I'll have to start by saying that they aren't my favourite pen. On the other hand, they are the most long lasting "good" pen in my life. They're durable in every fashion, they tend to write well, they tend to have a long life. They're decent to hold.
On the downside, if you *can* get them to break they shatter impressively. But its not the case that they are dangerous, and they don't break often. I also really prefer clicky pens to the ones with caps, but their caps are strong, sensible, and do stay well on the back. They don't break the boundaries of good taste, even if they're not "cool." They don't leak. They're a good learning pen for younger children.
I have little that is bad and much that is good to say about them, I always own a few... but they aren't quite my favourites, either, and it shows. Still, in this pen obsessed world their importance is keen, and Bic have a very reasonable reputation to boot. For a generalist ballpoint pen, they really are the best in their field, whatever my personal preferences!
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: 8
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 1
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 3
*Do I think its the best in its field: YES
*Could I live without it: YES
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Teenagers, Children, Female, Male,
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Wednesday, 20 June 2012
Morrison's 'Savers' Kitchen Foil
I have mixed feelings on this one, for the purposes that I wanted it for, it comes up short. However, those are not at all the purposes it was designed for, and it does well at those. To wit, I mostly use my foil for cooking, and whilst it survives the process admirably, it does let fat/oil leak into the pan.
For its intended purposes of wrapping food its fantastic, and I've had no breakage problems in the freezer, in handbags, or anywhere really. If you need wrapping foil regularly, its a great way of saving money. If you have to try and make it work for cooking, it sort of does. Proper cooking foil is better for cooking though, and I don't wrap things too often, leading to in my case lower scores on usefulness and necessity.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 1
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 8
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 8
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 5
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 3
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, Female, Male,
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
For its intended purposes of wrapping food its fantastic, and I've had no breakage problems in the freezer, in handbags, or anywhere really. If you need wrapping foil regularly, its a great way of saving money. If you have to try and make it work for cooking, it sort of does. Proper cooking foil is better for cooking though, and I don't wrap things too often, leading to in my case lower scores on usefulness and necessity.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 1
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 8
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 8
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 5
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 3
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, Female, Male,
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Wednesday, 13 June 2012
Make-up Basics: Sephora Powder
I try to stay relatively gender neutral, and not spend loads of time talking about make-up. Even though there are loads of products, and I have a fair number of opinions on them! Occasionally, though, I can branch out without feeling guilty, and this is a basic that is especially useful in the summertime.
In general, powder helps your foundation last longer, can be a smoothing touch-up, and is VERY useful when photos are being taken. My one nod out to the men of the world and this post is- if you're having a heavy day of photos (wedding or similar) you actually do want a skin matched powder to be applied and occasionally touched up. You don't have to have it over anything, just to break the shiny.
So I know there are varying ways to approach foundation, cover-up, and powders, but I've never been a fan of the all in one type. For any other combination, the powder will really help, and it can be applied very lightly and help ease lines. I personally apply it with a powder brush, for which you can get away with lower quality ones more than with any other make-up brush. That said, I have been SO happy with my nicer one, and it has been hugely durable besides.
I do realise that if you live in the UK, this is a bit of an ask. Practically every other country has Sephora, so you can pick it up on holiday easily, but still an unfortunate thing. In my humble opinion, its worth it - I haven't had as much luck with any other powders, and its fairly inexpensive as well.
Match your skintone perfectly, or get the warm version of your skin-shade (it depends slightly on whose advice you listen to.) I use D20, and they come with a mirror and pad. The mirror is only slightly useful, I prefer the one in my Smashbox cream eyeliner palette, but it is better than nothing!
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 3
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 5
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (It does last, but not forever. Touch-ups are required. Also, they are occasionally prone to shattering within their case, which makes them useable but go faster, and slightly messier.)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 8
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 7
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 2
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 3
*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 : Adults, Teenagers, Female, Special Events, Anyone getting their photos taken
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
In general, powder helps your foundation last longer, can be a smoothing touch-up, and is VERY useful when photos are being taken. My one nod out to the men of the world and this post is- if you're having a heavy day of photos (wedding or similar) you actually do want a skin matched powder to be applied and occasionally touched up. You don't have to have it over anything, just to break the shiny.
