AKVIS OilPaint Review #akvis

Hi,hi!

Thank you for being here. I hope you enjoy my review of this truly awesome photo to painting software.

This software takes a regular picture and very quickly turns it into an oil painting!  It is really quite simple to do and there are many options to choose from, such as brush strokes, intensity, and thickness.  Or if one chooses, they can use the preset function. 
AKVIS OilPaint is available as a standalone program and as a Photoshop plugin.

I used the preset oil and canvas setting.  As they say the proof is in the puddin'.  So.. behold the before and after pictures!

This picture was taken by Fabrizzio with my phone.

Although, I did crop it a bit, this is the picture using AKVIS Intense oil and canvas option.

There are just oodles of options with this software.  Anyone from a novice photographer to a professional could make many enjoyable pictures and it is fun to see how just changing one option changes the whole picture.

One can even add text!

I'm tellin' ya kids this is one of the neatest photo software I have used.  I see many hours of enjoyment from this!

One may purchase AKVIS Oil Paint on their website.
Find them on Facebook 

One can see a screen shot of what the program looks like on my Instagram

WISHING MUCH LOVE AND HAPPINESS TO YOU ALL!!

VICKI  


  I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Mincing Garlic Just Got Easier! #garlicpress

Hi,hi!

I hope today finds you well.  The product I am reviewing for you today will help make it easier to add "good for you" food into your cooking!

Who can resist the smell of garlic as it cooks in ones food?  But, to have the smell of it linger on ones hands... meh.. not so much!

The Stainless Steel Propresser Garlic Press really makes the job of mincing garlic effortless.  One can even mince it without peeling it.  Just drop in a piece of clove give a little squeeze and Presto-Chango minced garlic!

There is even a little basket that one drops the garlic into, so after the garlic is pushed through just flip the mincer over and any part of the clove left behind comes right out.  

I had, or thought I had, a garlic press from a popular home party company.  That is until I got my hands on this beauty.  From the minute you pick it up, you can feel the quality of it.  It is heavy duty and made to last.  What happened to my old garlic press?  It is now a play-doh toy.. good luck with that kids!

This oh-you're-gonna-love-me peeler is made by Orblue
Visit them on Facebook

One may purchase Propresser Garlic Press at Amazon.
They are rated #1 in Garlic Presses.

WISHING MUCH LOVE AND HAPPINESS TO YOU ALL!!

VICKI 


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Ice! #sphereicemold

Hi,hi!

I want to take this opportunity to Thank You for stopping by!  I appreciate you being here and allowing me to share the awesome things I get to review with you.

The product up for review today is... wait for it... wait for it... ICE BALL MOLDS!  No, not that kind of mold.. silly... molds that turn your ole' ordinary ice cubes into cute, fun looking balls of ice!

The funnel that comes with the molds make them quite easy to fill and they seem to freeze fairly quick.  I just filled them and sat them in my freezer door, where I knew they had a better chance of not getting knocked over.

When using these ice balls, one needs to be aware of the opening of the glasses they are going to use, as the rim of the glass does need to be fairly wide.  These are advertised as being great for whiskey drinkers.  I can only attest to them being great for water, Dr. Pepper and Pepsi.  Ha!

I found that the ice melts slower, which I like because ones drink does not get watered down as fast.

As I have stated before, I often look for other ways to use items, and I used the ice balls for an ice pack around my neck.  It worked out really great!

These large deluxe sphere ice molds come 3 to a pack, the funnel is included and may be purchased at Amazon.  I think you will really like these, so you may want to go ahead and order more than one, especially if you are planning any kind of get together.

WISHING MUCH LOVE AND HAPPINESS TO YOU ALL!

VICKI

  I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

#1 Rated Travel Towel Microfiber by Shandali

Hi,hi!

Wow, fall has came early to Ohio!  It has been in the 60's here all week.  That is cray-cray for the month of July!  But, I am not complaining, not one little bit.  After leaving behind temperatures of over 100 in Ecuador, this cool weather is a welcomed blessing!  

As I blogged earlier, in certain areas of Ecuador I sweat non stop.  I was so glad that I had been wise enough to take along my Travel Towel.  This towel never left me.  Have towel, will travel!  And, because it is microfiber it dried very fast and had no mildew smell.

Another plus is; it is so light and can be folded up quite small  one is not incumbered by carrying it.  

I even took it to the beach with me, and because there are no loops in the material, sand did not get stuck to the towel.  With regular beach towels, one has to do a whole lotta' shakin' to get the sand out of it.

This towel also has a loop (see picture) sewn on it, so that is really handy for being able to hang it up, just able anywhere.

Because it is so absorbent, it also makes a nice towel for drying ones hair.  I use it quite often to dry off all over after showering.  It works great!  And, takes up so much less space in the laundry.  And, also way, way, way less space in ones linen closet.

These towels would be great for campers, hikers, those that work outside in hot temperatures.  This would even make a great towel for drying off an infant.  I just can't think of anyone that wouldn't get a lot of use from this towel.  It comes in two sizes, I have it in medium.  I hope to have more of them!  I love them that much.

