Maria's Space: Product Review
Showing posts with label Product Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Product Review. Show all posts

Monday, November 04, 2024

Journaling In Blood Red Ink

 


Alongside the falling leaves, grey skies and cool snap in the air, I used Pen Heaven Writer's Blood from Pen Heaven to write in the last pages of my October Journal. 

I love love love the blood red color. It looks amazing on my fountain pen and looks like dried blood on my journal page. Loved writing with it. I will be using it very often because there is just something about writing with a fountain pen dipped in blood red ink that I cannot describe.


For anyone on your holiday list that loves pens, journals or stationary Pen Heaven is above all others.  




Set the scene with the eerie warming light of a Jack-o-Lantern and set-to spinning a spooky yarn with the Pewter Feather Quill and Ink Set with Owl Design, £32.50 / $ 41 USD.

If you’re hell-bent on horror, have your literary scare-fest stand-out by scribing in none other than Diamine Ink's Writer's Blood, £7.50 / $10 USD, a devilishly deep blood red.

Speaking of the Devil, the Pineider Ballpoint Pen in Devil Red, £120 / $148 USD, is a stylishly sinful choice for the discerningly demonic!

For fans of grand, gloomy Gothica, the bewitching black and red BENU Skulls & Roses Fountain Pen, £135 / $167 USD could inspire a magical malady.

Make 'Fright Night' fun for all the family with the Limited Edition Legami Boo Crew, £7 / $9 USD.

Last but by no means least, the Retro 51 Vintage Dr Gray Rollerball and Mechanical Pencil Set, £90 / $111 USD, is a boney bestfriend for any evil illustrators.

Stationery for Every Occasion

www.penheaven.com 


Wednesday, October 30, 2024

November Is Gratitude Month - Be Grateful For Life

 


 Reflect and Reset: An Embrace Your Life Journal

By Fran Hauser

In a fast-paced world, Reflect and Reset by best-selling author Fran Hauser offers a much-needed pause. This beautifully designed journal is divided into five sections—Reflections, Smile File, Vision Board, To-Don’t List, and Coloring—each providing creative prompts to help readers live more intentionally. It’s the perfect gift for anyone looking to prioritize what truly matters and create the life of their dreams.

The 411:

I journal daily. It is to keep memories as well as keep me on schedule. I include lots of things in my journal and will continue to hopefully write about my life for all of my days or until I can no longer keep it up. However, I am a grateful person and believe in manifestation, visions boards, and Reflections and with November being the month of Gratitude have decided to use this journal to embrace all the changes in my life (I started a new job), I feel better than ever (vitamins and supplements), I am IN LOVE (27 years with my husband November 1st) and I am getting older and more aware of staying positive and living your full life more than ever. 

The Reflect and Reset journal is perfect to start for those who have always wanted to journal or those like me who have journaled for years. 


Broken up into 5 sections Reflections, Smile File, Vision Board, To Don't Lists, and even coloring pages there is a place for all your various thoughts.

Add stickers, borders, washi tape or use special pens and markers but make this book your own. 


Writing has proven to be reduce stress, improve health, aid in decision making, assist in memory, cognitive processing upkeep and generally better your quality of life. I swear by it. It is my personal therapy and way cheaper than a therapist.

Sunday, October 20, 2024

80 Businesses Living The American Dream And Sharing Their Recipes In This Full Color Cookbook + I Made OFD Cookies From The Book & They ARE AMAZING


Our American Dream Cookbook (available now for pre-order and launching October 1, 2024, $30/hardcover). Authored by Jennifer Glanville Love, brewer and director of partnerships at the Boston Beer Company, this one-of-a-kind cookbook brings 100+ dishes to life from 80 small business owners, all tied to the philanthropic program Brewing the American Dream.

