Hoover Smart Wash+ Automatic Carpet Cleaner - Reviewed

 Keeping your carpet clean can be challenging, especially in high-traffic areas. We like to have our carpet cleaned every year before the holidays. Fran called the carpet cleaner we used several times and left a message to make an appointment.

 After several days of not receiving a callback, she tried another local carpet cleaner. Once again we didn't receive a callback from the second carpet cleaner either.

So, we decided to buy our own carpet cleaner. Fran researched and decided on the Hoover Smart Wash+ Automatic Carpet Cleaner.

After receiving our new carpet cleaner, it was a matter of finding the time to clean it. One day, before the Thanksgiving holiday, we got almost two feet of snow. You're probably wondering what snow has to do with cleaning our carpet. Well, my car was plowed in, and I couldn't get out of the driveway to go to work that morning. So, I decided to stay home and clean the carpet with our new carpet cleaner.

After opening the box I found the assembly to be very easy. I filled one tank with warm water and the other tank with the cleaning solution as instructed.

Cleaning the carpet was as easy as vacuuming. The Smart Wash+ is equipped with motion-sensing technology. Push forward, and it automatically dispenses the cleaning solution. When you pull it back it activates a powerful drying process. No triggers or buttons - it's as intuitive as it gets.

When you advance the brushes activate penetrating deep into the carpet to remove embedded dirt. The drying has HeatForce technology, and the Smart Wash+ dries carpets faster letting you walk on them in just a few hours instead of waiting all day.

I cleaned our living room carpet, and hallway in a couple of hours. Clean-up was easy, the removable brushes and nozzle ensure hassle-free cleaning.

I love one other feature: there is a button on the tank for Dry Only. When you push it, the brushes and cleaner stop, and the tank will dry going forward and backward.

The Smart Wash+ also comes with accessory tools to clean your stairs and upholstery. All of these accessories are in a handy bag, that easily hangs in a closet.

Our Smart Wash+ was reasonably priced, and I'm sure it will pay for itself very quickly. If you are looking for a professional-level clean carpet without the professional price tag I recommend the Hoover Smat Wash+. We are very pleased with the results.

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Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic Carpet Cleaner Machine, for Carpet and Upholstery, FH52000 + 64 oz Everyday Carpet Cleaner Solution, Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo, AH31924

Hoover Pet Carpet Cleaner Solution, 64 oz., Tropical Breeze Scent, Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo Solution, Eliminates Urine Stains and Odors, Pair with Hoover Carpet Cleaner Machine

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How To Create a Collage Directly on Pinterest

I just started using this addictive Pinterest feature: collages. It was launched on the Pinterest mobile app in 2024—based on my search, that's the approximate time frame.

Pinterest has long been a favorite platform for discovering inspiration, sharing ideas, curating visual collections, promotion and marketing. 

Now, there's an exciting feature that allows users to create collages directly within the Pinterest Mobile App. 

This tool makes it easier than ever to bring your favorite saved Pins together into one visually appealing layout, perfect for planning projects or sharing a cohesive aesthetic with your followers.

I like creating collages from almost anywhere while on my phone's Pinterest App. If I'm resting in my room, I head over to Pinterest instead of mindlessly scrolling and have some design fun!

Best of all, if you have a variety of Pinterest boards, you can create collages on those multiple topics. 

Although my Pinterest account is Funkthishouse, I have featured many other topic boards and made a few collages on topics other than home decor.

How to Create a Pinterest Collage

Follow these simple steps to create a Pinterest collage from your mobile app. Keep in mind that, at the time of writing, this feature is only available on the Pinterest mobile app:

1. Open the Pinterest app and navigate to one of your existing boards.

2. Select the Pin with the photo you want to feature on your Collage. Select the three dots on the Pin. Options, including "Add to Collage," appear. Select the add to collage button. The first photo automatically goes to a collage. (Note: you won't see the Collage at that point).

