Sparkleberry Industries: Premium Wood Burning tips, Soldering tips and Stencil Kit Review

 

Crafting is something I have been slowly trying to get back into and it has not been easy. Not having the energy or time can be a big obstacle, as can be having the wrong tools. I had to research long and hard to even find a dependable wood burning pen because many would not work correctly, to just give out after just a few uses. Finding tips I thought was the easy part, but later I found that it was not the type, size, or style that would become the problem, it was the tip actually lasting. I had one tip from another manufacture just bend out of shape from the medium heat setting on the pen. I literally watched it just warp slowly as the pen heated up. Not a great start!

When Sparkleberry Industries offered to have me try a kit, well I have the pen and even the nice plastic box to carry all my essentials in, so why not. The kit includes:

• 15 Pyrography Tool Tips (Brass colored tips, plus silver colored “stamps”)
• 10 Soldering Tips (Silver colored tips)
• 2 hot knife tips
• 2 Plastic Stencils and
• 3 Metal Stencils

I know, that is a pretty comprehensive list and the perfect starter set or even one you can compliment your collection with!

 

Retail Price Point: $13.97 via Amazon and if you are a Prime member, shipping is free.

 

 

Verdict:
From the get-go, Sparkleberry Industries lists what each tip is used for and does not leave the consumer just guessing. Any of the silver toned pieces are softer, so less pressure is advised when using. I heated up the first tip, which was a heart shape and the tip warmed evenly and allowed me to stamp a perfect heart on the scrap of wood I was using. I then went down the list and tested both the Pyrography and some of the soldering tips. Again, none took a different shape or did I have issues when using them. I did not test the hot knife ones and it was mostly because I have no current need for them, but come Halloween, these knives are great at shaping tombstones for the holiday, which we make out of Styrofoam that is used for insulation/noise dampening. I tried pricing the kit and you add the stencils and I have a need for them not just for outlining but just for simple labeling, plus all the other accessories and it really is a great deal. Not complicated, as all tips twisted on and off with ease and they are true to their shape and remain that way during use. My wood burning box is now filled with so many tips that I just need to score a wood crate on sale and get crafting!

 

 

Connect with Sparleberry Industries at:

• Amazon

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Sparkleberry Industries. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. I received no other compensation in exchange for my review. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

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Valentine’s Gift for Her: Pirouline Chocolate Sticks with Chocolate Cake Heart Scented Candle and Heart Box with Assorted Chocolates #Review

Every Valentine’s Day, as much as I love chocolate, I will admit the typical a dozen roses and chocolate treat gets a little ordinary. I don’t desire jewelry and what I do desire, is something left to remember the holiday from. A holiday that has gotten ridiculously expensive. Plus, I like my roses with roots attached, so I can plant them and enjoy them all year around.

When I was offered to review the Valentine’s gift set with Pirouline Chocolate and more, I admit I was intrigued. Why? Because it’s a little of everything and from the girl who hasn’t finished her Christmas chocolates yet, this is ideal for me. The set comes with:

• A metal tin with lid, filled with Pirouline Chocolate Sticks that is reusable and adorable.

• A candle that is a dark chocolate cupcake, filled with a heart shaped white chocolate center. The candle smells like a delicious chocolate cake but comes with zero calories. Just light it and enjoy it time and time again.

• You also don’t miss out as the set includes a mini heart shaped boxed filled with five individual chocolates, and this is a perfect amount for me. You also have a keepsake heart shape boxed that you can reuse.  The outer box (lid) is decorated with a red roses motif.

Retail Price Point: The entire set is $15.95 via Amazon and if you have Prime membership, that is the total cost with delivery included. You can even include a gift message via Amazon to be included with the parcel.

