Smartwatches were, at one point, one of the most desirable gadgets on the market. Who wouldn’t want to recreate their own Star Trek episodes with a device that communicated, managed other tech, and more, right from your wrist? The smartwatch was certainly a hit at first, with millions sold within their first weeks on the shelves. However, as quickly as they came into style, smartwatches faded into obscurity. Here are some reasons why smartwatches’ popularity has faded away.
Limited Functionality
One of the leading features of a smartwatch was that it allowed you to answer phone calls and see who is messaging you. Although these features were certainly beneficial, they were not superior to what an actual phone offered. Many times, the smartwatch had to be connected and in close proximity to your mobile. If this makes you wonder what the point of a smartwatch is, then you’re not alone. Consumers quickly realized this as well and simply went back to using their phones to call and text their family and friends. In addition, app companies were simply not putting out enough content for smartwatches, which led to the limited functionality of the watch.
The Watches Weren’t Great
When it came to being a part of the “Next Big Thing,” everyone wanted a piece of the pie. Apple, along with other companies, quickly raced to see who could produce the best smartwatch at the lowest production cost. This, however, was not a good thing for the consumer as rushed designs and low-quality materials were the results. There was even a lawsuit over their defects that hurt their image. Many of the fitness features, such as the heart-monitoring app, seemed to be simply remade from existing apps and technologies. In some cases, app companies, as well as some doctors, sued Apple and accused the company of taking credit for their work.
Too Expensive
In hopes of keeping this brand alive, many companies refused to lower their prices. Even with all the negative feedback from customers as well as the limited functionality of the watches, they continued to cost a lot. So, what happens when you have a product that nobody wants and nobody can afford? It leads to a decline in sales as well as investments.
The smartwatch was certainly one of the most anticipated gadgets to come out on the market. Everyone wanted one, and they were one of the most popular gifts. However, as time went by, it quickly became apparent that the technology didn’t quite live up to the dreams of users, leaving the smartwatch to fall by the wayside.
One of the hottest ongoing debates among teens is where to cast your allegiance in the smartphone battle. Despite many attempts by other companies, there are still only two major names in the field—Apple and Android. Where you spend your hard-earned money depends on your priorities and the features that you consider must-haves.
Customization
Arguably the largest difference between Android and Apple phones is the respective ability to customize. While Apple undoubtedly delivers a strong product, the iPhone is also, in many ways, a limited product. The base iOS software is stable, user-friendly, and quick. But, despite these strengths, anyone looking for the ability to customize their phone will find themselves disappointed with the iPhone offerings. The ability to customize is the hallmark of the Android experience. This modifiable nature goes far beyond mere fonts and backgrounds—there is little about an Android phone that cannot be changed at the users’ will. However, this flexibility comes at a price. Because the end user’s experience is outside of the manufacturer’s hands, it is difficult to guarantee the security or stability of a customized Android device.
Hardware
Hardware is an interesting focus of the debate between Android and iPhone. Whereas the iPhone is a known quantity from one source, an Android phone can be sourced from almost anywhere. However, there is certainly a set of the most popular devices being sold. For years, the most notable offerings in the Android market have been from the two primary players in the field: Google and Samsung. Hardware is one of the aspects that make it difficult to recommend an Android phone without numerous caveats. Anyone purchasing a new iPhone is certain to get a reliable device that features an excellent camera and fantastic battery life. And, while this can be true for an Android device, some of the most popular devices being sold have hardware that is several years old. Thus, more care must be taken when choosing an Android phone.
Price
One of the main factors that are sure to drive consumers toward an Android device is also one of the simplest: price. Dollar for dollar, most Android devices are simply the less expensive option. This is not to say they are the inferior options, but they are the less predictable choice. Anyone seeking a more customizable and versatile device at an affordable price will do well to look at the mainstream Android offerings. However, if you simply need to know your phone will perform to the same degree no matter the conditions, then an iPhone is likely the better choice for you.
As you can see, there are a number of features to consider when buying your next phone. This includes customization, hardware, and price. Although there are different phones options to choose from, the two biggest contenders are Android and Apple. Keep in mind that both have their strengths and weaknesses.
Decided to buy an iPhone? Check out this article next!
By now, most of the country is back in school, although a few of you will be heading back this coming week.
To ease the transition, we rounded up some of the best products we have been introduced to recently which would be perfect for this coming semester and beyond.
We’ve even got a couple items to give away, all you have to do to enter is 1) follow @teenswannaknow on Instagram and 2) take a screenshot of any of the products below (just the item name and pic is fine) that have the #TWKGIVEAWAY in the title and post it on your Instagram story or feed and mention @teenswannaknow and use the hashtag #TWKGIVEAWAY when you do. We will pick random winners for each correct entry on 9/12/19 (you can enter more than once).
So without further ado, let’s check out the products!
This one is a must for anyone heading off to a dorm room. Designed by a dad for his daughter who was headed off to college and wanted a secure place to store her stuff, its a combination safe/locker and desk for your laptop all in one.
The Bunk Trunk features a digital keypad to enter your pin to lock and unlock, as well as a power strip with USB ports to charge your phone. You can choose a few upgrade items as well, such as a Bluetooth speaker and extra shelf. The best part about the Bunk Trunk is that it is super easy to set up, and won’t take up valuable floor space because it rests above or below your bed.
(Lifehack: its also able to stand alone against a wall if you don’t overload the top and put some weight on the base, but this is NOT how the product was designed to be used — we are just rebels haha.)
Here are a couple of videos explaining the product, and how to install so you can see how easy. It took us just a few minutes to set up the one sent by the company by following the instructions.
We were super excited to try this product out when we received it. Because one of the most stressful things in life is running out of cell phone juice, amirite? And this thing promises unlimited Snapchat and Instagramming far away from any power outlets!
The Sun Soaker we received came rolled up in a waterproof tube complete with suction cups and carabiner clips so you can attach it to a window, a backpack, tent, etc. Instructions are simple: unroll and expose it as directly as possible to the sun, connect your phone to the standard USB port, and you are good to go.
So how does it perform? Well, two of our reviewers tested it out in very different conditions. One took it to Coachella (plenty of sun) and the other to an overcast day at the beach. Results:
Sunsoaker hanging with the influencer hippies at Coachella.
Our Coachella reviewer had issues with the form factor. He tried hanging it, but it kept rolling up, limiting its sun exposure surface. So he only got a charge when he physically held it up with his arms, not a great solution.
Our beach reviewer, on the other hand, laid it flat and placed a weighted object at the base so it wouldn’t keep rolling up. Even on a cloudy day with no sun, the device performed beautifully–fully charging his phone in about an hour.
So, the verdict is that the device works wonderfully as long as you can lay it flat somewhere. When you try to hang it vertically, the angle and tendency to roll it up make it less effective.
This product is SUPER USEFUL! You can use it while laying out at the beach, on grass, and its a must-have for camping/hunting/emergency kits.
Picture this: you’ve got a hot date and you are just about ready to go, but you one quick check in the mirror and notice your teeth are, let’s just say, less than sparkly white. What do you do?
Well, if you’ve got HaloSmile around, you can have noticeable whiter teeth in about 3 minutes. As long as you don’t mind the drool. We’ll explain that part later; let’s cover the product and what it does first.
HaloSmile is a temporary whitening system for your teeth, meaning you literally paint your teeth with it and the coating stays on for hours. Its vegan, peroxide-free, and relatively quick and simple to apply.
Just add two drops of activator to the powder contained in one of the lovely jewel-like pods, stir well using the back of the applicator brush for 30 seconds and put aside. Insert the plastic mouth-holder-open thingy into your mouth, dry your teeth very well, and start applying. Once done, hit your teeth with the final touch “polish” and that’s it.
So, what are the results like? Well, our first attempt came out pretty splotchy. See below. Its just super hard to do because of the prolific amounts of drooling involved, even with paper towel rolled up under the tongue. With practice, however, we’ll probably get it more even. That’s what all the rest of the reviewers claim, and it makes sense.
Drool drool everywhere! Not the most even paint job, esp. on the left-most tooth, but overall not too bad.
The other thing is that it feels a bit “grainy” when you run your tongue over your teeth. But, after several hours, the teeth still look whiter, so the product does work as claimed! One issue for our test subject was that the coating started to wear off unevenly, leaving it splotchy after day 2, because it is really HARD to remove despite lots of brushing and flossing. Actually, there was still visible residue after 4 days. So, they probably need to come up with a way to remove it and throw that into future kits, like one of those rubber-tipped tooth stain erasers.
This tooth makeup system could come in very handy for picture day, prom, etc. AS LONG AS YOU PRACTICE A FEW TIMES BEFORE! Watch this following video to learn how to use, and try not to laugh imagining how silly you will look with that mouthpiece in your grill. The results, once the product is mastered, are worth it though!
