Ellie Claire Art Journal

WOW, it's been a long time since I've done a blog review.  So many companies prefer Facebook or Instagram posts for reviews, but sometimes there's just so much you want to say that a blog post just makes more sense. Such is the case with the Ellie Claire Art Journals.  Contributing to the need for space is the fact that there are actually 3 journals that I will be discussing today, all similar but each different from the other.  These books were given to me free on charge in exchange for my honest review.

The three books, Illuminate Your Story, The Illustrated Word, and Faith & Lettering Journal all have the same premise.  They "teach" the beautiful script and illustration styles that you see in religious texts.

Illuminate Your Story is the smallest of the three books and is from the Museum of the Bible.  This book starts by focusing on the history of Illuminated letters and the various styles and the process involved in the intricately made illuminated Bibles and prayer books of ancient times.  The remainder of the book is step-by-step written and visual instructions on how to do each letter of the alphabet.  While there is room to practice each letter, there are also a few blank lined pages included every few pages to give you the opportunity to practice more in-depth.

The Faith & Lettering Journal is by hand-lettering artist and graphic designer Krystal Whitten.  In the introduction she explains how she was first introduced to the art of lettering and how, when she first tried lettering using Exodus 14:14, the slow process of drawing, erasing, and repeating became a powerful way to memorize scripture.  This book focuses less on that initial first letter of illustration, and instead focuses on various styles overall.  There are plenty of practice pages, both lined and graphed, as well as quotes and scripture to practice.  She even goes over embellishments such as scrolls, containers, banners, and arrows.  I see this style of art all the time on Instagram! So many home decor items utilize these styles as well!

The Illustrated Word is the largest book in the collection.  Like, Illuminate Your Story, this book is also from the Museum of the Bible.  This book is more of a coloring journal.  There are blank lines and every few pages there is a coloring page.  The coloring pages remind me of a biblical adult coloring book.  They pages are actually inspired by the Museum of the Bible's collection of illuminated manuscripts.

Each of these books (or all three) would make a really original gift for Christmas, a birthday, or even a confirmation.  Each of these addresses lettering and illustration in a different way so I would recommend getting all three.

Links are below if you want to purchase one (or all) of the books:

FAITH & LETTERING
Amazon: http://amzn.to/FaithAndLettering-Amazon 
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/FaithAndLettering-BN 

THE ILLUSTRATED WORD
Amazon: http://bit.ly/Illustrated-Amazon
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/Illustrated-BN

ILLUMINATE YOUR STORY
Amazon: http://bit.ly/Illuminate-Amazon
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/Illuminate-BN

Mogingo Insulated Zippered Tote

Ok, wow guys, it's been a long time since I've blogged about a product! So sorry about that! I guess I just have to wait until I find a product that's worth it! Not only is this product worth it, but it showed up at the PERFECT time! A few weeks a go my go-to lunch bag got destroyed. I asked a few people for catalogs as the brand that mine had been but then I had the opportunity to review one! There were 5 different color options: pink, ivory, green, yellow and blue. Obvs, I chose pink. This girl loves her pink. Anyway, I love it even more than I expected! It's the perfect size for lunch and I love the color. It's super soft material but thick enough to keep my lunch cold between home and work. The zipper works smooth and feels like it's good quality, I don't see it breaking any time soon. I don't like that the pink material and the zipper material are different shades of pink..one looks a little orange-y next to the other one but not a big deal. It's still an overall improvement over my last one! Even though I did get this product free to review, I'd still recommend it to anyone looking for a new lunch bag. To get your own, go here!

Colorful 11 piece metal diecase Kitchen Playset

I got this for a free or reduced cost in exchange for my review! To get your own, click here!

Crazy Extra Long Yoga Mat

I've been doing more yoga the past few months, and I've had a yoga mat that I thought was working just fine, but I got this one to review (for a reduced cost) and it is SO much better than my old one. The non-stick grip of the bottom doesn't slide on my hardwood floors at all and the top layer is soft and supportive at the same time. Check out my video for more details, and then buy one for yourself! You can find them here!

Deluxe Cook V-Blade Mandoline Slicer

I did receive this product at a reduced cost in exchange for my review!

2016 Favorite Things

Before we get too far into 2017, I want to talk a little bit about my favorite products and services on 2016.  I tested hundred of products in 2016 - some for free, some discounted, and some I stumbled upon on my own and realized I'd found something great!   These products are some of my favorites and will probably find their way into 2017 as well.
Just so you know, many (but not all) of these products have referral links that benefit me if you use them (but probably benefit you as well!), but if I don't love the product, it didn't make this list. None of these items are added simply because of a referral link.

