Showing posts with label Product Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Product Reviews. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

The Best Affordable Hair Refreshing Overnight Dry Shampoo

I wear my hair quite long and, at age 70, it's thinning noticeably at the crown. My stylist recommends shampooing only twice a week to avoid drying it out further. However, by day three, it tends to start looking a bit limp at the crown. So, I usually use a dry shampoo to absorb the excess oil near the scalp.

Unfortunately, most dry shampoos leave my hair straw-like, and many have strong fragrances. Worse yet, many also feel heavy, weighing my hair down instead of giving it the lift I'm looking for. So, I was delighted to discover the Batiste Dry Shampoo Overnight Deep Cleanse that I'm reviewing today.

The Best Affordable Refreshing Overnight Dry Shampoo
Image courtesy of Canva

Batiste Dry Shampoo Overnight Deep Cleanse

Batiste is a well-known brand in the world of dry shampoos, and their Overnight Deep Cleanse Dry Shampoo promises to refresh hair while you sleep, absorbing excess oil, impurities, and product buildup. As someone who understands the importance of keeping hair fresh and voluminous—especially for women over 50 who may struggle with thinning or dry hair—this product caught my attention.

Key Claims & Features

  • Designed to work overnight, absorbing oil, dirt, and buildup while you sleep.
  • Infused with charcoal and baking soda for deep cleansing.
  • Lightweight, invisible formula that won’t leave a white residue.
  • Features a calming, relaxing fragrance that isn't overpowering like that of many other brands and formulas.

First Impressions

The scent is fresh and slightly powdery, with a hint of lavender—pleasant without being overpowering.

Application & Texture

  • The spray is fine and evenly distributed, making application easy. 
  • Section the hair (I did sections about an inch apart) and, holding the can 12 inches away from your scalp, spray the dry shampoo at the roots along each section.
  • When you have finished applying, massage it in. 
  • Unlike some dry shampoos that leave behind a chalky residue, this one absorbed quickly and felt weightless.
  • Apply at bedtime and, in the morning, massage again to see fresher, fuller-looking hair!

Results in the Morning

  • My hair felt noticeably fresher, with less oil and buildup.
  • It didn’t add as much volume as some daytime dry shampoos, but the hair felt soft and manageable and noticeably fuller (see my before and after photos).
  • No white cast or stickiness, making it great for dark-haired users.

Bonus: Great for a Daytime Refresh

  • Although Batiste makes regular dry shampoo formulas for daytime use, I actually prefer this one for that purpose as well when my hair is looking a bit limp and could use some extra body.

    Photo of woman day 3 after shampoo
    Day 3 after shampoo — hair is flat near the crown

    Photo of woman day 4 after shampoo after using Batiste Dry Shampoo Overnight Deep Cleanse
    Day 4, after using Batiste Dry Shampoo Overnight Deep Cleanse the night before — hair is fuller at the crown

    Who Is It Best For?

    • Great for women with oily roots or who want to extend the time between washes.
    • Ideal for fine or thinning hair, as it won’t weigh hair down.
    • Best for nighttime users who prefer a fresh start in the morning or who prefer to shampoo in the evening.

    Potential Downsides

    • The scent, while pleasant, could bother you if you’re sensitive to fragrances, although I found it quite mild.

    Where to Buy

    Batiste Dry Shampoo Overnight Deep Cleanse (affiliate link) is available at Ulta.com, which is where I bought mine, or in Ulta stores as well as some other retailers. You can also order Batiste Dry Shampoo Overnight Deep Cleanse on Amazon.

    Final Verdict

    Batiste Dry Shampoo Overnight Deep Cleanse is a fantastic overnight refresh for those with oily or thinning hair or who shampoo less frequently. It’s a lightweight, residue-free formula that absorbs grease without the stiffness of traditional dry shampoos. While it won’t provide dramatic volume, it definitely provides a lift and is a perfect low-maintenance solution for waking up with cleaner, fresher hair.

    Would I recommend it? Yes, especially for women over 50 who want a no-fuss way to keep their hair looking fresh without frequent washing!



    The Best Affordable Hair Refreshing Overnight Dry Shampoo by Margaret Schindel

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


    Monday, February 10, 2025

    Sunbeam Heated Throw - Reviewed

     My daughter and grandsons got me this Sunbeam Heated Throw for Christmas. I'm the one in the family that is always cold. Whenever I watch television in the cold months of the year you'll always find me wrapped in a blanket.