3. Arrow Back on the Top Left to return to your boards and select another pin photo to add to your Collage. Repeat the process. This time, you'll see the collage Pin that was automatically created by the first Pin—add the photo to it by clicking that new collage pin. Don't worry; this collage creation isn't published until you hit publish when you're done.

4. When all your photos are selected for the college, tap the "Your Collages" section under your "Saved" tab on your main page. Then click the new collage creation and start working on it.

5. Move the photos around by dragging and dropping them to fit your desired layout.

6. Add text by using the built-in text tool to label or describe your Collage. I also add a call to action in my collages; you'll see the call to action I use in the Collage I featured below. I change it up depending on what I'm creating.

7. Change the background to match the vibe or theme of your Collage. Pinterest offers various background options, from plain colors to patterned designs.

8. Experiment with quirky features like stickers, frames, or filters. Plenty of customization options exist, but don't feel pressured to try them all at once—information overload can be real!

9. There's a spot to include a website URL on that Collage. However, I can only add that once the Collage is created. I go back in to add it by using the edit feature.

10. For Collages related to affiliate links, I included a short #afflinks in the description as a disclosure. I also indicate a short clause on how I may earn commissions in my main profile description.

Once you're satisfied with the look of your Collage, save it, and it'll be ready to share with your followers by adding it to one of your boards, embedding it, or sharing it on social media.

The Best Part! - Each photo in the collage links back to the original Pin! When a photo is clicked, the word "Visit" and "Save" comes up, so a person can go directly to where that featured collage photo is by choosing visit, or save it to one of their boards.

Note: Adding photos from other people's pins to your Collage will also link back to their original Pin! This is excellent promotional support for your followers or friends. Also, if you add stickers and designs that are available in the design section, they link back to that item's original creator's Pin.

**If you need to edit your collage, you need to do it from your mobile Pinterest app, not the desktop version - at least that's how it's working for me right now.

Key SEO Points to Remember When Creating a Collage

Creating a great collage isn't just about making it look good—it's also important to keep SEO in mind. Here are a few key tips:

• Use SEO-optimized titles: Your Collage's title should include relevant keywords that describe its theme or content. Choose keywords and designs based on what people actually search for. You can do a Google search or search Pinterest to check for the common phrases used for the type of Collage you create.

• Remember to add your Collage to one of your Pinterest boards: The default board option is "Profile," so be sure to change that (unless you want it there, of course).

• Write detailed descriptions: Include keywords naturally in the description to help your Collage get discovered by others. Mention what the Collage is about and why it's helpful or inspiring.

• Add alternate text: When you upload your Collage, be sure to add alternate text (alt text). This not only improves accessibility but also helps with SEO.

• Focus on quality over quantity: It can be tempting to create lots of collages quickly, but quality matters more. A thoughtfully designed collage with a clear theme will engage viewers better than multiple rushed ones.

By following these steps and keeping SEO in mind, you'll be able to create eye-catching, share-worthy collages that look great and help you grow your audience on Pinterest.

Here is one of the Decor collages I recently created: 

If you want to see my various collages, I created a board featuring each Collage I've made to date. You can view it here. It will give you a better sense of the different creations you can make.

YouTube also features several helpful tutorials on creating Pinterest Collages, so don't hesitate to check some of them out—that's what I did to get started!

In summary, what I like the best about Pinterest Collages is that you can create your collages in one place, directly on Pinterest itself! There is no need to use a third-party program (although I still do that if needed for other purposes).

I'm still learning to make better collages and use and understand the features little by little. So much fun!

If you find this too convoluted, you can also read the instructions from Pinterest Help.

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There are Vacuums and then there are Stick Vacuums! A Product Review

Hubby and I have been having a major disagreement over, wait for it, Vacuum Cleaners!

After 50_+ years of marriage you think we would have done this subject and moved on to something else, but alas, we are still having major discussions over which vacuum sucks more!

