Timex T2H281 Reader Black Leather

I originally bought this Timex T2H281 Reader Black Leather and the nearly identical Timex Men's T2N649KW Weekender Gray and Orange Watch (impulse buy while at TARGET) to take on a vacation to Europe about 2 months ago, and it is one of my favorite watches. (See my other review on the grey watch elsewhere.) I love how light (weight) the watch is, and due to the price point, I don't worry about it getting lost or damaged. Yet it still looks great whether you dress down or dress up. The Indiglo feature is great, especially when traveling across time zones (and me wanting to check my watch at night frequently).

I love the detailing of the strap bands as well, with the two metal bands that keep the excess strap in place. (These are typically the flimsy bands that wear down on my other watchbands - not a chance here!) The fact that the bands are easily interchangeable and replaced inexpensively is a bonus. You can easily change up the look of your watch.

For the price of a typical "decent" water-resistant casual men's watch, now I have three Timex Weekenders: one with the grey face (T2N649KW), this one with the black face (T2N650KW) and one in white (T2N651KW). THREE of these future classics shipped to you for under a hundred bucks. What are you waiting for?

I have mixed feelings about Timex products--some have lasted for years with no problems at all, others have only made it days before breaking. So, you get what you pay for, and with Timex it's become kind of a crap shoot.

As for this watch, I got mine Wednesday, but by Saturday, the Indiglo no longer worked. (As usual, Amazon customer service was awesome and they're sending me a replacement.) It looks slick, although the band is kinda cheap and a little small, as other reviewers have complained about. I can't recommend a $10 NATO/ZULU strap highly enough--I swapped mine out as soon as I got the watch.

As for my 2 star review, I'll update it if the replacement watch keeps working long enough to judge the rest of its construction.

Update:
Watch #2 still works a couple of months later, so I moved the rating from two to three stars. The factory band DOES suck, just a cheap (and very short) version of a NATO strap, so I replaced it with a good NATO strap that I had already ordered from Amazon for another watch. I'll know for sure if the watch itself "takes a lickin', and keeps on tickin'", after I wear it in the Florida surf in a few weeks ;) 

Skagen 817LBXC Ceramic Black Watch

The Skagen 817LBXC Ceramic Black Watch is extremely thin and sleek. I have gotten quite a few compliments on this watch, and I think it goes well with about anything. The clasp is very effective as it has a hook, a clasp, and a safety clasp to keep it attached. The clasp is also very simple to use once you figure it out (which took me about three minutes). The numbers are large and easy to read (which wasn't really a concern for me but it is still nice). Overall I am extremely pleased with this very light and inexpensive yet good looking watch.

Update: While this is an excellent watch, it is not very durable. I only wear it for the daily activities of a college student and am pretty careful not to bang it on things. However, about 6 months after I bought it I started noticing some minor scratches, and within a year it had a major crack in the face crystal. Also after about a year I had problems with the band, which eventually broke apart. I still love this watch and I would like to buy another one, but the lack of durability makes it a bad value for me.

This is the 2nd Skagen watch that I've owned. The first one suffered from the same clasp problems that others have described and it often popped open on me. I thought I just had some bad luck with that one. As it was getting old and beat up, I bought this one. Almost the same watch except this one was black instead of silver like my old one was.

I've only had this watch for a couple of weeks, but I cannot wear it any longer. I like the slim lightweight watches that they produce, but the clasps are just horrible. The clasp on this one is stainless steel while the band in titanium. It is painted black in order to match the band.

Within just a few days of starting to wear this watch, I developed a very itchy rash on my wrist right where the clasp touches it. I didn't make the connection to the watch for about 2 days and my rash was just getting worse. I thought there might be some kind of left over chemical from cleaning / painting on the watch that was causing my reaction. I've worn a watch all of my adult life and I have never had a problem like this before.

I decided to clean the clasp with some cotton swabs and alcohol. When I sat down to clean the watch, I realized that the paint is coming off of the clasp already. This was before I even started cleaning so it was not caused by the alcohol. I work in an office so I'm not very hard on watches. There should be no reason that the watch is losing it's paint into my skin with less than a week of wear on it.

Nautica Mens N14536 Chronograph Watch

Great watch. Nice, solid construction. Keeps great time. Easy to read. Very comfortable strap/watch feel. The watch looked too big in the photo, but after getting it and wearing it for a couple of minutes, yes big, too big? No! It's a conversation starter, for sure. Attractive finish, accents, etc. Can be worn everyday or just to the office. Casual, yet sophisticated. I would highly recommend this watch to anyone looking for a well priced, well made, casual sport watch with a very masculine appeal. Only drawback, no Indiglo? The hour/min. hands glow in the dark...as do the hour markers, but it's hard to tell the time 5 hours after the last daylight.

This Nautica Mens N14536 Chronograph Watch is a well-made, rugged, classy looking quality watch. It should last many years. I've had many compliments about its appearance. Not recommended if you are looking for a precision stop-watch because the segment of the watch used to record elapsed minutes is small and there are only indicators for each 5 minutes of time (i.e. hard to tell the difference between 2 or 3 minutes of elapsed time).

I bought this watch as a gift to my brother. At first everything seemed ok. Everything up until my brother went to check what I was cooking and opened the pot. The watch is not well sealed and got steam under the glass. No my brother did no let his wrist inside the pot, he just opened and closed the lid. I live in a very hot place, and it has been over a 100 degrees. My brother watch has been looking like it has never left the kitchen. The watch is beautiful, all the features work fine, good priceand delivered ahead of time but it is not well seald and if you plan getting it wet, or live in a hot country I would not recommend the purchase.

Swiss Legend 30021 GM 014 Ambassador Charcoal

I've had this Swiss Legend 30021 GM 014 Ambassador Charcoal almost a week now and the number of compliments so far I have received was amazing. More so than my expensive dive watch. It offers that added bling factor if you will.

The quality is superb! I was worried at first but after doing my research, reading reviews and finding youtube videos, I took a chance and I've never been more than happy with the watch. Well built throughout the watch. The watch itself is a homage to two very expensive watches, the Hublot Big Bang and AP Roo Royal Oak Offshore. Both watches I really love but cannot afford.

The only thing I was a little bummed out about was that currently, there is only a rubber strap option. I'm hoping they will offer an ability to switch out straps. Another small detail is that the female torx used on the bezel is fake. I've heard a few reviews that these fake torx screws sometimes fall out. Perhaps its only glued on? I dont know! IMO They could have spent a little more extra time and tapped and screwed in real screws. It is a miner detail, but shall a screw fall out, what happens? I dont think Swiss Legend sells replaceable fake screws. But despite that, I am still giving this a 5 star as the watch is really good. Just have to be careful not too be too rough with it.

I am giving this watch 4 stars for a couple of reasons. First, the watch arrived promptly, packaged well, and initially looked fine. Upon closer inspection, 1 of the 4 black accent screws around the watch body (nearest to the strap) was missing. Due to Amazon's easy return policy, the watch was returned and refunded fully. Secondly, and because my son really wanted this watch specifically, I ordered another one, it arrived promptly, and was/is perfect. So because of Amazon's get service (along with the seller), I give this item 4 stars. Hopefully the watch will serve my son as well as Amazon served me.

Seiko SKA389 Kinetic Black Watch

I ordered 2 of these watches. One for myself and another for my brother in-law. Both arrived on-schedule and in perfect condition. I already own another Invicta watch and have been looking at this one for quite some time. My anticipation was well rewarded. This is a very heavy and substantial watch. Pictures really do not do it justice. It is absolutely gorgeous and timeless in design. As usual, it is packaged in a yellow Invicta flip-top box with leather upholstery and the watch itself is neatly covered in plastic shrink-wrap as to insure it's scratch free delivery.