If you prefer a more permanent solution to your teeth whitening, this kit will do the trick. Yes we tested it, and it works — pretty well too. Teeth were noticeably whiter after just one application.
All you have to do in brush and floss, rinse using their included wash, apply the peroxide mix (it stings if you get it on your lips or gums–meaning its the real deal!), and let it dry for twenty seconds. Finish off with a two minute round with the dual-energy whitening light (the coolest part of this process by far), and check your results. Need it brighter? You can repeat the process immediately over and over again until you get the shade of white you like! The kit has about 20 applications.
Pro tip: put some cotton or paper towel under your tongue to avoid drooling during the light part.
OolySchool Products, prices vary
Ooly makes super cute, super colorful school supplies — all at reasonable prices. You can get lost for hours checking out all their products, but here are three that we liked for starters.
Oh My Glitter! Notebooks – Blue $11.99. Life’s too short for a boring notebook. Go full glam with your notes with the small sized, Oh My Glitter Notebooks. This fun sized set of notebooks is perfect for on-the-go notes, writing, and doodles…and the best of all you’ll look fabulous while you’re doing it! Each set comes with 3 different colored notebooks in Teal, Dark Blue, and Light Blue colors. 64 Lined Sheets in Each Notebook. Convenient Small Size at 4” x 5.75” Pages
Radiant Writers Glitter Gel Pens $7.99. Make your writing and drawing glitter with amazing color with Radiant Writers Glitter Gel Pens! The eight radiant colors in this gel pens set will bring glittery life and happiness to anything you write or draw. In class or at work your writing will never be dull again!
Mini Dots Pixie Paste Glitter Glue set of 5 $7.99. Glitter and glam, shimmer and shine. These dot-happy glitter glue colors are simply divine! With glitter glue colors enhanced with mini dot of dazzling glitter, you know anything they touch will become magical. Mini Dots Pixie Paste comes with a brush too!
When we saw the price for we were like “nah” but after just ONE use of this product we were like “heck yes, totally worth it.” It works very, very well to removed dead skin cells, tighten pores, and restore a nice glow. Your face will feel baby smooth and look great. We wish we had a bottle to give away–but we only got sent one and we are keeping it mwahaha!
VITAMINscrub is an antioxidant infused facial cleanser with a mild exfoliating action. You only need a small amount each time you use it (rubbing it in for about 30 seconds before rinsing), and it smells GREAT, almost good enough to eat. In fact, you can eat a lot of the raw ingredients in this, because it contains things like mango, aloe vera, green tea, grapefruit, turmeric, and even hemp seed oil.
According to the company:
VITAMINscrub is good for all skin types including dry, mature, sensitive, blemish-prone, combination and normal. It’s designed for daily use. Environmentally-friendly bamboo particles act as a polish to resurface the skin and keep pores clear.
For those who prefer a few less harsh chemicals on their body when applying deodorant, you might want to give Crystal Mineral Enriched Deodorant a go.
The two samples we were sent (Freshly Minted and Mountain Fresh) have a pleasant smell and don’t leave a thick white residue on your shirts or sheets like a few other essential-oil based deodorants we have tried in the past. As far as controlling odor for 24 hours as claimed, results here were mixed. Let’s just say we recommend a touch up application every once in a while if you are exerting yourself and sweating above average.
The product incorporates essential oils, and while it does contain common things like propanediol and sodium stearate, it is aluminum and paraben-free and hypoallergenic. You can check the safety of the ingredients of any other cosmetic or household product ingredient at the Environmental Working Group’s Skin-Deep Database.
While summer is basically over (sob), don’t think you don’t need sunscreen still. Outdoor activities like skiing, skating, and sports still expose your skin to UV rays, and you need protection. For a convenient way to apply it, try the Sun Shield Stick SPF 50 by MyChelle. Its like a chapstick for your skin, and is lightly tinted for a neutral finish.
From the website:
Sun Shield Clear Stick SPF 50 is a mineral-based, water-resistant sunscreen that glides on smoothly and dries clear to deliver powerful UVA and UVB full-spectrum protection. Zinc Oxide provides a safe alternative to harsh chemical sunscreens. The addition of Avocado, Jojoba, and Vitamin E Oils help moisturize and protect, and Cocoa Seed Butter soothes skin and supports elasticity. Perfect for on the go. .52 oz. Made without GMO, Gluten, Parabens, Petroleum, Phthalates, Silicones, Sulfates, Ureas, Artificial Fragrances, and Artificial Colors. Vegetarian. Cruelty-free. Reef Safe and Biodegradable. Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 17%
So the main ingredient is good old zinc oxide, and that makes this product reef safe for use when diving or enjoying places like Xel-ha in Cancun (which we highly recommend, having just come from a vacation there whoop whoop!).
7th Heaven Dead Sea Mud and Peel-Off Mask, prices unavailable #TWKGIVEAWAY
Alright, we did not have time to test these out by press time, but wanted to include them for those looking for quick detoxes and refreshers for their faces. They are made by a company with a good pedigree as far as eco-friendliness and commitment to being cruelty-free, Montangne Jeunesse, which has been in business since 1985.
The products we were sent are single-use Dead Sea Mud mask and a peel-off mask. The instructions are super easy: simply clean and dry your face, apply the contents, and wait until COMPLETELY dry. Then remove and voila! — fresh face!
One thing we have to mention is the striking artwork on the labels, which feature some smiling, yet somewhat terrifying, half-human, half plant creatures lol.
Look at them:
OMG. They are certainly attention-grabbing!
At any rate, here is the description for the peel-off mask:
Clean and purify your skin with our Dead Sea Salt peel off! Chamomile soothes your skin and Fucus Vesiculosus (Seaweed) fights free radicals. Leave your skin feeling healthy and revitalised!
And the mud mask:
We’ve harvested nutrient rich minerals from the Dead Sea to draw out impurities and open blocked pores for clean, soft skin. Key ingredients Dead Sea salt, seaweed, lavender.
Hitting the books for hours at a time can get stressful. Sometimes you need a break with some good old fashioned mindless entertainment, like the book Strange Hollywood.
The book features over 400 pages of facts, trivial tidbits, quotes, and even tweets about stars ranging from the silent era to now.
For example, did you know that Mike Myers based Shrek’s accent on the voice his mom used when she would read him bedtime stories as a kid? Or that Quentin Tarantino sued his neighbor because his pet macaws screamed like pterodactyls?
Weird but true! Find out more in this easy to read book whenever you need a break from physics and chemistry.
Once you’ve gotten your fill of Hollywood oddities, maybe your next choice is to escape to a world of ancient magic, which is what The Book of Spells by John J. Miller, MD promises to do.
Official synopsis:
Transporting the reader back to Southern England into the midst of the seventh century, The Book of Spells takes readers to the Kingdom of Vilgar, governed by a generous king in whose household an evil wizard has positioned himself.
Convincing the king that his powers of magic and premonition will benefit the kingdom, Malecar becomes the court wizard, surreptitiously studying the dark arts in his quest to rule over the kingdom. When Martir, a kind and gentle wizard arrives, he is appointed Malecar’s apprentice and becomes a close friend and confidant of the king’s son, Audric.
The forest bordering Vilgar is a refugee to three witches. The women are in possession of a book they cannot open. Dabbling in the dark arts so that they might protect themselves, they realize that the book may contain the darkest of spells. Confronted by Malecar, the sisters give him access to The Book of Spells, and the evil within him allows him to open it. What happens when an evil wizard has access to powers beyond his wildest desires? Or when a gentle wizard becomes his nemesis—and the only protection for the Kingdom he serves?
Our quick review: interesting characters, but disorienting time jumps. If you like wizards and magic you will likely get into it.
Alright, so say you’ve read the books above and are still needing a break (procrastinate much?) Well, now its time for a few movie recommendations, the first being Disney’s live-action version of Dumbo which recently came out on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray and Digital.
This version of Dumbo was directed by Tim Burton comes with never-before-seen bonus features, deleted scenes, Easter eggs and bloopers and a special performance of “Baby Mine” by Arcade Fire.
Synopsis:
In “Dumbo,” struggling circus owner Max Medici enlists former star Holt Farrier and his children to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive but sinister entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere, who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, spectacular, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland.
Bonus features include*: BLU-RAY & DIGITAL HD:
CIRCUS SPECTACULARS: Dumbo’s cast share their experience of making the film—and get to the heart of a story about family and believing in yourself.
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM: Explore how one of Disney’s most lovable characters went from an animated classic to a stunning live-action retelling.
BUILT TO AMAZE: Get a closer look at the film’s production and costume design.
DELETED SCENES: A compelling collection of scenes that almost made the final film.
Roustabout Rufus
Pachyderm Plans
The Other Medici Brother
Monkey Business
A Star Is Born
Where’s Dumbo
Elephant Heist
A Seat at the Show
EASTER EGGS ON PARADE: Discover the hidden and not-so-hidden nods to the animated Dumbo in this narrated tribute to the Disney classic.