When we were in our home, we had a central vacuum that I really enjoyed as there was no bags, no canister and no cords to worry about!  But once we moved into our apartment, we were back to needing a vacuum that was not built in!  

So we have had canister vacuums, upright vacuums and each of them leaves me wishing for something better.  The canister vacuum always gets something stuck in the wand and leaves me stopping the job half way through to dislodge whatever is blocking my way!  It is good for getting under the couch and catching all those little bits of snacks that hubby eats during the hockey games.  But, I find that the cord is not long enough and the canister fills up real quick so the suction power seems to be a lot less very quickly. The upright vacuums are a little better in not getting blocked up, but they are cumbersome and don't get under the couches easily at all.

So, while I was out one day I happened to see someone using a small upright vacuum with no cords visible anywhere.  I watched as he vacuumed the area rugs that were full of salt from people's boots and this small upright vacuum did an amazing job on all those salt chunks in record time.  It was  relatively quiet during operation and did not need a "strong man" to handle it!  Some of the uprights I've had tired me out completely!

So being curious, I asked the young man about the vacuum and he told me it's the greatest thing since sliced bread.  Easy, mounts on the wall, runs for a good hour without another charge and is really easy to clean after using.  Not only that, but it's light and doesn't require the arms of a body builder to use.

Going home, I did some research and decided that I wanted to try one of these Stick Vacuums!

Hubby and I started to look at all the options and there really are many models available and many different manufacturers as well.  

If you have money to spare and want top of the line you can buy a Dyson* for about $900. This was not an option for us!  Eureka was much more affordable at about $125.00, but the reviews weren't that great!  Bissell also has a Stick Cordless Vacuum for about $165.00 but again the reviews were not all that flattering.  

We decided to go with the Amazon Choice as it was affordable, had good reviews and met all the needs I had.  For $170. it was a chance I was willing to take and now I'm really glad I did!

This Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner has a good strong motor, a 60 minute run time between charges, suction to spare,  wall mounting and will vacuum carpets as well as hardwood floors without needing to change the vacuum head!  It will also vacuum upholstery(with an attachment) and crevices as well.  Easy emptying of the dust container is a bonus.  I think I'm in love with vacuuming again.

Of course you can have a corded vacuum if you want, but why would you?  No running over the cord as you move through your home with the cordless models!  For daily clean ups, this is the answer for me!  When I'm done it goes back onto it's charging dock, out of sight and getting ready for the next time!

 

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Reviewing Charms And Practicalities Of Paper Diaries

Only a few weeks ago I was discussing with a friend how our lives are now intrinsically bound up and even dominated by digital devices. We are reliant now in a way we never were ten and certainly twenty years ago. 

This was brought home to me sharply a few months ago by an unusual set of circumstances where my mobile phone and my computer decided to break down at the same time! Suddenly I had no access to e mails, social media but even worse all our diary dates including medical appointments, meet ups with friends.... everything! 

The only recourse while my computer was “in bits” in the shop and we were waiting on the mobile phone to arrive was our local part time library. How I wished I had a paper copy of all the appointments! 

So in all this the humble paper diary planner I regularly used years ago a suddenly seemed like a great idea I had relegated unnecessarily to history and I missed it. 

I can tell you that I quickly bought a paper diary and I do value it and love making my appts and notes in it in a way that tech does not fulfil somehow. 

Paper Diary And Mindful Reflection

Despite the convenience of digital calendars, the tangible act of writing in a paper diary offers certain  benefits I had completely forgotten as I embraced technology. 

I find that writing our appts and dates by hand encourages mindfulness for me. The slower pace of writing in a diary allows for a level of reflection I never feel when using tech.

I feel more in control and it helps me organise my thoughts. All the noise of digital tech is gone leaving just the order and calmness of organising my life. I am finding that when I write a date in my diary I tend to recall and remember it far better than I do when I use the computer or phone. 

