29 Removing Adhesives the Easy Way with “Goof Off”

We’ve all been there. Struggling to remove some leftover adhesive nightmare with a fingernail, flop sweat on our brows, mumbling a constant stream of profanities. Obviously this is one of the world’s foremost problems. Thankfully, Goof Off Adhesive remover has appeared as a possible cure for this situation. Does it deliver on its promise to remove adhesives with ease and make our lives better? Yes and no.

Why you might need it

How often does the average person need to remove a label? It depends on their job. For example, imagine you have been given some unenviable, menial task. Like removing the labels off of wedding champagne bottles because the bride and groom don’t want their relatives to know what cheap stuff they’re drinking. In that case, pealing them all off by hand will seem like a monumental task. However, spritz some of this sorcery on them, and they will peel off easy.

Let’s say one of your idiotic kids ruins your expensive rug with some marker. Do you have to sacrifice their blood to Moloch? No, just get your bottle of Goof Off out. Soap and water will take a long time to work on this particular issue. But for marker Goof Off works very quickly.

Have hard wood floors instead of carpet? Goof off also works on those surfaces. If you have ink on such a floor, the Goof Off will penetrate enough to remove the spot without leaving residue or a stain.

It comes In All Sizes

Goof Off makes their product in a variety of sizes for all needs. Personally, I used the 4oz spray bottle. But there are also larger sizes available for frequent users. I would think that these sizes would cover everyone from the casual to the frequent user.

 

 

It works on many issues

• stickers and label adhesive tape residue
• chewing gum
• oil
• grease
• tar
• bugs
• tree sap
• lipstick makeup
• candle wax
• more

If you live in a rough area it can even get rid of that pesky graffiti.

Here you can see a before and after where Goof Off was used to remove melted crayon from stone.

Drawbacks of Goof Off

Does it work better than alternatives? Well it definitely works better than old fashioned soap and water.

That being said, this product still requires some elbow grease to accomplish its intended purpose. Don’t think that you can spray this on a spot and then wipe it off with the ease of a dry erase board wiping away marker. Depending on the surface and the stain, repeated doses might be needed, as well as some old fashioned friction from a hard scrub.

It is nontoxic. And though it does not give off fumes, it does have a strong smell, the subject of numerous complaints online. Its lighter-fluid like smell will likely require one to air out the room in which it is used.

And though it works on many surfaces, there are some that one should avoid. For example, it does not handle plastic well.

Recommendation

Though it has some drawbacks, for its intended purpose Goof Off Remover can drastically cut down on the time it takes to clean something.

24(ish) Reasons Why Bookworms Should Jump on the E-Reader Bandwagon

As a self-proclaimed bookworm, I adore the smell, look, and feel of books, bookstores, and libraries. My personal library is constantly growing, and I’ll never truly have enough. With that said, however, I too have jumped on the e-reader bandwagon. In particular, I bought a Kindle and love it.  The appeal lies in three main factors:

• Access
• Cost
• Space

Take a look at my list below ( in no particular order) for further insight!

25. A Selfie Lover’s Dream: LuMee Two IPhone Case

Why You Need LuMee?

It’s time to perfect one of the most important aspects of social media: selfies! If you haven’t already gotten your hands on the LuMee Two IPhone Case (only $49.95!), what are you waiting for? It’s the best solution for that  With its beautiful, streamlined sleek design and professional quality lighting, you’re sure to master the art of the selfie in no time. LuMee is perfect for not only selfies but also for some other amazing features:

• Applying make-up
• Face-time Calls
• Instant flash light
• Protective corners for maximum drop protection
• Tough outer shell with soft rubberized edges
• Soft matte finishes in gold, rose gold, and black; even white gloss

“The Original and Authentic Patent Protected Selfie Case” contains raised front LED strips on both the left and right side that produce 90 percent brighter light than the phone’s flash alone, and along with the one year limited warranty, it’s compatible with multiple IPhone models—6, 6s, 7, & 8.

Designed by photographer, Allan Shoemake, its warm, natural light gives you freedom and perspective whether in dim or dark areas. Shoemake describes the case as a “professional lighting kit attached to your phone.” With a sleek, drop resistant construction, LuMee has quickly become one top rated IPhone cases on the market. It’s even gained the attention and endorsement from Kim Kardashian!

