Review of Simply Home Yankee Candle Reed Diffuser: Pine

Also on AC. I own all rights

My grandmother was the one responsible for putting me on to reed diffusers. I always found the concept to be stupid, especially considering that I could just buy a candle to add fragrance to our home. However, when I walked into her house, and picked up the immediate scent of fresh cut flowers. I had to ask where it was coming from, because there were no lit candles in her home.

She showed me a small reed diffuser, and I was amazed. I never thought the diffusers would do much when it came to scent.

Ever since though, I have been picking up reed diffusers whenever I come across them. The unfortunate thing about them though is that you cannot just pop open the top and inhale the scent in the store. Reed diffusers come in packages that you can't open in stores to test the scent. That's why reed diffusers are so hit or miss.

I've come across a whole heap of crummy poor quality diffusers; some which don't even release a scent.

Just when I was about to give up entirely on them, I decided to pick up a diffuser from Yankee. Although they are a bit high in price, I knew that Yankee Candle always put out pleasing products, and their products are high in quality. Yankee is one of those companies where spending a bit more, is well worth it.

Pine is one of my top favorite scents. I like burning pine scented candles, I like having pine scented wall plugs, and for me, pine is not just a scent to fill the home with during Christmas. I like it year round, but more so in the fall. It puts me in a festive mood, and overall just provides a refreshing crisp scent that I thoroughly enjoy.

When I came across Simply Home Yankee Candle Reed Diffuser in the Pine fragrance, I had to have it. Priced at $12.99 at Marshall's, I knew it was a deal because at Target the same diffusers sell for $19.99.

The diffuser is sold in a plastic package, so I was not able to test the scent. I went with my instinct and hoped for the best.

The Simply Home Diffuser is packaged with a very cute glass see through mini vase, and a bunch of curly spiral rods, straight rods, and a festive rod with a clay star attached to the top of one of the diffusers. In the package you also get a large bottle of the scent. The diffusers suck the scent up, and release it into the air.

My Use:

I poured the entire contents of the liquid fragrance oil into the glass vase. The scent hit me immediately. It was not the crisp refreshing natural pine scent I was expecting though.

Simply Home Yankee Candle Reed Diffuser: Pine did in fact have a pine scent, but there was something polished and clean about it that gave it more of a mossy meadow fragrance. Sort of like the fragrance mixes you would smell early in the morning after a rainstorm by a lake. The smell is still uplifting and refreshing, but not entirely pine.

The scent however is strong, and lasting. I placed the diffuser in my kitchen and within an hour the entire place was filled with the fragrance, which was a major plus.



I then placed the diffuser in the living room to keep it safe from tipping over. Our kitchen is too busy, and due to the very large opening in the vase, if this diffuser spilled over, the entire contents would pour out.

The living room filled up with the scent in less than 20 minutes, and has smelled fantastic for a week now, with no signs of weakening fragrance. Simply Home Reed Diffuser in Pine, is strong, powerful, and fantastic to have in the home.

It's a safe method to filling your home with scent, without having to light a candle.

Overall:

I cannot recommend this one enough. The scent is strong and it is lasting. I have not come across a reed diffuser quite as potent and spectacular as Simply Home Reed Diffusers.

Review: Bounce Dryer Bar---It Sucks

I was sent a Bounce Dryer Bar for free in exchange for an honest review. I was ecstatic to be given the opportunity and went immediately to using the Bounce Dryer Bar.

The concept is simple, and seems like it would be fantastic if it worked like it was said to. The Bounce Dryer Bar is a cartridge containing a dryer bar which you place into your dryer. The Dryer Bar is supposed to be a new form of fabric softener. It is supposed to refresh your clothing and leave your clothing softer. The best thing about it is that you only need to replace it every 2 months or so.

The sticky cartridge sticks to the inside of your dryer, and you can easily slide out the Dryer Bar, and replace it with a new one.

Gosh, golly, darn, that all sounds fantastic in theory. I bet you are wondering how well the Dryer Bar works.