Of course all diaries are a bit different in what they include and you need to decide what is best for you. I have included a range in this article to consider. 

I love that my Diary has a features such as year to view, Year planner, big single day pages to write in and month to view. It makes organising and recording very easy.

I like the sections at the beginning of each month to record Notes, travel planning, financial planning and fitness planning as well. It also has space to record useful telephone numbers and details of friends and family. I love that it has inspirational quotes across the diary days which act as little reminders to live our best life. 

 2025 Appointment Book/Planner - Weekly & Monthly Planner, 6.3Check Price

 

Creativity and Expression In  a Diary

My paper diary has become already a place for self expression. I can write little extra notes, hopes and plans for the future,  doodles have once again become a thing and I have again become conscious of my long neglected handwriting style.

 I enjoy writing in my diary planner, even when it is just appointments. Its a little bit of creative freedom I cannot replicate online. 

 Reduced Screen Time and Digital Fatigue

I spend a lot of time staring at a  computer screen, I need to for many aspects of my life and work. In many ways I am grateful for digital technology, it has enabled me to work remotely, make friends across the world, shop for my home, find information easily and simplified many things. 

However, we are also constantly bombarded with notifications, emails, and social media updates which can become tiring and distracting.

 A paper diary offers a welcome break from screens, helping to reduce digital fatigue and the strain it places on our eyes and mind. A paper diary is simple, uncomplicated and can be a beautiful thing to hold in your hands. 

 ZXHQ 360 Pages Thick Lined A5 Journaling Notebook, Hardcover Journal for Women Men Writing Notebook, Fine Inner Pocket, Tree of Life Design, 100Gsm Paper - Dark GreenCheck Price

 

Privacy and Security

My diary is for me and my husbands engagements. No one else sees it and I really don’t have to worry about privacy, hacking, breaches or especially after my recent experience any tech breakdowns or long wait times for new parts!

It provides a secure and private space for thoughts and plans. You don't need to worry about privacy policies or data storage issues and confidentiality is easy to ensure.

Calm And In Control With My Paper Diary

As I am now recording all important dates and appts in my paper diary I know that even if I face tech breakdowns, failures and long waits for replacement parts or new tech, I will always know I have my back up and do not have to worry. In some ways my paper diary now has my back! 

I do still record in my online planners but that is practical, routine and in work mode. My paper diary feels more personal, more tangible and calm. 

In a world where technology dominates our day to day life, the paper diary is a valuable tool. It might be old fashioned now but I have found a new respect for it helping me in my life organisation in a calm quite tranquil way. 

 Clever Fox Planner PRO Schedule – Undated Weekly & Monthly Life Planner with Time Slots, Appointment Book & Daily Organizer, A4 (Red)Check Price

 

I won't of course give up tech and it has many undeniable advantages that make life easier. 

However, embracing the simplicity and sometimes beauty of a paper diary planner has brought a sense of peace that computer or other digital tools often lack. 

In this increasingly digital world it was amazing to me how satisfying holding an actual pen and writing in a tangible, beautiful paper diary is a pleasure I didn’t know I had missed so much! 

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Starting Lettuce in an Indoor Hydroponics Garden in the Height of Winter

I follow several homesteaders and gardeners who use small indoor hydroponic gardens to grow fresh food in very small spaces, during inclement weather, and in rental homes where they are unable to have a garden. I have tried container gardening (both here on the homestead and on my previous apartment balcony) but I hadn't tried indoor hydroponics - until now. This is the review of my experiment up until now.

What Are Indoor Hydroponic Garden Systems

I have seen examples of extremely large hydroponic growing systems. One system was in a large building in an urban setting. The operation was large and provided a significant amount of fresh vegetables. I am not currently able to remember the name of that group. But their story was pretty amazing. I have seen other hydroponic growing systems that include large tanks of fish, with plants growing just above the surface of the water. The plants and fish work together to create a preferred growing environment.  The idea of the Indoor Hydroponic Garden system is similar, but on a small personal scale. 

