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.

11/24/2024

McAfee Total Protection 3 Devices

I've tried most antivirus protection software out there, and McAfee Total Protection is my favourite due to the seamless unnoticeable working in the background and the many features it comes packed with, VPN included.  I don't always buy it because it can be pricey, but I bought this kit in one of the Prime glorious days at nearly half price. 

The product was sent from UK, so when I tried to activate the card I found the following, "This product is available for several regions", and then a drop-down menu with UK and Ireland as the only two options. I panicked for a sec thinking that it might be valid just in those countries, but it is not. I clicked "continue" and the process of activation was super easy and superfast. Installation on my household mobiles was also easy breezy. 

McAFee has been in the antivirus market for a long time, but, unlike Norton, has learned how to evolve, improve and make things easier, including an excellent VPN service at no extra cost, offering value for money with the VPN being really good.
 
The main downside is the fact that soon after you are happy that you aren't getting any self-promo within the program, they;ll start popping up prompting you to upgrade and pay extra for device tuning services or extra features that are not really cheap. However, I paid little for this software and it does a great job.