Product Review:Rustoleum Comfort Grip Spray Can Handle

As I am new to the spray painting game, I have found that different brands of paint require differing amounts of pressure to work their spray paint cans. That being said, I have used three brands of spray paint. One primer, and two regular paint. My first project with spray paint I did by hand. It was small so it wasn't terrible but still, after awhile I kicked myself in the pants for not buying a spray can handle. I only glanced at it while at the store buying paint so for my next project I sprung for this little gem.

The packaging says you can put it on any spray can including things like bug spray but I hope never to need that much bug spray that I need one of these. I used it with my primer and paint cans. The one I bought had a clamp that you just squeeze and it opens like a clothes pin making it easy to place on the paint can. I found it to be very helpful during my painting process and I think it even made my painting more even so I didn't end up with splotches. The one thing to know about this is that after I used it I had a mysterious blister on my middle finger. After using the handle the next day, I found out that the blister was caused by the handle. I think that if Rustoleum made the grip "softer" by adding a rubber grip cover or something like that it would eliminate this problem. My neighbor, who works with wood, says that he has experienced blistering also even with a more rounded grip handle. But in the end, all blisters aside, I would still purchase this and I will use this again. Were I to recommend it to a friend, it would be with the caveat that it caused me blisters.

Disclaimer: I have not been compensated for this review in any way and the opinions expressed are wholly my own.


                                         Eve

Product Review: Purex Crystals

I have not done much research on this subject which is wholly unlike me but on a whim I decided to purchase this. Misty is usually the one I go to when I need to find out about something because she is usually up to date on new products but I didn't this time. I am in no way being compensated for this review. I have not received money nor free product for this review and it is wholly my own. Take it as you please.

I bought this at the store for around $4 which isn't too bad but after I got home and read the directions, I realized that there was no lid on my bottle so I don't know exactly how much of a measured portion is required. That being the case, I don't know if that affects the outcome of my review.  I bought the purple one which is Lavender something. It smells pretty good. I really just poured a bit into the washer, added my detergent and did the usual. As a disclaimer, I use Arm & Hammer powdered laundry detergent. I think this makes a difference. Though my detergent has baking soda in it, I can usually smell it's fragrances that are meant to "freshen" my laundry. But after sending the load through the dryer with my regular dryer sheet, the fragrance doesn't last. That is why I decided to try this out. I am on a laundry binge right now so I am doing a lot of loads. So far the laundry smells good when I load it. When I take it out to fold...


nothing. Really, nothing. I didn't add a fabric softener sheet to the first load to see if I could smell the Purex. I did notice that there is more static than I am accustomed to in my clothes. Not necessarily in everything, but some things. I know a lot of the reviews I did read after I purchased this product were good but they also sounded like they were somewhat copied and pasted from the website. Things like "92% natural," and "no animal fats," blah, blah, blah, you get the idea. I'm sure that this is probably coincidental since those were the main selling points but to me it just read funny. I wonder though, if I used a different detergent if it would make a difference. Perhaps my baking soda deodorizing detergent works a little too well. Maybe that should be a disclaimer. --Do not use with detergents containing baking soda as results may be altered-- Who knows. This bottle lasted me about 20 loads so far and still counting. After using the crystals for over two weeks I actually do notice the scent. It isn't right away all the time but after my laundry has been folded and later put on, I do smell the intended fragrance on the clothes. I do still add dryer sheets to my dryer to help with static so I don't know if this is really worth it to me. I think that if I really wanted my laundry to smell like something I should probably switch to another detergent and/or another form of fabric softener. I really just rate this as "ok" as far as my tastes go. I don't think that I'll purchase this again unless I get it at a smokin' deal.

                                     Eve

Product Review: Rub 'n Buff

By chance I came across a product called Rub 'n Buff. Whenever I find something new or new to me, I like to do research on it and see what people really think. I believe that being honest when it comes to reviews is the only way to have a review and I often skip over the reviews that seem so positive they feel like ads instead of reviews. When they quote a lot of the jargon used on the company's website or commercials I find it hard to believe. So this is my take on Rub 'n Buff.

For those of you who don't know what this stuff is, I refer you to Amaco's website. This is a metallic wax finish that can be used for antiquing or gold and silver leafing. I bought mine at Hobby Lobby. I found Amaco's website rather user-unfriendly and basic but Rub 'n Buff is anything but. Like I said, I am really skeptical of reviews that are overly positive but sometimes it is what it is.

The tube is a mere 1/2 fl oz and they tell you a little goes a long way. I hear that a lot but I rarely agree. This time, however, I wholeheartedly agree. I antiqued 11 pieces of hardware for my dresser and if you look at the tube

 

this is what it looked like after I was done antiquing my hardware. It barely looks used if at all and it did all this.