Some folks are able to use containers that include small fish and grow a plant just above the surface of the water. I needed easier than that. So I chose the mass-produced growing systems.

Initially, I chose a very small, 6 pod, AeroGarden brand. Then on the advice of two friends, I chose a 12 pod Mufga brand system. I have set up the 12 pod MUFGA and gave the 6 pod AeroGarden as a gift. 

Indoor Hydroponic  Gardens provide the light (LED lights in the colors that plants need) and water to the plants automatically. The "pods" are holes in the top of the water container that hold baskets of some sort of growing material (not soil). You simply place the seeds in the top of the growing material, place the growing material into the basket, place the basket into the hole in the container, and push a button. The growing light is currently just above the pods but it is on a telescoping arm that will move up as the plants grow taller.

I set my system up on December 30, 2024, Now, a mere 7 days later, I have lettuces that have germinated and are looking great.  The system only takes up a portion of one of the shelves that is where I normally start my seeds in the spring. Speaking of which, many folks use the indoor hydroponic gardens to start their seeds for outdoor gardens; saving the time and money that it takes to purchase seeds from a nursery. The quick and easy germination of my lettuce has convinced me that starting summer outdoor garden plants will be the way to go. 

Even though, there is a severe snow and ice storm moving into the area, in the first week of January 2025, I have lettuce plants started with the hope of making my own salads soon.

Shopping:

I ordered my indoor hydroponics garden system from Amazon. My friends advised me that AeroGarden is more expensive and that the many other brands, nowadays, do just as well at a much lower price tag. I can't advise which brand is best. I can say that the set up of my MUFGA was easy and the items seem well-made for what it is. The MUFGA isn't currently available but there are many similar units. 

It does sound as though the units available in this market are frequently changing. It might be a good idea to watch or read recent reviews of the brands currently available. 

A Peek at my Personal Video:

I took this video for friends and family that shows the different components of this hydroponic garden and may be interesting to you. In this video, I do a sort of show-and-tell. If you are truly interested in growing food indoors, I encourage you to watch the videos of experienced folks who have been growing their own food in these systems for some time for the how-to information.

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The Best, Most Practical, Best Organized, Lightweight Crossbody Bag

As we kick off the new year, I have been thinking a lot about ways to get better organized. I love having organization, but I'm not good at maintaining it. One of the few things I have been able to keep fairly well organized is my purse, and it's thanks to the Baggallini Modern Everywhere Hobo Bag. I love this wonderful lightweight, adjustable crossbody bag so much that I have purchased and repurchased it over the years in a few different colors. Here's my product review of this purse that has finally allowed me to maintain an organized handbag.

Two of my Baggallini Modern Everywhere Hobo Bags

The Problem: Too Much to Carry

Like many women, I like to be prepared when I'm out and about. As a result, I carry a lot in my purse or handbag: Wallet, keys, sunglasses, phone, brush, tissues, cough drops, lip balm, hand cream, sunscreen, lipstick, a face mask, UPF 50 gloves to protect my hands against UV rays, a water bottle, and sometimes my Kindle.

I also have a bad back and leather purses tend to be too heavy for me, especially when they're filled with all of the above! In addition, I have sloping shoulders and a regular shoulder bag slides off. So, I need a sturdy yet lightweight crossbody bag that can accommodate all the "stuff" I carry with me without being too heavy. I also need a bag with lots of pockets and compartments, including secure zipper compartments, to keep everything organized and easily accessible.

The Solution: The Baggallini Modern Everywhere Hobo Bag

The Baggallini Modern Everywhere Hobo Bag is a stylish yet highly functional handbag. With a focus on organization, practicality, and a chic aesthetic, this bag is a perfect companion for both daily activities and travel. Following are highlights of its key features and benefits.

