12/28/2024

SuckUK Tin Food Truck Lunch Box

I love tin boxes for everything: for tea, pulses, sewing,  crafts, office supplies, stationery, makeup or for any storage purpose. I find them more sustainable and durable than plastic, and way prettier. I didn't buy this box for my lunches at all, but to store some small items. SuckUp has the coolest looking boxes out there.
 
I've had this fancy tin lunch box in my Amazon wish-list for over 3 years because, although I love the design, the price has been ridiculously high (max of $60 and minimum of $40). Yet, patience paid off, and the box was finally sold during a flash sale at a fair $23, which is the lowest price I've ever seen it. "Seasons came and changed the time". The huntress was ready. "Bang Bang, I shot you down." After the flash sale the box went up to $48. "Bang Bang, you hit the ground." I thought I deserved a tiara or something.
 
The box is good-quality tin and the design is gorgeous, with all the details of the food truck printed; even the bottom is printed. The box is really spacious, more than the product page photos make you think. Would your lunch fit in? I think if you don't put the drink inside, yes. Perhaps a sandwich or two with some small chocolate bars an one or two small pieces of fruit. Yet, you can use the box for myriad other storage purposes.
 
The door opens like a food truck's does, upwards. But, right there, there is an issue. The latch and locking system are badly designed or just defective because, when the tin is unlocked, the cover protrudes up and does not rest down properly at all (see my photos). Even when it's locked, the door does not rest down completely. To close the door, you have to push the latch down and, at the same time, push the door cover inwards. This is not that practical, quite annoying and it does not always work. At this stage, ain't sure whether this is a design fault or just part of a faulty batch. "Bang Bang, that awful sound."

The handle is less sturdy than other tin's handles I own and it does not stand erect or can be tucked away inside the upper latches.  

Furthermore, I was expecting the product to come in a fancy package to match the fancy price and branding. However, it arrived inside a generic brown box. A repurposed return? "Bang Bang, I hit the ground." 
Now the big questions. 
> Did the box disappoint me upon arrival? Yes, for the reasons mentioned above. "And 'till this day sometimes I cry."
> Did I think it was worth the waiting time? Perhaps not. Bang Bang.
> Do I think that the high usual price is justified? Totally NOT. Bang Bang. The price I paid for it is fair and what I think the product should be sold for.
>  Do I recommend the purchase? Yes, if the locking system worked and the price was less than $25. If you fancy it, check it out in a offline shop so that you can verify that the latch is working properly 
 
"Now he's gone. I don't know why." He has been returned, that's why
 
(NB/ My Amazon review is obviously less Bang-Bangy for obvious reasons).

12/26/2024

Stabilo Woody 18 Assorted Colours with Sharpener and Paint Brush

I've been dying to get my hands on one these sets for years. They're quite expensive, but I got this half price on Prime Day. The set contains 18 beautiful bright colours, an XL sharpener (which is great to have as these pencils aren't standard size by any means) and a good quality brush.
 
Stabilo Woody pencils used to be cheap, as they were a product created for children. This was until artists noticed their quality and versatility; then, prices rose to match artists' pockets. They are non-toxic and can be used on paper, cardboard and glass.
 
The pencils are chunky, have velvety great-quality pigments and are water soluble. They are a hybrid between watercolour pencils, crayons and oil pastels.  This set has a great selection of vibrant colours, two metallics, and three neutrals, which is more than I need. They work wonderfully as watercolours, and they dissolve and spread uniformly. Besides, the colours keep their vibrancy once dry.
 
As per my photo, all the pencils in my set have their lead point deformed. The points look like a volcanic outburst. It's a bit annoying as I wanted the point to be pointy obviously. The set seems to be part of a faulty batch, and this might explain the price reduction. For a second, I thought that the set might be forfeited, but after using the pencils I'm sure they're genuine due to their pigment quality and workability.
 
It was not crystal clear to me from the packaging whether these pencils are lightfast or not. After some online browsing, I've found that some of the colours are and others aren't. The lightfastness rating is shown as a number of stars on the pencil barrel after the colour number. This being the case, I'm inclined to use them in sketches and art journaling not as much on anything that I might consider precious. If you work on mixed media, you'll need to seal the colours with matte/gloss medium so that they don't smudge when applying a layer of any other material on top of them. UV varnishes also improve the life of any paint.
 
The pencils original box is great for shipping as the wallet holds the pencils tight. After an intercontinental trip, they arrived in perfect conditions, not damaged or scratched as I feared. At the same time, the wallet is bulky, not really storage-friendly, so I've binned it and put the set in a small fabric pouch. 