    Sunbeam Heated Throw

    Currently, the weather in Western New York is cold, with snow and temperatures in the 20s. Even when it's in the 40s and raining, I get a chill. This was the perfect gift for me; now, you will find me wrapped up in my Sunbeam Heated Throw.


    Sunbeam Royal Luxe Admiral Blue Heated Personal Throw / Blanket, Cozy-Warm, Adjustable Heat SettingsSunbeam Royal Luxe Admiral Blue Heated Personal Throw / Blanket, Cozy-Warm, Adjustable Heat SettingsCheck the Price

    You can find a variety of Sunbeam heated throws and blankets on Amazon.

    My heated throw is 50 inches x 60 inches making it the perfect size for me to cover up and be comfortable. 

    The material is lush and cozy Velvet Sherpa, and it is reversible. 

    It has a removable cord and it is machine washable. You will find the complete list of the Care and Cleaning in the instructions.

    My throw has four push-button heat settings with an auto four-hour shut-off. I'm most comfortable using the first or second heat setting.

    The auto shut-off is a great feature in case I fall asleep. It's perfect for the couch or recliner to wrap up and stay warm.


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


    Thursday, February 6, 2025

    Blue Diamond Frying Pan, Review

    I was browsing the cookware isle in our local grocery store, just to see what might be new. One of the things that caught my attention were the words on a package of a Blue Diamond Frying Pan. PFAS and PFOA-Free. They had my attention. The package also said, Toxin-Free coating - free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. I was sold!

    frying pan


    I had been working on using more environmentally friendly items. I did a quick lookup on Amazon, and most customers were pretty happy with their purchase. I bought an 10" one on that very shopping trip.

    The company says that this metal utensil safe surface with diamond-infused ceramic nonstick cooks food faster than those made with copper. They are most definitely right!

    On my first use of the Blue Diamond frying pan, I set the heater knob on the setting that I had used for my previous frying pan. Pretty quickly I heard the sizzling. Whoa. I quickly turned it down to around two, and that is the setting that I have used since. With my previous frying pan, I usually put the heat setting around 4. So in about half the time and around half the heat, I had my breakfast cooked rather quickly. I was and am still very impressed.

    I usually fry my eggs only in a little bit of olive oil. When I include some fresh spinach, I use less oil, with a little bit of water, and sauté the spinach first and then add the eggs. It comes out great every time. When I cooked the fresh asparagus in it, I even had to turn the temperature knob down to below two. I also covered the pan with a 10 inch lid that I had on hand; it cooked in under 10 minutes.

    Other pluses listed on the web page include warp control, oven and broiler safe up to 600 degrees F, dishwasher safe, and has an ergonomic handle. It works on most stove tops, but is not compatible with the induction stove top.

    You can purchase this skillet to match your kitchen decor. The color choices include, blue, black, gray, pink, turquoise, red, and white.

    Pan size choices are 8", 10", 12", and 14". The twelve inch pan apparently comes with a choice of no lid or no lid, with a price difference for with lid. Customers for the most part weren't as impressed with the 14 inch pan size. For one, it is very large; it's quite a bit bigger than the burner. And one was missing part of the coating.

    I use an Oxo nylon flexible pancake turner when using the pan, and the finish of the pan continues to look as good as when I first used it. Here is a link for the pancake turner. https://amzn.to/4gutPCV

    Overall I am very pleased with mine. I can't comment on the pan's versatility; I haven't used it in the oven, nor have I used any other pan in the oven. However I am happy with my purchase and with how I use it.

    If this sounds like a good fit for you, they are available on Amazon.


    frying pan


    Blue Diamond Cookware - Check price.


    Cheryl Paton


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


    Monday, February 3, 2025

    Update - Indoor Hydroponics Garden Review - One Month Later

    I have only just learned how rewarding indoor gardening can be with an indoor hydroponics growing system. While a frigid, windy winter swirls outside, I am am having home grown lettuces and kale for dinner. Indoor Hydroponics gardening systems are a great way to grow herbs or vegetables indoors, no matter the season, and my only regret with this purchase is that I didn't try this sooner. 

    photo and text of lettuce in an indoor growing systen


    In the beginning of January I started my first indoor hydroponics garden. I started my 12 pod Mufga system with lettuce mixes and kale. The only pod that didn't grow was the pod with two, "expired" bunch onion seeds that I hadn't really expected to germinate anyway. 

