me, which I was amazed at as the only other times I have tried on a costume it’s either it too big or too small (I am always the in-between size) and the wig… well I just love it.

I did not want to take the wig off. I was beyond amazed that is fitted as I have huge amounts of hair and I was loving the black curls. I did not want to take the wig off…and may have considered doing DIY in it. I have shared the photo of me in the costume with everyone and anyone and I am now seriously not only considering a fancy dress night out (it’s a must!) but perhaps throwing a Halloween ‘house warming’ party just so to have an excuse to purchase one of their amazing Halloween costumes!

Yes it is purposefully in shadow (well partly, mainly I asked my mum to take it and this happened!!)

I would like to thank Jokers Masquerade for sending me the lovely fancy dress costume and the wig (I love the wig) and for being so patient, as it has taken me forever to write this review, but in my defense I have been working on my house (I don’t know what I am going to do for an excuse when I have finished the house!!)

Please be aware, that I did receive the costume for free in order to write my review, but that this in no way affected my opinion (ok, the wig may have slightly I LOVE IT) and that all of the above are my completely honest opinions and views!

October 8, 2014October 8, 2014 by 25castleson25clouds Categories: ReviewTags: Betty Boop, Fancy Dress, Party, Review, Wigs 5 Comments

4 x 3 motion Pedometer by Ozeri #Review

So it’s Saturday morning (or at least it was when I started writing this post!) and I decided to be pro-active and so I thought I’d review the Ozeri 4 x 3 motion Digital Pocket 3D Pedometer with tri-Axis Technology rather than watch another repeat of the Big Bang Theory – I do love that show!

Please note this is the product I was sent, but not the photo I took. I can't find the lead to connect my camera to the computer, it must have been misplaced in the move! — Please note this is the product I was sent, but not the photo I took. I can’t find the lead to connect my camera to the computer, it must have been misplaced in the move!

Not being used to using a pedometer this was a first for me, and I must admit to my initial thoughts being very scientific “isn’t it cute!”

The Ozeri 4 x 3 motion Digital Pocket 3D Pedometer comes with a lanyard and very cute (yep, that scientific word again) screwdriver. Because I wanted this to be a serious, hard hitting review (in fact a brilliant piece of journalism was my aim). I decided to forgo the usual “press all the buttons until something happens” in favour of reading the instruction leaflet. After reading the obligatory list of do’s and do nots I reached step 3: Setting Up. I had to start by entering my weight and stride and here is where I hit upon my first obsticul.

1. Weight. I do not know my weight. My Dad banished them from the house shortly after the birth of my little sister when he realised he would be living with three women. Makes packing to go abroad a really fun excercise!

2. Stride. Not a scooby! I used to interval train (well run from one lamp post to another, then walk to the next one, then run again) with a friend, but that was for fun and generally ended up near a pub. I am not a professional runner.

So the Ozeri 4 x 3 motion Digital Pocket 3D Pedometer was put on the side until I next visited my grandparents and could weight myself on their scales…….

( a long break, which includes moving into my house – woo hoo!)

….and I visited my grandparents, weighed myself and finally got my arse in gear to finish the review. Knowing my weight (and wishing I didn’t) I once again picked up the Ozeri 4 x 3 motion Digital Pocket 3D Pedometer and turned it on. The screen showed “weight in pounds” once again not a scooby, I had weighted myself in stones, so this time it was my friend Mr Google who helped me out. The it wanted my stride in inches, at the point I may have grrr’d at the machine, I had figured it in cms. Back to Google.

At this point I was becoming more and more unimpressed with the whole process. Originally I had decided to review the pedometer as I was hoping with the move to the new house it would encourage me to get out and about, to ensure I didn’t spent every night watching tv while shoveling sour skittles down my gullet (ok, that may be what has happened tonight, but tonight it the first night so give me a break!) However, at the point I was seriously regretting the whole process.

But I had promised a review, so I continues, all the time thinking I would be writing my first negative review.

I am pleased to announce I was wrong. Once you know those two figures the set up is remarkably easy and done in a matter of moments. The screen is clear to read and the as well as being cute, the whole thing is extremely light and slim line and so it dropped into my pocket and was forgotten about.

Overall, I was very impressed. The Ozeri 4 x 3 motion Digital Pocket 3D Pedometer does everything it claims to do on the box. It is usually available at £39.99, which I feel is a little step but that could be because I am anti any price at the moment. But with a current price of £15.95 on Amazon I think it is worth the money.

*Disclaimer. I was sent this item for free for the purpose of this review. However, all thoughts, opinions and steps walked are my own! Please note all prices and offer prices are correct at this the time of writing (28.7.14 21:14GMT) however I cannot guarantee this information will remain correct if you are coming to this at a later time!

July 29, 2014July 28, 2014 by 25castleson25clouds Categories: ReviewTags: excercise, pedometer 2 Comments

Save the blow dry – update

Today is going to be short and sweet I am afraid as I am running around like a headless chicken trying to sort house and final Christmas stuff – friendly advice do not look at buying a house this close to Christmas. I have letters which give me x amount of days to do stuff and right in the middle of this time frame is a massive bank holiday!! Not that I mind as I will be relaxing over Christmas with my friends and family and personally I think that more shops should give their staff more time off over Christmas – but that’s a different post for another day!

