A few reasons microwave popcorn is not healthy to eat:
The popcorn was delicious!
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
An Affordable, Stylish, and Functional Men's Wallet – Son Approved!
When it comes to finding an affordable men's wallet, I always look for something practical, stylish, and durable—without breaking the bank.
I recently purchased the Zitahli Bi-Fold Wallet for my son, which exceeded my expectations. More importantly, he loves it, too!
This one is worth considering if you want an affordable yet attractive wallet.
One of the first things my son noticed about this wallet was its slim and compact design. Measuring 4.4 x 3.2 x 0.47 inches, it easily fits his pocket without adding unnecessary bulk.
Despite its sleek size, it offers 12 card slots, an ID window, and a sturdy interior money clip that securely holds up to 15 bills. It's the perfect blend of style and function.
The wallet's layout makes it easy to organize cards while keeping everything accessible. My son appreciates that the ID window is clear and well-placed, so he can quickly show his ID without fumbling through his wallet. The money clip is also a great addition—it holds cash securely and keeps the wallet from getting too bulky.
Even though this wallet is very affordable, it isn't cheap. The material has a luxurious texture and durable feel, making it seem much more expensive than it actually is. My son has been using it daily, and it's holding up really well.
Another great feature is the built-in RFID blocking technology, which helps protect sensitive card information from being scanned without permission. This small but essential detail adds extra peace of mind.
I also loved that the wallet came in a nicely packaged gift box. This wallet is a fantastic option if you're looking for an affordable yet stylish gift for a birthday, Father's Day gift, graduation, or any special occasion.
Overall, this wallet is a great buy—stylish, functional, and durable without costing a fortune. My son is thrilled with it, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a well-designed wallet at a budget-friendly price.
If you're looking for a thoughtful gift or just need a reliable everyday wallet, this one checks all the boxes!
You can find this affordable Men's Wallet on Amazon, where available.
My husband gave me the Smart Go Travel Lamp for my birthday this past year so I would have direct light to work on my crafts wherever I wish to sit in our home.
The dining room table or the kitchen counter are both examples of places that only offer overhead lighting. They are areas that give me plenty of room to spread my work out in front of me, but don't have direct light on a specific area. I frequently bring in a desk lamp, but they must be plugged in and that can be distance limiting. At the dining room table, the cord has to stretch across the walk-through path and could easily trip someone walking by or pull the lamp off the table.
The Daylight Smart Go Travel Lamp is cordless. It is powered by a rechargeable battery that lasts over 6 hours on the highest setting. Thus far, that has been longer than I will sit and work constantly on any project. On the lowest lighting setting, it will last for 30 hours without recharging. However, I doubt I would ever use it on that lowest setting. After all, my objective is to add a lot of light to a specific work area.
There are several features of the Smart Go Travel Lamp that would make me recommend it. While it was given to me to use while crafting, it was the lamp I grabbed when I set down this year to work on income taxes. The light it provided for reading and writing was fabulous! It is actually more directed light than a desk lamp offers and was definitely an improvement over standard room lighting.
I must tell you, this is probably the best crafting gift I have ever received. Excellent lighting is so important for stitching, bead work, reading a pattern, precision cutting, and so much more. I am not an artist, but I can certainly see how having this directed light on your work would be magnificent.
Good direct lighting for the simple daily tasks of paperwork, paying bills, and accounting is essential. This is the best desk lamp I have ever owned, but you must remember to recharge it since it is cordless.
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My Favorite Mug for My Favorite Drink |
I love Dr Pepper and for the past 60 years I have had a cup of "hot Dr Pepper" most every morning. I started when I was a teenager and saw the ads for hot Dr Pepper. Back then I would pour my Dr Pepper in a saucepan, add a slice of lemon and heat it. I would then pour it into a cup and enjoy. In today's microwave world, I pour my Dr Pepper into a mug and heat it for 2 minutes. I then add either a slice of lemon or lime. Delicious!! I don't drink coffee or tea so it is Dr Pepper that helps me to fully wake up each morning.
One of the things about nonstick cookware is that, for safety reasons, it needs to be replaced as soon as you see signs of scratches in the nonstick coating, usually every few years. For that reason, I don' like to spend a lot of money on nonstick fry pans. On the other hand, cheap nonstick cookware needs to be replaced even more frequently. So, when our favorite 8-inch nonstick pan was due to be replaced, I did some research to see whether anything better had become available on the market since we purchased that one. Here's my review of the Ninja Neverstick Ceramic Pro 8-inch nonstick fry pan we chose to replace it.
We're trying to move away from PFAS "forever chemicals," so one of the products I looked at was a frying pan from the widely advertised Caraway ceramic nonstick cookware line. However, my research uncovered that reviews were very mixed, especially when it came to durability, longevity, and nonstick performance, and I found the pans to be extremely overpriced. The 8-inch "mini" fry pan cost $90–$125, depending on whether the handle was the standard silver metal or gold-toned. Definitely not in my budget, especially for a pan that didn't have universally glowing product reviews from customers!
