Product Review: ModFamily Silicone Lids (Set of 6 Small Lids)

Plastic wrap is the bane of my existence. It sticks everywhere except for where I want it to go and I am not even being overdramatic.

ModFamily's Silicone Lids are inexpensive, dishwasher, and freezer safe. These are smaller lids with a 2.8 inch diameter but they can fit containers up to 4 inches.

They fit over pop cans, cans, and small containers. I have even put one directly on an onion to keep it fresh longer.

I have put them in the dishwasher and used a couple in the freezer without them becoming warped or stretched.

#siliconelids fit over cans, cups, and small containers that don't have lids. They are a reusable alternative to plastic wrap. Plus, they stretch and they are dishwasher and freezer safe.

A photo posted by Jessica Scheetz (@ispelledjssicawrong) on Apr 28, 2016 at 7:22pm PDT

Find it here: ModFamily Silicone Lids

I received the product for free in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Product Review: Karma Card Game

When I first saw this product I thought it would make a good game to play on rainy days at the lake, but it has a couple issues.

I like the cards themselves and the game should have been really fun. 

In order to play the game you need 2-6 players. 

The object of the game is to get rid of all of your cards. You do this by playing cards that are equal to or higher than the value of the card on the discard pile. If you choose not to play or cannot play a card, you have to pick up the entire discard pile. Karma Cards are essentially wild cards that come with a few perks.

Unfortunately, when we were playing there were a couple issues. 

First, there were a couple scenarios that were not explained in the rules. Second, the rules were worded in a way that they were confusing. Thirdly, John and I quickly discovered what appears to be a little loophole: you do not have to play a card and can pick up the stack which benefits you if someone put down a Karma card previously.

I tried looking for a video to learn how to play it correctly and found their Youtube video: Karma Card Game on Youtube

Fortunately, this answered a few questions that were unclear based on the instructions, however I feel as if the instructions still need to be fixed.

Try it yourself here: Karma

I received the product for free in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Product Review: Seal'In Food Storage Vacuum Containers

John and I are polar opposites: when he eats a snack he eats the entire bag within a week, but I have snacks that go stale even if I share with Madison.

Seal'In's containers are supposed to make these foods last longer and the process is super simple: you place your items in the container, close the lid, and use the pump to remove excess air. 

The sizes I received are 20 oz, 34 oz, and 64 oz. I placed the first in the freezer with leftover burgers, the second is in the pantry with tea bags, and the third one which has Cheez-Its is also in the pantry. 

I have had the burgers in the freezer for about a week and I just checked the seal, there was no problem with it. I open the medium and large container regularly and have only had a problem with the larger one as a result of the powder from my snacks. I just had to clean the lid and it was good to go. 

I love these because they are microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe.

I would recommend storing items that you will not have this issue with in these containers instead. It is recommended by the manufacturer but I wanted to see if they would remain fresh.

Find them here: Seal'In Food Storage Vacuum Containers

I received the product for free in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Product Review: First Secure 90 Piece Auto Emergency Roadside Kit

 I like having a first aid kit in the car for the piece of mind, even if we are not involved in a collision we could help someone around us.

Headlamp

Gloves and Zip Ties

Multi tool

There are 90 pieces included in the kit: 6 Gauge 300 Amp 10 Foot Jumper Cable, 250 PSI DC (Cigarette Lighter) Portable Air Compressor, a 11 Ft. 10,000 Pound Capacity Tow Rope, 1 Reflective Warning Triangle, a Multi-Tool Unit with 9 Tools, including Knife and Screwdrivers, 1 Roll Black Electrical Tape, 2 Bungie Cords, 20 Cable Ties, 1 Pair of Work Gloves, a Headlamp with Batteries, 8 Piece Tire Repair Kit, 48 Piece First Aid Kit includes: 6 Povidone-Iodine Prep Pads, 6 Alcohol Pads, 2 Antiseptic Cleansing Wipes, 10 Regular Size Adhesive Bandages, 3 Cotton Sponges, 1 Bandage Triangular, 2 Rolls PBT Bandage, 1 Roll Medical Tape, 10 Cotton Swabs, 1 Pair Gloves, 1 Pair Scissors, 5 Safety Pins, and 1 Storage Case.*

As a whole, I really like the kit. there are a couple minor issues with a couple items like the reflective material is only on one side of the triangle so it may not be visible from all angles. My second issue is with the multi-tool. If you are considering getting the set yourself I would recommend getting a better one, it is on the small side and it just seems a little flimsy. Thirdly, I would recommend supplementing the First Aid Kit. It has a great start for essentials but in a real emergency the amount of gauze would not cut it.

The construction on the items seems to be great, the set itself is pretty heavy and the carrying case seems sturdy enough to handle it.

*Information courtesy of the First Secure Amazon listing


Find it here: First Secure 90 Piece Auto Emergency Roadside Kit

I received the product for free in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

First Secure Roadside Kit

Air Compressor

1st Aid Kit 2/2

Tire Kit Instructions

1st Aid Kit 1/2

Tow Cable

Jumper Cables

Air Compressor

Bungee Cords

Full Kit

Reflective Triangle halves

Tire Kit

1st Aid Kit

Product Review: Easy@Home TENS Unit

I have had progressively worsening back pain for a little over four years, I have tried various prescriptions to no avail.