There were so many yummy dishes I am dying to make but this weekend we jumped into the OFD (Oaty, Fudgy and Delicious) 


We used Kodiak Oats to get more protein and they came out amazing and I don't feel bad giving them to my family. Even my son who is so picky ate 4 of them out of the oven. My husband said "meh" but the rest of us LOVE them. Bring some in for my co-workers tomorrow because after sharing on my socials they all asked for some. How could I deny them. Time to grab another bag of chocolate chunks.

Looks just like the picture. SOOO chocolatey!!!


My next recipe is Vegan Onion Soup with Beer and Chicken Kebabs with Beer Bourbon Marinade. 

My husband read the section of how to appraise beer since he has been doing a different 12 pack from Beer World every weekend. Definitely a book that will be on our counter for a while. 



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary book for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered or received. 


The Dog Ate My Homework Is So Much Fun! My Daughter, Cat and I Had A Blast #review

 



 

 

 

 

 

 


THE 411:

So fun! My daughter and I try to keep busy during Football Sunday in my house. I have a Giant fan and Cowboy fan living here and Man you don't want to be in the room with them during a game. We usually go out on Sundays but since we are pet sitting we stayed close to home. 

Today I opened The Dog Ate My Homework and thought two things! My kids would have loved this game if they were younger and is this NOT genius!??

It is literally a mini puzzle game with a twist.

Insert the papers into the dog's mouth and try to guess the puzzle when it comes out the other end. 

One of the best parts of this game is there is no batteries necessary to use! Simply turn the crank and watch the paper come out cut up out the back end.











I think this will be a great gift for kids and anyone who loves setting up family game night. Make a conscious effort to play with your kids. Unplug and play! Time spent with family is NEVER wasted time. 



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered or received. 

Tuesday, October 01, 2024

My Special After Work Shower with Shower Steamers From Bootleg

 


As an exhausted preschool teacher I can tell you that my after work shower is not only mandatory but life saving. As soon as I get home from work I head right into the shower. Kids are germy! I look forward to my shower but not more than the past two weeks with these chunky Shower Steamers from Bootleg Bath the top ranked Shower Steamers.

These aromatherapy tablets are placed in your shower and slowly dissolves releasing soothing essential oils to help you unwind as you wash away the germs, cares, and stress of the day.  

Showering has become ritualistic )is anyone else like this about certain things) as I turn on the shower, drop a tablet and let the invigorating eucalyptus and mint wash away the stress of my day.




Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered to share my opinion. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

ReWatching True Blood Thanks To The Truest Blood Podcast



I love listening to Podcasts when cleaning the house, cooking for driving these days. Recently I started the Truest Blood Podcast on Spotify starring Deborah All Woll (Jessica) and Kristin Bauer (Pam). It is so good. 

As a big fan of True Blood I love hearing these two actors discuss the show, behind the scene information, interview True Blood folks like the directors, actors, writers, etc., as well as beloved Author Charlaine Harris.

Honestly I was unaware when this thing started back in 2021. Apparently there was talk about a reboot of True Blood on HBO but it cancelled in 2023.

The woman discuss the show, laugh a lot and sometimes repeat each other but it sounds like two woman who are fans talking about a show they absolutely love. 

I am currently on Season 2, Episode 3 and started watching the show again so I can follow them. I have re-watched True Blood with a friend since watching it back in the day but it has been years and it is fun watching with their narration and background stories. 

Loving it!

Check it out if you are a fan and let me know what you think.

Pretty Textured Paper For Scrapbooks or Journals



Coffee Stained Paper!

Love everything about this set including the plastic container to keep them in!

7 different sets! Each set has two different sizes. Really like the torn edges look and how antiqued they look in colors and style.

Using in junk journals but so many uses if you are creative!

Would order or gift again!

Just made my 4th purchase this year! This glue is perfect for my journals.  Couldn't do it without it!


Tuesday, September 24, 2024

I Need More Colors Of This Two Piece Pajama Set



This two piece pajama set is comfy and pretty! I love it! I am a size 12 and the extra large is perfect! Not right anywhere.