CLOWNING AROUND: Laugh along with the cast in a collection of big-top bloopers and goofs from the set.
“BABY MINE”: Visual video performed by Arcade Fire
DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE:
DREAMLAND – ANATOMY OF A SCENE: From Final Script to Final Scene: The filmmakers and cast talk a lot about the feeling of “grand intimacy” in the film. Step right up as they bring the Dreamland parade to life, accomplishing the rare marriage of a massive spectacle combined with an emotional tenderness.
REVIEW: Do you really need us to review Dumbo? It’s Disney. It’s Tim Burton. It’s a classic story. So just buy it because you know you are going to enjoy it (warning, it’s a little sad too).
Once you’ve finished Dumbo. and you decide you need to procrastinate with something a little more quality than YouTube vids, try Arrow–which just released its seventh season on Blu-Ray and DVD.
If you haven’t watched Arrow yet, its a DC Comics property about the Green Arrow, a billionaire superhero who happens to like shooting things with arrows. Hence the name.
Synopsis of season 7:
Following Oliver Queen’s shocking decision to turn himself over the FBI and reveal his identity as the Green Arrow to the public, Oliver has spent the past five months in prison while his team was left behind to protect Star City. In the wake of Ricardo Diaz’s escape, Oliver has yet again turned into someone else inside Slabside Maximum Security Prison. Determined to keep a low profile to shorten his sentence for the sake of his family, Oliver’s limits will be tested when he and Team Arrow are pitted against the most ruthless villains they have yet to face.
The Blu-ray package contains all 22 episodes PLUS the show’s 2018 Comic-Con panel, three Elseworld’s crossover episodes, deleted scenes, a gag reel, and more.
If you need even more superhero action, the 5th season of The Flash just dropped on Blu-Ray, DVD, and digital as well. Maybe arfetr watching you will decide to stop procrastinating and move at the speed of light to finish your homework?
Synopsis:
Shortly after defeating The Thinker, Barry Allen/The Flash and his wife, Iris, were stunned by the arrival of their already grown, speedster daughter from the future, Nora (Jessica Parker Kennedy). However, acclimating to their lives as parents won’t be the only challenge they face, as Season Five pits Team Flash against Central City’s latest scourge – the DC Super-Villain Cicada (Chris Klein).
BLU-RAY & DVD FEATURES
The Best of DC TV’s Comic-Con Panel San Diego 2018
Still not ready to get back to your homework? Ok, well maybe you should hire a motivational coach. But in the meantime, there is yet another cool series to binge: Supernatural, which is the longest running sci-fi series in TV history! They are releasing season 14 on Blu-ray/DVD/Digital on Sept 10th, and it super fun to watch, you will get hooked!
Synopsis:
The Winchester brothers’ harrowing journey into the heart of darkness continues as Supernatural enters Season Fourteen. Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) have matched wits with monsters, demons, Heaven and Hell. But last season, the Winchesters and Castiel (Misha Collins) stumbled upon a terrifying alternative universe: an apocalyptic world where they were never born, all while training Jack (Alexander Calvert), the son of Lucifer, and trying to save their mother, Mary Winchester. The final battle with Lucifer and the Archangel Michael altered the Winchesters’ lives forever…and created an even greater threat for Sam and Dean. The boys are back and willing to risk everything for their loved ones in all twenty thrilling new adventures, including a historic 300th episode, with a Winchester family reunion never to be forgotten.
Bonus features:
Supernatural Homecoming: Exploring Episode 300 (NEW Featurette)
The Winchester Mythology: The Choices We Make (NEW Featurette)
Supernatural: 2018 Comic-Con Panel
Audio Commentaries with Talent & Producers
Deleted Scenes
Gag Reel
Okay kiddos, there you have it. LOTS of options for back to school entertainment, skin-care and more! And don’t forget to enter our giveaways (instructions at the beginning of the post!)
Want to get something cool for your little bro or sis, or even yourself, without a big cash outlay? Check out these “plug & play” video game HDMI dongle/wireless controller kits from AtGames. Each bundle comes with between eight to 20 classic videogame titles per model and are available at most retailers, including Amazon.
These are NOT arcade versions of the games, these are simulations but do the trick for quick classic-style gameplay when you don’t want to fire up Red Dead Redemption or Call of Duty.
The USB-powered HDMI dongle plugs directly into a TV with HDMI inputs and comes with an ergonomic six-button wireless gamepad. The Atari Flashback Blast! Vol. 3 swaps the wireless gamepad for a pair of wireless game paddles, which are specially optimized for its selection of classic paddle and ball games.
Atari Flashback Blast! Vol. 1 features 20 Atari 2600 classics like Centipede, Millipede and Yars’ Revenge.
Atari Flashback Blast! Vol. 2 features 20 Atari 2600 classics like Adventure, Asteroids and Missile Command.
Atari Flashback Blast! Vol. 3. features 20 Atari 2600 paddle-based classics like Breakout, Pong and Warlords.
The Activision Flashback Blast! features 20 of the most iconic Activision home classics, including Pitfall!, H.E.R.O. and River Raid.
The Legends Flashback Blast! features Space Invaders and an additional 11 favorites like Burnin’ Rubber and Jungle Hunt.
The Bandai Namco Flashback Blast! features eight gaming mainstays, including Pac-Man, Galaga and Dig Dug.
Every Blast! includes high-definition video output, an intuitive menu system, save and resume game functionality and the ability to rewind a game in progress to recover from a play misstep. An optional second wireless gamepad can be purchased for games that support two players.
Influencer and YouTube star, Lauren Riihimaki (LaurDIY) recently launched her Craft Kit product line partnered with Mattel and available at Target, Amazon and Walmart Canada. Options include a Balloon Unicorn Kit, Illuminating Lamp Kit, Marble Desk Décor Kit and Mini Plushie Kit, in addition to a Letter Board Kit and Tie Dye Wall Hanging Kit. These pieces can serve as finishing touches to any room and reflect LaurDIY’s love of all things fun and fabulous and the content that she regularly features on her channels.
Have a Qi-enabled phone (wireless charging)? The UnPlugged 10K Portable Charger will charge your phone without a cable! If your phone doesn’t use Qi, you can use a USB cable like any other charger. The UnPlugged 10K Rechargeable 10,000mAh Wireless portable charger from myCharge allows you to wirelessly recharge your device on-the-go and provides up to 5x extra battery life.
Qi WIRELESS CHARGER & USB PORTABLE CHARGER IN ONE: Extend the battery life of your Qi enabled phone with 10W of fast charge wireless power and/or via Dual USB Ports to any USB compatible devices with 10000mAh/2.4A for up to 5x extra battery
Qi CERTIFIED COMPATIBLE: Works with all Qi enabled devices (iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, Note 8, S7, S7 Edge, S6, S6 Edge, Nokia 9, Nexus 4, 5, Lumia 920 and other Qi enabled devices)
NO CORDS NEEDED: Simply place your Qi enabled smartphone directly on the wireless power bank to charge your phone wirelessly with ease at home or on the go – pass through charging allows power bank and phone to charge simultaneously
THIN PROFILE, SOFT-TOUCH FINISH & DUAL USB PORTS: Features a thin profile as to easily fit inside a small bag or purse and a soft-touch finish with Dual USB ports to charge up to 3 devices at once via wireless charging and USB-A ports
PRODUCT SPECS: Qi Wireless Output = 10W / Input = 2.4A / USB Ports Output = 2.4A Shared (Recharge cable is also included)
Set in the fictional town of Palisades, California and in the hallways of Bayside High, the breezy adventures of Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) and his friends — Kelly Kapowski (Tiffani-Amber Thiessen), A.C. Slater (Mario Lopez), Jessie Myrtle Spano (Elizabeth Berkley), Lisa Turtle (Lark Voorhies), and Samuel “Screech” Powers (Dustin Diamond) unspooled in hilarious fashion across 86 unforgettable episodes and home audiences can relive the laughter, lessons, and love all over again with this loaded set containing more than 46 incredible hours of Bayside bliss, including every episode from 1988’s “Good Morning, Miss Bliss” which became “Saved By the Bell: The Junior High Years” and the fan-favorite “Saved by the Bell” to “Saved By the Bell: The College Years” and the two feature-length TV movies that followed.From 1989 to 1993, for a generation of TV viewers, “Saved by the Bell” was the show that perfectly echoed their lives in middle school and high school and it became a cultural touchstone, changing teen programming forever.
Bonus programming includes two BRAND NEW documentary featurettes: “Past Times at Bayside High: Making Saved by the Bell,” a retrospective documentary featuring interviews with writer/producer Peter Engel, producer Franco Bario, writer/producer Tom Tenowich, writer/producer Bennett Tramer, actress Lark Voorhies, and more; and, “Bayside’s Greatest Hits: The Music Of Saved By The Bell,” a documentary short featuring songwriter/composer Scott Gale and composer Rich Eames! Additional bonuses include more in-depth featurettes, audio commentaries, a 16-page episode guide and more!
