- Freakin' Reviews Newsletter
- Posts
- 1 Year Later: Which Products Survived?
1 Year Later: Which Products Survived?
Update 56 revisits 10 past reviews. Some held up, others flopped!
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/003951dd-3c66-4ff5-963d-4e27356107ca/NewsletterHeader1124.jpg?t=1732639211)
🚨 New Video + Exclusive Deals! 🚨
I’m back with a fresh Update video for you, where I take a look back at 10 products I reviewed a year ago to see which ones stood the test of time, and which ended up in the dreaded Boneyard. 💀 Plus, I’ve rounded up some great deals on products I actually use, and we’re taking a fun trip down memory lane with an AliExpress haul from four years ago. Let’s dive in! 👇
NEW VIDEO ALERT 📽️
Update 56
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/834e2732-1c3a-46b7-9ae7-9dd0fdf63af5/update56-02-600.jpg?t=1738964881)
Which products made the cut and which didn’t?
The latest installment of my Update series is live! In Update 56, I’m revisiting 10 products I reviewed a year ago to see which ones stood the test of time, and which were relegated to the Boneyard. 💀
🔹 Walmart Haul 🛒 – A couple of these items are still in my daily rotation!
🔹 EZ-Bed 🛏️ – My review was lukewarm… but did it earn a permanent spot?
🔹 Toaster Comparison 🍞 – Did my top pick from that test remain my go-to?
📺 Click below to watch and find out which products held up and which ones flamed out! 🔥
DEALS 🏷️
🪑4-in-1 Ottoman: 10% Off
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/965892b0-9fcd-46b4-89b2-e19738169580/chair-deal.jpg?t=1738967459)
I reviewed this convertible ottoman back in 2022, paying around $300 for it, so even with just a 10% discount, the current price is $85 less than what I paid! 🤯 This versatile piece is still in use today. While I use it as an ottoman 95% of the time, it’s nice knowing it can quickly transform into a chair, lounger, or even a bed in a pinch.
🍲 7-Quart Crock-Pot – 40% Off
I have not one, not two, but four slow cookers in my arsenal, and this one has been a holiday workhorse! 💪 Right now, it’s on sale for just $30, which is a fantastic price. With a 4.6-star rating from over 34,000 reviews, it’s clearly a winner far beyond just my own experience.
💡 Glocusent Neck Light – 38% Off
I tested this hands-free reading light way back in 2021, and over the years, I’ve had tons of people write in saying they love it. With a 4.7-star rating from over 129,000 reviews, this 38% discount makes it a no-brainer if you’ve been thinking about grabbing one! 🔦
Prevent bread from drying out! |
ON THIS DATE 🗓️
AliExpress Haul Under $3 (2021)
![](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,quality=80/uploads/asset/file/60d8509e-af66-443c-b6f7-ae9ab5aa5a79/aliexpress-thumb-600.jpg?t=1738965071)
Can you find a good deal on AliExpress for Under $3?
4 years ago today, I posted a haul of AliExpress finds under $3, and let’s just say it was an interesting batch of products. 🤯 From the bizarre to the borderline unsafe, this collection had it all!
While Temu may have stolen AliExpress' thunder in recent years, it’s still fun to rewind and see what kind of questionable (and occasionally useful) gems I managed to dig up back then.
SMART SHOPPING 🛒
Three Tips for Wiser Shopping
Check for Local Pickup Discounts: Some retailers offer discounts for in-store or curbside pickup, saving you on shipping fees. Even if the discount isn’t advertised, it’s often faster and more convenient than waiting for delivery.
Research Off-Brand Alternatives. Generic or lesser-known brands often provide similar quality at a fraction of the cost.
Beware of Artificially Inflated Discounts: Check the product’s price history before buying. Some retailers raise prices just before a sale to make discounts look larger than they are. I use a browser plugin called Keepa which shows actual historic prices on Amazon rather than “list” prices, which are often meaningless.
That’s it for this edition! 🎉 Whether you’re checking out the latest Update video, scoring a great deal, or reminiscing about the weird and wacky AliExpress finds of the past, I appreciate you being here. Let me know if you’ve tried any of the products from today’s video, as I always enjoy hearing your thoughts!
Until next time,
James