7/26/2023

Vegeta Chicken Stock Powder 200 gms

This is a staple in my kitchen pantry. There are many reasons for it. The first is that this is large good-value jar with plenty of product in it. The second is that the flavor is good so it lifts all the dishes I add it to; it has a good amount of salt (even if the jar says 'reduced') so I don't add salt to my dishes if I'm using this stock powder. The third is that, as it is powder, not cubes, I can add the right amount of product without wasting anything.  Fourth, the inner foil-lining keeps the product fresh and aromatic for a long time and the jar lasts me for months. Fifth and last, it has no MSG.
 
DOWNSIDES
Barely any chicken in it (1%). It's mostly veggies, spices, fats and oils, as per the list of ingredients on the jar back. Also it is sold as 'no added flavours' but the list of ingredients shows 'flavour (chicken)' so what does this mean?
 
It tends to solidify after using a wet spoon or after a long time of no use, but the 'caking' is easily broken down with a fork.
 
The jar small lettering is barely legible due to the lack of contrast between the lettering and the yellow background so I use a magnifying glass to read anything written in it.
 
MIND
I don't use to drink it, just as a cooking condiment, so I cannot comment on the taste as a drinkable broth.

Friinder Pen Pencil Telescopic Holder Pen Holder Bag (Pink)

This is such a cute telescopic pen holder. I love the Kawaii pink style design; it brings out the child in me. It has plenty or room inside. I have put many markers and pencils inside and there is still room for more. The holder is plastic-lined inside, which prevents leaking from possible ink spills. The outer part is sturdy canvas and it stands upright easily. The design is really good as the straw part in the design helps me pull the pouch up easily while the two lower tabs help me to pull the pouch down. The zip is good quality. as well. This holder is a bit taller than other similar pen holders I own, so I can put some of my longer pencils and markers inside. Not my Tombows (see my photo) if I want to zip the pouch. As it is made of canvas, I don't put it on my table when using acrylics as it can be stained easily.

Unbranded Telescopic Pouch Pen Holder (White& Black Grid)

For the rest, a great good-looking pen holder. The only downside is that it's slightly shorter than most telescopic pen holders I own, so my longest new pencils or my dual Tombow markers won't fit in if I want to zip the pouch. Also, there is no tab to pull up tab to help bring the upper pouch up. I love this pen holder. It has a very elegant gender-neutral style that I love.  Most importantly, it holds a lot of pens, pencils and markers inside, as per my photos. It's plastic-lined inside, so the outer fabric won't get stained if there is ink spillage. The outer part is made of sturdy canvas so it stands upright without a problem.  It has a good-quality zip, too.

7/23/2023

Yellow-Price Wearable Blanket with Zipper Oversized Hoodie

This oversized hoodie is the comfiest item of clothing I've bought this year. I really love wearing it because of its plush tact, warmth and how light feels on. I thought it would not be as warm as it is due to the lightness of the materials it's made of, but it is. 
 
The size is really huge and I think it can fit most adults. The sleeves cuff around the wrists holding the excess sleeve length that can be expected from an oversized item. This is important as I tend to do the dishes or cook with this robe on and the cuffing prevents my sleeves to get fully stained or fully soaked; I still have to be careful as the excess material is still there.  
 
The hood part of the hoodie is also a bliss to wear, something I do when it's really cold at room temperature and my heater obviously doesn't reach my head. I especially love the feeling around my ears when I have it on.

I like the discreet neutral color, which doesn't stand out (for the wrong reasons) when I go out to get the rubbish out, for example. Also, it doesn't feel like a pajama or child-like as other oversized winter hoodies. 

I bought this one at a discounted price and that's an added bonus.
 
This has become a winter essential for me and I wear it all day long when at home. I have noticed that, since I started using this hoodie, I switch my heater way less, which makes me happy because that's power and money I'm saving. 
 
DOWNSIDES
Some of the inner fleece started coming off almost immediately and I worry that it'll  come off once I put it in the washing machine. I will update this review and rating after my first wash if needed. 
 
Also, the zip came unsewn on the upper part after barely any use and, not even a month after purchase, the zip head got broken for no reason. So, not the best craftsmanship or quality.  

UPDATE 14/04/2023
I've washed the hoodie in the washing machine, everyday sort of setting, high speed spinning, and it washed well and, despite my initial fears, no fleece came off. 

 

Clover Jumbo Chibi Darning Needle Set, Golden

I love these two needles, which I use to finish crochet ends, sew two crochet pieces together and also to wave stitching as the needles point is round, not pointy, and it's safe for the latter. For the rest, the needles are quite large but also very light. I've used them with thick crochet thread and also with yarn. I've also tried to use them on thick watercolor paper, but they were not good for that, unless I'm doing weaving stitching. These are mending needles but I think I use them just for yarn and woolen stuff. I love the container. I keep in it not only these two needless, but also most of my large needles; the container has a screw crap, which keeps all safely stored. NB = Measurements 6.2" Height x 2.1" Length x 0.8" Width, 340

7/20/2023

Tombow Storage Tote Bag

This is a lovey large, roomy, beautifully-made storage bag. The bag material is good-quality threaded nylon and the combination of colors, finishes and embroidered logo made up a very good-looking bag. Both the upper reinforced handle and the shoulder bag are sturdy, and the latter is easily adjustable. 

My photos don't make it justice to the amount of stuff I've been able to put in, and there is still room for more.

The two Velcro separator individual sheets come handy to create different spaces within the bag, and can be moved and/or re-positioned easily. There are two mesh external elastic pouches that can hold plenty of stuff, and I store all my crayons and pastels flat tins in the front pocket. 
 
I don't use it to store my markers but to store a good deal of art & crafts supplies. 
 
THE WEAKEST LINKS
I find that the bag has three design flaws that rest quality to the product if used for anything that isn't markers. The first one is the average quality of the zips, that aren't sturdy enough to carry a fully loaded heavy bag. This mostly affects the upper zip, which is pulled every time I carry the bag.
 
I find that other type of containers hold and organize my markers, pens and pencils better (either vertically or horizontally) and I won't store mine upright here.
 
Finally, although the bag cover is very roomy, it has no reinforcement inside, which seems necessary to me to counteract the pressure put on it by the holder when the bag is full; the sewn attachments aren't strong enough and might eventually  break through here.
 
IN SHORT 
Great storage bag. Good looking. Very spacious. It allows me to store tons of stuff. Yet, the upper cover and the zips are a bit of a let down as they seem fit for a mass-produced bag not for a Tombow product. I will update this review in the future if necessary.

Vicks VapoDrops Butter Menthol Lozenges 24 Pack

I always have a packet of these in my first-aid kit, especially in winter or when I fly. I use them when I suffer from slight cold symptoms, like clogged/blocked nose, scratchy throat and minor idiopathic dry coughing, and they work well for me. Besides, I love the taste. If I get serious dry or chesty coughing I would get other lozenges or just prescription medication. Yet, this is not always needed because my blocked airways are sometimes the result of very dry air-conditioned environments, long flights or just changes in weather that affect me. They're good priced too.

SECOND VERSION, AS THE FIRST ONE, WAS NOT PUBLISHED
I always have a packet of these at home, especially in winter or when I have a long flights. I use them when I suffer from slight cold symptoms, like clogged/blocked nose, scratchy throat and light dry coughing, and they work well for me. Needless to say, I don't use this for chesty coughing or severe dry coughing. I also love the taste.