My Thoughts of Cra-Z-Art Shimmer 'n Sparkle Cra-Z-Knitz Ultimate Designer Knitting Station

During the Christmas season of 2014, I spotted this loom knitting set at both Wal-Mart and Toys R Us. Given that I already own over 20 different knitting looms, I couldn't really justify spending $30 on the set. However, the lap desk that the looms fit into intrigued me. I even considered buying a plastic lap desk from Hobby Lobby and retrofitting it for my existing looms, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.
Cra-Z-Art, the company behind the set, is the same one I knew as RoseArt when I was a kid. I wasn't a fan of RoseArt crayons, and Cra-Z-Art's crayons are no different—they don't match the quality of Crayola or Sargent's. However, I've used other products from Cra-Z-Art that I enjoyed, so I figured this loom set could be hit or miss. Even with a 40% or 50% off coupon, I still couldn't justify the cost.
A member of the GoodKnitKisses Facebook group mentioned that this set was listed on for $5.95 under Warehouse Deals. The listing stated it was used and the box was damaged, but at less than $6, it wouldn't be a huge loss if it turned out to be a dud. As an Amazon Prime member, I get free 2-day shipping on most items, so I ordered the loom set. Two days later, it arrived on my doorstep.
When I opened the box, I was pleasantly surprised to find it in good condition, never opened and showing no signs of damage other than slightly dented corners from shop wear. The set was indeed new. There was more to it than I realized—the "bonus" item was a spool loom, also known as a French knitter. My excitement for the loom desk turned to disappointment when I realized it was designed to sit on a table or solid surface rather than being used as a lap desk.
The set includes two standard knitting looms: one round loom for hats and items knitted in the round, and a small "long" loom, also known as a rack loom, for flat paneled items. The molded plastic has a thin and glossy feel to it. I've read some reviews claiming it is flimsy plastic, but honestly, this is a mass-produced loom set marketed to children. It's not designed for professional or serious projects like Knifty Knitter or Martha Stewart looms. The knobs on the tops of the looms are smaller than I'd prefer, but again, this isn't meant to be a travel or on-the-go set. The looms are completely functional. The loom hook is really cool and fits my hand perfectly, unlike the standard ones that come with Darice, Yarnology, Knifty Knitter, or Boye looms.
In addition to the spool loom, the set includes four small skeins of brightly colored acrylic yarn. The yarn feels softer than Red Heart Super Saver or the acrylic yarns usually included in kids' kits. The downside is that each skein doesn't provide enough yarn for more than just a hat in each color. No problem, though—the included colors appear to match up with those available from any yarn retailer or can at least be coordinated.
My overall thoughts on this set? I'd say it's worth the original price if intended as a gift for a young child who wants to loom knit or a beginner. The yarn is fun to work with, the loom hook/tool is better than most, and the spool knitter made me feel like I got a great value. The knitting desk/storage mount is possibly the weakest link of the set, but it looks cute when all put together. One improvement I would have liked to see is a way to spin the looms as you work, instead of having to turn the entire desk/mount around.
Definitely a set to keep on hand if you have kids interested in crafting—it's fun and functional. And for those who love sharing their crafting enthusiasm, any recommendations or little gifts related to knitting are always welcome and appreciated!

Dangerous or Gross Lifesaving Animals

It's a fact that animals can extend our life expectancy by giving us stress relief by capturing our hearts with their cute and cuddly ways. Therapy cats and dogs have become so popular that prescriptions have been written to individuals with special needs. Lifesaving medical therapy doesn't stop with cuddly creatures though. Here's a bit of info that you might have missed last time you were diagnosing yourself on Web MD.

Horseshoe crab blood is used to fight endotoxins though with a cost of $15,000 per pint.

Gila Monster venom has been discovered to treat the epidemic in American known as diabetes. A hormone in the venom, known as exendin-4, is similar to a hormone in the human digestive system that produces insulin when blood sugar peaks. Byetta, the drug derived from the venom of the ferocious lizard is available as an injection for Type 2 Diabetics to maintain healthy glucose levels. Not only does the drug help with glucose levels, it has also been noted to help with weight loss and appetite suppression.

Snake venom has been found to treat an array of medical issues including blood pressure, cancer, bacterial infections and many others. Tirofiban, an anticoagulant drug used to treat cardiovascular disease is derived from the venom of the Saw-scaled viper. Many other venoms are used for various ailments including venom from the King Cobra, Bushmaster, Copperheads and even the harmless, yet mildly venomous Garter Snake.

Maggots are certainly not something people think of when it comes to cleanliness. The larvae of the blowfly loves to eat decaying or dead flesh. Doctors use maggots to clean wounds by allowing them to eat the dead and bacteria filled tissue. Usually only used as a last resort when all other treatment methods have failed, maggots are placed on the infection under bandages for several days. The maggots ingest liquefied bacteria and clean the dead tissue from lacerations. Within the time these little guys are feasting on your flesh, they grow about a half an inch.

Leeches are known as nature's vampires. They were commonly used centuries ago to save limbs as well as lives. In modern times, leeches are used to close wounds and repair skin damage after reattachment of limbs such as fingers and toes. Just imagine, you cut your finger off, doctors reattach it then apply a few creatures with three jaws full of sharp teeth that continuously feeds on your blood. Sound fun? The FDA has approved only one of the 650 different species of leeches for medical use.