EatSmart Precision Tracker Digital Bathroom Scale Review

Price 44.95

Happy New Year!  Today is December 31 and I am writing this review with my New Years resolution's on my mind.  Eating healthy and excising are goals I always set for myself each year and having the proper tools to track my progress is essential to my success.  I was given the opportunity to review the EatSmart Precision Tracker Digital Bathroom scale and share my experience.  The EatSmart company offers several different scales to assist and maintain a healthy lifestyle.  This particular  scale is unique and different from all the rest.  It has the ability to track your weight over time with it's Accutrend technology.  

The scale arrives in protective packaging with styrofoam secured on each end of the scale.  It comes with instructions and four AAA batteries.  As with most scales these days, you do not have to tap it before stepping on.  Instead, simply step on it after you have calibrated it for the first time, and that's it. You are ready to track your weight!  Let's talk about the the one thing that makes this scale unique, the ability to track your weight over time.  You can store up to eight different user profiles, that is impressive!  Just like you have your own profile for Amazon or Facebook, you can now have your own profile for tracking your weight.  To begin tracking your weight, you simply touch the "set" button, choose 1 of the 8 available profiles you'd like to be, and then step onto the scale.  From then on it recognizes who you are and shows three different weight readings:

1. Current weight

2. Weight change from the last weigh in

3. Total change from the starting weight

 Features  from the EatSmart website:

1. Measuring Functions: Short Term and Long Term Weight Tracking Capabilities
2. Proprietary Automatic User Identification Technology; Stores personal data for up to 8 users
3. EatSmart "Step-On" Technology - Get instant readings! 
4. Large, 3.5" LCD display with white backlight - Easy to read.
5. 4 High Precision Sensors - Consistent and accurate measurement
6. Measurement Modes: Pounds / Kilos 
7. Graduation Increments of .2 lbs. / .1kg
8. Ultra thin, sleek design with high quality tempered glass platform
9. Max Weight: 400 lbs / 180 kgs
10. Auto Calibrated; Includes 4 AAA batteries

I have been using this scale for almost three weeks and I really like the tracking ability.  I think it is really cool how it recognizes that it is "me" when I step on the scale.  I like that my profile is private to only me and I can set my goals and monitor my progress.  Having the proper tools to monitor my weight keeps me motivated and focused on my end goal.  My weight loss resolution for 2015 is to loose weight slowly overtime, stay motivated and achieve my long term weight goals.

Pros

-Out of the box ready to use

-Weight tracking technology-This is the best part about this scale!

-Eight user profiles

-Light weight

-Thin sleek design with tempered glass

-Comes with batteries

-100% Eat Smart satisfaction guarantee 

Cons

-It would be nice if the scale came in different color choices.  The deep navy and silver are nice, however, I would prefer a solid color.

-I wish it had bluetooth technology so I could pair it with my phone and the MyFitnessPal app. 

-The glass gets dirty quickly and picks up finger prints easily.

Final Thoughts

If you are in the market for a new scale to help you achieve your resolution goals, this scale will keep you motivated and focused.  It offers a unique tracking ability that sets it apart from the rest.  This scale also comes with a 100% EatSmart Satisfaction Guarantee.  This pledge ensures that every item you purchase from EatSmart, regardless of retailer, meets your high standards—or you can return it for a replacement or refund.  The company stands behind their products and is another reason that the EatSmart Percision Tracker Bathroom scale gets two thumbs up!  You can learn more about this scale on Amazon or the EatSmart website.

#EatSmartProducts

I received this item for the purpose of inspection and unbiased review.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.

Precision Eyelash Curler - Plus 2 Refill Pads Review

Majestic Bombay has designed a ergonomically made lash curler that grabs every lash evenly so that no lashes are left behind.  I have tried several lash curlers in my lifetime and one of two things happen.  The spring comes loose or breaks off entirely or they pinch my lashes/skin and are too painful to use.  This curler reminds me of my old Lancome curler I had a few years back.  The design of the handle makes for a comfortable grip almost cushioned like and not awkward to use. 

It opens wide....very wide so you do not struggle placing your lashes on the pink pad.  When you use a curler for a long period of time, the rubber pads get indented (from the top curler) and do not perform as well.  When this happens your lashes get indented as well and instead of having beautiful curled lashes, you have dented lashes sticking straight up.  Coming with 2 extra pads is a wonderful plus, and will keep you from having dented lashes.  It also comes in a beautiful sleek and bold color scheme of black and neon pink that will be a great addition to beauty guru's arsenal. 

