Candle Warmer/Candle Lamp review

Candle warmer

After much consideration and research, I finally invested in a Candle Warmer/Candle Lamp, and I’m really enjoying it! I’m especially thankful that I found one I like during this season of great sales—because who doesn’t love a good deal? 😄

Here’s my take on the pros and cons:

Pros:

• No soot: Unlike traditional candle burning, the warmer eliminates black soot buildup, keeping the air and candle jars clean.
• No smoke or soot from extinguishing the candle ensures a cleaner and more pleasant experience.
• Enhanced fragrance: The warmer melts the candle evenly, releasing a stronger and more consistent aroma throughout the room.
• Quiet: It’s completely quiet—there are no crackling wicks or background noise, making it perfect for peaceful relaxation.
• Timer feature: This prevents over-melting your candle and helps conserve its lifespan. (mine's come with 2hour, 4hours and 8hour settings)
• Control over melting speed: With adjustable light intensity, you can control how fast or slow you want the candle to melt. (mine's has 3 settings)
• Safe and fire-free: No flames mean no worries about fire hazards! You can enjoy the ambiance of your candle without the risks of working with an open flame.
• Heats evenly—unlike candles that rely on properly placed wicks, warmers melt the wax evenly. Say goodbye to candle tunnelling!

Cons:

• No "burnt candle" scent: If you love the slightly smoky scent that comes from burning candles, this might feel like a missing piece.
• No sound: While the quiet operation is a pro for some, others may miss the ambient crackling sound of a candle wick burning.
• Requires a container to hold the wax—standalone candles can drip wax onto the base without one.
• Not ideal for every candle type: Some candles with a lower concentration of fragrance oils might not release much scent when melted on a warmer. This could lead to a less aromatic payoff.
• Requires a power source: Unlike traditional candles, which can be placed anywhere, a candle warmer needs to be plugged in, limiting where it can be used.
• Limited ambiance: While it’s great for releasing fragrance, a candle warmer lacks the warm, flickering glow of a lit candle that creates a cozy atmosphere.

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Candle warmers don't burn the wick, I used a pre burned candle here

What to Look for in a Candle Warmer/Lamp

After extensive research, I realized that not all candle warmers are created equal. There are several types out there, and selecting the right one can be a bit overwhelming. Based on my experience, here are the key features I think are worth considering:

1. Timer Feature:
   Look for a lamp with a built-in timer to prevent over-melting your candle. It ensures you don’t waste wax and allows you to safely “set it and forget it.”

2. Adjustable Height:
   This is especially useful to accommodate candles of varying sizes—whether it’s a large jar candle or a smaller one.

3. Sturdy Base:
   Stability is key! A sturdy base will prevent your candle from toppling over and causing potential accidents. Candle Warmers will liquify your wax, so it is extremely important to have one that is stable, solid and well-built.

4. Adjustable Light Intensity:
   Having control over the strength of the light allows you to customize how much of the candle you want to melt, giving you the ability to stretch the candle's lifespan and adjust the fragrance release.

5. High-Quality Materials:
   Opt for a warmer made from glass, wood, or metal. These materials are safer as they don’t overheat or pose fire risks like some plastic components might.

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Investing in a Candle Warmer/Candle Lamp has genuinely been a game-changer for how I enjoy my candles. While there are a couple of small trade-offs, the benefits far outweigh them, especially if you value cleaner air, stronger scents, and a more controlled way to enjoy your candles.

If you’re a candle lover like me, I highly recommend exploring your options and finding one that works for you! You just might fall in love with the experience too. 😊

Score: 10/10
Website: Amazon has the best selection available.

McDonald's Baked Peach Pie review

Peaches are one of my all-time favourite fruits, so when I heard that McDonald's was offering Peach Pies for a limited time, I was very excited! As someone who loves trying new seasonal menu items, I couldn't wait to get my hands on one of these pies and see how it compares to their classic apple pies.

