About those sleepless nights and those dark circles...

This is a pleasant product which works at lessening dark circles under the eyes.  It is also recommended to improve wrinkles and puffiness.  We have tried this and we do like it, although we have not been able to determine if it actually does what it says it will do.  We can say that it is NICE stuff to use around your eyes.

It comes in a pump container, and our main complaint is that the pump puts out TOO MUCH PRODUCT, especially for a serum that costs about $100 per ounce!  Each pump puts out more than can be used on two eyes.  So far I've been adding the extra to the smile lines around my mouth and any dry areas elsewhere on my face.

But at this rate this serum will soon be gone, and until the manufacturer does something about this pump issue (and possibly the price), I won't in good conscience recommend that anyone purchase this.  I did receive this serum at no cost in exchange for my honest review, and here you have it.  #NaturelCommodity

If you must pack a bike pack, this is the bike pack you should pack

Miss Emmy is nothing if not gracious. Goodness gracious, what kind of HRH would she be were she not gracious? Just to demonstrate, she is ALLOWING her human to make a post here, on her royal fan page. Just this once, or maybe more often, if it means she does not have to type so much with her pretty paws.

Miss Emmy's human writes: "The Bicycle Pack by Jumaxis this set has everything I needed, plus a bit more. My husband and I have recently started riding our bicycle through the neighborhood in the evening, when the temperature starts to cool. By the time we're coming home, it's getting dark and I begin to worry about visibility. Although we have reflectors, we did not yet have lights on our bicycles.

Plus, I thought we should carry cell phones in case of any problem or accident, but neither of us had a safe place to put the cell phone on the bikes. (As it gets cooler, we can wear jackets with pockets and that WOULD solve the problem, but in HOT weather we were lacking decent, safe pockets).

This set contains a very sensible tube-mounted zipper bag system with a cell phone slot which makes glancing down at GPS or maps very easy. And of course, in a pinch, an emergency call is quick to make. The phone is protected by a plastic screen which is touch-sensitive. So it won't get wet or ruined in the rain, but you can still operate the touch screen.

There are zipper bags on either side, so you can also bring along other necessities... granola bars, first aid items... whatever you might need.

Then there are the front and rear lights which make you much more visible. And just for fun, Jumaxis throws in a sheet of reflective stickers. These can be used on your wheel edges, bike frame, or even your helmet.

Instead of having to shop for each of these things individually, just what you need comes in one handy package. Jumaxis provided this sample set for me to try and review, and right now it's my favorite thing -- my opinion and rating is not affected by receipt of the product. Plus, when I had a question about how the cell phone fits inside the pocket, I received an email reply right away.

In case you're wondering, it is very securely stowed in this pocket and secured by several backup systems. If you are confused about how it works (as I initially was), just notice that there's an extra flap stowed inside the pocket. Pull this out, and put the phone in. Then everything is secured by hefty velcro fasteners. Try this Bike Pack; you'll love it. It is available on Amazon here for just $14.99. #jumaxis

I would like to thank Miss Emmy for allowing me to express my opinion here on her royal page. She also kindly allows me to brush her daily and feed her special food. I am truly blessed.

A little vision help, please?

It is a sad fact of life that as we get older, it gets harder for us to see. One of my humans wears glasses all the time, and the other just uses what he calls "readers." I have never heard these reading to him, so he must be a bit confused.

 But, at any rate. Both humans apparently need some help under some circumstances. Miss Emmy advised them to try these "Fresnel Lens Plastic Magnifying Sheets," because they look so fun and also come with bonus free thingies.

First of all, when we ordered we automatically got a second set for free.

 Each set contains three lenses: a 7.5 X 10" Full page magnifier, a bonus pocket magnifier, and a ruler magnifier. The full page magnifying sheet magnifies 300%, which is excellent for reading newspapers, magazines, tiny classified ads, maps, and more.

 The medium-sized (ruler) lens is perfect to stash with the bills and the checkbook in your desk, and my humans even use it as a shield when writing self-duplicating checks.

The smallest lens will fit in your wallet or purse (just like a credit card), so you can whip it out and use it to scrutinize those tiny ingredient labels in the grocery store, or, in a pinch, focus the sunlight and start a warming fire in a *survival* situation in the woods (Miss Emmy does not approve of arson, so DON'T DO IT).