Anhow A4 Artwork Display Frame (White) (8.3x11.8in)

This is such a cool idea. Initially designed to hang up children's drawings, I bought it to store and display some of my small artwork at home. It has a storage back, behind elastic bands where you can store several A4 items. It comes with 4 different types of passpartout, which are ideals to display paintings with narrower or wider margins; besides, they make great viewfinders. The magnetic 'buttons' clip  on/off easily and keep everything secure. I can display the frame horizontally or vertically, or hang it from the wall, all of which makes the frame very versatile. The cover is real semi-glossy glass, which makes everything looks great and it isn't too glare-ish.
 
Having said that, I want to pinpoint a few let-downs. The first one is the fact that the hinges are really visible and chunky, so this rests finesse to the display, and makes  the frame unfit for main areas. Yet, it's alright my studio or in a child's room  The second let-down is that getting the items behind the elastic bands is something tricky, because they tightly fit the storage space but, due to the elastic bands acting as resistance, getting the paper out without damaging the edges can be tricky. Needless to say, this might not be relevant if you store not valuable stuff.  Finally, the coating is not good quality paint and not thick enough, so I can already see that the edges show some tiny imperfections.   

I bought this heavily discounted but I think that the average price is a bit too high for some of the flaws mentioned.  Ikea's frames are way cheaper and better quality; yet, they aren't the same versatile design.

Sevensun 6-piece Small Wooden Teaspoon

This set of spoons looks as fabulous in real life as in the photo. They are great for my large containers of loose tea, sugar, coffee and chocolate. They are a bit bigger than expected for a spoon that is described as small and mini in the product info page. As you can see in my photo, they are as long as an average teaspoon. They are deeper than the metallic spoon on the photo, so the quantity you get is almost the same or a tiny bit less. In that regard, I was disappointed as I expected this to be a mini spoon not an almost average teaspoon. Now, this is not a spoon that I would use and wash every day due to the use I give them, but I've washed them by hand and it I didn't notice any decolourisation or scratching. In short, a lovely set of wooden average teaspoons that can be used for different purposes, but not mini by any means. 

20-pice LR44 1.5V Button Batteries

These batteries are perfect for the many small led tea-lights and battery-operated Xmas figurines and decor elements that I own. Price is unbeatable if compared with most brands producing this type of batteries. This two-package is just perfect for my Christmas needs and the batteries work perfectly.

Maped Essentials 17cm Scissor

I got this to have in my office drawers. These are terrific cheap all-purpose scissors. For the price you don't get the best quality of materials, but the blades are still made of stainless. This pair is not for professional purposes but great for most office and school purposes. I find the handle size perfect for my small hands and the overall length good for most purposes. They are very light due to the handle being made of cheap plastic. They have a 2-year guarantee, which is impressive for a $4 pair.  
 
I don't get the brand bragging about this pair being made of 60% recycled materials. Really, if you have to brag about anything, brag about having your products made of 100% recycled. That would impress me. 
 

Expesumas 6-piece 30-ml Needle Bottle

I've had two types of needled bottles before getting this set, the original expensive brand and a generic brand. However, this Expesumas set is my favourite by far. These little bottles are fit for both glue and paint, but I only use them with fluid/flow acrylic paint, for which they are great.
 
The bottles are good quality plastic with three indications of ml levels. Each bottle comes with a luer-lock cap (connector cap) where to insert the needle tips, a cap for this lock, plus the 4 different needle tips sizes (3 items for each size).  
 
I use the connector cap as a controlling dispenser to use small quantities of fluid acrylic paint; this allows me to do this without leakage and without blocking the pout. This saves me product as many of the flow acrylics I own squirt out of the tub on their own, wasting product and even staining my hands and clothes. So these bottles are awesome to store those paints, dispense them properly and prevent spillage. Filling them with paint is also great because the only thing you have to do is unscrew the lock cap and them screw it back.
 
One of the main issues with other needle bottles I've used in the past is that the acrylic paint/ink tends to dry inside the needle, clog it, and eventually ruin the whole cap system, which ends either in wasting the bottle or having to pay for new caps. However, these needle bottles' locking system is great. These needles are easy to "plug"/"unplug" and easy to clean, so you only plug them when needed.

Good value for money, as well. I've already bought two sets.

T-Tersely hydrogel Screen Protector (6.7in. 2-pack)

This screen protector is designed for Oppo Find X5, which isn't my phone, but the size 6.7in matched my Oppo A98's so I purchased it as it was good priced.  

