8/27/2025

EKET Connection fittings

These fittings are specifically designed to connect different EKET cabinets/cubes if you want to have them placed on the floor, not on the wall (there are specific fittings for that purpose). They come with the corresponding connecting screws and insertable clips. 
 
By looking at the instructions leaflet, they seem to be super easy to instal. However, as other EKET components, they are well designed but poorly manufactured. What meant to be an easy task, it turned out to be a hassle.
 
The fittings are made of galvanised steel, and therefore, good quality. However, the accompanying screw system (plastic clips that nail into a plastic screw holder) is  not something I want to use when mounting furniture that might hold a lot of weight. These clips are similar to other Ikea products clips. However, the heads don't clip in at all, or it takes effort for them to do. Some of the clips worked first time. Others, didn't work at all so I had to use a soft hammer knock to get them down, while others, they split open and were ruined.
 
The result is as intended, you put two or more cubes together. For sure, they're more connected and safer than if they'd be if you didn't use them. Yet, they don't hold the cubes strongly due to only two clips being used on each side and the clipping system being plastic. 
 
DESIGNER: Ikea of Sweden.

ASSEMBLY LEAFLET 

Materials: The fittings are made of galvanized steel and the screws/clips of plastic. 

Mind: Check regularly that fastenings are properly tightened and re-tighten when necessary.


 

EKET Open Cabinet (White, 35x35x35 cm)

I had already bought several cubes from the EKET system in the past, but the ones with the door, when I purchased this one. They are very spacious and good looking and I store tons of stuff in them. I have used them on top of a deck, on top of other containers, or, as intended, connected to other EKET cubes. I have never hung them from the wall, so I cannot comment on that. 
 
I had had a good experience with the EKET door cubes, so I couldn't understand the many reviews claiming that they're difficult to assemble until got this open cube and then I understood. 
 
The instructions are easy to follow. So the problem is not that, is that some of the pieces are faulty from factory. In my case, three of the doors were assembled without trouble. I just inserted the pegs on some of the panel edges into the peg holes on the other panel edges, pressed them down (sometimes with the help of a soft hammer knock) until they click in. Once I had assembled three of the sides, I inserted the thinner back panel and I was ready to finish the cube. That was the problem. due to the peg holes on one of the panels being faulty or too wide, the final pegs wouldn't go in at all. I used a hammer, and nothing changed. The issue is that the last panel was a few millimetres shorter than intended and wouldn't reach  the other panel at all. I followed some of the tricks that the reviewers mentioned on the Ikea product page, but to no avail. I had to request a refund, because I fear that there are many of these cubes with the same issue and would not bother with the replacement. 
 
Designer: Jon Karlsson

Materials: Back panel, Fibreboard, Paper foil. Panel, Particleboard, Honeycomb structure paper filling (100% recycled), Fibreboard, Paper foil, Plastic edging.

Measurements: 35cm W x 35cm H.  

Max. load/shelf: 7 kg

Care: Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

 

EKET Wood Legs (4pc)

These legs are good looking and really enhance the Eket cabinetry system and I definitely prefer them to the metallic version. They are good quality solid birch wood and have a screwable hole inside where to insert the height regulators, which are hard plastic kind-screws that can be screwed more or less to adjust the height of each leg. Once installed, they look great and are very good. 
 
A few downsides. The wood is attached to a supporting triangle, which is what you attach to the base of an Eket Cube. The way the legs are attached to the triangle is defective, as the leg isn't in the centre, but a bit askew towards one of the angles, leaving little space to manoeuvre your hands or the screwdriver to put in the screws. This is the result of faulty design, not a faulty piece, as all legs are attached to the metallic triangle in the same way. You would need a T-shaped long handle driver to insert the screws straight in.
 
The final problem is that the leg piece has to be screwed to one of he Eket cube panels, all of which don't have pre-drilled holes for the legs screws, so you would need a proper driller, strong hands or your man to drill them.  
 