Complete List of Bonus Features:
NEW Documentary features: “Past Times at Bayside High: Making Saved by the Bell” and “Bayside’s Greatest Hits: The Music Of Saved By The Bell”
Featurette: “Saturday Morning: From Toons To Teens”
Featurette: “It’s Alright: Back To The Bell”
Featurette: “The First Of Its Class: From Sit-Com To Icon”
The winter season means holiday fun — but it can also mean colds and the flu are in full effect. To get some relief, try the all-natural Olbas Oil line of soothing products from Penn Herb. https://www.pennherb.com/Olbas-Remedies
These products are made from essential oils from the traditional medicinal plants of Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Cajuput, Wintergreen, Juniper Berry and Clove. Olbas Oil originated in Basel, Switzerland over 100 years ago, and continues to be a European and worldwide favorite. It diffuses into the air, providing extraordinary benefits to nasal and bronchial areas. Olbas is also readily absorbed into the skin, producing a deep feeling of comfortable warmth. When used as massage oil, it stimulates circulation at the surface of the skin and brings a soothing warm feeling to tired muscles and joints. These unique properties of Olbas Oil are incorporated into each of the remedies in the Olbas line.
Apart from bottles of oil, they also sell products like the pocket-sized, portable Olbas Aromatherapy Inhaler to help you breathe easier, clear your ears, and soothe your sinuses and allergies.The all-natural Olbas Pastilles and Olbas Lozenges also help remedy coughs and colds on the go!
The Icy Bev Cooler keeps a 12 ounce soda bottle cold (or beer bottle for your parents) thanks to a neoprene lining. It features a silicone stopper to keep in carbonation once bottle is opened, plus a bottle built into the cap (warning, not very durable per Amazon reviews).
STAINLESS STEEL INSULATION KEEPS BOTTLES COLD LONGER. The stainless steel outer shell and BPA free neoprene inner lining provide a double thick layer of insulation helping keep your drink cold in the hottest weather.
DURABLE PROTECTION FROM DROPS AND SPILLS. The unique design protects from drops and spills. No sweat or condensation! Great for the beach, pool, lake, golfing, boating, camping, tailgating, and more…
FITS A VARIETY OF BOTTLE SIZES. Remove the bottom and the cap and insert bottle. Re-thread the bottom until tight. The bottom extends for taller bottles. There’s a silicone stopper that nests inside the cap to be used to re-seal your bottle and an opener built into the cap.
EASY TO USE. Easy to clean and fits most cup holders.
Love everything Korea? Then KOKOWA streaming service is for you! KOCOWA meets the strong and rapidly growing demand of an audience comprised mainly of teen girls and millennials for its trending K-Pop (Korean pop music and idol groups) and K-drama (Korean films and TV series) – all delivered in the US with subtitles 5-hours after airing in Korea.
The top genre for KOCOWA viewers is drama and the most popular program viewed across all age groups was Tempted, a drama about temptation and finding true love. Most viewers use mobile platforms to view KOCOWA content. Many of the actors are K-Pop idols.
What sets this content apart from US is the wholesomeness–Korean shows are not degrading with excess sex and violence like modern US shows tend to be. The pop/singing shows are fun to watch especially!
When fourteen-year-old Daniel Robinson is abducted during a game of hide-and-seek, his focus switches from enjoying his summer vacation to simply staying alive. He must find the courage and strength to escape his captors and get home, no matter what it takes. Will he survive? Or is this a nightmare that’s too real to escape?
The Field makes for a suspenseful read–especially considering it is based on the author’s real-life abduction and assault by two older teens 25 years ago. While not exactly “Christmasy,” it should please anyone who likes action-packed YA novels .
BAO Cultured Sauces include Bao-B-Que, Sour K’Chup, Original Hot Sauce, Chipotle Hot Sauce, Mango Hot Sauce, and Jalapeno Hot Sauce. These fermented sauces are a blend of briny, tart, spicy, and umami packed full of organic ingredients and vibrant probiotic bacteria. All BAO products are gluten-free, certified organic, vegan and fermented.
We received the sampler pack shown above in an insulated foam chest as these sauces must be kept refrigerated. We were amazed by the flavors, and the fact that these sauces are good for you because of the probiotic bacteria make them even more awesome!
Celebrate the festival of lights with this Kosher tea gift set. It contains eight tins of caffeine-free loose leaf tea, so you can open up a tasty new treat each day. Plus each tin makes 1-2 cups of tea. Now that’s something to look forward to. Includes: Blackberry Blizzard, Caribbean Crush, Carrot Cupcake, Cinnamon Rooibos Chai, Just Peachy, Serenity Now, Super Ginger and Turmeric Glow.
Your dog or cat might freak out seeing you wear these for the first time, but will likely learn to love when you do because it means a nice grooming/massage session!
HandsOn Gloves work wet or dry with the 5-fingered glove allowing for the perfect combination of scrubbing nodules on fingers and palms. Users will find their animals wanting to come closer at groom time and HandsOn Gloves can help you bond with your animal. HandsOn Gloves are carefully designed with hypo-allergenic, bio-friendly components which are clinically proven to be safe for use with humans and animals. *Check out all 5 sizes Kids: size Junior and Adult: sizes Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large.
Gear up like the warrior king Black Panther with this 1:1 full-scale premium role play electronic helmet! Adjustable to fit most heads, this helmet features Vibranium-inspired design with flip-up eye lenses and intricate detailing. Includes movie-inspired Vibranium light effects.
The Tiwal 3 is billed as “The Only Sailboat That Fits Down The Chimney.” And will set you back several thousand bucks! Since some of y’all are fortunate enough to afford it, and we thought it was pretty cool, we are including it here. Maybe you can get it cheaper on eBay, who knows? : )
Stored in two bags, the inflatable sailing dinghy can be taken anywhere, in the trunk of a car, a camper van or a bigger boat. It is easy to transport, store and assemble. The Tiwal 3 makes sailing accessible to everyone on the banks of lakes and on the shores of the sea. Simply inflate the hull, assemble the structure and set the sail. In under 20 minutes it is ready to be launched. It is just as simple to store and does not require any maintenance.
Lenght: 10.5 ft
Sail area: 56 sq.ft / 75 sq.ft
Total weight: 111 lbs, max. load: 418 lbs
2 bags: 57x 16×14 in / 62 lbs (each)
Capacity: 2 adults or 1 adult & 2 children
Here’s a great little gift for crafty people, especially those who love to make Christmas ornaments! They are paintable eggs made out of ceramic material. They ome in their own super-cute carton but need NO refrigeration, are usable by people with egg allergies, and are more durable than the real thing.
Start a new tradition making eggnots as keepsakes finding unique ways to display eggnots not just for Easter, but other Holidays too – like Christmas.
If you are into gymnastics and tumbling, then you know probably know all about the innovation known as an air track mat, but might not know what airtrack to buy
This is not a full guide of how to find the best brand of airtrack, but it should give you an idea of some of the main points to look for.
Airtrack Mat Construction
A high-quality airtrack mat is made with very durable vinyl suitable for boat construction. These products will take a beating even from the lightest tumbler, and therefore have to be able to withstand severe pressure. Double Wall Fabric (DWF) is something to look for.
Check user reviews on Amazon, YouTube, and gymnastics forums to gauge the reputation of various manufacturers listing air tracks for sale before investing in an air track mat.
Air Track Prices
If you want an air track mat cheap, your best bet is to buy either a smaller mat, or a used one. Air track prices range from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand, so you need to do your research. If you see a used air track for sale which seems to be a good deal, check the reviews for that manufacturer anyway just to be safe.
Size and weight
If you plan on using your air track mat in your yard and it is too heavy, you will tend to leave it outside where it will be exposed to the elements and get damaged. But if it is too small, it will limit what you can do. You want to strike a balance. You might be able to use a 20 cm thick track instead of a very bouncy 30 cm thick track, and use a shorter one, to save weight. Or perhaps the thinnest version, the 10 cm, will work best if you want the closest experience to the gym floor.
Halloween is right around the corner, and its time to place your orders for Halloween gifts (yes, if you love Halloween as much as we do, Halloween gifts are now a thing). DAVIDsTEA has some great new products to get you in the mood for a blustery night of trick-or-treating or watching some spooky movies on Netflix or Hulu. Check out some of their offerings this year, and scroll down to the bottom to find out how to order!
You can take your fave Halloween tea on the go with this terrifying monster pouch (okay not actually terrifying). Made from 100% cotton, it includes DAVIDsTEA’s sweet caffeine-free Monster Mash blend, in five ready-to-steep sachets. And when you are out of tea, use it for your spare change or makeup essentials.
This collectible tin is only 18 bucks and is full of sweet and spicy black tea packed with rich and comforting notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, creamy coconut and a warming hint of chili.