Verdict:
There is no going out to stores and having to pick 3 items and then pay shipping if your loved one is far away or if that day you will be working, so that means Valentine’s Day gets put on hold. The set covers all bases by still being filled with chocolate but allowing the gift to leave a little memento behind. The candle is utterly fragrant that I found without lighting it, it still fills the living room with a delectable chocolaty scent, so I can keep it as-is and use it time and time again. I have done this where a candle never gets lit and becomes a decor item because the scent lasts, plus some things are just too cute to melt. The candle comes in a clear box, so you can opt to showcase it in the box, take it out and even store it back again for the coming year or a special date night at home. The Pirouline Chocolate Sticks came with only a few cracked but none had crumbled! They are filled with Chocolate Hazelnut and go perfect with coffee or munch them like I do straight out of the tin. The five chocolates came in perfect condition. None were melted, cracked or aged. Something that has happened in prior years where a heart shaped box was filled with dry and old chocolates, these were perfect and are made by Elmer Chocolates. Yes, the gift is economical but still makes the one gifted feel warm and fuzzy and that is truly what you want in the end from a gift. The person to know you thought of them and that is what matters!

Connect with Practical Therapies at:

• Amazon
• #ValentinesDayGifts #ChocolateSticks

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Practical Therapy (Amazon).  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Pure Sol: The Original Konjac Facial Sponge #Review #konjacsponge

In a beauty world that is consumed with chemicals, it is nice to find a company that takes the natural approach and especially when it comes to cleaning the very thing you are trying to keep looking it’s best, your skin!

What exactly is a Konjac Sponge-

The Konjac Sponge is made from 100 percent preservative-free konjac root. This is a root-based vegetable, which in Asia has been cultivated for it’s fibers. The root’s fibers are a perfect detoxifying and purifying agent. The fibers calm and exfoliate, creating a sponge that is delicate to sensitive skin. The Konjac root material is natural in alkaline and balances the acidity of your skin by removing impurities and oils, such as build-up from congested pores. Blackheads and acne issues are easily corrected and managed because the fiber of the root provides gentle exfoliation. No chemicals here to encourage redness, irritations, or more skin problems!

The root is naturally enriched with many minerals and vitamins but remains gentle enough for the sensitive skin suffers. The Konjac sponge provides deep-cleansing, leaving you with a natural PH balanced surface.

Pure Sol offers a large array of Konjac sponges, with each variety addressing different needs. I was able to review the Original sponge from their product line. Their Original Konjac sponge provides the following benefits:

• Deep Cleaning
• Detoxifying
• Hydrating
• Naturally PH balances your skin and it’s safe to use on your face, neck and most sensitive areas
• Exfoliation
• Natural glow and softening to the skin
• Free of Parabens, Sulfates and any chemicals

Ingredients: 100% Pure Konjac Root Fiber and the product is handmade in China.

Retail Price Point: $10.00 for 1 sponge and 1 hook that features a suction cup

Longevity: The Original Konjac sponge provides 2 to 3 months of use and is compost friendly after use.  Pure Sol also offers a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee with their products.

Directions- You simply wet the sponge until it becomes soft and gently massage in a circular motion and keeping in mind you want to apply light pressure to the skin’s surface. You want to clean and gently exfoliate your skin. You can opt to use a facial cleanser or use the sponge as-is. After use, you simply rinse and gently press the water out, then hang on the hook supplied. Make sure your sponge has proper ventilation to dry properly.

Results- I have had issues lately with make-up removers in wipe form causing irritation, so this was been getting in the way of being able to use masks or even exfoliate properly. It seems the chemicals left behind by the wipes do not play nice with this cold Winter weather, which is causing redness and even peeling around the sensitive skin near my eyes . I have been washing my face now to remove the make-up and then using the Original Konjac sponge after and once my face is cosmetic free. No issues so far and I am at the 1 1/2 month period of using this product. It’s easy to use and I love not having an excuse to not wash my face as I should, especially those days I am staying in and doing chores. I can get tunnel vision and brush my teeth but not wash my face and just splashing water doesn’t cut it! Using the sponge in this method allows me to use my masks as I need to and be worry-free if any chemicals are going to give me lizard eyes. I also found the next cheapest Konjac sponge out there for $15, so using the Pure Sol products saves me $5 without missing out on a facial sponge.