The set comes with a complimentary ingenious measurement plastic piece  so that the position of each leg can be measured without the need of a tape. The holes on it server to mark the position of the screw with a pencil.  
 
As mentioned above, the legs' height can be easily adjusted thanks to the inserted screwable pieces. You can adjust the overall height or just one of the legs if you place the piece of furniture on an uneven surface, or all of them to the same height. You need to adjust the height before filling in the cubes, needless to say.
 
DESIGNER Unknown. 
Materials: Solid birch, Clear acrylic lacquer.
Measurements:  10cm H 
Cleaning: Wipe clean with a damp or dry cloth. 
Safety: Check regularly that the fastenings are properly tightened.

8/26/2025

FEJKA Artificial Potted Herbs (3pc, 5 cm)

This set of tiny plants is super cute and goes well anywhere. I have some of these placed on my living room book shelf, on several surfaces at home, and in my home office. They make great green accents and give me a sense of being surrounded by nature. 

I sometimes use them as they are, in their white pot,and others I place them in medium-sized candle holders, which look like tiny planters,  and they look expensive. 

For the price, you cannot expect high quality artificial plants, but they look great and are durable.  

They can be used indoors or outdoors. 

DESIGNER:  Unknown.
Materials Plant: Polyethylene plastic (min. 50% recycled) Inner plant pot: Polypropylene plastic (min. 40% recycled), Polypropylene plastic (min. 70% recycled) 
Measurements: 5cm diam x 11cm H.

SKÅDIS Wide Hook (White, 2pc)

This Skadis large hook is perfect to use on my Vattenkar desk organiser to hold a paper towel roll. I can also use it to hang several washy tapes rolls on each hook. 

Depending on the separation used between the hooks, you can hang longer rolls (wrapping paper rolls for ex.) if you use this on a wall pegboard.
 
These hooks are made of good quality materials, so it's has some weight to it. 
 
DESIGNER: Eva Lilja Löwenhielm.

Materials: Powder coated galvanised steel. 

Measurements: Depth: 9.5 cm D x 6cm 

 
 

UPPFYLLD Pizza Cutter (off-white)

I was looking forward having a pizza cutter at home, but this one turned to be not what I was looking forward to. The blade is very sharp but isn't dented, so cutting pizzas isn't easy or clean! It can be used to cut dough or other flat foods that don't have a hard base, and it's better for those purposes. The UPPFYLLD kitchen tools line is all about colourful handles, but this one is off-white and as boring as it gets. Super cheap, but, in this case, you get what you pay for. 
 
DESIGNER: K. Gouriou & W. Chong

Materials: Polypropylene plastic the handle and stainless steel the blade. 

Measurements: 18cm L.

Washing: Dishwasher-safe.

Liquitex Professional Freestyle Paddle Brush (1-inch)

This range of Liquitex brushes is level up anything I own. 

This 1-inch paddle brush is perfect for art journaling, sketching and working on small surfaces. I use it mostly on thick watercolour paper and it is perfect for blending, making chunky marks and for spreading paint on large areas. The bristles are slightly stiff but still soft on the paper. Easy and intuitive use, it becomes the extension of my small hands.

Very good quality handle and bristles. They don't deteriorate easily despite me keeping it inside a water bucket for longer than advisable.   

I wish they made this as a long-handle flat brush using the same quality handle and bristles.   

8/23/2025

Kmart Soft Toggle Contour Bath Mat

I never understood the use of these contour toilet mats until I started using them! Having this mat, makes such a difference while walking on my socks or barefoot, as my feet don't feel as cold but also rest on such a fluffy surface. 

This mat washes easily in the washing machine. I've had this for several years and washes without any special care and without losing its shape or the soft toggle deteriorating. Amazing value for money.   
 
USEFUL INFO
  • Measurements: 50cm (H) x 50cm (W)
  • Materials: Polyester and latex (back)
  • Mind: Don't use on vinyl/lino type flooring as staining may occur. 