This Microfiber Travel Towel may be purchased at Amazon. 

WISHING MUCH LOVE AND HAPPINESS TO YOU ALL!!

VICKI

Back-To-School Giveaway Palooza Blogger Opp

Signups are now open for 

The Back-to-School Giveaway Palooza Event

Organized by Michelle @ Failing Perfect

 

 Signups Close at 8 PM EST on August 11th.

Event will take place August 15th - August 30th.

Open to residents of the United States.

One winner takes all: Amazon Kindle Fire HD, $100 Target Gift Card, Backpack full of school supplies, plus more.

Free Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest Link for posting giveaway. Must promote 3x weekly on social media accounts.

Additional links, host pages, co-host spots are available.

SIGN UP HERE

 PLEASE TELL THEM VICKI FROM DRAGONFLY TALES SENT YOU.  THANKS!

Rainbow Joy! #rainbowrefill

Hi,hi!

How are ya'll doin?  I saw a quote the other day that pretty much sums up how I feel. "I am not in competition with anyone, I hope we all win"!   Some days, just being able to get out of bed in the morning, I think.. WINNER!!  Bahahaha!!

I really did feel like I hit the jackpot when I opened up the box from Amazon to find  5,400.. yes... you read that right... 5,400  brightly colored rubber bandz and clips from Rainbow Bandz! 
The colors included are Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Pink, Purple, Orange, Black and White.  

Each color comes individually bagged, and believe me you will want to just start tearin' open those bags and start making bracelets, but...Take a breath and Calm Down.  Ha!  You'll still have time to make stuff after you have organized the colors in the Rainbow Bandz Organization Box that you were keen enough to think ahead and order.  :)  Oh, and while you are at it, you will also want to order the Rainbow Bandz Loom Kit.  So, now you are all set!  Start up that loom!  

Now, of course if you already have another kind of loom, these bands will work with it as well.  I'm just sayin, if one is a "newbie" these are all products I have reviewed, and found them to be high quality.

One may purchase Rainbow Bandz Loom Refill Pack 
 at Amazon.

WISHING MUCH LOVE AND HAPPINESS TO YOU ALL!!

VICKI






I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Italian 1 Language Learning Course Review #pimsleuritalian

 Hi,hi!  Ciao,ciao!

 I hope today finds you well and happy!  I gotta be honest and tell ya I'm a little out of sorts today, as one of my grandchildren isn't feeling well, and I'm sure many of you can relate to that!  If one of my chicks isn't well, it sends me into a tail-spin until they are recovered, and then all is right in my world again!

What I am reviewing for you today, can open up a whole new world for ya!  It is the Pimsleur Italian Language Learning Course.
I was really happy to review this, as going to Italy is on our "to do" list, and after my trip to South America, I can tell ya, there are just some words you need to know in the country you are traveling in.

This course comes on CD's that one listens to every day for about 1 hour.  It is designed to feel like one is actually having a conversation with another person, as you verbally repeat back what is said to you.  It is also designed in such a way as to trigger your memory to recall the words you learned.  It really is exciting to see how much you retain.  Of course, one listens to the CD as many times as necessary to learn all the words offered on that CD.

I also used Pimsleur Spanish before going to Ecuador.  I feel Pimsleur is a great way to learn another language.  

If you or someone you know is taking a foreign language class in school, I would suggest you also purchase the Pimsleur Learning Course to aid in the learning process, they offer many languages.  All available through Amazon.

One may purchase Pimsleur Italian Level 1 Learning Course on Amazon.

WISHING MUCH LOVE AND HAPPINESS TO YOU ALL!

VICKI 








I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Adovia Exfoliating Facial Sea Salts- Dead Sea Salt Exfoliating Crystals Review #adovia

 

Hi,hi!

I have officially been home 1 week, and I am sorta, kinda starting to feel settled back in, although... I still have some laundry to do.  Blah!  I have been catching up on my sleep, so I haven't needed many clothes anyway.  Ha!

However, there are just some things one cannot put on hold and that is ones skin care.  No matter how tired I am, I still do some type of skin care, even if it is just using a cleansing wipe.

This week I had a chance to try out Adovia Exfoliating Crystals.  As with other Adovia products I have reviewed, this is Sea Salts from the Dead Sea.  When I opened the jar, it looked so much like finely milled salt, I was tempted to taste it.  :)












This product is designed for people with oily skin.  I just scooped a little out with a small plastic spoon onto a wet sponge and worked it in gentle circles around my face.  

If one does not have oily skin, they can mix the crystals with a little olive oil and use the exfoliate that way.

After I removed the dead skin cells, I used Adovia Serum to moisturize my face and neck.

My face feels smooth and has a healthy look to it.  Exfoliates remove the dead skin layer which brightens up ones face.  

I use several Adovia skin care products and think they are just awesome.

One may purchase Adovia Exfoliating Crystals at Amazon.

WISHING MUCH LOVE AND HAPPINESS TO YOU ALL!

VICKI 



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Rainbow Bandz Loom Kit Review #loomkit

Hi,hi!

Whew, although I had a wonderful time in Ecuador, it was "good to touch the green, green grass of home"!   