A few unknowing buyers are unaware of the screw down crown. The crown must be unscrewed before the time and date can be set. Not knowing this will result in frustration and possible damage. The design itself cannot be flawed, as it insures a water tight seal and I do appreciate it. I like a watch that will go wherever I go, and this watch is surely up to the task. Many will scoff at the cyclops magnifier over the date, saying that its not like the Rolex. Guess what, it's not a Rolex. It's just fine. If you hold the watch at an angle you will realize that the date is very tiny and without the magnifier it would be very hard indeed to read the date.

Be very aware that this is a 39mm watch. It is for the smaller wristed man.The watch is exactly as described, but the subtle size difference can be easily overlooked. I wear the 43mm watch in the pro diver and it is for the larger wrist. I bought this for a friend who had commented on how much he liked mine and I missed the size difference. Fortunately, he is 5'5" and has a smaller wrist so it all worked out. A standard submariner is 40mm so this one is a bit smaller. Still for the price it is a great little watch. 

I'd read some reviews saying this Seiko Men Watches would not keep time well. Not this one. It kept time perfectly (I checked it repeatedly with my cell phone). I wore this watch out last weekend and it looked amazing. Durability? Hmmm ...not sure yet. I'm not ready to dunk it in water. I really just enjoy wearing it dry, while it's still shiny and it works. The crown does not screw down on this Quartz model, so I am not sure if rough treatment (diving off boats, or wiping out while water skiing) in would be a good idea. In a few months after the newness has worn off, I'll go ahead and risk swimming or showering with it. If I'm wrong, It'll cost me less money than dinner and few beers with the boys.

Citizen BM8180 03E Eco Drive Canvas Strap

I owned a Citizen BM8180 03E Eco Drive Canvas Strap and it refused to keep the time correctly (the battery was fine but it kept falling behind). I began a more earnest search for a nicer watch and stumbled across this Invicta 8932.I owned a Wenger previously that I loved but the watchband continually snapped its pins so I was a little hesitant about purchasing another metal band. However, once it arrived I was impressed with the thickness of the links and the heft of the watch itself. It is definitely a solid watch but not so overwhelming and ostentatious as other divers that on the market.I have received numerous compliments on the Invicta's appearance and love the finish and quality of this timepiece. I am not a collector by any means but I truly love this watch. Excellent price for the quality as well!

I bought my first Invicta watch from Amazon exactly three years ago, June 2010. I chose the Invicta Men's 8932 Pro Diver Collection Silver-tone watch with the screw down crown for around $50, and loved the watch...up until this past weekend, when it just stopped. Assuming it was the battery, I had that replaced at the jewelry store we've done business for decades, and it still didn't work. They said that they could attempt to diagnose and fix the problem, but that would cost around $90, so that made no sense. I realize that the warranty is for only one year, so I'm without recourse, but it's very disappointing, especially in light of the fact that I've been wearing a Seiko for 36 years that has required no maintenance other than occasional battery change, and even my Timex Indiglo gives more than three years' service.

One other note: Two of the things I really liked about this watch are that it has a quartz movement (so in my experience thinner and more reliable) and it had a screw down crown, which it seems to me any dive watch should have. Although I've never worn the watch in the water, I was looking forward to taking it to Bonaire this weekend and would have tested it there. What makes it all the more galling is that I bought one for my grandson and recommended it to my son-in-law (who proceeded to buy one) only to find that, though the same model number, they no longer come with the screw down crown. I suppose this is to keep costs and prices down, but it's still disappointing, as the product description did not point this out at the time. Moreover, I learned last night that the same model (sans screw down crown) that I'd bought for my grandson also has died. I think it lasted about as long as the warranty. Now I'm embarrassed that I recommended it so highly to my son-in-law, and can only hope that his doesn't die in the next year or so. No more Invictas for me.

Armitron 75 5053MPSVPK Swarovski Silver Tone

I finally bought myself a "real" watch, rather than a throwaway. This is the one I decided on, and I am pleased with my choice, at least for now.

I really like the look of this Armitron Women Watches--clean lines, no frills, pretty much unisex (or maybe 51% feminine). The brushed, sort of semi-matte finish on the face is very aesthetically appealing. The hands glow brightly in the dark for a while, then fade to dimmer but still visible. The day/date display is handy; I've quickly become reliant on it. The watch case is no thinner than that of a typical battery-powered watch, and it is thicker than some (like those razor-thin Skagens). But it's not bulky in look or feel.

Since I received the watch in mid-July, I've worn it essentially nonstop. It has kept perfect time and the face shows not a single scratch or sign of wear. I've developed some minor scuff marks on the watch band (visible if you look closely from a certain angle), but they're not noticeable. The clasp is secure and easy to fasten. The band is super-smooth; it has never snagged or caught on anything. The band is adjustable, but I can't attest to the ease or effectiveness of that, because I liked the way it fit me out of the box. I love that I'll never need to buy a battery for this watch and hope it continues to maintain time as it has so far.

My only concern is that as far as I can tell, there's no way to buy a replacement band. So if it gets too visibly scuffed or breaks, am I out of luck? The design in the band continues onto the case--that half-circle above and below the face is part of the case, not the band. So I'm not really sure how it would work if the band weren't an identical replacement, and an identical replacement does not seem to exist apart from the watch.

Citizen Womens EW3030 50A Eco Drive Stainless

I've had this watch for about 5 years now and I'm still completely satisfied. I wear it every single day, including when I'm working, camping, hiking, moving (as a college student who rents, I do this a lot), going out, or anything else. The band has gathered some scuffs, but you can only see them if you're really examining the watch. From even just half an arms-length away, it still looks perfect.
The face has also gathered a few scratches, but they're small and difficult to see. They're impossible to see unless you're actually looking for them and you hold the face at just the right angle. For just glancing at the watch, I don't even notice that they're there.

I was somewhat worried about the solar charging of the watch, considering that it's long-sleeve weather for over 6 months of the year where I live, and my skin is very sensitive to sunlight so I often wear long sleeves even when it's sunny. This has not appeared to cause any problem though. I don't think you would have to worry about keeping a charge unless you store the watch in the dark for long periods of time. Even minimal exposure to light and sun seems to be sufficient.

The Citizen Womens EW3030 50A Eco Drive Stainless has also remained very accurate. I once ignored daylight savings time and didn't adjust the watch for over a year and it was only off by a matter of a few seconds and that may have just been me being sloppy when I adjusted it the first time.

I usually remove the watch when I go swimming or when I shower, but I do occasionally forget and leave it on. I've also spent a lot of time in the rain, spent my first summer with it working in river rafting, and I teach snowboarding in the winter where I frequently check the time and expose it to snow and/or wet gloves. Considering that it still works and maintains time accuracy, this exposure to water has not seemed to have effected it's performance. I imagine I could probably keep it on for showers and swimming too if I wanted.

I didn't think I'd care about the glow-in-the-dark hands, but this feature has actually been extremely useful. I've been able to check the time when I wake up late at night/early in the morning in complete darkness. They certainly don't glow very brightly after being in the dark for 5+ hours, but they do glow and if you have good eyes, its just enough to be able to read the time.

The only maintenance I've had to do was to get a few links of the band removed when I first got it (it was far too large originally, but a jeweler removed the links for free.) and occasionally a bit of grime builds up between the links. To remove this grime, I just scraped it out with a toothpick and it then looked as good as new. I've probably done this once ever 5 months or so and even then, it's mostly because I'm bored and happen to be examining my watch, more than I'm starting to notice the grime build-up.

Over all, I still absolutely love this watch. It still feels great on my wrist (no pinching, rubbing, or hair-pulling) and seems like it's well-constructed and high quality. And while it's not exactly dressy, I think it's subtle enough and elegant enough that you shouldn't have to feel obligated to remove it when you dress up for formal occasions.

Vince Camuto VC 5032CHBN Double Wrap

I have a small wrist so I had to take it to a jeweler to have some links taken out. Fits perfectly now. The watch is not so easy to read the time because of the sheen of the face itself. You have to move your wrist around to get a good angle to see the time. May have chosen another watch for that reason, but will give this a try. Thus the four stars. I wanted a two tone watch with a face that wasn't round, one that would look good on my small wrist, and one for a reasonable price. I've had a Relic for a long time and it is looking very worn, so I wanted to get another one just like it, but they no longer have it in two-tone. This was the closest style I could find to it, although it is wider overall.

