12/06/2015

Belkin Retractable Travel Mini Mouse

I am a devotee of Microsoft and Logitech mice, so I tend to stick to those two brands, but I found this 'cutie' beauty about five years ago and I could not resist the temptation. I am a traveller, so anything small, foldable, easy to pack and carry, catches my eye -- always. 

This is a good-quality basic optical corded mouse, whose cable retracts and rolls onto itself and plugs directly to the computer through the USB port connected to the cable. No dependence on batteries, which is always great when travelling to remote areas of the world. This mini does the job and, most importantly, is the most portable mouse I have ever had. It looks like a toy! 

On the other hand, it is so tiny that I don't find it that comfortable to use, even though I have very small hands. So nothing you want to take with you if you are going to use your computer all the time and need a comfortable mouse with more functionality. If you use your computer just for a few emails and general browsing when travelling, this mouse might be for you.  

 

Calamine Lotion

I have used every possible dermatological ointment and cream out there as I have a dermatitis-prone sensitive skin and I easily get burns and rashes.  

Calamine lotion is the only product that has been able to calm my itch when I got severe rashes or burns. Overall, I got amazing results from Calamine when the rest of my dermatological creams and lotions failed, at a fraction of the price and without the need of any prescription. It did not cure the cause of the itch, but it helped me to recover quicker.  It cooled down my skin (so good if when my skin was burning!) and improved the state of my skin (which deteriorates easily from scratching). Three-in-one sort of remedy. 

Calamine lotion, being liquid, is easily spread and absorbed and a little bit of product goes a long way. I quite like the smell of the product, too! It smells of vintage :) 
 
Calamine lotion is not a magic potion, though. Calamine dries the skin quite a bit, which can be an issue if you have a naturally dry skin or are using it on a part of your body that is a bit dry, as Calamine will leave your skin with a "tight" feeling.  Application can be messy, as well, as the brands I have used don't have a pump dispenser, something that is so  easy to fix and so very behind in design. Finally, when you apply the lotion, even though it absorbs quickly, it leaves a dry white coat on your skin (as if you had bathed in flour), quite noticeable if you are leaving home. The white 'dust' can also transfer onto your black clothes, so beware of which clothing you are using to apply. This is nothing really, when your skin is burning and you get a bit of relief.

The pros weigh always more than the cons, and Calamine is still a great product.

Bonjela Gel

I always buy Bonjela gel when I get a mouth ulcer. I like the gel transparent texture, the anisette flavour, the cooling effect, the fact that it soothes the pain quite fast, and that heals the ulcers perfectly. I have to say that Bonjela is not a magic potion and It does not heal ulcers immediately, but it works. This gel is not messy. You can apply it with your clean fingers or with a cotton bud. Great for travelling and for any first aid kit. 

Hotteeze Heat Pads

I got a pack of these pads before a long holiday overseas last year as I Ieft home with a nerve-root irritation and needed of non-bulky products easy and safe to carry in my suitcase.

Hotteeze is a great versatile product that can be used for way more things that it was initially designed, that is, to use it on your body (especially your back) to sooth aches and pains. However, I have used this for bed warmer in very freezing mountain areas, or attached to my lumbar cushion in my work station when my lower back is a bit achey.  

They are really flat and odourless, so you can easily use them at the office, underneath your jumper or jacket and over your underwear and nobody will notice.

They heat up gradually and you feel the heat, so they really give you relief from your aches. They also cold down gradually and, at the end of the recommended use time, they are just warm. They last hot for about 12 hours, which is sometimes more time you would need them for.

They are also biodegradable, so you can dispose of the "carbon" inside in your backyard, garden, flower pot or wherever you find a patch of vegetation. I love that, because you don't want to be contaminating anything, especially if you are using them outdoors or overseas.

The product is endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association, and my local osteopath clinic sells them as well in individual format. Don't waste your money, you can buy them in a multi-pack from any major pharmacy or e-pharmacy. 

Mind. You don't use them directly on your skin because they become really ho and could burn you. You use them on your shirt or pyjamas or socks or underwear to avoid any burnt. 

Mind too. The body temperature of every single person is different, as well as the thickness of your skin an resistance to heat. So, some people will notice the heat quite noticeable, and others would just get a warm feeling.  

Microsoft Express Mouse

Sometimes you just want an uncomplicated smooth operator that feels cosy in your hands.

Cheap, reliable, responsive, soft clicker, good looking, optical, and wired. Wired is the new wireless, sometimes. You don't have the need to carry a spare battery everywhere you go just in case your wireless connection dies. 

This mouse is easy to use with both hands without you having to configure anything. The click-on space is roomy and symmetrical enough to allow any hand, right or left, to use it comfortably. I alternate hands when my dominating hand gets stiff after a long day of mechanical clicking, and this is the mouse that allows me switching hands most comfortably.  The opticality is great and I use it a white paper sheet as a mat, and runs wonderfully.

I love the looks of this 'cutie' because of its curvaceous shape, its minimalist design in white with tiny bright mini-splashes of colour in the scrolling wheel, cable and logo. It reminds me of some of the Apple mice, but way cooler. Like for people with a personality :O :D. This being the case, this mouse is great to customise any work station. The sophistication of the minimal. 

Another Microsoft mice that is my hall of fame.   

12/05/2015

Listerine Pocketpaks

I am not a fan of Listerine at all. I actually dislike the brand and its mouthwashes, but I do like this pocket mouth and breath fresheners. 

You can fit the pouch in your pocket, pencil case or even your wallet. They are not messy. They last in the pouch, in a good condition, for a long time. They dissolve rapidly in your mouth.  

I don't think they disinfect as much as a mouthwash, but they are a good alternative when carrying a bottle of liquid is a hassle, and that is always the case when you are travelling.

Logitech Wireless Mini Mouse M187

I bought one of these before one of my holidays overseas. It was so small and so pretty that I thought that it was worth buying even if didn't last long. To my surprise, this mouse has become one of mammy's dearest: Handy. Handsome. Manageable. Obedient. Responsive to touch. Soft click. Long AAA battery life. USB wireless. Lovable.   

This is a pocket mouse that will not bulk your desktop if you decide to use it daily, and one that you can easily put away in any tiny space in your travel bag or computer bag. Yes, the M187 is very portable but, most importantly, is a great simple mouse. 

If you have small hands or like small mice this is for you. Not only that, if you do mind the colours you surround yourself with and want to create a visually harmonious work environment, this is also for you because this model is manufactured in a huge range of colours. 

Good. Cheap. Handsome. Uncomplicated.