Category Archives: I Found This

Reviews/recommendations of products I actually own and use

100% USA Made Supima Cotton Sheets – Authenticity 50

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Cheaper Means Cheaper

Been buying sheets on sales at department and other stores. They were cheaper but some smelled, some had pills after one wash (i.e. not going to last long), some only had weak elastic on the corners of the fitted sheets. And of course, none of those were made in the USA.

One side effect of my “Konmari Cleanup” is to simplify my life, including owning fewer quality things that last a long time. That also means, reduce waste and be green!

Authenticity 50, 100% “seed-to-stitch” Made in USA

US made products still means quality and safety.

When I found Authenticity 50, I couldn’t believe it.

  • California Supima cotton:Supima cotton produces stronger and softer fabric.
  • Georgia spun yarn
  • Carolinas woven fabric
  • Family-own factory hand sewn sheets
  • Georgia made elastics
  • Even the duvet cover’s corner ties and buttons are made in USA!

    • (more details)

Trying It Out

authenticity 50 packageTo test them out, I got the A50 Duvet Set because I never use the flat sheet anyway. (They come with 100-night sleep trial.)

Minimal Yet Sufficient Packaging

The set came in a plastic bag inside a sturdy paper bag (good for recuse/recycle). And from the condition it arrived in, you don’t need more packaging than this. And it translates to reduced cost and less enviornmental impact.

360 Degree Elastic

I love that the elastic for the fitted sheet is 360 degree, not just in the corners. The elastic is wider and thicker than the other ones I’ve had. You can feel the quality by holding it in your fist.

Using it, Loving it

Authenticity 50 fitted 360 degree elasticI’ve slept in them for a while now. The texture reminds me of the line-dried cloth. And there is no smell, too soft, too slippery issues.

I’ve also washed it a few times, still good as new, no pills. The 250 thread-count seems to mean more than the 300+ ones I had before.

I believe we are going to have a healthy long-term relationship.

Tips with Fitted Sheets

The fitted sheets made for 14″ pocket. But do remember to include the extra paddings you have on your mattress.

White Only!? Consider The Costs

Some reviewer wished for colored sheets but think of the extra cost and the problem of not being able to sell less popular colors. The founders want to provide quality sheets at reasonable prices, I totally support having only white sheets.

Besides, I found color sheets tend to take over the room. If you want color, decorate with colorful pillows or a small throw. It’s cheaper and easier to switch up your themes this way, too.

UPDATE (Aug. 2017): Authenticity 50 now has Carolina Gray for people who don’t want white beddings.

$15 Coupon with My Referral Link

If you are looking for the coupon, sorry it has expired. But if you can still save by signing up at Authenticity 50, they do have amazing sales from time to time!

P. S. Want more USA made goods? See what else I actually use or shop at my Made in USA Amazon Store.

Best Non-Toxic Carpet Spot Remover

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Folex Carpet Spot RemoverFolex is by far my favorit non-toxic carpet spot cleaner. It knocked Naturally It’s Clean Carpet Cleaner (see my review) down to a slight distant 2nd. And other Folex customers would agree with me.

Folex took the top spot because unlike Naturally It’s Clean Carpet Cleaner, it leave no oder and no color residue.

Folex also works in an instant as the bottle claimed. Follow these simple instructions: spray the spot, work it into the fiber (very important), and blot it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Folex is cheaper, too. As of today, the best price I saw so far is from Bed Bath & Beyond with their readly availble 20% off coupon. 2nd best place to look is your local independent hardware store (where I first discovered it). And when all else failed, there is always Amazon.

Both Folex and Naturally It’s Clean are made in USA and I believe they only clean, don’t disinfect.

Better, Safer Than The Electric Blanket

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Forget about electric blanket, stay cold or worry about electric fire, you are sleepless either way. Go with a water heating blanket!

My father never liked electric blanket, why?

  • You can’t sleep on it
  • Hard to keep it clean (Though it says it’s washable, he worries the electrical might be damaged. And it may be safe but the worry keeps him from sleeping.)
  • Direct heat is uncomfortable
  • The EMF, electromagnetic field, should be avoided (This is from me, there are already enough signals bombarding our bodies, we don’t need to wrap ourselves in it every night.)

Aqua Bed Warmer non-electric blanket (heated by water)He was sleeping on a small water heating pad from Asia but it broke down right when the weather turned cold. The option of going back to an electric blanket troubled him.

Not believing that we won’t have something similar in the States, I went searching. And then I found it.

Aqua Bed Warmer Non-electric Heater Blanket by Aqua Bed Warmer. This one also heats by water only better. As of today, he has been sleeping on it for almost a month.

He loves it!

heat_blanket_water_boxIn the first days, he kept saying how lucky he was to get something ever better in the States.