Generic Dual USB C & USB A 25W Super Fast Charger

I was looking for an affordable easy-to-store USB C Charger. I bought this blindly, out of need, as I have a power bank that doesn’t include the charger in the package. This has turned out to be a great light charger. It has two slots, a 25W USB-C  power delivery port and an 18W USB-A fast charging port.

The charger is compatible with most devices out there, Android and Apple phones, tablets, play consoles and much more.  
 
Very satisfied with the product as it's not only what I needed, but also good quality, light and very economic. 
 
USEFUL INFO (provided by manufacturer)
  • 25W Super Fast Charger 
  • You can charge two devices at the same time
  • Quick Charging 3.0 Block 
  • Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S22/S21/S20/Note 20, iPhone 13/12 /X, iPad, Pixel, Nintendo Switch and More.
  • Short-Circuit and overheating protected.  
  • Switches it self off when the device is fully charged.  
  • One year guarantee  

TEHAUX DingDongTu Spiral-Bound Cold-Pressed 300mg/140lb Watercolor Paper Pad (26.5x26.5cm, 12x12")

This pad, and others from the Chinese brand DingDongTu are distributed by different Amazon sellers and sold with different names. However, the DingDongTu name brand is on the front cover and this how I refer to them. 
 
The cover looks beautiful, and it's made of sturdy hard cardboard. It holds the pad beautifully, even when all the sheets are fully painted and, therefore, thicker. The spiral bound system allows me to  get the sheets out, work on them individually without staining or damaging the rest of the sheets or the covers. The rings are sturdy enough not to self-open, but also easy to open. You have to pull each ring half up and to the sides at the same time to open them. If you pull the ring halves just to the sides, it won't work. 

The 12X12in size is perfect for art jounaling and experimenting without sacrificing space.  
 
The paper is a great -- cold-pressed 300gsm/140lb watercolour paper, which is great for watercolour and for any wet mixed-media. The texture is smooth. 
 
As I use this for mixed-media, I gesso each page before working on it. The quality of the paper is brilliant for the price. I use acrylic paints of different viscosities, acrylic inks, as well as water-soluble crayons and graphite sticks and the paper stands most things I do to it,  including scratching and rubbing. 
 
I'm a regular buyer of this DingDongTu pads, and they are a staple in my art studio.  

Dove Invisible Crystal Anti-perspirant Deodorant Roll-on (50 ml)

This is a super-effective deodorant (it has aluminium in it) that keeps me fresh and stink-free all day long. It hasn't stained any of the clothing I've used so far, so that's fantastic. The shape of the bottle is ergonomic and application is easier than with the traditional container. It contains 50 ml of deodorant, but, at first sight, the bottle looks smaller than the standard one; yet,  it is not. I don't like the scent at all, but it is not strong, so that's OK. Great deodorant if you're on a budget. 
 
The back of the bottle says, "this pack contains 24% less plastic than our previous Dove women roll-on". What about men's? Yet, this is still a pack made of single-use plastic by a multinational that could easily pack this in glass containers instead of using the profits of not doing that to support regimes that do horrific things to other humans. Glass is environmentally safe and easily recyclable. So please, don't BS consumers. The fact that I buy from them is due to my budget not because I think they do care for the environment. They do not. 

8/22/2025

QANZIRE Propolis Facial Glow Serum (30 ml)

This is a Chinese-made brand, despite the Korean lettering on the bottle and being sold as Korean. The packaging photos clearly show that this is made in China, but the design replicates exactly the serums by Beauty of Janseon. However, the lettering on the bottle only mentions the product description. They sell it as Qanzire, but the brand or distributor is Forwerher, which is a Chinese brand that tend to  BS customers with info that isn't true. That is my experience with other products I've bought from them. But also, in my books, they have affordable good quality products, especially the serums, at half the cost of similar cosmetics. This is one of them. 