Design and Materials

The Baggallini Modern Everywhere Hobo Bag boasts a sleek, minimalist design that transitions effortlessly between casual outings, work settings, and travel. The bag is crafted from premium materials available in several fabric options. These fabrics are easy to clean and maintain. 

A Great Size — Not Too Small, Not Too Large

Before I found this bag, I was constantly struggling to find a purse or handbag that was large enough to accommodate my necessities without being too large, heavy, and unwieldy. This lightweight bag measures 11” wide, 9” high, and 5” deep and weight just 12 ounces (a major selling point for me!), making it spacious enough for all my essential everyday items without feeling bulky.

Key Features

The Baggallini Modern Everywhere Hobo Bag stands out for its organizational prowess, designed to make life easier for women who are always on the go. Of all the organizer bags I have owned over the years, this one is far and away my favorite.

I use the side pocket for a water bottle

Exterior Features

• Quick-Access Phone Pocket: An exterior slip pocket lets you grab your phone in seconds without rummaging through the bag. I prefer to use the larger zippered front pocket for my phone so it's easy for me to access but harder for a pickpocket to lift without my knowledge.
• Scratch-Resistant Sunglasses Pocket: Protects your glasses or other delicate items, ensuring they remain scratch-free. I prefer to keep my sunglasses in a case inside the main compartment and use the side pocket to hold my water bottle.
• Sturdy, Wide, Adjustable Strap: The long 52" removable strap allows for customization, so I can wear it as a crossbody bag or shorten the strap to a shoulder bag length, if desired. It's wide enough not to dig into my shoulder and is made of durable material that would be difficult for a would-be thief to slice. The robust swivel hardware that attaches the strap at both ends has held up well over several years and makes it easy to straighten a twisted strap.



Exterior front pockets

Interior Features

• Multiple Compartments: The bag's interior features a variety of zippered and open pockets to keep your belongings neatly organized. The main compartment zips closed at the top of the bag, and there's an interior zippered pocket that provides a second hurdle for would-be pickpockets. The zippers are high quality and zip and unzip smoothly and easily.
• Removable RFID-Blocking Wristlet: This compact wristlet includes card slots and safeguards against identity theft. It's also detachable and perfect for when you want to travel light.
• Lipstick Loop & Key Leash: These are small but thoughtful additions that keep frequently used items like keys and lip products within reach.

Interior compartments, pockets, loops, and RFID-blocking wristlet

Travel-Friendly Additions

• Luggage Handle Sleeve: A smart feature that allows the bag to slide securely over an extendable suitcase handle to keep my hands free while traveling and make it harder to snatch my purse. The zipper also turns it into a functional back compartment with a snap closure when not in use as a luggage handle sleeve.
• Luggage Sleeve Zipper Lock: Adds extra security by locking the zipper closed when using the sleeve as a compartment.

Zippered luggage handle sleeve on back

Functionality and Versatility

The layout of the Baggallini Modern Everywhere Hobo Bag is ideal for carrying everything from daily essentials to travel documents. Whether I'm commuting to work, running errands, or catching a flight, the bag's lightweight construction ensures comfort and accessibility even when packed. The material options, particularly the water-resistant TruNylon, make it suitable for all weather conditions, giving me peace of mind in case of rain.

The RFID-blocking wristlet provides added protection for credit cards and identification and is an excellent security feature. This feature is especially valuable when I'm traveling in busy or unfamiliar locations.

This popular bag has been in the Baggallini lineup for many years, having stood the test of time. It also comes in a wide range of colors and a few patterns, as well as a few different materials.

Detachable RFID-blocking wristlet

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent organizational features with multiple compartments.
• Lightweight and comfortable to carry for long periods.
• Water-resistant, easy-to-clean materials.
• Stylish and versatile design suitable for various occasions.
• Long, adjustable strap lets it be carried as a crossbody bag or shoulder bag.
• Travel-friendly features like the luggage sleeve and detachable RFID-blocking wristlet.