You can learn more about the Majestic Bombay Eyelash Curler on Amazon. 

#curler

I received this item for the purpose of inspection and unbiased review.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. 

Liztek PSS-100 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker with Built in Speakerphone Review

Retail 36.95

I received this Liztek bluetooth speaker for purposes of inspection and to share my honest review.  I have owned two other bluetooth speakers over the last year and they have both broke within a month.  Both times the connector in the back has gotten pushed in and I can no longer charge the unit.  Since I love music, and I do not have a current working bluetooth speaker, I was excited to review the Liztek.  Here are the specs according to Amazon

• New Bluetooth v3.0 Technology allows you to Connect wirelessly up to 33 feet away. Seamlessly stream and share music, movies, games, phone and conference calls anywhere.
• Premium Sound with Bass Enhance Technology. Two powerful 40mm Drivers deliver crisp clean sound with deep bass.
• Built-in Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery for up to 10 hours of playtime. Built-in microphone for hands-free speaker phone calling Easy to pair - No code/pin needed
• 3.5mm Audio Line In - Don't have Bluetooth? The PSS-100 allows you to connect the speaker directly to a standard headphone jack.

For me personally, I really only care about a couple things when it comes to bluetooth speakers.  First, it has to provide excellent sound quality that is clear and has a deep bass.  Second, it has to pair to my devices seamlessly.  Last, I want it to look nice sitting on my bookshelf, kitchen counter, bathroom counter and alike.  When the speaker arrived, it was nicely packaged in a sleek black box that had the speaker protected with an inner wrapping.  

After I took off the plastic wrap, I noticed right away that the speaker was heavy and made with quality materials.  It is not made of cheap looking plastic like the pervious speakers I have owned in the past.  Instead, it has a black matte finish the reminds me of the much more expensive Bose speakers.

It came already fully charged so I decided to see how it would pair with my iPhone 6.  It has several buttons on the top that are similar to any audio player as well as an extra button with a picture of a phone on it.  This button is for the hands free speaker phone and is an extra feature that I have never seen on a portable bluetooth speaker.  I turned it on to pair with my phone (put my phone in discoverable mode) a blue light flashed and a voice announced "connected".  I was AMAZED at how easy it was to pair.  I played several different types of songs and enjoyed the beautiful clarity in each one.  Here is a quick video showing the simple pairing and beautiful sound quality.

Pros:

*You can use this device with smart phones, tablets, portable gaming devices, MP3/MP4 players, laptops and desktops.  

*It is small enough to travel with and will be perfect this summer when I am outside on my deck or gardening. 

*Built in microphone for hands free calling

*Battery status can be displayed on the phone

*Low battery warning when battery is low

*Can be used as a wired speaker

*Simple pairing within seconds

*Beautiful matte black casing

*Can be charged while working

*Optional Siri function

*Comes with USB charging cable and audio cable

Cons:

*The user manual states that the battery life is 6 hrs (audio input) 4 hrs (bluetooth) and the box states differently.  The outside of the box states 12 hrs (audio input) 10 hrs (bluetooth).  This is a BIG discrepancy and huge difference.  (see bottom photo) 

*Does not come with a USB connector for the outlet, you need to already own one.

*I wish the connection distance was longer that 33 feet. I spend many hours outside in the summer (gardening) and I feel that 33 feet is not very far.

Battery Life discrepancy 

Final thoughts:

The battery life discrepancy is not enough to sway my positive opinion, but it does need to be corrected.  I only listen to music 2-3 hrs a day so I am OK with either battery outcome.  However, if you listen to music for long durations during the day, this discrepancy may be an issue for you and a deciding factor to purchase.  The manual may be outdated and old, but it still needs to be addressed and the proper battery life should be reflected in the owners manual.  I have enjoyed the ease of use with this speaker, its mobility factor, and beautiful sound quality.  What I love most is the classy appearance it has sitting anywhere in my home.  It is a great addition to our families tech devices, offering us the ability to listen to music anywhere we choose.

You can learn more about the Liztek PSS-100 on Amazon.

I received this item for the purpose of inspection and unbiased review.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. 

Zoku Holiday Pops Party Kit Review

Zoku Holiday Pops Party Kit Review

I was invited to try several products from Zoku and host a Tryazon party.  They were very generous and sent me the following items to try and share with my friends and family.  I hosted a holiday party and share my experience in this review.