What’s in the Box?

• LuMee Two IPhone Case
• Micro USB Cable

(19) Confessions of a former plastic water bottle buyer: Why I now go YETI

Confession #1

Okay. Don’t shoot me renewable readers, but I’ve never gone green.

It’s not because I don’t find it important or necessary, honestly. It’s because I just truly don’t have the time it takes to recycle. I know, I know, it’s a lame excuse—but humor me for a second: First, I’m a high school teacher. I wake up at 4 a.m. Monday thru Friday. And on Saturdays and Sundays when I’m supposed to be “not working” and actually relaxing, I’m working.

Newsflash: teachers work around the clock.

Lame Excuses for Confession #1

Ordinarily time wouldn’t be a valid excuse for refusing to walk across three parking lots to the recycle receptacle. (Yes, I live in a parking lot. Don’t judge me. Because just like the rest, I’m a millennial who is forced to rent an apartment for the remainder of my existence—you know, due to the student loan crisis and all—but I’ll save that for my next post).

On top of teaching full time, I’m enrolled in grad school, too. And not just the typical “oh I’ll take one or two classes a semester, and eventually I’ll get my diploma” type. I’m the idiot who decided to finish my Master’s degree in two years flat.

So, this means on top of teaching over 130 abnormally-hormonal high schoolers, I’m also taking three graduate classes and an internship. Not to mention, some guy actually wanted to marry me, so I’m attempting to plan a wedding that’s apparently taking place in July—according the invitations I was supposed to mail out last week. But that’s neither here nor there.

Now some of you are saying, “Oh, well I live a well-balanced life, and all you need is a little more structure.” Believe me, I hear you. My therapist already got that one covered.

Confession #2

So, to cut corners and to stay hydrated, I’ve been buying plastic water bottles for the past couple of years. *Insert disdain here.*

Yep. Plastic. It’s quick. It’s easy. When you’re done, BOOM. In the trash. Let’s keep it moving…

End rant. Introduce the YETI

Behold: The YETI

Although this past year has been hectic, I’ve found something consistent. The YETI. My sister bought me one because I was, according to her, “basically the only human being that didn’t own a good tumbler.” It took me approximately five hours to fall in love, but I did.

YETI Discovery #1

It was 4 a.m. on a cold, December morning when I decided to first use my YETI. I filled it to the brim, with piping hot coffee, and set out on my morning routine: I showered (I think), got dressed, and even survived the 695 Mad Max drive to school. I signed in at the front desk, answered the twenty-something e-mails from students, parents, and administration that flooded my inbox, and I welcomed my homeroom students into the classroom. I taught two 90 minute lessons, and then it hit me: I NEED CAFFEINE. NOW.

I remembered I had poured myself coffee that morning. Somehow, I managed to forget to drink my beloved coffee. I knew there was no way it would still be hot, but I needed something—anything—to get me through the next five hours of work. I took a sip, and was completely taken aback. It was still hot. As hot as if I had just poured it from the pot. How could this be?

The answer? YETI.

YETI with fuel for the day.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the YETI is extraordinary. YETI promises to keep your hot drinks hot and your cold drinks cold. I mean, granted, many products make similar promises. But I had never, until this very moment, encountered drink-ware that actually fulfilled its potential. It was in this moment that I swore I would never sip hot drinks from another mug again.

YETI Discovery #2

Which brings me to February. One evening, I was running late for grad class because of a parent-teacher conference gone far too long. I knew I needed some hydration in my life. I filled my YETI up with ice and water, and I hit the road. After my three hour-long class, I drove home, parked the car, and went straight to bed.

The next morning, at 4 a.m., I started my normal routine. Except I couldn’t find my trusty YETI. I pleaded with God to tell me I did not leave my YETI behind the night before. With my prayers unanswered, I sadly filled up a regular-ole coffee mug and unlocked my car. BOOM. There sat my cherished YETI—right there in the center console.