Cons:

• Some users may find the size too small for larger items like tablets or bulky accessories.

The Final Verdict

Baggallini Modern Everywhere Bagg - Water-resistant Lightweight Hobo Crossbody Bag for Women - Easy-Access Phone Pocket

The Baggallini Modern Everywhere Hobo Bag is an excellent choice for women who want a combination of functionality and fashion. Its smart features, quality materials, and timeless design make it a must-have for busy professionals, moms, and travelers alike.

Whether you're navigating your daily routine or embarking on an adventure, this bag ensures you stay organized and look great doing it.

For anyone looking for a practical yet stylish everyday bag, the Modern Everywhere Hobo Bag is hard to beat.

The Best, Most Practical, Best Organized, Lightweight Crossbody Bag by Margaret Schindel

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Big Fudge Record Friend Cleaning Kit - Reviewed

 We were so excited when our daughter Jamie gave Fran this Seasonlife turntable for our vinyl records. We have quite a collection of vinyl records from the 1970s and 1980s and couldn't wait to dig them out of storage.

We knew before we could play them on the new turntable these old records would need to be cleaned. So, I began searching for an affordable cleaning kit and found the Big Fudge Record Friend.

What's Inside the Big Fudge Record Friend Kit?

• Vinyl cleaning solution that's gentle on records.
• Microfiber cloths to avoid leaving fibers behind.
• Cleaning basin and rollers to make it easy to wash to records.
• Drying rack to keep records upright and air-dry safely.
• Label protectors to prevent water or cleaners from touching the labels.

This all-in-one kit has everything you need, especially for cleaning multiple records in one sitting, It's designed for both 33 and 45 PRM records, which means you can clean everything from singles to full albums without any extra accessories. The instructions are easy to follow. The assembly is quick and easy and the results are amazing.

I had no idea how often you should clean your vinyl records. So, I looked it up and found a good rule of thumb is every 90 days. I always use one of the microfiber cloths to wipe the record before every use.

If you have a vinyl collection that you want to keep in great shape this kit does a nice job. 

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Big Fudge Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit - 4-in-1 Record Cleaner Solution - Includes Ultra-Soft Velvet Record Brush, Cleaning Liquid, Stylus Brush and Storage Pouch - Premium Vinyl Record Cleaner

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Reviewing My New Top Fin 10 Gallon All-in-One Aquarium Starter Kit

My Top Fin All-In-One Aquarium Starter Kit was quick and easy for me to set up. I am enjoying the beauty and relaxation fish bring to my home again. If you would like to have fish, in a tank larger than a fish bowl but small enough to be easy for one person to set up and care for, this aquarium may be a great choice for you. This is a perfect size tank for offices, small homes, classrooms, and children's first fish tanks.

Top Fin 10 gallon All-in-One Aquarium Starter Kit

The Top Fin brand is easy to find in some big, chain pet stores. Because of that quantity, I assume, I stumbled upon a sale that brought this $80+ tank down to $53. So I snagged it, even though I had been looking for a couple of other brands.

I was concerned that I was purchasing a low-quality item just because of the tempting price tag and that I'd regret the purchase. But after I put it together and started it with a few fish I decided that this is a great starter tank.

Included Items:

• 10 gal glass aquarium, column shape
• Small footprint: 12.5" L x 12.5" W x 19.5" H
• Hood with feeding door
• bright white LED light in the hood
• thermometer
• 50w heater
• water test vial
• Top Fin PF10 Power Filter with cartridge replacement and a PF-S Silentstream Filter Cartridge 
• 4" Nylon Net

This aquarium was small enough and light enough for me to place where I wanted it.  I filled with with substrate, rocks, and plants (purchased separately). With the small size of the tank, I was able to fill it with water fairly quickly. And I was able to reach in and move the rocks and plants as I wanted. In the past, larger tanks made it difficult to reach the bottom and larger tanks take a longer time to fill or empty.