Amazon Smile

Link: https://smile.amazon.com/

What is it? Amazon Smile is everything you know and love about Amazon.com - but with the added bonus that it will donate a portion of qualifying purchases to your favorite charity.  Anytime you would normally go to Amazon.com - go to Amazon Smile instead.  To get started, go to the Amazon Smile site (link above) and pick the charity of your choice (I recommend Junior League of Owensboro), then continue to shop as usual. It's that easy!

Pura Vida Bracelets

Link: http://www.puravidabracelets.com/

Promo Code: JESSICADECKARD20

What is it? Pura Vida bracelets got their start when two guys took a college graduation trip to Costa Rica. They encountered 2 very poor men selling handmade bracelets in an attempt to support their families. The college graduates asked the men to sell them 400 bracelets to take back home to California. The bracelets sold quickly which lead to the successful operation they have now.  The two poor men they initially encountered now have full time jobs making bracelets...as do 100 of their friends. All bracelets are handmade by artisans in Costa Rica.  The colors are not just for appearances...many of their bracelets represent specific charities, including everything from animal awareness to environment causes to cancer awareness to military to education and more.  To date, Pura Vida has partnered with over 190 organizations and donated over $1 million.  In addition to bracelets, they now have rings, bikinis and other accessories. Use the promo code above for 20% off!

StitchFix

Link: stitchfix.com/referral/3239360

What is it? Oh where do I start....I've been doing StitchFix for over 3 years.  At times more frequently than others...StitchFix is almost a subscription box, except you pick how often and when you receive it.  To begin, you create a profile that includes questions about your preferred style of clothing, sizes, favorite prints, etc. Then, for $20, a stylist will pick 5 items and send them to you.  You only pay for what you want to keep and you send the rest back in a prepaid envelope that comes with your Fix.  If you keep all 5, you get a 25% discount!  I recommend being a specific as possible when filling out your profile and you should always, always, always link up a Pinterest board with your StitchFix account so your stylist can see what types of outfits you like and learn a little more about you.  If you aren't happy with your first Fix, don't give up, the longer you do it, the more they learn your style! Remember, you can get the box as often or as little as you like!

theSkimm

Link: http://www.theskimm.com/?r=e2376057

What is it? A daily email (weekdays only) that catches you up on what's happening in the world!  Don't be left in the dark on current events or breaking news - this is basically the Cliff Note version with a little bit of sass so you can be in the know without reading the New York Times every day.

FilterEasy

Link: http://fbuy.me/eQg91 (this is a referral link that will get us BOTH a free set of filters!

What is it? Be honest....you do NOT change your filters to your HVAC system as often as you should.  Regular filter changes keep repair bills down, decrease your energy bill, and keep you healthier!  FilterEasy helps with that.   You tell the company how many filters you need, how often you would like to change them, what size you need, and your choice of 3 different quality filters..and they automatically ship them.  If you need help figuring out the answers to the questions above, they are ready to help.  I get mine shipped every 2 months.  My filter is on the floor and with my dog it gets bad pretty quickly.  They don't charge your credit card until it's shipped and send you an email when it's on it's way.  This is SO convenient for someone like me who may not ever remember to change my filters if they weren't sent to me!  This service has been great for me!

Bespoke Post

Link: https://bespokepost.com/r/b2a3f1f9
What is it? This is a subscription box geared towards men, but there are some fun things for women too!  Each month there is a new box, you have 4-5 days to Opt out or switch your box if there is a different one you prefer.  One thing I love is that they email you to remind you so you don't forget to opt out if you choose to do so.  You can opt out as often as you like (I may only get 1 a year).  These make GREAT gifts for boyfriends, husbands, dads, brothers, etc.  I've admittedly purchased 1 or 2 for myself.

If you have any questions about the above products, feel free to ask me! They're all great products and hopefully you think so as well!

Dripo!

Cold brew coffee is in.  Starbucks has it.  I love it.  I buy cold brew coffee when it's -12 outside.  Actually, it hasn't been -12 yet this year.  Give it time.  The problem is that, with any specialty coffee, buying it every day gets EXPENSIVE.  This gives you a way to have your cold brew at home!  The amazon page for this product provides a great video on how this works (Amazon link is here).  

I love the idea behind this...and that the lid can go straight on the tumbler on the bottom! I've tried this one time and the result was pretty weak.  As in, the coffee was weak..you could definitely see through it which means it's not fit to drink.  The system works though.  I'm currently brewing a second "batch" and it's coming through much darker but I used more coffee than the instructions called for so keep that in mind.  

Clean up is a little bit difficult.  There's no throwing away a tiny Keurig cup or picking up a filter that has all the grounds in it.  You have to clean this out..which is difficult if you don't want a bunch of coffee grounds down your drain.

Overall, with a little bit of trial and error, I like this product and can say I recommend it, just remember to use more coffee than it tells you that you need!