So, when I discovered that Ninja, the manufacturer of the fry pan we were replacing, now had its Ninja NeverStick Ceramic Pro cookware line that competes head-to-head with Caraway and had excellent reviews, I decided to try it out.
If you’re in the market for high-quality, nonstick fry pans that are both durable and non-toxic, I encourage you to consider the Ninja NeverStick Ceramic Pro Fry Pans. With Ninja’s reputation for high-performance cookware, these pans promise superior nonstick performance, high heat resistance, and long-lasting durability. And, although we haven't owned our new Ninja NeverStick Ceramic Pro 8-inch Fry Pan long enough to attest to the durability of the nonstick coating, so far we are extremely pleased. Whether you're in the market for a small 8-inch ceramic nonstick fry pan like ours, an everyday workhorse 10.25-inch nonstick fry pan, or a big 12-inch nonstick fry pan, this line of titanium-infused ceramic nonstick cookware is well worth considering.
In this review, I'll break down the key features, performance, and overall value of these fry pans to help you decide if they’re worth the investment.
One of the biggest concerns with ceramic nonstick cookware is longevity—many ceramic coatings wear out quickly. However, Ninja claims that their titanium-infused NeverStick Ceramic Pro coating is built to last, resisting sticking even at high temperatures and offering an easy-release surface for effortless cooking. Plus, it’s PTFE, PFOA, and cadmium-free, making it a safer alternative for health-conscious cooks.
Material: Body is made from 100% recycled forged aluminum, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing hot spots.
Thickness: A heavy-gauge design provides superior heat retention and durability.
Handle: The stainless steel handle stays cool on the stovetop and is securely double-riveted for extra strength.
Compatibility: These pans work on gas, electric, glass, and induction cooktops.
Oven-Safe: Withstand temperatures up to 660°F, making them ideal for stovetop-to-oven cooking.
The NeverStick Ceramic Pro coating promises effortless food release—meaning you can cook eggs, pancakes, and delicate fish without worrying about sticking or tearing. Unlike many ceramic pans that require oil to function properly, this pan performs exceptionally well even without oil, making it a great option for low-fat cooking.
Eggs & Pancakes: John loves his breakfast and has been using this 8-inch nonstick ceramic fry pan every morning to cook a couple of eggs or pancakes. (I don't eat until lunchtime.) He says the eggs slide right off the surface with minimal oil, proving its nonstick effectiveness. Pancakes also cook evenly in this pan.
Meat: We often cook a large batch of burgers in advance and then reheat one or two of them. This pan is the perfect size for that and recreates the yummy Maillard reaction on the surface of the burgers while reheating them.
Tomato-based Sauces: We found when reheating individual portions of leftover pasta that acidic, red, tomato-based sauces don't stain the surface.
The forged aluminum base provides consistent heat across the surface, preventing hot spots and ensuring even cooking.
Unlike many ceramic pans that scratch easily, this one holds up well against wooden and silicone utensils. Even though the manufacturer says you can use metal utensils, we avoid them to prolong the lifespan of the nonstick coating.
The manufacturer claims that Ninja NeverStick Ceramic Pro nonstick cookware is 5x more scratch-resistant and 3x more scrub-resistant than Caraway ceramic coated cookware.
Best of all, this Ninja NeverStick Ceramic Pro cookware comes with a 10-year manufacturer's warranty!
Cleaning: The pan is incredibly easy to clean—a quick wipe with a sponge and mild soap is usually enough.
Dishwasher-Safe: While it is labeled as dishwasher-safe, handwashing is recommended to preserve the nonstick coating.
Weight: It is lighter than cast iron but has a sturdy feel, making it easy to handle.
The Ninja NeverStick Ceramic Pro Fry Pans are an excellent choice for home cooks looking for a high-performance, non-toxic, and long-lasting nonstick pan. They outperform many standard ceramic pans in durability, heat resistance, and food release, making them a great investment for everyday cooking.
Who Should Buy It?
The Ninja NeverStick Ceramic Pro Fry Pans deliver exceptional nonstick performance, durability, and ease of use, making them one of the best ceramic fry pans available today. If you’re looking for premium nonstick cookware that lasts, this is definitely a pan worth considering!
Have you used the Ninja NeverStick Ceramic Pro Fry Pan? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! If you found this review helpful, share it with your fellow home cooks and kitchen enthusiasts!
I never really thought about tracking a cat until my friend's indoor cat, a true escape artist, started sneaking out and disappearing.
It was nerve-wracking for my friend to not know if the cat was safe or where it had gone. That's when I discovered a simple and affordable solution—an AirTag cat collar.
This collar is designed to hold an AirTag, making it easy to monitor your furry friend. The Airtag is not included; this is only the collar that safely holds the Airtag.