  • It fits on top the mattress and under the bed sheet (Full length means even the feet stay warm)
  • No safety concern (at worst you just get wet)
  • Can keep it on all night
  • Precise temperature control (he likes around 98 F)
  • Gentler heat
  • A quiet heating unit
  • 100% cotton pad cover
  • Very well made
  • No EMF (because it’s water, not wires inside the blanket)

Great Customer Service

Aqua Bed Warmer is one of the brands under Firstech based in the Washington State with its R&D in Alaska.

So I called to ask for more details like the warrenty and return/repair. The person answered the phone didn’t know I was talking about the heating blanket. Most people call about products for their other brands. I took it as a good sign that not a lot of people have issues with it.

He didn’t have much data to go on but told me his uncle has been sleeping on one for a while and he never heard any complaints about it. He didn’t tried to convinced me, just trying to give me as many details as he personally knew.

He said if we got it via Amazon we can return it with in 30 days.

Through out the call, he was very patient, friendly, and funny. I felt it was safe to buy from this company.

Special Notes

Aqua Bed Warmer water heated dual zone blanket

  • It runs from $250 to $450, expensive compared to electric blankets. But to my dad not sleeping well (leads to sickness) is even more expensive in the long run.
  • When my mom put her hand on it she said it didn’t feel hot but when my father lay on it, he can feel it getting warmer.
  • And when we got it, the company gives out a 2-year warranty if we registered the product online.
  • Be sure to measure your mattress so you how will it might fit.
  • The now have the Aqua Bed Warmer dual-zone option for people share a bed.

Parissa Wax Strips, Hair Removal for Wimps

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I’m one of those who never shave their legs unless I have to. I much rather be hairy then going through the pain, expenses, and time of hair removal. With an very important formal function coming up, I needed to look for options.

Parissa Wax Strips, Legs and BodyShaving was not acceptable, I’ve touched ladies with leg stubbles, NOT AN OPTION! I also had used the drugstore brand hair softening cream, chemicals, also NOT AN OPTION. And that left me with waxing.

A visit to my local natural food store which has a very strict standard when choosing what they sell yielled the Parissa brand. Parissa products are non-toxic, parabens/preservatives free, all natural, and not tested on animal. The ones I got (summer, 2015) was made in Spain.

While I researched for the pain level, I only found one video that said it hurt. Eventually, I found this video by Effortless Ruth that convinced me to get it. I think the person who said it hurt might not have followed the instructions well.

I read the instructions, watched Ruth’s and Parissa’s video, then in less than 5 minutes I have hairless legs! No Pain, no mess. I’ll never dread waxing my legs again!

Bandages, Made in USA (update 2015)

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[NOTE] Please see the 2025 update on more USA made options.

Always on the look out for USA made options, I found another great option for bandages.

Up & Up bandages from Target

Up and Up bandages from Target

(Most of the Up & Up bandages are no longer made in USA)

If you don’t mind store brand products, Target offer varieties of USA made bandages.

I have not personally used these bandages but I know their Up & Up cotton rounds (also made in USA) has great quality and sensible price.

Nexcare by 3M

Nexcare Waterproof Bandage Made in USA

For people who don’t want to go with store brand, Nexcare bandages are made in USA.

Since my first post about Nexcare, I have been tracking the Nexcare bandages in case they lost their way and go offshore. As far as I can see from the products on the store shelves, they are still made in USA.

To save yourself some money, make sure you check for 3M coupons before going to the stores.

Ice Cube Tray Made in USA

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I love lemonade but don’t like the sweetness and sometimes chemical taste in the store-bought products. So, I switched to squeezing my own.

rubbermaid easy release ice cube trayProblems:
A lot of work for juicing just 1 lemon/lime at a time.
A batch of lemons/limes produce to much to keep fresh.

Solution:
Make ice cubes out of the juice.

I searched to US made products and found the Rubbermaid Easy Release Ice Cube Tray. According to Rubbermaid it is made from #2 plastic, BPA free and dishwasher safe.

I juiced a beg of lemons with my stainless squeezer gadget (if you like pulps, this is not the tool.) and made 1.5 trays of ice cubes.

And as it’s so names, it really is easy release. High marks for another Made in USA item!

Unbleached Cheesecloth Made in USA

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[ UPDATE 7/20/19 ]

organic cheese cloth bag

I no longer can find USA made cheesecloth in the stores. The one I can find on Amazon but never owned/used is the Nut Milk Bag from EcoPeaceful. it is organic, grown and sewn in USA.

[ OLD INFO BELOW ]

The last time I bought cheesecloth (Regency Natural Ultra Fine), I was surprised to see they were no longer made in USA. I was lucky that the local store of the online shop still had some old ones I could exchange.

The last time I bought cheesecloth (Regency Natural Ultra Fine), I was surprised to see they were no longer made in USA. I was lucky that the local store of the online shop still had some old ones I could exchange.

Today, I was at a trusted local health food store, I found “If You Care” has US made cheesecloth.

Like many other cheesecloth, you will need to adjust the number of layers for your applications. I used it to soak up water droplets from the bottom of the top steamer pan so my steam buns will come out with shiny, smooth skin.