I only wish manufacturers would slip an extra link into the packages. I have large wrists, and they are all just a hair tight on me. Then I never seem to be able to find the right links to get for them, and it costs more money to have it added, and then and then... sigh. But I do like the watch itself

This Vince Camuto VC 5032CHBN Double Wrap was a great purchase. The price was great and it was an outstanding value. I was looking for something not too bulky that i could wear with both white gold and yellow gold. A big plus was that the links can be removed without taking it to a jeweler or using a tool. You just simply open one of the clasps and remove it. However, I don't think the braclet on this is very big. I only had to remove 1 link and I usually have to remove multiple. You can wear it for dress or casual.

Kenneth Cole Womens KC2695 Chronograph

This Kenneth Cole Womens KC2695 Chronograph is a beautiful, functional watch, at an unbelieveable price. Just a tad too big, but fits perfectly after one of the links was removed. Looks much more expensive than it was, very classy. I didn't realize that when I purchased it, the offer (Prime) was free ONE day shipping, and sure enough, I had it on my wrist the next day. thanks, Amazon, it's a true value! I bought this ladies watch for my wife's birthday. She is picky on her jewelry, but she told me she was very satisfied that I gave her real elegance from Anne Klein for a super deal that included great craftsmanship! Highly recommend this for a gift for a great buy!

At first I thought this watch looked a little plain from the online picture, but still a bit pretty. My wife and I set a limit on our Christmas presents to each other this year, so I went and bought this watch. When she opened it on Christmas morning, she (and I) thought it was very beautiful; simple yet elegant. I was very pleasantly surprised. The photo and description online do not do this watch justice. It is beautiful, has some weight to it, and looks great on my wife's wrist. With a very reasonable price to top it off, this is a great present to give to the lady in your life.

I was pleasantly surprised in the appearance of the watch. I was even more so when I was about to look for tools to remove a link or two (my wrists are small) and discovered that the manufacturer had thought ahead. There was a small link portion that could be taken out without tools. Overall, pleased with the purchase even though I have not had it long enough to say how it wears.

Michael Kors Rose Runway Watch

I'm usually a silver/white gold only girl. I don't wear gold because it's just never been a color I think looks good on me. However, when I saw this rose gold watch by Michael Kors I was in love! It's the best of both worlds. The color is rosy and warm enough it will work with the two or three gold pieces that I have and still goes great with my silver and white gold jewelry. The face on this is very large (about the size of some men's watches) but that's what I wanted. I prefer a masculine watch to balance out my corporate and casual wear. Plus, I also think it works as a nice contrast to the more feminine rose gold. I too had to take 4 links out but that's the norm for me. I'll admit, based on previous reviews. I'm slightly worried that the rose gold will wear away on the under side of the watch but it's a risk I'm willing to take.

So I got this Michael Kors Rose Runway Watch a year ago for Christmas. Fell in love!! But as the year went by the band completly faded. I was so upset and since I didnt buy it from Michael kors I couldn't go to them to fix. After searching through posts online for hours I found a service center in dalla tx that specializes in Michael kors and other brands. For 32 bucks which included shipping back to me I sent it in and the replaces the entire band, the center cover piece, gave me a new battery And if the glass was scratched they even replace it. I got my watch back in 2 weeks and it's like brand new!!!! 1-800-842-8621 metro service center!!! I can't say anything better about them!!!

Beautiful watch! Love it and I get so many compliments on it! My only upset is that because it is rose gold "plated", the normal everyday wear and tear is more noticeable. I work at a desk all day and am hardly rough on my jewelry, but I have noticed the underside of the watch getting slightly marked up. This started happening within a week or two of wearing it. It is only on the underside, and of course I'm the only one who notices it, but this was my concern from the beginning about getting a "plated" watch. If anyone has any suggestions on how to get rid of the marks or how to prevent them, I would be happy to hear it! Overall, love the watch! But again, just a little disappointed that such a high quality and expensive watch could get discolored so easily.

I must admit some watches plating wears off rather quickly. However, sometimes it is due to customers not understanding how to care for their watches, after they get them. My mother is a rugged watch wearer. I mean she wears them in extreme weather, washes dishes, sleeps in them, and possibly showers in it as well. Then when they began to look like crap "it's the watch's fault".When you get a luxury watch there is care into making it remain beautiful for as long as possible. No water, No hair spray allowed. After wearing it, wipe it with a dry cloth; place it back in it's case. This is not a sports watch; so don't treat it as such. It will look beautiful for years. I own other M.K watches, and they still look new, and fabulous. Wore them all summer.

Invicta 0126 Collection Accented Stainless

I was very happy when I opened the package and saw this Invicta 0126 Collection Accented Stainless. The words that come to mind when describing this timepiece are handsome, solid, beautiful. It is a chronograph and therefore it has the size and heft of a chronograph. The ladies model is fairly big when compared to the more delicate jewelery watches available for ladies.

To give you an idea of the size, the dial is about 1.5 inches across (the middle glass section is a tiny bit bigger than a quarter + the bezel). The strap is also wide at little more than half an inch (5/8"). The model number is #4718 which is the stainless steel watch with a mix of stainless brushed and polished finish just like the picture. (The #4719 mentioned by another reviewer is the two tone stainless and gold model.) The case of this watch is thick too, just over 1 cm (7/16") so don't go for this watch if you are looking for a slimmer and lighter watch. In fact, the picture made this watch look more delicate than it is in person.

If I was picking this watch for a man with a slimmer wrist, this would look better than the male version. In fact, this Movado Men's Juro Watch #0605023 has almost the same case diameter as this watch.

This watch feels heavy and solid on the wrist. The band is around 7.5 inches so you'll have to take out a link or two if you have the average wrist size of about 6.5-7 inches. The 16 diamonds on the bezel (2 in each section) look much bigger in the picture than they are in person. They are just as big as a pinprick, almost too tiny to be seen by the naked eye!

However, diamonds or no diamonds, the watch looks expensive and like a quality product. It has a beautiful stainless steel finish and a mother of pearl dial. The hands and number markings glow in the dark. The push button on the 2 sides of the winder help control the chronograph functions. The movement is "Swiss movement" and it is water resistant upto 100m. It comes in the signature bright yellow Invicta fake-leather box (box made in China) with an outer yellow cardboard box with an embossed Invicta logo. Inside the box is a warranty form, an international warranty card, and the manual etc.

Invicta used to be a Swiss watch company (est. 1837) with a reputation for making great timepieces, and the quality is apparent in this watch although they are no longer Swiss-owned. A watch review site mentioned that if Rolex is the Bugatti of watches, then Invicta is the Camry. I'll take the Camry, given the price and value factor!

Invicta is also offering 1+4 years free platinum warranty as per the current promotion if you buy it from Amazon. (a $35 value)

If you still want to learn more there is an almost identical Bulova Women's Diamond Chronograph Watch #96R19 available that has 70+ reviews, most of them rave about their purchase. It is also the same price as the Invicta. As mentioned above, Invicta was a Swiss company but now their corporate headquarters are in Florida. Bulova is also an American watch company started in New York by an immigrant in 1870s.

I love this watch, and can't stop admiring it. It definitely looks more expensive than the price I paid.

Swingline Pre packed Standard Assorted S7079141

I bought this Swingline Pre packed Standard Assorted S7079141 on a whim after seeing it at Target for only $2. We have a full-sized stapler at home, be we keep it in our "office" upstairs, and I was tired of having to run up and get it every time I needed a quick staple job. The tiny size of this stapler is perfect, as it tucks neatly into one of my kitchen drawers. Despite it's small size, however, it's quite a powerful little stapler! I've never tested it to see exactly how much paper it can handle, but on the other hand, I've also never had it jam or otherwise fail to perform. The stapler is lightweight yet sturdy, and the best thing about it is that it takes regular, STANDARD size staples--no need to purchase a specialty size! This would be a great stapler for kids (my sister bought one for my niece), but be sure to buy at least one for yourself too. Highly recommended!