Now on first inspection of the Bounce Dryer Bar, I was skeptical, because the bar itself had the consistency of a bar of soap. I wondered if it would melt, and fuse into my clothing while drying them, leaving behind white flaky trails in the fabric.

The scent is fantastic, and overpowering, so I did not worry about it leaving behind a fresh scent. I just assumed it would because it was so powerful when I opened the package.

I went ahead and stuck the Dryer Bar into the very back of my dryer. You have to peel off a layer that protects the adhesive side of the cartridge.

I worried again that the bar would not stick for a week, let alone 2 months.

Ii plopped in my wet clothing from the washing machine, and let the dryer do its usual routine dry cycle.

Results On First Use:

The results were not even notable. I was actually really disappointed. My clothing did not smell like much of anything, and they were also not soft like I would expect them to normally be.

Results of Second Load:

When I do laundry I usually have one load to follow right after my first load. While the dryer was going on the first load, I had a load going in the washing machine.

My second load I placed into the dryer, and let it go to work as I normally would. Now keep in mind the dryer was just used moments before, so it still was slightly heated from the other load.

I had no idea that doing laundry the way I normally do, would unleash a white powdery mess. When I opened the dryer door to retrieve my second load, I immediately noticed white shards all over the dryer. All of my worries were confirmed.

The Dryer Bar fell from it's spot I had sticked it on, and broke up into little bits and pieces in my clothing load. As the dryer tumbled the bar pretty much crumbled. Many of my pieces of clothing were fused with white stains. Sort of like what happens when you use white deodorant and get it on your clothing.

I was pretty livid because I had to do the entire load again, and I had to spend a good portion of my time cleaning out the dryer of the bits and pieces left behind by the Dryer Bar.

Overall:

Avoid it. There are no benefits I can even come up with. Stick to dryer sheets, and leave this one behind.

Review: Spore Hero For Nintendo Wii

My Review Originally Posted On AC.

I was addicted to the PC game Spore, and when news hit that Spore Hero would be made for the Nintendo Wii I could not wait to get my game on!

With the release on October 6th, I rushed out to the store and picked up my copy.

When I got home I took a closer look at the back cover. Spore Hero looked like it was going to be some sort of odd battle game, and I hate battle games.

Thankfully when I popped the game into my Wii console, I discovered that the game with a little bit of everything all rolled in to one. A battle game, mixed with a gigantic alien adventure.

The game starts off a bit differently than the original Spore game for the PC. Instead of raising an organism, you are pretty much already evolved into a creature capable of roaming on land.

The goal in this game is to collect more and more body parts for your creature. The enemy of course is also in place, and your enemy is a big hive of enemy aliens which are flaming red in color. Your goal is to kill them off of your planet, while of course super charging your creature by collecting bigger, and better body parts to use in your quest to conquering the enemy.

Graphics

The graphics are all pretty phenomenal and they stick to the same lush colorful vibrant scheme that the PC game does. The planet you roam about on is full of visual wonders around every corner.

Controls

All of the controls in Spore Hero work flawlessly during game play, except for a few issues. One that takes place is during battles with other spores, or enemies. While tapping the controls for battle, sometimes as a player you get a bit excited. You have to be careful though, because many times you end up hitting the menu button, which pauses the battle. It gets really annoying while playing, and it happens often.

Another issue you will have with controls is in creature creation. While attempting to make your Spore look the way you want, one small movement of the wrist and you could end up stretching out its legs farther than you wanted. Its easily fixed, but its annoying.

Sounds

Sounds in Spore Hero are all done up superbly, and the music played lightly in the background mesh really well with the alien planet you will be roaming.

Creature Creation

Creating your creature is a lot of fun, and no two creatures will ever look the same. You have tons of options and colors to chose from. As you collect body parts, your Spore will look drastically different. The creature creation menu however is not as complex as on the PC game. The Wii controls make it a little difficult to get your Spore to transform into exactly what you envision. Although the controls work well here, they are slightly flawed.


