Speedball Carver Review

I was becoming more and more intrigued to create prints from a carving. I had watched numerous videos on YouTube to learn about the techniques and methods that people used. I was hooked, and ordered my Speedball Linoleum Cutter.

I had some dense foam on hand that was used in some basic picture frames. It seemed that they were soon going to have a new purpose. My Speedball cutting tool arrived and I looked forward to cutting out my first print. Nope! Didn't work. The foam was a bit too dense. I had grown up with the adage of 'make do with what you got.' Well sometimes that works, and sometimes not. It was time to get something that I saw people have success with.

I placed another order for the Speedball print making blocks, called Speedy Carve. I figured since my first try didn't work, I wasn't going to go with a less expensive brand. I definitely wanted it to work. I ordered the Speedball Carving block.

The time came. I was going to make a real print. Something I actually dreamed about printing, and not just some little things to give it a try. I drew a picture of my cat, Tori, from a photo. She is gorgeous, no matter if I didn't draw every change in fur color!

The method I used was to first trace around my Speedy Carve block, so that I would have the appropriate dimension for my upcoming drawing.

With photo on my phone off to the side, I commenced to drawing, and shaded in the areas that I wanted to print, on my paper. The areas that you don't want to print, are the ones that get carved away.

I darkened my drawing with my pencil, and then laid it on the carving block, face side down. I used the smooth round side of a marker to rub over the back of my paper, to transfer the drawing to the block.

Cool, the image was easily transferred. As per tips from the videos that I watched, I went over my drawing on the block with a pen, as the pencil marks can easily get smeared away.

Then the carving began. I started with the smaller V shaped carving tool to carve right around the edges that I wanted to make my prints from. I used a larger V shape carving tool to carve out the larger areas. I even laid the large V carving tool on its side to cover more area. That worked pretty good.

Overall, the Speedball carving tool works really well, and glides smoothly along the surface of the Speedy Carve block. Per instructions from videos that I watched, I held the carving tool at an angle and with light pressure, pushed the tool along, away from my body, and my other hand.

I found that it helps to have good eyesight, good lighting, steady hands, and being able to see all the lines and areas that you want left intact. With a bit of a slip, part of what you want to print can easily go away. The black in one of the cat's eyes, was mistakenly made smaller, more like a slit when a cat is looking at a light. So guess what, the cat now has black slits instead of the wider eyed look. Oh well. She's still gorgeous!

I have since cut away the areas around the cat, and glued the carved block to a piece of wood. It gives me a solid piece to hold, and isn't wobbly or flexible.

I also found that I get a cleaner print when I press the carved block down into brayered paint that is smoothed out, rather than using the brayer to apply the paint directly to the carved block.

Hope you found some helpful tips here. If you want to try making prints yourself, I do recommend the Speedball Carving Took, along with the Speedball Speedy Carve.

Speedball Carving Tool Set Check for price.

Speedball Speedy Carve Check for price.

Thank you for visiting and for your comments. My plan now is to fine tune my print making of this cute cat, and then design some products with the prints in my CherylsArt store on Zazzle. Let me know if you have a cat color request and or product type that is available on Zazzle. I will be glad to oblige.

Cheryl Paton

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Reviewing Features When Choosing A Garden Hosepipe

 

We have always had a hosepipe for our garden. We generally use it for watering the garden particularly the containers and pots, washing the car and general cleaning of the patio. We also use it for filling up the bird bath and cleaning out the big bins. 

Why Do You Need A Garden Hosepipe?

Hosepipe uses

Are you watering a small or large number of plants in pots or containers, your lawn or other plants?

Do you intend to wash your car or motorhome at home?

Do you need it to clean your patio?

Do you need it to fill a birdbath, child's paddling pool or dog bath? 

Over the years we have had several different types of hosepipes and while we do restrict its use for eco reasons and cost reasons we do find certain tasks are so much easier for us with hosepipe. 