I brought this Swingline Tot Stapler because I needed an occasional stapler and did not want a bulky one that just takes up a lot of space and gets used maybe once a week. I was very happy with this product. This little thing carried a lot of punch. In fact, I stapled 15 sheets of paper at one time, which is more than it promises on the package. I believe the site claims 2-12 sheets of 20 lb. paper. The storage case underneath will surely come in handy someday. Can't wait till the day when I get to sit at my chair and not have to get up for a re-fill.


In a busy household there are always people with busy hands taking away my stuff so I often buy multiples of things. I have a professional office stapler that people can't remove from my desk, then I have these things which I give to my kids so they won't take my stapler. These small staplers are great, they're cheap and work well. Best of all, they're brightly colored so that I can always find them in drawers.

This little guy is unquestionably the greatest stapler I've ever owned! Unlike other models I've used in my life, this baby has never jammed, nor has it ever mangled a staple into an unusable shape. It even has a convenient staple-remover horn on the back part of the base for those moments when I need the pages separated, rather than together. And there's even a little storage space in the base, right underneath the plastic cover. Although it's meant to house an extra cartridge of staples, I use it as a cash-stash in case an unexpected emergency should occur. Better safe than sorry, I always say...

Speaking of staples: unlike Swingline's preceding Cub series of mini-staplers, this model takes standard-size staples. Which is a good thing, 'cuz Cub staples are gettin' harder and harder to find by the minute 'round here...

LD Bags Leopard Backpack 16 5 LD Bags Leopard Backpack 16 5

I purchased this LD Bags Leopard Backpack 16 5 LD Bags Leopard Backpack 16 5 for my daughter starting kindergarden this August! she picked it out! when it arrived she was so excited. all thing i didnt expect was how big the bag was on her. but that is fine, i would rather it be slightly larger than too small. The backpack is a standard backpack size, not a toddler size. The size of this bag would fit better on a child a year or to older. but since the straps are adjustable she can wear it just fine! we had the bag monogrammed when it arrived and now its just perfest! Love the backpack!

I ordered this for my daughter and she loves it, but before she could use it I had to wash it about five times, because it smelled really bad from some chemicals. Not sure whether it was packed funny or what. I ended up using really powerful smelling Downy several times and airing it out in my garage repeatedly between washings. It was that stinky.

However, it is holding up nicely to my 10yo's constant use, it holds all her stuff, provides space for different things (pencil area, netting on the side for a thermos, etc). She has also inspired a lot of her peers to buy pink and zebra bags, but their stuff seems flimsier.

My 9yo daughter loves this stylish zebra backpack but she has a hard time with the zipper, and after one month the liner on the inside is already ripping. It looks great, just needs heavier duty materials to perfect the quality and it would be 5 stars!

This bag has such a strong, awful plastic smell that I put it in my shed and forgot about it. I bought it for my daughter but there is no way I'm having her walk around all day sucking in what are most likely toxic fumes. The only good thing I can say is that the seller sent the bag out quickly.

Gowrite Erase Rolls Inches AR2420

I bought this Gowrite Erase Rolls Inches AR2420 for my Grandson's new craft table. It required a 12" roll. I received the roll and it was 18" x 75' not 12" x 100'. The label on the paper said 18"x 75', but the sticker on the outside of the roll said 12" x 100'. I emailed Amazon and told them of my problem, hoping they would suggest how I could return the roll and be assured to get the right size the next time. No response after a couple of days, so I did online chat with a Amazon rep. I was told I was issued a refund, even though I did not receive an email stating so and it's not listed on my account as a return. The rep told me I would have to order again to get the correct roll and he would make a note on my account to send the 12" roll. I paid $8.95 for the roll on 12/30/12 and 11 days later the roll costs $13.21. Doesn't quite seem fair.

Fits great in my 12" paper roll holder. My grandkids can pull out as much paper as they need off the roller. The paper is great to color, paint or write on. Having the paper readily available tends to let them be more creative. I put the holder with the paper on their play table and pull the paper out about 20" and tape the end with blue painters tape and when they are finished the tape does not stick to their "masterpiece" and they can take it home or hang it on my wall.

It is true to the measurements. Got this paper for my nephew for his birthday. He recieved the easel for chrsitmas with no supplies for painting. this paper fit perfectly on the paper holders and my nephews room is now decorated with all his amazing art work. Best present I could have gotten him. Ps dont forget to get a spill mat!

We have been buying these Alex Paper 100-foot rolls for 3 years, probably have gone thru 20 rolls by now. My son loves to draw trains and extra longgg trucks on 6-foot lengths that we cut. My complaint is that until some time in late 2011, the paper had always been good high quality. Since then, the two orders we received are much inferior in paper quality, it is not as smooth, not as even in opacity, and tears easily. I want the old stuff back!

The Origins and History of the Modern Stapler

Stapler are such a common item these days. We all encounter them at the office and most of us also have one for use at home. Like any other everyday object, it's easy to take them for granted and not wonder how and why they came to be so ubiquitous. That's kind of a shame because the stapler has a pretty interesting history. Here is a brief look back at its fascinating origins.

Early beginnings. Ever since paper has been around, there undoubtedly has been a need to fasten sheets together. It is believed that, way back in the Middle Ages, people accomplished this by using wax and ribbons. However, the precursor of the modem stapler seems to have originated in the 18th century France. The country's monarch, Louis XV, had a device handmade for the fastening of his personal documents and even used staples inscribed with the court's insignia.

The 19th century. Although the stapler had illustrious, royal origins, it didn't really come to be used by the public until the 19th century. In 1841, a man named Samuel Slocum received a patent for his document fastening method that consisted of threading pins through paper. Around 1866, a patent was issued to Joan Barbour for creating a bendable metal fastener, a precursor to the staples we use today. Around this same time, a paper fastener was created by the Patent Novelty Manufacturing Co. This device could only hold one staple at a time, but it could be used to fasten paper, as well as upholstery and boxes. However, the stapler itself was invented by one Charles H. Gould in 1879 and his invention was called the McGill Single-Stroke Staple Press. This particular device weighed almost three pounds and it was powerful enough to staple a couple of sheets together.

The 20th century. The word "stapler" didn't enter the American lexicon until 1901. That's when the word appeared in an issue of "Munsey's Magazine" as part of an advertisement for a paper fastening device. However, the word didn't become widely used until several years later. In 1905, the B. Jahn Manufacturing Co. issued the first stapler that could contain an entire strip of staples, which definitely made document fastening a lot easier and faster. Newer companies appeared in the 1920's and 1930's, including the Boston Wire Stitcher Co. and Swingline, which has become to best-known document fastening brand around. Swingline is credited with creating the first top-loading device, as well as creating products that have become pop culture landmarks, such as the red model in the cult classic Office Space. Electric models were invented in the 1950s, which made document fastening easier than ever.

The stapler has definitely had a long, colorful history, and in the 21st century, its place as an office product must-have is secure. From its royal origins to its modern-day popularity, this is one item that you'll never look at the same way again and even appreciate more as you fasten those important documents.

Master Lock 5400D Set Your Own Combination

The masterlock select access storage box is a great Master Lock 5400D Set Your Own Combination. I bought one for a slightly unusual purpose, in that I took it camping. For four weeks, this box was locked onto the frame of my station wagon, right next to the exhaust pipe. During that entire time, I used it several times without any problem. For the last two weeks, I found myself making hour-long treks over dirt roads, and across river beds every other day in a vehicle that was hardly designed for the task.

When I returned to civilization, I fully expected to find the box thoroughly abused. I expected the rubber case to have been melted by the exhaust pipe. I expected mud to have gummed up the combination locks. I even imagined there might be a few dents or scratches on it from the road. None of this was the case.

While my use of the box has revealed to me that it is not water tight, and the glue used to hold the rubber casing on may be a little weakened by heat or water, the worst damage I found on it were a few small scratches on the rubber casing around the lock part, where it had been attached to the frame of my car.