DAVIDsTEA Magic Potion Brewing Kit: The box opens like a spell book and includes a potion recipe. Clear printed glass infusers-less nordic mug with juicer lid. 50g of Magic Potion loose tea in printed tin. 10 pack of filters in cello.
Pumpkin spice lovers will enjoys this rich black tea to kick off Halloween season and continue through Thanksgiving and even Christmas. It’s got the warmth and flavors of cinnamon and cloves, plus the sweetness of caramel and pumpkin candy.
2 oz of this tea ($8.98) makes around 10-12 16 oz cups of hot tea and 5-7 16 oz cups of iced tea.
Another tradtion when its cold outside but you’ve got a bonfire going is s’mores, of course. DAVIDsTEA offers a s’mores chai pu’erh tea with mini-toasted marshmallows, graham crackers, dark chocolate and cinnanon. Rich, warming, and perfect for the fall.
DAVIDsTEA Stainless Steel Bottle – Special Edition: This is our favorite item in DAVIDsTEA’s Halloween gifts collection — just look at that cap! It’s leakproof with an insulated lining that keeps tea hot or cold for hours. The double-walled stainless steel construction also prevents skin burns as well as water damage on your furniture from condensation. And if you want to make an iced tea, the bottom unscrews so you can add ice.
DAVIDsTEA Twist Tumbler: This ceramic and stainless steel tumbler will keep your beverages hot or cold for a supernaturally long time! Splashproof lid opens and closes with one smooth twist and features a double-walled core.
DAVIDsTEA Color Changing Nordic Mug: Yes, he spooky design changes color when you pour hot liquid into it! Comes with a fine stainless steel infuser and a lid that doubles as a saucer.
Last is DAVIDsTEA Perfect Spoon: It helps you measure your loose-leaf tea correctly, and ensure a perfect brew every time. Made of stainless steel!
It’s going back to school time, yippee! Some of you have been in school for weeks now, while others have started today. Don’t even play that you aren’t excited! Okay, maybe for some of you, not so much, but try to maintain a positive attitude, eh? After all, if you are not having a good time, in a few years you will be DONE, and won’t have to deal with going back to school any more!
One thing every body loves about back to school season is new cool products companies come out with to make your school days more bearable — and possibly even GREAT!
So let’s check out some of the offerings brands have sent us to check out and review for you. And, as with our past product roundups, we have an AMAZING going back to school giveaway package for one lucky winner courtesy of these businesses!
Note: some products feature affiliate links, meaning we will earn a small commission if purchased after clicking the link.
You probably grew up with a Razor scooter. Did you know they also made skateboards?
Not only that, they make electric skateboards, like the Cruiser pictured above which is sure to make going back to school a lot more fun. It features a 125-watt geared motor, controlled by a hand-held remote, which ramps up to hit speeds up to 10 mph.
So you don’t end up flying off every time you start up the motor using your thumb on the remote, the board has a “soft-start kick activated technology,” to gradually increase the speed. Stopping is also controlled using the remote, and when the board runs out of juice, it simply becomes like any other skateboard which you propel manually. Recharging takes about 3 to 4 hours, typical for most devices these days.
The RaxorX Cruiser Electric Skateboard can support a rider up to 220 lbs, and is rated to last up to 40 minutes on a single charge. We found it’s good for going a couple of miles distance and close to 30 minutes ride time at higher speeds before it runs out of juice–less than the rated time but plenty for just having some fun around the neighborhood. This includes some hills, which drains the battery more though.
This board is obviously not made for heavy tricks…you will ruin the electronics if you try to ride a rail on it (plus probably fall). Compared to a Meebo, Yuneeq, or Boosted–this is definitely more of a toy board, but the price is right for having a little fun and getting from class to class (on campuses which allow skateboards).
To sum up…its a toy and fun for a while–but the battery could use some improvement. There’s a lot of complaints on Amazon regarding the battery not holding charge and the board quitting working entirely after a month or even less. If you can get it on sale, its worth it, but beware the issues. Maybe Razor will release better replacement batteries at some point to make it a more reliable product.
Peace Frogs is a socially- and environmentally-conscious apparel brand that’s been around for over 30 years with a long track record of giving back to the community through charitable causes. They make eco-friendly clothing, like T-shirts and hoodies, as well as a selction of jewelry, activewear, totes, playing cards and more.
Peace Frogs is hooking you up with a free hoodie! Well, if you win our going back to school giveaway that is. We have a women’s small to give away, check the pic way down below.
And in the meantime, if you love the outdoors and positive vibes, check out the line at www.peacefrogs.com.
Need some motivation? Even though the year just started, keep your eye on the prize (graduation) with neurons from GIANTmicrobes featuring an adorable cap and tassel.
Get one and put it in your locker or hang it from your bookbag to let everyone know you are a smart egg. Or are at least trying to be! : )
GIANTmicrobes makes both large plush dolls, plus smaller keychain models. We are giving a Graduation Brain Cell keychain away in our going back to school giveaway below!
Entrepreneur Twila True has launched RivalGlam, an online shopping portal and product ecosystem where the world’s top social influencers sell their unique beauty and fashion lines, from accessories and peripherals to makeup, skincare and beyond.
Some of the “glammers” who have already released products on the site include:
What’s cool about Rivalglam is that it not only lets you find what you need to polish your going back to school look, but that it helps social media influncers make some money by selling products through a centralized site.
Yoobi makes fun school supplies and they have recently released their first curated box collboration with YouTube star Wengie. If you haven’t heard of her, she does pranks, DIY videos, life hacks, and generally fun stuff for her 12 million followers (and counting). She is quite glittery and sparkly–just like the items she chose for her Yoobi box!
The Wengie x Yoobi Back to School Collection features five of her favorite Yoobi back to school items, including Rainbow & Glitter Washi Tape, a Unicorn Binder Zip Case, a Unicorn Pen, a Pink Glitter Liquid Journal, a 6-Pack of Pink Glitter No.2 Pencils, and a bonus sticker sheet.
You can get a box for about $20, and for every box sold, Yoobi will donate five school supply items to a classroom in need — sweet! They have helped over 3.5 million kids so far.
If you like the original Geomag’s, step up to the Pro-L series, with even stronger magnets to allow you to build more complex models.
Each box includes metal spheres, magnetic bars, plus colored acrylic panels in various shapes which look cool and add strength. The kit we received to sample (and GIVEAWAY!) has 75 pieces, but if you really want to go all out, get the 174 piece version!
We are giving away a free box as part of our going back to school giveaway!
Not all backpacks are made the same. I mean, sure, they all could carry your stuff. But this one carries more than books–it carries a potential lifeline for sufferers of childhood rare diseases by donating 5 percent of net proceeds from each bag sold to non-profit Global Genes for research and education.
The backpacks are not only well-meaning, they are well-constructed. Each has 3 big compartments with plenty of inside pockets, plus a laptop sleeve. Deep mesh side pockets with strong elastic openings keep water bottles and phones from slipping out. The straps are wide, and you can buckle the sternum strap to help reduce strain on your back.
ANNNNNND…we are giving you one as part of our going back to school giveaway!
There’s nothing worse than taking a swig of a formerly cold beverage only to find its about the temperature of bath water. Also as bad is making hot cocoa to bring with you, and when you finally get where you are going, its disappointingly lukewarm. Bleh!
Drynk beverage container from Vaya solve both problems with one product. The cup keeps your liquids at the temperature you expect for HOURS, thanks to the vaccum insulated stainless steel body. It works really well — we love the sample one we received to review! Its well constructed, and feels great in the hand and on the lips.
Another cool feature is that Drynk comes with two separate lids. One is for sipping, and has a handy magnetic latch so its stays open without flapping back onto your mouth (ouch). The other is for pouring and even includes two cups, which store right on top, so you can share a drink with your BFF while discussing your going back to school outfits.
Compared to the vacuum sealed water bottles on the market which have small openings, this product holds temperatures for slightly less time because the top surface area is the plastic lids and not the vacuum-sealed steel. However, the advantage of having the wide opening is you can remove the lid and literally scoop ice cream in it and still have it cold a few hours later. Ditto with like a bowl of ramen or spaghetti-o’s — a meal in a cup which will stay hot for hours!
You know how hard it can be to read your phone screen when out in the bright sun. Solve this with myFlipShade, a pop-up shield which attaches to the back of your phone with adhesiveand lays flat until you need it. In addition, you can drop the side flaps to keep nosy people from reading what you are doing. The whole thing acts as a shield against rain as well, and can be used even if you have your phone in a case in most instances.
If you use your phone a lot in the sun…get this product!
When we were young, we used to lobe it when mom or dad would read us a book, especially at bed time. As we got older and HAD to read for school, it became less fun. Once Upon a Book Club helps make reading fun again by making reading interactive and engaging.