Hosepipes can make everyday tasks like watering gardens, cleaning patios, filling paddling pools, cleaning and filling bird baths and dog baths easier and quicker. However there are different types of hosepipe that may suit different needs, budgets and uses. 

 Standard Hosepipes 

This was my first hosepipe and one I replaced more often than I can remember. Very affordable and widely available, standard hosepipes are within most peoples budgets and do the job. They are usually made of plastic or rubber. 

In my experience while I never expected them to last too long, the biggest issue with them was the constant checking and releasing kinks that prevented proper water flow. 

I understand now that you can buy kink-resistant coils to help with this issue or even hoses with kink resistant features in affordable models. They are a decent affordable option if you buy one with this feature.

Expandable Garden Hosepipes

This was our previous hosepipe and I loved it! These hoses shrink when empty, making them much smaller, lightweight and very easy to store.

 When in use, they expand to their full length as water flows through them. I found it was important to let the entire hose fill with water and fully expand before starting to use. Being expandable meant it was really easy to store and crucially to move around.

 It was so lightweight. I also liked the various spray nozzle features such as mist, fan, cone and shower. The handle on my model however did have to be kept pressed down which if doing a long watering session I found hard on my hand. So I would now always buy one that you can clip in place to stay on. 

We had ours for nearly two years and were very careful about storing it inside in winter. However it did not survive the second winter and split one day beyond repair. 

It was really good for our garden while it lasted and I was very impressed. So easy and light to use. I think that maybe it got too much use and being dragged across sharp gravel and concrete may not have been good for it. I wonder if it is maybe better for lighter duties. Otherwise our expandable was a really excellent hosepipe. If I got an expandable one again I would look for a heavy duty option like the one below.

 J&B XpandaHose 75ft Expandable Garden Hose with Holder - Heavy Duty Superior Strength 3750D - 4 -Layer Latex Core - Extra Strong Brass Connectors and 10 Spray Nozzle w/Storage BagCheck Price

Steel-Core Hosepipes

Our recent purchase is a steel core hosepipe and we spent rather more than we ever have on this one as we wanted durability as a primary function. It is built for strength and to be long lasting. Steel-core hosepipes are reinforced with metal, which makes them much more resistant to annoying kinks and splits or punctures.

 I can certainly say that it feels more robust and copes well with our gravel drive and concreted steps and many changes in direction as I go around the garden. It has not kinked or split or punctured and is easy and fairly lightweight to use. I thought it would be heavier but it is really very easy to move around. 

I love that it has many spray nozzle features such as full, mist, jet, cone spray etc which gives a lot of choice in how you use it.

One of the features is for the spray to stay on when a clip is pulled over so it reduces strain on the hands as you no longer have to hold the lever down. These steel core hoses are certainly more expensive, but the idea and my hope is that they last longer.

 SPECILITE 75ft 304 Stainless Steel Garden Hose Metal, Heavy Duty Water Pipe with Nozzles for Yard, Outdoor - Flexible, Never Kink & Tangle, Puncture Resistant (Sliver)Check Price

Features To Consider In Garden Hoses

• Storage Space. Some Hosepipes come with with hooks and wall mounted features. If you like a tidy garden wall-mounted reels are a great solution for storing the hosepipe preventing damage and tangles. An automatic rewinding device is an even greater feature to make life a bit easier. Or are you happy to store in a bucket or bag? 

• The handle should be a comfortable grip and ideally be able to be held down with a clip or similar. This saves a lot of pressure on our hands constantly having to hold a handle down. It makes watering a lot easier and then only light hold of the handle is required.

• Spray nozzle choices. For me I like a wide range of spray nozzle features to choose from. So I mostly use a mist for plants that need a gentle spray, jet for cleaning the car or patio area, full or shower for general watering and cone for spraying the larger areas such as grass on the lawn or newly seeded areas. 

• 

• Anti kink abilities. Maybe this is a pet hate of mine but i cannot cope with a hosepipe that is constantly kinking and stopping the flow of water, so for me and maybe for you this is important. 

