A Review of HotPop Microwave Popcorn Maker

 

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

A few reasons microwave popcorn is not healthy to eat:

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

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

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

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

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

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

HotPop Popcorn Maker

 

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

The popcorn was delicious!

 

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

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

Pop Secret Jumbo Popcorn

Orville Redenbacher's Butter Flavor Popcorn Oil

Kernel Season's Popcorn Seasoning Variety - Pack of 8

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. It's featherlight

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

2. It stores like a dream

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

3. It saves space

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

4. It looks tidy

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

5. No need for bulky wind-up holders

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

6. Mornings are more leisurely now

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It seemed uncomfortable and frustrating. 

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

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No More Stacking Pillows With a Wedge Pillow

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

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

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

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

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

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Not Just for Acid Reflux

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

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

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

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She Sleeps Better—And That Makes Me Happy

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

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

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Would I Recommend It? Absolutely.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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An Affordable Men’s Wallet with RFID Protection and a Sleek Design

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.

Sleek and Practical Design

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.

Plenty of Storage Without the Bulk

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.

Feels High-Quality at a Budget-Friendly Price

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.

RFID Protection for Extra Security

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.

Perfect Gift-Worthy Presentation

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.

Final Thoughts

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.

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

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Cordless Daylight Smart Go Portable Lamp Reviewed

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.

 

Features of the Daylight Smart Go Travel Lamp  

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.

•  Daylight Smart Go Travel LampCheck Price Tubular Bulb for Direct Lighting
•  Raise Top to Open/Fold Down Closure 
  
• Cordless
• Rechargeable Battery (USB cable included)
• 3 Light Intensity Levels
• Touch Switch
  
• Fold Closure for Easy Storage or Carry
  
• Lightweight & Portable
• Sleek Design 
• Requires Little Desktop Space (base is approx. 3" x 2")

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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Cordless Daylight Smart Go Portable Lamp Reviewed by:

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Drink Dr Pepper HOT

 

My Favorite Mug for My Favorite Drink

A Review of 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.

Fun Facts about Dr Pepper

• Created in the 1880's by pharmacist Charles Alderton in Waco Texas
• Name "Dr Pepper first used in 1885 and that preceded Coca-Cola by one year
• It was introduced nationally at the 1904 St. Louis World Fair (and no I wasn't there, but my grandfather was 😂)
• Early ads claimed medical benefits "aids digestion and restores vim, vigor and vitality"
• The formula is a trade secret and is said to be held in two separate Dallas banks -Half of the recipe in each bank safe deposit bank 

Advertising for Dr Pepper

Some early ads called for "Dr Pepper Time" at 10, 2, and 4 o'clock.

In the early 1960's Dr Pepper was promoted to be served as a hot drink in the winter months.  The ads showed it being heated up and served with a slice of lemon.

In 1977 lyrics were written for a Dr Pepper jingle called "Be a Pepper" by Jake Holmes.  The chorus of the song goes as follows.

I'm a Pepper, he's a Pepper

She's a Pepper, we're a Pepper

Wouldn't you like to be a Pepper too?

Be a Pepper, Drink Dr Pepper

Dr Pepper Museum

There is a Dr Pepper Museum in Waco Texas.  It was opened in 1991 in downtown Waco.  It has three floors of exhibits and includes a working old-fashioned soda fountain, and a gift store with Dr Pepper memorabilia.  That is where I purchased my mug that you see at the beginning of the photo.  As you can probably tell from the photo my mug is showing some wear, perhaps I need to get a new one!

You Tube Video on Hot Dr Pepper

In researching information on the history of hot Dr Pepper, I found this interesting and humorous video that not only gives you some history on hot Dr Pepper but also shows several of the ads for it.

Hot Dr Pepper

Amazon has lots of Dr Pepper products for Sale

When you check out Amazon you will find that they have lots of Dr Pepper products.  Whether you want socks, shirts, hats, slippers, mugs, BBQ sauce, jellybeans, cotton candy and many more Dr Pepper themed products check out the following link to Amazon

Dr Pepper Products

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

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The Best PTFE-, PFOA-, and Cadmium-free Nonstick Fry Pans

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.

Key Features

1. NeverStick Ceramic Coating

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.

2. Premium Construction & Design

• 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.

3. Superior Nonstick Performance

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.

Performance Breakdown

1. Cooking Results

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.

2. Heat Distribution

The forged aluminum base provides consistent heat across the surface, preventing hot spots and ensuring even cooking.

3. Durability & Scratch Resistance

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!