Each box includes 3-5 special gifts to open throughout the book that actually brings the book to life! As you can see from the ic above, certain pages require you to open certain items to uncover surprises…and the fun isn’t over once the book is done. There are live social media discussions with the author and other book clubbers to keep the story going!
What’s in the box?
Newly released contemporary, general or historical fiction book (choose either adult or young adult)
3-5 individually wrapped gifts with page numbers from the book, not meant to be opened until you reach the given page – bringing the book to life! These gifts are so well chosen that you will get chills upon opening!
A 5×7 quote print featuring a quote from the selected book
Discussion questions (featured both on Facebook and Instagram) and read-a-long dates for live discussions and gift openings with fellow Book Club members!
Q&A with the authors on social media
You can see for yourself if you win our giveaway, because a box is included!
You know what’s up? Summer’s up, dat’s what! Our favorite time of the year is upon us, and that means beaches, lakes, barbecues, and just generally sitting around chilling with our friends or our phones. Okay, mostly our phones.
But anyway, we rounded up a few cool products to make you summer even more awesome. And we are going to give a few away to one lucky TWK follower! So let’s get to it. (post includes some affiliate links, thanks for your support!)
Now THIS is a summer must-have! The Hyper Chiller was made specifically to take hot coffee and turn it cold enough to make iced coffee in about a minute or so without touching ice and getting diluted. That being said, it works to cool down ANY liquid super fast – from iced tea to water to soda (although you might lose a little carbonation in the process).
It has a multichamber stainless steel design which has a surface area equivalent to 30 ice cubes. All you have to do is leave it in your freezer for a few hours (12 hours recommended) and pour up to 12.5 ounces of liquid inside. After waiting a minute or so, pour it out! Depending on how hot the liquid is, you can use it to cool down more than one drink one after the other. Making two iced coffees from hot coffee works…you just have to leave it in a little longer after the first one.
Thick, healthy eyelashes are definitely in, and Lush Lash by MeSkinLabs promises to help you achieve them with a physician-grade blend of 542 proteins, peptides and growth factors to nourish, fortify and restore hair follicles. According to the manufacturer, the key ingredients Redensyl®, Capixyl® and SymPeptide® “are clinically proven to increase the length and density of lashes, and botanicals add resilience and shine” in as little as 10 days (twice a day application to upper lash)
So, after several days of use…does it work? Definitely not as much as the promo pics which look like the girl applied fake lashes on the “after” pic, lol! But test subject reports that it did offer a bit of improvement due to a plumping, moisturizing effect.
LushLash is made in the USA without parabens, sulfates or phthalates. In addition to eyelashes, you can also use the product on your eyebrows to thicken them as well!
BONUS: the product ships with a free container of MeSkin Age-Defying Moisturizer.
Want to try Lush Lash for yourself for free? Enter our giveaway at the bottom of this post and you could win a free bottle of the growth serum PLUS the moisturizer!
Kwilt Shoebox – Keep Your Personal iPhone/Android Photos and Videos Private ($59)
Summer means tons of Instagram shots. Are both your phone storage and iCloud account full? Are you paranoid about all your private stuff being stored on cloud servers, with who knows who at these big companies having access and doing who knows what with them? How would like to have 1 TB or more of space to back up all your pics and videos? The Kwilt Shoebox (strange name we must say) helps solve your storage woes by turning any USB hard drive into your own private cloud storage device. Your data is not stored by some big company but by you at home.
The product does not copy your private content to its own servers, but rather connects your own mobile devices from anywhere you are (using your data plan or public Wi-Fi) to your USB drive as long as the Kwilt Shoebox remains connected to your home’s Wi-Fi. All you have to do is set up the device once, download the Kwilt app to your Android or iPhone, pick what you want to be stored in your private cloud, and then delete the originals from your phone. You will still be able to see the photos from the Kwilt app after you delete them from your phone’s internal storage — similar to the Google Photos app.
Unlike Google Photos, you cannot delete photos from your storage directly from the app. You have to disconnect your USB drive from the Kwilt Shoebox and connect it to a computer in order to delete files. Maybe a future app update will allow this functionality. The cool thing is that if your private device (USB stick, for example) gets full, just get a larger or new one. NO monthly fees!
The Kwilt Shoebox comes with USB/USB Mini and HDMI/Mini HDMI adapters. The HDMI output is there so you can view your content on a big screen using a feature called KwiltCast — which is not yet available as of this writing.
One last benefit is that the device is pretty small…its just a bit longer than the included power adapter!
Protect yourself, your family and your friends during summer travel with SABRE RED Pepper Gel. The gel comes with a flip-top which prevents accidental discharge and a keyring. Carry the comfort-grip case when in a sketchy situation, and deploy the gel with a quick flip of the lid.
Because its a gel instead of a spray, there is less chance of the spray blowing back into your face…and it sticks to your attacker’s face better. Spay reaches 12 feet. Check local regulations — some places ban pepper spray.
The Travel Tray is a simple invention ideal for long summer road trips. It fits right into your car’s existing cup holder and extends it, so you can put snacks, coins, or other small items in it instead of having these all over the place. It comes with a removable bottom cup in order to adapt the size to fit most cars. It also comes in wide variety of colors (11 of them).
Its a good idea…but it didn’t fit my car’s cup holder with the bottom cup — and removing it made it flop around uselessly. So, not for me, but perhaps its because my car is a 2001 SUV!
OMG! Accessories makes super cute bags, such as cosmetics bags, backpacks and even cases for your shades. OMG was founded by Anne Harper in 2009 out of her Chicago apartment with the goal of being ahead of the fashion curve while remaining within reach of today’s youth price-wise. Her design team’s products have found their way onto shelves of top retailers such as Nordtrom and Macy’s.
The Love So Much bag pictured above top features a glittery, shiny hologram cover, a lined vinyl construction, and OMG zipper pull. Great for carrying your necessities around this summer!
We are giving a cosmetic bag away courtesy of OMG! Accessories! (scroll down to the bottom for entry instructions)
After playing hard at the beach or a park, you want a good night’s sleep. Enter the Water Pillow by Mediflow, a water-filled pillow which adjusts to your neck and head as you sleep for better comfort. John Hopkins University has stated water pillows improve sleep quality, so its not just the marketers behind the product who are touting its benefits. These pillows are also recommended by many chiropractors to help relieve neck and shoulder pain and to recover from surgery — so you know it is legit.
The pillow is very comfortable and stands up to normal use, although it is kind of heavy. The trick is to adjust the water level to your liking, because it gets firmer and heavier as you use more fluid. It comes with a spout to help fill it up.
If you are the type of person who likes to sleep with a pillow on their head…this cannot be your only pillow because you will probably suffocate! So get the Water Pillow for underneath and a normal pillow for your head/snuggling lol. Or if you are like me, one under head, one over head, one for snuggling, and one between your legs!
Bring the MOJO aromatherapy/color therapy slap bracelet to your next summer festival and feel the Zen wash over you. Or at least look trendy and smell nice!
The slap bracelets come in several funky patterns, colors, and fragrances to suit your style and mood. Apply the supplied 100% natural essential oil to the super-absorbent microfiber bracelet and it will slowly release its aroma throughout the day.
The bracelet pictured above is the “RELAXED” model. According to the maker, “The color blue is associated with speech, communication, and self-expression. It invokes a feeling of peace and relaxation, can stimulate your imagination, enhance intuition, and is perfect for meditation sessions.”
The essential oil blend for RELAXED contains: Orange Sweet, Lemon Sicily, Tea Tree Australian, Rosemary Spanish, Frankincense (India), and Eucalyptus Globulus. “Characteristics: The citrus Orange Sweet and the Rosemary blended with hints of soft, woody Frankincense will soothe your senses and bring you a feeling of deep relaxation.”
Severe acne sufferers can get help by way of AcneFree’s newest product, Terminator 10 (show above with an earlier product, the Body Clearing Acne Spray). It has 10 percent Micro-Benzoyl Peroxide to reach deep to eliminate bacteria. According to AcneFree, “Micro-sized Benzoyl Peroxide minimizes the over-drying that can occur with ordinary benzoyl peroxide. Triple-action power of chamomile, ginger and sea whip soothes and reduces redness.”
We like the AcneFree line and recommend them in conjunction with care from a dermatologist.
Move beyond Axe with Prep U Personal Care Products for Boys. What sets this line of body sprays, foaming wash, active dry powder, deodorant, and more is the emphasis on all-natural products. The powder, for example, has no talc.
Prep U products can keep you smelling and feeling great even after a full day of activity without BPA, synthetic fragrances, or other artifical ingredients most personal care products are chock full of. We tried them and they smell nice. And here’s a secret– adults around here have been known to use the samples we received as much as the teens.
Giveaway!
We are giving away a set of the following to one lucky winner!
