The hiatus isn't forever, but I don't have an ETA for returning

The good news is, the nature of this blog means most people come here to look at one specific review. Even the most successful single post only has around 1200 pageviews. I enjoyed the work, and its even a useful resource for myself - I will enjoy continuing it in the future, and I do have some part finished entries I can tidy up once I start again. I have to devote more time to a paying job on a less public platform, but I promise to keep this return as a fairly high priority.

One Body Gym / Swiss / Fitness Ball

Whether post-Thanksgiving or the very beginning of Christmas season (or both!) exercise is a good thing to think about at this point in time.  Its amazing just how few, well picked swiss ball exercises can result in a huge increase in core strength and fitness, as well as general balance.  There are many out there, and the one thing most people want to know is how much to spend.  If you're unsure, One Body is a good place to start as they are incredibly cheap.  The disadvantages are mostly centred around the same - its a very 'light' feeling gym ball that doesn't entirely hold its shape, and its sticky.  Whilst the stickiness can help when trying to learn to kneel, it doesn't give as good of an overall feel.  

If you have money, I would truly recommend going up in quality to a more standard ball. My current favourite doesn't seem to be sold anymore, but Gaia's tend to be good quality as well.  Still, its got value for money written all over it, and its entirely functional.  If you *don't* have money, you can still invest in this one.  I got mine for less than £3 on offer!

Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 1
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 10
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 4
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 8
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 8
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 1
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 1 

*Do I think its the best in its field: NO
*Could I live without it: YES
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Teenagers, All genders

Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.

Cussons' Carex Grapefruit & Lime Mini Hand Sanitiser

I'll start with saying I love the smell, but obviously I *picked* it because I love the smell, so your mileage may vary.  Its a great size, fits well in most handbags, and it doesn't tend to leak.  Mine has lost its cap after awhile, but still doesn't seem to leak and the rest of the bottle is holding up well to damage.  It has gone a little bit sticky over time (especially since the cap is missing) but its still very useable and doesn't leave residue afterwards.  I can't promise it works, obviously, but hopefully advertising standards has taken care of that one for me!

Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 2
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 6
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 6
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 7
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 5
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 3
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 2 

*Do I think its the best in its field: NO
*Could I live without it: YES, BUT MY LIFE WOULDN'T BE AS GOOD
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Most ages, All genders.

Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.

Blink Contact Lens Safe Soothing Eye Drops

With the boots brand ones switching to a type of bottle that I can't squeeze, I had to look for a new source of eyedrop. I don't usually need to use them loads, but they're great in emergencies.  Equally, with new contact lenses I have been trying I certainly have days when I need them a bit more and in a bit greater quantity. They haven't disappointed, and I think I like them better than the previous lot!

Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 3
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 8
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 7
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 9
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 8
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 1
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 1 

*Do I think its the best in its field: MAYBE
*Could I live without it: NO
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Teenagers, All genders, Contact Lens Wearers

Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.

Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel nose strips

These are great, really useful! What they *aren't* is idiot-proof.  In fact, I'd say they require a somewhat higher than normal level of user engagement than most beauty products.

Personally, I found they worked brilliantly, and so did many other people I know.  This is on the backdrop of many others having worked poorly or not at all. I've not met anyone whom they didn't work for, however I will agree that they are expensive, the best way to buy them is on a 2 for 1, where at about 42p a strip they feel much better than usual.  There is also a 3 for 2 offer on sometimes.  (Others are expensive too though, its not a monopoly.)

When it comes to using them, most bad reviews I've read are from users who just failed to follow the instructions or grasp how to use the product.  You do need to actually press it along your skin, not just attach it like a tent to a few points on your nose.  Also, the part about your nose being wet is important to getting it to stick, and the part about your hands being dry is important to not ruining it!  I did mention they weren't entirely user friendly... but they're so worth it.

They can be tricky to take off sometimes if you leave them too long, or just a bit painful.  Still, you do want to wait till it goes all dry and crispy or you won't get good results.  A small amount of glue does get left behind at times, but large amounts are often a sign of having gotten a step wrong (and frequently they won't have worked as well at that point either.)


Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 6
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 7
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 5
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 8
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 5
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 1
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 2 

*Do I think its the best in its field: MAYBE
*Could I live without it: YES, BUT MY LIFE WOULDN'T BE AS GOOD
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Teenagers, All genders.

Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.

Sainsbury's Distilled Witch Hazel

For some reason many Boots are failing to stock Witch Hazel now, and I was going slightly mad trying to find somewhere that did.  Fortunately, my partner managed to find some hiding at Sainsbury's, and its even ever so slightly cheaper than the Boots ones were.  It works just as well, I haven't noticed any real difference. As I said in my in my previous post, Witch Hazel is an extraordinarily important part of my skincare routine, and since I wrote the last one I've convinced a few other people of this as well. It can function as something of an aftershave for men, but I recommend using it on the in-between days (if you don't shave every day) as well, much the way women would use it daily on their faces.

The key components continue to be that this is a clear no-additive liquid, with a primary use in basic personal care and various secondary uses in first aid and in astringent type routines such as make-up removal.  If anyone does hear of any other shops selling this, I'd be happy to buy and compare their products as well, mostly to make sure no-one is slipping something useless into a fairly small system.  Otherwise, enjoy where you can find it!

Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 2
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 9
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 7
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 1
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 1 

*Do I think its the best in its field: NO
*Could I live without it: NO
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Teenagers, All genders.

Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.

One-Shot Drain Cleaner

It does clean drains, at least to an extent.  It also cleans most other nearby surfaces. For 'cleans' I mean dissolves.  Its 91% sulfiric acid by weight, although I don't know what that works out to in laboratory terms.  Certainly follow the labels and use with caution, i.e. rubber gloves, not latex or nitrile, and something over your eyes as a minimum. It will discolour and later burn through clothing, skin, etc. As a shower cleaner, its fascinating.  That plus the baking soda I used to neutralise it (I wasn't the one who applied it, in case you wondered) made the shower whiter than it has ever been, at least since I've seen it. That said, I'm fairly certain it took some of the plastic with it. 

I can only imagine it has a similar impact on the drains, but I'm sure it does help dissolve organic matter. It didn't solve my problem, as it was too far along the pipes and they had to be taken apart outside.  It makes the drains frighteningly hot, and when the drains remain backing up it smells of sulphur. For ages... at least a day. You only need reasonable ventilation if it works, but have LOTS if it doesn't. This is the 'first' thing a lot of plumbers will try, so its worth a go (especially if you can't easily take your own pipes apart.)  They recommend regular use, so maybe it is mostly safe for your drains. I'm more ok with using it in rental properties, and there have been stories of it eating rubber casings on pipes.  Still, like any powerful chemical it can be used for good if you are careful!

Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 4
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 6
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 7
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 6
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 1
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 1 

*Do I think its the best in its field: NO
*Could I live without it: YES
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Homeowners, Renters.

Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.