    I was very surprised at how quickly the seeds germinated and how quickly they grew. The Mufga system adjustable grow light are perfect. I have been able to move the light panel so that remains just above the plants as they grow.

    Very quickly, I had enough lettuce to harvest. With a pair of scissors, I carefully cut the largest leaves when harvesting. That leaves that remain on the plant continue to grow. 

    photo of harvested lettuce


    During my first harvest, I attempted to pinch off the leaves with my fingers and that tended to wiggle the grow pods around. I was worried that I'd move that pod out of the range of the watering system that I switched to scissors. For me, cutting works much better than pinching.

    Soft Taco with Home-Grown Lettuce

    In a very short period of time, I had grown lettuce leaves that were large enough to add to toppings on a hamburger. I didn't have ground beef at home, but I did have all of the ingredients for a delicious soft taco. Including, an impulse purchase of Mango Peach salsa! The soft tacos with my home-grown lettuce were delicious.

    Small Salad with Salmon, Olives, Eggs, and Olive Oil

    I have been craving smoked fish so I have tried various brands of tinned salmon and smoked salmon from the store for snacks. I have found that I like King Oscar Premium Salmon.      

    The Mediterranean style of tinned salmon inspired me to try it on a bed of lettuce with eggs, olives, and olive oil. This lunch salad was a delicious change of pace from my very routine meal choices. This brand of salmon also comes lemon, if you don't care for the Mediterranean style.

    photo of salad with salmon


    Extra Large Chef Salad; Eggs, Bacon, Cheese, Sunflower Seeds, and Dressing

    Chef salads are my favorite. And it wasn't long until I had enough salad mix for a very large bowl of lettuce. I harvest lettuce in my livingroom and added the other ingredients in a matter of minutes. 

    photo of chef salad


    With very little effort, just adding water so the level doesn't become too low and adding plant food weekly so the plants have the proper nutrients, I have fresh greens through this frigid winter. I am planning on buy a second system for a supply of fresh herbs.

    For more information:

    My first review of my new Mufga Indoor Hydroponics Garden system in early January - here

    This follow-up video includes a photo of the taco with my home-grown lettuce. Feel free to skip ahead in the video to 2:41 as the beginning of the video is a rambling thank you to Mike's Chaotic Gardening (YouTube) for helping me choose my grow system. The photo of the taco is near the end of this short video.

    Many styles and sizes of indoor hydroponic growing systems can be found on Amazon.




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


    Sunday, February 2, 2025

    Ankle Boots For Bunions - A Review

    Ankle Boots For Bunions - A Review


    I have been on the hunt for something as painless as possible for my poor bunion-feet!

    Scroll down for a link to the suggested ankle boots

    Finding the proper winter ankle boots for bunions can be a challenge. I needed something soft on the top portion that wouldn't press on my bunions, easy to slip on for quick errands, and affordable. 

    These boots checked most of those boxes, and overall, I'm happy with my purchase.

    These boots ARE NOT made explicitly for bunions. I choose them for the reasons I outline here, primarily for their soft shoe material so as not to crush my bunions, aggravate them, and cause pain.

    What I Like About These Ankle Boots For My Bunions:

    • Soft and Warm Lining – The fur lining is cozy and keeps my feet warm, even on the coldest days.

    • Waterproof Upper – Made from oxford fabric, these boots help keep my feet dry in wet conditions.

    • Easy to Slip On and Off – Elastic bands on both sides make them quick and hassle-free to put on.

    • Non-Slip Soles – The polyurethane soles have a three-dimensional non-slip design, providing good traction.

    • Great for Everyday Use – They're basic, comfortable, and practical for running errands in winter.

    • Affordable—This budget-friendly option offers good value for the price. I wasn't interested in an elaborate orthopedic boot, just something that would allow me to head out of the house quickly and with a good grip for those snowy days.

    The One Drawback

    Even though I ordered a size up to accommodate my bunions, my toes still feel a bit crushed, especially when walking for long periods. 

    It's not unbearable, and I won't be returning them, but I do notice it. If you're buying these boots specifically for bunions, I'd recommend carefully considering your sizing—perhaps even going up two sizes instead of just one. 