I was relieved that everything worked well. And very pleased that the water filter was extremely quiet! When I had aquariums many years ago, the water pumps were noticeably loud. This one is not. 

My Personal Thoughts and Fish Tank Needs

After visiting my son and grandchildren, I knew that I wanted to resume keeping tropical fish. I hadn't had an aquarium for a couple of decades. Unlike my family, who were doing really well with keeping gorgeous salt water tanks, I knew I'd start with fresh water. I wanted larger than a gold fish bowl. But I live in a small home and knew I didn't want a large aquarium on a stand.   I fell in love with my son's 15 gallon Cube shaped aquarium and started my search for a 10 to 15 gallon desktop tank.

My desire is to have a community tank; a variety of nano fish and creatures that can live in the same tank. I do not want just one betta or goldfish in a bowl. My preference is to have a somewhat naturalized underwater scene. Yes, I know that Neon Tetras (the first fish I purchased with this adventure) aren't the most natural looking. But they are a schooling fish and remind me of schools of minnows in fresh water lakes. 

Nano Fish - fish that grow less than 2" long and are suitable for aquariums as small as 10 gallons.

This Top Fin 10 gallon column, desk-top tank has been a great purchase. It was easy on the budget and better quality than I had expected. I highly recommend it for beginning fish-keepers, current tropical fish enthusiasts who might need extra space for baby fish, or a gift for someone. This is a great size of tank for children to have their first pets.

If you are not able to find the Top Fin brand in your area, there are many other small cube and nano aquariums available on Amazon. 

In my local area, I found the Top Fin brand at Petsmart.

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.”

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BarksBar Pet Water Resistant Front Seat Cover for Automobiles Review

Years ago, I purchased our first BarksBar pet padded front seat cover for my 2 door car so our mature golden retriever could sit in the bucket seat next to me.  

Like most pups, she never wanted to be left behind and she enjoyed riding the few blocks to my parents house to visit.  Because it is a two door vehicle, getting her in the backseat was hard on both of us.  I moved the passenger seat back as far as it would go, strapped the seat cover in place, and let her hop in for the ride.  She loved every minute of it!  I left that seat cover in place for convenience, only removing it when it needed to be washed.  Afterwards, anyone who rode in my car got to enjoy sitting on her seat cover. 

We recently moved her cover to the passenger seat in our SUV to use for an adult who had surgery.  Being able to fully cover the seat with a water resistant cover made everyone feel more comfortable knowing the seat would not be stained or require cleaning.  The seat cover slips right off for washing.

Whether you are a pet parent or not, everyone should have one of these seat covers handy when needed to protect the fabric on car seats. 

None of the fabric on our car seats have been torn by rough paws or claws, or soiled by bodily fluids since we started using this water resistant seat cover.  

 

BarksBar Pet Front Seat Cover for Cars, Trucks & SUVs

 BarksBar Pet Padded Front Seat CoverCheck PriceThere are several reasons I selected the BarksBar front seat cover.  Mostly, I needed a seat cover that could easily be removed and washed.  

It has been my experience that "waterproof" fabric may claim to be washable, but it doesn't maintain it's waterproof properties after washing without reapplying a waterproof spray or wax.   Therefore, I will opt for a tightly woven fabric that is naturally water resistant.  If needed, I could put a waterproof disposable pad under the BarksBar seat cover.  Thus far, the additional pad has not been necessary for damp paws or slight incontinence.

The built-in rubber non-slip backing helps hold the seat cover in place.  Even when my 95 lb pup would leap into the seat, the cover did not move.

The seat cover is also held up and in place with multiple straps.  One goes around the head rest, one around the center of the seat back and one across the back of the bottom of the car seat.  Plus, the fabric skirt have elastic along the bottom to also keep the cover in place which adds a bit of protection to the sides of the seat.

This fabulous removable, washable seat cover protects your car seat against messy hands, dirt, drips, drool and scratches.  

 

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