Connect with Pure Sol and their sponges at:

• On-line
• Facebook
• Amazon Link to The Original Konjac Sponge
• Amazon Link to The Charcoal Konjac Sponge
• #konjacsponge

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Pure Sol.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

InstaNatural: Dead Sea Mud Mask #Review #InstaNatural #DeadSeaMask

InstaNatural is a company which features a large array of beauty products that range from serums, masks to products that target problem areas that suffer from stretch marks, scars to cellulite. You can get all your beauty needs satisfied with InstaNatural, as they have hair products to even supplements! If you sign-up on their site for the Club Discount, you get an instant 15% off. Need to save more? Order $25 worth of beauty products that are guaranteed to work, as they all covered by the InstaNatural 100% Lifetime Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee and get free shipping. Nothing to lose than some fine lines, blemishes and better skin for 2015!

 

InstaNatural: Dead Sea Mud Mask

This product is part of their Body Detoxifiers collection. The mask is 100% Natural and infused with minerals. The product serves two purposes, one to detoxify and secondly, to purify:

• Pure Dead Sea Mud
• Organic Shea Butter
• Organic Jojoba Oil
• Organic Aloe Vera Juice
• Organic Calendula Oil
• Hickory Bark Extract
• Magnesium
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Calcium
• All products at InstaNatural are made in the USA and never animal tested

 

Retail Price Point: $25.77 for a quantity of 16 ounces in a resealable tub (jar)

Application- I started by washing my face with mild soap or a simple face wash. I then applied a thin layer of mud mask. If applying on the face, avoid the eye and lip areas and any areas you may be sensitive to over-drying. I left the mask on for 20 minutes, however the directions state for 10 to 15 minutes until dry. I sometimes find some mud based masks work well after you shower, so I would apply and then use the water to wash my hands and just literally walk out with the mask on my face until 20 minutes would lapse. It’s my way of multi-tasking! You use warm water to gently remove the mask from the skin and I use wet paper towels for the edges I can’t get to (i.e. nose corners, along the hair line, ect.). This makes sure I do not stain any of our face towels. You then pat dry with a clean cloth and apply a good moisturizer to start nourishing the skin. I read on InstaNatural’s site, that they do not recommend using the Dead Sea Mud Mask more than once a week……..doesn’t get easier when it comes to skin care regimens!

What to Expect- To avoid over-dryness, I made sure to stick to the directions and used the mask once a week for a 4-week period (I’m still using it and now it’s a main stay and a must have). The first time after leaving the Dead Sea Mud Mask for 20 minutes, I was left with a nice clean surface that was not over dry but had a nice clean sheen. I applied their retinol based moisturizer soon after to make sure I was nourishing my skin’s surface. As the days passed, I noticed my skin continuing to purge (i.e. clogged pores) and my pores looked and felt less (could not feel a bump) congested. On the second week of application, the main difference was that I did not experience any break-outs, which is a little odd for me. I always have a small pimple or little blackhead that is trying to become more than what it really is but I admit that I pick at them, so they get angry with me sometimes :). I had none and no irritations. It was easy to make this mud mask part of my “Sunday Face Clean” day. It’s the day that I try to make up for the week that I did not always have time to wash or primp my face like I wanted to. InstaNatural’s Dead Sea Mud Mask let me reset the clock and pretend I was a good girl about my skincare routine. Pimples, acne, and any blackheads are a thing of the past and so little is needed to cover the surface of your skin. I also used it on my chest on a small blackhead that was indecisive about ruining my intro into 2015! Left it on for 15 minutes (sort of like a spot treatment) and overnight the redness diminished and it was nothing by day two. I also felt that my acne scars lightened and peeled at a quicker pace to reveal a nice skin’s surface that reflected no history of the blemish that resided there before! Easy to use and all the mask asks that you use it once a week……anyone can do that!

