Euphoria/CaliTime: Cotton Throw Pillow/Cushion Covers with an Embroidered Dahlia Flower in Burgundy Review

I have always loved inexpensive items that can update my decor. Throw pillows are one of those items that can easily change how a room looks from seasonal, to even changing how a room feels by the colors you choose. White tends to make any color pop and when you combine something like a burgundy colored detail, you can really even make the most boring couch seem new again. I love that nowadays throw pillow covers are coming back because they are easier to store. Why keep trying to shove pillows with permanent covers into trunks or even closets, when you can just change the outside and reuse the same pillow? It saves you money because the cover comes unfilled, space and you can even take that savings and buy more decorative or elaborate cushion covers. CaliTime has an enormous array of designs, colors, fabric, and they really make anything to fit anyone’s decor, style, to even mood! Yes, they have pillow covers with phrases, animals, prints, to the embroidered style I picked. The nice part is they have their own site but they also sell via Amazon, so if you are a Prime member, shipping is also free.

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Verdict:
The Dahlia flower pattern, which is embroidered onto a cotton cloth comes in several colors. You have stitching in gold, grey, teal, navy blue and burgundy. The fabric is thick and not like many white fabrics that tend to be see through. You have a tight weave here and the nicer part, it’s not stiff. The cotton used is actually soft to the tough even though it will be durable because of the quality. Now, the stitching is more than I expected. Pictures can only say so much and in person, the stitching on these covers is phenomenal. At the store, so many pillows get damaged by mishandling and there is never a time that I have not had to fix loose to missing threads on covers of this kind. These arrived pristine! The burgundy thread is a deep wine color that is perfect for anytime from the Autumn colors that are nearing with Fall approaching to everyday use if you have tones that match, or you want a statement piece. This cover works either way! I was very happy and a 2-pack is just $19.95 via Amazon. yes, just a little under $10 a cover. You can’t find that and these are for pillows that measure 18 x 18 inches, so no small size here. The covers are also machine washable in the gentle cycle, again making it a practical purchase. Take a moment and I am sure you will find the perfect covers for your pillow because the selection is amazing!

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• Online
• Amazon
• #CaliTime

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from . 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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American Golden Oak Barrel, Co.’s 2L Oak Aging Barrel

From time to time, you buy those little things that are just too cute to pass up, even if you don’t have a place for them yet, or it serves no practical purpose. This American Golden Oak Wood Barrel fits squarely into this category.

I’m a sucker for things like this, but I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that if you’re thinking of actually using it for spirits or beer, I would strongly advise against this. Primarily because it’s full of wood shavings and splinters, and the workmanship is so poor that the water we put in it to rinse it out leaked like a sieve. There’s also some issues with QC overall, because the stand had an exposed nail point that if not for Hubby’s rhino-skin, would have punctured mere mortals and left them bleeding. Now, to be fair, the amazon page claims that after “initial soaking and curing” there is a “NO LEAKS GUARANTEE” and should it leak they’ll replace it, but since I don’t plan on using it for liquor storage I’m not going to bother. It’s strictly decorational here. And it’s just adorable. Whether on a wine rack, in the kitchen, or in the dining room, it is a wonderful conversation piece, especially since the spigot and bung are both functional. There’s also a 356 day warranty and satisfaction guarantee, so if you’re looking to make this a party favor or use it for liquor, the worst that can happen is a little booze will be lost and you’ll still have a cute little knick-knack.

Like I said, my American Golden Oak Barrel (2L) did leak, and the craftsmanship was a little spotty, but since I don’t plan on using it for liquor, I was satisfied, but if your plan is to use it for it’s intended purpose, I’d be cautious and make sure you get one made a little better than mine, because I’d definitely be sending mine back if i were using it for more than decor.

Connect with  American Oak Barrel, Co.:

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• On Amazon
• Buy your own Oak Barrel here!

I received the above product(s) free of charge from American Golden Oak Barrels. 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.

