10 Products, 1 Year Later: Hits & Misses

Update 55 looks back at reviews from late 2023 to see which products I still use!

We’re in the holiday home stretch, and I’m back with a blast from the recent past! I’m revisiting 10 reviews from late 2023 to see which items earned a spot in my everyday tools and which ones were retired immediately. Plus, I’ve got deals, tips, and more to share.

So let’s jump right into it with…

NEW VIDEO ALERT
Update 55

How did these products hold up over the past year?

My latest video is online now, and it’s the 55th installment of my “Update” series in which I go back to 10 past product reviews from a year ago and revisit the original review, and let you know which products I continued to use and which ones ended up in The Boneyard.

A few key moments:
🪫 Do the Beardaments batteries still work after spending a year in a box?
🥕 Which veggie tool became a part of my regular kitchen routine?
🕯️ How did I repurpose the Candle by the Hour?

Click below to watch the full recap of this set of products from exactly one year ago!

DEALS 🛒
Hand Massager: 30% Off

I reviewed this hand massager back in August as part of a Viewer Request video, and it quickly became a favorite. Not only does it work well as a massager, but it’s also excellent for warming up hands—a big deal for me as someone with Raynaud’s.

Lately, I’ve been using it more and more, and with today’s deal, it’s priced to sell! Check it out here on Amazon.

If you want to see it in action, watch my review here or read the written review.

Walking Pad: 30% Off

Here’s a product I never reviewed but bought for my own use: a walking pad that helps me get in my steps during the cooler winter months. It hasn’t been too cold here in Vegas yet, but it’s perfect for windy or rainy days when going outside isn’t appealing.

The best part? It’s currently 30% off, which is a much better deal than when I bought it!

Vantrue Dashcam: 34% Off

I’ve tested my share of dashcams over the years, and Vantrue has always been my top pick. This updated N4 Pro model takes things even further, with expanded features beyond what I currently use.

Right now, it’s marked down 34%, making it an incredible deal. If I were in the market for a new dashcam, this is the one I’d choose to replace my older Vantrue model.

Quick Tip: Revive cloudy plastic containers!
Rub them with a paste of baking soda and water, then rinse thoroughly.

ON THIS DATE 🗓️
Broombi Brush (2022)

Broombi Brush

Exactly one year ago today, I posted my review of the highly-requested Broombi Brush. At the time, it was making the rounds as a broom and squeegee hybrid, a combination I’ve had nothing but bad luck with before.

While it wasn’t the worst in its category, the big question remains: Is it a viable replacement for the real thing?

If you missed it the first time around, revisit my review and see where it stands!

Don’t want to fuss with a video? You can skim through the written review!

SMART SHOPPING
Three Tips for Wiser Shopping

Ask About Floor or “Demo” Discounts for Electronics. Retailers often sell display models of TVs, laptops, and gadgets at discounted rates. If you’re considering a floor model, ask the retailer about the warranty!

Utilize Loyalty Programs for Savings. Many retailers reward frequent customers with points, discounts, or exclusive deals. Credit cards such as Discover and American Express also have more general rewards programs.

Negotiate in-Store Prices on Big Purchases. Don’t hesitate to ask for a better deal. Many retailers can offer discounts if you’re serious about buying.

SHORT SPOTLIGHT
Charging Bracelet

In Update 55 above, I tested gadgets from Five Below, and one of those items - the Charging Bracelet - is today’s Short Spotlight.

This one was a bit confusing at first. The packaging almost made it look like a charger, but it turned out to be just a charging cable you can wear on your wrist. Still, it was an interesting item to test, and opinions about it vary wildly.

Is it a clever idea or completely impractical? Check out the short here.

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I took a bit of a “break” from filming reviews recently to work on my Best of the Year, Worst of the Year, Q&A, and Update 55 videos. Now I’m back to my regular review schedule, so you can look forward to fresh product reviews in the next few days.

I hope this email finds you all healthy and happy as we round the corner into Christmas week!

Until next time,
James

Coming up next time: The skinniest toaster I’ve ever seen!