So I know there are varying ways to approach foundation, cover-up, and powders, but I've never been a fan of the all in one type. For any other combination, the powder will really help, and it can be applied very lightly and help ease lines. I personally apply it with a powder brush, for which you can get away with lower quality ones more than with any other make-up brush. That said, I have been SO happy with my nicer one, and it has been hugely durable besides.
I do realise that if you live in the UK, this is a bit of an ask. Practically every other country has Sephora, so you can pick it up on holiday easily, but still an unfortunate thing. In my humble opinion, its worth it - I haven't had as much luck with any other powders, and its fairly inexpensive as well.
Match your skintone perfectly, or get the warm version of your skin-shade (it depends slightly on whose advice you listen to.) I use D20, and they come with a mirror and pad. The mirror is only slightly useful, I prefer the one in my Smashbox cream eyeliner palette, but it is better than nothing!
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 3
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 5
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (It does last, but not forever. Touch-ups are required. Also, they are occasionally prone to shattering within their case, which makes them useable but go faster, and slightly messier.)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 8
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 7
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 2
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 3
*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 : Adults, Teenagers, Female, Special Events, Anyone getting their photos taken
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
British Theme: Ariat Wellies
In honour of my adopted countries' recent holiday, I thought I'd pick a British-type object to review. It was this, or tea cosies. I'm not in a good position to review tea cosies, though, so my beloved wellies are taking the stand.
My absolute favourite thing about Ariat shoes/boots is that they appear to have a model of my foot in the back room somewhere at the company. I've never had a brand fit so consistently, (although fashion trainers Tiger don't do badly.) Your mileage may vary on this, but for me - I mean these wellies are better supported than most random shoes I would wear for fashion purposes. Which is very cool :)
So they do the general things wellies do, they are waterproof and comfortable and actually not even too hot. Equally, they don't get cold too easily either, though they are no substitute for actual winter boots if those are needed.
I have cheerfully worn them over trousers, or just with skirts or shorts and wellie socks. A single pair of the fashionable type is entirely comfortable. For practical purposes I'd wear something like coolmax riding socks, or in a pinch any sports socks, and then layer shooting socks over the top whilst wearing the wellies (and take those off but still have some socks on if I want riding or jodphur boots or another tighter fitting shoe.)
I also thoroughly enjoy the colour :) (Two choices). I've tried on lots of others, and these are far more supportive and comfortable, and appear to be on the higher side of breathable. They do have a small heel and spur rest, and are theoretically possible to ride in, although I do everything I can to avoid it as they're big compared to the normal size of my foot.
The one downside is they do decay along the front/sides where they bend, I presume from overexposure to urine or similar when mucking out regularly (and not rinsing them, just took them off outside my room instead.) Probably most boots would, and probably I could have prevented it. They're still almost entirely functional at this point, but I wouldn't wade in streams with them or run a hose straight at them for an extended time.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 5
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 8
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (Still on the fence about this, they don't fall apart and I may have caused the problem I had, but equally I can't prove top durbility)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 8 (But your mileage may vary depending on lifestyle)
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10 (Again, depends on your lifestyle. If you live or work in the country, or consistently have to trek in the wet, they're a huge deal. If you occasionally go to the country on holiday, less. If you never leave London, well, they're not fashion wellies, even if they do serve the basic purposes)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (In part for perfect fit, in part for colour enjoyment)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 7 (Ariat coolness varies, but they are at least a little cool. I'd call them a ten, but in reality they are midrange of cool things, overall.)
*Do I think its the best in its field: NOT SURE
*Could I live without it: NO
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Teenagers, Male, Female, Countryside Folk, Walkers, Festival Goers
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
My absolute favourite thing about Ariat shoes/boots is that they appear to have a model of my foot in the back room somewhere at the company. I've never had a brand fit so consistently, (although fashion trainers Tiger don't do badly.) Your mileage may vary on this, but for me - I mean these wellies are better supported than most random shoes I would wear for fashion purposes. Which is very cool :)
So they do the general things wellies do, they are waterproof and comfortable and actually not even too hot. Equally, they don't get cold too easily either, though they are no substitute for actual winter boots if those are needed.
I have cheerfully worn them over trousers, or just with skirts or shorts and wellie socks. A single pair of the fashionable type is entirely comfortable. For practical purposes I'd wear something like coolmax riding socks, or in a pinch any sports socks, and then layer shooting socks over the top whilst wearing the wellies (and take those off but still have some socks on if I want riding or jodphur boots or another tighter fitting shoe.)