US Art Supply: Large easy to carry, Art Supplies and Storage Wooden Box, with removable Drawer #Review #USArtSupply

I started in 2015 getting back in to doing crafts at home and that means I needed to replenish my art supplies. This meant letting go of dried out paints from the early 2000’s and buying everything from new acrylics, water colors, oils, pastels and you name it. I have built a large collection and I figured a clear plastic storage box would do the trick. I then outgrew the box. Bought a second box and when I outgrew that, I noticed that my plastic boxes really did not satisfy me in how it kept things, to the point sometimes I avoided getting something out to not mess with how the box was sorted. It was time to think of a better solution.

I have reviewed for US Art Supply in the past because it’s a crafter and artist dream store. You think of a project and you simply visit their warehouse store on-line to see what you need. No gimmicks when it comes to what they carry and every set or item comes with details attached, so you know what is included before you place an order. Then comes the quality of their products……phenomenal and economical. Two words, which I love. I love to save but I also want good quality, something that is sometimes sacrificed by the budget you wish to keep but US Art Supply does not make me feel guilty for trying to save. They actually encourage it! They post deals all the time and I found that when I open my craft boxes and trunks, I see their logo on everything I own. I like that because I am finally where I want to be when it comes to the supplies I have. An idea hits me and I finally have the supplies to make that idea come true. No limits or constraints…..or waiting to save to be able to afford doing a project.

When US Art Supply offered to send their large storage wooden box, for storing art supplies and crafts, well I did not pass it up. When I ordered the box on Amazon, it was an artist’s dream. You have a wooden shelf that is removable, so you can easily access the items underneath and/or have them right next to you when you are drawing or painting. Everything I have from the metal objects I collect to the paper goods, and even frame hanging materials……well, it’s small in size. I can’t use plastic baggies for everything and being able to label one box as my “metal objects” carrier and another for my fabric, like ribbons to left-over material from past projects, keeps everything dust-free and also ready to use. I don’t throw anything out that can be re-purposed. Even the smallest fabric cutting has served me well in the past, so I keep until I need it again. The wooden box is what I call “naked wood”, so it’s a project in itself if you wish. I will be staining mine and then using a Damascus style stencil to add more beauty to the box. A project is always easy when you have a good beginning and this box is built well and made of wood. No plastic! Just real wood that if taken care of will last for years and years. You have a handle for easy carrying versus my plastic totes that tended to pop open when a finger accidentally poked up and lifted the lid while I was carrying them. None of that here! You have real metal locks (latches) that snap close and keep everything in place. Nothing was overlooked here. Even the bottom of the box has been used wisely. You have sections, a total of 7, which are divided on the bottom. You can keep everything from jumbling when storing or carrying easily. The removable shelf I mentioned also has a divider, which makes it 2 sections that fits brushes to color pencils, and keeps them from rolling everywhere when stored. I love this box and I love that even though it’s a light weight wood, the cost is fair!  You can make this box into anything you want from storing make-up to even making it look like a mini trunk by removing the handle.  The possibilities are endless!

 

Retail Price Point: $26.96 via Amazon and if you have Amazon Prime, the shipping is free.  The box measures 16.1 x 8.6 x 6.4 inches.

US Art Supply has a large array of wooden boxes, again if the one above does not enlighten you, well they have others that will. I told you they thought of everything for artists and even an artist needs a way to keep their tools and materials in place, so find the storage solution that fits your needs by visiting US Art supply below.  I have been using their boxes to keep my sewing materials, so it does not matter what your art is, they have a supply solution that will meet your needs!

Connect with US Art Supply at:

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

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from US Art Supply. 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.

 

Blu Monaco Modern Premium File Box Desk Organizer Set

If you’re like me, you have a pile of papers somewhere that you’ve been meaning to get to and sort, organize or file. I have several. My home office’s desk has usually got several piles, organized by order of importance, strewn about it. So when the opportunity arose to try out a set of Premium Home Organizer boxes from Blu Monaco Modern, I was so very game, and I’m so very glad I did.