Recently, I managed to get a key stuck in the device somehow. Perhaps it no longer worked right because I removed the rubber casing. Maybe the long car key I put in jammed the locking mechanism somehow, or maybe I managed to accidentally reset the combination while it was open. I suspect that I reset the combination accidentally. My one complaint with this device is how easy it is to do this. Users can easily fix this by gluing or taping the reset switch in place once you've chosen a good combination.

Since I needed the key, I decided I would have to break open the device. Those of you concerned with the security of this product will be pleased to learn how hard it was to do.

As I had gotten the rubber casing off, I already knew that there were six rivets in the back. I imagined that by drilling through these, I would be able to get the lock apart. Using a bench vice, and a power drill with a metal drill bit, it took me five minutes of serious drilling to get through these rivets. When I was done drilling, nothing happened, because the rivets were set in such a way that the drill holes had gone in crooked. I ended up pounding away at the thing with a ball-pene hammer and a cold chisel for another half hour to break the rivets on the sides all the way through. This allowed me to rip off the sides of the front panel. Once that was done, I had to beat in the back of the lock so that I could get the chisel into the top, and force the locking mechanism open. The hinge was too strong for me to break at all. Once I got it out, my key was slightly twisted. I'm not sure it will still work.

All told, it took me fifty five minutes,to break into the master lock select access storage box. Fifty five minutes, using all the tools I could think of. At a private home, with it latched to a doorknob, or in an inconvenient place, it probably would have taken much longer. I don't think there are many places where the police won't get around to a criminal before they get at your keys in one of these things. I also don't think a criminal who can get at the keys any faster would be able to use them once he got them out.

Five Great Pencil Sharpeners

A good Pencil Sharpener is a must-have item for anyone who regularity uses this type of writing instrument. There are a lot to choose from, so deciding on one can be a bit of a challenge. That is why you should check out these great sharpeners from such top manufacturers as Dahle and Swingline. They are great for use at school, home, and work, and they're all well-made so you can be confident you purchased the right one. Let's take a look at these products....

1. Dahle Chubby. This is a great sharpener for creative types and younger students. The Chubby is a canister sharpener that has a colorful lid. In fact, three colors are available: red, yellow, and blue. These products are ergonomically friendly and are easy to empty and clean. The blade is made from high-quality German steel and can be replaced if it becomes dull. This product will add a bit of color to any office.
2. Dahle Metal Wedge. These handheld devices are small enough to fit in your pocket, but they still do a great job. There are two types available: the first product has a single hole that can accommodate standard pencils while the second has two holes, including one that's perfect for oversized writing utensils. As with the Chubby, the blades in these sharpeners are replaceable and honed from first-rate German steel.
3. Dahle Professional Rotary. This product is one of Dahle's best. It has an automatic cutting system that allows you to choose how sharp your pencil will be. When your pencil reaches your desired sharpness, it will spin freely in the device until you remove it, thus it won't be over-sharpened.. You can sharpen standard, oversized, and colored pencils with this device and you can remove the Solingen steel blades if you need to replace or clean them. This sharpener comes with mounting hardware but you can use it wherever you want.
4. Swingline Compact Electric. This Swingline model is handheld and provides electric sharpening wherever you go. It works quickly and quietly, and can be powered either by batteries or an AC adapter. (The adapter is included.) Each unit has a lead saver feature that ensures your pencil will be sharpened just enough. The blades are fashioned from carbon steel. These sharpeners easy to empty and they are covered by a limited two-year warranty.
5. Swingline Optima Electric. If you want one of the best electric pencil sharpeners available, the Swingline Optima is what you need. This product is capable of sharpening six different kinds of pencils, including rectangular ones, and like the Swingline Compact, it operates very quietly. This unit is protected from overheating thanks to a thermal cut-off and it won't over-sharpen your writing utensils because it has the same lead saver feature as the Compact. Finally, it's backed by a fantastic limited lifetime warranty.

To get your writing implements ready to use, pick up one of these great products today so you can start sharpening. You'll be glad you did!

Paper Mate Retractable Ballpoint 89465

These pens are absolutely the best pens I've ever used and I now use no other pens but these. I write a lot of books as a hobby and usually my hand gets tired quickly with ordinary pens because you have to use more force to get them to write. These Profile pens glide across the page and write smoothly every time. Also, you never have to scratch them on something to get them to work - they write the first time, every time. Additionally, there's no cap to use since it's retractable, preventing it from drying out. The price for these was great for a 12 pack since buying them at the store for a pack of 2 is close to $4, so these were a great bargain for price and quality.

To start off, I want to let everybody know that I write with my left hand. Yes, I am a lefty. A lot of people who write with their right hand don't understand that it's tough for a lefty to get the right pen. Righty's obviously have a completely different writing style than us lefty's! Getting to the point, this is the only pen I ever use now. This is one of the easiest pens for me to use, and the way it writes is extremely smooth. I don't have to worry about getting the ink of my pinky finger that every left dreads because we drag our hand across the writing surface-the ink dries fast enough so that doesn't happen. I am sure that this pen is great for everybody, both lefty's and righty's because ever since I started using them, a whole bunch of people at my school now have them! By far, this is the best pen ever. I highly recommend it to you, and to all lefty's for that matter! Only downside is that it runs out of ink pretty quickly if your a lefty, don't ask me why, I don't know, but I don't care because of how awesome the pen is. While writing this review, I can't believe how much I am saying about a pen. I got a ton of them on Amazon for less than $15.00 Bought three boxes at one time!

I haven't been very picky with Paper Mate Retractable Ballpoint 89465 in the past. If it wrote decently, that was fine with me. However, early in my work as a supermarket cashier, I realized that my efforts to be very speedy and efficient in my work would benefit from a pen that writes smoothly and speedily. Once my current pen was finished, I tried this one out for its claim, "World's Smoothest Pen". I don't consider myself as one with a sophisticated, refined taste for pens, but I knew what I wanted in this situation. This pen delivered. When I'm facing a full line of customers and need to whip out my Paper Mate Profile, click it into action, scribble something on a receipt, click it to retract, and slip it back into a pocket, the smooth, speedy operation is appreciated. I remember hearing multiple remarks from customers (usually when borrowing my pen to write a check or provide a signature) on how nicely this pen writes. I agree with another reviewer that this pen can benefit from a finer point. When I'm writing in small spaces, the bold point and ink can result in some smudgy marks. The ink also isn't the jet-black color that a 'wetter' ink pen often provides. This keeps the pen from receiving a 5-star rating.

I highly recommend the Paper Mate Profile Retractable Ballpoint Pen for situations that require smooth, speedy writing without high regard for finely controlled lines or ink quality.

Hayward SP1580X15 Power Flo 2 Horsepower Above Ground

I've worked in pool retail ( The Great Escape) and installation for 6 years and let me tell you, Hayward is the way to go for a number of reasons. 1. The warranty - possibly not applicable online HOWEVER when you purchase one of these through a retail establishment you get 2 years of peace of mind. 2. Outstanding quality - My corporation carries a variety of pumps but i only recommend Hayward (1-2 HP) for a reason. It's not junk like the majority of other pool pumps! During an average pool season i'll see well over a hundred knockoff brands returned and swapped out due to malfunction (sometimes only a few weeks later) compared to a handful of Haywards (typically towards the end of their warranty) 3. Adaptable - Whether you're running a cartridge filter OR a sand filter you can EASILY turn the strainer housing to accommodate by unscrewing the 4 bolts in the back, popping out the strainer basket, removing the c-clip from the area where the motor meets strainer housing, turning it either vertical or horizontal and then reassembling.

On average i would say these bad boys will last you around 5 years of CONTINUOUS 24/7 OPERATION. That being said i highly recommend running this nonstop. The process of actually kicking it on creates more stress on the components and will result in a lower life-span. Not to mention the pro's of 24/7 water filtration. The more you move your water around the less chance algae has of forming. You might be looking at a higher electric bill BUT i promise you you'll spend less on chemicals which cost A LOT more.