Connect with InstaNatural and their large array of Beauty products at:

• Online
• Product’s Link
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google+

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from InstaNatural.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

InstaNatural: Age Defying Retinol Serum, Supercharged Antioxidant Blend #Review #InstaNatural

 

The next couple of weeks, I will featuring several products from InstaNatural. Next on the list, InstaNatural’s Age Defying Retinol Serum. .

InstaNatural is a company which features a large array of beauty products that range from serums, masks to products that target problem areas that suffer from stretch marks, scars to cellulite. You can get all your beauty needs satisfied with InstaNatural, as they have hair products to even supplements! If you sign-up on their site for the Club Discount, you get an instant 15% off. Need to save more? Order $25 worth of beauty products that are guaranteed to work, as they all covered by the InstaNatural 100% Lifetime Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee and get free shipping. Nothing to lose than some fine lines!

InstaNatural: Age Defying Retinol Serum; Supercharged Antioxidant Blend

This product is part of their serum collection. You get a combination of ingredients that deliver youthful and radiant skin:

• Aloe Vera Base (no H20 fillers here)
• 2.5% Retinol
• 20% Vitamin C
• 10% Hyaluronic Acid
• Fruit and Plant acids
• Vitamin E
• Witch Hazel
• Organic Jojoba oil
• Green Tea
• Pink Grapefruit Essential oil
• Willow Bark
• All products at InstaNatural are made in the USA and never animal tested

Retail Price Point: $23.75 for a 1 fluid ounce glass bottle with dropper dispenser

Application- Wash your face and gently pat dry. Being that this is a serum and a very light formulation, you usually apply this product after a toner and before applying a moisturizer. Always keep in mind the easy rule of applying skincare products in the order they are formulated, from thinnest first to heaviest being your last. This allows the products to absorb quickly and also allows your skin to reap the product’s full benefits by creating a moisturizing barrier. I lightly dabbed my problem areas like under eyes, forehead, middle of eyebrows, and neck area. You can opt to apply a thin layer all over your skin or just target the zones you feel need the most attention. Keep in mind this is a retinol based product, so you have to keep sensitivity in check and any sun exposure (always use sunscreen). You can use the serum twice a day with your skincare regimen, unless you spot redness and/or peeling, which then you would use once daily or until you find the time schedule that works best for your skin (i.e. every other day if you continue to experience sensitivity).

What to Expect- I tested the product for 3 weeks. The product comes in a dark amber colored glass bottle, which keeps oxidation down to a minimum. The dropper allows the user to use what is needed without wasting or over dispensing. The serum is light in texture but closer to a gel versus being watery. This means you are not chasing the product around and it stays where applied. I started using the Retinol Serum once a day and after day three, I moved up to applying once in the day and once at night. This was my way to make sure I did not have red skin during the holidays. Due to the antioxidant blend and also the vitamins, I noticed a quick plumping from the vitamin C, which smoothed out my face nicely before applying moisturizers and make-up. The retinol is definitely present, as I did see the turnover and newer (better looking) skin rather quickly. I don’t mind quick results and neither will you!  I did like that any scars or discoloration from previous blemishes (acne scars) are a thing of the past and this serum provided the quickest “scar turn-around” so far.

 

Connect with InstaNatural and their large array of Beauty products at:

• Online
• Product’s Link
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google+

I received the above product(s) free of charge from InstaNatural.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Gurin: Touch Professional Digital Kitchen Scale KS-100 #Review #DigitalKitchenScale

Anyone who reads my blog knows I do a bit of baking. And a bit of cooking. Maybe a touch of kitchen activities here and there. So when Gurin offered me a chance to test a kitchen scale, I jumped at it with both feet. I’ve tried a few cheap-o kitchen scales, some really nice ones, and once I even bought one from a national kitchen and bath retailer. I was happy with a few, disappointed in most. When your recipe calls for exact measurements, “close enough” isn’t good enough. Accuracy counts.