McDonald's Peach Pie

Impressions

Gooey & Moist:

Right off the bat, the texture of the Peach Pie stood out to me. It was much gooier and more moist than the usual apple pies McDonald's offers. The filling had a soft, almost jam-like consistency that added a rich, luscious feel to each bite.

the pie couldn't hold its shape

Fragrant Peach Flavor:
The peach filling wasn’t overwhelmingly sweet, which I appreciated. Instead, it had a beautiful, fragrant peach flavour that came through without being cloying. The peaches didn't seem fully ripe, but surprisingly, the pie still delivered a delicious flavour. Despite the slightly under-ripe fruit, it was still enjoyable. I appreciated the pie's mild sweetness, which was balanced without the sugary overload you might expect.

smaller peach "chunks"

Smaller Peach Bits:

While the peach filling was flavorful, I did notice that the peach pieces were much smaller than the chunky apple pieces typically found in McDonald's Apple Pies. I would've loved a bit more texture from larger chunks of peach, but the small pieces still packed plenty of fruity goodness.

Additional Thoughts:

Golden, Crispy Crust

As with McDonald's other pies, the crust was golden brown and perfectly crispy, offering a satisfying contrast to the gooey, tender filling inside. The outer shell had just the right amount of crunch without being overly greasy, making it easy to enjoy. However, due to the gooeyness of the filling, the pie struggled to maintain its shape, but the crispy outer shell still held up well, making each bite enjoyable despite the soft interior.

Verdict

Overall, I really enjoyed McDonald's Peach Pie. While I was expecting more substantial peach chunks, the fragrant filling and gooey texture made up for it. If you're a fan of peach-flavoured treats or just love trying new seasonal items, I highly recommend giving this a try before it’s gone. It's a perfect blend of sweetness and fruitiness, wrapped up in McDonald's signature crispy pie shell. Definitely worth the indulgence!

Score: 7.8/10
Website: https://www.mcdonalds.com/ca/en-ca/product/peach-pie.html

Bikaji Chips Pudina Treat (Mint Potato Chips) review

I'm always excited to try out different snacks, and a few days ago, I came across these Pudina potato chips. For those unfamiliar, "Pudina" is the Hindi word for mint. However, simply calling them "Mint Potato Chips" doesn't quite do them justice—the flavour profile is far more complex.

While the mint flavour is present, it’s more of a subtle note rather than the main star. Although mint is high on the ingredient list, it’s gently balanced (and occasionally overpowered) by a variety of other herbs and spices that give these chips their unique taste.

ingredients

To better understand the flavour profile of these chips, let’s take a closer look at the ingredient list. These chips are packed with a unique blend of spices that give them their distinctive taste. I’ve highlighted the key herbs and spices that make this flavour stand out:

Ingredients:

Potatoes (58%), Edible Vegetable Oil (Palmoline Oil And/Or Cottonseed Oil), Mint Leaf Extract (1%), Ground Spices And Condiments (Lode Salt, Garlic Powder, Dignan Powder, Coriander , Cinnamon, Turmeric (Color & Spices), Nair Salt, Red Chilli, Fennel Seed, Nair Pepper, Bishop's Seed, Fenugreek, Dry Ginger, Cardamom, Clove Glau, Mustard Seed, Nutmeg, Mace, Dextrose, Maltodextrin, Starch, Acidity Regulator (INS 330))

Pudina/Mint potato chips

There’s a strong taste of traditional Indian herbs and spices that gives the chips a rich, flavorful profile, while the mint adds a subtle, refreshing twist. However, don’t expect the mint to be overpowering—it’s just a gentle hint in the background.

They have interesting Volleyball facts in the back of the package

Impressions:

• Not very crispy 
• Unique flavour profile 
• Strong "Indian" herbs and spice taste 
• subtle spicy hot (it builds, though)
• Subtle mintiness 
• Chips are thicker than typical kettle chips, which makes them less crispy but gives them a hearty texture
• Addictive

Pudina/Mint Potato Chips

Verdict: 

While these chips weren’t exactly what I was expecting—being a fan of mint, I was hoping for a stronger mint flavour—they were still surprisingly addictive. The blend of Indian herbs and spices created a unique and flavorful profile that kept me reaching back for more. Although the mint was subtle, it added just enough freshness to complement the rich spices. That said, I did find myself wishing the chips were a bit crispier. The thicker texture, while hearty, lacked the satisfying crunch of a typical potato chip. Overall, if you're open to trying something different with a hint of mint and a bold, spice-forward taste, these are definitely worth a try!