Anyway, you may have seen my review on the SAVE THE BLOW DRY shower cap if not you can see it here. If not go and check it out – there are some really bad photos and a brilliant product. My only concern with the product was that it seemed to struggle to dry out after use and so I was worried about how long it would last. I sent my review to the company, just to be nice and perhaps persuade them to send me more free stuff – I’m buying a house and am now officially broke!! – and they responded:

“Great! Thank you for sending over and the pics are great!

Re. condensation – just make sure you leave the towelling side in the air after use (ie: either sit it upside down to dry, or turn inside out) and if you give the towel side a quick blast with a hairdryer every now and then (not for so long that it melts the plastic outer!), that should do the trick.”

I liked the company and product anyway but the fact that they have taken the time to respond and address the issues, despite me not asking shows a great level of customer service.

December 20, 2013February 5, 2014 by 25castleson25clouds Categories: ReviewTags: #Savetheblowdry, Review, Shower cap, update Leave a comment

Save the Blow Dry – #Review

So the lovely people at SAVE THE BLOW DRY have said they will let me review their new shower cap. When I received the email confirming that I could review the shower cap I did let out a little squeak of delight (yes I do that sometimes) sat at my desk in the office!

I have thick hair.

I know a lot of people will tell you they have thick hair but I will argue with you that my hair is thicker. It’s weird the things I am competitive over!! It takes me an hour to wash, blow dry and straighten my hair for a night out (hence I don’t do it very often!) My hairdresser has commented that if she went to town with the thinning scissors on other peoples hair even half as much as she goes to town with mine they would have no hair left. To highlight my hair (full head) takes just under 2 hours – it’s a good job that I enjoy reading mindless celebrity gossip! Have I convinced you yet??

Throughout my teenage and adult years I have wasted a small fortune on products that never live up to their promises: curling products, hair is straight within the hour despite me using a can of firm hold hairspray. Remember those crocodile clip things that were all the raise? the ones where you twisted your hair and ta-da a sophisticated up do – not on me; if it held for 2 minutes it was a success and usually because I had spent those two minutes standing statue still not moving a muscle!

So when I read about a product that promised to “cover the longest, thickest styles” I knew that in hair volume alone I was the person to test this shower cap.

The SAVE THE BLOW DRY shower cap promises a super-savvy cap that combines “gorgeous waterproof design with an internal layer of super-absorbent micro-weave towelling”. This towelling is supposed to zap humidity and condensation, bathroom proofing hair and leaving it dry and bouncy…. I have to admit I was sceptical about this product doing everything it claims and so when I started this review I was seriously expecting the shower cap to fail.

I am delighted to say could not have been more wrong. I love the SAVE THE BLOW DRY shower cap.

When I first tried the cap in the shower I spent the first few minutes standing stock still. I hardly dared to put my head near the cascade of water as I expecting the shower cap would be a complete failure and I was worried about how to write a bad review – little miss glass half empty! But I had a word with myself; this product makes some great promises and I owe it to you and the company to really put the shower cap to the test – please skirt over the moment that I have just admitted to thinking about you all in the shower!

Before photos:

And the other side – don’t judge my hair!

A full effect (yes I am stood near a window)

The SAVE THE BLOW DRY shower cap advises tying up and securing long or thicker hair, pfft this is a review and so I decided to leave mine loose (maximum challenge) and I am pleased to say that despite me bending over, splashing around and almost trying to get my hair wet (sorry about that mental image!). My hair stayed dry.

Once brushed out it was as good as when I originally styled my hair and this cap is significantly more successful than every other shower cap I have ever used!

I have been using the SAVE THE BLOW DRY shower cap for a number of weeks now and my only complaint would be that around the elastic band struggles to dry out post shower and I can see little spots of condensation between the towel and plastic parts of the cap. However this does not stop the shower cap from keeping my hair in top condition, it merely makes me wonder how the cap will last long term, with daily use?!

I love that Save the blow dry are partnered with Khandel light, a charity that works to greatly improve the lives of communities in and around Khandel, Rajasthan, India. Every Save the Blow Dry sold through their website, directly funds a fortnight’s safe drinking water for a family in this desert region, making a basic, but vital difference to people living with constant drought, where temperatures soar to 45 degrees.

Priced at £14.95, SAVE THE BLOW DRY if I was out shopping I would probably over look this shower cap and assume it was another product that would make promises it couldn’t keep however I do really like this product and would definitely consider buying this as a gift and I will be replacing mine when needed (Sometime in the future I hope).

SAVE THE BLOW DRY is available at selective retails and salon partners and full product information can be found on their website.

*Please note: I was given a free SAVE THE BLOW DRY shower cap for the purpose of this review, but all opinions, thoughts and dodgy photos are my own.

December 17, 2013February 5, 2014 by 25castleson25clouds Categories: ReviewTags: #Savetheblowdry, for her, Gift suggestion, Review, SAVE THE BLOW DRY, Shower cap 2 Comments