**I did receive this product for free in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

Bike Kit by Jumaxis

This is a great kit for a beginner or advanced bicyclist. I initially thought the carry bag would be too bulky, but I actually really liked it.  It has a clear plastic cover so you can use your touch screen phone - but keep in mind, the iPhone 7 button isn't really a "button" and this cannot read your finger print.  Earlier versions should be fine, though!  The bag comes in black or blue. The side pockets are great for tools to change a flat, chapstick, keys, etc. The bag is easy to attach and the velcro strips prevent it from sliding down or twisting upside down.  There is a 1 year warranty that covers quality and craftsmanship.  

The kit also includes safety lights: both a headlight and a tail light. The hightlight requires 4 AAA batteries and the taillight requires 2 AAA batteries which are not included. It does include brackets and hardware. They are brought LED lights. 

Lastly, it includes a sheet of reflective stickers.  Not only safe, but fun for kids!

I did receive this at a free or reduced cost in exchange for my unbiased review!

Bike Kit by Jumaxis

This is a great kit for a beginner or advanced bicyclist. I initially thought the carry bag would be too bulky, but I actually really liked it.  It has a clear plastic cover so you can use your touch screen phone - but keep in mind, the iPhone 7 button isn't really a "button" and this cannot read your finger print.  Earlier versions should be fine, though!  The bag comes in black or blue. The side pockets are great for tools to change a flat, chapstick, keys, etc. The bag is easy to attach and the velcro strips prevent it from sliding down or twisting upside down.  There is a 1 year warranty that covers quality and craftsmanship.  

The kit also includes safety lights: both a headlight and a tail light. The hightlight requires 4 AAA batteries and the taillight requires 2 AAA batteries which are not included. It does include brackets and hardware. They are brought LED lights. 

Lastly, it includes a sheet of reflective stickers.  Not only safe, but fun for kids!

I did receive this at a free or reduced cost in exchange for my unbiased review!

Copper Rain Chain by Golden Canary

Smarson High Resolution LED Trail Camera

After purchasing this camera, it came well packaged and included a user manual, USB cable, AV cable, strap and wall mount (the wall mount was attached but can come off.) 

It does NOT come with the SD card or 4-8 AA batteries. It states it requires 8, but I noticed it came out and was working after I had installed 4. It says it will last 3 months with 4 batteries and 6 months with 8 batteries "while in standby mode." I'm not sure how long it will last if it's taking frequent pictures...which leads me to the reason I gave this camera 4 stars instead of 5: It says it has a low battery alarm. If I put this in the woods, or if I'm using it for home security, I do not want it emitting an alarm when the batteries are low. I was unable to find a setting where I could turn this off. That being said, that was the only "negative" to this camera. The quality of the pictures were fantastic. It says 5MG camera sensor..but other placed it says it can be set up to 12 MG. You can set the camera to have the time, date, and/or temperature stamped on the pictures. It can be set to do photo, video, or both where it will take a few photos then switch to video mode. It does have a red light flash when it takes a photo, but it doesn't last long. The night photos were just as good if not better than daytime photos and was able to pick up on very slight movements. You can change the interval between photos and it even has a time lapse setting. 

The display on the inside is very impressive and easy to use. Very helpful if you are wanting to check photos quickly. Overall, I was very happy with this camera and it's a great deal for the price. I did receive this product at a a reduced (not free) cost in exchange for my unbiased review.

Salbakos Fine Italian Silk and Combed Turkish Cotton Bath Towels

Towels are one area I'm willing to splurge when it comes to home purchases.  I want to use big fluffy towels and I want the same for my guests.  These are not the thickest towels I've ever used, but they're close!  They are 95% combed Turkish cotton and 5% silk.  They come in 4 colors: Grey, White, Ivory and Taupe (above).  They are 30x60 so pretty decent size as well!

Their Amazon goes into detail about the color process: All Salbakos towels are VAT dyed which means the dye is infused into the yarns under high pressure and high temperature for 6-12 hours depending upon the color. This limits any fading of even the brightest colors. Even our pure white bath towels are dyed white, not bleach white. For maximum color retention and softness, do not use any bleach or softener when washing. Wash in cold/warm water and tumble dry low. 

It actually says they will continue getting softer with each wash which is a little different than my previous experience with towels.  Hopefully that's the case!

The stitching appears to be good quality.  So far I don't have any issues with these and they look great!

I did receive these for a discounted price in exchange for my unbiased review.  To get some for yourself, click here!

Jumbo Wok by WaxonWare

I love when my love of cooking and my "side-gig" if reviews comes together. This is an 11 inch wok by WaxonWare. It's Stonetec, which is a 100% PFOA, lead, cadmium free & FDA Approved natural stone/Granite 5 Layer Ultra Non-Stick Ceramic Coating.