    If I had considered it, I would have ordered two different sizes and returned the one that didn't fit.

    Ankle Boot Specs

    • Lining – Thick fur for warmth and comfort.

    • Upper Material – Oxford fabric with waterproof protection.

    • Closure – Elastic bands for easy slip-on and removal.

    • Sole – Polyurethane with a non-slip grip.

    • Style Options – Available in various colors to match different outfits.

    • Best For – Walking, shopping, errands, and winter activities.

    Final Thoughts

    Overall, these boots are an excellent value for the price. They keep my feet warm and dry, and they're easy to slip on and off. 

    While the toe space could be more generous, they still work well for winter wear and short errands. 

    If you have bunions, just be extra careful with sizing to ensure a comfortable fit.

    You can find these Ankle Boots I chose for my bunion issue here on Amazon.




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


    Friday, January 31, 2025

    Stainless Steel Batter Dispenser for Pancakes, Cake Pops & More Reviewed

    Pancake Batter Dispenser
    I recently purchased the Shoxil 20 oz Pancake Batter Dispenser to use with my new Pancake Puff Maker and it works perfectly.  Because it was so easy to handle, I decided to try it when making pancakes on my griddle.  

    This batter dispenser is truly awesome!

    The dispenser is available in two sizes, 20 or 40 ounce.  I purchased the smaller 20 ounce size because the other customer reviews indicated that the smaller size was large enough for one recipe of pancake batter.  It is highly unlikely that I would ever need the larger size simply because I could just add more batter to the dispenser as needed.  When filled, the smaller size will be lighter weight too.  

    Previously when making pancakes, I used my glass mixing bowl with a spout for pouring the batter, but I found this batter dispenser to be easier to stop the flow of batter.  Plus, I have always been concerned about touching my glass bowl to a hot griddle.  That has never happened, but it is still a concern.  

    The stainless steel batter dispenser is lighter than the glass bowl and much easier to balance over the hot griddle.

     

    Features of the Stainless Steel Batter Dispenser 

     20oz Batter DispenserCheck PriceIn addition to being lightweight, there are several other attributes of the batter dispenser that I really like. 

    • Stainless Steel is anti-rust
    • 4 Silicone Nozzles in varying sizes to alter flow
    • Handle   
    • Squeeze Trigger to start & stop flow
    • Resting Stand included
    • Durable
    • Dishwasher Safe
    I haven't had the opportunity to try my new batter dispenser on cupcakes, muffins, or my mini cheesecakes yet, but I expect it will make pouring batter evenly into all of the mini cupcake pans much easier.  I am definitely looking forward to using this dispenser on other baked treats.

      



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


    Thursday, January 30, 2025

    Scrapbook Paper in Paperbacks, Review

    I have been designing scrapbook paper and selling it in paperback books. Recently, I purchased two different types of this scrapbook paper; one in black and white book and one in color. This is my review.

    Scrapbook paper


    The paper weight/thickness:

    To the touch, the paper used in the colored paperback book has a smoother texture, and is slightly thicker than the paper in the black and white book. I took a photo of the two books edge to edge, and you can see a difference. The paper used in the book with colored paper is printed with premium color on white paper. The black and white image books did not specify white paper, though the color is white, just a different texture.


    paper


    Visibility of images through the paper:

    With both types of books, I could see some images, or parts of images show through to the other side of the paper. For instance, they were more noticeable if the image on the reverse side was black. But not so much if the image was black and you were looking through say a dark red color. The colors showed up less than the black, and it did make a difference whether the top was printed with color rather than a space of white.

    Would either of these be an issue when creating scrapbooks?

    For my taste, I would say not much. If the creator was however very detailed oriented, then they might want to consider a different option such as actual cardstock for their backgrounds and embellishments for their scrapbooking creations. Otherwise, I would say to go with one of these books that have more color than white. See the next section below for clarification.

    Here are some sample creations:


    Sample creations


    The creation on the left is the one that my daughter made. She used a black pattern butterfly design printed on white. With the coloring done on top of the image, one does not even notice that black butterflies were printed on the back side of this page.

    I made the creation on the right. If you look at the lower left butterfly and the one in the middle of the white area, you may notice some dark lines underneath that weren't colored in in any way. I didn't color over that area, and there is some light shadows of black showing through from the other side.

    Below is a section of colored hearts that have different colored hearts on the reverse side of the paper. The hearts on the reverse side of the paper don't show through.