These lenses are reasonably priced and very useful, and my humans were glad to have received a sample from Epiphany Way to use and review. As always, our opinions have not been affected by receipt of the product. #Magniset

Mmmmm, Stem Cells for the Skin (from plant-based sources)

We love this cream. I have not used it long enough to determine if anything is *lifting,* but I have hope. I have tried three serums from I*Max, as well as two of their other creams, and none of them disappoint. As I've said in other reviews, I will not be going back to drug store formulas, and the quality of the I*Max product equals any I've purchased from my dermatologist (at much higher cost). The ingredients are lush and natural, and the cream feels wonderful on my skin. I*Max kindly sent a sample of the Wrinkle Reducing & Lifting Cream for me to try, and I love it as much as the other Serum Ceutical products I've tried. Receiving the product at no cost has NOT affected my opinion about the product. Even if you're not seeking to lift or reduce wrinkles, this is a luscious cream to use every day. #IMaxWrinkleReducingLiftingCream

When you need a high-power skin treatment, this is the bomb

Miss Emmy's Human has used AHA products for many years, and alpha hydroxy is especially useful for oily skin which is prone to breakouts. When she uses AHA consistently, her skin is clearer, less oily, and troublesome pores are less troublesome.

See her important discussion of this product here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5YcYyAJz9Q Glycolic Acid (AHA) 50% Serum helps 1. remove dead skin cells, 2. regenerate healthy skin, 3. lighten the skin tone, 3. reduce/remove age spots (Hyperpigmentation), 4. remove fine lines, 5. reduce deep wrinkles, 6. open clogged pores and reduce enlarged pores, 7. treat acne, 8. increased collagen and elastin growth (skin barrier repair), 9. treat effectively stretch marks, 10.improve texture and clarity of skin. #50%Glycolic(AHA-AlphaHydroxy)AcidSerumforChemicalP

This cream is deluscious!

Miss Emmy continues her quest for purrfect skin care.  Of course, as she has stated before, the very best skin care comes about from grooming one's fur with one's tongue.

But, barring fur and a tongue with a built-in brush, Something Must be Done, and this nummy cream is really the best.

It comes in a very generous 2.6 oz jar, and the package also includes a sweet little travel jar and a spatula for scooping out some cream for your trip.

Ceramide Moisturizing & Nourishing Cream is appropriate for all skin types, and while it is marketed for post peel care, it is also awesome for just every day moisturizing.

Miss Emmy's human uses it after her shower on days when she's not wearing makeup, and before bed after cleansing.  Since she has oily skin, she's not able to wear such rich cream during the day under her makeup.  She's also used it sparingly on the backs of her hands and loves the soft result.

This lovely cream can be purchased through Amazon here:  http://www.amazon.com/Ceramide-Post-Chemical-Peel-Soothing-Moisturizing-Cream/dp/B00WH1LSY2/, and we highly recommend it.  #ceramidefacialcream

We also appreciate MaxLife's generosity for sending us this sample in exchange for our impartial review.  What Miss Emmy means is, while this is not the best cream for lapping up with your dinner, it is pretty darned great on your human's furless mug.

If you would like to see what she has to say about this, check out her review on YouTube.

Purr-fect skin is hard to get

Especially if you do not have a specially-crafted feline tongue for combing and exfoliating.  Frankly, I find it difficult to understand why humans have so much trouble with their skin, and agonize over aging.

I mean, if you would simply GROW FUR like any sensible feline, this would not be a problem.

Ah.  So.  But who listens to me?  At least YOU do, dear reader!  Else why would you be here to absorb my inordinate wisdom?

At any rate, my human is very fond of what she calls AHA's.  Alpha Hydroxy Acids, glycolic acids, and even retinol creams.  She has very oily skin, large pores (does this mean she has even lower income than low-income people?  Why doesn't she eat CAKE?), and has struggled for nice skin for many, many years.

She has had very good success with serums and lotions which contain AHA's.  In fact, about a year ago, she noticed that her skin was beginning to feel rough, like sandpaper.  This happened mostly below her chin line and even on her neck.  She tried exfoliants and scrubs, and of course lots of moisturizer.  She mentioned this issue to her dermatologist, who actually suggested the problem was AGING SKIN (he probably wanted to recommend she grow fur, but didn't want to hurt her feelings).