Remembering there should be some left over water inside from the day before, I reluctantly took a sip. IT WAS ICE COLD. Not because it was Maryland in February, no, but because the ice cubes had never melted! Are you kidding me? That YETI sat in my console for over 12 hours, and the ice cubes never melted. A freaking God-send. Naturally, I had to do some research on this tumbler sent from the heavens…

Research behind the YETI

• Size: The Rambler is 8 inches tall and has a 4 inch diameter (which reduces to a 3 inch diameter at the bottom), so it fits perfectly in any cup holder. It holds 30 ounces of any liquid you desire—hot beverages or cold cocktails.
• Durability: An 18.8 grade shatter resistant, stainless steel construction makes the YETI virtually indestructible. Its lids are also 100% leak-proof, with a vacuum-seal, so there’s zero spillage.
• Temperature Retention: The YETI keeps the temperature of your drinks warm for 6 hours or cold for over 24 hours—thanks to the double wall vacuum insulation.
• Materials: This Rambler is crafted right here, in the good-ole U-S-of-A, folks. It’s made out of kitchen-grade stainless steel with a copper seal. Apparently copper is one of the best heat conductors…who knew?
• Dishwasher/Microwave Safe: The YETI is definitely dishwasher safe; however, do not put this bad boy in the microwave—or you’re gonna have a bad time.

YETI helps get degrees.

Listen: I know the YETI isn’t going to win me any awards for going green. But it’s one hell of a start for a girl with zero time.

 

Get your own YETI here: https://www.yeti.com/drinkware

 

32 Save on Green Energy, Buy LED: Review of GE’s 10 W Dimmable A19 Light Bulb

I recommend this product!

COST

 

Best Prices

• • $4.99 for single bulb at True Value
  • $4.62 as a 4-pack at Wal-Mart

(Sold by multiple sellers online and in stores)

VITAL INFORMATION

 

PROS AND CONS

Pros:

Long-lasting LED saves money in long-run

Replaces 60 W incandescent with only 10 W

Dimmable, soft white light is sufficient

Energy Star certified

Mercury free

 

Cons:

More expensive up front

Not all bulbs are equally reliable and long-lasting

LED-specific dimming system required for dimmable features

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY THIS LED BULB

This product is likely for you if you respond ‘yes’ to the following:

1. Tired of forfeiting your hard-earned money for basic lighting?
2. Using wasteful, short-lasting light bulbs that black out before you know it?
3. Are you new at trying to save money on energy-saving lighting?

If you answered yes two or more times, the solution is here, and likely to stay for a while. Save money. Use less energy. Get the same lighting power for less. I would recommend you live for the long-term with GE’s line of dimmable LED bulbs. It’s nothing fancy, it’s just savings for you and your family.

 

QUESTIONS FOR ENLIGHTENMENT

Q: How much money and energy do I save with LED?

A: This general purpose, 10-watt LED lightbulb from GE is the brightness-equivalent of 60 watts traditional/incandescent and saves energy over halogen and CFL bulbs too. Lasts 13.7 years and costs $1.20 in energy based on 3 hours/day usage. Yes, you spend a bit more money up front, but the savings in the long-term are impeccable.

Q: But it’s so cheap! And so readily available. Is it worth it—what’s the catch?

A: It is not luxury, but it will do the job. It has a traditional shape, but with a sleek, classy LED look. Gives off abundant, soft white light emitting from the upper portion of the bulb. Powers up to 800 lumens, so it’s powerful enough. Fits general slots for traditional 60 W bulbs. That means all you must do is twist into your favorite fixture, and the bulb is up and running, saving you energy and money.

Q: Can you dim LED bulbs?

A: This LED bulb is compatible with LED dimming systems, giving you the power to adjust the amount of light in your room.

But, as I learned from experience and research, old dimming fixtures and systems will not work with these lights—at least not correctly. Get an LED dimming system.

Q: Why not buy another bulb, like CFL, Halogen, or Incandescent?

A: Incandescent are going out of existence. They were wasteful and short-lasting. Forget them.

Halogen bulbs are slightly better versions of incandescent. They are cheap and available, but they don’t save as much energy and don’t last as long as CFL or LED.

The real battle is between CFL and LED, and they have generally equal power, lifespan, and cost. I would heavily recommend against CFL bulbs because they contain mercury and must be the most carefully recycled. If you do buy CFL, please visit your local government’s website on how to properly recycle.

