Product Review: HSI Professional Flat Iron

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Time to update some old tools, and perhaps help my hair look a bit better these days. HSI Professional offered me one of their flat irons to review and I said "Um, YES!"

So I received this beautiful flat iron, which instantly wowed me.  My poor straightener has been around since college. It works great still, but it is always nice to get a chance to update an item I count on daily.

Of course, I read through the material sent with it, just to make sure I used it correctly - especially when it came to temperature.  Now in comparison to my old one, which did not have temperature specified, just number levels, I was a bit lost on exactly how hot I was getting by moving the dial. So of course, I started low and work my way up until I found a temperature that worked for me. 

Here is my hair before: 

Naturally thick, wavy and bleached for the summer. The length is just past my shoulders when not straightened. It can be difficult to get straight and keep the frizz away.  

I found that it had the on/off button discreetly hidden, which is nice to not accidentally turn it off.  I was very disappointed to learn that this does not have an automatic off after a certain time.  I find this safety feature to be a necessity on anything that heats up to such high temperatures.  As you can see, the temperature starts at 140' and goes to 450'.  To forget to unplug this could be disastrous, and we all know on days you are running out the door, an automatic off is a blessing.  

Another issue I had with the temperature is the fact that you cannot really tell what temperature you are at unless you are at the low or high point.  You can guess of course, but if you notice, the curve printed does not actually go from one point to the other, and there are not other marks that give you an estimate of temperature.  So I was very cautious on moving the heat, since I was not sure about the sensitivity.  

The flat iron heated up very quickly and the heat was definitely working.  The cord is super long, which is awesome to have some flexibility with the direction of movement while straightening. The clamping mechanism on mine squeaks, which is actually very annoying considering how often I have to open and close the iron.  This iron is very lightweight, which is both a pro and a con.  With as much hair as I have, it is nice to have it lightweight since it takes me so long.  But being light also meant I had to apply more pressure to straighten each strand.

  

So this was the final product of my hair.  When I did this, I did not turn the heat all the way to the recommended heat, as I felt that was too hot for my hair and I was trying to watch how it worked, adjust the temperature and pressure, so this did take me a bit of time. As I have continued to use it, I have moved up the heat just past what could be considered the midpoint on the diagram, and I feel that it is working fine.  I love that this flat iron does not cause static or frizz on my hair, and that my hair felt smooth after each use.  

Overall, I am happy with this product.  If it did not squeak, I think it would be even better.  I believe it is a good choice for hair that is medium to thin, less wavy or textured, and perhaps less treated in terms of bleaching.  I think for hair like mine, wavy to curly, and bleached, an upgraded version would be a better choice to ensure correct heating and straightening.  

For the product, there are small items that I believe could improve its appearance and functionality, but overall, it heats up well, it straightens great, and it appears to be made of good quality materials.  If you are looking for a new flat iron, I suggest you take a look at what HSI has to offer.  

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Product Review: Oolala Bra

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Looking to wear that backless dress or shirt? You know, every once in a while, I get to have a night where we dress up and go out.  Usually it is for a work function for my better half, but still... date night is date night.  

When I saw this Oolala bra up for review, I was not going to miss my chance.  Its always in that last minute moment that you figure out you need one of these for an outfit, so why not be prepared. The bra is a self adhesive, backless bra and it is also one that promotes a tie string that can enhance the cleavage area.

So the bra came in, and like any mom who appreciates getting a great deal, I was thrilled. Took it out of the package and sighed.  Well, it wasn't a padded as I hoped.  Not going to lie, my chest is... small.  But, as with all things, I have to give it a shot. 

So I took it apart.  You know adhesive bras are not easy to put on. You get one side on, and then you put the second on with the wrong angle and you have to peel it off and reapply and then it feels great but then you realize the first one could have been put on better, so you peel that off. and start again. It is an awful circle of events.  