Then she happened to remember some AHA cleansers and lotions she had put away, and (I kid --or kitten-- you not) there was vast improvement in this rough-feeling skin THE VERY NEXT MORNING.  And as long as she maintains an AHA regimen, this issue has not returned.

But since the products she pulled out of her cupboard were old and mostly gone, she's been looking for a new source of serums and lotions, and happened upon THIS

at Amazon.

If you haven't encountered the benefits of alpha hydroxy acids in the past,  you should know that they:

1. remove dead skin cells
2. regenerate healthy skin
3. lighten the skin tone
4. reduce/remove age spots (Hyperpigmentation)
5. remove fine lines
6. reduce deep wrinkles
7. open clogged pores and reduce enlarged pores
8. treat acne
9. increase collagen and elastin growth (skin barrier repair)
10. treat effectively stretch marks
11.improve texture and clarity of skin.

While using this serum, my human has noticed (and so has Miss Emmy) improvement with ALL of these issues, excepting stretch marks (because she fortunately doesn't seem to have those... yet).  She reports that use of AHA's definitely open her pores, reduce their size, and improve the texture of her skin.

If she's happy (and doesn't forget to feed me tuna), then I'm happy too.  We did receive this lovely serum at a deep discount in exchange for an honest report of our experience, and here it is.  If you too refuse to grow fur like a sensible feline, then at least order this stuff.  I can't promise you any hairballs, but you definitely won't feel like sandpaper.

Stay smooth.

Miss Emmy Dickins
dispensing sensible advice from underneath the bed #GLYCOLICACIDPEEL

Solid brass nozzle makes spraying purrty easy

This little brass nozzle is just right for the grip-challenged.  We are tired of holding those handle thingies that only spray when you grip them, and which also leak too much.

Not that Miss Emmy actually waters anything, OR holds a hose for that matter.

But She DOES have an interest in the appearance of her royal abode, so appreciates when her human waters the flowers and sprays off the concrete.  The report is that this nozzle makes that job much easier, and that it also makes a very powerful spray that assists in washing the car.

Of course, I could care less about the car, because I'm never in it, unless I'm going to the vet.  Which makes me care about it even LESS.

However, if one must GO, one must look presentable, so having a clean car is also a plus.

I guess.

So, anyway, the story is that this nozzle will spray hard or soft.  It's very adjustable.  It's solid brass, and will work in all temperatures.  There is a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.  However, I think this satisfaction is related to the performance of the nozzle, not my human, about which they can probably do little.

Even so, we are pleased, and have decided to recommend.  Oh, and also, it comes with two pretty cute extra washers.  Apparently, these do NOT wash things.  Go figure.  But Human says they are very good to have, so I guess it's OK.  You can buy this nozzle here.  To read more about this nozzle and its awesome company, check out this page.  #AlphaHomeProducts

Yes, Miss Emmy acquired this nozzle at a discount provided she would try it out (read:  HAVE SOMEONE try it out), and then report on its efficacy.  So there it is.

Stay fresh, and keep spraying.
Not that kind of spray, you Neanderthal.

Use the nozzle!

ATB,
Miss Emmy Dickins

Miss Emmy says "Meh"

Well, we ordered these.  Yes we did.

They look sooo purrty, and my human thought she would have a whole set to use in her trailer.

So, we did get these at a discount if we would do an honest review, and here it is.

"Meh."

I mean, they are pretty.  My human says they do not hurt her hand, because the handles are comfortable.

And, although they won't hang from a hook, they do stand on their bottoms very purrtly, and that's a plus.

But they are bulky, and will take up a lot of room, so they won't work in a small trailer or in a kitchen that doesn't have a lot of drawer space.

And although they are advertised as "premium" and "stainless steel," there is not a lot of stainless steel.  There is some stainless steel enclosed in plastic, so the tools are only as durable as is the plastic.  So we can't say how these will do in the long run.

On the bright side, I can see how these might make a suitable bridal shower gift for that friend who always loves pretty things but very seldom uses them.  For that person, these would be perfect, and you can order them here.  #VintageKitchenGadgetSet

Miss Emmy keeps it real.

ta!

