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Sunday, July 10, 2022

Review of a Mini Sound Bar for TV with an HDMI ARC Connection

Sound Bar with HDMI Arc Connection

So, we bought a new smart tv for our bedroom.

We put the old one in our make-shift hippie bedroom in the unfinished basement.

The Smart TV we purchased was not that expensive, and I think we discovered why; the sound wasn't perfect.

We like the TV and the Smart Remote, so we decided to keep it and improve the sound with a Sound Bar.

Let Me Save You Some Time Before You Buy a Sound Bar for a TV

1. HDMI(Arc) Connection - ARC Stands for "Audio Return Channel"

The first Sound Bar we purchased had to be returned.

It didn't have an HDMI(Arc) connection.

You can still hook up the Sound Bar and get it working with an "Optical" connection, or standard audio connectors, but to get your volume control to work on your other remotes, you must connect the Sound Bar using the HDMI(Arc) connection. After googling my brains out, I found that out!

Most TVs have an HDMI(Arc) connection, but double-check that your TV has one!

Our TV's HDMI(Arc) connection is located in the first HDMI port, or as most of us know from our TV screens, HDMI 1.

2. This Sound Bar Did Not Include an HDMI Cable

No matter the Sound Bar you decide to purchase, check to see if it includes an HDMI cable.

Most Sound Bars come with an Optical connection cable, standard audio connectors, and sometimes USB connectors. However, the Sound Bars I purchased did not have a USB cable.

3. Which Connection is Best

Based on what I've read, the best connection for a Sound Bar to a TV is the HDMI(Arc) connection.

The Optical connection is good too, but like I mentioned above, you can't get your other remotes to control the sound from your Sound Bar unless you use the HDMI(Arc).

4. Can You Use a Standard HDMI Cable, Being that it's going into an HDMI(Arc) port?

Yes. Just use a standard HDMI cable. Here is the type of HDMI cable we purchased; it works fine.

5. Do You Have to Change Settings in Your TV Menu to Hook Up a Sound Bar?

Yes, you do.

Our TV is a new current Smart TV, so it was easy to figure out. There's an option to switch the Audio Output in your TV menu to Arc or Optical.

Follow the instructions for your TV.

On our TV, we had to select another option called "PCM" in the output audio section.

Another option in the Settings section on our TV made the Sound Bar sync to our other remotes so that when we power down the tv, the Sound Bar switches off as well.

6. Another Tip to Get Your Sound Bar to Work

At first, I couldn't get the darn thing to work!

Sheesh, I knew I had it hooked up correctly.

I discovered that the Sound Bar remote control has input options; Arc, Opt (for Optical), and Aux for standard audio cables.

I forgot to change the input on the Sound Bar's remote to Arc.

Duh!

7. Does the Sound Bar Come with a Remote?

Yes, it does.

There are other sound options on the remote; 3D, Surround Sound, Music, etc.

We simply selected one and operated the sound from our other remotes.

But yes, you can use the Sound Bar remote to adjust the volume and the type of sound you want.

The Sound Bar unit has controls on the side should you misplace the remote.

Mini Sound Bar with HDMI(Arc) Connection

Here's the Mini Sound Bar with an HDMI(Arc) connection we selected from Amazon.

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

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Friday, July 8, 2022

Telephone & Address Books Are Not Outdated

I recently heard an adult say they did not know their spouses cell phone number because it was saved on their cell phone. They had never bothered to memorize it and had no clue where or how to find it without their cell phone. I found that very interesting.

In many cases, children can no longer tell you their home phone number (if they have one) or their parent's cell phone number. I find that frightening.

I remember a time when I could rattle off my home phone number, my closest friends phone numbers, family member's phone numbers, work phone numbers, and even the local theater's phone number. I can't do that now, but I do have my husband's cell phone number memorized, as well as our children's number. Frankly, the rest are saved on my cell phone. However, I am still a firm believer in keeping my physical address book up to date.

In the past, when I carried a purse, my address/telephone book was always part of my handbag contents and I carried it with me everywhere. Since I no longer carry a purse, I do rely on my cell phone for friend's numbers if I am away from home, but my physical address book is still safe and available at home.

Times have certainly changed. The phone company no longer prints phone books for us. Therefore, keeping a personal telephone & address book should not be outdated.

Let's face it! If you lose your cell phone, or if the phone simply dies, you literally lose the ability to call anyone even if you can borrow a phone.

Telephone & Address Books

Having a specific place for phone numbers & addresses is extremely helpful. Just the other day, I watched my own husband frantically search scraps of paper and notes for a friends phone number. He did find it, but it would have been so much easier for him if he had it written in an address & phone book.

For me, having a telephone & address book is a necessity. Most likely, I would be bald if I frequently had to search for a specific slip of paper.

If you don't already have a telephone & address book, perhaps you should consider purchasing one and writing important numbers in it. After all, you don't want to lose contact information along with a cell phone.