 

When I was using it I barely touched the opening of the tube and I worked in small sections. The smallest amount covered a good portion so if you use this product actually listen to what they say. A little DOES go a LONG way. I was so excited to see the difference I was all smiles the entire time I did this and all the while I was plotting/planning what I was going to antique next. I used the silver leaf because that's all my Hobby Lobby had in the way of gray undertones. I would have really liked to have found a pewter finish. I'll keep looking for that or I may have to break down and order it online. But considering this tube cost me only about $4 and the tube looks like I haven't even used it, I think I will try this out on my finished project and if it doesn't work out, I would gladly try another. I love this stuff!

You can really see the finish in this photo.

So even though the product was for silver leafing, I was able to adjust how aged it looked simply by adding less and wiping it off with a dry rag. So easy. This stuff ROCKS!!!

Disclaimer: I have not been compensated for this review in any form and the opinions expressed are wholly my own.

                                      Eve

* I loved the look of this product.  When I saw it in person it was even better.  Eve even let me touch it and try to rub some off.  It held up very good to the abuse I put it through.  I brought it home to try it out on my light bar redo and it wasn't the same.  My light bar was shiny and brass.  I smudged it on but it looked like it was smeared in silver grease.  I was able to wipe it off with a paper towel for the most part but I had to act very fast and rub hard.  I think it would have held after I painted it but I didn't try.  I assume that it needs some detail or dull surface to hold on to.  In all fairness I only gave it a quick go due to trying to hide my project before the Hubby got home. I can see a million things I want to try this on.  A tiny bit goes a long way.  Look for this product to come up again.

XOXO Mist

Product Review: Cricut Paper Cutter

I know everything is going hi-tech these days but let's just say I'm cheap. I'll be honest. I buy a lot of things because I'm going to "make do" until I either break down and buy it or I decide to live without it.

I don't scrapbook very often, if at all and I don't generally do paper crafting and therefore do not own many gadgets to "make my life easier." When I made my baby gift box I needed something to cut with so I went to Joann's and bought this paper cutter.

It came with a blade attachment and a paper scorer and it was only ten dollars when I purchased it so I figured I'd give it a go. Since then I have used it many times and frankly, it sucks. The measurements are off and the ruler arm when extended makes the paper slightly crooked. I made a baby shower card and tried to use the scoring attachment only to have it scratch a hole through the paper. I couldn't even lay down the clear ruler arm to hold the paper in place because it put too much pressure on the paper when I used the scorer. I resorted to just going back to the store and buying an embossing pen and using a straight edge. About the only thing I have found this good for is letting my daughter use it when she wants to do school projects.

So really, if you need anything to be measured exact like I did when I made the gift box for my Sani-tie-zers, then don't buy this.

                                     

                                        Eve

Love my Bobble bottle.

The more the news talks about BPA being in our plastics the more I panic.  How do I quit using plastic? I am a water lover and always have a bottle with me.  That can be a costly way to do things.  I filter my water at home and store it in a BPA free container in my fridge.  Wouldn't it be nice to have the same system but purse sized? It is, and I love it!

Let me introduce you to my favorite way of drinking H2O.

It's the Bobble Bottle and it's a life saver.  A simple, clear, plastic BPA free bottle with a filter lid.  This carbon based filter removes taste and odor from my water which means I can order water at a restaurant and be able to drink it too.  The filters come in a variety of colors so your family can each have their own favorite.  You just need to switch the filters every two months and go again.  That is a lot of water bottles I don't need to buy, store, and throw away.  

My first bottle was $9.99 and the filters were $9.99 for a two pack at a local store.  You can get them in many stores or online at their website Water Bobble .  They also have different sizes now and that makes me excited!

The filter has a lid that snaps down to stop the flow of water and it works great.  I trust the lid in my purse to not leak on everything else and I keep a computer in there so I need to really know the bottle won't leak.  To drink from it, you hold it up and squeeze.  It was different at first to squeeze the bottle but I love it now.  There is no tipping up and pouring water into your mouth though.  It's great for exercising or just everyday life.  I do worry slightly about how long the bottle will last with all the squeezing to get a drink from it but so far I'm on my fifth month and it still looks and works like brand new.   I enjoy the water I drink and the bottles make it so easy. 

I'm loving the savings.   Ive managed to cut Diet Coke out of my life.  I don't buy case after case of bottled water.  I am also doing my health a favor buy getting the water I need in a BPA free way!

XOXO Mist