    Scrapbook paper


    Overall, I would say to consider what it is the creator person will be making. If you like the images in the books, choose one with very little if any white showing throughout the images if you are concerned about anything showing through. Keep in mind that if coloring over the images, that will probably take care of the issue.

    What should I color any images with?

    Colored pencils work great, and without a lot of pressure, the image on the reverse side still looks great. We used Liquitex Value Series which is also rated to be highly blendable. That brand was not showing on Amazon. Another brand that I recommend is Prismacolor.

    The brush pens that I used on my butterflies look very vibrant and I love the look. However, I could tell where it was colored in on the reverse side of the paper. It didn't actually bleed through, color wise, it was just noticeable. But if you are using it as scrapbook paper anyway, that shouldn't be an issue, as the reverse side of where that image will no longer be needed.

    For this project, I used Dual brush Pens by Tombow. They are water-based, blendable, and acid free. They have a brush tip on one end, which gets into the tiny areas great. The other end has a fine tip which is great for drawing and writing. There are quite a few sets to choose from for Tombow.

    If you are inspired to do some scrapbooking with either of these scrapbook paper options; they are on Amazon.


    Hearts scrapbook paper


    Hearts Scrapbook Paper


    Butterfly scrapbook paper


    Black and White Butterfly Scrapbook Paper


    On a side note, we tried using an old glue stick. It had turned to gel! Yes, it was very old. The double sided tape worked though.

    Happy creating. Hope I explained everything clearly. If you have any questions, I will do my best to answer them.

    Cheryl Paton


    You can find more Scrapbook Paper in paperbacks, by category, on my blog: https://artonproducts.blogspot.com/2024/03/cheryl-paton-scrapbook-paper.html



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


    Tuesday, January 28, 2025

    A Review of My Three Favorite Personal Defense Devices

     

    defense devices

    Self defense items are very important to have if you spend time in dark parking lots, parking structures, at ATMs, bars or in high crime areas.  There is such a huge selection of these types of items, you can buy them anywhere:

    • Big Box Stores like Walmart
    • Army Surplus Stores
    • Hardware Stores
    • Sporting Goods Stores
    • Online Retailers like Amazon


    Most of these items are not very expensive, there is no reason not to have at least one.  Some of them are less than $10 and when you are out or even at home you never know what could happen!  Remember......

    It's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!

    I used to have a job that would sometimes take me into some pretty iffy neighborhoods.  We were not allowed to carry guns, so I set about looking for something I could defend myself with.  It had to be fairly small so I could carry it in my pocket or briefcase.  The first item I bought was a personal safety alarm.  I wanted something that didn't look like what it was, so I settled on this blue bear rechargeable alarm.  No one ever suspected what it was!


    Rechargeable Personal Safety Alarm with Strobe Light


    alarm keychain

    Product Information:
    1. Rechargeable, comes with a USB charging cable and there is a low battery light that flashes red when you need to recharge the battery.
    2. 130 decibel alarm, set off by pulling the body from the head.  Alarm will continue for up to an hour or until you rejoin the body and the head.
    3. High Intensity LED strobe light also is turned on when the body is pulled off the head.  There is also a smaller LED light you can use as a flashlight.
    4. The Bear model comes in black, blue, and white.  There is also a dog model.
    I used the keychain to hang it on my purse strap or my brief case handle.  I only had to use it once, while working.  I just grabbed his body and pulled it away from his head and it immediately began wailing like a banshee!  Trust me, no one will ignore this siren, I pretty sure they heard it blocks away!

    Though I really liked my bear, i decided I wanted something with a little more protection for me physically.  After shopping around for a while I happened to be at a hardware store and I saw a display of a pepper spray cannisters that also had a personal alarm and a strobe light.  I felt like I had hit the jackpot.  I could have pepper spray without giving up my alarm or having to carry two separate items!  

    3 in 1 Personal Safety Alarm Keychain with Pepper Spray, Siren, and Strobe Light

    Click here for more information on the keychain     Click here to buy a pepper spray refill


    alarm keychain

    Product Information:

    1. Rechargeable with the included USB cable. (stays charged for up to a year if not used)
    2. 130 decibels siren alarm. 
    3. Extremely bright strobe light.
    4. Pepper spray is good for 23 to 30 squirts of up to 12 feet and is a liquid gel that adheres to skin.  Pepper spray is refillable, cartridges are about $6 each.
    5. Safety cap to prevent accidental triggering.