I had a friend suggest a TENS Unit. According to their Amazon listing this product treats (but does not cure) pain by delivering electric impulses to nerves and muscles. The screen has a back light and the touch screen is easy to use. There are presets for different kind of pulses and you can control the power and intensity.

I tried this one because it does not require a cord and has four electrode pads. I found it easy to hook up with the instruction booklet. They have a list to help with positioning the pads but I feel as if they needed captions so you could tell which specific areas they would help with the most.

The unit is a little bigger than a universal remote and the dials on the side control the power and intensity. The first time I tried it my back was hurting enough that I could not turn the dial past 1. Unfortunately, the second time I used it I accidentally knocked one of them to a higher setting which was far from pleasant. I made sure to be a lot more careful with the product after this.

**There is a pretty hefty list of warnings, so I would do a little research if you are looking to purchase.

Find it here: Easy@Home TENS Unit

I received the product for free in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Book Review: Monarchs and Mendicants

I would gladly read Monarchs and Mendicants again.

Gifford Ulrich is a former Navy Seal who is suffering from PTSD. When we are introduced to him he is homeless and struggling to make it on the streets. He reluctantly associates with the other homeless people and the reader quickly discovers all of the dangers they are facing: personal demons, a serial killer, and a mob boss.

Each character has their story and you do not fully discover Gifford's until later. Can Gifford help his friends?

Can he even keep himself safe?

Monarchs and Mendicants is just another reminder that the homeless are people too. Whether they are down on their luck or on the street for another reason the struggle to survive is real.

Each character is has flaws and gifts, but they are looked down on- just like in reality. Dan Groat did a fantastic job of making each character unique.

This novel has a couple points where there is not as much action as some readers would like but there is a combination of drama and mystery coupled with developed characters. 

Find it here: Monarchs and Mendicants by Dan Groat

I received the product for free in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Product Review: Briday's "He Said, She Said" Game

It seems like so many people have set the dates for their weddings this year and my best friend is getting hitched in September; I thought it was the perfect time to try this product!

I have been with John for almost 6 years and its easy to forget some of the details from our first year together. There are 20 questions written on individual cards and it comes in a "keepsake box." The cards are made with a heavy paper and room for the groom's answer is available.

There are some lighthearted and serious questions included like Who initiated, and where? and What was your first fight about?

If you wanted to reuse the cards you can use the notecards provided or I imagine the cards themselves could be laminated. I intend to use them once and let my friend have them after they are used.

I think it would be interesting to see if John and I even know some of the answers between the two of us. Couples who have been together for awhile have a little bit of a disadvantage. I think it would be interesting to see if the company could come up with same-sex versions also.

Find it here: He Said, She Said

I received the product for free in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Book Review: Riding by Cassia Cassitas

Riding is the inspiring tale of an aspiring paralympian named Andre. 

I love the message that this novel is trying to show its audience: a message of triumph. Why is it that we do not fully appreciate para-lympians?

Andre has many obstacles which are not fully revealed until about halfway through the book. I found the philosophical sections to be a little too much at times and I, respectfully, feel as if Riding would have benefited from a skilled editor. Cassia Cassitas is a great author but I feel as if certain aspects were lost in translation.

In addition, I found the formatting at the beginning of the novel to be distracting from the message because it just looked like a giant "blob" of text.

 

Find it here: Riding

I received the product for free in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Product Review: A Mustard Seed Toys Magnetic Building Set

I love toys that are easily manipulated by young children because they help with coordination while allowing them to be creative.

I received a set of 40 pieces: 18 squares, 12 triangles, 6 card inserts, 2 hexagons, and 2 sets of wheels. 

All of the pieces fit together without too much effort. Both sides are different colors on each shape. 

These were a lot of fun to play with but I do not recommend allowing children who put things in their mouth to play with this toy.

I had a minor problem with one of the triangles not being lined up properly when the halves were connected, but other than that it is a great toy.

You can make 3D or 2D shapes and it is interesting to experiment with what shapes you can create.


 

Find it here: Magnetic Building Set

I received the product for free in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

Product Review: KITKIT's Silicone Bib

 I have seen similar products at the store but I did not like that they were fabric with a tiny pocket that every child would miss. 

Madison is almost two and most bibs were a little snug around her neck when she was going through her "chubby baby" stage. These bibs extend far enough that it would not have been a problem.

I like that the pocket stays open and the silicone is easy to clean. As you can see from the second picture, the fastener is shaped like beads and they slide between the little clasp. I was surprised by how sturdy it was when we first opened the package.

I have had problems when washing bibs with velcro straps, even when I fastened them lint and hair would get stuck in between them. Something that should have been simple became a larger task.

Similar products are either made of cloth so they are harder to clean or they have small pockets that would not catch nearly as much.

Find it here: Silicone Bib

I received the product for free in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.