Ease of Use & Maintenance

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Truly nonstick, requiring very little oil (the manufacturer recommends preheating the pan with a small amount of oil or butter before adding food)
• An excellent value — less than half the cost of a comparable Caraway 8-inch nonstick ceramic pan
• Non-toxic PTFE-, PFOA-, lead- and cadmium-free ceramic coating
• 10-year warranty
• Induction-compatible
• Oven-safe up to 660°F (the comparable Caraway ceramic cookware is oven-safe to only 550°F)
• Durable forged aluminum body for even heat distribution
• Sturdy stainless steel handle
• Easy to clean and resistant to staining
• Metal utensil-safe, although wooden or silicone utensils are recommended
• Dishwasher-safe in theory, although to prolong the life of the nonstick coating we would never put ours in the dishwasher (and it simply isn't necessary, because it's so easy to clean)

Cons:

• I can't yet vouch for the long-term durability because we haven't owned our pan long enough to judge.

Another bonus for us is that the 8-inch tempered glass lid from our original Ninja NeverStick Professional 8-inch fry pan fits perfectly on our new Neverstick Ceramic Pro pan.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Ninja NeverStick Fry Pans

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?

• Health-conscious cooks looking for a PTFE-free, PFOA-free, cadmium-free nonstick pan
• Home chefs who need a high heat tolerance pan for searing and oven cooking
• Anyone who values easy cleanup and long-lasting nonstick performance

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 Tried It?

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!

The Best-Tasting, High-Quality Protein Powder That Tastes Terrific by Margaret Schindel

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AirTag Cat Collar: Keep Track of Your Furry Escape Artist

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.

Easy Cat Tracking with an AirTag 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.

Safety First with a Breakaway Buckle

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.

Comfortable and Gentle on Fur

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.

Waterproof and Easy to Clean

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.

Choose the Right AirTag for Your Device

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.

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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.

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

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Easy Chocolate Fondue Recipe

 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.

A Brief History of 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.

Set the pot to medium heat and add the chocolate chips. Add the butter and keep stirring so the chocolate begins to melt.

Add the vanilla, and the heavy whipping cream a little at a time, and keep stirring until all is combined. When it's ready, the chocolate will look like the intro photo.

Here are our prepared goodies for dipping into the chocolate. We cut up strawberries, pineapple, bananas, marshmallows, and pound cake.

Dip and Enjoy: We used the skewers that came with the fondue pot to dip our favorite treat into the rich chocolate.

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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.

Cuisinart Fondue Pot, 3 Quart, For Chocolate, Cheese, Broth, Oil, Stainless Steel, CFO-3SSP1Check the Price

 

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

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My KDP Review

KDP is the book publishing arm of Amazon. KDP stands for Kindle Direct Publishing. This is where authors can publish their books as hardbacks, paperbacks, and or as a Kindle electronic version.

KDP has been evolving over the years. The first book that I wrote and published through KDP was written completely offline. It also wasn't KDP back then. Then I had to figure out what size to make my pages and which font they accepted (I had to change mine.)

Now people can look at charts and guidelines on KDP and find out what they need to get started.

First you need to know what kind of book you want to make; i.e. hardback, paperback, or electronic. You can only make one at a time, but then you can make it in another version afterwards. Sizes and margins can be different. Also with the electronic version, you can make clickable links for each chapter, etc.

At some point, you will have to decide on a title, and also a subtitle if you want one. Once a book is published on Amazon, the title cannot be changed.

With KDP, the minimum number of pages is 24. So if you're looking to write a 10-20 page pamphlet type book, this isn't for you. If you've got a minimum of 20 pages already, you can add other pages, such as book recommendations that are related to what you are writing, other books by you, a title page, this book belongs to, etc.

There are also maximum page number restrictions based on the type of book you're writing, i.e. paperback, hardback, or electronic. Page length can also be affected by paper selection, page size, and trim. You can check out the various requirements and restrictions by searching on your book type and the text, KDP size guidelines.

Once you are ready to start writing, you can be a brave and venturous soul and write it on your computer, like I did with my first venture. However, I recommend a book creation site that gives you the kind of flexibility you might be looking for. Do you know that you just want to create coloring books, for instance? Do you want to write text only books? Search for what works for you.

The site that I went with is Canva. Some love it and some don't. As mentioned, go for what is going to be most helpful to you.

With Canva, I can use a mix of my images along with a mix of images on the Canva site. In some books I have created, I used only my images, some have been a mix, and a couple have been Canva images only. With Canva, you are supposed to change up the images on their site some how, perhaps layer them with other images to make them look different than what is presented initially. However you do this, you want to make this be unique somehow. I use the professional version of Canva which gives me more images to choose from.

Another reason that I like Canva, is that I can easily adjust the page sizes with a couple of clicks, in case I didn't get it quite right in the beginning. Also, from Canva, I can easily download my book creation, and then upload it from my download files to Amazon. The interior of the book is downloaded and uploaded separate from the cover. The cover and the interior are two different creations on Canva, at least with physical paper books. They are also two different uploads on KDP.