This a great serum infused with a potent combo of ingredients. The product is made our of 60% propolis (bees-derived product), Salicylic acid, ascorbic acid, Centella Asiatica, oat, niamicine, hyaluronic acid, snail mucin and other plants extracts. All of those ingredients have nourishing, bactericide, anti-inflammatory and healing properties, and are perfect to tackle oil and dark spots on the skin. That being the case, this serum is really great for combination and acne-prone skin, mature or sun-damaged skin, and also for sensitive skins like mine. 

The product is not oily at all. It feels dry on application, but it spreads beautifully. It's absorbed quickly and leaves no oily or sticky residue on my skin. A few drops are enough for each application. 

I use this serum in the morning after washing my face. I let the oil dry for a minute, and then apply my normal moisturiser (from another brand). It's like having a mini beauty treatment every morning. It works beautifully and I haven't had any reaction. My skin glows. You can see the difference before and after application.  

This serum has no scent and barely any smell. The packaging is minimalist and elegant. I would recommend the product, even though is not Korean.  

8/19/2025

Posca Acrylic Marker15pc Set (Assorted colours, 3M, Fine Nib)

Posca acrylic markers are one of my favourite artwork staples, and I like having different nib sizes to use for different art purposes. 
 
This size is perfect for fine detail and line work. These nibs are reversible, which comes handy when they become dirty or a bit "scruffy", because I can simply  reverse them and experience the marker as if I had a new one at hand. 
 
Posca markers contain acrylic paint, they create beautiful clean lines and last quite a while. The quality of the acrylic paint is fantastic. Permanent colours once dried and they dry quit quickly. 

To get the paint out for the first time, pump down the nib till is totally impregnate with paint. Shake markers before each use if they haven't been used for a while. . 
 
The selection of colours in this pack is great; although there is a predominance of warm colours, there is also some cold colours plus black, white and grey. Perfect for my needs and a prefect package for gifting, as well. Posca markers are quite expensive, so this pack is great value for money.
 
The main downside of these markers is that they aren't refillable or reusable, so there is a lot of plastic waste. Also, Yet, they are not refillable. 

8/18/2025

Kmart Foldable Two-Step Ladder

This is a must in any household. I have one foldable step ladder, but it's sometimes difficult for me to reach the  top level of my wardrobes and kitchen cupboards, or to access lamp bulbs, so this is ladder is perfect to do so without having to tiptoe and feeling that the step is wobbly or dangerous. The ladder folds and unfolds easily and it stays secure on the ground. It only holds 100 Kgs, which is the same weight that my small foldable step holds despite being 1/3 of the size. Yet, it's way more stable and I can reach higher as it has two steps.
 
This ladder is quite heavy (5 Kgs) and also tall and bulky. The curved handle is covered in a soft cushioned foam to make transportation more comfortable. 
 
Great value for money.  
 
USEFUL INFORMATION
Measurements: 84cm (H) x 46cm (W) x 48cm (D).
Materials: Iron, plastic, steel, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and thermoplastic rubber (TPR)
Maximum weight capacity: 100kg 
Product weight: 5kg 

8/17/2025

Kmart 3pc Stainless-Steel Strainer Set

This three-piece set of strainers is just great to have at home and I use it all the time. The strainers/colanders are made of stainless steel and wash easily. I use the different sizes for different purposes, from draining rice, pasta an boiled veggies, to getting rid of coffee/tea grounds, draining tinned beans or tinned fruit, just to mention some of my most common. They are stackable, which saves space in the kitchen drawers. Great value for money, as well.
 
USEFUL INFORMATION
Materials: Stainless steel
Measurements: 
 Small: 24.5cm (L) x 4.3cm (H) x 10.8cm (Dia.)
 Medium: 34cm (L) x 6cm (H) x 15 (Dia.)
 Large: 41.5cm (L) x 5cm (H) x 19.8cm (Dia.)

Kmart 15-litre DrySack

I was excited to see that Kmart sells this dry sacks, which are perfect for outdoor activities, camping and to keep an emergency kit at home. This bag is made of good quality sturdy waterproof plastic and has sealed waterproof seams. The top seams roll down and then the attached buckle keeps all  tied together creating a carry-on handle. 
 