Score: 8.9/10
Website: https://www.bikaji.com/pudina-treat-chips.html?srsltid=AfmBOooO5bTTFd_zNuE4NN4cSzmVIDVHchsnANeFx-ekdAB_5fdWYV5A

Flamin Hot Cheetos review

I finally found them!!!! I FINALLY FOUND THEM!!! YEAH!!! I've been craving something I have not tried before... and today I finally got to try them!!! YEAH!!!!

For the past 5 years, people have told me about these flamin' hot Cheetos and I have fantasized about them whenever I craved Cheetos or hot and spicy foods.

first impressions:

• less cheesy... is there even a cheesiness to them?
• the hot and spicy aspect builds up
• They are so much hotter (and a different kind of hot than I thought)

The Cheesiness:
When I fantasized about these Cheetos, I thought they would be super cheesy with a hot twist (like a warm, hot chilli pepper), but to my surprise, they are nothing like I thought they would be. 

cheesy claim

They claim these have a cheesy taste... but I couldn't taste a single bit of cheese :(

The Spice:
seasoned with chilli peppers and other flavouring to give them a distinctive heat. There is more heat than depth, more hot than spice.

list of ingredients

To my surprise, I couldn't find "chilli" as part of their ingredients. Cheddar cheese is part of their seasoning but I couldn't tell it was there :(... 

Texture:
Similar to the signature Cheetos crunchy texture. They are made from cornmeal.

close up of the Flamin Hot Cheetos

They are on the red side compared to regular Cheetos (which are very orange-looking).

Verdict:

While these are good and can satisfy your hot and spicy craving, I wanted more spice and cheesiness. In fact, I hoped there would be at least SOME cheesiness, but there isn't. :(

They are quite hot, so if you enjoy the heat that spicy foods give, this is for you. But these are not for you if you are looking for a hot version of the signature Cheetos with a cheesy twist.

Score: 6.5/10
Website: https://www.cheetos.com/products/cheetos-crunchy-flamin-hot-cheese-flavored-snacks

Youtube Morning Walks & Adventures

 

Join Me on My Daily Morning Walks!

Over the past few months, I've been documenting my morning walks, capturing beautiful moments with nature and wildlife. If you're a fan of nature, and animals, or simply want to accompany me on my adventures, I'd love for you to join me! ❤️ 

Click here to follow along on my YouTube channel :)

Links:
YouTube Shorts:  https://www.youtube.com/@StephanieNg/shorts 😊
(where I actively post updates) 

Main channel: https://www.youtube.com/@StephanieNg
(I'm still looking for inspiration to post longer format videos)

O'Sole Mio Ravioli with Boursin short review

Ravioli

I love Boursin cheese and ravioli, so when I saw this at Costco I immediately grabbed a pack <3 

After doing some research, I discovered that O'Sole Mio specializes in ravioli. No wonder these were so deliciously made.

These did not disappoint at all!! <3 <3 <3 

it is so good <3 <3 <3 

it is exactly how you imagine they would taste, ravioli with Boursin cheese filling <3 <3 <3 

My only complaint is that you don't have to leave them simmering for 4 minutes! I tried my first batch and some of them burst open... 2.5-3 minutes is more than enough :)

(and please read the instructions! They clearly state that these should not be boiled!)

I almost made the mistake of boiling them, keeping the water hot but not boiling.

score: 9/10

website: (no website, keywords led to Costco's product page)

Honolulu Cookie Company Chocolate chip macademia mini bites short review

Amid the Olympics, I have grown a sweet tooth. I found these at my Costco and wanted to get them for 2 reasons: they will satisfy my sweet tooth, AND I really like Macadamia nuts.