What I was sent:

Zoku Pop Maker

Zoku Slush and Shake Maker

Zoku Chocolate Station

Zoku Storage Case

Zoku Tools

Zoku Pop sticks (extra)

Zoku Quick Pops Recipe Book

Zoku The Art of Slush Recipe Book

When I have the chance to make something homemade from scratch, that does not involve a ton of ingredients, I will usually give it a shot.   Store-bought popsicles usually contain all sorts of artificial flavors, sweeteners, and food coloring that I would prefer to do without. When you make your own pops, you can choose exactly what goes in them, so you’re not only tasting something deliciously refreshing but also something that’s good for you!  Making traditional homemade pops can seem like a hassle–especially when you have to prepare them well in advance. With the Zoku Quick Pop Maker the whole process is fun–and fast!

The Zoku Quick Pop Maker freezes ice pops in as little as seven minutes on you’re countertop without electricity. With this device you can quickly make striped pops, yogurt pops, flavored core pops and so much more! You simply store the compact base in your freezer to have the ability to make pops whenever you wish.

How It Works

The Zoku Pop Maker consists of a sturdy hard-plastic base filled with the same kind of liquid found in ice cream makers. There are three individual wells for popsicles set into the base. These are made of non-stick cast aluminum so the pops are easy to remove once frozen. The popsicle sticks are made from plastic and specially grooved to grip the popsicles. (Six popsicle sticks are included.)  You first have to freeze the base overnight. Once it's frozen solid, you insert the one popsicle stick into each well, pour in your popsicle base of choice, and wait for it to freeze. A special device called the Super Tool screws into the popsicle stick and helps to lift the frozen popsicles from the mold, which are otherwise difficult to remove by simple pulling. Snap on a drip guard and the popsicles are ready to eat.

Zoku Pop Maker 

Zoku Tools

We made a variety of popsicles to really put the Zoku through its paces. In the first round, we did a basic blueberry lemonade pop, one with slices of bananas.  In the second round, we tried making fudge pops following the recipe.  All of the lemonade pops froze solid in about 9 minutes. The fudge pops took a little longer, about 25 minutes.  We were able to do two batches of the lemonade pops before the base needed re-freezing. With the fudge pops, we only got one batch and two of the pops were stuck inside.  Only one fudge pop turned out. The lemonade pops were easy to remove from the mold using the Zoku Super Tool and made perfectly formed popsicles. 

Tazo Chai Pops with honey and bananas

Fudge Pops

Blueberry Lemonade banana pops

It was now time to try out the Zoku Slush and Shake maker.  I made a berry base that consisted of frozen berries, greek yogurt, honey and POM juice.  I put everything in the blender and poured the base into the Slush Maker.  Immediately, the sides began to freeze and I used the scraping tool to create the most delicious slush.  I really loved how easy this was to make, in just 3 minutes I had a homemade slush with natural ingredients.  

The chocolate station was the next item to experiment with.  This station allows you to drip, drizzle and dip your pop into melted chocolate.  The kids had fun with this one and I will never purchase "Magic Shell" again!

The Pro's

This device really was as simple and straight-forward to use as promised.  There are no cords to plug in, and no fancy parts to figure out.  Using the Zoku is almost completely self-explanatory.  Kids can definitely use it, though I recommend having an adult around for children under the age of 9 or so.  It made lovely popsicles and seems to work well with a lot of different base ingredients.  Since the results are so instantaneous, it was really fun to play around with adding fruit and combining flavors. 

The Cons

The Zoku was also trickier to use in some ways than we expected.  I had to turn my freezer up because the unit was not frozen after 24 hours of sitting in the freezer.  Some of the pops got stuck in the unit and the only thing that came out was the stick.  You have to be careful which recipes you choose to make, I had better success with Juice recipes as opposed to thick base recipes like the fudge pops.  Also, anything that touches the sides of the mold freezes instantly.  So if you're making a layered pop or adding fruit, it can be challenging not to drip on the sides and to position fruits where you want them.  Our pops definitely did not look as perfect as the pictures on the box!  

Everyone at the party really enjoyed creating homemade treats at home.  These gadgets are a great addition to my kitchen and I know we will have fun making these treats this summer.  If you would like to learn more about these products, you can find them on Amazon.

#tryazon
I received this item in exchange for my honest review.