Havaianas Review

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Such hype over the Havaianas, I never really understood it: they are flip-flops! And not even that great ones, for that matter. Many models are heavy and almost flat, so not really comfortable compared to much cheaper, no-name flip-flops (the ones I have right now were more than 10 times cheaper than an average-price pair).

Admittedly, some of the patterns are pretty nice, but, as in all flip-flops, you can mostly see them when you're not wearing the Havaianas. So, surely, many of them will look good on your wall, but when it comes to your feet, you can easily get something equally pretty (which doesn't matter much anyway), much cheaper, more comfortable.

Want to know more? http://www.havaianas.com/

Machinarium Review

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I had since long stopped waiting for new adventure/puzzle games with traditional 2-D type graphics to come out, since the market seems to be completely taken over by 3-D.

I was, therefore, pleasantly surprised to come across Machinarium, a puzzle adventure game somewhat in the style of the Goblin series - for those who remember them. It's by a Czech company, Amanita Design, and features a robot trying to beat the "bad" guys and save his beloved female robot.

The graphics have this Czech, slightly dark artistic element in them that give the game its unique atmosphere, but are at the same time playful and friendly. And the riddles (with the exception of one or two, although this varies from gamer to gamer) can be figured out by the gamer without having to do the much hated try-everything-with-everything-until-something-works.

Disadvantages: As in every adventure game, there are these points where you have to repeatedly go through the different levels searching for the one thing you've failed to notice and that's keeping you stuck.

Want to find out more? http://machinarium.net/

D.A.T.E. Shoes Review

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They look good and they feel awesome!

For quite a while I was going for the cheap-against-comfort choice in shoes, since normally the canvas type sneakers wear off too fast to care to invest.

I decided to go for comfort this time, found these ones half price (mine are black with a bit of purple), bought them, they are soooo comfortable!!! And much more endurable than I expected, given the fact that they're made out of fabric.

Disadvantages: Well, the price. D.A.T.E. sneakers may not be the most expensive ones out there, but they cost quite a bit. And, of course, if you get the fabric ones, you can get away with wearing them in a drizzle, but if it starts to really rain don't expect to get home on dry feet.

Want to know more? http://www.date-sneakers.it/

Himalaya Toothpaste Review

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For many years I remember getting this strange, gurgling feeling in my stomach after brushing my teeth. I still don't know why (I wasn't swallowing the toothpaste if this is what you're thinking :)), but it happened so often I thought it was part of the process.

Then, at one point, as I was searching for a toothpaste for my mom (she has very sensitive gums and they were often bleeding), I ran into the Himalaya Toothpaste. And all problems were magically solved*.

Disadvantages: The texture and colour resembles mud. If you don't mind that, go for it.

*I later found out that some of the expensive pharmacy brands also work quite well. But Himalaya Toothpaste was the first, and it's organic, so still on top of the list.

Want to find out more? http://www.himalayahealthcare.com/products/dental_cream.htm

The Best Mayonnaise Review

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Well, it’s none of the major brands, but it’s very, very popular in one country: Poland. It’s, nevertheless, rather easy to get hold of it – it can be found wherever Polish are around. The secret ingredient, which I think gives it the extra taste, is mustard (which also means you won’t like it if you hate mustard).

One disadvantage: What few Polish know is that Winiary, their much-loved mayonnaise, isn’t really Polish. Rather, it’s Nestlé.

Want to know more? http://www.winiary.pl/produkty.aspx/34/majonezy (In Polish)