If you read the small print, these are actually shortbread cookies.

impressions:

they are pineapple-shaped
no chocolate or macadamia nut taste

strong caramel taste

a dry shortcake cookie

tiny pineapple-shaped shortbread bites

When I checked the back of the packaging, I couldn't find any red flags... and I was surprised that these cookies only contain 1.4g of sugar per piece!

I'm disappointed there was hardly any Macadamia nut or chocolate taste (as the name suggests it should!), but these shortbread cookies are good at the end of the day. I like the strong presence of caramel in each piece.

score: 7.8/10
website: https://www.honolulucookie.com/cookies-gifts-chocolate/mini-bites-snack-pack-7oz.asp

Imperial Popcorn Movie Cinema Popcorn short review

I have been on the hunt for movie theatre-style popcorn for a very long time! No matter how closely I followed people's recipes, they just didn't taste quite like the ones at movie theatres. But that all changed the moment I picked up this bag of popcorn at Walmart. To my delight, it turned out to be the closest thing to movie theater popcorn I've ever had!

the actual popcorn

The popcorn has the same yellow hue as the ones you get at the theatre, and the salty, savoury flavor is quite similar too. Just give the bag a good shake to get the perfect ratio of savoury and plain bites.

I'm so happy I gave it a chance! If you're in Canada* and love movie theater popcorn, definitely give this a try. You won't be disappointed!

brand info

#WalmartMovieTheatrePopcorn . I'm calling it Walmart Movie Theatre because I bought it at Walmart, the brand is Imperial.

back

score: 9.5/10
website: https://www.imperialpopcorn.com/en/

Kraft Extra Cheddar Cheese short review

 This was a bit pricier than regular Kraft Single Cheese slices but it is worth it! It is a delightful blend of regular cheddar slices and Kraft processed cheese.   It boasts the deliciousness of Kraft processed cheese while maintaining the sturdy texture and rich flavour of regular cheddar slices :) 

You can definitely taste the higher quality of them.

The only complaint is that these extra cheddar-sliced cheeses are not individually packaged into sleeves like the typical Kraft single cheese slices but just piled on top of each other like regular cheddar cheese slices with no paper barrier in between them. 

Kneaded Eraser short review

I'm not artsy, but I have always wanted a kneaded eraser! How cool is it to have an eraser you can knead and mould!

thoughts and impressions:

• It is very firm and quite hard (not soft and mouldable as I thought it would be)
• no scent
• erases, but not super well (which is understandable given its use)
• doesn't leave any eraser shavings
• sticky but does not stick to paper
• not made to erase a large area
• picks up on granite
• can be washed

picks up on lead/granite 

While this eraser is fun to play with (especially when you like to fiddle while writing) I don't think it is practical for writing, it does a good job as an art tool especially when you are drawing and need to erase small mistakes or fade out outlines or fine lines.

Score: 8/10

Website: no website

O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream review

a newer version of O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream

It has been over three years since I wrote a review on O'Keeffe's Hand Cream, and I didn't like it. I can't say whether it was a quality control issue or if I just stumbled upon a terrible faulty version of this product.

I bought this newer version by accident. I had an emergency hand cream issue (I needed to use a hand cream and forgot to bring some with me, so I rushed into a nearby drugstore)... I didn't realize I picked up this brand and same product again (I didn't recognize it because of the new packaging) however, to my surprise, it did a much better job than the previous tube had.

My hands are in better condition (I was in a pandemic during the last review) so please factor in this when you compare this review to my previous one.

thoughts and impressions:

• very creamy (like the previous version)
• unscented (like the previous version)
• hands absorbed this cream instantly
• you need more than a pea-size, maybe 1.5-2.0 pea-sized amounts
• protected my hands up to 2 washes
• didn't do a good job moisturizing

It is thick, but unlike the previous version (or previous container I had) it did not do a reverse and instead of pulling water and moisture from my skin, it protected my hands from drying and chapping but didn't moisturize as it claims it should.

