10/24/2023

Derwent Tinted Charcoal Pencil, Sand TC01

I love this coloured charcoal pencils. They are certainly charcoal, but made of a very soft one that spreads easily either with your fingertips or with water. This colour is my favourite in the range because it's actually the colour of those golden sand beaches that you find in some countries. It's perfect to ad subtle splashes of colour to any mixed-media piece, or to use them in combination with soft pastels (bear in mind that tinted charcoal pencils have way less pigment than soft pastels).  Also ideal for charcoal studies where you want subtle coloured highlights without the piece being fully coloured. I use an average sharpener with this, and it works well with these pencils. I bought this item in a promotion, so the price was fantastic, but they're usually a bit pricey.

MEEDEN 7-Well Studio Porcelain Paint Palette Tray

This is such a great idea and design. I use many things as palette, from palette paper to plastic reused lids to oven paper. Yet, sometimes my table is covered with clutter that limits my working space. This almost fixes the problem as I don't need to use big surfaces unless I'm using a roller or painting on larger surfaces.
 
This tray is very small (see my photo against my mouse), but it's perfect for me to hold in my small hands. The recesses of the flower shape are great for my fingers to grip the piece comfortably. I tend to use many colors when painting, so this is great to put all my acrylics, gesso and medium in one single container. The little wells are great for the quantities of product that I usually use.
 
As it's porcelain, it cleans easily with average household dish-washing liquid and water. I wash it by hand, not in the dishwasher, so I don't know whether is dishwasher-safe or not.
 
 Very happy with the purchase and with the fact that is porcelain not plastic, and therefore environmentally friendly.

MCWTH 3D Astronaut Large Pen Pouch

I bought this cute pen holder for my nephew's birthday, knowing that he loves astronomy. He's a little kid. He told me that he loves it "too much". Indeed, this is very cute and whimsical. The pouch is made of good quality rubber. It has a 3D upper lid and opens on the side with a zip that glides without difficulty. I thought it would be roomier inside, to be honest, but it's enough for a good selection of children pens, pencils, erasers and small USB drivers that can be easily stored in the inner mesh pouch. I thought that, if it was mine, I'd use it as flight cabin pouch to put some basic toiletries and makeup in.    

9/17/2023

Colgate Savacol Antiseptic Mouthwash, 300mL, Mint

This is a medicated mouthwash that I use as a treatment when I have gum problems to complement the use of my medicated toothpaste. I buy this brand and product when I cannot get hold of my preferred medicated mouthwash. Although it does the job, the minty flavour is disgusting to me, because it doesn't taste of fresh mint or average mint, it tastes of bitter burnt mint. Also, it leaves my mouth as if a vacuum had gone into it. This is one of the medicated mouthwashes that stains my teeth if used for a while. I know it is a medicated mouthwash, but there are other brands that do the same job and are pleasurable to the palate and don't stain my teeth, so I  stick to the others as much as I can.

Unbranded 2-Hook 3-Row Elastic Bra Extenders

Women's Soft Comfortable Elastic Bra Extenders Bra Extension Strap 2 Hook 3 Row Lady's Bra E 
 
Very cheap good-quality set of bra extenders in each of the major colours. They look wider than my average 2-hook bras bands, but  the position of the hooks within the extender is the same as the others. These extenders are made of good-quality stretchy material and hook tightly to my bras. Perhaps a bit stiffer than the more expensive ones, but nothing I can complain about. 

HOME-MART 9pcs 3-Hooks 3-Rows Eastic Bra Extenders

Very cheap good-quality set of bra extenders in each of the major colours. I was taken aback when I got them, as they look wider than my average 3-hook bras bands, but  the position of the hooks within the extender is the same as the others. These extenders are made of good-quality stretchy material and hook tightly to my bras. Perhaps a bit stiffer than the more expensive ones, but nothing I can complain about.

Mr.do® Professional Dressmaking Scissors Tailor Scissors

Although these scissors are sold as tailor scissors, I bought them to cut thick large pieces of cardboard and  paper, as my average scissors are too small for that, which result in lack of cutting finesse, not straight lines, and I usually need a bit of time and effort to cut anything large.
 
This pair does the job easily, improving the quality of my cutting lines. They cut well paper, thin and thick cardboard, and fabric. I haven't used them with large pieces of fabric or for professional purposes, so I cannot comment on whether they're good for dressmaking or not.
 
The handle bows are large enough to easily fit hands/fingers of all sizes. I have small hands and I have plenty of room, but I still can control them well. They're pleasurable to use despite the size.  See my photo against an 8-inch pair of scissors to get an idea of the sizing scale.  Despite the size, they are quite light.

There are some downsides that I'd like to mention. The handle isn't specially pretty or stylish, and the material looks like a frying pan handle. When I cut thick cardboard, the scissors aren't as smooth or gliding as I'd like them to be, perhaps because the tip and blades aren't as sharp as classic dressmaker scissors are. Finally, the pivot screw is unnecessarily bulky and protrudes quite a big (see my photo).
 
The pair is cheap for a decent stainless-steel pair of every-day crafty scissors.