Overall

Although Spore Hero has a few control flaws, the game itself plays marvelously with no glitches. Roaming through the lush alien planet is a lot of fun, and the small tasks you complete in between your main quest are also a lot of fun.

The game is one of my favorite titles on the Nintendo Wii to date, and I highly recommend it.

Review: Musical Brain in Witches Cauldron Water Globe

I don't normally shop at Marshall's because I always figured the store only carried broken junk, junk that nobody wanted or just junk in general. The last time I was in a Marshall's was about two years ago around the Christmas holiday, and the store was in ruins.

A Marshall's recently went up close by to me, so I decided to give the store a try. Friends of mine would go on and on about how fantastic the place was, so finally I took the short drive to the store and found myself surrounded by a world of enchantments. Wow! Have I been missing out!

The fall season is upon us, so naturally the store had an entire Halloween empire of goodies stocked up. My eyes were dancing around in a Halloween daze. Witch statues, graveyard statues, little pumpkin plates, witches brew mugs and glasses! I was in heaven. I was at the same time though overwhelmed. I wanted everything! Sometimes when I get overwhelmed like this though, I walk out with nothing.

But then, just as I was about to walk away empty handed, it caught my eye. I stood still, was what I was seeing really real? Was this wondrous magical little number really for sale? Could I have it!?

I spotted a water globe. Now I like water globes and all, but I never really 'liked' them enough to buy them, and the ones I have come across are always boring little Christmas themed snow globes. Never in my life did I ever think someone would finally get it right, and create Halloween themed water globes.

Yet there it was, the most stunning water globe I had ever seen.

This was no ordinary round water globe though. This water globe was shaped like a chemistry flask. Inside the flask sat a detailed sculpture of a brain. The water itself had a very slight tint of green, that gave it a toxic look.

The chemistry flask sat perched on top of a witched cauldron.

I mean if this is not creativity I don't know what is!

I picked the globe up and realized that the flask was missing its little glued in cork. It was there, but slightly damaged. It did not deter me though. I wanted it. I was in love with it! I had never seen such a unique piece.
As I picked it up, I noticed small tear drop metallic snow sprinkle around inside of the globe. The pieces were rather large, and had a green metallic coloring to them. I didn't think that it was fitting to the piece, but it did not make the piece any less desirable. The green tear shapes I imagine represent toxic blood? That is just a guess though.

Just as I thought this little water globe couldn't get any better, I flip it over and discover a little wind up key. I wound it up and listened as the water globe played 'ding dong the witch is dead'.

Halloween heaven, I have found you! I knew immediately where this sweet water globe was going! Right on my work desk, so I could look at it every day.

All in all, the Musical Brain In Witches Cauldron is my favorite Halloween piece discovered thus far this year. Unfortunately on the water globe I was able to find no markings on the actual name of the globe. There is not even a company logo or stamp on it.

You can however find it at Marshall's. I paid $12.99 for it, and in my opinion it was money well spent.

Other Halloween Globes:

Aluminum Gothic Skeleton Hand Salad Servers!

Whenever I am shopping in superstores like Walmart or Target during the fall season, I always rush down to their Halloween section to see what new products they may have in. Every year I pick up more and more Halloween pieces.

I have props galore, and I continue to buy them because I am known for throwing one hell of a scary Halloween party every year. I like challenging myself every year with new products, bought or made.

One of my favorite pieces goes to the Aluminum Gothic Skeleton Hand Salad Servers, (or tongs as they are called).

I spotted these shiny silver gems twinkling next to a Napkin Holder. The Napkin Holder caught my eye, but it seemed to expensive for its appearance. The Aluminum Gothic Skeleton Hand Salad Server on the other hand were awesome, a piece that I never would think would exist, yet here they were, long metal bony skeleton hands glistening up at me. I had to have them, no matter what the price.