OMG Accessories “Makeup” Cosmetic Bag ($24 Value)
Lush Lash Growth Serum and MeSkin Moisturizer ($69 Value)
Okay, its time for this year’s last minute gift guide and giveaway thanks to a few brands who have sent us some swag. We have a few unique goodies to feature, most of which you can still order and have shipped in time for Christmas. If you are hispanic, well then you have even more time because you can give these as Reyes Magos gifts! To enter our giveaway, scroll down to the bottom for details.
Pyro Pet $35
Pyro Pets are cool, long-lasting candles with a surprise: when they melt, they reveal a cool aluminum skeleton inside! They last about 20 hours, and each is approximately 5 inches tall. Varieties include dragons (shown), cats, wolves, and more!
Nostalgic Candy Club $19.99/month
Nostalgic Candy Club is a monthly subscription service offered on CrateJoy which gives you 6-8 candy choices per month, with a lot of throwbacks. The box we got had candy cigarettes, wax lips, Smarties, Pixie Sticks, and more! Watch our unboxing video above to see what you get in a sample box.
Artifacts of a ’90s Kid $16.99
Are you crazy about the 1990s? Maybe you were too young to remember those days (or weren’t even born yet), but trust us: the days when acts like Ashanti, Nelly, Ja Rule, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, 2Pac and Notorious B.I.G. ruled the airwaves and shows like the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, X-Files and Friends were the highlights of TV were pretty dope.
You can relive some of the 1990s through Artifacts of a ’90s Kid by Alana Hitchell, a scrapbook/journal of sorts which takes you into the mind of a Millenial as she grows up during one of the best decades EVER.
“She reminds you what it was like to grow up during an era that consisted of playing countless hours of Nintendo, reading Lurlene McDaniel books, and wearing Esprit T-shirts and Yoyo jeans. With no real responsibilities to worry about, a typical day involved playing board games, eating junk food, and obsessing over the latest Lisa Frank stickers.”
FUNimation Anime Subscription $5.99/month
Japanese anime fans love FUNimation, the leading anime distributor in the US. In addition to licensing and selling DVD/Blurays of the best titles, they also offer a streaming service with features ad-free unlimited streaming for only $5.99 per month.
Looking for something cool for a friend who doesn’t really need anything? How about a unique, high quality key fob? We didn’t think we needed one either, but we love the one J.T Spencer sent us (and you can win the one pictured as part of our giveaway!).
Designs cover everything from the time-honored American Flag to quirky designs. J.T.Spencer makes an effort to offer unique motifs on timeless and classically styled products that appeal to everyone.
Available at JTSpencer.com as well as fine retail outlets, prestigious golf, yacht, athletic and country clubs along with universities and colleges across America
Battlefield Earth MP3 Audiobook USB $35
Sci-fi legend L. Ron Hubbard’s New York Times best-selling sci-fi novel, Battlefield Earth MP3 audiobook is available on a 8 GB USB flash drive. Okay, the movie sucked big time, but the book itself is pretty great, and this audiobook does it justice with high production values and great acting from 67 voice actors performing 198 characters.
“In the year AD 3000, Earth is a barren wasteland, plundered of its natural resources by the millennium-long regime of taloned, gas-breathing, nine-foot alien conquerors from the planet Psychlo. Fewer than 35,000 humans survive in a handful of communities scattered across the face of a postapocalyptic Earth. From a desolate village in the Rocky Mountains near what once was Denver, Colorado, a courageous young man named Jonnie Goodboy Tyler embarks on a hero’s journey to challenge the fearful myths of his people. Enslaved by the sadistic Terl, the Psychlo security chief of Earth, Jonnie and a small band of survivors pit their quest for freedom against Terl’s ruthless ambition for personal wealth and power in a rebellion that erupts across the continents of Earth and the cosmic sprawl of the Psychlo empire, with the fate of the world, of mankind, and of the galaxies beyond in the balance.”
• 47½ hours of entertainment and adventure in high-definition sound.
• Cinematic-quality soundtrack with more than 150,000 sound effects.
• Convenient to listen to in your car, on your device or on your computer. Plays on any MP3 enabled player.
Devil in Ohio$17.99
Just because its Christmas, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good spooky book. And Devil in Ohio by Daria Polatin fits the bill, with some great reviews on Amazon and elsewhere.
“When fifteen-year-old Jules Mathis comes home from school to find a strange girl sitting in her kitchen, her psychiatrist mother reveals that Mae is one of her patients at the hospital and will be staying with their family for a few days. But soon Mae is wearing Jules’s clothes, sleeping in her bedroom, edging her out of her position on the school paper, and flirting with Jules’s crush. And Mae has no intention of leaving.
Then things get weird.
Jules walks in on a half-dressed Mae, startled to see: a pentagram carved into Mae’s back. Jules pieces together clues and discovers that Mae is a survivor of the strange cult that’s embedded in a nearby town. And the cult will stop at nothing to get Mae back.”
Christmas Bluetooth Speakers, Tumbler Santa Claus $25.99 (Get 50 PERCENT OFF USING OUR DISCOUNT CODE — WATCH VIDEO TO GET IT!!!!)
This is a pretty cute little gift. It plays Christmas music, some other childhood songs, and functions as a bluetooth speaker. It also lights up! Check out our review above for our review and a 50% discount coupon code!
Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide $25
Break the stereotype of the helpless girl who needs a guy to change her tire, or otherwise work on her car, by educating yourself on the ins and outs of maintaining your whip. Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide by Patrice Banks shoudl be in every girl’s glove box!
“Patrice Banks was once like most of us: a self-professed “auto airhead” who was clueless about car maintenance, yet convinced that mechanics were taking advantage of her. Now she’s an auto pro devoted to empowering women to learn basic car repairs and knowing what to do in an emergency. So whether you get a flat tire when you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere, your car overheats, or a mysterious dashboard light suddenly starts blinking, help is just a reach-in-the-glove-box away.”
Okay procrastinators, you have about 10 days until Christmas and still have no idea what to get your friends, your little brother, or even a teacher? Well, we have put together a few ideas for you. Most are super affordable, with a few premium items thrown in the mix for those who can splurge.
To spice things up, we are doing a giveaway as part of this post (all the way at the bottom of the page) and also provide some tips to avoid getting scammed when shopping online. Let’s get right to it!
Shades by Sunglass Warehouse
Its the middle of winter. A perfect time for new shades, I say.
Sunglass Warehouse has some fresh styles for very reasonable prices. Actually, REALLY REALLY REALLY reasonable prices. We are talking TONS under $10 (look at their sale section) and most under $20. With funky designs and UV protection to match or beat Ray-Bans, these make amazing last minute stocking stuffers.
FUNimation Anime Subscription
Is your boyfriend or girlfriend an otaku, or otherwise a deep fan of Japanese anime?
If so, consider signing him or her up for a Premium subscription at FUNimation, the premier distributor of anime in the United States. For only $5.99 per month, bae can stream the latest anime simulcasts, English dubs, series, movies and extras to their heart’s content.
Marsee ZeroX Bluetooth Speaker
For about $25, the Marsee ZeroX is a waterproof, shock-proof Blue-tooth connected portable speaker that turns your phone or tablet into a stereo system, with a surprisingly loud volume and rich bass. Clarity at the top end of the sound spectrum is not quite bright, but it is sufficient for most listeners.
Check out our quick video review here:
adidas Originals Grey Ultraboost Uncaged Sneakers
Hard to find, but if you can get your hands on them your significant other will love you forever. Okay, at least you will probably get a sincere “thank you!”
Low-top Primeknit slip-on sneakers knit in tones of ‘dark solid’ grey and black. Coated striping at round toe. Lacing in grey at vamp. Rib knit elasticized collar. Rubber accent at heel featuring rubberized logo in black at outer side. Textured boost™ midsole in black. STRETCHWEB rubber sole in black. Tonal stitching. Upper: textile, rubber. Sole: rubber. Imported.Any Sharp Knife Sharpener
For aspiring cooks out there, the Any Sharp Knife Sharpener is going to make your lives much easier. It is the easiest way to sharpen a blade we have ever tried and doesn’t take up much space in the kitchen at only about 3″ high and wide.
All you have to do is place the knife in the Any Sharp and draw the blade towards you 3 or 4 times using light pressure. Your blade will be super sharp!
Strong suction keeps it in place and safe for even clumsy people to use
Needs only light pressure to sharpen. Less chance of accidents!
The optimum angle to sharpen a good quality steel knife is 20 degrees. AnySharp is pre-set at 20 degrees to give a perfect edge every time.
Bazooka Candy Brands (‘memba the Bazooka Joe comics?) continues its legacy by introducing a new take on classic bubble gum with Bazooka Sugar Free in two exciting flavors – Original and Blue Razz.
Bazooka also introduced the new sugar free varieties with some Disney Frozen and Avengers branding, as well as new gummy candy branded with the anime sensation Yo-Kai Watch!
Cost: Cheep!