As fancy as the material is, there are 2 other things I love about it. 1) It looks awesome! 2) It's DISHWASHER SAFE! Woohoo!  They do state that handwashing is best and that with the non-stick coating, hand washing should be fairly easy.  

You can use it on gas or electric, so no issues there.

I've only used this once, but it's great so far! 

I did get this product at a free or reduced cost in exchange for my review!

Wireless Doorbell Kit by Chimes 52

When I purchased my house, it came with a plug in wireless doorbell, however, the bell noise is a little...harsh. A makes-your-ears-ring type of noise. This Wireless Doorbell Kit comes with everything you need to replace your current set up. It comes with the bell itself (receiver), the "buzzer" (transmitter), and either a double sided sticky to make it stay, screws and anchors or a tiny screwdriver if needed. The bell is plug in style and I can plug it in on the opposite end of my house and it will still pick up when the buzzer is pressed. Not that that says too much, my house isn't huge. The bell has 4 different volume settings which is super nice and FIFTY-TWO options for the bell noise including regular doorbell noises, songs, and spoken tones. The songs range from classics like "Hey Jude" to seasonal songs like Rudolf. The receiver is a sleek grey and is about half the size of my old one. I'm glad to get rid of my old bulky one! I received this product for a free or reduced cost in exchange for my honest review! If you want your own, you get get it here!

Portable Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor by MeasuPro

Everyone is obsessed with their health..and that's a good thing! This blood pressure monitor is a great little gadget to keep at home, especially with all the extra features.  In addition to blood pressure, this product will check heart rate, has a hypertension color alert (if you have something to worry about!), 2 user modes (for you and your s/o), IHB indicator and memory recall!

It includes the date and time of your checks so you can take them to your doctor, it's easy to use, and it stores the readings of 2 individuals.  So far, it seems fairly accurate with what my typical readings are.

I did receive this product for a reduced cost in exchange for my honest revies!

Orblue Silicone Spoon Rests

Anytime I need something in the kitchen, it's almost always in the dishwasher.  Dirty.  My spoon rest is no exception.  As often as I cook, I use my Pampered Chef Spoon rest a lot, and even though it looks nice, I don't have the space and don't want to spend the money to have more than one.  

These silicone spoon rests are easy to throw in a drawer when they're not being used and can be put in the dishwasher when you're done.  There are 4 in a pack so you don't have to worry about needing one and it's dirty.  Better yet, the price of the 4 of these is less than the cost of the one I was using before!

The handle is bent and keeps your spoon from falling over and the hold in the handle makes it easy to hang if that's what works best in your kitchen (mine get thrown in a drawer).

If you want some for yourself, you can get them here on Amazon or here on their webpage!

**I did get these for a free or reduced cost in exchange for my review.

EatSmart Precision Body Check Bathroom Scale

This scale has everything you could possibly want, and maybe a little more! It's definitely not your every day bathroom scale. It measures weight, body fat, body water, body muscle, BMI, bone mass, and estimated caloric intake using electrode technology. It recognizes up to 8 different user profiles and will recognize you as soon as you step on so there is no confusing your profile with your spouses. I will know who you are as soon as you step on! The scale itself is a clean, crisp white and appears tough enough to hold up to heavier individuals. Actually, it will measure up to 400 lbs and measures to the nearest .2 lb. It has a 3.7" LCD display and does require 3 AAA batteries that came with it! To get one for yourself, click here!

I did receive this product for a free or reduced cost in exchange for my honest review!

Beer Thirty!

While this definitely SEEMS like a man cave item...I think it will fit quite nicely in my home. :) This is a matte nickel finish and it looks really nice! The bottle opener is handy (duh) and says "Beer Thirty" all the time, which describes the time at my house ALL THE TIME! I love that it has the basket to catch your tops. The cap catcher and the bottle opener both come with the screws you need to install them, which is always nice.

Even though I have mine in a utility room area, this would look great in a garage, man cave, cabin, etc. It's something you always need and it looks sharp! To get one of your own click here! **I did receive this item for a free or reduced cost in exchange for my review!

Colored tissue paper from Aspicio Products

Something practical! Everyone needs tissue paper and you NEVER have it when you need it!  I don't know why I never thought to buy massive quantities of the stuff!  This package has 25 colors and you get 4 sheets of each color for a total of ONE HUNDRED pieces of tissue paper.  I'm never going to have to buy this stuff ever again! And if I buy a package of just white, it will last twice as long.  Woot!  The colors are great and super bright.  I also like that the tissue paper good quality and thicker than normal.  All in all, I love it!

**I did receive this at a free or reduced cost in exchange for my review.

105 Piece First Aid Kit by Survival Hax

You can find this product on Amazon.  Check it out!