The Aluminum Gothic Skeleton Hand Salad Tongs are made obviously to serve salad. However after looking them over I knew that they could be used for numerous serving purposes. They could scoop up mashed potatoes, serve as a serving 'hand' for cakes, pies, and any other food that had a thicker consistency to it.

They have another use too that I thought was kind of neat. The Aluminum Gothic Skeleton Hand Salad Servers can scratch a mean itch. Ha-ha!

The quality of the Aluminum Gothic Skeleton Hand Salad Servers are stunning, with a shiny silver finish, and etched details into the actual bone fingers and fingernails. They are heavy pieces, but not too heavy as to where they are impossible to use. I will say though that you should keep them away from glass tabletops. Dropping one could break the table top.

The Aluminum Gothic Skeleton Hand Salad Servers are meant to be hand washed only, so don't go sticking them in the dishwasher.

Overall:

If you are throwing a Halloween party this year, the skeleton servers are a must have. If you just like Halloween in general the servers are a fun piece to have around the house as well. They are definitely conversation starters, and I would highly recommend them to Halloween enthusiasts.

Where To Buy:

I was able to locate these exact skeletal sweeties for sale from online merchants. However many sites have them listed for a prices that are a scare! I found them at Target and spent $9.99. Click here to be taken directly to the servers, save yourself a bundle.

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Glade Scented Oil Candle Tin in Clean Linen - A Review

You know those deliciously superb set up aisles in the checkout lane at superstores? Sometimes they set them up with magazine racks, soda and candy.

Those aisles are amongst some of my favorite aisles in superstores because sometimes you run into things that you normally would not pick up. Sometimes those things are fantastic little finds. This is exactly where I found a collection of Glade Scented Oil Candle Tins.

I immediately fell in love with the Clean Linen scent, and for $1.99 I figured the little Scented Oil Candle Tin would be an investment well worth it.

What made the tin so special was that when I popped the lid to get a hint of the fragrance I was blown away with the clean linen scent. I was not the only one. My boyfriend exclaimed with a "Wow," and he was standing about three feet away from me. A woman behind us on line also took note of the potent delicious fragrance, and she scooped one up as well.

That's right folks, this micro small oil candle packs one heck of a powerful punch, and I knew that with a potent scent like that, it would live up to its claims; it would fill up an entire room with scent.

The Glade Scented Oil Candle Tin in Clean Linen came in three different choices of tins, but honestly I couldn't care less about the decorative tin. I wanted to get home and burn this candle to see how powerful it really could get.

My Use:

I set the small tin on my kitchen table, lit the wick, and let it works its magic. Sure enough in just a few short minutes the fresh clean linen scent was swirling around the room. The scent was so refreshing, and the thing that caught my attention the most was that I was able to smell it filling up not just the kitchen, but other rooms that had their doors open.

I was captivated, surrounded by refreshing clean linen scent, and amazed at how wonderfully this candle had worked.

The charm of the candle did not stop just while it was lit though. Even after extinguishing the flame, the Clean Linen fragrance stuck around and lingered for nearly 45 minutes after the candle was blown out. That my friend, is pretty impressive considering the small size of it.

Overall:

Superb.

I bought only one of these tins, and will be picking up a whole lot of them next time I am in the store. I am still amazed at how powerful the candle is, and I would highly, highly recommend you scoop them up. They will seriously fill the home with lovely fragrance and are perfect for that clean fresh house scent for the upcoming holidays.

Review: Febreze Home Collection, Scented Reed Diffuser in Green Tea Citrus

-Review also on AC.

I have always liked Febreze. It's rare for me to come across a scent by Febreze that I do not like, and I actively seek out their limited edition fragrances.

This weekend though I came across a little something, something from Febreze that got me all excited. They have a new collection called the Home Collection. The Home Collection features a bunch of new goodies from Febreze; the collection includes new flame-less light up lanterns, reed diffusers and candles.

I went straight for the Green Tea Citrus Reed Diffuser.