Very Purr-ty Window Film with Purrpose

OK. I love lying in the sun.

 I really, really do. I also love lying in the sun and grooming until I get a nice, thick hairball to hack onto the carpet. I know. Not many have this talent, but I have it down to a science.

But what I don't like is getting sun in my eyes when I'm trying to sleep. And my cozy little royal bed stays on the dresser, in front of the window, where I can groom and sun myself (and hack) when I'm not dispensing advice from under the bed. So there are times during the day when there is TOO MUCH sun, and it is TOO BRIGHT.

My human devised a lovely solution.

She bought this purrrty window film, but she didn't want to apply it directly to the window, because of my need to groom and hack for most of the day. You know, in the sun.

 So we decided we needed a portable purrty thing that we could put up to block the sun when it began to annoy me. Also, when it reflected in a mirror and threatened to blind my human, but that's not important. This is all about ME, after all.

Anyway, my human applied the film to the glass inside a picture frame. She used cotton cord behind the glass and under the clamps, since of course putting the cardboard backing back in would not make any sense at all, even for a mere human. So we can place this in the window to block that nasty sun and move it to other windows if we need to.

The result is just beyootiful. Miss Emmy likes it very much. We think you can use this purrty film on your window, or in a picture frame, or even on glass candle holders for something very stunning.

My human received this purrty film at a discount in exchange for her unbiased review. I AM biased of course, but that's who I am. She's reasonably honest, silly thing. Oh, and if you want some too, you can order it here, in many different and purrty colors.

So that's my story and I'm sticking to it.  You know, like window film.

Oh, and #windowfilm.

Sincerely,

Miss Emmy Dickins
writing without prejudice from under the bed

Very Purrposeful Oven Mitts

Miss Emmy thinks these mitts are freakin' awesome.

Granted, they are WAY too big to fit on her dainty little paws, (and there are only two of these mitts and as we all know, Miss Emmy has FOUR paws), but even so, these mitts are really neat.

If only I knew how to start a fire, I could really have some fun with these.

Provided they covered all of my fur, that is.

Anyway, my human has tried these out and SHE loves them.  

• They are better than typical oven mitts for taking heavy, hot things out of the oven.
• They have a good grip.
• There is no wrong glove for either hand.  Both mitts fit either hand.
• They are very heat resistant.  
• They can be machine washed in cold water.
• They have a nice cotton liner that is comfortable.

My human wants to keep a pair of these in her trailer (so she ordered two pair).  She is a campfire-building aficionado, and plans to use these gloves when adding wood to her fire, or shifting already burning logs.  She will report back to me (and I will report back to you) how well they perform this task.

If you'd like to get your own pair, you can order them here.  If you don't want to order two pair (like we did), you can keep one glove at home and take one camping (if you are wilderness people like we -- ahem -- some people in our family are).  Of course, since we are brilliant lifestyle consultants, we received one set of these at a discount in exchange for a sensible and thoughtful review.  Just so you know, you know.  #culinarycouture

Keep it real, peeps.  These gloves are hot.

Sincerely,

Miss Emmy Dickins

Purr-loin these Hammock straps!

This post is about hammock straps.  Honest.

My human is the most bendy, most wimpy non-feline you have ever seen.  While I spend NO time doing exercise and can bend in any direction I wish, and can scratch down a sheet of wall paper in a flash, she works constantly at fitness, and her greatest accomplishment is "Downward Dog" (shudder)!

She has this contraption called a yoga trapeze, and she does all kinds of non-sensible things with it, like hang upside down and do back bends.

Honestly.

The very thought makes me wish I had a hairball up with which to hack.

But anyway, this thing seems to entertain her, and I've heard her lament that she has no way to use it when she travels in her trailer.

Then she got the bright idea to try these "hammock straps."  She is very convinced they will help her attach her trapeze to nearby trees so she can hang upside down while listening to birds chirp, or some such nonsense.  (I mean, who would prefer *listening* to birds chirp when you could be chomping on their tiny, delicious little bones?)

She likes that these straps are long and strong, and they have many loops along their length so she can simply attach her hammock with carabiners (included) without having to worry about tying or untying knots.