But once I got them on, as appropriate for the amount of chest I have, and tied them up, I was satisfied.  Then came the squeeze together... the part where the cleavage forms into this sexy heap that fills your shirts with low cuts. So here comes the downside in my opinion - if you have little to use, like me - your cleavage that does exist may just get smashed. I am actually curious if this happens for all brand bras like this since there is no additional padding to make something appear out of nothing. If you have something to work with, you may be more pleased with the cleavage aspect however, this bra does not have much in support that you may normally get from an underwire bra. 

The upside, this bra is definitely going to work for my low cut in the back or backless shirts and dresses.  This covers my chest well and because it doesn't have extra padding, it is light weight and won't weigh the girls down like some of the silicone strapless bras.  It is easy to tie up and tighten.  Easy to wipe clean afterwards and reapply the plastic to keep the adhesive intact.  The fabric is smooth and soft.

One of the best parts is that your nipple will stay intact and will not get greatly pulled on when you remove it. Not going to lie - pulling adhesive bras off can be scary as you watch your skin stretch, no matter how cautious you are being.  This bra has a nice area that your nipple basically sits in, so you don't have to worry about it later.

Downside includes the fact that a tight shirt or dress may be difficult to use unless you tuck the buckle and excess string well into the cleavage.  (Here again, you have to have cleavage to hide it in.)

Overall, this is a good option to have for any type of shirt or dress that you do not want your bra showing. While this gave me more traditional coverage than push-up and cleavage, it still is beneficial if you don't want to walk around without a bra.  I cannot speak for others that may have larger chests, but for small chests, this became one of those items that is handy to have around.  In the end, do not expect miracles, support, or magic.  Expect basic coverage that makes you feel more comfortable than going braless. 


**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Product Review: Chair Cushion

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Well my chair in the office has had a great life.  But we have come to that point where the cushion just isn't doing its job. I mean, it couldn't be the size of my butt that wore it out so quickly so I am going to say that the cushion was poor quality.

So I got myself a nice cushion to place on the chair in hopes that comfort would return when I have long nights in front of the desktop computer.  I was able to try out #Konnor 's orthopedic memory foam cushion. 

It has taken some getting used to and I probably don't sit in this chair enough daily to say that it is the perfect solution, but this has definitely made it better for me when I am working at the computer for long periods of time. 

Easy neutral color.  And it is a great size.  Thickness is wonderful and while it looks enormous coming out of the box, it ends up fitting perfectly in the chair.  When you first sit, it is quite firm and has held up the firmness so far.  I have felt other memory foam ones that offer more contouring, but of course squish down a little too soon. This one does not contour in that same manner.  This is the part that did throw me off since it is memory foam and I was expecting more squish to it. 

If you are looking for a good cushion that can revive the height you have lost in your current chair then this may be for you.  If you want firm and want it to perk up your ability to sit straight and properly, this is also for you.  If you are looking for a solution before going out and spending big bucks on a brand new chair that will surely lose its comfiness before you expect, this is for you.  Konnor's cushion has managed to be a great option as a fix to my sad chair. 

You can the konnor's cushion on amazon.

(https://www.amazon.com/Konnor-Memory-Orthopedic-Cushion-Office/dp/B06XBSH4QB/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493981793&sr=8-1&keywords=seat+cushion&m=A39BXQKUDFCLWW)

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Review: Girl's Digital Watch

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

So I have a little 5-year old who is all about learning... learning to read, learning to add and subtract, and learning to be a big girl. What is better to help her in this learning and growing phase than to give her a watch of her own.

I was given the opportunity to purchase this watch for a discounted price, so I gave it shot to see how she would do.  She loves it! She absolutely loves having a watch and practicing telling time.

The watch is super cute with a little girl on it, holding her kitten.  The colors are of course perfect, purple and pinks everywhere. And the time is hidden until she presses the red button near the little girl.  Then the time pops out!

The watch is adjustable with plenty of holes to make it fit any size wrist, and the portion of the little girl actually moves as well, so once you have it to the right size, you can adjust the main piece along the wrist.  An adult does have to set the time and date, etc. as the buttons to adjust are on the side and extremely hard to push.  Not a big deal to me because I figure it limits her ability to mess with setting the time and she really doesn't need the date feature yet.