The Velcro part is just one side of the Velcro, so to speak. It doesn't stick together. I think this is how it's supposed to be, as you have to roll down the two seams. However, this doesn't completely seal the top part of the bag. Said differently, it doesn't prevents water from entering the bag if, for example, the bag falls on a river, lake or the ocean. This is just a guess, as this hasn't happened to me. On the other hand, the material allows the bag to float, or so does the makers say. 
 
The product page says that it comes with a carry strap seam, but the band is not provided. The product page photos don't show the strap either. The strap is only provided with the 20-litre pack and is missing on other sizes, like this one. That's Ok, you can reuse any band you have from old bags or backpacks, but the information is not truthful.  
 
Excellent value for money.  
 
USEFUL INFORMATION
Capacity: 15 litre.
Material: 190T polyester taffeta. 
Measurements: 50cm (H) x 23.5cm (diam) 
Product weight: 0.13kg 

Bosch T-handle Bit Screwdriver (10cm long)

I feel like a contestant on The Block with this T-handle screwdriver. 
 
I needed a screwdriver able to help me assemble and screw several pieces of Ikea furniture legs, which are too close  to the driving holes as the space is too narrow to use a normal screwdriver, even if tiny, or if it allows it, then the average shaft is too short for me to rotate my hands comfortably. This driver made the assemblage easy peasy. Besides, it's a great tool to have and use when working on tricky tiny spaces due to the T-shape handle, the long shaft and the possibility of using different tooth gears.
 
This driver is really good quality, sturdy and durable. The price is also fantastic. However, this driver comes without any set of tooth gears, so you'll have to buy them separately if you don't have any. I happened to have a full set from another brand and, gladly, they clip in perfectly due to the powerful magnet inside the shaft. 
 
I didn't know I needed something like this till I used it!  

8/16/2025

Kmart Soft Toggle Bath Mat

I've had several of these in different colours at home for several years and in constant use. They are wonderfully soft and cushiony, which is especially enjoyable when standing barefoot on with your socks only on them. 
 
They easily wash in the washing machine, don't lose their shape or cushioning, and they don't shade. Also, they dry off quickly . 
 
The main downsides are, first, that the edges get stripped or ragged, and, secondly, that the material attracts hair balls on the floor or the washing machine. Not bad per se, but you have to remove those manually.  
 
USEFUL INFORMATION 
Size: 90cm (L) x 60cm (W)
Materials: Polyester (front) and styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS) (back).
Care: Machine wash with like colours. 
MIND: Don't use on vinyl/lino flooring as it can stain them.  

8/15/2025

Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice & Honey Glow Mask (150ml)

This is the first product I try for this Korean brand and I'm pleasantly surprised. The product feels like food for the skin. It feels as if I had myself made a mixture of rice and honey and applied it to my face. 
 
This face mask is creamy, scrubby and very gentle. I apply a coat on your skin, leave it 25-30 minutes on and then remove it with tepid or slightly warm water, and it leaves my skin glowing. It has a bit of Kaolin in it, enough to clean my skin deeply, but without the disadvantages of using a full-kaolin mask, which makes my skin really dry. However, the small amount of kaolin in this mask is perfect for combination and oil-prone skin.

I love the jar and packaging design as well. A bit pricey but still affordable for the quality. 
 
For the rest, I like to support brands that don't belong to multinationals supporting inhuman practices in the world, so that's always a bonus point for me especially in the days we live in. This is also a cruelty-free brand. 

Kmart 2 Drawer Mesh Organiser

These two-drawer organisers are a hit with me and my place. They've allowed me to tidy up my kitchen under-sink cupboards, my bathroom vanity, my laundry and my pantry. They're a bit pricey, but they're stackable, are very roomy and I can put tons of things inside. They stand quite a lot of weight and are easily movable and modular.  In all honesty they save so much space and all my spaces look tidy and organised. 
 