I really love how red it is. Usually I do blue or black but the red is perfect! I will order more colors next paycheck. Love it!

Monday, September 23, 2024

Journaling Stickers At A Great Price

 



This set of stickers has many uses but I love it in my journaling page. They can also be used in scrapbooking, notebooks, on your computer or water bottle. Wherever you chose. 

Great price point too! Honestly I was surprised when I saw them. I love the travel look and the colors are perfect! Using in my junk journals. I did cut the white border for my journals but that doesn’t bother me at all. I know many don’t mind the borders.

They separate easily from their backing and look amazing on my page.

ONLY $3.99


Saturday, September 14, 2024

Clock Striker 2 is Available NOW


Combining sci-fi, steampunk, action-adventure, and insightful humor, this new volume explores teenage hero Cast’s desire to (once again) save her friend Klaus while dealing with an entire town that confounds her. Something is off—and Cast and her mentor, Ms. Philomena Clock are determined to find out what it is before it’s too late. Cast has almost never ventured past her hometown, so the demanding trek will test her beyond anything she has encountered before. With a rival SMITH and STRIKER on their tails, as well as the mysterious King of Alter—whose kingdom is deceptively powerful—can the dynamic duo save the day?

This was reviewed by my Manga reading 21 year old son who wrote: The story is about a 12 your old girl who not only wants to be a hero but an engineer/A SMITH. This is problematic because while these SMITH's haven't been seen in years, they have never been female.  I love the fast pace and have never seen a black female lead character which I think is important and will appeal to many. She is strong, smart and kicks ass. I finished it in three hours and really enjoyed it. It is not my typical Manga style but I enjoyed trying something new. The art was great too!

Clock Striker is rated T for Teen, recommended for ages 13+.

 

Praise for Clock Striker, Volume 1: "I'm Gonna Be a SMITH!"

  • 2024 YALSA Great Graphic Novel for Teens
  • 2024 Glyph Award Finalist for Story of The Year, Best Writer, Best Female Character, Rising Star, and Fan Award for Best Work
  • 2023 Texas Library Association Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List Winner - Starred Selection
  • 2023 Virginia Library Association Graphic Novel Diversity Award Honor Book
  • 2022 Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity in Comics Finalist
  • “…evokes the energy and exhilaration of classic shonen manga…promises deeper lore and mysteries in subsequent volumes”—Publishers Weekly
  • “Readers will eagerly anticipate more entries. A fantastic, refreshing series opener.”—Kirkus Reviews
  • A “fast-paced story of self-discovery and altruism”—Booklist
  • “This action-packed graphic novel adventure featuring tenacious female leads will leave shonen manga fans counting down to future volumes”—School Library Journal
  • Clock Striker's debut volume is a hit that manga fans in America should take note of.”—Screen Rant
  • “ . . . readers will be glad to hear there's no shortage of adventures in store.” —Comic Book Yeti

 

Book 2 is Out now. Fans will love following Cast as she helps to find her friend Klaus,

 To Order Book 2 Clock Striker

 Issaka Galadima, also known online as Gladisk or GladiskStudio, was born in the Republic of Niger and currently lives in France, where he works as an app developer. He is the artist for the hit manga series Clock Striker for Saturday AM. American entrepreneur Frederick L. Jones was born in Durham, North Carolina, and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA in Communication Studies. He developed a passion for promoting diversity at a young age, including participating in the fight for a Black Student Union on UNC's campus and attending the original Million Man March in 1995. He spent a decade in the video game industry as an executive. Having worked on nearly every part of product creation, including product marketing, product development, and brand management, Frederick combined his experience with his lifelong love of anime to create the diverse manga brand Saturday AM in 2013. He resides in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, with his family and dog, Allie. Saturday AM is a unique digital comics brand featuring an ever-growing catalog of popular, exclusive and diverse action manga-style webcomics by independent creators from around the world. Among the nearly 50 visionary artists on the Saturday AM team are @WhytManga (Apple Black), @JeyOdin (Hammer), and @saigamiproject (Saigami). To learn more about Saturday AM, visit saturday-am.com, or find them on Instagram (@saturday_am), YouTube (youtube.com/user/MyFutprint), and Twitter (@saturday_am).
 