I was not able to open the package in the store to get a hint of what the scent might smell like, but located directly on the box were one of those scratch and sniff sample stickers. I scratched the sticker and got a nice refreshing buzz of green tea and citrus. There really is no other was to describe it. The sticker smelled good, a nice mix of green tea, and refreshing uplifting citrus. I liked the scent a lot, and went ahead and splurged on the Reed Diffuser.

It came to $9.97 for those who are curious. To me $9.97 is pretty expensive for a reed diffuser. Normally I buy them for $2.00-$5.00 the most. I told myself that if the diffuser did not work well I'd pack it back up in its box and get my money back.

Febreze, Home Collection, Green Tea Citrus Reed Diffusers come packed with a nice glass bottle which contains the oil, and it comes with a bunch of reed diffusers.

At home, I opened the package, and yanked off the protective seal that keeps the oil from leaking out. Immediately the overpowering delicious mouth watering scent filled the air. I had a pretty good hunch that this powerful little number would do its job and do it well.

I placed in all of the wooden reeds, and let the diffuser do its thing. It did not take long for the magic to begin to spread through the air. The energizing green tea scent was flawless, while the uplifting citrus puts an energetic vibe all throughout the air. I would not just call this one a scented reed diffuser, I'd call it aroma therapy at its best because the scent definitely does something wonderful to the senses.

As of right now, the diffuser is placed in our kitchen, which is very, very large. Amazingly enough, the Green Tea Citrus Reed Diffuser is capable of filling the air with its scent. The scent has remained for days, and the Home Collection Reed Diffuser gets compliment after compliment from our guests. Many of them are amazed that such a tiny thing is capable of filling up an entire room in the home with such powerful delicious fragrance.

Febreze Home Collection, Green Tea Citrus Reed Diffuser works perfectly. It delivers powerful long lasting scent, and it works a heck of a lot better than I initially thought it would.

It has become my favorite Febreze product to date, and I highly, highly recommend it.

Review: Black Skull Photo Frame

-My review is found on AC as well

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, and during the entire fall season I am consistently clicking away with my camera capturing every fall event possible. From pumpkin picking, haunted hay rides, haunted houses, I capture it all.

Many of my photos end up in scrapbooks, others sit on online social networking sites like Facebook, Photobucket, or MySpace. Some of my favorite photos however get printed and I slip them into Halloween themed photo frames.

I will usually keep the frames for years and years, and display them during the fall season. They are quick fool proof ways to adding a fall mood to the home.

It's hard finding these themed photo frames though, and many that I do find are usually poor quality plastic frames with little to no detail. Usually dollar stores sell seasonal themed frames, but sadly they usually look like they came from a dollar store.

I came across a Black Skull Photo Frame at my local Target for just $4.99, and although it was not the best photo frame in the Halloween world, it was spooky enough and made with a real glass photo protector.

Two white skulls sit nestled in two of the frame's corners to give the frame a creepy Halloween theme. The black frame itself has a high gloss finish, and fits a four-inch by six-inch photo into it.

The frame only sits one way and cannot be rotated, at the very back of the frame it has a pull out stand, or a small clip to hang the frame directly on the wall.

I recommend buying two of them to sit next to one another on an end table, mantle place, or hanging them on the wall in the living room surrounded by your Halloween props and decorations. They just add to the charm, and it's why I like them.

Quality:

The Black Skull Photo Frame is not the highest quality photo frame you can find, but it serves its purpose, and the frame itself seems sturdy enough to last for years with proper care. The frame itself uses real glass and not some cheap plastic like other holiday themed photo frames. The black high gloss finish matches most HDTV's, so placing the frames on the wall next to, or around an HDTV actually looks really fancy and meshes perfectly in with the atmosphere.

-For those of you wondering, the frame fits 4 inch by 6 inch photos, but if you cannot visualize it do know that 4 inch by 6 inch is a standard photo that you would have printed at stores.

You can only pick up the Black Skull Photo Frame at Target. It sells for $4.99, which is very cheap for how nice the frame is.

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