Book Reviews and Money Saving Tips

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First thing I noticed when I got this toaster oven was the size of the box.  When I opened it, I realized the size of the box was so big because the toaster oven is pretty darn big.   Height  11.81 inches   Length 14.49 inches Width  19.38 inches I didn't realize it was that big.   The good news is that it is an excellent size for a family.   It is a touch large for a twosome but a family will love the size.   It has a nifty little handle that latches on the tray so you don't need a pot holder to get a hot tray out of the oven.   I was surprised that the convection fan was not louder.   It makes a very low hum that I literally had to put my ear  down to the unit to hear it.   The convection aspect will speed cooking and the size makes it ideal for an active family.  This is a nice unit.   From the vendor: Convection rapid cooking Large capacity No...

I don't usually blog about something in the heat of the moment but for this dreadful sandwich I am willing to make an exception.   Ugghh!  That could suffice for a description.  The turkey bacon patty in this sandwich made the worse jerky I have ever had suddenly much, much better.  I have chewed rubber bands with far less resistance.  The supposed cheese did not melt as much as crumbled.  The "egg" wasn't as chewy as the bacon but it wasn't far off.   I did end up scraping it all off and eating the insipid so called English muffin.  It was, at least, palatable, to be fair the English muffin was ok.  Note it comes in a two pack.  I followed the instructions on the box precisely and the first one was just as dreadful.  Following the same procedure with the same ingredients led to the same abysmal results. Yuck!  I'm shocked I was even surprised but I thought I must have mis-remembered, it coul...

My initial reaction was this was a DYI vacuum cleaner.   I opened the box and found a snap fit vacuum cleaner.   After reading the documentation I discovered it was really only 4 Phillips head screws to assemble the cleaner.  The assembly was quick and easy although the instructions were a touch confusing as they have multiple languages together for each step.   I prefer keeping the languages separate but realize this version probably saves some trees. The vac is very light and wouldn't be a burden carrying.  The hose is long and easily removed to use the cleaning wands or brush.   I vacuumed a very dirty carpet in my garage where I assemble stuff like this.  It did a nice job and picked up grass and leaves as well as normal dirt.   I tried the smooth surface selection on the concrete floor and it worked well there too.  Overall a favorable impression on a very inexpensive unit.   Durability is ...

These are heavy thick gloves to be used handling hot items.   I tested them by holding a hot skillet after grilling a ham and cheese.   No problem, no skin left on the frying pan which is always a good thing.   I then unloaded the dishwasher during the heated dry cycle.  I don't know about your dishwasher but you do NOT want to grab the dishes out of mine while it is in the heated dry cycle.  Again no problem, no burns and no dropped dishes.   My final test was to put a 200 watt incandescent light bulb in a lamp and let it cook for 30 minutes.   I then removed the bulb using the glove.   I have no way of measuring the temperature of the light bulb but I absolutely would not grab it without protection.  The glove allowed reasonable dexterity with apparently fool proof protection. My negatives are that they are cumbersome however not nearly as cumbersome as pot holders.   If your hands are da...

I laughed out loud LOL when I turned this toy on.  The cats are crazy over it.  The erratic motion and the lack of a loud noise encourages them to play.   They  run into each other going after it.   This is a great cat toy and I may enjoy it as much as the cats do.  This would be a good cat Christmas gift. If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Frankly when I got this as a gift I thought it was dumb but since then I have realized what a terrific tool it is.  This is the swiss army knife of package openers.  I mostly use the shears to cut those obnoxious military grade clamshell cases that don't deter shop lifters but certainly fund the bandaid consortiums nefarious deeds.  It has a little snap off box cutter and philips head screwdriver as well as the durable shears.  I have never used the screwdriver but the box cutter does well with the cardboard box sealing tape the usually precedes the frustrating military grade clam shell.  This is a great tool and every kitchen should have one. 

Opening this kit I heard the haunting tune of déjà vu'.  It reminded me of my childhood chemistry set.   This is a toy demanding a steady hand and a level of concentration beyond some adults but well within the ability of a talented 10 year old.  Eight might be pushing it but with adult supervision the kit would probably be useable. The kit is well thought out.   I like the labels for the markers and the boxes for the finished product.   The color chart is simplistically sophisticated.   Most kids I know like markers due to the bright colors and depth of color with minimal effort as opposed to the multiple layers demanded by traditional crayons.   Making there own markers with the ability to create both unique colors and with the wacky tips to create unique styles, I think this kit should be a hit.  I can't wait to share it with my grandkids.   $24.00 at Amazon. If reviewing a product, it may have b...

More than just some assembly required.  This castle looked perfect for a grandson who already has two castles and this fits right in with the theme.   (BTW he has a 4'x16' foam board castle in my garage with an 8' tower and a original 4'x8' painting of a dragon storming a castle on one wall.)   So it is obvious there is a strong fantasy theme prevailing. Finished product, more than 60 minutes.  My initial reaction when I opened the box and discovered it was a DIY was not positive.  However my subsequent thoughts were that for an industrious 5 year old who enjoys puzzles this was actually better.   I would note that the 60 minute time frame suggested for assembly would be for an adult with no oversight by a 5 year old.   Maintaining focus for complete assembly could be problematic.  The quality is good and typical of my experience with the brand.   I was personally disappointed in the dragon, whic...