score: 6.5/10

website: https://okeeffes.ca/products/working-hands?utm_id=go_cmp-193473816_adg-9002795256_ad-302025413458_kwd-84349096118_dev-c_ext-_prd-_sig-CjwKCAiAloavBhBOEiwAbtAJO8-M1kUBuqFx5J8_HE4FijFsZs0LZrmvTz3e4lvhbb78tTXPluf_iBoCBPsQAvD_BwE&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAloavBhBOEiwAbtAJO8-M1kUBuqFx5J8_HE4FijFsZs0LZrmvTz3e4lvhbb78tTXPluf_iBoCBPsQAvD_BwE

Rohto Cooling Eye Drops Max Strength review

 

Aside from dry skin, our dry weather makes my eyes extremely dry and red. I wanted to get Lumify eye drops but they were sold out everywhere!! 😢 I went on iHerb and found these Rohto Cooling Eye Drops Max Strength Maximum Redness relief. 

Rohto is a multinational company based in Japan (specifically Osaka) and throughout the years, their products have been good, so I was hopeful these eyedrops would be good.

I have used Rohto eyedrops for years (in Japan), and I am glad they are available in North America. They were good, but I always felt they needed to be stronger... so I wanted to see what this Max Strength would be like.

These eye drops do two things: Redness relief and lubricate the eyes.

I got these to see if they work as well as Lumify eye drops, and also since they are almost half the price, if they are as effective, I would have found a good product.

thoughts and impressions:

• slightly minty sensation (but wasn't irritating)
• easy to control the amount of drops
• I like the safety feature on the lid
• didn't have an immediate effect
• this formula easily crystallizes, please make sure there aren't any "salt" disposits on the applicator before dispensing the drops in your eyes (I did once and it hurt my eye!!)

Mint/Cooling effect:

First, the level of the mint cooling effect is not comparable to the Japanese version. This can be a good or bad thing depending on your preferences, if you have sensitive eyes, the cooling level might be tolerable for you. However, if you are looking for that burst of refreshing sensation, this might not satisfy your needs.

packaging and lid's safety feature:
I appreciated the ergonomic shape of the container as it allowed my fingers to properly grasp it. The firmness of the container also allows me to properly dispense the needed amount of eye drops. I also really liked the lid's safety feature (to remove the lid, you need to push down and twist open). It addresses the common issue of accidental spillage and contamination, especially when carrying the eyedrops in a purse.

effectiveness of the product:
While the product is effective, it does not deliver an immediate outcome as claimed. To reduce redness, one must apply the product and wait for at least 30 minutes for noticeable results. However, if the goal is to lubricate and moisten the eyes, the effects are nearly immediate and the effectiveness lasts for up to 8 hours.

Score: 8/10
Website: https://rohtoeyedrops.com/products/rohto-max-strength-redness-relief-eye-drops

Cheetos Ketchup short review

I saw these at Costco, and there were only a few remaining, I was very fortunate to even get a bag, the moment I got a bag, 3 other people came and snatched a few bags. There were none left after that. People were snatching these up like hotcakes!

This combines two of my favourite snacks, ketchup chips and Cheetos. I misunderstood the packaging and thought there was a cheesy underlay to these Cheetos, so I was surprised on the first bite, that these are purely ketchup-flavoured. I can't say I'm disappointed though, the ketchup flavour is very delicious, even better than Lay's. It has the right amount of tanginess but is not too tangy to the point it can be sour.

thoughts and impressions:

• no cheesy taste at all
• mild and perfect ketchup taste
• no sour vinegar taste (like Lay's Ketchup chips)
• very crunchy
• addictive

I was pleasantly surprised by the taste and I couldn't stop munching on them. I highly recommend them! However, if you are looking for a sharp tanginess, than these are not for you.

Score: 9.5/10
Website: no website (product couldn't be found on any of the Cheetos official websites! 🤔 )

McDonald's McRib short review

McRib

Pork is hardly ever my first choice of meat. I have always missed the McRib limited-time offering, so I could never understand the craze over it. 