LED is safe. It is consistent. And its bulbs are sometimes offered at subsidized lower costs, thanks to the energy company and/or government. See your local listings if you buy in store.

For more information, please visit the Toms Guide article on this subject.

Q: What do you know? Have you even used these light bulbs?

A: Yes, in multiple locations in my house, but especially in my dining room chandelier with five light positions. I have had nothing but good experience. I have ample light with only three lights currently placed in the chandelier (five bulbs of any kind are overwhelming for a medium-size room on a daily basis). The bulbs have definitely lasted longer than my previous halogens and incandescent bulbs.

I do not have a dimming system for LED yet. I used to believe LED lights were not compatible with dimming. But hey—I was wrong. And I plan on getting an LED-compatible dimming system, so stay tuned for the update!

THE DARK SIDE

You will spend more up front, and there is the possibility not all bulbs will last equally as long and be equally as reliable. The Target reviews make this surprisingly evident—contradicting the grandiose claims corporate America makes about LED bulbs. But this is somewhat made up for with the bulb’s warranty. Going through the warranty process can be cumbersome, however. These potential negative aspects will, on average, be negated by the positive aspects of the lightbulb.

Please only dim these bulbs under a dimmable system and fixture.

There are surprisingly negative reviews at Target based on inconsistency of bulbs. I would not let this anomaly deter my purchasing decision.

SPECS

Wattage:                         10

Equivalent of:                60 W Incandescent

Voltage compatibility: 120 V

Shape:                             Pear, A19

Temperature:                2700 Kelvin

Base Size:                       Standard Edison, medium screw base E26

Quantity:                       4-pack GE at most sellers, 1-pack at True Value

Limited Warranty: Guaranteed to last 5 years based on rated life at 3 hours use per  day at 120 V. Other legal rights available to customer based on location. Use only in dry locations and with correct voltage.

• Energy Star Certified.
• UL-Listed for safety.
• Mercury free.

Imported from China.

SIMILAR LED BULBS

Wal-Mart’s “Great Value” LED General Purpose 9 W Bulbs Soft White, 4-pack

About $4

(Similar but not dimmable, I would not recommend)

Wal-Mart’s “Great Value” LED Light Bulbs, 9 W Bulbs Daylight, 4-pack

About $9

(More powerful light, not dimmable, I would recommend only if you are not interested in dimming)

Target’s GE LED Refresh Daylight HD 10.5 W A19 4-pack

$16.99

(I would recommend this only for small spaces as advertised, and it has good reviews)

Superior Lighting’s Dimmable 10 W LED, Warm White Bulb

$3.95

(I would recommend based on low price and good reviews).

True-Value’s 1-pack version of our reviewed GE light

$4.99

(Waste of money just buying 1, I would not recommend)

EVOLUTION OF THE LIGHT BULB

• Thomas Edison commercialized the incandescent bulb in 1880.
• Both Edison and Nikola Tesla experimented with fluorescent technology in late 19th century
• Energy Shortages led to experimentation with fluorescent light bulbs and invention of CFL in 1970s by GE’s Edward Hammer
• CFLs increased in abundance in 1980s, as both CFL and LED were more efficient than incandescent in giving off lumens per watt.
• LEDs began to spread publicly (traffic lights, TVs, flashlights) and became the most efficient light bulb by the 2000s.
• LED prices have fallen steeply since 2008.

Source: energy.gov

 

28 Put a Safe in Your Bookshelf (or on your coffee table… either works)

Have you ever wanted to live in a house with a secret room only accessible via a secret door? You know, with one of those bookshelves that slide open when you pull on the right book? I have (and still do!), but I have a problem:

1. I don’t own a house (millennial problems…), and
2. I don’t have the money to rent a house with a sliding bookshelf to a hidden room installed.

But that’s okay! I’ve found a nifty little item to fill that bookshelf sized hole in the soul… for now. If you too are definitely into false walls and hidden rooms, you’ll want to check into getting yourself one of these nifty little items. Hmmm… What could it be?