With the forms on KDP, you can choose up to three categories for your book to be listed in. They used to give you up to ten options, and could then even add more. Those days have passed.

You can choose up to seven sets of keywords and or keyword phrases to help customers find your books.

You can also choose black and white only books, or ones with premium colored ink. Colored ink is more expensive to print and the price you set should allow for this additional upcharge for the printing of your book.

KDP gives a section to write a description that will get printed on its Amazon product page.

When writing on KDP, you can create a free author page on Amazon. Once your book is published and live on Amazon, you can create your author page. You can find it by searching for the phrase, Amazon Author Central.

When writing on KDP, you can also create and run ads for your book(s) on Amazon. These are paid ads and there are quite a few options to choose from. I recommend doing searches on YouTube for guidance and for how to videos there.

I have done some ads from time to time. For me, I prefer to do some blogs about the books instead. I also prefer shopping on Amazon when there are a lot less ads to maneuver through.

So would I recommend writing on KDP to self publish on Amazon? That depends on your goals. Authors that write on KDP are not suppose to publish those same books elsewhere. Amazon does have an option for certain types of books to be available through book stores. The main thing is that they must have text as part of their makeup. So no coloring books unless they also include words. These books can be included in a book store's web site offerings; but you may need to contact the individual book store if you would like them to carry it as an option on their shelves. Our local Barnes and Noble has a book stand dedicated to local authors.

For me, I am glad that I write through KDP. I went the old school way before the internet became available, and almost had an interested publisher for one of my children's books. It was a very long process. Also for me, although I have some text type books, I now prefer creating more artsy type books, and prefer to spend my time creating more designs, than writing cover letters, etc.

I hope that you have found some helpful information here. If you think of a question that I didn't cover, ask it in a comment below, and I will help you if I can.

Here is link for my author page on Amazon. Author page for Cheryl Paton on Amazon You can find all of my published books here.

Here is a link for my Scrapbook Paper options which is on my blog. Scrapbook Paper by Cheryl Paton. These are sorted by category.

Cheryl Paton

March is Here and the Rains as Well! ~ A Product Review

Everyone knows that March comes in like a LION and goes out like a LAMB!  

All my friends are just itching for the weather to turn to milder temperatures, melting whatever snow might be left in our gardens and surroundings!  It's the time of year when the rains come down and make walking around just a little messier than during the warm summer weather.  

The good news is that the summer weather will be here soon and you can be ready for the rains that come during spring or summer easily.  

If you are like me, getting outdoors is an important part of your day!  When it is pouring outside, it's easy to talk yourself out of getting wet!  I know I've done it a million times ( I can exaggerate a little)!

Seriously though, my exercise routine involves walking, and I prefer to do that outdoors!  So, when the rain comes down, I need to be prepared for it and I am!

A good pair of Waterproof Rain Boots is the first part of being ready!  At my age (I'm not a teenager anymore) I love putting a little Pizzazz into my choice of rainboots!  I found these lovelies at Amazon and I could not be happier with how they look!  What I love even more is that there are several different choices in patterns.  I was really having a hard time choosing between the featured Floral ones and the Sheep.  Then I started to look at the other patterns and oh my.....

There are Chickens, and Sunflowers, Polka-Dot and Owls, Funky Raindrops and Horses, and Deers!  

Now I'm thinking I need at least a pair or two! Right now they are reduced in price, so maybe there will be a second pair coming just for me!  With thousands of purchasers, I know that these boots will be an asset during those rainy days that are coming our way. After all, if you need to be out in the rain, you might as well have some fun with these great patterns on your feet.  Adulting shouldn't mean "boring"!

Hope you are getting yourself ready for the spring weather that will surely be coming soon!

Happy Puddle Hopping!

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

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Reviewing the Whirley Pop Popcorn Maker

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. 

Whirley Pop 6 qt Aluminum Popcorn Popper

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.

Isn't Microwave Popcorn Easier?

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:

• pop corn during a power outage
• adjust the amount - a small serving just for me or a large batch for guests or for later
• buy large jars or bags of popcorn rather than individual packaged servings
• buy different styles of popcorn kernel varieties - ladyfinger, mushroom, blue, white, yellow, extra large and more.
• I can keep a variety of salts and spices on hand and have a variety of flavored popcorn

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. 

Related Reviews:

Our Sam wrote a review on why he does not use single package microwave popcorn (the chemicals) and instead used an air popper until recently. If you would prefer to pop your popcorn in the microwave but aren't sure what popper to use, you should take a peek at his Microwave Popcorn Popper Review.

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

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