This Gurin Model KS-100 Kitchen Scale is accurate to the gram thanks to 4 high precision GFX sensors. It will also max out at over 12lbs, which is insane. I hope and pray I never bake so much as to max out this little guy! But it’s still a really, really nice feature. And the stylish tempered glass face means no flour or sugar or particles of any sort get lost in seams or cracks. It’s no-good rubber feet keep it solidly anchored in place, and it’s touch screen controls mean you can switch units or tare with a knuckle, when one is sporting the dreaded “club finger” from mixing or mashing or shaping. Hallelujah! The scale sports a back-lit screen with large, easy to read numbers that can be seen from any angle. Such a nice little feature when one has to glance across a kitchen from computer screen to recipe book, because let’s be honest, it’s easy to lose track with several things going at once.

If I were forced to point out some negatives, I would initially point to the CR2032 lithium button cell batteries, as you can’t just grab those from anywhere. And the fact that the tempted glass surface is black, which means every speck and fingerprint shows. It’s so nice to look at, one can’t help but be a little OCD with cleaning it.

Retail Price Point: $19.95 via Amazon

The pluses here highly outweigh the niggling little minuses. It came securely packaged, and with batteries too. I so do not miss the old “batteries not included” days! At just $19.99 I would say that you might find a scale a little cheaper, but with a satisfaction guarantee and free shipping, I can safely say you probably won’t find one better. I’d label this one a “buy”, with no regrets.

Connect with Gurin and their products at:

• Amazon
• On-line
• #DigitalKitchenScale

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Gurin.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Body Merry: Hyaluronic Acid Serum #Review #BodyMerry

 

Last week, I reviewed the Retinol serum by Body Merry and this week I will be reviewing their Hyaluronic Acid. This is a combination serum that is boosted with other ingredients like:

• Vitamin C
• Green Tea
• Aloe Vera
• Jojoba Oil
• And Vitamin E

All ingredients are Natural or Organic. Free from harsh chemicals such as Parabens, Sulfates and Phthalates. Also, no fragrances or alcohol are ever used and the product is produced in the USA.

Ingredients (as listed on their site):

• The Hard Hitters: Plant Derived Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C + Wildcrafted Green Tea
• The Organic Ones: Aloe + Jojoba Oil
• Just Some of the Others: Witch Hazel + MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) + Geranium Essential Oil + Vitamin E

Price Point: $14.99 for a 1 fluid ounce bottle that comes with a dropper top. Backed by a 100% Money Back Guarantee too!

Hyaluronic Acids help boost the amount of moisture your skin cells can hold. You get a plump and smoother look on the surface, so while you are quenching the skin, why not add other nutritional ingredients to improve its health? Body Merry does just that and even if you are prone to clogged pores, blemishes, acne, blackheads, this is a non-clogging formula. My T-Zone should be called my pimple zone because I can be prone to breakouts.  I admit I sometimes just dab and pretend to moisturize these areas but always lightly. I was able to apply a thin layer of the Body Merry’s Hyaluronic Acid serum and woke up the next day without any skin issues. You will notice as the weeks go by and with continued use, the serum has lasting results. Due to its plumping nature and how well it drives moisture to the areas applied, I went for it and I applied it on my lips. I usually use whatever is left on my finger tips after applying to my face and neck area, which is usually more than enough. Chapped lips/Winter lips are now not an issue and I follow up with a nourishing balm enriched with Coconut oil. Another great product by Body Merry that is affordable, performs well and with regular use, rewards you with better looking skin. I figure I will start my 2015 looking better than years before!

Get your Body Merry fix at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• #BodyMerry

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Body Merry.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Body Merry: Pro-A Serum 2.5% Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid and Green Tea #Review #BodyMerry

I ran out of my OTC retinol and quite frankly, I don’t think my former brand had the retinol kick it had before. I first thought maybe I needed to move up and use a higher strength, so I buy for deep wrinkles versus fine lines. I try to use more product because maybe I’m just being too cheap! I I come to my senses and just need to drop the brand like a RoC-K because it just was not cutting it.