I didn't even purchase this Hayward SP1580X15 Power Flo 2 Horsepower Above Ground through amazon.com i was just curious to see the price difference and if you buy it here you'll save $50 over ANY retail store. Great Escape (my company) is the largest chain in the Midwest and 3rd largest in the country and ours go for $199.99! Just thought i'd lend some wisdom and helpful advice :) good luck!

At the end of the season my old Hayward pump of 15 years just stopped working. I knew after 15 years of working that it was on borrowed time so it came as no surprise when it just stopped! I was so happy with the Hayward brand that I knew I wanted to purchase that brand again. I started to price them at local pool stores. They were priced at $309 and $299. Then I found another brand at another pool store for :$199 but I really didn't want to try a new brand that I had never heard of before. So I went online to read some reviews about this new brand. When I did a google search I found the exact same Hayward pump that I really wanted on Amazon com and it was only $139 with no shipping cost!s I was really worried that there was going to be a reason that this was so much less. But it was delivered in less than a week and was exactly the same as the one that I had bought 15 years ago! If I can get even 10 years out of this new pump I will be very happy!! 

Intex 29 1 2 Inch Rectangular Frame

There were so mixed reviews I was not sure if this would be a good purchase or not on Intex 29 1 2 Inch Rectangular Frame. It arrived yesterday and I inflated it with an electric compressor, it took about 40 min. This morning at 5 a.m. I started filling it with water and it took until 6:30 a.m. to fill to the line. I have a smaller size hose so that accounts for it taking longer. I am happy with the quality of the pool it feels like it will hold up, not flimsy. It does have a drain in the bottom.

I called a local pool store and they told me to add 1/8 to 1/4 cup chlorine bleach daily to keep the pool sanitary that I can use it about 5 days then drain and refill. I am glad to hear this, I know standing water that humans have been in breeds bacteria if not treated.

The pool looks really cool too the way they did the clear and the bright green inside. I am using it as an adult to do exercise in. It is deep enough to do leg kicks and move around. I have been sick for 7weeks so this is a good way to ease back into exercise and getting my strength back. It is also just plain fun.

I feel if it lasts one summer I got my moneys worth. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to cool off.

The Three Main Types Of Inground Swimming Pools

There are three main types of Inground Swimming Pools. Each has their advantages and disadvantages. This article is a brief description of each inground pool type.
Concrete pools are custom built on site offering you many different styles and options. A steel reinforced structure is first built. While these steel frames are being installed, plumbing pipe will also be installed. The plumbing pipes that are being installed are longer then you need, but after being checked for leaks, they will be cut off flush with the edge of the pool.
Gunite, sometimes called shotcrete is sprayed over this steel frame. This spraying process must be done by an expert experienced with the nozzle operation. The skill in doing this spraying is critical to producing a strong pool. The thickness of the gunite will depend on pool design, budget, and ground conditions. The next step will be to install the plaster over the gunite.
Once the gunite is dry, it is carefully smoothed to prepare the surface for the plastering stage. The plastering is available in different colors, along with many different colors and styles of tile that can be used for the border around the pool. The construction is complex and should be done by very experienced pool installers. This type of pool construction, generally takes longer to install then a Liner Pool or a Fiberglass Pool.
Fiberglass pools are manufactured from fiberglass-reinforced plastic that has been formed into a certain shape and size inside a preformed mold at the factory. This molded plastic is then covered with a product named gel coat. This coating creates a smooth finish that is available in different colors. This pool does not use external braces, but it must be installed in a specifically dug hole and must be supported with the proper backfill according to the manufacturer's instructions.
The pool leaves the factory on a flatbed truck and at the job site a crane is used to remove the pool for placement in the excavated hole. Since most manufacturers offer certain size and shape molds, unlimited sizes and shapes are not available. Installation of this pool is fairly quick. Price wise, Fiberglass pools are usually much more expensive than vinyl liner pools, but less than concrete.
The homeowner needs to be very satisfied with their pool selection before the signing of the contract. This pool is not manufactured on site and has to be manufactured in a special mold, and then delivered to you. There is no changing your mind once the job has started. Do your homework first and choose the shape and size that will fit your family's needs.
The last main type of inground swimming pool is a vinyl liner pool. Let's first discuss what a vinyl liner is. It is a material that is manufactured from virgin material (never used, not reprocessed) and is treated with a fungicide to inhibit bacteria growth. This material is available in many different colors and pattern designs. It is also available in different thickness, example; 20 mil vs. 28 mil (this is thicker material).
This liner can be made in any shape or size. The liner is installed against panels of a pool which could be manufactured from Aluminum, Galvanized Steel, Polymer, Stainless Steel and still in some cases Wood. The liner offers a very smooth surface which is very pleasing to your feet.
A vinyl liner pool can be manufactured to look a lot like a concrete pool but is a lot less expensive. If you get tired of looking at the same liner you have in your pool for the last 15 years, you can easily change to a new pattern. With today's technology, this type of pool can be designed to fit virtually any size or shape you want.

Intex 58868EP Floating Recliner Lounge

The Intex 58868EP Floating Recliner Lounge has two sections, the main section is the chair from head to toe, and the other is the arm rests which is shaped like a "U" wrapping around the back of the chair giving it more stability. The design is good in as much as it keeps the "lounger" floating evenly above the water - in fact, you can be fully dressed and never get wet because of how well you are propped up. I found this to be not to my taste because I like having some contact with the water, otherwise why even be in a pool!

But the problem with the Inflatable Pool Toys is its lack of durability. Without any known reason, after a few usages we suddenly found the arm rests section deflated. We discovered that the seam that connects it to the main body of the chair had started to come apart. There is no way to patch it due to its design, so the whole thing had to be trashed.

Maybe we just got a defective one or something, but the big issue is that it fell apart for no reason. No one was jumping on it or being rough with it in any way. I don't see any of these holding up under the normal kid torcher test that things like this usually go through!

I installed a much larger pool and the inner tube I had wasn't going to cut it in a pool as large as my new one - so I purchased this lounger. It is being touted as a toy but I think it is the best pool lounger I have ever had. It has held up really well and shows no sign of sun fade. I spend plenty of time floating around, catching a tan and all the while a drink at my elbow. The cup holders were definitely a great idea for this lounger. For the price and the quality it is well worth it. I went from store to store looking at less impressive loungers and settled on this one. Thanks Intex.....I love your products.

Intex 58851EP Waterslide

Not wanting to install a permanent slide, I bought this Inflatable Pool Slide for the kids. They LOVE it! They play on it non stop, sliding down into the shallow end, walk out and do it over and over. It keeps them thoroughly entertained in the pool.

The water sprayers that keeps the slide wet are a great addition as you just hook a hose up to the slide and it sprays onto the slide. Very cool.

Buy this slide knowing you will only use it for maybe 1 season, if that. It started losing air from almost the 1st day we used it. We have to blow it back up every single time we use it. Forget feeling comfortable that you get a patch kit, even if you can find the leak, the patch kit is useless. We've simply resigned ourselves to knowing this is a "disposable" product good for one summer and will have to buy a new one each year. The kids enjoy it enough that for that reason alone I am willing to invest $100 every year for the amount of fun they have on it. Much more than that and they'd have to find something else to do in the pool!

We have had our slide for three years. We set it up off of our dock at the lake. Big kids (adults) and little kids go down the slide. The visiting lake children love to come over. We do not use the hose attachment. The end 'catch' flap has ripped off, and one of the support tubes has a hole, but it still is a lot of fun. We bought it for my daughter for her third birthday. I plan to buy another one when this one no longer will hold air. It is heavy and hard to store. You do need an air compressor to blow it up. Provides many hours of fun.

I ordered Intex 58851EP Waterslide, but have not had any luck with this one. I noticed some defects when inflating it, but didn't think anything about it. Now, less than a year later, it is tearing and will be placed in the dump.

