Clearview's Headlamp Shines Light on Awesome Opportunity!

Property of Ashleigh Mayes-Davidson 2015

If you're even remotely familiar with my personality, you're not surprised to hear that I'm a little extreme. I always "go big or go home" in everything: my art, my written papers, my love of animals...everything! When I picked up film photography about six months ago, I decided that urban exploring was something that I wanted to get into since the grain and contrast of black and white film lent itself so well to the subject matter. After a few times of exploring with no preparation, I decided that I needed to gather a few items to make the exploration easier (and safer). When I was offered the opportunity to review Clearview's Headlamp, I was super excited! I've always wanted to use this type of light, and now, I could have a practical use for it! Sure it's cool on its own...but when you can use it actively, it take on a whole new light...(get it??)!

The very first thing that I noticed about the headlamp was that the light is small. However, after turning it on, I realized that the size is deceiving. This light can shine BRIGHT! The LED aspect of this lamp is AWESOME because it's a huge amount of light in a small, compact, lightweight source.

The next observation that I made was that the band is elastic AND adjustable with a buckle so literally ANYONE can fit it! The material is lightweight, soft, and breathable while holding the light firmly in place. I didn't experience any slipping or falling or pain in using the headlamp.

The bonus light that goes on the back is fantastic, too! I don't use mine on the back personally. I use it as a hand light and I think it works marvelously! It's just as bright as the headlamp and is very easy to hold.

Overall, the entire lamp is very easy to assemble and wear. It's very handy for when you're exploring dark buildings and other places because of it's awesome range and shine power! I'd highly suggest it if you're looking for a quality item at a great price!

Comment below for your chance to win your own Clearview Headlamp Set! What would you use this awesome tool for??

A Bit of a Look Into My Profession...CraftyCroc Liquid Chalk Markers Review

Hello, again, everyone! Being a product reviewer is fantastic for those on a budget, because often, you can get something that you normally wouldn't be able to buy in exchange for your honest opinion. This can serve you well when it comes to finding new solutions to your problems (example: pet odor cleaner), experiencing new conveniences (portable battery chargers, travel pillows, etc), and even in the gift giving season (essential oils, beard conditioners, and so on).

However, nothing, and I mean NOTHING, compares to having to budget for a classroom. It's difficult. Typically, state frameworks say "do this, this, and this" and the school decides how much money you have to do that with. Let's consider my class sizes. They range anywhere from 10-25. For the purpose of this example, we'll say 20 students is average. Daily, I have a class of 5th and 6th graders that come once a week. That's a different class every day. That's ten classes of 20 kids. That, alone, is 200. 7th and 8th grade are a bit different. They come to art every day, but for nine weeks. I get a new group of each 7th and 8th grade four times a year. Take 15, and multiply it by 8 classes. That's 120. This gives us a rough estimate of 320 kids. The budget that my school gives me has to provide daily and weekly art for 320 kids. As a product reviewer AND teacher, when I see the opportunity for us to try something new and exciting, on as little cost as possible, I TACKLE IT!

Protect Your Jewelry with Active Rings!

Recently, I was offered the opportunity to review a product that I had never seen before. In exchange for my honest opinion, I was sent Active Rings. Active Rings are for those who lead an active lifestyle, and have wedding jewelry that risks being broken at the gym or during physical activity. However, my interest in the jewelry alternative was in being an artist and an art teacher. Many times, I have to take my rings off due to mess. If I don't, my rings get extremely dirty, and it's an extra step to have to clean them. 

Now, in my opinion, you shouldn't need a ring for honesty reasons. If I'm at the gym, and a guy approaches me, I TELL him I'm married, regardless of if my rings are on or not. I don't think that's the purpose of the product. I DO think that it helps to avoid awkward situations. If you're approached by someone who's interested in you and they don't see a ring, they may think it's ok to "make moves". Having the Active Rings band there, while not having the purpose of keeping you honest, helps you to avoid these awkward conversations with someone who may have their hopes up.

For me, I work in clay and ink mostly. My Active Rings serve as a memory tactic. I have an AWFUL memory, and looking down at my Active Ring while I'm cleaning up an art mess is a memory boost as to where I've put my real wedding set. Sculpey clay leaves a sticky residue while kiln-fired clay has a grit to it that will damage metal over time.

As a product, I think the idea is useful and innovative. The product itself is made of high quality rubber. I say "high quality" because I feel that it would be difficult to cut the rubber, even with scissors. The rubber is thick and the colors are very vibrant. They aren't dull and they're easily seen from a distance. As far as sizing goes, I wear a size 7.75 in rings. I was sent a size 7-8. The Active Ring fit my hand perfectly, but I was curious as to how it would fit on a finger about 3/4 of a size bigger, so I put it on my middle finger. The rubber stretched, but as you can see from the picture, it left an indention. I did try to stretch one of the rings, and I think with enough stretching, you could adjust the size permanently. When released from stretching, the band went back to it's size and shape. Sizing-wise, I think the measurements are accurate as to what it will fit. 

I would highly suggest this product to my gym and art loving friends! It's very useful, especially if you're as forgetful and messy as I am!