What's not to like about Hot Wheels?  This five pack of Avengers "wheels" will thrill your average three year old to infinity and beyond.   I don't put an upper age limit on Hot Wheels as I clearly recollect running parallel Hot Wheel tracks from our apartment across the foyer and into the apartment across the hall and then having very serious Hot Wheel races.  Since everyone on the floor was in their twenties there may have been adult beverages in play.   Frivolity and competitiveness ran supreme!   So Hot Wheels that appeal to the older player with a movie or TV connection to the Avengers will probably appreciate this set.   ·                         Inspired by Marvel's hit Avengers film ·                    ...

Hmm, reviewing measuring cups. Well they measure.  Their measurements match the measuring cups I already have.  They have a nice feature in that they snap together in a space saving nest.   My other set is willy nilly all over the drawer.  From an organization viewpoint these are superior.   The measuring scraper has a hook that would allow this to be hung (hanged?).   That would be handy if I had a place to hang it.   I may add a hook somewhere to make these more readily accessible.   OXO makes a nice product and this is no exception. Unique snapping feature keeps Cups together for storage Scraper can be used to level ingredients and hang Cups for storage Handles feature permanent measurement markings Secondary color-coded measurements on sides make it easy to find the right size quickly Each Cup features a convenient half-measurement line This dishwasher safe set includes a s...

Sports fans this is a must buy product if you are unable to be at home to watch the game.   Too often it is easy to be away when the game is on and watching a game on DVR after you know the final score is less than exciting.  This product enables you to watch live anywhere you have Internet access.   If you put it on your cable box, you are able to access your DVR and your On-Demand from where ever you may be, with again the caveat that Internet access is necessary.   It can be WIFI or 4G or direct connect but Internet access is crucial.   I found that computer access is very good.   You can actually use an onscreen remote to change channels or go to DVR or OnDemand just as if you were sitting in front of your TV.   Hooking an HDMI cable to my laptop I got an excellent picture on my flatscreen TV.  I was not as thrilled with the application on my tablet.   The remote was too small to use my finge...

This product works very well.   I make a 12 hour round trip in the car once a month.   It is dismaying how often part or all of that trip is in the rain.    I diligently replace my wiper blades and clean them often but still I am not satisfied with my vision through a wet windshield.    This product causes the water to bead and even without wipers the windshield has increased clarity, particularly if you are going over 25 or 30mph.    Note that even following the application instructions,   you need to vigorously wipe the post application haze off.   I apparently did not wipe vigorously enough and my windshield looked cloudy.    After doing a more vigorous wiping, I was quite pleased with the results.   It definitely provides more clarity of vision and thus provides a safer ride. $10.19 at Amazon for a spray bottle ·                 ...

    I have used Tomcat products in the past.  The bait blocks have worked well.   I often see a nibbled bait block but rarely see a rodent.  The rodents I do find are dead.   The bait station is far more child proof than the ones my exterminator uses.   I was unable to get it open until I read the instructions.   I realize the average young child is extremely adept at getting into things they shouldn't but this bait station should thwart them.   The mouse bait blocks are half the size of the rat bait blocks and do not have a hole down the center.  I have used that hole to run a screw through and put the rat blocks on the baseboard of the garage or on a plank.   This product is for the smaller rodents and should be as effective as the larger bait blocks.   Includes: Refillable Bait Station. Includes 32 bait refills. 1 Bait Block kills up to 12 mice Based on no-choice laboratory...

This unit works seamlessly.    My wife turns it on when she goes to whatever course she is playing and it finds the course. It is somewhat confusing for the non-technical person.   It provides front, back and middle of the green.    That is all my wife wanted from a golf GPS.    It is much more convenient than the Callaway hand held unit she used previously.    The unit has more features but they add a level of complexity that a non-technical person probably doesn't want to use.    5/29/15  Garmin came through with bells today when I called for support on my S2 gps.   The charger clip broke and I was dismayed.  Josh in their support department took care of my problem and a new charger clip is on the way at no charge.  So the one year warranty is actually true and the tech support was prompt, understandable and very professional.   BTW you can rubber band the clip to the watch for charging purposes b...

This little portable fans are a great deal for the price.  After spending 25 years in the computer business, I am aware that heat and dirt are probably the biggest factor in killing computers.  This fan will not do a thing about dirt but it does help to keep a laptop cool.  That is a major factor in extending the life of a laptop at $5.69 on Amazon, you really should grab one and extend the life of your laptop.  If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

As we enter into the flu season, I would like to preface this review with the comment that my anal compulsion for cleanliness and germ free began before any of the current health concerns, which btw I feel are being overblown by the media.  With that in mind, I use Lysol spray extensively when I travel.  I used to keep a can in my carryon but with TSA and today's climate and rules that doesn't fly. (pun intended)  Upon entering a hotel room, I spray the TV remote, the door knobs, the handles on the microwave, refrigerator, the controls on the air conditioner and the light switches.   If I am going to be there beyond one night I spray the furniture and the carpet.  Paranoid, probably but after seeing some of the hotel room exposes and the disturbing fluids left behind, I think paranoia as far as germs can not be overblown.  This is a good product and provides a modicum of peace of mind. From the vendor: ·     ...