Bean Boozled Spinner Jelly Bean Gift Box
Everyone’s favorite YouTube challenge candy, Bean Boozled, is on its 4th edition and features 2 new flavors — Spoiled Milk and Dead Fish. Yumma!
Spin the wheel and pick the bean indicated. Each flavor pair looks identical…so will you end up eating the Tutti-Fruitti or the Stinky Socks bean? Only luck can tell when you play Beanboozled!
4TH EDITION of Jelly Belly’s world famous 3.5 ounce Bean Boozled Spinner Wheel Game
BRAND NEW FLAVORS: Spoiled Milk / Coconut and Dead Fish / Strawberry Banana Smoothie
20 FLAVORS TOTAL with 10 classic and delicious flavors, and 10 weird and wild flavors
PERFECT FOR EVERYONE, Kosher, Gluten-Free, Peanut-Free, Vegetarian
Flavors:
Spoiled Milk* – Coconut
Stinky Socks – Tutti-Fruitti
Lawn Clippings – Lime
Rotten Egg – Buttered Popcorn
Canned Dog Food – Chocolate Pudding
Dead Fish* – Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Booger – Juicy Pear
Moldy Cheese – Caramel Corn
Barf – Peach
Toothpaste – Berry Blue
Only costs about $6-$9 depending on the store!
600 Questions on Art: Beginner to Expert Game
For those soon-to-be Art History majors or anyone else interested in the subject, 600 Questions on Art is sure to challenge them and expand their knowledge. Billed as the “Trivial Pursuit” for art lovers, the questions ranges from easy ones like “Who painted Guernica?” [Picasso] and “How many arms has the Venus de Milo?” [none] to the more esoteric “What was the name of Paul Claudel’s sister who became a skilled sculptress?” [Camille]
Each box comes with 150 question cards with 4 questions on each, 1 die, and 1 rulebook.
Cost: $14.99, available for a bit less from some sellers on Amazon.
Yellowberry
Yellowberry founder Megan Grassell was appalled when she took her younger sister to the mall to buy her first bra. There simply wasn’t a simple, comfortable option which was marketed in an age-appropriate way. Padding, push-up and underwire bras pitched in an overly sexy manner was not what she had in mind.
So she took matters into her own hands and started her own company to revolutionize the bra industry for girls — all while still a junior in high school! Today, the brand not only sells bras, but also underwear, lounge and athletic-inspired apparel exclusively for girls. Also unique is the decision to photograph all models in bras from the back, to emphasize that the important feature is how the bra feels to each girl, rather than the observer.
Costs: items are moderately priced and the samples we were sent (see photos below) feel very high-quality.
ZeroWater Stainless Steel Water Filtration Pitcher
Constructed of stainless steel and black plastic, this looks like Darth Vader’s personal water pitcher but there is nothing Dark-Sided about it. This BPA free pitcher comes with a laboratory-grade water testing meter that indicates precisely when it’s time to change the filter while demonstrating how ZeroWater leaves virtually zero dissolved solids in water. Its uses five sophisticated technologies that work together to remove virtually all dissolved solids from tap water, including chromium-3, chromium-6 and lead.
Pros: Water tastes phenomenal. Filters works very well. Water tester stores right in the lid and is very useful.
Cons: The pitcher is HEAVY when the filter is in place and filled with water. Filter and filling container take up a lot of the pitcher’s real estate, so you have to refill this quite often — and the filtration process takes a while.
Cost: $39.99. Replacement filters cost about $15 each, less if bought in bulk. Each filter is rated for 15 gallons, making it about 1 dollar per gallon proposition, depending on the initial water quality and how much you drink (we used our filter for much longer and the water still tasted great). Great for athletes and other health-conscious people!
Magic Opener
When we first received a sample of the Magic Opener to try we were like, really? Is this product really needed?
However, once we stuck it to our fridge using our built-in magnet (note, its not a very strong magnet and slides down our refrigerator sometimes) and started using it, we realized how much better it was to use it rather then our teeth, fingernails, knives, spoons or whatever else happened to be lying around the kitchen.
It opens soda cans and other cans with pull-tabs, as well as bottles (both plastic and the old school metal-capped ones) but does NOT open sealed cans which you normally need a can opener for (like soup cans).
Costs only about $20
Mohawkz, Camera Roll Game, Shower Wow, Wraps Headphones, Vivitar DVR-786HD and Bubi Bottle
Watch our correspondent Barbara Sandifor provide her honest opinion on the last six of our items:
Finding out you have fallen victim to an online hoax can take the fun out of one of the most joyful times of the year. Keep guard with this list of scams that you should watch out for during the holidays.
Fake Apps
Apps are supposed to help us out in our daily lives. But now is the time to beware of fake apps, which are designed to do the exact opposite. These apps are often disguised as games and are offered for free. Once you download them, they steal personal information from your device. Be watchful for fake retailer apps as well. They mimic well-known brands and stores such as Dollar Tree, Foot Locker, Nordstrom, Zappos.com, Polyvore, and Christian Dior. In additional to your personal information, they will steal credit card information if you use the app to make a purchase.
Before downloading any new app to your device, read third-party reviews, and look for typos and run on sentences. All are indicators that the app could be a scam.
Online Shopping Scams
It seems like every store is offering the best deal around. During these holidays, be leery of any deals being offered by unfamiliar sites that sound too good to be true such as outrageously low prices or unrealistic discounts on popular products. Any information you give to make a purchase will be compromised. And avoid online merchants offering gift cards in exchange for a purchase, and do not click any unsolicited emails or links. Signs of a fake site include a suspicious URL, sketchy contact info, and an unclear refund policy. Visit Complex for more about red flags exposing fake shopping sites.
Social Media Scams
You know how social media works. Someone makes a post, a few shares and clicks, and all of sudden it is viral. This goes for posts for fake coupons and gift cards. DO NOT CLICK even if a friend is sharing them. Inc.com notes that links may direct you to phishing sites that try to steal your information, or sites with advertisements and malware. And NEVER share your information if asked.
Product Review Scams
We rely on product reviews to make informed decisions while shopping online. Unfortunately, fake reviews are becoming a serious problem with companies actually paying people to write positive reviews on Amazon and Yelp about their products. Don’t be fooled by review scams with the Fakespot browser extension, which allows you to analyze reviews of a product to find out if they are authentic or not.
Phishing Emails from Fake Stores and Brands
During the holiday, you can expect an inflated inbox of emails from the stores you shop at often along with order status and confirmation emails for products purchased online. It can get chaotic, which is why fake retailers choose this time to target consumers with phishing emails. While they look legit, keep a keen eye out for emails claiming there is a problem with your order or offering discounts, deals, and coupons. Clicking links could result in unintentionally downloading malware or providing personal information. Safeguard yourself. Instead of clicking links, only visit vendor websites by entering their URL in the web browser. And never download attachments.
Fake Delivery Service Emails
Waiting to receive your online purchase is stressful enough. Now you have to worry about fake-delivery service emails? Yes, unfortunately. Pretending to be major carriers like UPS, FedEx, and the US Postal Service, scammers send emails and text messages that deliver malware via attachments and direct you to phishing websites. But there are ways to avoid this holiday scam. If you have any questions, or receive a text or email, go straight to carrier’s website by entering their URL into the browser.
Charity Scams
It’s horrible to think, but there are scammers who make a profit by preying on peoples’ charitable spirit during the holidays. If you are considering a small and unfamiliar charity, check its rating and performance at Charity Navigator before making a donation. Inc.com notes you should always give payment and credit card information by contacting the charity through its website. Don’t ever give payment information to someone claiming to be a representative of the charity who contacts you by phone or email.
The effects of holiday shopping scams range from annoying advertisements to being cheated out of money to complete identity theft. By knowing which red flags to look for and shopping with caution this season, you’ll beat the scammers at their own game.
Giveaway!
We are giving away a Christmas prize pack featuring some of the items above and a few other goodies.
Funimation Prize Pack including “Shonen Hollywood: Season Two DVD,” several mini-posters, a High School DxD illustrated pillowcase and cel phone charm, a copy of “The Boy and the Beast” soundtrack, and more!
Your very own copy of 600 Questions on Art: Beginner to Expert game.
One package each of Bazooka Sugar Free Classic Flavor (60 pieces), Disney Frozen-themed Sugar Free Razz-Berry flavor (22 pieces), Avengers-themed Classic Flavor (22 pieces), and Yo-Kai Watch! gummies.
One Camera Roll smartphone card game!
To enter, just:
1. Screenshot or snap a pic of this graphic below:
2. Post it to either Twitter or Instagram and mention @teenswannaknow in your post so we see it. If you post to both Twitter and Instagram, you double your chances of winning!
3. If you haven’t already, follow us from whichever accounts you post the pic on.
We will pick one random winner (must live in the continental U.S.) and announce the winner on Twitter and Instagram by Friday, December 16th 2016!