I also thoroughly enjoy the colour :) (Two choices). I've tried on lots of others, and these are far more supportive and comfortable, and appear to be on the higher side of breathable. They do have a small heel and spur rest, and are theoretically possible to ride in, although I do everything I can to avoid it as they're big compared to the normal size of my foot.
The one downside is they do decay along the front/sides where they bend, I presume from overexposure to urine or similar when mucking out regularly (and not rinsing them, just took them off outside my room instead.) Probably most boots would, and probably I could have prevented it. They're still almost entirely functional at this point, but I wouldn't wade in streams with them or run a hose straight at them for an extended time.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 5
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 8
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (Still on the fence about this, they don't fall apart and I may have caused the problem I had, but equally I can't prove top durbility)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 8 (But your mileage may vary depending on lifestyle)
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10 (Again, depends on your lifestyle. If you live or work in the country, or consistently have to trek in the wet, they're a huge deal. If you occasionally go to the country on holiday, less. If you never leave London, well, they're not fashion wellies, even if they do serve the basic purposes)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (In part for perfect fit, in part for colour enjoyment)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 7 (Ariat coolness varies, but they are at least a little cool. I'd call them a ten, but in reality they are midrange of cool things, overall.)
*Do I think its the best in its field: NOT SURE
*Could I live without it: NO
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Teenagers, Male, Female, Countryside Folk, Walkers, Festival Goers
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Fairy Pomegranate & Honeysuckle
I seem to be thinking in themes lately, so I thought I would put a last bit of washing up review on. Mostly because this is a <3. Seriously, absolutely brings me the stupidest joy. Mostly because it smells nice, I only *wish* they made fabric conditioner that smelled this nice.
So, if you live in the UK, you will tend to be aware that only Fairy really works well for washing up. I can attest to that over and over, and sometimes *and over.* It cuts through grease, actually, for real. My hands feel better when I use it after grease or raw meat. I've never tried the super special crazy platinum fairies (I know that's a dodgy plural!) Insofar as I know, all of the normal ones work equally well, I've prolly tried about four of them, and never heard anyone else comment either. So, its all about smell.
I love this smell. Honeysuckle on its own always seems too sickly for me, but the pomegranate just makes it perfect, I'm not sure I smell exactly pomegranate, but I smell a fruit modified honeysuckle that I adore. Some people just don't smell it as much (tho don't find it offensive). There are stronger smells available (like lemon, and apple). Smell each of the bottles in the shop to make your own decision, but can I just recommend giving this one a chance if you're on the fence?
They even managed to make the red pretty (and I don't favour red).
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 3
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 10
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10 (No other way to wash up, and washing up liquid can also be used to clean most other home surfaces)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 7 (Seriously makes me smile at random lots, more than almost anything else so cheap or chore related at the least!)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 2
*Do I think its the best in its field: YES
*Could I live without it: NO
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Male, Female
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
So, if you live in the UK, you will tend to be aware that only Fairy really works well for washing up. I can attest to that over and over, and sometimes *and over.* It cuts through grease, actually, for real. My hands feel better when I use it after grease or raw meat. I've never tried the super special crazy platinum fairies (I know that's a dodgy plural!) Insofar as I know, all of the normal ones work equally well, I've prolly tried about four of them, and never heard anyone else comment either. So, its all about smell.
I love this smell. Honeysuckle on its own always seems too sickly for me, but the pomegranate just makes it perfect, I'm not sure I smell exactly pomegranate, but I smell a fruit modified honeysuckle that I adore. Some people just don't smell it as much (tho don't find it offensive). There are stronger smells available (like lemon, and apple). Smell each of the bottles in the shop to make your own decision, but can I just recommend giving this one a chance if you're on the fence?
They even managed to make the red pretty (and I don't favour red).
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 3
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 10
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 10 (No other way to wash up, and washing up liquid can also be used to clean most other home surfaces)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 7 (Seriously makes me smile at random lots, more than almost anything else so cheap or chore related at the least!)