    The two things I liked the most about this item was the fact that the pepper spray cartridge was replaceable, you didn't have to toss out the entire piece if the spray ran out or expired.  I also love the fact that it is rechargeable and holds a charge for a really long time!

    Once worked as the manager of store in a shopping mall, and every night I had to take the day's receipts to the bank after work.  The trip from the back door of the store to my car and from my car to the bank drop box was a really scary.  I worried about getting robbed because the bank bag usually had quite a bit of cash in it, sometimes as much as $10,000.  I decided I needed some protection a bit more heavy duty than just pepper spray and an alarm.  This time I went to a specialty self defense store and this is what they recommended to me:


    Tactical Stun Gun with LED Flashlight


    stungun flashlight


    Product Information:
    1. Flashlight is very bright at 130 lumens.  Nothing on the exterior to give away it's anything other than a regular flashlight.
    2. Stun gun delivers a 2.517 microcoulomb charge.  Very painful!
    3. Has a safety switch to prevent accidental discharge
    4. Rechargeable
    5. Comes with a small holster
    6. Item comes with links to free training videos that show how to use the device safely and more effectively.

    If you are wondering if stun guns are legal, the answer is:  it depends on where you live.  They are legal in most states.  Hawaii and Rhode Island are the only two states that outright ban them.  In Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, you must get a permit to have one.  In all the other states you can buy them as you would pepper spray.  It is always wise to check locally to make sure they don't have any ordinances against them.

    You cannot bring a stun gun on an airplane in your carry on luggage, but you can pack them in your checked bags.  Again, I would call the airport to make sure, you never know when an airport might change their rules.

    A stun gun works by sending an electrical shock into the body's neurological system, usually knocking them to the ground and temporarily incapacitating them.  The effects of being shocked by a stun gun are temporary muscle immobilization, loss of balance and confusion.  These effects last anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour.  The effects are designed to be non-lethal, but if the attacker has pre-existing medical conditions, there is a chance of death.

    As you can see, there are many different types of personal protection devices.  They range from simple siren alarms to items that can actually hurt your attacker.  Which of these you should use is really up to you, however, if you feel that you need some advice, a specialty store may be the best place for you to go, though you will pay more for your device in a store of that type, it is the best place to obtain experienced knowledge and advice.

    Many people don't think that self defense items are necessary, or that they are overkill. Everyone has the right to an opinion but I feel personal safety is very important.  I know I felt a lot safer when I had my stun gun on those dark nights at the bank.  You can also use them to ward off dog or other animal attacks.

    Please think about it, it could save your life.



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


    Monday, January 27, 2025

    Sophie la Girafe Baby Teether Review

    sophie la girafe teether
    Discover the iconic Sophie la Girafe Teether who has been making babies happy since the 1960s!
    As a newish grandmother, I was recently introduced to Sophie la Girafe. I had heard of Sophie before but never seen her firsthand. Sophie is a worldwide phenomenon. She’s been carefully handmade in Paris, France since May 25, 1961, and because she is handmade, no two are exactly alike. Since the 1960s, over 70 million Sophies have been sold. That is one successful toy.

    See for yourself how Sophie is made in this short Youtube video from the maker:


    And here's a longer video, which gives a more thorough look at how the toy is made but more importantly, a very good description of how and why this toy is good for your baby. It demonstrates babies in action with the toy, exactly as I saw my grandson use her. Note that the first part of the video is not in English but the second part is.


    Sophie is made from natural rubber, which is soft, flexible and lightweight and therefore feels good to handle. She is painted with food-grade paint, which is perfect for babies who are teething. I watched my six-month old grandson during his visit last week and was amazed at how much he enjoyed handling and yes, chewing on Sophie. 

    Sophie’s giraffe form is perfect at providing many places for your baby to grab hold of as well as cram into his or her mouth. Think ears, legs and neck. I cannot think of another word that is better than cram because that is exactly what a baby will attempt to do with her. Better, of course, that whatever your baby is trying to put into his or her mouth is a safe item like this teether.

    Sophie also emits a sound when squeezed that the company calls “a mischievous and legendary pouet." When your baby hears that sound, he knows Sophie is around.