I cannot praise this small affordable beginner's watch enough.  Its a perfect starter without spending an arm and a leg. It has a clear and basic digital screen, and it offers a cute bracelet look when the time is hidden.

I recommend this watch for any of your little princesses that are looking to step up into the big girl world and start practicing with their ability to tell time.

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Product Review: Instanatural Eyelash Serum

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Well... here I am again, trying to figure out what remedy will make my eyebrows magically grow back.  I found this product being offered to try out and write a review, so I figured give it a shot.  It is supposed to help with exactly what I wanted to accomplish... and I remain hopeful that it will make a difference.

I have been applying Instanatural Eyelash and Eyebrow serum for about 15 days to my eyebrows... I am cautious of course, because you never know what might happen. Happy to report no skin irritation.  It is easy to apply as well.  The down side, I still need more time to say that it has made a difference.  I have not had the growth I hoped for on the bare eyebrow spots.

I know most individuals will use this for its primary purpose, which is applying it to the lashes.  I attempted this once and let me tell you it stings like a... mmm yeah.  I couldn't bear it and since it wasn't my primary worry, I did not continue using it for my lashes.  I do wish there was better instructions for applying it to the lashes because I am not even sure if I applied it across them correctly - and I tried to keep the amount applied limited, but it still managed to sneak into my eyes and make me cry.

Here are some before and after pics

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Of course you can still clearly see the ridge in the middle where my brow used to be crazy thin... that is the part I am trying to grow back.

I will continue to apply and keep my fingers crossed... I would love to have some nice looking eyebrows some day.

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Review: TravelSafer Tire Gauge

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Always better to be safe than sorry, and that is why I took the opportunity to review the TravelSafer Digital Tire Gauge.  Small, convenient, and one of those items that you know will be handy at the most random times.  

Some cars offer the ability to read the tire pressure automatically, but for those that don't, you will really like having this gauge around.  First of all, it is battery operated, which is pretty awesome.  It has a bright LCD display that allows you to easily read the pressure.  No more trying to squint and guess where it landed on the manual tire gauge!  And it is easy to use.  

First of, you turn it on with the press of a button.  Press it firmly to the tire nozzle, and ta-da! Instant tire pressure reading.  And it comes with the ability to offer a variety of measurement readings - so I usually use PSI, but it offers BAR, KPA, and Kg/cm3.  Totally versatile. 

This makes a great gift or personal purchase.  Consider your safety or those of your loved ones, and how this can come in handy before they get on the road or are looking at questionable tires.  I am pleased with this so far and hope you will find it most helpful as well. 

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Review: Keliwa Silicone Muffin & Cupcake Baking Pan

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**

Do you use silicone bakeware?  I just could not wrap my head around using that type of item.  It took me long enough to actually move away from fabric potholders and start using silicone.  But to put my food in it?

Well I finally made the move when I was given the opportunity to review Keliwa Silicone Muffin & Cupcake Baking Pan.  Of course, in my fear, I limited myself.  I used my baking pan to make cute cinnamon roll muffins.  Easy peasy to cut up some cinnamon rolls and then fit them into the pan.  Used the heat and time that was on the package.  Below is my pre-baking picture.

And when my timer went off, I was so pleased.  I found these cinnamon roll muffins waiting for me in the oven.  Evenly baked.  Fully baked all the way through.  They popped right out of the pan without needing any baking cups, flour, or cooking oil.

After removing them, I was able to put them on a plate and drizzle the icing on them.  Then I threw the pan into the dishwasher.  Again, another perk of this muffin pan.  

So, I cannot wait to try this with cupcakes or cornbread.  With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, this is going to work out perfectly.  

Overall the Keliwa Silicone Muffin & Cupcake Baking Pan appears to be made well.  It is the same size as a traditional metal pan, but has some great perks like the color, the even heating, nonstick, and easy to clean.  I am so happy I have this pan a try and I am looking forward to trying out some other silicone bakeware.

**Disclosure: I received this product for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.**