Intex Recreation Swim Center Family

There were so mixed reviews I was not sure if this Intex Inflatable Pool would be a good purchase or not. It arrived yesterday and I inflated it with an electric compressor, it took about 40 min. This morning at 5 a.m. I started filling it with water and it took until 6:30 a.m. to fill to the line. I have a smaller size hose so that accounts for it taking longer. I am happy with the quality of the pool it feels like it will hold up, not flimsy. It does have a drain in the bottom.

I called a local pool store and they told me to add 1/8 to 1/4 cup chlorine bleach daily to keep the pool sanitary that I can use it about 5 days then drain and refill. I am glad to hear this, I know standing water that humans have been in breeds bacteria if not treated.

The pool looks really cool too the way they did the clear and the bright green inside. I am using it as an adult to do exercise in. It is deep enough to do leg kicks and move around. I have been sick for 7weeks so this is a good way to ease back into exercise and getting my strength back. It is also just plain fun.

I feel if Intex Recreation Swim Center Family  asts one summer I got my moneys worth. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to cool off.

Poolguard PGRM 2 In Ground Pool Alarm

We've had this Poolguard PGRM 2 In Ground Pool Alarm  or about a month and have found it very easy to use with no false alarms. I've testing twice and it works great. The first test was the first night we had it and I simply "stomped" the water with my foot on the far side of the pool and within 10-15 seconds when the ripple reach the alarm, it activated. The 2nd "test" was accidental when a large windstorm blew a pool umbrella into the pool and bam, it activated. In both tests, the alarm activated properly inside the house and at the pool.

Conversely, we've never had a false alarm including during several large and windy thunderstorms.

We've used the alarm both with and without the solar cover on. It works great either way. Real peace of mind.

2 notes for owners on this Inground Swimming Pools:
1. Unless your pool deck surface is very uneven, the unit will sit nicely on the side of the pool without needing to drill a hole in the pool deck for the small metal brace. Unless your pool deck surface is really uneven, I wouldn't bother adding a hole, the little metal brace unscrews easily.

2. It can be hard to sit the alarm into the pool or remove it without it going off and as other reviewers have noted, the instructions aren't clear. The way to get it in and out is to press the button on the back to reset it, this deactivates it for about 5 seconds which should be time to slide it in or out. If it goes off while doing this, just hold the rest again and it will shut off in a 2nd or two.

By the way, if you are wondering how big this thing is since their description is so lacking in details, it's about a 4 inch by 5 inch retangular tube. The end that sits in the pool is about 11 inches long and the top is about 10 inches. The bottom of the tube in the water should be 2.5-5.5 inches in the water according to their directions with 4 inches being optimal.

Intex 58868EP Floating Recliner Lounge

There are times when all I want to do is Inflatable Pool Toys  n the pool with a cold drink and a book. When I ordered this floating lounge recliner I wasn't sure how it would work. Considering it only cost $20, I was a bit skeptical.

I pulled it out of the box yesterday, blew it up, grabbed my drink and book, and floated away. I was out there for a long time and enjoyed every minute. So let's get to the details here.

This lounger rides very high in the water. I was surprised how dry I was after floating around for 45 minutes. It is made of a very thick and durable plastic - so it appears to be a very good quality. I expect it to last for more than one swimming season. Be sure to wet it down a little before you get on it. My skin stuck to the plastic where I had not wet it first. Also - the cupholders lean in towards you. So a tall cup is required. It is very sturdy and I had no issues getting my tall plastic cup into or out of the holder. The holder also was excellent at holding my drink. I had no fear of it spilling or falling out.

Overall - this Intex 58868EP Floating Recliner Lounge is a great deal. A high quality float with a cupholder. Highly recommended.

Exaco Trading Gaspo Sandbox Pavilion

Warranty terms become effective on 2 year manufacture Work perfectly by Lawn & Patio is so effective with easy, durable and very comfortable. Best of Exaco Trading Gaspo Sandbox, Pavilion Sandbox is great for the outdoor, patio, or garden with special design, fine working, simple and comfortable. This goods is designed by brand Exaco Trading. Launched on Exaco Trading Co. - Warehouse Pavilion is good gardening product at a excellent price, made from highest material, proper in size and weight, and durable. This goods can be shipped urgently to you within Usually ships in 24 hours.

Exaco Trading Gaspo Sandbox Pavilion comes with the good quality and nice material. This Exaco Trading Gaspo Sandbox Pavilion is known as the best product on Sandbox Toys. You can search with ASIN B004W2HU1O for more information. Online Buying the special deal offer to you. My daughter suggested this Exaco Trading Gaspo Sandbox Pavilion since it has the best price offer.. Online Finding for special of Exaco Trading Gaspo Sandbox Pavilion. We offer you with the best price Exaco Trading Gaspo Sand

I use this Exaco Trading Gaspo Sandbox Pavilion and think it is so good so I recommend this one to you. It also is available with best price. Do not hesitate this good chance. 

Rio Brands XCB202CB 01 Sports Anchor

We went to the beach with two beach umbrellas and only one sand anchor. The sand anchor did a great job of digging down deep into the sand and keeping the one umbrella firmly attached -- even in the breeze. We couldn't get the other umbrella (the one without a sand anchor) into the sand deep enough and it blew on to the people next to us, so we had to put that umbrella away.

VERY easy to use Rio Brands XCB202CB 01 Sports Anchor and does a great job. After I got home from the beach I ordered a second anchor for my other beach umbrella. Personally, I think it's a "must" for your beach umbrella.

A Note about my order: Although I ordered the one pictured (with a metal piece on top), they sent me the all-plastic version (twice), which I kept and works great. I would imagine they'd both work equally as well, but in all fairness this review truly pertains to the all plastic version which Amazon calls the "RIO Beach Sand Anchor for Beach Umbrellas". Even though my sand anchors are all plastic, they seem very sturdy and rigid. No problems.

Does this Beach Umbrella Anchor sound like you? You're planning a nice, relaxing trip to the beach. You've got all of your gear, including a super-duper beach umbrella. You get there, and you dig like mad to stick the umbrella into the sand, and then what happens? About 20 minutes later, you're running down the beach as your (formerly clean, pristine) umbrella topples end over end away from you. Children laugh and adults snicker as you drag what-used-to-be-a-nice-umbrella back up the beach. You need one device, my friends, and only one device - this sand anchor. I was dubious that such a small, simple corkscrew gizmo would work, but trust me, I'll be giving these away as gifts to fellow family beachgoers at Christmastime (and they're a tough crowd to please!!). Do yourself a favor, buy this and be happy!!

Coleman Road Trip Beach Shade

I purchased the Coleman Road Trip Beach Shade at Amazon prior to a family spring-break beach trip to Naples, FL. At the same time, I purchased the Sport-brella XL from Amazon. I used both on the trip.

The primary benefit to the Beach Shelters is that it packs up into a very small package. I haven't measured, but I would guess that it is 18 inches long (and only 6 inches tall / deep). It has a convenient handle to carry and weighs a few pounds (lighter than the beach chairs). The Beach Shade is a very good tent design and provides good shade at the beach. There are three collapsable poles that you need to push through sleeves in the tent. Once accomplished, the tent is up. Then, you have to anchor the tent with the stakes and / or sand bags. This tent is a piece of cake to setup with TWO people; it takes us about 15 minutes. It would challenging for one person to set this up-- especially if it was windy. When anchored properly, the tent isn't going anywhere. We used it on a windy day with no problem.

Advantage over Sport-brella
(1) More shade for a longer period-- given the "tent" design.
(2) Small size when packed up.
(3) Has a floor so you are not sitting in sand. The floor extends to the front of the tent.
(4) Can close front and use as "changing room."

Disadvantage over Sport-brella
(1) Harder to install than Sport-brella. Better to have two people install.
(2) Inside of tent gets hot.