The main downside is the rolling in-rolling out system, as the rails on which the baskets roll over are not shaped properly, so the baskets tend  to derail and get stuck and I have to manually lift them and then put them back on track. 
 
They're a bit pricey for the quality, but they work for so many spaces and are durable.  
 
USEFUL INFO
Measurements: 30.5cm (H) x 17cm (W) x 38cm (D)
Maximum weight: Top layer: 5kg,  Basket: 3kg
Materials: Iron with Epoxy powder coating, wire and wood
Weight: 1.37kg

Naisfei 60pc Metal Binder Rings (25 mm diametre, 6 colours)

This is a great set of coloured metal binder rings, in beautiful colours and with a perfect closure (not too tight, not too loose). The six different colours (blue, red, green, yellow, orange, and pink) help me identify similar pads or notebooks. They can used with memory or archival cards, paint swatches, and, of course, to bind art journals. I've used them to replace some of my art journals deteriorated binders and they not only look great, but are perfect for those pads. The size is perfect for pads that hold 20-40 pages (depending on their thickness). They can also be used with art tags, but I'd use a larger size to hold those. The inner diameter is 2.5 cm and the outer 3cm. The colouring coat prevents the inner metal core from getting rusty or deteriorated. To open them properly you have to pull up and  towards the sides, because, if you only pull towards the sides, the rings don't open. A bit priced, but they have so many uses!

VRAIKO Fsherney Tallow and Honey Balm Stick (40g, Unscented)

Beef tallow is being promoted and sold as a beauty miracle everywhere on the web. I saw this and I thought that I would give it a try to experience the miracle myself. I decided on this roll-on stick over other formats because it's mess-free and portable; also, I wanted to experience whether beef tallow is something for me and my skin.
 
The brand says in the product page "Premium Grass-Fed Ingredients: Crafted with the finest Adeps Bovis (grass-fed beef tallow), nutrient-rich olive oil, and raw honey for deep nourishment."  This is not true.   
 
REAL INGREDIENTS AS MENTIONED ON THE PACKAGING  
Shea butter, Jojoba seed oil, tocopherol, beeswax, Japanese Camellia seed oil, Isonony, Isononanoate (that's a type of alcohol and nothing I would call natural), Mentha Haplocalyx oil (peppermint oil), Capric Trigyceride (this can be obtained from coconut, palm kernel, dairy products or cow's milk) and Bisabolol (a camomile-based product). Not vegan, but mostly plant-based with some possible dairy-derived product. Dairy like in milky, not like in tallow, which is a fat from the cow's body.   
 
I don't know if there is a mistake in the packaging, in the sense that the wrong package was used for the wrong product, or the brand wants to hop on the beef tallow miracle wagon and sell us something that isn't bad, but isn't what customers pay for. 
 
Therefore, this product is mostly made of a bunch of natural products, dairy derived products and beeswax, which is great; however, there is no beef tallow, olive oil or honey in it.  Okay, at least is all natural, right? 
 
WHAT THIS PRODUCT IS
This is more a salve than a balm due to its thick hard consistency. Due to beeswax being one of the main ingredients, it might happen that the product softens during the summer months and then I can use it on my face, but, as it's now, I can only use it on my hands, elbows or heels. It's difficult to spread, too.  

The product is unscented, but it still has a strong beeswax odour, which might not be everyone's cup of tea. Nothing that bothers me, but nothing pleasant either.  
 
MIND
This is a salve, not a cream or a balm.
This has no beef tallow, olive oil or honey in the product.  

8/10/2025

HIGHROCK Premium Tailor Scissors Titanium Soft Grip (Purple)

This is my preferred set of scissors among the several I own. I don't particularly like the coating colours but the coating is not only decorative, but it's meant to protect the blades from corrosion, glues and other sticky substances.  
 
The blades are made of sharp stainless steel and I can easily and cleanly cut cardboard, paper and fabric.
 