  • Publisher: Rockport Publishers
  • Publish Date: September 10, 2024
  • Pages: 224
  • Dimensions: 0.9 pounds
  • Language: English
  • Type: Paperback
  • EAN/UPC: 9780760389232
  • BISAC Categories: Manga - Mecha, Action & Adventure

Saturday, July 20, 2024

Booming Belts The Wireless Speaker You Wear Like A Belt

Updated: 

OK...after talking to Booming Belts they told suggested I should go into my phone settings/sounds/and increase the headphone safety. I am happy to report that it worked. I can now wear the belt at recess and hear music over the sounds of my preschool class playing outside.  What I love most is that I wear the belt with the speaker and leave my phone inside my classroom protected by the sun as well as the mulch and dirt my class end up tossing all over the place. I love that I can change songs, raise and lower the volume and pause it when it is time to head inside. I love listening to music all day and so does my class.

Booming Belts is a wireless Bluetooth speaker you use as a belt. It comes with a usb charger, the speaker, magnetic belt, belt clip holder.  The belt can be easily sized and extends to 56”.


It was really easy to hook up to my iPhone. You can listen to music, take a call and download music by hooking it up to your computer and downloading songs.

I had wanted to use in my classroom for transitioning outside and to the gym. We love listening to our music 🎶 in the class and it’s fun to bring it outside too!


This morning I used it on my dog walking job but found it difficult to hear however the ease of using the belt made listening to something when I need my hands for the leashes.  

The speaker is convenient for holding and bringing with you but it needs more bass and more volume control. It’s not loud enough in my class. The iPhone speaker on my phone is louder than the speaker in my experience.

I liked that I could answer a call from the speaker as I am not allowed to use a phone at work but found it difficult to hear unless I moved the speaker to my ear which defeats the purpose.

The price point is higher than I would pay for a speaker but if it were louder it would be an amazing product! 

It gets 3 out of 5 stars from me. 

Saturday, July 13, 2024

Can A Prediction Gadget Become A Teacher's Assistant? Yes! Yes, It Can


 A little over a week ago I received Mr. Predicto and Predicto Cat for review. As a teacher I am always thinking of ways to engage my preschool classroom. It's the Summer and my kids are done listening to me but will they listen to Predicto Cat?

Think Magic 8 Ball with a twist and a great new look. Predicto Cat is the cuter, whimsical version of  Mr. Predicto. Both are orbs that speak to you but Predicto Cat looks like an adorable black and white cat.

I brought Predicto Cat into the class room last week and introduced him during circle time. Each child was asked to ask him a yes or no question. They are still learning and were just saying statements but it took no time for them to learn. Predicto Cat, will it rain today? Is Cindy still my best friend? Is Ms. Maria upset right now? Did I make a good choice? Should Luke rest his body for hurting his friend Abby? The class loved it! 

It helps with re-engaging the class, when one of my students is having a difficult time separating from their parent, transitions but also takes some of the rule following conversations out of my hands. They are with me since September and ready to move onto their new class. They do not want to listen to ME anymore but they will listen to Predicto Cat.

There are so many ways to use Predicto Cat or Mr. Predicto.

Beach Day Decisions - Should we go to the beach today?

BBQ Fun - Should we make chicken or hot dogs. 

Backyard Games - Have the orbs predict the winner to your game and see if they are right

Road Trip Assistant - Should we listen to this song? Should we stop here?

My class definitely love talking to Predicto Cat and ask for him all the time. They can go up to him when he is sitting on my desk but I do have to put him away because everyone will stand around asking him questions for an hour.

