1/13/2025

Ohuhu Mixed-Media Spiral-Bound Art Sketchbook (120lb/200gsm, 210x226cm)

I had my hesitations about a 200gsm paper being good for mixed-media. However, after using it, I can confirm that it is. 
 
I tested the paper first without gessoing the page to see what the paper would stand. It was great for almost everything, except for the fact that scratches for textural purposes show on the back and there is a limit of liquid that you can use before the sheet warps.
 
This paper didn't react well to my lifting masking liquid with a normal eraser (which would not lift anything), with my fingers (lifted just a bit), or with a hard rubber (which lifted the masking tape and the paper as well). I think it's a combination of both the masking tape being too thin and the paper not resisting much friction. 

On the other hand, none of the materials I used bled (acrylic markers, inks and different paint viscosities; water soluble pencils, among others).

My second test was done after applying a coat of liquid gesso to the page I worked on. I was able to do a bit of more stuff on it but, again, the paper wraps if you use a lot of liquid or flow paint. It still did not bleed and stood some of my rubbing a bit better. A thick gesso coat would improve workability but it would also add weight, and that would be counter-intuitive. 

The pad comes with a silicone protector to place between the sheets, something that is extremely handy and prevents transferring of any bleed onto the page underneath. On the other hand, I'd have loved this silicone sheet to be 1 cm longer on each side so that it protrudes a bit and protects the edges of the pages underneath, which were totally stained. For the rest, this silicone sheet is really good and it can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth under running water.
 
The pad sheets are micro-perforated, just in case you want to use any to create specific pieces of artwork, not just as a sketchbook.  Unless I was drawing or using dry materials, I would not want to cut the pages out for anything.

The back cover is thick and sturdy, and this is a great support to the bulky pad. However, the front cover it's too thin to my liking and not strong enough to keep the pad well protected or hold it properly. Yet, this pad is really good priced for what you get.  

1/06/2025

Asnabyya Half-Face Reusable Respirator Mask & glasses

I got this to use with spray paint or when I use a art sealing sprays as they smell awful, are very toxic and, even if you go outdoors to spray, the wind can bring the spray back to my nose. This is a complete respirator affordable set that contain a pair of large acrylic glasses, a respirator adjustable mask, and several replacement filter pads for the breathers.

I have a small face and prescription glasses so this set is not the best for me. Firstly, as my face is small, wearing the acrylic glasses and the mask at the same time has proved impossible, because there is not enough room on my face for both to coexist. Besides, as I wear prescription glasses that I need to wear to see, even if I don't put the acrylic protective glasses on, they sit on my face awkwardly because the nose part of the respirator doesn't allow them to rest on them properly. So, this is a respirator set perfect for men or for big humans in general. For the rest, I haven't been able to properly click in the plastic pods over the filters pads, no matter how hard I tried. Assembling the other parts was simple and straightforward.

I've used this respirator several times already and I can see/notice the difference, as I cannot smell anything even when I can clearly see the 'fumes' close to me.

In short, this is great respirator if you have a big face or a re a man or don't wear prescription glasses.

Sally Hansen Advanced Hard As Nails Natural

This is a nail strengthener designed to treat flaky and pealing nails. It can be used on its own, but applying 2-3 coats on your nails, which is what the brand recommends. However, I mostly use it base coat for my manicures and on its own on my toe nails. It has a beautiful shine to it, with a slight tint, if that can be said. When I applied on its own it my nails are harder to touch than when I use a normal base. Not sure if this will result on my nails being actually stronger, but they are better covered and protected and they don't flake as much.  

Evanda 2-pc Gold Serving Cake Set

I decided to buy this set after reading many great reviews on Amazon. This is a gorgeous cake serving set with spatula and knife. It's made of stainless steel but coated in a luscious vintage-like gold engraved with a swirly beautiful pattern.
 
Both pieces are very long, which comes handy for large cakes. I expected the spatula to have a large surface and the knife to be wider, honestly. I found the knife not good to cut fluffy sponge cakes, and it destroyed the serving experience and the cake top bent downwards. Not sure if it would be the same with a more solid cake. The spatula is good overall. 
 
Both pieces are sturdy. I tried to bend the handle by forcing the handles a bit, but they didn't bend. They're dishwasher safe, but I washed them by hand, just in case, and they were as new afterwards. 

Price is great for such a beautiful good quality set. 

Maxwell & Williams White Basics Diamonds 3-Tier Cake Stand (Gift Boxed)

I wanted a simple but elegant stand for a gathering at home without having to spend a lot. This seemed perfect, as it looked great on the photo, is from a brand I usually trust, and was heavily discounted.
 
After delivery, I have mixed feelings about this stand. On the one hand, the porcelain is good quality and the relief diamond pattern is elegant and classy. Once mounted, the stand looks fabulous.
 