You’ve probably seen them without realizing, whether they’re hand made or purchased from an industrial manufacturer. Good news: That’s the point! You shouldn’t know they exist! But what, pray-tell, am I talking about? A Book Safe, of course!

What is a Book Safe? 

In essence, Book Safes are hollow books. When closed, they appear to be real, authored books with words and paragraphs and chapters and well-worn pages. When opened, however, they reveal a secret cubby or “safe” to tuck your knicknacks and valuables into (be they chocolates, receipts, notecards, pens, report cards, old diplomas, playing cards, or any other miscellaneous items). The Book Safe can also be called a Secret Book Box.

 

A Large Book Safe

A Small Book Safe

These Book Safes are made of various materials, including cardboard, wood, and even real books! In the latter case, a book is purchased and the owner cuts a huge section of pages out of the center of the book; this is the simplified version of how they’re really made. Nevertheless, making your own Book Safe can be a fun and relatively cheap DIY project for a rainy day (that is, if you’ve got an old book you’re willing to recycle via dissection…).

If you’re interested in making your own Book Safe, check out this article: https://www.artofmanliness.com/2010/12/07/how-to-make-a-secret-book-safe/

Why Use a Book Safe? 

Book Safes are awesome, decorative boxes that you can use to store various small items inside. Some people even use them to hide access phone chargers and electronic parts. Once filled, a Book Safe can be discreetly slip among a library of books on a bookshelf. It’s a way to store your stuff in an easily accessible and convenient location, yet keep it hidden from wandering eyes. In other words, it’s a way to hide something in plain sight (just like one of those sliding bookshelf doors to secret rooms!!!).

You can store your Book Safe on a desk or bookshelf in a home office, in a small home library, or even as a decorative piece on a coffee table or side table in the living room or TV room.

So now that you know you definitely want one of these bad boys, the big question is: Do you get cardboard or wood?

Cardboard or Wood? 

So should you get a cardboard or wood Book Safe? Well, how rough you are with your books and boxes will determine which material build you should get. In general, the wooden Book Safes are more durable and last longer than the cardboard ones, but the cardboard ones are lighter and cheaper.

PERSONAL NOTE: I’ve been using Book Safes for over five years now, and even my oldest Book Safes doesn’t show signs of wear in tear (my oldest is a cardboard build). So in the end, if you like the price point and the feel of the cardboard better than the wood, it isn’t going to make too much of a difference. From my experience, either kind of Book Safe should last years and years (though this really depends on how rough you are with the “books”)!

Cardboard Book Safes

A cardboard built Book Safe is like an image with a glossy finish; the surface is slick and there is a bit of shine when the light hits it. I tend to think of it as high quality papier-mâché or reinforced, pressed cardboard. You have to be a little gentler with the edges of the Book Safe, as it can be easily dented or smashed, and the magnetic lock on the book cover is satisfactory, but gentle and easy to open.

 

The cardboard Book Safes are generally cheaper, but can still blend in nicely as real books on a bookshelf, especially if you get yourself one of the smaller sizes.

Wooden Book Safes

A wooden built Book Safe is slick with a more matte finish compared to a cardboard build. The surface is usually made of a type of canvas and has a rougher texture in both look and feel. With the wood build, manufacturers tend to line the insides with felt or similar products. You can be a little rougher with this kind of Book Safe, and the magnetic lock on the book cover is very strong and takes more effort to open.

 

The wooden Book Safes are generally more expensive and can sometimes appear more boxy and stiff than the cardboard build. However, their stiff “spines” blend in really nicely with a row of gigantion dictionaries or other kinds of mega books.

Conclusion

In the end, I tend to look at Book Safes as functional decor. Yes, you can hide your semi-valuables in them and stick them into a bookshelf to hide among the other books, but you can also set them on coffee or side tables for easy storage of playing cards or all those TV remotes and phone chargers. So if you’re looking for something to make your place look more homely in a functional and price effective way (and fulfill that craving for secrets you had as a child), get yourself a Book Safe!

I usually go to Marshalls, Ross, or TJ Maxx to get mine, but there are some specialty ones you can find online. With the internet, the sky’s the limit!

So go fill that bookshelf sized hole in your soul! I promise, it’ll be a cheap little thrill that we can remember each other by.

Happy shopping!