To start, Amazon’s “Stupid Shipping Crew” threw the package in a box with a couple of air pillows, and somehow assumed that was sufficient to keep these from getting beaten up during shipping. Suffice to say, it was not. But Blu Monaco immediately shipped out a set that was packaged moderately better and arrived pristine. I would have liked a little insert that described how one put the boxes together, but thankfully I did figure it out. These File Organizers are not just made well, out of paper covered heavy-duty cardboard, and they’re a joy to look at, as they can make the unsightly piles of papers on your desk, kitchen table, or coffee table a thing of the past. With a metal-rimmed label on the outside spine, it’s also easy to organize and store things like magazines (sorted by subject matter, natch) that sometimes are of irregular sizes and make storage a nightmare. I know I have more than a few cooking magazines with recipes for days that now, instead of stacking in my bookshelf , will have a more permanent and stylish home. They’re sturdy enough that I can pack them with papers, receipts, or magazines and never have to worry about them falling apart either.

If I had one complaint, and it’s the usual one, it’s that at $25.99, they’re pricey. At $19.99 they’d be priced perfectly, and they’ll have a hard time being competitive with other brands on Amazon or your local office supply store. But they are very well made, and look very sharp on the shelf, so the value of them is really up to you. I liked them I recommend them, and the seller’s service is top-notch.

Connect with Blu Monaco Modern & Spruce Bay:

• On Amazon here
• Buy your own here

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Spruce Bay & Blu Monaco Modern .  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.

Madking Edison-Style Filament 60W Incandescent Bulb (6-pack)

I’ve been a fan of Edison-Style filament bulbs from the moment I saw them. They are so intricate, delicate, and beautiful and bring a little bit of fancy into an otherwise utilitarian object. And while pretty incandescent bulbs are now quite in vogue, it wasn’t too long ago that they were quite hard to come by. I was thrilled to get to try a new set with a different design, but alas, all Edison-style bulbs are not created equal.

At first, everything was perfect. Most of my light fixtures now had some version of Edison-Style lights in them. They have a standard (E26) base as well as a standard (A19) bulb shape. They run on standard 120V power and are supposed to be rated for up to 3,000 hours (more on that later). The Madking bulbs were a little brighter, but a little extra light in a room can be a good thing. Then the first bulb blew out, just a couple of days after I put it in. I chalked that up to rough handling from shipping, but a few days later, the replacement blew out as well. Then another went in a separate fixture. So unless every bulb had the bejeezus shaken out of it during shipping, there must be a defect in the materials somewhere. I’m hesitant now to put them back into fixtures, because what’s the point if they only last a few days to a week? A quick check of the reviews on Amazon shows that this is a pretty common occurance, and while Madking seems to be great about shipping replacements, those seem to sometimes blow out just as fast. The last thing I want to be doing in dragging out the stepstool every few days and replace more bulbs. That’s not a merry-go-round I want to ride, thanks.

It’s a shame these didn’t last better or longer, because while they work, they’re beautiful. While they are a tad brighter than I would like, they are at a nice intersection where form meets function, without either really taking precedence over the other. If they could just figure out why they burn out so fast and fix that, Madking has a real winner on their hands.

Connect with Madking:

• On Amazon

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Madking.  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.

 

Enlightened Ambience 60 Watt Antique Edison Style Light Bulb

Everyone has “a thing” for something. For Hubby it’s watches, Leatherman tools, and flashlights. For me, I have a thing for antique-style lightbulbs, among other things. I know, weird. But they are just so beautiful to see, a real neat conversation piece that can take a drab or utilitarian light fixture and really make it pop. I’ve tried some of Enlightened Ambience’s bulbs before, and to say I’m a fan would be a huge understatement. And these medium-base Edison-Style bulbs are my absolute favorite yet.

As I mentioned, a ho-hum pendant lamp can be made a statement piece with a gorgeous bulb. And while LED lights appeal to my inner cheapskate as far as energy consumption and long life, sometimes you need beauty for beauty’s sake. Enlightened Ambience understands this and has made a line of bulbs that, no matter the fixture, bulb size or shape, look like works of art. These Antique-style bulbs feature a Squirrel cage tungsten vertical filament pattern, that when lit look jaw-droppingly gorgeous. The standard medium e-26 base will fit just about all average light fixtures with ease, and the best part? They’re dimmable! Light dimmers not only make for a very personalized lighting arrangement, but can significantly extend the life of a bulb so long as one doesn’t turn them on at full power each time. I use dimmers with a gradual rise to the pre-set lighting level, and consequently go many, many years between replacing bulbs. And I wouldn’t want to miss a single minute of these bulb’s estimated 3,000 hour life. And the light-smoke finish on the glass means they’ll look as sharp off as they do on. I love these bulbs, and if I didn’t have so many closed lighting fixtures I’d put them in every room in the house. The light they give off is pleasant and warm, and make the rooms I have them in feel so much more cozy!