Cool Factor: 1-10 with ten being the most: 2
*Do I think its the best in its field: YES
*Could I live without it: NO
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Male, Female
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Tesco Non Scratch Scourers
This is probably the first thoroughly neutral review I've posted. I tend to pick things I like (or hate) regardless of how important they are in my life. However, I'm playing the which scourer is best game right now, and it makes me want to log the options. The absolute best are a rather odd random make that I can no longer find, even in the one shop they used to come from. Alas.
So, these. They appear to be entirely non-scratch, as labelled and expected. They don't fall apart instantly (I do try to look at the type of sponge before buying). They don't appear either as useful or as durable as several others, but they aren't at the bottom of either heap. The yellow, let alone the white back, shows dirt a lot faster than many others, which is a concern if other people see them. To be fair, it even makes me feel a bit more prone to binning them than I might be. They aren't the cheapest of their type, but they are close enough.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 2
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 4
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (Feel so neutral, but they aren't actually low)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 6 (Other cleaning options are available, but these are one of the better ones for a variety of tasks, at least as a category)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 2 (Sunny, right? Its not a droll)
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, Male, Female
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
So, these. They appear to be entirely non-scratch, as labelled and expected. They don't fall apart instantly (I do try to look at the type of sponge before buying). They don't appear either as useful or as durable as several others, but they aren't at the bottom of either heap. The yellow, let alone the white back, shows dirt a lot faster than many others, which is a concern if other people see them. To be fair, it even makes me feel a bit more prone to binning them than I might be. They aren't the cheapest of their type, but they are close enough.
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 2
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 4
Durability 1-10 with ten being the most: 5 (Feel so neutral, but they aren't actually low)
Usefulness 1-10 with ten being the most: 10
Importance 1-10 with 10 being the most: 6 (Other cleaning options are available, but these are one of the better ones for a variety of tasks, at least as a category)
Smile Factor 1-10 with ten being the most: 2 (Sunny, right? Its not a droll)
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, Male, Female
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Spontex Brilliant Scour
This is a new addition to my life, and I have mixed but positive opinions over its place. It often seems everyone has their own method of doing the washing up, and I'll admit one friend has anywhere from 3-6 sponges [scours] at a time adorning his sink. I'm not sure what six need to be there for, and with them all being the same colour, I'm not sure how he can tell them apart, either.
Previously, I've mostly been a one sponge [scour] and wire wool person. The wire wool is good for getting stuff off knives and tupperware, the sponge delicately deals with the non-stick and everything else. They can fall pray to grease, however, and especially the griddle pan seems to kill sponges at an alarming rate. Someone else introduced me to the silver spontex... things. They're like a wire wool (although require more elbow grease) in a more spongey like form, and they are safe for non-stick. Best of all, they don't react to badly to grease and carbon, so thus have a more extended life. I have trialled them as a grease beater (and for my friend to use when he's over, admittedly). I still use normal sponges for everyday washing up, but the more expensive spontex prolongs their lives considerably, and has in that way turned out to be economical and very useful. On the downside, I now have three things next to my sink to do the washing up. Is this one of the weird signs of getting old?
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 3
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 6 (Slightly depends how you use them)
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: 3
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: NO
*Could I live without it: YES
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Male, Female, Anyone who likes cooking regularly
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
Previously, I've mostly been a one sponge [scour] and wire wool person. The wire wool is good for getting stuff off knives and tupperware, the sponge delicately deals with the non-stick and everything else. They can fall pray to grease, however, and especially the griddle pan seems to kill sponges at an alarming rate. Someone else introduced me to the silver spontex... things. They're like a wire wool (although require more elbow grease) in a more spongey like form, and they are safe for non-stick. Best of all, they don't react to badly to grease and carbon, so thus have a more extended life. I have trialled them as a grease beater (and for my friend to use when he's over, admittedly). I still use normal sponges for everyday washing up, but the more expensive spontex prolongs their lives considerably, and has in that way turned out to be economical and very useful. On the downside, I now have three things next to my sink to do the washing up. Is this one of the weird signs of getting old?
Cost 1-10 with ten the most expensive: 3
Value for money 1-10 with ten being the best: 6 (Slightly depends how you use them)
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: 3
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: NO
*Could I live without it: YES
*Target gender, age range, and possible further demographic targets : Adults, Male, Female, Anyone who likes cooking regularly
Disclaimer: No financial interest in this company and no-one else asked me to do this review.
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