    Care is easy. Just wash Sophie with soapy water and a damp cloth. As my son learned, Sophie should not be submerged in water. The company also says not to sterilize Sophie. 

    Sophie comes packed in a few different ways so you can gift something as simple as this amazing teether in the typical giraffe format or you can gift a teething ring, a double-handled cup, a plush toy, a bath time toy, a blanket or a gift set. There is even a line of party supplies so that you can host a Sophie-themed party. Check out all of the items that are available in Sophie’s complete store here on Amazon.

    In case you are wondering why Sophie is a ‘girafe’ and not a ‘giraffe’, it is because the word with the single F is the French spelling of giraffe.

    I feel perhaps a bit disloyal when I add that this teether is also available as a deer and a camel.

    Love your babies!
    Brenda
    Treasures By Brenda

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    Friday, January 24, 2025

    Stonewall Kitchen Pancake Puff Maker - Cake Pop Maker Reviewed

    Pancake Puff Maker
    Cake pops have been around for a long time, but I never considered making them with pancake batter and filling them with jam until I discovered the Stonewall Kitchen Pancake Puff Maker.  By naming it a puff maker, instead of a cake pop maker, the maker grabbed my attention while Christmas shopping this past year.  I purchased one for myself and one for all of my siblings.  

    My sister-in-law in North Carolina was the first to try out her Christmas gift.  That may be because she opened it as soon as it arrived, plus she loves to cook.  Like me, she loves new kitchen gadgets.  Since she had a Christmas luncheon to attend the following day, she perused the included cookbook, and selected a recipe to try the following day.  She made several batches for the party.  She used the vanilla cake recipe in the cookbook but decorated the batches with different toppings.  She covered some with a chocolate glaze (recipe also included in the cookbook) and decorated them with sprinkles.  She put confectioners sugar on some and cinnamon sugar on another batch.  Not only did she report that they were fun and easy to make, but the guests loved them.  I did laugh when she told me that she had to beg to snatch a few for my brother since she neglected to leave some behind at home for him.  By the way, my sister-in-law calls the puff maker her donut hole maker since the vanilla puffs with glaze that she made looks and tastes like donut holes. 

    I waited for my "now experienced puff maker" sister-in-law to come for a visit before New Years to try my new puff maker.  I wanted to make the pancake puffs for breakfast and she was more than willing to jump right in and "play".  We made some plain pancake puffs to cover with pancake syrup and we filled some with jam.  They were delicious!  

    Since we used teaspoons to put the batter and the filling in the maker reservoirs, I went in search of a batter dispenser and jelly dispensers so I could work faster.  The batter starts cooking as soon as it hits the maker reservoirs which caused some of our puffs to brown more on the bottom.  They didn't burn, but being able to work faster with less mess around the edges of the reservoir cups appealed to me. 


    pancake puffs
    My Pancake Puffs filled with Blueberry Jam are not as pretty as the puffs on the front of the box, but they were quite tasty!


    The Stonewall Kitchen Pancake Puff Maker

    Along with the pancake puff maker, I included a can of the Stonewall Kitchen Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix and a jar of the Stonewall Kitchen Wild Maine Blueberry Jam.  We have previously used the pancake mix and the blueberry jam, so I was confident that those products would be excellent choices for making the puffs.  Those are the products I used when making the pancake puffs featured above.


    Features of the Stonewall Kitchen Pancake Puff Maker


    How to Make Pancake Puffs

    • Mix batter
    • Release the lid latch and open the puff maker
    • Coat the nonstick surfaces and reservoirs with vegetable oil or cooking spray
    • Preheat puff maker with lid closed
    • When ready light is green, fill puff maker reservoirs*
    • Close the lid
    • Cook for 5 minutes
    • Use the fork tool to remove the hot puffs & set on cooling tray
    • Add glaze & decorations if desired

    * If you want to bake filled puffs, add batter, then jam or filling and top with more batter.  Each section should be approximately 1/3 of the reservoir.  Try not to overfill the reservoirs.

    By the way, none of my puffs looked like the ones on the box.  The bottoms of mine were all browner than the tops.  It doesn't matter to me, but I wouldn't want to mislead our readers.

     

    __________________

    In the introduction, I mentioned that I sought out a batter dispenser.  I am thrilled with my choice which is featured below.  It worked perfectly using the smallest silicone funnel that came with the dispenser.

    batter dispenser







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