Like I said, Enlightened Ambience gave us something that is beautiful for the sake of being beautiful, where once we simply thought it was utilitarian. There’s nothing wrong with making a necessity like a lightbulb into something that puts a smile on your face every time it lights up a room.

Connect with Enlightened Ambience:

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• On Amazon
• Buy yours right here!

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Enlightened Ambience. 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.

WaySoft’s Single-Sided Australian Lambswool Pillow Cover

You’d be surprised how much a single throw pillow can really set off a piece of furniture, and sometimes it’s not just the bright and garish ones you notice. Sometimes, it’s the subtle and classic ones, like WaySoft’s Australian Lambswool Pillow cover makes that turns people’s heads. It also helps that it’s soft and plush as all get out!

Some people think of lambswool as scratchy and coarse, but if it’s quality and prepared well, it’s just about the softest thing I’ve had a pillow made from! This 16″ x 16″ pillow cover is just begging to be overstuffed and thrown onto your favorite arm chair, recliner, or

sofa and be used to “count the sheep to sleep”! The zippered back (with protective fold over it to keep from scratching delicate surfaces) makes stuffing and unstuffing a breeze, and since it’s with an advanced antimicrobial agent, I doubt you’ll ever notice that it’s even machine washable. It feels just as good as it looks, and it looks downright lovely. And the fact that it’s genuine lambswool and only $39.99? That’s about as good as it gets on these cold winter nights! In fact, it’s often a race to the couch to see who get’s everyone’s new favorite pillow first! The back is a cotton canvas and the stitching throughout is top notch. I might have to pick up a few extra so there’s no more hurt feelings on the other side of the sofa.

Connect with WaySoft:

• On Amazon
• Buy yours right here!

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from WaySoft.  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.

 

Kohree Real Wax Flameless LED Candles with Full Function Remote Control

I have reviewed a number of flameless candles recently, some that I loved, some I wanted to, and some that fell just short. The Last pillar candles I reviewed from Ohuhu fell just short, but based on my experience with Kohree products, I had much higher hopes. And for the most part, these Kohree Reaal Wax Flameless Pillar Candles with Remote Control are my new favorite flameless pillar candles ever.

To start, they are covered in real wax, so you should probably not put them on a hot surface or in bright sunlight for extended periods of time. You have a choice between a “constant on” feature, and a slow “flicker” effect from all three. You can even control the bightness! Low for a more relaxed setting and high to really brighten up a corner or accent table. Powered by 3 AAA batteries (sadly, not included. Insert sad face here!) each, they will run for quite some time before needing to be replaced (or, if your clever, recharged!). And because it’s a flameless candle, there’s no mess, no smoke, no hot melted wax to be worried about. And it’s always the perfect height and size, it’ll never melt smaller or irregular. The included remote is full-function, so you can adjust the brightness, the setting, and even the pre-designated timers of 4 and 8 hours! And the best part about them is they look just like the real deal. The last pillar candles I tried from Ohuhu would change colors, but the one color lacking was a true, actual “flame” color! So you immediately knew there was something off. With these Kohree Flameless Wax Candles, they 100% look and act like the real deal! They make for a great centerpiece to your holiday table, to any possible holiday decorating you could have in mind! And because they’re LED lights, they’ll last for years and years, and never need more than fresh batteries and quick wipe and they’re ready for the next season!

I really liked these Kohree Flameless Wax candles, and at just $16.99 for the set of 3, you could spend a lot more and get a lot less! The look and feel of a real candle, the convenience of a full function remote, and the low price, you can’t go wrong with these Real Wax Flameless Candles from Kohree!

Connect with Kohree:

• Online
• On Facebook
• On Amazon
• Get yours right here!

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Kohree.  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.