I have been using “If You Care” muffin cups for years and when you take the paper off, no part of muffin comes off with it.

iPad Air (2013) Accessories That Works

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Not being one who wants to die with lots of toys, I selected these products from the reviews and with the intention to try things out. This iPad Air* was a gift to my Father from my sister. My job was to outfit the iPad Air* for him.

(*not for older iPads, iPad 2 or newer)

Tech Armor HD ANTIGlare Screen Protector for iPad Air

Tech Armor HD ANTIGlare Screen Protector for iPad AirMy Father had used the iPad Air without the screen protector for 1 week before I installed this film for him.

  • He found no difference and it did not effect handwriting Chinese input method.
  • He noticed no change in the image quality.

Installation was pretty easy for me. I started by watching all the installation videos Tech Armor provided on their site. I did not install it in the bathroom as suggestion by some. I suggest you find a clutter-free area and remove dusts in the area as much as you can.

Once you have it positioned, the film lays itself down nicely. I used the sticker they provided the remove the dust particles. Do remember some might be stuck on the film rather than the screen.

amPen Hybrid Stylus (Interchangeable Hybrid Tip Feature)

amPen Hybrid StylusI bought both amPen Hybrid Stylus and amPen Capacitive Stylus.

  • He picked Hybrid right away. The Capacitive was definitely not as good.
  • The Hybrid reduced the frustration of the screen not responding to his touch.
  • It works even with the Tech Armor HD ANTIGlare Screen Protector.
  • The tip is replaceable.
  • Handwriting Chinese input seems to work better using his finger.

Lightning Digital AV Adapter by Apple

Apple Lightning Digital AV AdapterFor older folks’ viewing pleasure, this adapter can be hooked up to a TV with HDMI inputs. Whatever you see on the iPad will show up on the TV screen, control still comes from the iPad.

I’ve heard that, for this, it’s better to get an Apple made part. For what he needs, Apple TV was not necessary.

hdmi_cableYou will also need a HDMI cable to go between the Lightning Digital AV Adapter and the TV’s HDMI input.

Be sure to measure the length you need before selecting the cable.

Best Yet Non-Toxic Bug Spray

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Since spring, some mysterious tiny bugs moved into my basement. I resisted in using the bug bumb. 1. Hoping that they’ll leave so I don’t have to kill them. 2. If I have to kill them, I don’t want to poison people by come in contact with the poison that’ll be everywhere in the room.

CedarCide Best Yet Quart Spray BottleThen I heard about CedarCide, 100% natural, non-toxic, people/pet safe, and made in Taxes, USA. Out of desperation (since the bugs didn’t hear my plead for them to leave), I bought a Best Yet 32 oz spray bottle to try.

I started by cleaning the shelfs and carpet, then sprayed along the base of the wall. It didn’t work so well. Before I gave up, I sprayed the ceiling (a wood encased compartment for recessed lighting). That did the trick.

The effect was immediate. No more feeling that some things are crawling up my legs to hide in the seams of my cloth and ready to bite.

According to CedarCide, Best Yet kills bed bugs and their eggs. They also say that it is safe on pets and human skin as a bug repellent, and since it is oil based, it won’t be sweat off easily.

There is also a gallon size available for refills or bigger jobs but so far I’ve only used up 1/4 of the bottle for a 200 sf room.

Although the scent is not too strong but if you spray a large amount at once, I suggest you leave the area closed for a day or over night. I also covered electronics with newspaper, just in case the droplet go into the machines, but I’m just being paranoid.

So, thumbs up for CedarCide Best Yet Bug Spray!

Bandages, Not Made in USA?

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Check the bandages in your first aid box, are you sure they are made in USA?

[NOTE] Please see the 2025 update on more USA made options.

People all over the world trust the quality of US brand because products made in the States are usually safer and better. But on a trip to drug stores for bandages, I realized, even with first aid items, US brands might not be US made.

I started with the brand that took up most of the shelf space, none of this brand was made here. Next, I moved to the 3M Nexcare, thank havens, these are made in USA. Then I got curious about “green” bandages.

From the bandages I found at Whole Foods, it looks like “latex-free” is the feature, since some people are allergic to latex. These are what I ended up getting.

Nexcare Waterproof Clear Bandage

Nexcare Waterproof Bandage Made in USANexcare Waterproof Clear Bandage is made of a clear material that lets the air in and keeps the water out. At first sight, I thought, how can this thin, clear layer handle my frequent hand washing. It also took me a while to figure out how to put it on. (see this application demonstration, 28 seconds into the video.)

As Nexcare advertised, it stayed on until I decided to take it off a few days later. My cut was healed and it didn’t leave a ring of stickiness.

Nexcare Soft’n Flex Bandage

nexcare soft'n flex bandages made in usaIf you would rather have the traditional bandage, Nexcare Soft’n Flex Bandage is the pick. It is latex-free, comfortable to wear, and flexible to the movements. It stays on well but I must say the waterproof ones did much better.

Before you run out to the store for these US made bandages, make sure to visit Nexcare’s Coupons & Rebates page and save some money!