I’m on my last week where my retinol tube is spurting out a yellow colored and nicely oxidized solution, Body Merry then offers to send me a bottle of their product! Don’t you love it when things just come together like that?

It get’s here and I try the Pro-A Serum for 3 weeks :

• Week One- On day one, I expected to feel that tingle that in my head means it’s working. I get a slight pink color but that is mostly from me tapping on my skin (lightly). The solution is a perfect gel that has a slight tint and is easily portioned out by the dropper. Three drops covers the “problem areas” where I have 5 fine lines in total and also covers what I somehow know will be “future problem areas”. Hey, I like to eat Turkey…..not look like one. I continue use and by day #3, I’m thinking this is just gelatin-ized water Yes, my skin absorbs it, feels nice but no voodoo is happening. I continue use because I’m going to ride this pony out or maybe just rubbing my fine lines in a routine basis will just erase them (don’t I wish).

 

• Week Two- Still on the pony and I notice on day #8, my skin overall looks better. Like the type of skin you think looks nice and wish you could obtain. I look less…..well, flustered because my frown line between my brows is un-frowning (finally got the memo that me no likey it). I think it’s just a good day and continue my ride. Yee-haw!

 

• Week Three- I have consecutive “good days”, so I shine off the results and just think it was a good week now. Continue on the this horsey and I notice things like my chin has 2 mini white heads and I have to get like super close to the mirror….you know when your nose fogs it up to even see them. The acne areas are just not getting angry anymore, so the Body Merry Pro-A Serum is sort of like a happy pill for my face. I realize what you don’t want to jinx because somehow if you acknowledge it, my face will revolt and avenge this goodness. Overall I get one pimple over my eyebrow and one bug bite on the neck. The latter obviously only a fly swatter could have saved me! I don’t hate saying it but my face looks good….feels good….and I sort of am starting to like it (don’t let it go to your head).

 

Ingredients (as listed on their website):

The wildness of Retinol is tamed by Plant Derived Hyaluronic Acid, which locks in moisture to effectively minimize dryness or irritation. Because of their high antioxidant content, Green Tea and Vitamin E work beautifully together to prevent and diminish the signs of aging.

The formula does not contain any parabens, sulfates, phthalates, fragrances or alcohol. The KEY ingredients are:
The Hard Hitters: 2.5% Retinol + Plant Derived Hyaluronic Acid
The Organic Ones: Green Tea + Aloe + Jojoba Oil
Just Some of the Others: Vitamin E + Witch Hazel + Wheat Germ Oil + Wildcrafted Propolis

I can easily state that I was paying more for a product that did a whole lot less. I don’t like when that happens because I spend my time researching and when a product changes it’s formulation and you find out after the fact, well they not only slapped my pocket book but also me.

Price Point: $27.99 on Amazon with 90-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee on all products. Hassle free money back, with no need to return the bottle! Made in the USA and Cruelty Free too.

Body Merry’s Pro-A serum gave me everything it advertised. It minimized my fine lines to the point I don’t focus on them and just made my skin happier. My acne prone areas diminished and just got off that cycle of two great weeks followed by “you thought I was gone” pimples that just makes you wonder why you bother washing off make-up like it’s the plague when you get home. Yes, my pimples were small and just clogged pores but nonetheless, in my world they were not allowed to be there with all the care I take, the 8 glasses of water, not touching my face, and so forth. My pimples broke the rules but Body Merry’s Pro-A Serum let them know who’s the boss!

I will continue using Body Merry’s Pro-A Serum and have started using their Hyaluronic Dew Serum . I’m doing the Hyaluronic Dew Serum in the morning and at PM, the Pro-A serum because now I’m aiming super high when it comes to results. I see now what my face can really do 🙂

Get a Happier Face and visit Body Merry and their products at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• FaceBook
• Twitter
• #BodyMerry

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Body Merry.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.