• Durability for your needs. Are you using it for light jobs such as watering pots or heavier use for a range of activities. Will it be dragged across difficult surfaces or a smooth patio or well mown grass?  

• Budget. There maybe a balance cost as you can buy hosepipes very cheaply or rather more expensive. However the higher the quality and guarantee available the hope is the longer they will last, thus saving money in the long term.

Disadvantages Of Using A Hosepipe.

For water saving strategies hosepipes are probably not the best for watering a garden. Water here is expensive now and so using less water has become a mission for many people.

So if you can water your garden with a watering can either via a tap or ideally by using a rain water butt or a trough then you could save money on water bills that way. 

 2 Gallon Watering Can for Outdoor Plants with Removable Long Spout and Stainless Steel Sprinkler Head, Large Plastic Watering Can for Garden Flowers PlantsCheck Price

We may in a hot summer face a hosepipe ban where it is not permitted to use a hosepipe for anything, except in special circumstances. 

Using a hosepipe is probably not the most eco friendly item to use if we are trying to save water.

Using a hosepipe can work out more expensive for your water bills, depending on how you use it and if you are on a standard charge or a water metre.

Advantages of Using A Garden Hose

For me using anything but a smaller watering can to water our garden plants is difficult. I have a back issue and while most of the time now it is under control, there are some things that will set it off and sadly using a watering can full of water and walking down our steps to the garden can and does result in pain for me. I only usually water plants in pots, other plants in the ground can usually survive without watering. 

Equally for my husband who is severe sight impaired it is less dangerous for him to hold a hosepipe and do a lot of watering without having to move too much than it is for him to have to constantly walk up and down to the tap and navigating steps and a gate to do so.

Perhaps for some people with certain disabilities and some people who are older a hosepipe may be a better option than carrying a heavy full watering can. 

Washing our car at a commercial jet wash or car wash involves driving quite a way, then paying for it. At home we can wash the suds on the car using a bucket and car wash and simply rinse off with the hosepipe for a cheaper and more convenient way to wash the car. 

We do not pay anyone to clean our big wheelie bins, we do that ourselves using suds and a brush then rinse it all out with the hosepipe. 

There are many hosepipe options to choose from, including not having a hosepipe at all. I hope I have managed to cover some of the main features and qualities to consider, the basic choices available and main features to help the decision which to buy to suit your needs a little easier.

Read More Gardening Reviews on ReviewThisGardening.com

Read Diary Of A Wild Country Garden Blog

Visit Raintree Earth Designs for gifts and cards designed with nature photography

Barbara Mays Review Ladies, This Is the Garden Hose You’ve Been Waiting For

Reviewing Features When Choosing A Garden Hosepipe By Raintree Annie

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5 Years Later: Still Loving My Cubii Under The Desk Elliptical

5 Years Later: The Cubii Under Desk Bike Elliptical Still Gets a Five-Star Rating From Me!

In 2020, my mom gifted me the Cubii Under Desk Elliptical, and five years later, I'm here to tell you it's still one of the best, most-used gifts I've ever received. 

I originally reviewed it in 2021, followed up again in 2023, and now, in April 2025, I'm thrilled to say the Cubii has stood the test of time — and if I could, I'd give it 10 out of 5 stars. 

Here's why I'm still raving about it after all these years.

Silent, Reliable, and Built to Last

One of the biggest fears with exercise equipment is that it'll wear out, start squeaking, need constant repairs, or you'll just tire of it.

Not the Cubii. 

Five years in, and this little powerhouse is still whisper-quiet — no squeaks, no grinding, no weird pedal noises, and used nearly daily.

It's as solid today as it was when I first slid it under my desk five years ago.

The build quality is beyond impressive, and it's clear that this unit was made to last.

More Than Just Exercise — It's Sentimental Too

Since my mom has passed, the Cubii means even more to me now. Every time I pedal, it's like a small connection to her. 

She gifted me something not just practical, but something that truly fits into my daily life — and even brings a little piece of her into my everyday routine. 