Sandy beaches... cornfields... sandy beaches... cornfields... Ha!  Ohio, isn't really home either, as I was raised in West Virginia, but I have gotten spoiled by the conveniences of where I reside in Ohio.  One can be several great places in 30-40 minutes, but hey.... my West Virginia family has two Wal-Mart's they can be at in 30 minutes!  When one lives in the country, it's the little things!  So.... they put on their camo      :)   Blahahaha!  I love you Mommy, and you always dress purty.  <3

My parents live so far out, they do not even have city water, they have a cistern and have to haul water in, in this big tank on the back of their truck.  And gasp, they have no internet.  Of course being a blogger/reviewer, I am an internet junkie, so I'm all like what am I gonna do with myself while I'm there!

Thanks to Rainbow Bandz I have a new hobby.  

This loom kit comes with everything you need to make over 20 bracelets!  But, you will want to make way more than that, so be sure and pick up the refill pack when ordering the Loom Kit.

Here is what is included in the kit:

Rainbow Bandz kit includes: 
- 1 Super durable loom
- 1 Hook with base opener
- 600 silicone latex free rubber bands
- 24 S-clips

**Non toxic, Lead and Latex Free**

I like that these bands are latex free, as latex can be an issue for some people.

One may purchase Rainbow Bandz Loom Kit at Amazon.

WISHING MUCH LOVE AND HAPPINESS TO YOU ALL

VICKI 
  I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Omega 3 Krill Oil - a Step up!

Hi,hi!

How are ya'll doin?  I am doing great.  

I will be spending July 4th in Ecuador, but I came prepared with my red, white and blue!  There is also a group of expats that live in Manta that are having a dinner, but as this will be my last night in Manta, I think we will just hang out on the beach until time to get the bus for the 9 hour bus ride to Esmeraldas. where we will  spend a few days with Fabrizzio's  family before heading back to the States on the 8th.  

Speaking of the beach: we saw a whale and Fabrizzio said, "the whale eat krill". It struck me as funny because he had no idea I was writing a review on Krill Oil  :}  I thought, if it's good enough for the whales... it's good enough for me.   ha!!!!!!!!

Krill oil is a big step up from just regular fish oil capsules.  One gets more of the important Omega 3 oils that have been proven heart healthy.  

I also do not (excuse the unlady like word)  :)  "burp" up a fishy taste with the krill oil like I do with just regular fish oil. 

Read more about this company at their website
One may purchase #1 Krill Oil  on Amazon.

WISHING MUCH LOVE AND HAPPINESS TO YOU ALL!

VICKI





I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Premium 6ft Universal Power Cord Review

Hi,hi!


Today's post is electrifying!  :)  

I have had "extention" cords before, but never have I had a Power Cord such as the one I reviewed by Solid Cordz.

It is very thick, one can tell it is heavy duty.   This standard power cord is designed to work with most PCs, monitors, scanners, printers and other devices that use the 3-pin shroud power connector. Cables are fully rated for 125 volt/10 Amp applications.

These come with a no questions ask money back guarantee. 


Premium 6 ft Universal Power Cord may be purchased at Amazon.

WISHING MUCH LOVE AND HAPPINESS TO YOU ALL!

VICKI 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Yacon Syrup PREMIUM Review

Hi,hi!

I hope today finds you well and happy!  Sometimes one must find their own happiness and sometimes, it is staring us right in the face, just waiting for us to open our eyes to see it!  Sure, some days are going to be rough.  I still have days that I bawl my eyes out over the death of my brother.  But, always in my life there is someone that brings a ray of sunshine to my day.  I know there are some that are not blessed with a close family like mine, but perhaps you could be someones ray of sunshine :)  If no one is your sunshine, you be someones sunshine!  

As, I am still in Ecuador, I cannot understand what is being said to me except for the word "facebook"   ha!  I then hand the person my phone and motion for them to type their information into my phone.  I say nothing, but I convey happiness and friendship through my actions and they ask to be Facebook friends.  We all can do this!  I have been treated very good in Ecuador the people are very accepting of "foreigners".  

The product I am reviewing today is actually grown in South America.  It is a sweet potato like root veggie from which Yacon Syrup comes.  Yacon has many benefits. 

Here are some of the company claims:

• 100% pure organic Yacon syrup has shown to assist in weight management, increase fiber intake and promotes good bowel function.
• Other benefits include: Lowers blood sugar. Prevents and controls hyperglycemia (over activity). Restores renal activity. Good source of antioxidant.
• High in prebiotics and probiotics, this syrup contains up to 50% of FOS (fructooligosacharides). It has been found that consumption of FOS does not increase blood glucose, and helps boost your bodies metabolism.
• Naturally grown and sourced from the fields in Peru. Certified Organic ingredients from one of the best Yacon farms in Peru.
• 100% pure raw organic syrup formula with no added perservatives. Bottled and tested in a FDA certified GMP facility in the USA

One may purchaseYacon Syrup on Amazon
Visit their Website here

WISHING MUCH LOVE AND HAPPINESS TO YOU ALL!

VICKI

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.