After a 10-year hiatus, the McRib finally made its way back to Toronto, and this time, I can finally taste it! (And it is good 👍 )

impressions:

• cute packaging ❤️ 
• bigger than I thought it would be
• lots of BBQ sauce
• only 5 ingredients: the bread, barbeque sauce, raw onions, rib steak (without the bones, of course),  and the pickles.
• it is super tender, smooth ribby, meaty and delicious

it's not like I haven't seen it in pictures, but it definitely looked bigger than I thought it would be. 

One of the reasons why pork is hardly my first choice of meat is because it is tougher and "rougher" than others, but McRib's pork is tender, soft and smooth.

The combination works so well. It is simple, but they all complement each other so well :D

score: 10/10
website: https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/product/mcrib.html

Twinings Prince of Wales pure black tea review

During my trip to New Orleans, I came across this tea. This is the first I have heard of it. I searched for it online and learned it is only available in the US rather than Canada. This was strange for me because Canada, as a Commonwealth, I would expect this tea to be a bit more popular, so I did some digging. 

It turns out that this tea was crafted and created by Twinings for King Edward VIII in 1921, back when he held the title of the Prince of Wales.

However, in light of the historical context, considering King Edward VIII's later actions leading to his abdication, it's not surprising that this association could be seen as taboo and saddening and therefore, not available in a country as close to the UK as Canada.

It is sad to hear that, allegedly, we aren't able to enjoy this tea, because of its connection to a controversial chapter in British/English history. 

Prince of Wales Tea

Before I share my impressions, it's worth noting that this tea is a special blend that brings together tea leaves from the Jiangxi, Anhui, and Yunnan provinces in China. These leaves were carefully chosen from the high altitudes and mountainous regions of these provinces. The advantage of these elevated terrains is that the mountain mists act as a natural shield, protecting the tea bushes from excessive sunlight. This, in turn, allows the tea leaves and buds to develop optimally.

Prince of Wales tea

These tea leaves are artfully combined with tea leaves sourced from Hunan. (Hunan province is famous for its Pu'er tea leaves).

The tea's aromatic notes have a slight woodiness to them.

thoughts and impressions:

• a distinct Chinese tea flavour!
• it is exceptionally smooth and velvety
• accommodates the addition of milk.
• has a brownish-red colour
• delicate mild taste
• hints of a woody taste

It is evident that this black tea had incorporated Chinese tea leaves into the blend, but unlike most Chinese teas it has an incredibly smooth and velvety texture. The thoughtfully crafted blend allows for the addition of milk without compromising the taste. 

I'm very fortunate to be able to purchase this online (via iHerb). It's truly a pleasure to savor this smooth Chinese tea blend.

Score: 10/10

Website: https://twiningsusa.com/products/prince-of-wales

COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser review

I never paid much attention to the ingredients in facial cleansers, as long as they effectively clean the skin without harmful components, I was content.

My confusion peaked when I decided to try the Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser. I couldn't fathom why snail mucin was necessary in a cleanser, especially one that remains on my face for less than a minute, primarily designed to cleanse the skin.

Initially dismissing it as a gimmick, my perception shifted after the first use. COSRX successfully convinced me of the importance of incorporating moisturization ingredients into the cleansing process.

Enriched with Snail Mucin, this cleanser not only eliminates impurities from the skin but also provides nourishment and moisture.

directions and info

Directions:

1. Gently massage the cleanser on wet skin. 
2. Rinse thoroughly with tepid water.

Caution:

For external use only. Do not get into the eyes.

Google Translated the Korean text

impressions:

• it is a bit slimy (similar to the all-in-one cream)
• it cleans my face but my skin feels so moist and clean!
• my skin is so soft and smooth!
• I love this!

So... this snail mucin gel cleanser is amazing. It is hard to go back to other regular facial cleansers (unless I am looking for deep cleaning).

My skin is gently cleaned, and it is moisturized. (this small container lasted me 2 weeks). I will definitely be purchasing the full size.

score: 10/10
website: https://www.cosrx.com/collections/snail-mucin/products/advanced-snail-mucin-gel-cleanser