That alone makes it priceless in my eyes. However, beyond that is its exceptional durability, practicality, and benefits.

The Ultimate Companion for Desk Workers and Writers

As I'm typing this very review, I'm pedaling! 

That's the beauty of the Cubii — you can get your legs moving while staying creatively productive. 

For writers, remote or office workers, and anyone who spends hours at a desk, it's a complete game-changer. 

When there's no time for a complete outdoor walk or gym session, you can still sneak in that much-needed movement without missing a beat at work.

Goodbye Guilt, Hello Movement

Ever feel guilty sitting all day? Yeah, me too. 

But with the Cubii under my desk, that guilt melts away. 

Whether you're tackling a big project, deep into online work, or just stuck indoors, the Cubii helps you stay active without rearranging your schedule. 

Movement becomes part of the day, not an afterthought.

A Secret Weapon Against Stress

Another unexpected bonus? Pedaling through stress. 

When life throws those inevitable curveballs and the emotional weight starts to build, I hop on the Cubii and pedal with all the energy those feelings bring. 

It's amazing how much lighter your mood can feel when you physically move through those heavy emotions.

For Me, the Desk Cubii is Way Better Than a Basement Bike!

My husband always says, "Why don't you use the stationary bike in the basement?" I just laugh. 

The Cubii is different — it's right here where I work, ready to go without needing a wardrobe change or a trip downstairs. 

Some days, I make a game out of it and challenge myself to see how long I can pedal. Movement is built into my life, not something extra I have to force myself to do.

I Found it to be a Good Choice for Chronic Illness and Autoimmune Warriors (Unfortunately, Like Me)

Living with an arthritic autoimmune disease makes staying active challenging, but the Cubii makes it possible. 

I can work for hours without sacrificing gentle movement, which is crucial for managing joint stiffness and overall health. 

On days I feel strong, I pedal like a madwoman; on days I'm tired, I give myself grace and rest. 

The flexibility it gives me is worth its weight in gold.

Every Office Should Have One!

Every office in every country should have a Cubii under every desk. 

It would revolutionize workplace wellness. 

A simple piece of equipment like this could increase health, happiness, and productivity.

Such a small thing to add to the lives of thousands of desk warriors!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing Bob Ross Color Changing Mug

 

My husband is one of those people that is hard to find a gift for special occasions.  He is well into his retirement years and really has most everything he needs or wants.  My kids and I are always looking for something different that he would enjoy.  As his birthday approached this year, I was again challenged to find a gift for him, when I was browsing on Amazon and found this Bob Ross mug. 

 My husband thoroughly enjoys watching "The Joy of Painting".  On this program, Bob Ross, with his delightful sense of humor, instructs listeners on how to paint landscape paintings. Bob Ross has long passed on, but his program can be found in syndication on the television programming, and he has become a pop culture icon.

When I found the mug, I decided it would be perfect for my husband.  The mug depicts a photo of Bob Ross with a solid black background, as seen in the photo below.   When the cup is filled with hot liquids the black background becomes a beautiful landscape photo.

Here is the link to this unique mug on Amazon Bob Ross Mug

How Does the Color Changing Work

I checked online to find out how the color changing works.  To put it simply it is done by using the principal of thermochromism which involves heat sensitive paint.  In the case of the mug the landscape painting would be painted on the mug with heat sensitive paint.  It would appear to be solid black until the hot liquid in the mug turns the black into a landscape painting.

More Bob Ross Products on Amazon

If you have a Bob Ross fan you would like to get a gift for a special occasion, then Amazon is the place to go.  I found numerous different Bob Ross gifts on Amazon.  Here are just a few:

• A variety of different Bob Ross painting kits and painting supplies
• Prints of Bob Ross paintings
• TShirts
• Socks
• Bob Ross bobblehead
• calendars
• Books with step-by-step painting instructions

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Self-Heating Mugs: A Wonderful Gift To Keep Coffee Or Tea Hot All Day

I received a self-heating mug as a thoughtful birthday gift from my husband, who knows that I always like to keep a hot beverage with me at all times. I like to have both ice water and hot water or tea within easy reach if I wake up during the night and when I wake up in the morning, before I get out of bed, since I have a hard time getting up. Even though I have been using insulated travel tumblers for a very long time for my hot beverages, the lids have multiple silicone gaskets that are a bit of a pain to remove, clean, and replace. More importantly, after several years of round-the-clock use, the gaskets no longer work as well as they once did and no longer keep the hot water or herbal tea by my bedside hot throughout the night and into the morning.