The package contains two items. I always worry when I get two for one because 1/ it might indicate that the product is bad quality and will break/deteriorate soon or 2/ the item is difficult to position and you might need to try the first one to perfectly use the second one. The latter was my case. The package also comes with a dust cleaner and a positioner.
 
There is a video on how to properly position the protector on the product description page. I should have watched the video, but I didn't. As a result, I got bubbles galore, some of them impossible to remove. Then, I had to use the spare protector.  Sometimes less is more --  I want one screen protector that's easy to adhere and doesn't create bubbles without having to watch any video. 
 
The protector is responsive to touch, but the second item also lasted little time as its edges were bumping against my phone's rubber case, and it ended coming off on its own when taking it out of my handbag.  Perhaps the protector would have had no issues if used with Oppo Find X5, but anyway, it did not work for me.

Maxwell & Williams Teas & C's Dahlia Daze Sky-Blue Platter (33x15cm)

This is part of the Dahlia Daze tea set sky-blue line, which is sold by the piece. This can be used as a try to hold the matching milk jug and the sugar bowl or as a serving plater for small petit-fours, or cheese & crackers, or small cookies and chocolates, or just for a cup of tea and a piece of cake. In that regard, it's very versatile. I'm visually driven, so I tend to put my food on dinnerware where the colours of the food stand out over the plate where they're place, that is, where both the food and the plate style create a visually appealing combination. And this is, to me, the major flaw of the tray. The gorgeous design visually overwhelms anything you put on it. Besides, unlike most of the brand's china, this line and tray are not dishwasher or microwave safe.

12/23/2024

Generic Artist Viewfinder

This is a generic viewfinder or view-catcher made of great quality plastic, as good as the original but at a fraction of the price. Viewfinders are great for open-air painting to frame the image you want to paint, or to select the best composition by framing the view and moving  the finder around till the composition is of of your liking. The holes allow to isolate colours on the paper and on the view being captured. The viewfinder can also be used on small to medium sketches to single out areas to find the best composition. One of those tools that every artist needs.

12/21/2024

Myer.com.au (online retailer)

 
I buy often from Myer online, especially during big sales as the prices are really good. I regularly check my wish-list to check the pricing of items I fancy or need to know when a product is heavily discounted or not. Overall, I have a great experience with the online retailer. They tend to dispatch quickly, and they incentivise reviews by entering you into a draw for a cash prize.  I like the website organisation and quality of information and photos. I use the wish list all the time, but ain't a fan of not being able to create more for different categories or products.
 
In the past, I've bought items from them before Christmas within the Christmas cutout date and they've always fulfilled them quickly and arrived in time. I did the same this year. I bought two items on the same order on 11 December (it seems that something happened on the day because of the pile of negative reviews related to that date). I received one item within 4 days. The other one, from one of the labels they partner with and have shops within Myer's shops, was intended for a friend's birthday present before Christmas but, after ten natural days the product has not even reached AuPost. So they cannot blame them for the delay.  Worst thing is that Myer does not take responsibility because it is only 7 business days. "Only"... just for a inner-state dispatch.

I called CS. The first CS lady I talked to was not really helpful, not able to listen or do anything; she says "I really get it but we cannot refund you because the parcel is on its way". No, it is not on its way, it has not started its way yet after 16 natural days. She hung up on me as soon as I said I wanted to lodge a complaint. I called again. this time to complaints, and the second guy was lovely and genuinely checked things. As the parcel comes from a supplier, and it is within the business day time bracket, they cannot refund it yet, but it it was before the Christmas period cutout period set by Myer. So the guy said that he messaged the supplier requesting cancellation, but it's up to the supplier, who can take up to 3 business days to reply, meaning after Christmas.

I buy online because I work FT and it is a hassle for me to go anywhere on public transport. If they had provided some sort of refund or credit or actually informed me that there was a delay in posting the parcel at the due time, I would have bought a gift for my friend already.

I won't buy from Myer suppliers before Christmas ever again, because Myer washes their hands if any problem occurs, but they are the ones I'm buying from, not the supplier. There are delays because it's pre-Christmas. Well, lovelies, organise yourself better and put the Christmas cutout date earlier, you know. Have better logistics and better CSOs who don't hang up on customers who are talking respectfully to them just because they mention the word complaint.
 
PS/ It's 27 Dec and my parcel has not been sent yet and no reply from the supplier.
 
PS/ It's 2 Jan and the parcel has not been dispatched or I have not received notification of any sort. I raised an incident with Paypal, but Myer has not replied whatsoever, so I'll be putting a complaint with Consumer Affairs. 