  This is my first exposure to a Chrome Box.   I'm impressed.  It was easy to setup.  It functioned out of the box and since I already had a google account, things progressed nicely.  I was able to access the Internet with no problem via the WIFI.   Basically without an Internet connection the unit is pretty much useless.  I opened up Picasa files, document files and played music from YouTube.   Both the flash memory card and the USB flash drive were recognized and accessible.   It walked me through setting up Google cloud printing and I was able to print to my local printer.   You are advised that you can not hook up a printer directly to the unit.  Overall I found the box quite functional and would find it a very useful auxiliary computer.   The lack of any cables but a power cable was annoying.  I just went over the description again to see if it mentioned that you will need cables,...

I'm not sure an activity tracker for a kid this age makes sense but it is darn cute.   I guess with the parents obsessing about fitness or hopefully so, it isn't a stretch to think a kid would enjoy emulating the parent.  The screen is very clear, the sound could be a touch louder but that may be old ears vs. young ears that haven't been corrupted by 50 years of Rock.   The activities are good and seem very appealing to an age appropriate kid.   The fact that it can be set for the time when the kid is in school so that the little voice doesn't come popping out during class is a necessary feature.   I think it will provide enjoyment and fun.  My experience with this age is that physical activity is hardly an issue but I guess with the epidemic of obesity there will be concerned parents who see this as a requisite.  Since it doubles as a watch,  I think it will have both utilitarian aspects and fun ones from the activi...

Dragonwing girlgear Chill Weight Long Sleeve Athletic T-Shirt Not being an aficionado of female attire, I turned to my bride for help on this review.   Her conclusions are as follows.   The top has a good durable feel.  It appears to be well made, the seams are tight and the hem is secure.  It stretches in the appropriate places.  Sizing could be an issue.  The shirt is most definitely sized for a young figure but a slight or petite adult female could wear this clothing.   If it doesn't match up to the performance accolades I will be back here to note that.  The $25 ish price at Amazon is regarded as a good price by my wedded consultant.   Made of high performance UV50, moisture wicking, 4-way stretch and odor absorbent material with brushed inner for extra softness Mock neck designed and sized just for girls with flat seams and tag-free to eliminate chafing Wrist sweat wipe, thumb hole sleeve and extra...

I was not familiar with this type of tool until we had some work done on our home.  I watched our contractor use this type of tool for so many different applications that I was stunned that I didn't have one let alone I was unfamiliar with it.  Then I visited a long time friend who ambitiously installed two dozen new windows and said he wouldn't have been so successful if he hadn't had this type of tool. With those two examples I purchased one for each of my grown sons as birthday gifts.   When the opportunity arose to review this Rockwell I jumped on it. First impression was very positive.  It comes in a heavy nylon/canvas storage bag.  Upon opening the bag you discover there is a sturdy plastic box to hold the accessories.   Now being a bit OCD, I delight in organization of things.  I was very pleased to see someone at Rockwell also likes to keep things organized.  I read the instructions and was a bit uncertain as to ...

I have a conspiracy theory.   Big Oil and the car manufacturers are paying the airlines to make air travel as inconvenient and uncomfortable as possible.   This drives consumers to get in their car and drive to their destination rather than suffering the indignities of airline cattle chutes, micro seats and air fare roulette.  Admittedly at 6' 2" I am a hair bigger than average.   That fact does not predispose me to paying more than three times the average fare to fly "first class" in order to actually get some leg room.   Face it, who wouldn't want to suck on their own knees for hours to get to destinations too far to drive their car.  While cattle prods are not used (yet) to organize the lines at the airport, the attitude of the TSA folks and airline employees indicate that the paying customer is an annoyance rather than the reason they have jobs. Air fare roulette is not as fun as it sounds.   Exploring ...

Just a FYI for those of you who wonder how seriously things like this are reviewed.    I have no recollection of having been in my pool in October, ever!   I was in this afternoon to test this mask and snorkel.   The water temperature was in the 60 degree area.    I suppose I could have fired up the heater but a couple of hundred dollars of propane to test this didn't make sense.    Of course I had a family member suggest it made no sense being in the pool on October 1, regardless of my reasons. I have never had a nicer mask or snorkel.   It adjusted easily and the adjustments held.   I have had cheaper masks that after a few minutes in the water the adjustments re-adjusted on their own.  Ten laps in the pool and everything remained stable.   I dove down and the valve on the snorkel closed as it claimed.   I did a fair amount of kicking to increase turbulence to see if the valve on the snorkel ...