The sleek Kepwam 16-ounce Self-Heating Coffee Mug my husband gave me has quickly become one of my favorite daily comforts. It keeps my tea or hot water at the perfect temperature indefinitely and brings a small but constant, cozy joy to my daily life. In fact, my husband, who is a coffee drinker, likes mine so much he requested one in a different color for his upcoming birthday!

Here's my product review after putting this heated coffee mug through its paces for the past three weeks.

Why It’s a Daily Essential

With three temperature settings—113°F, 131°F, and 149°F—the Kepwam 16-ounce Self-Heating Coffee Mug lets me sip slowly throughout the day without losing any warmth. The Very Hot (149°F) setting keeps my tea or hot water quite hot, just the way I like it. If I wake up in the middle of the night, I can reach for a comforting sip of the hot water or herbal tea I often drink at bedtime. 

Whether I’m reading, working, or relaxing, my tea or hot water stays delightfully hot from the first sip to the last. No more microwave trips and no lukewarm disappointments.

Less Expensive Than Better-Known Competitors

There aren't a lot of choices if you want a large-capacity self-heating one like this one. Others we looked at from better-known brands, such as the Ember Temperature-Controlled Smart Mug 2 and the Nextmug Temperature-Controlled Self-Heating Coffee Mug, have a smaller capacity and sometimes unnecessary features (like controlling the mug through an app). They also cost $100–$150, while my Kepwam self-heating coffee mug cost less than $60 on Amazon at the time of this review's publication.

Features I Love Most

• Modern matte design with a stainless steel build
• Spill-resistant lid that is easy to put on and take off, keeps heat in, and slides open and closed with one finger
• One-button operation with color-coded lights to indicate temperature setting; just push the button repeatedly to cycle through the temperature settings
• Long-lasting 3000 mAh lithium battery allows the mug to maintain a temperature of 113°F up to 3 hours off the base with a full charge, and longer if you keep the lid on and closed, as I do. 
• Smart charging base that doubles as a warming coaster (although the base does not get warm)
• Easy to clean (hand-wash)
• The temperature of the hot beverage is true to the temperature setting (we used an instant-read thermometer to check the hot water in mine after the mug had been sitting on the charging base overnight and it registered exactly 149°F).

I keep my mug on the charging base overnight, then carry the mug with me to whichever room I want to be in. Whether it’s my second steep of herbal tea or just hot water, this mug keeps my drink piping hot and makes hydration feel like a comforting ritual.

Perfect for Tea and Hot Water Lovers

This mug isn’t just for coffee drinkers. Whether you enjoy:

– Hot coffee

– Hot tea (black, green, herbal—pick your pleasure)

– Hot cocoa

– Plain hot water

…then this is an everyday luxury you’ll truly appreciate, especially if you enjoy sipping hot beverages slowly throughout the day without having to reheat your drink.

Things to Know

• Although the stated capacity is 16 ounces, I have found that it holds only 14 ounces of liquid when using the lid.
• There’s no app to fuss with—just one intuitive button. 
• The mug is hand-wash only, but easy to clean.
• While not officially discouraged, it’s wise to avoid using milk-based drinks for extended periods to prevent buildup or spoilage.
• Additional charging bases are not sold separately.