12/07/2024

Maxwell & Williams Teas & C's (Silk Road Aqua) Side Plate 19.5cm

Designed by New-Zealander ceramist Gabby Malpas, this is a gorgeous side plate that I find perfect for breakfast or cake. The design is a mix of modern romantic dinnerware with a hint of those nonna's plates that we all love. I prefer the white background version, but this blue one is still very pretty.  Great quality porcelain, that I usually wash by hand; however, it is dishwasher safe. It is also microwave safe, but I haven't used it in the latter.  This is part of a tea set with an equally stunning teacup and saucer, but I bought this separately at reduced price. Perfect of gifting as it comes in a pretty and sturdy box. Good value for money, at least when I bought it. 

Stamperia "Forest" Double-sided 10-page Paper Pad (30.5x30.5cm,12x12in)

Stamperia paper pads and collections are always a favourite among world-wide crafters and collagers due to their beautiful design elements, the fantastic paper, and the excellent printing quality. This Forest collection (designed by Cristina Radovan) is utterly gorgeous. It has a fairy-tale or fable flair  with gorgeous colours.The many elements included are perfect for so many different kinds of craft or collage projects, for art spreads or just to make your own greeting cards. Therefore, the pad is really versatile. 
 
The sentiments in this pad are multi-lingual, something I love, but that might disappoint people if you are just speak English.
 
The advantage of the double-sided pads, besides being cheaper, is that you have more elements to use, as each side of the sheet has different printing elements. The downside is that you might love both sides but will have to sacrifice one or the other when you use one.
 
 I bought this pad very discounted during Prime Day week, but all Stamperia pads are always pricey. 
 

Stamperia 'Klimt" Double-Sided Paper Pad (8X8in)

Stamperia International paper pads, this included, are gorgeous. The imagery, the paper thickness and the printing quality are always paramount. The Klimt collection (designed by Sara Alcobendas) is beautiful and really evokes Klimt's work and spirit. 
 
This pad contains abstracts patterns, figures, and written decorative sentiments all of which are versatile pieces  that can be easily incorporated into many different craft and collage projects; they're also perfect for art journal spreads. Each sheet has different printing elements on each side.
 
This is the second item I buy from this collection and I've noticed that the printing tonality is different from the previous pad I bought. This one is way darker and more brownish, not the golden vibe that the other had, which is what is shown in the product page. For a second I thought it might not be legit, but the quality of the paper and detailed printing is Stamperia's.  
 
The advantage of the double-sided pads (beyond being cheaper than then single sided) is that you have more elements to use. The downside is that you might love both sides of a sheet but when you use one of htem you lose something at the back or front that you might love. 
 
 I bought this pad very discounted during one of the Prime Day promotions, but Stamperia pads are always pricey. 

Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate Shea Butter Hair Mask 340g

This is the first time I use this product. I really like the creaminess of this mask and how well detangles my hair with a small amount of product.

I haven't used as a leave-in conditioner so I cannot comment on that.  I've used it both as a conditioning mask (shampoo, rinse, applied mask,  left on for 3 minutes, detangled, washed out) and as a deep treatment mask (dried my hair after rinsing shampoo, applied a thick layer, left it on for 10 minutes and then washed out) and the results have been great on my hair, which looked nourished and shiny afterwards. I was fearing that I might need to use a lot of product as I have long wavy hair, but it was not the case.  I like the  creamy neutral scent, which I think is perfect for any gender.

If I compare this mask with my preferred usual hair mask from another brand, this matches the results I get from the latter. Although I bought this Maui's heavily discounted during a flash sale, I don't think I would want to pay its standard price when my other mask does the same job at a cheaper price. Having said that, I will definitely buy it again if I get it discounted.

12/02/2024

Ustiya Clear TPU Four Corners Protective Case for Oppo A38 & A18

Nothing fancy about this case, just a silicone clear 'glove' that fits perfectly my Oppo A18. I love this clear case as it not only economic but it really protects the phone without masking its original features. The protruding corners are really great and improve handling and secure grip, preventing the phone from slipping off. So far, so good. 

Red Rock Deli Sea Salt Potato Chips Share Pack 165g

I've bought almost every variety of Red Rod Deli chips, seasonal, famous chef, usual varieties and anything they product. I love the brand and everything they do, but this plain variety is the one I always return to because it's the one with less preservatives, less additives and the 'healthy' variety if you want. They taste of what they're supposed to taste, have the right amount of crunch and of salt, and they are plain delicious. Just potatoes, salt, oil and some preservatives (which seem to be unavoidable these days).This pack is great for two people to munch on, to fill in a bowl if you have visitors or just for yourself to snack two or three times. I bought this heavily discounted and that made my day.