My main issue with the stand is the mounting system. Actually, the mounting system is OK; it's the screwing system. Despite the assembly instructions being quite good, it took me several attempts to get the stand to stand firmly on the table. By the way, I recommend starting from the bottom dish up and not the other way around.
 
Secondly, the white plastic protective washers aren't the best quality and can be easily damaged. Besides, the box doesn't come with any spare part. This being the case, if you lose any of the washers or they get broken, the stand cannot be used anymore because, if we apply the metal washers directly onto the porcelain, they scratch it and stain it. What's more, the plates would not stand firm and straight at all.
 
Thirdly, the metallic bar handle isn't stainless steel. Why not?!!! The packing box doesn't say which material they're made off, something that really annoys me. Also, this metal leaves some sort of "soot" (to call it something) on contact with the porcelain if not using the washers and when unscrewing the metallic parts.  

Only hand wash, and you must dismount the stand first and be careful that you don't lose any washer.
 
In short, the finesse of the porcelain is wasted by the poor quality of the metallic parts and screwing system.  I only paid $18. However, the product is back to its usual $28 and I think that I wouldn't want to pay that for this stand. 

L'Oréal Excellence (Brown 5.0)

I've never used L'Oréal  Excellence to tint my hair mostly because it's more expensive than my usual brands. Having used another brands of DIY hair colour, I can easily compare what this package has in it, the tinting experience, and the results.
 
THE PACKAGE
The package contains a cream colour tub, a bottle of developer, hyaluronic acid shampoo and conditioning mask,  a pair of average of plastic gloves (which I hate) and a very useful instructions leaflet (great presentation and organisation of the information and illustrations, font size, etc.). Unlike other DIY hair colour packages I've used, this also includes a tube of shampoo and a comb applicator, which can be attached to the developer bottle to apply the colour directly on the hair.
 
THE TINTING EXPERIENCE
I used the comb applicator and I didn't find it useful  for me, but I'll keep it as a mark-making tool for my art practice. I think it might be good if you have a Pixie haircut or just straight hair.
 
I emptied the bottle into a professional tinting bowl and used a professional tinting brush to get the best results.

Due to this colour shade being a bit lighter than my previous colour, I left the colour on the roots nearly an hour and about 20 minutes on the rest of the hair. I did NOT get any itchy or burning sensation during the long application.  
 
The colour combo is creamy so it does not drip and spreads beautifully. Despite my long thick hair, I had enough product to cover all of it and even have some leftovers. That’s great because there is nothing worse that being short of colour when tinting at home.
 
I removed the excess colour once the time was up and it washed easily. To be honest,  I initially thought that the shampoo tube was too small for my long thick hair. But, surprise!, the quantity was perfect; it's a fabulous creamy shampoo that leathers beautifully. The conditioner is also fab, with just a bit of product being necessary to detangle and soften my hair. I had more than half bottle left for another week at least.  The results were a shiny healthy-looking hair. 
 
THE RESULTS
Did the product cover my greys in full? Yes and it also lightened up a bit my hair. The colour looks beautiful and is true to the box photo.
 
Do I prefer this colour or the other ones I've used in the past? I'd say the results are very good with all the brands I've used before, but L'Oréal Excellence left my hair way less dry and more hydrated than the others. Also, I thought the colouring mix was also creamier, more nourishing, spread better and was not irritant at all.  

Would I buy this again? Totally. I'll be looking up for discounts and flash sales to get the best possible price. Yet, I understand why this is always more expensive than other brands I use.
 
MIND
This product has both ammonia and hydrogen peroxide.

1/04/2025

Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover Satin Spray, Granite, 340 g

I used this can to (kinda) restore one of those old garden metal tables that had the paint coat peeled after being outdoors for too long. I removed the coat of paint left, which was already flaky, and then hand-sanded the surface. After which I applied two coats of this spray paint. It looks pretty good, although I need a third coat for the inner lattice creases to be properly covered. Sure, the results would have been better if I had used proper outdoor paint or an epoxy paint, or if the table surface was completely smooth and not grainy as it was. But, honestly, this spray is just brilliant to have things done quickly and effectively even if you, like me, aren't patient with DIY. Most importantly, my garden table looks great again.
 
The paint dried quickly outdoors, but I used it in two sunny warm days. Application is super-easy due to the nozzle having a good steady spray flow without having to press too strongly. I still have plenty of paint left in the can after the two first coats, which is great. The paint colour is true to the can's cap colour.
 
I like the satin finish but I think I prefer matte finish for outdoor furniture and garden stuff.
 
Overall, I had a great experience with this brand and spray paint, and I'll definitely buy this product again.

Important -- Shake the can vigorously before use. Also, you should use a respirator mask because, otherwise, you'll be inhaling the paint toxic fumes.