A Gift That Keeps on Giving

Kepwam Self Heating Coffee Mug, 16oz Smart Heated Coffee Mug, 150 Min Battery Life - Hot up to 149℉ Temperature Control Coffee Mug Warmer, Gifts for Women and Men

The Kepwam Self-Heating Mug has truly changed the way I enjoy tea and hot water throughout the day. It’s more than just a gadget—it’s a thoughtful gift that brings comfort, convenience, and a little extra warmth into my life.

It comes in a range of colors including Graphite, Steel Blue, Black, Burgundy (which looks brown in the product images), Lilac, and Sage Green. My mug is Graphite (deep gray) and the one I purchased for my husband is Steel Blue.

If you or someone you know prefers sipping hot drinks slowly and hates reheating them repeatedly throughout the day, this mug is a simple joy and a daily pleasure.

Best for: Coffee, tea, cocoa, or hot water drinkers and anyone who wants to keep their hot beverages hot without a hassle.

Self-Heating Mugs: A Wonderful Gift To Keep Coffee Or Tea Hot All Day by Margaret Schindel

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A Review of HotPop Microwave Popcorn Maker

 

Last fall my husband and I started eating popcorn for a snack in the evening.  It was less calories than chips or cookies!  We started out buying microwave popcorn because we didn't have a popcorn popper.  Some brands were better than others, but one day I was going to make a bag and I took a look of the ingredients.  From there I went on the internet to investigate further.  What I found was not good:

A few reasons microwave popcorn is not healthy to eat:

1.  Oil.   Many microwave popcorns use hydrogenated oils, a type of trans fat that is bad for your heart and raises your cholesterol.

2.  Preservatives.  Most microwave popcorn use preservatives that prevent the ingredients from going rancid and to extend shelf life.  Some of these preservatives have been linked to vision, lung and behavioral problems, and while concrete proof has not been found yet, it is something to think about.

3.  The Bag.  Strangely enough one of the worst things about microwave popcorn is the bag that it comes in.  They have chemicals in them that prevent the grease from soaking through the paper.  Chemical like PFCs (perfluorinated compounds) that melt down into an acid that is a known carcinogen and has been linked to cancer according to the United Stated Environmental Protection Agency Report in 2017.

There are more reasons, why premade microwave popcorn is not good for you, but I think you get the idea.  I was very uncomfortable eating it after that, so I decided to find another way to make our popcorn that would be more natural.  I had decided to buy a free standing popcorn making machine because I thought it was the only way to go, other than cooking it on the stove, something I did not want to do.  I knew there was going to be a problem with finding counter space for the popper, as my counters were pretty full already, but I could not see any way around it.

I was shopping around on Amazon, surprised at how much the poppers cost.  Most were between $35 and $50, some as high as $70.  I had made my choice and was getting ready to order it when I saw a silicone popcorn popper that you put in the microwave, at the bottom of the page.  I remember thinking, that would be so much easier.  It even folded down so it was easy to store!.  I clicked on it and went straight for the comments.  That's where you find out the real info on anything you buy on Amazon.  

First of all, it got 4.6 our of 5 stars from 33,562 reviews, which is excellent.  Reading though the comments, I was pretty impressed, there were almost no bad reviews!  Most people highly recommended it!  The best part was it was only $12!  I was sold, and I ordered it. 

HotPop Popcorn Maker

 

When it arrived, we tried it out.  There are circles on the inside that show you how much popcorn to put in it for half a bowl or a full bowl.  It had a lid that you put on (make sure it is not fitted air tight as it needs air to pop) and easily folds down to about 3 inches tall, so it is easy to store.  You can use oil, butter or nothing when you are making your popcorn.  We use a little oil or butter because it helps the salt to stick to the kernels more easily.  So we put it in the microwave and hoped for the best......

The popcorn was delicious!

 

We were amazed at how good it was.  It was buttery, lightly salted and crispy.  I felt like we had hit the jackpot!  There were no burned pieces and at the bottom there were very few uncooked kernels.  