Ocotillo Southwest’s Way Out West Premium Scented Candles

I love the smells the house gets in fall and winter. We have a number of scented candles and wax melts from a variety of companies for all seasons, but the warmth and spice of fall and winter scents are hands-down my favorites. Sadly, there are a few candles that smell amazing in the store and then you get them home and light them up and there’s a distinct lack of scent. Except for the immediate vicinity around said candle. Or you end up with so much scent you have a headache and never light it again. Ocotillo Southwest’s Way Out West candle sets have struck a happy medium between the two, and smell jaw-droppingly amazing to boot.

We played a hunch when offered and went for the “Native Pinon Pine” Scent, and we weren’t disappointed. I didn’t want something that smells like a bathroom air freshener, or those little pine tree rear-view mirror decorations for cars, but a warm, spicy pine-ey scent that would help Hubby forget we have an artificial tree, and make the house smell like fresh cut pine. And Ocotillo Southwest hit that sweet spot of all those great scent notes without being overbearing or overpowering. The candle burns clean, with no popping or crackling, and the wicks don’t spark. The scent fills the room, and beyond, and lingers for a couple of days after only a few hours of burn. Did I mention the scent is heavenly? Because it truly is, and might well be our favorite for the season.

The packaging is delightful, and suitable for gifting without wrapping, it’s just so cute. The presentation is perfect, and the included metal wick dipper is a total “Well, duh!” moment for me, who has spent the better part of the last two decades blowing out the candles and ruining the scents. I love the wick dipper, and the little copper-ish accent charms on each top-quality mason jar (that you can clean and re-use!) candle. The copper tinted lids screw on securely and make storage a breeze. You get two candles per $29.99 package and Ocotillo Southwest estimates each candle is good for 40-45 hours each. I would love to give the other scents from the Way Out West Collection, because these Native Pinon Pine candles are a huge hit in this house.

Connect with Ocotillo Southwest:

• Online
• On Facebook
• On Pinterest
• On Amazon
• Buy yours right here!

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Ocotillo Southwest.  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.

 

 

Wizzhome’s Creative Scents “Schonwerk” Decorative Bowl

 

It’s not often I’m forced to do reviews in a rush, but unfortunately this item came damaged and the deadline for my post arrived the morning after the item did. And, sadly, that seems to be the norm with Wizzhome, so while their items are usually quality, they’re packaging and shipping is for the birds. But, as for this bowl, it’s a gorgeous little knick-knack that works well with my, and really any, decor. Let’s dive right in.

To start, it’s a heavy cast resin painted a deep, rich walnut color and brushed with a wood grain. I know it’s resin because the first one they delivered had one of his little feet broken clean off. Thankfully, Wizzhome replaced it, and all the little knicks and dings I’d thought were representative of poor workmanship seemed to be the result of the loose foot rattling around in the box. The Interior of the bowl has a golden/brassy crackled glass inset into the resin, and it rests flush so as to not leave any sharp edges protruding. The result is a brilliant beautiful sparkle, and due to the nature of the piece, no two will be alike. I also know this because I had two to compare. Sadly, the one with the broken foot had to be disposed of, but even in the bin, it looked fabulous. And the part I loved the most is the non-skid, non-marring pads on each foot. So often I buy something that has none and will slide around of whatever surface I choose for it and mark the dickens out of it, or I’ll have to buy some little protective pads. They were blissfully included with Wizzhome’s Schonwerk Bowl.

 

 

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I have ordered products from Wizzhome several times and have yet to get one without damage. Whether it’s from shipping or poor packaging, it’s always heartbreaking because the products from Wizzhome are top shelf. And, thankfully, they’ve always been quick to send a replacement, making the process painless. But it’s still something I think needed to be addressed. Whether you treat it as a bowl, or a holder for other decorative pieces, or just an object unto itself, it’s a sight to behold, and works with holiday decor, or really, year round. It’s a little pricey at $32.25, and I’m not sure I’d pay for a small-sh 10″ x 5.5″ x 3.5″ decorative accent, but value is in the eye of the beholder, and this Creative Scents Schonwerk Bowl is truly a sight to see.

Connect with Wizzhome:

• Online
• On Amazon

I received the above product(s) free of charge from WizzHome.  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.