Criticisms:

(1). Although it creates adequate shade, the inside of the tent gets pretty HOT. It was 85-90 degrees Farenheit at the beach. We needed to open the rear window in order to stand it-- which takes away from the shade. (We had no such problem with the sport-brella, but the Coleman is more of a tent).
(2). Rear window has open, 1/2 open, and closed. Given the heat issue, it would nice to have other options-- especially given that you must open the window due to heat.
(3). It would be really nice to have some smaller side or top windows like the Sport-brella.

Bottom line. I will definitely use the Beach Shade again. Our family requires two "cabanas," so we can use both the Sport-brella and the Beach Shade. If you only need one, I recommend the Sport-brella-- unless (1) you require the smaller size when packed up or (2) the ability to use it as a quick changing-room is appealing.

Honeywell Long Life QuietCare Purifier 17000

As someone who is highly allergic to cigarette smoke and other air pollutants and irritants, I purchased a round Honeywell HEPA air filter when it first came on the market several years ago. It still works well in the living room, but it is quite noisy even on its lowest setting.

This year I purchased another Honeywell air cleaner with a HEPA filter (Model 17400) for my bedroom because I had contacted bacterial pneumonia last year and wanted to make sure I did not get it again. Next, I purchased this Honeywell 17000 Air Cleaner (with HEPA filter) for use in a smaller bedroom which has been turned into a home office and library.

These Honeywell Long Life QuietCare Purifier 17000 really work! This winter I have not had a cold or flu. Also, this Honeywell Air Cleaner with HEPA filter is whisper soft, and I have had no problems with sleeping, working, reading, watching tv, or listening to music when it is running on the low and medium settings. I leave it on all the time, and I've found that it cleans the air best when the door is closed.

It has a convenient handle on the top, so I can move it to another room quite easily. Also, it is light enough that I can take it with me in the car if I want to use it away from home.

The prefilters last about 3-6 months, (and they can be vacuumed often if you have pets who shed). I change my HEPA filter every year, but you can wait 3 years to do so. These filters are easy to change. The Model 17000 is for a smaller room, and the Model 17400 is for a larger space.

Highly recommended for anyone on this Honeywell Air Purifier who has pets, who lives with or entertains people who smoke, and who is allergic to dust, molds, or pollens.

Goodman GSC130181 Air Conditioner SEER

I am now on my fourth Vornado brand fan in the house - I have had them for nearly 10 years, and have found them to be long-term reliable and probably the best fans I've ever owned.

Vornado makes quite a variety of fans, ranging from industrial models that you can put in a garage (which I have), down to smaller kitchen fans that are a bit louder but still put out just as much airflow as the more powerful models.

Two of my Goodman GSC130181 Air Conditioner SEER  ave run 24 hours a day for more than 3 years, with regular cleaning of the grill and air intake. So as far as brand value and quality, you can't get much better.

This specific 630B 3-speed fan is one of their mid-size models. It sits firmly on the floor with a large base, and the control knob is conveniently located on the side of base to fan arm. There are only three speed levels on this fan, vs. some of their other models that feature a steady dial giving you complete flexibility from off to high.

If I had to give this fan a "noise rating" - the low setting is completely unnoticeable after a few minutes and blends into the background - this is the setting I leave it on 24-hours a day. But if you want to move air rapidly, just move it up to medium or high and the noise level increases moderately (but I don't leave it on that setting after I have the temp where I want it).

For home use I recommend pointing this fan into areas where the a/c or furnace might not have the best coverage. You can save a lot of energy in heating/cooling your home due to the distance these fans can move air. Down a long hallway you can feel a strong blast of wind from this fan even on the lowest setting.

Highly recommended Goodman Air Conditioners - don't be afraid of the price, because you're going to have this fan for a long time to come with minimal cleaning. Snapping the front and back grill off is easy, and you can just vacuum out the dust that will gather after prolonged use. All four of my Vornados have lasted a minimum of 4 years with almost constant use, even in very dusty (garage) conditions.

Honeywell Compact Purifier Permanent HHT 011

When I first purchased the Honeywell Compact Purifier Permanent HHT 011 I was ecstatic at the thought that allergens, dust and other air contaminants would be filtered, especially for the price. My room is extremely dusty so I needed some sort of solution and I hoped that this was it.

For the first six months the purifier worked efficiently, or seemingly so. I ran the it, as recommended, 24 hours a day nonstop. When I'm not home I ran it on the high setting (there are three settings), medium when I was around and low when I slept. I cleaned both the outer filter and inner HEPA Air Purifiers regularly as a lot of contaminants were being filtered. I noticed a somewhat significant difference in the air quality of my room (11.5 x 8 ft) during this span.

After sixth months the purifier was rendered useless and actually made the air quality worse. The contaminant intake became less and less, the dust in my room begun accumulating faster (I still dust frequently) and the purifier's fan was blowing out unclean air - air that reeked heavily of dust.

I highly doubt that the HEPA filter is efficient forever and needs no replacement. It is charcoal grey and transmits little light when held to a light source (not sure if this is significant as compared to a car air filter test). I do as the manual suggests and vacuum it (more frequently than recommended) and I vacuum/wash the outer filter regularly. Another review mentioned that the purifier became filled with dust and grime over time; the same thing happened to mine, as evidenced when looking down the air vent. I tried to clean it out by blasting 180+ PSI of air with my air compressor, but it did nothing to help. The dust was very thick, almost lint like, and would not budge at all.

To make matters worse the purifier is fastened together by hexagonal security screws (I'm sure the average household does not have the required screwdriver). I recently bought the screwdriver and opened the purifier to clean it out, and found that the inside was a horrendous mess. Every surface and mechanism was layered with dust. The insides of the tubular fans were coated with dust as well. The task of carefully removing components to access all compartments for dusting was tedious and took some time. I've cleaned almost all of the contaminants from inside the purifier, but I am still very skeptical about using it again in fear that I will have the same problem again, perhaps in less time than before.

To sum it all up, this product was good for about six months until the inside of the purifier became festered with dust, and it was extremely tedious to remove it all. I'm not sure when this accumulation of dust began, or for how long the HEPA filter has been ineffective. The purifier does not filter all contaminants, instead sucking some into the interior and spitting it back into the air in my room.

With all of that being said, there are numerous positive reviews on this product; perhaps I am an unfortunate rare case. For the price I'd say it is definitely worth a try, but be cautiously optimistic if you decide to make the purchase.

SF 609 Portable Evaporative Cooler Ionizer

I use this SF 609 Portable Evaporative Cooler Ionizer in my home in Phoenix Arizona in an enclosed room with very little air circulation. It has kept me from becoming sweating over the course of the hot spring nights thus far, and that makes it worth the purchase. It's better than a fan, because a fan wouldn't reduce the temperature in my personal area like this device seems to. It basically cancels out the heat emanating from my computer and other devices. So as a result I don't overheat and am at a neutral sort of "room temperature" typically. It's not chilly, however. In my circumstances, at least, it doesn't provide that coldness you would expect from an AC unit set on 70. So if you have to have that, then I would advise a normal AC unit over this product. But this does prevent me from becoming a sweaty mess by the time I want to sleep. And for that reason I'm happy with it.

If you do use Portable Air Conditioners for say over 5 hours, it will slowly start to build up humidity in a room with little or no ventilation. But even that effect I find to be mild. I've had it go for 7 hours and all I noticed was a very slight dampness on the floor. My computer was fine, and everything electronic was unaffected. It did start to get balmy slowly after that point so I went ahead and opened my window for a bit. But it was only an inconvenience for the many hours of non-sweating it had provided.

My method for draining has simply been to place the unit on the side of my bathtub with one roller hooking onto that ledge, and to lean the other end slightly into the tub, and remove the cap: letting gravity do the rest. This does take a little strength to do, but It's quick and easy. My only complaint about the device is that It's cord is a bit short, about 8 feet long, and only barely reaches to my desk from the necessary socket across my room. Just something notable, but not anything you couldn't work around with an extension cable or something. Make sure to put a lot of ice into it, the instructions don't do justice to how much "2 liters or so" really is in reality! It's a good small buckets worth. That will last all night.

All in all an economic solution to being a sweaty mess in the desert nights.