We have used it most evenings since then, for about two months and it has never failed to perform perfectly.  After experimenting with different oils and popcorn brands, we have found that these are the ingredients that we love best:

Pop Secret Jumbo Popcorn

Orville Redenbacher's Butter Flavor Popcorn Oil

Kernel Season's Popcorn Seasoning Variety - Pack of 8

I really cannot recommend this popcorn popper highly enough.  It's awesome!  If you fill it to the top, it makes 15 cups and that's enough for you and some friends.  It's dishwater safe, and unbreakable.  It really is a wonderful item and also makes a great gift, perfect for parents looking for a healthy snack to make for the kids!  You really can't beat it for the price!

If you would like to see this popper in action, below is a how to video you may want to watch:

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Ladies, This Is the Garden Hose You’ve Been Waiting For

Still the Best Garden Hose I've Ever Used - Here's Why

Back in 2020, I first reviewed one of those retractable, expandable lightweight garden hoses—and let me tell you, it was love at first spray. 

Fast-forward to today, and it's still the only type of hose I'll use. Once you experience the freedom of not dragging a heavy, stiff, tangled mess around the yard, there's no going back.

This year, I picked up another one for the backyard, and the moment I hooked it up, I was reminded why I fell for it in the first place. 

If the marketing teams behind these things aren't focusing on women, especially women who enjoy yard work, they're seriously missing a golden opportunity.

Here's why this hose continues to be a garden essential for me:

1. It's featherlight

Dragging around a traditional hose used to be a full-on workout. This one? I can carry it with one hand while sipping my coffee with the other. It's that light—and yes, that matters.

2. It stores like a dream

When you're done, it shrinks right up and hangs easily over the hose holder. There is no fighting with coils, no awkward loops falling off, and no grumbling required.

3. It saves space

Our 50-foot hose for the backyard takes up a third of the space the old one did. It practically disappears when it's not in use, which is great if you're tired of looking at a messy hose heap.

4. It looks tidy

I never thought I'd describe a hose as "not ugly," but here we are. It's sleek and minimal and doesn't distract from the garden or patio like those bulky green beasts we used to have.

5. No need for bulky wind-up holders

We've got one of those old-school hose boxes in the garage for the front yard, but we didn't want that eyesore cluttering up the backyard. With this hose, you just drape it over a hook or holder and call it a day.

6. Mornings are more leisurely now

One of my favorite parts of the day is watering the plants first thing in the morning. With the old hose, it felt like a chore before I even had my coffee. Now? I pop outside, grab the lightweight hose, water everything in minutes, and actually enjoy the moment.

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There are plenty of lightweight expandable hoses out there, and they come in a range of lengths to suit your yard or patio size. 

⭐If you’re looking for something simple and compact, here’s a popular 25ft lightweight hose you can check out⭐

It's a great option for smaller spaces or quick watering jobs—and trust me, once you try one of these types of hoses, you won't want to go back.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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A Review of a Simple Fix for a Better Sleep with Acid Reflux

Let's be honest—finding a useful and meaningful gift isn't always easy. Last year, for my friend's birthday, I knew exactly what she needed: a wedge pillow.

She still raves about this handy bedtime item, so it's legitimately earned a positive review!

She's been dealing with acid reflux for a long time, especially at night. I've heard her struggles with stacking pillows to sleep more upright, only to have them slide around or fall over in the middle of the night. 

It seemed uncomfortable and frustrating. 

So I decided to get her something that could make a real difference—something she probably wouldn't have bought for herself, but that I knew she'd appreciate every night.

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No More Stacking Pillows With a Wedge Pillow

I chose the 7.5-inch wedge pillow (there's also a taller 12-inch version, but I figured a more moderate incline would be easier to get used to). It's about 24 x 24 inches in size, which is a nice, generous surface—plenty wide to comfortably rest your upper body.

The point is that it gives her the incline she needs without the hassle of arranging multiple pillows that slip and slide. It stays put and gives her consistent support all night.

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A Stylish Touch (Yes, Even for a Wedge Pillow)

One of the things I liked about this pillow was that it doesn't look like something out of a hospital room. It looks nice, but there is nothing clinical about it.