I love the three sizes and their ergonomic design, which makes cutting effortless. The largest one (23.6cm = 9.3 inch ) are perfect for tailoring, the second one  (21.3 cm = 8.4 inch), are for all craft purposes and the smallest one is for embroidery and snipping (143mm = 5.5 inch). 
 
They are good for both right and left-handers.  
 
They were an amazing value for money, too. 

8/08/2025

Kmart Toilet Roll Holder (Black 39cm x 9.5cm)

This is a good sleek solution to store 3 rolls of toilet paper without displaying the rolls and protecting them from dust, dirt and water splashes. The design is as simple as it gets, but the upper knob is perfect to open the container either when standing or seating.  I combine this with other black bathroom tools to create a modern sleek gender-neutral bathroom that looks good for both women and men. I've had this one for several years now, and it has not peeled or deteriorated at all. 

SUNNERSTA Container (white, 12x11 cm)

The Sunnersta containers, available in different colours, are multifunctional sleek containers, made of premium plastic. The outer layer is matte and the inner is somewhat glossy, which works great for purposes like putting pens, pencils, markers and crayons, where the items might leak or left traces of colour. They wash easily and don't get stained easily. 
 
These containers are part of the Sunnersta hanging system, which provides cheap but good looking storage solutions for office, kitchen, laundry and bathroom. I use them mostly in my home office to store different small items, paint tubes and tools inside larger baskets. They also make perfect desktop bins. 
 
Price is absolutely ridiculous for such a good quality durable product.  

Kmart Diamond Door Mat (100 x 45cm)

I have a long entry aisle at my ground-level unit, so my floor gets quite dirty on rainy days. This mat has been a floor saver. It looks fab in its timeless elegant vintage style. It's also sturdy as the top is made of coconut coir and the back/down made of PVC (so doesn't scratch the wood flooring). As it has a rough surface, I can energetically rub my feet on it and remove all dirt and humidity from my shoes. As the background colour is a clear beige, the mat clearer areas get more noticeably dirty than the brown ones. Yet, this is not a decorative piece; its function is getting dirt out of my shoes and out of my floor. This mat is also rigid. I has to be washed by hand. My preferred way is doing that on a sunny hot day. I throw a bucket of clean water, add delicates laundry liquid and mop it energetically; then, I let it dry under the sun. If you live in an apartment, you can wash it the same way in your shower and then let it dry in your balcony.   

8/03/2025

Kmart Large Wire and Wood Shelf

I bought this to add storage space on my kitchen bench, but it turned out to be more of a nuisance. It's a good idea, but my shelf was wobbly and one of the screws would not go in properly. I thought of using it inside my pantry, but, again, it was a bit of a nuisance. I've used it also as floor stand to put my home office cable box . It helped with that. It doesn't stand much weight and, especially in the pantry, reduced the space instead of creating more. 
 
Perhaps it was a faulty item, and other pieces work perfectly, but I found that using a bed tray on my kitchen bench is way better, more stable, and more stylish. 
 
I would not recommend this.
  
USEFUL INFO  
Measurements: 23.5cm (H) x 50cm (W) x 19.5cm (D)
Box dimensions: 3.2cm (L) x 20.5cm (H) x 50.2cm (D)
Maximum weight capacity: 4kg
Materials: Powder-coated iron with rubber wood handles

Kmart 2-Slice Stainless Steel Toaster

This is a basic toaster at a terrific price, still stainless still, instead of plastic, which is, unfortunately, what most cheap toasters are made of these days. It's as simple as it gets and it toasts two pieces of average bread perfectly. Not good for pre-cut artisanal load of bread as the slices are usually thicker than average bread.  It has a removable tray to get rid of crumbs. 

I was very happy with this toaster for months. In all honesty, I don't use it much, but I would get really lovely golden toasted bread. However, all of the sudden, the toaster started not toasting properly and sometimes over-toast or under-toast the bread, so I have to make sure that the setting toasting number is the right one for the bread I am using. This is always the case, of course, but there is nothing complicated about this  toaster so it was all easy. Now, after over a year of use, it is still working, but not as finely as it used to. 

