Scale me!

CO-Z 11lb / 5kg Digital Kitchen Food Scale

This is a great looking, easy to use, lightweight scale for a great price. I have tried a few different scales that I bought from the Kitchen Company and TJ Maxx and finally looked online. This is as easy to use as any scale. If you want to use a container to measure (which I suggest, instead of sitting food directly on the shiny surface), then you can either place it on the scale before pressing on, or if the scale is already on, press “tare” which removes the weight of the container so you’re merely weighing your food.
Of course not everyone needs an accurate kitchen scale, but I am a fitness and diet buff and usually follow diets that require strict portioning or carb control. I actually wish that scales would measure in tenths of a gram for maximum accuracy. It’s super easy to clean and looks much nicer in my kitchen than my old raggedy scale.

 

Flexible Reusable Drinking Straws (Set of 5)

What isn’t in the description AT ALL is kind of a big deal. The solid color tops SEPARATE from the main tube tie dyed part. The arrows you see in the picture are there to match the 2 up. Sure, it makes them usable as a bendy type straw and as a straight up and down straw, but you know guys, I have 3 kids. I would have much rather the straws be all one piece, because it won’t be long until we are just down to the straight piece.
We usually use stainless steel straws, so as not to contaminate our bodies or fill landfills. They aren’t always easy to get clean as they have the same angle as these. The silicon ones have a benefit there, they are much easier to clean and much easier to put in the dishwasher without issue, so then they’re clean and sterile.

Barber’s Choice Professional Hair Cutting Barber Scissors

These scissors are as good as any other cheap hair cutting scissors you can buy at Sally’s (my usual place to purchase hair products) I like the case they come in to keep them in their best condition, and to keep a comb with it, because honestly, who can keep track of those things? You can adjust them until they feel good to you, which is a nice bonus. They did pull a little bit in some spots on my head, which doesn’t happen with my regular scissors, so that’s why they get a 4 star. Experience-my husband and I have been cutting our own hair (and our children’s) for 16 years. We’ve gone through a lot of scissors and clippers.

RFID Money Belt – Unique Brand New Fanny Pack

I got this as a birthday present for my son who has literally been begging for a fanny pack. It’s nice that it’s an RFID blocker, seems like everything should come automatically that way now for our protection. This is a sturdy, well constructed little bag. The zippers are smooth and slide easily. The waist band is elastic, not a clip like most others I’ve seen. If you’re a fanny pack wearer, and you like camo, you’ll love this bag. Oh, also, this bag has a hidden mesh pocket in the back that is cool. And it has free bonus card pocket to put your cards in to protect from RFID scanning as well.

GoRoam Outdoors Single Parachute Camping Hammock

I just love these hammocks. This is the second one I’ve purchased. They’re a fraction of the price of the big names, and from viewing those in stores versus trying these in person, I really don’t see much difference to make it worth paying more for the others! The fabric is very sturdy and smooth and feels nice to lie in. It would dry quickly if it got damp/wet as the material is quite thin. You definitely would need extra protection if you went camping any time other than summer or you’d be too cold. It is easy to hang up, and seems very well constructed. It comes with it’s own things to hang it up, and a tiny bag to cram it all into. Great for ultralight hiking/backpacking/camping on the cheap.

Water Brush Set of 6 – Fine, Medium & Broad Tips, Self-moistening, Portable, Perfect for Aquarelle & Watercolor Painting and Peerless Watercolors

I have never used anything like this before. I love these so much now that I’ve tried them. As a Waldorf/unschooler family, art and watercolors play a significant part. I have always despised when we do watercolors because it’s so hard to get the dilution right, and just when you do, someone knocks the glass of water over and you have to start all over again! These are a bit awkward to fill, I have tiny tubes of water color paint, if you have larger tubes, I’d suggest using a toothpick to transfer the paint rather than try to squeeze directly into the barrel.
I added a tiny bit of paint, filled with water, recapped, and shook for a minute. The color blended easily inside the barrel. Be careful not to squeeze unless you mean to, and then, squeeze gently. If you squeeze too hard like my kids, paint kind of sprays out where you don’t want it. If you control yourself, they work wonderfully. My daughter and I had a wonderful time painting with these. The best part is, if you don’t use it all up, you can just keep them stored, pre mixed and ready to use!

My patio transformation

just a small reminder-I receive most of the products I review for free or at a discount. Feel free to email me if you’d like to know which. I do point out when I make full price purchases. I do not receive any money for reviews, or for you clicking the links-they’re just a direct link to Amazon. If you’re feeling kind and want to supportlily.com and help a little girl and her family recover from childhood cancer, please start your Amazon purchases at bitly.com/verrett. Thanks!!