To Purchase:

https://amzn.to/461CNEk

https://amzn.to/3y7mU2q


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion.




Tuesday, July 09, 2024

How Paint Protection Film Safeguards Your Car’s Finish

In automotive care, maintaining a pristine finish is a major concern for car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. One of the most effective solutions to protect your car’s exterior is the application of Paint Protection Film. This advanced protective layer offers several benefits that keeps your vehicle in top-notch condition, safeguarding it from the many hazards it encounters daily.

What is Paint Protection Film?

Paint Protection Film, often referred to as PPF or clear bra, is a thermoplastic urethane film applied to the painted surfaces of a vehicle. Initially developed for military use to protect helicopter blades, this technology has been adapted for automotive purposes, providing a robust shield against environmental and physical damage. PPF is typically transparent and can be customized to cover specific parts or the entire surface of the vehicle.

Key Benefits of Paint Protection Film

Once you've invested in a new car, you want to keep it looking as pristine as it did the day you drove it off the lot. Here's how PPF keeps that car looking as luxurious as a brand new Lexus for sale:

  1. Protection Against Physical Damage: One of the primary benefits of PPF is its ability to protect your car’s paint from physical damage. Everyday driving exposes your vehicle to various threats, such as road debris, gravel and minor collisions, which can cause unsightly chips and scratches. PPF acts as a barrier, absorbing the impact and preventing the underlying paint from being damaged.

  2. Shield from Environmental Elements: Environmental factors such as UV rays, bird droppings, tree sap and acid rain can cause significant damage to a car’s paint over time. UV rays, in particular, can lead to fading and oxidation, making your car look older than it is. PPF provides a protective layer that blocks these harmful elements, preserving the paint’s vibrancy and gloss.

  3. Self-Healing Properties: Modern PPF technology includes self-healing properties, which allow minor scratches and swirl marks to disappear on their own. This is achieved through the film’s elastomeric polymers that return to their natural shape when exposed to heat, such as sunlight or warm water. 

  4. Ease of Maintenance: Cars protected with PPF are easier to clean and maintain. The film’s smooth surface repels dirt and grime, making washing your car a quicker and more efficient process. Additionally, PPF can be waxed and polished just like the rest of the car, ensuring a uniform and glossy appearance.

  5. Invisible Protection: One of the most appealing aspects of PPF is its nearly invisible nature. High-quality PPF is clear and does not alter the appearance of your car’s paint. This allows you to enjoy the original look of your vehicle while benefiting from enhanced protection.

Installation and Considerations

While PPF offers many advantages, it is important to have it professionally installed for optimal results. Professional installers have the expertise and tools required to apply the film smoothly and without bubbles or imperfections. They can also customize the coverage to meet your specific needs, whether you want full-body protection or coverage for high-impact areas such as the hood, fenders and mirrors.

It’s also important to choose a high-quality PPF product from reputable brands. The longevity and effectiveness of PPF can vary significantly between different products, so investing in a premium option can provide better protection and durability.

PPF Offers Long-Lasting Benefits

Paint Protection Film is a worthwhile investment for any car owner looking to preserve the beauty and integrity of their vehicle’s finish. Whether you drive a luxury sports car or a daily commuter, Paint Protection Film offers peace of mind and long-lasting benefits that are hard to match.

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Check Out My New Pre-Cut Floral Washi Stickers #journaling #stickers

 


The stickers in this book looks like pressed flowers to be used with your journals, bookmarks, iphone cases, ect. There are over 400 stickers perfect and easy to remove. I love stickers that don't have any border at all! There are ZERO borders! The book comes with a tweezer for easy removing but I found it quicker to just peel them with my fingers. 






The journal I used in these photos was one I made with a kit. It was only $14.99 and I love it! It is a leather cover and comes with lined and dotted pages. 

The beautiful girl stickers are stunning and some of my favorites.