She has even suggested that these can be used as yoga straps for stretching.  Wrap one around your paw -- I mean foot -- loop your paw -- I mean your forearm -- through an appropriate loop on either side of the strap and stretch that leg out.  (Do this if you're non-feline and therefore are incapable of tying yourself into a knot for your own grooming entertainment.)

My human has bundled these straps back into their handy little bag with their two very strong carabiner slips, and has it tucked into her trailer to try out on her very next trip.  My conscience (and the FCC) requires that I mention that my human received these straps at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review (#FNOVA).  I have to admit being biased about everything, so will probably get into trouble somehow.  However, the straps are good.

So there.

Stay bendy, people.

Sincerely,

Miss Emmy Dickins
writing without prejudice from under the bed

Avoid Purr-plexity of Disposable K-cups

Let us all just face this right now:  my human is a coffee addict and that's all there is to it.  She once confessed that she sometimes dreams about sucking on coffee beans.

I know.

But let's move on.

She has expressed a desire for a Keurig-type coffee maker to use in her trailer when she travels.  The idea is that she can make one very good cup of coffee, brewed directly into her stainless thermal flask, and can then sip on that said beverage without having the mess of a pot to deal with or a filter to throw away.

But the drawback is the expense and environmental consequences of those plastic K-cups.  Ever notice how even the most squeaky of enviro-types manages to fly *their* private jets while critiquing others about their carbon footprint?

Well.

None of THAT for MY human.  It's either figure out the sensible way to do it, or not do it at all.

To that end, to meet her coffee bean sucking... I mean, coffee drinking goals while traveling, she has ordered the "Caffe Verde Reusable/Refillable K-cup Filter Starter Kit" offered by The Friendly Barista.

The nice thing about this starter kit is that it includes a "carafe" filter as well, sized for 4-6 cups of coffee.

The filters are stainless steel for longevity, and top-rack dishwasher safe.  Ah, so.  No more paper filters to throw away.

Environment, you're welcome.

My human is still shopping for the perfect coffee-maker.  She does not want a huge system for her travel trailer, and has been tempted to try the more compact knock-offs advertised at discount stores.  While she explores reviews and feedback on these machines, she would appreciate any comments or insights those who have experienced the smaller coffee makers might provide.

We will report back once we've been able to make use of these charming little items, which we received at a discount in return for our thoughtful review.

In the meantime, stay out of those personal jets and take up bicycling.

Easy for me to say, writing from under the bed.  But that's just what I do, so get over it.

Sincerely,
Miss Emmy Dickins
Premier Lifestyle Consultant

Purrfectly Cute Little Cocktail Shaker

Well, it has been a while since Miss Emmy has had anything to say.  However, lately she realizes she has been falling behind on her very important job as lifestyle consultant, so she once again began to advise her human on how to improve her life.

Of course, I continue to maintain my counseling sessions from underneath the bed, but I do believe I've advised her well in this circumstance.

I suggested she obtain the Premium Cocktail Shaker Set by Shikshook, and it seems this has been a great boon to the household.  The package was received with great excitement and everyone (except me, of course) gathered around to see what was inside.  This is what was included:

This is a very pretty cocktail shaker.  The stainless steel is very polished, it has two pourer outer thingies for liquor bottles, and two measure thingies as well.

It also comes with a pretty black velvet bag for storing:

And a sweet thank you note from the sending people:

These nice Shikshook people also gave us access to 100 recipes for cocktails (I wanted to try all of them right away, but my human thought 100 cocktails might be too much all in one session).

Although I want to keep this pretty thing under the bed with me, my human says she wants to keep it in its velvet bag and take it with her when she travels in her little trailer.  (I know nothing about this trailer, since I don't approve of travel as a lifestyle, so I cannot remark on this dubious decision, except to say that the Shikshook shiny bits would have been fun to keep with me here in the dark.)

I'm experiencing a bit of a snark, because I haven't had even one cocktail.  That said, I can't complain.  These nice people sent this pretty shaker to us for free so we could examine it carefully and decide if we liked it or not.  Although I don't get to keep it with me under the bed, I decided it's pretty neat and I approve of it purrfectly.  

Posted with great sincerity by your premier lifestyle consultant (writing from under the bed).

Stay real, peeps.

Miss Emmy Dickins