Outdoor String Lights by Deneve® – 48 Feet Long

So we recently moved, as you may know. I have a tiny little back patio in a subdivision and everything is the same- BORING!!! I had been searching and searching for just the right lights. Most are solar and junk, or battery powered, which is annoying and not environmentally friendly.

My husband rigged up the lights with some 2x4s and a hook attaching them to our house. The Tibetan prayer flags I had gotten a while ago, and they’re the perfect compliment. The lights were easy to use, and the cable is SO heavy duty that these seem like they will last for a really, really long time. The light bulbs are a really cool shape and kind of have a steampunk feel (they are specialty bulbs which makes them expensive to replace-I found some at Ace). I have gotten compliments from all my neighbors on how gorgeous and beautiful my porch is, especially lit up night after night. They provide the perfect amount of light for our area, which is pretty dark-we are in the mountains. I recommend these to anyone looking to spice up their outdoor living area. They’re expensive but well made, and worth the price.

Hammock, facepainting brushes +more

Double camping hammock

 

This is an amazing camping accessory, or just to have in your yard to relax. The fabric is very sturdy and is well stitched and reinforced, so it will last really well. It was very easy to hang in our tree. You could even put up some posts with rings if you don’t have a tree. using the rope and carabiners, it was a simple and quick matter to hang the hammock. My children immediately jumped in and put it to the test-they are wild and crazy, so they proved it’s ultimate toughness. I love that it packs into it’s own attached bag, because I always lose them when they’re separated-plus it gives you a great storage space for when the hammock is hanging. I think I’m going to have to buy one for each child the way they were fighting over being in it! I got in with 2 of them and it was so comfortable and relaxing. The fabric is easy to clean as well. I can’t wait to take it on our next camping trip-it takes up a lot less space than chairs!

Synthetic face painting brushes

 

These are really high quality brushes for an affordable price. We used them for face painting with mineral makeup, and in a pinch, used them for painting on canvas with acrylic paints (I couldn’t find our regular paintbrushes) These don’t shed any hairs, which is super important to me. They are easy to wash, and the handles and brush parts are very firmly attached-usually that’s a problem with cheaper brushes. I would definitely buy these again. They are great general paintbrushes.

 

Nicedec 17.6lb / 8kg (Max) 4 Pack Transparent Super Heavy Duty Hooks

These are quite a bit larger in surface area than I was expecting, so they’re a lot more obvious hanging on the wall than I imagined. Since they’re clear, it helps, but they are visible. All that being said, they are easily as good as name brands like 3M hanging hooks. They adhere quickly and easily. I removed one to see if it would damage the wall (I’m not guaranteeing anything for you!) and it didn’t damage any of the paint (I have semigloss where I was using these) They can hold a surprising amount of weight as well.

 

 

 

100% organic ashwagandha powder

I have recently started studying ayurvedic aids, so was excited to try this. I aim to live my life (and my family’s) by consuming only the healthiest of foods and supplements, because when 1 out of 2 people are getting cancer? I have to do something. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which means it has a multitude of uses.
Immunity; it strengthens the immune system, and increases blood circulation.
Sexual potency; the herb is often prescribed to improve sexual potency among men.
Anti-inflammatory; the anti-inflammatory properties of the herb allow it to cure any skin ailment like pimples, rashes etc.
Inflammation; it helps in reducing joint inflammations.
Cleansing; the herb removes toxins from the body providing it with more vigor, health and vitality.
Metabolism; it promotes insulin production, helping diabetics.
Weight-loss; the removal of toxins and rejuvenation properties help in maintaining weight.
Stress reliever; it is considered as a strong relaxant and antidepressant, lowering stress & anxiety.
Anti-aging; stops cell degeneration and promotes regeneration in old as well as new nerve cells.
Cancer fighting; the antioxidant properties have been observed to be effective in destroying tumors.

So as you can see, this is a supplement you NEED in your life, and it must be organic to remain pure. There are no fillers or additives, just 100% ashwagandha.
I usually mix it in with tea, as this says, but there are other uses. I’m going to try it as a poultice next. It has definitely assisted my stress and anxiety levels. I am a very anxious person with medications I take already, and this does not interact-it just helps me feel even better.
Supplement: a dose of 600 to 800 mg is recommended, but this may vary according to the problem.
Tonic: a tonic or tea can be made, and consumed twice a day; that is, in the morning and the evening. This can be made by boiling ¾ tsp of the herb in a cup of water or milk. This is cooked for 15 minutes.
Oil: the oil is used a toner for skin after mixing it with a large amount of almond oil. Rose water is added for additional benefits.
Topical cream: use a pumice to make a paste of the roots of the plant with water. This is then applied to reduce joint and skin inflammations.