The cover is made of soft jacquard material, which not only feels good but also gives it a more stylish look. The cover is also removable and washable, so my friend can keep it clean without much effort.

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Not Just for Acid Reflux

While I bought this wedge pillow to help with her acid reflux, it turns out it's also useful for many other things. 

Whether it's snoring, back pain, neck strain, or even recovery after surgery, this pillow helps by gently elevating your upper body and removing some pressure. 

You can also flip it around and use it to elevate your legs or feet if you need to. I didn't even think about that when I bought it, but it's a nice bonus feature.

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She Sleeps Better—And That Makes Me Happy

The best part? My friend actually thanked me several times for this pillow. She said it made her nights so much more comfortable and gave her the kind of support she didn't realize she was missing.

Honestly, I feel good knowing I gave her something that makes a difference in her everyday life. That's what a good gift should do, right?

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Would I Recommend It? Absolutely.

If you or someone you care about deals with acid reflux, snoring, back pain, or just has trouble getting comfy in bed, this wedge pillow is totally worth checking out. It's one of those little things that can make a big difference.

Sometimes, the best gifts aren't flashy—they're just thoughtful and helpful. 

You can find this wedge pillow on Amazon, where it is Available.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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When Disaster Strikes Would You Be Ready? ~A Product Review~

It seems that every time I turn on the TV News, the Radio or even the Home Page of MSN, there is another disaster taking place somewhere in the world or sometimes even closer!

If you got an Emergency Call to evacuate your residence, would you be ready to go or would you be running around like a chicken with your head cut off?

No one likes to think about things like this happening, but we have seen it in the past year with wildfires, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods and hurricanes being forecast and hitting in places that have never been in a "danger zone" before.

We all hope that these kinds of things never happen to us or any of our loved ones, but, here is the truth, it could happen to any of us at any time.  The weather has become so crazy that even predicting what will happen is becoming harder and harder. So what can you do to prepare for a sudden change in your daily life?

First of all let's be clear, there are things that you can do to prepare for this kind of incident and even if you are not in a designated area of concern, being prepared would not hurt anyone!  With the changes in the environment causing major upheavals, being ready is something everyone should think about doing.

If a call comes to evacuate, you need to have certain things in one place so that it would be easy to grab and go!  You would not have to think too much about what to take, as the important stuff would be all ready to tuck into your vehicle along with your family and get out of Dodge, so to speak!

What I am suggesting is to get yourself and your family a fireproof safe!  Not a big one, you need to be able to pack it into your car quickly and know that the contents are the "most important" ones to have.  

Amazon has a great little safe Made you Roloway that would fit this bill completely.  The smallest one is just 0.2 cu.Ft.  but they have two more that are a little bit larger at 1.5 Cu.Ft. and 2.2. Cu.Ft.

You don't need this safe to be too large as what you are going to put inside it will be your important papers.  Birth certificates for every member of the family, Social Insurance Cards. Credit Card Information, Banking Information and it would never hurt to have a small stash of cash on hand either.

Medical information and prescriptions for everyone in the family as well. It would not hurt to have copies of your different insurances handy as well, in case the worst happens.   If you are evacuated, you need to be able to access your financials so that you can live until the return has been issued.

No one wants a disaster to happen, but if it does, then you know that everything (the most important information) is already in one place.  You won't be checking desk drawers or nightstands or anywhere else you may have kept this information.  It will be right there and it's one less thing to worry about!  Load up the little safe in the car and get moving!

This Little Safe is not the place for all your valuables!  You may take some but they would have to fit into the space.  If you are wanting to possibly save your valuables you might consider getting a bigger safe that will stay with your home while you are gone.  These are also available from Amazon but they are not made for a quick escape!  

It would be prudent to have the smaller safe kept in the bigger one, so that when you need to move and move quickly you can just grab the smaller safe, lock up the big one and drive away!

Hopefully disaster will never strike you, but being prepared will also give you a little more peace of mind especially when listening to the news reports!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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