Uncommon Goods

Brooklyn Flag Project

Disclaimer: Uncommon Goods contacted me and asked to write a product review, I was allowed to pick out the products and they were given to me as compensation. The opinions are 100% mine and my assistant reviewers.

Bloggers have a voice,  we put our stories and really our lives out there for the public to see,  so we will sometimes be asked by companies to review or talk about or recommend their products to our readers. That is a big responsibility,  at least I think it is, and I don’t want to represent anything that I don’t feel strongly about in a positive way, I was approached by Uncommon Goods and asked if I would consider writing a review of some of their products. I first visited their website and browsed, I liked what I saw, then I read about the company and liked them even more. As I scrolled down one of the first things I saw was the Brooklyn Flag Project click here to learn more about it, it’s wonderful and I am so proud that someone from my block association has entered this contest. I would love to see a flag for our neighborhood.

Uncommon Goods is an online store with offices and warehouse located right here in Brooklyn, they are a company that is much more than simply a great place to buy things. They are responsible employers paying a generous living wage, they are a company that gives back to their community, they showcase products from local Brooklyn artists and entrepreneurs as well as Fair Trade and sustainable products.  They are all about community and for me that’s very important,  when they contacted me and asked me to review some products I was happy to do it, they are my neighbors and in my opinion a business that I will not hesitate to recommend. They told me to look through their incredible online catalog and pick some items. They have gifts for everyone, gifts for her, gifts for him and gifts for kids of all ages, prices are varied and mostly very reasonable.  I write about food,  so I chose a few things for the home cook as well as a couple of kids gift items.

I picked out a 100% cotton apron and hand towel set, a herb oil infuser, a potholder loom and an Hypotrochoid art set for kids. My items arrived and the first thing I did was open the oil infuser.  I knew it may take a few days for the oil to infuse with the herbs. I cut some rosemary and sage from my garden and filled the center tube with the herbs.

Ready to infuse

The instructions are on the side of the box, it’s pretty simple but I managed to add too much oil to the bottle and when you insert the tube with the herbs there will be spillage if you over fill. So watch that you fill exactly as its pictured.

instructions

After I cleaned up the olive oil spill here is what it looks like in the bottle, Now I just need to let it sit for a few days to infuse the oil with the herbs. I really love this infuser, it’s a great idea. Easy to use, attractive and who doesn’t love infused oil. This would make a great stocking stuffer or hostess gift. (NOTE: 4 days later the oil is nicely infused, used it to make a lovely fresh tomato sauce).

oil infusing

Salt and Pepper apron and towel

This is a really great apron, the quality is excellent, it’s hand drawn (so cute), the neck strap is adjustable and there is ample length straps to wrap and tie in the front,  it has lots of pockets, I love that.  One other feature I thought was a great idea is that it comes with a hand towel and there is a place you can hang it on the apron, it’s very convenient. This also will make a great gift either to yourself or anyone that cooks. Honestly, when I bake I always wear an apron, for everyday cooking, not all the time,  but I really appreciate the quality and practicality.

hypotrochoid art set

I picked out two items for kids (adult kids would like too). The Hypotrochoid Art Set and the Potholder Loom. Both are great fun and my two assistants, Maia (9 yrs) and Laila (6 yrs) tested these items for me. Here is Maia’s review of the Hypotrochoid Art Set:

This hypotrochoid art set is really fun, but I think it needs more instructions. The instructions are on the back of the box. You have to write lightly or it will rip the paper, it takes practice but in the end it’s all worth it.

I will add that both girls used the art set the younger of the two lost interest after a few minutes,  but Maia, age 9 really got into it and when she successfully made some beautiful shapes she was immensely proud and happy. This is a really fun item with a lot of learning potential and I highly recommend it. It got a thumbs up from the girls.

Maia using the art set

Success

When I saw the potholder loom it was exactly like the one I had as a child, it hasn’t changed. When I was young I spent hours with my loom making potholders and I was a young entrepreneur and took them door to door and sold to my neighbors. I chose this item partly for nostalgia but I also wanted to see how the girls would like it. Laila, chose this item and quickly set out to stretch the cloth bands on the loom. The instructions are clear but I think that this turned out to be a little more than Laila could handle so she handed off to Maia who finished it. If your child loves crafts this is a great product, it’s fun, teaches dexterity, patience and develops a love all things handmade. The girls both gave this a thumbs up and so do I.

First layer done by Laila

Maia finishes