It has a secure, elastic AirTag case that keeps the tracker snug and prevents it from dangling or falling off.
With this collar, you can quickly check your cat's location, giving you peace of mind without the hassle.
One of the best features is its breakaway buckle.
Cats are naturally curious and love to climb, so there's always a risk of getting caught on something.
The breakaway design ensures that if your cat gets stuck, the collar will safely release, preventing injury.
Plus, the reflective strip makes spotting your cat in low-light conditions easier—perfect for those late-night adventures.
Comfort is key, and this collar is made from soft, reflective nylon rather than silicone, which can sometimes irritate a cat's skin.
It's lightweight and designed to be gentle on your pet's fur, so they won't even notice they're wearing it.
The adjustable fit means you can find the perfect size, ensuring it stays secure without being too tight.
Another great thing? It's waterproof and easy to clean.
Cats get into all sorts of messy situations, but this collar is made to handle it.
The AirTag holder protects the tracker from moisture, and dirt can be wiped off quickly—there's no need to worry about your cat's playful antics.
When selecting an AirTag for your cat’s collar, ensure it’s compatible with your device.
Apple AirTags work with iPhones and iPads, while Android users may need a different tracker that functions with their system.
Choosing the right AirTag ensures seamless tracking and peace of mind.
_________________
This Airtag Cat Collar is available on Amazon.
Again, the Airtag is not included with the collar. Here's an Apple Airtag for Apple users.
Few Desserts bring people together like chocolate fondue. This is a family favorite of ours. We like getting together several times a year for some delicious chocolate fondue. Following is a review of our Valentine's Day chocolate fondue.
Fondue, originally a Swiss dish featuring melted cheese, inspired the idea of dipping foods into a shared pot. The concept of chocolate fondue emerged in the 1960s, made popular by Swiss restaurateur Konrad Egli in New York.
Fondue is a perfect time to gather and enjoy some great conversation with the family while enjoying some delicious dessert or food.
Many times we use steak and chicken cut into small pieces. Our daughter Jamie coats the chicken with Shake N Bake. We dip into hot oil until the pieces are cooked and serve with various dipping sauces.
Ingredients for Chocolate Fondue:
1 bag of chocolate chips 11.5oz.
1 bag of dark chocolate chips 11.5 oz.
1 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
First, you need a fondue pot. Jamie has two Cuisinart Electric Fondue Pots. For the chocolate fondue, we only use one of them.
Dip and Enjoy: We used the skewers that came with the fondue pot to dip our favorite treat into the rich chocolate.
Click here for more recipes on Review This:
You will find a large selection of fondue pots on Amazon. The one featured below is the one Jamie has, and she has had it for many years.
I recently purchased the Whirley Pop Popcorn Maker and I have been enjoying fresh popped popcorn since. The Whirley Pop is a stove-top popper that helps me pop nearly all of the kernels without burning. I despise the smell of burnt popcorn. With the Whirley Pop I am again enjoying making great popcorn at home.
The Whirley Pop is a stove-top popcorn pan. The wood handle remains cool and the popper pops the corn evenly due to the crank handle that comes through the wooden handle and out of the end farthest from the heat. After you add the oil and popcorn to the inside of the pan, you spin the crank non-stop. That crank is attached to a stir wire that keeps the popcorn kernels moving and prevents burning. In approximately 3 - 5 minutes, the popcorn is finished and ready to enjoy.
I ordered the Whirley Pop red aluminum 6 quart popper. There are other versions available: Stainless Steel, Copper Plated Stainless steel, black aluminum and pink aluminum. Of course, the stainless steel versions are more expensive. I purchased the red aluminum becaust I like red and because I wasn't sure I would like the popper so I didn't want to invest more initially.
The Whirley Pop lid latches onto the "bowl" portion of the pan. The lid is hinged on two halves, making it easy to pour the fresh-popped treat out of the pan.
Yes, microwave popcorn is much easier. We use microwave popcorn at work daily (as treats for the children). And I can't help but notice how much trash the microwave popcorn creates. Besides, at home with the Whirley Pop, I am able to:
I prefer stove-top popcorn for those reasons. But I am abysmal at using a pan with a lid and shaking it until the corn pops. With that style of stove-top popping, I always create a mess or burn the popcorn. I do not have a glasstop stove, but if I did I could still use the Whirley Pop safely as the pan sits still and the crank does all of the work.
Frankly, I think most of all, I like the retro appearance of the Whirley Pop. I think it reminds me of the ice cream makers of my childhood.
Whirleypopshop.com - Wabash Valley Farms, Indiana
On their website you can find page after page of Whirley Pop pans (including information on engraving handles), gift sets, popcorn kernel varieties, salts, oils, and fun popcorn bowls.
Whirley Pop also has a store on Amazon under Wabash Valley Farms. I ordered mine on Amazon to take advantage of the Amazon Prime free shipping.
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