Kmart 4pc Acacia Wood Coasters Set

This is such a good quality, good-looking stylish set of coasters. They look fab on my coffee table and are quite thick so they separate any glass/cup from the table glass tabletop, which prevents scratching. I love the wood colour and the fact that integrates beautiful with my home decor. A bit pricier than other Kmart coasters, but they're totally worth it. 

Kmart Rectangle Quilted Basket - Charcoal

I use this basket as an acrylic paint tubes container to have it at hand beside my working table. It's lightweight and plastic lined, so, even if there were any paint spillage, it won't damage the carpet or the floor. For that purpose is great. I hang some IKEA Sunnersta containers from the edges to use them as mini waste bins; these containers are lightweight so there is no problem as long as I don't put anything heavy in them. It can be used as yarn holder, small and soft toys storage or as a small laundry hamper. However, it is not foldable and the lack of of rigidity and structure is an issue. I wish the basket walls and edges were stronger and more rigid, but the basket works for my art-making needs.  

Easy-Off Drain Pro Gel (1 Litre)

I've had a bad experience with this product. My unit piping is really old, so I get my sink drainage really slow or semi-clogged in the winter months. I normally use a similar product from another brand, but this product was on sale so I thought I'd give it a try. 
 
I followed the instructions on the bottle. The instructions say that we can leave the liquid up to 15-20 minutes if the drainage is too slow or a bit clogged and then to run hot water. I did that, and, to my dismal, the sink drainage was totally blocked, like the water would not go down and flooded up. I removed the water and then added more product, thinking that perhaps that was what it was needed. It didn't help at all. The sink was totally clogged as a result and I had to organise a plumber coming home to have the sink fixed. So, I won't use this product ever again. 

8/02/2025

Kmart Flexible Toilet Brush (Black)

I bought this brush because of the sleek design and flat looks. I thought it would be a great space saver in my small bathroom and the black colour is perfect for the bathroom decor. It's made of silicone and quite flexible, so I thought that it would save me money in the long run. 
 
Yet, it is a matter of looks over practicality. Yes, t looks great, occupies little space and is flexible. However, the flexibility you have to understand it as it bounces a bit on the toilet surface. Most importantly, it doesn't clean as well as traditional brushes do. This is especially noticeable when I use it with my preferred cleaning gel as it doesn't help the gel to foam. That being the case, it doesn't leave the toilet as clean or shiny as a traditional brush does. Therefore, I don't use it as often as the others and, I guess, it will last me longer.  

Posca Acrylic Marker 7pc Set (Pastels, 5M Medium Nib)

This is a beautiful set of Posca acrylic markers in pastel colours presented in a gift-ready box.  Size 5m is one of my preferred sizes as it's perfect for art journaling and sketching. This set of pastel colours is gorgeous and they are genuine Posca. They're heavily discounted due to all the packaging being written in Japanese.

Posca markers are one of my favourite art supplies, due to their quality, versatility and easy of use. The tips are reversible, so if one of the tips gets stained or tinted, it can be taken out and reversed, and then the marker works as if it was new. 

The main downside of Posca is that they're not refillable, so they generate a lot of good-quality plastic waste, which is a shame.

Marbig F/S Stapler No.10 Black

This is a simple but effective medium-sized stapler. It covers all my small hand, which is small, so it might be a small stapler for anyone with large hands. It isn't an office stapler, but I'm still able a good deal of sheets  together (up to 16), which is good enough for most of my uses. This stapler is really light, as well. The stapler's side has a window into the staples barrel, so one can see if the staples are running out or not. 

The quality seems to be basic. It's made of apparently cheap plastic and metal, something that one can expect for the price. 
 
Staples need to be purchased separately, but they are very cheap. 
 
Not a stapler I would have for a professional home office or for heavy-duty work, but great for general and school purposes.