Iconikal Address and Telephone Book, Black, 8 x 5 inchesCheck Price Address Book with Alphabetical Tabs - Telephone & Address Book with Address Contacts, Special Date, Phone, Birthday & Internet Login Password for Home and Office, 4.3Check Price Small Address Book Large Print - Address and Phone Book with Alphabet Tabs - Contact Book Spiral Bound Hardcover - Cute Address Book Design - OrganizerCheck Price Large Print Jar Address Book by Susan Winget - Large Print Address Book, 56 Pages, Big 7 inch by 8-1/2 inch, Spiral-Bound, Easy Reading Legible Print FormsCheck Price

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

The Best Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spreads With No Added Sugars

The original Nutella is a luscious, thick, milk chocolate hazelnut spread manufactured by Ferrero. It has been beloved by chocolate and hazelnut lovers worldwide since it was introduced in 1964. Unfortunately, it's also packed with refined cane sugar and carbohydrates! That means it's unsuitable for anyone who is trying to avoid added sugars, following a keto diet or embracing a healthy, low carb lifestyle.

After trying many different keto-friendly chocolate hazelnut spreads over the past three years, I can highly recommend my three favorites as excellent Nutella alternatives for chocolate lovers who are watching their carbs, trying to cut back on sugar or just trying to eat healthier without feeling deprived.

Today, I'll be comparing and reviewing these top three product picks, which also fit a variety of other dietary restrictions and special diets, such as gluten-free and soy-free:

Low Carb Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spreads No Added Sugar

These luscious keto-friendly chocolate hazelnut spreads are so good, you'll never miss the sugar!

Before I embarked on a keto diet in 2019 and decided to make the switch to a low carb lifestyle long term, I was a huge fan of the original Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread from Ferrero for many years. Unfortunately, Nutella has 22g of carbohydrates and 21g of net carbs, of which 19g are added sugars (cane sugar), according to the Nutella nutrition information on the manufacturer's website.

My favorite low carb Nutella alternatives with no added sugars are Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (2g net carbs), ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread (1g net carbs) and ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread (1g net carbs). All three of these spreads are delicious, high-quality products. Which one(s) you choose will come down to personal preferences, price and dietary requirements.

For example, Livlō Zellō has the most pronounced hazelnut flavor and a somewhat sweeter taste than the ChocZero spreads. It has a thinner consistency and can be refrigerated to firm it up, if desired. It's also more expensive per ounce. Another difference is that you can purchase Livlō Zellō in a choice of jars or a 10-pack of convenient, portable, single-serving packets that you can pop in your purse, backpack, bag or lunch box to take on the go.

The ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Spreads (both regular and dark cocoa) have a more chocolate/cocoa-forward flavor and are a bit less sweet than the Livlō Zellō, especially the dark cocoa hazelnut spread. Both these ChocZero spreads have a thicker consistency that's more similar to Nutella, and refrigeration is not recommended. They are also significantly less expensive per ounce.

Although all three spreads contain no added sugars, the Livlō Zellō contains 1g of sugar, so it isn't considered "sugar-free" based on USDA nutrition information product labeling requirements. The ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread and the Livlō Zellō are both vegan and dairy free, whereas the regular ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread contains milk.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Livlō Zellō and ChocZero Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spreads With No Added Sugars

Flavor, Size and Price

	Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread	ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread	ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread
Flavor, Sweetness & Consistency	Milk chocolate hazelnut flavor, hazelnut flavor is stronger than in the two ChocZero spreads, the sweetest of the three, thinner consistency (can refrigerate to thicken, if desired)	Milk chocolate hazelnut, nice balance of cocoa and hazelnut, medium sweetness, medium-thick consistency	Dark chocolate hazelnut, leans more toward cocoa than hazelnut, a bit deeper and less sweet than the other two spreads, thickest consistency
Size	10-ounce jar OR 10 single-serving packets	12-ounce jar	12-ounce jar
Amazon price (at publication date)	$12.55 OR $15.90	$8.49	$8.49
Amazon price per ounce (at publication date)	$1.26 OR $1.41	$0.71	$0.71
Free Amazon Prime delivery	Yes	Yes	Yes

Nutrition Facts

	Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread	ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread	ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread
Serving size	2 Tbsp	2 Tbsp	2 Tbsp
Calories	170	160	190
Total Fat	16g	10g	16g
Sat. Fat	2g	4g	6g
Trans Fat	0g	0g	0g
Cholesterol	0mg	<5mg	0mg
Sodium	70mg	35mg	0mg
Total Carbohydrate	8g	17g	17g
Dietary Fiber	3g	16g	16g
Total Sugars	1g	1g	0g
Added Sugars	0g	0g	0g
Sugar Alcohol (Erythritol)	3g	N/A	N/A
Protein	4g	2g	1g
Net Carbs (Total carbs-dietary fiber-sugar alcohols=net carbs)	2g net carbs	1g net carbs	1g net carbs

Ingredients

Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread	ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread	ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread
Hazelnuts, Almonds, Erythritol, Cocoa Powder (processed with alkali), Dark Chocolate Chips (unsweetened chocolate, erythritol, cocoa butter, stevia extract, sunflower lecithin), Sunflower Oil, Sunflower Lecithin, Natural Flavors, Sea Salt, Monk Fruit Extract	Fiber Mix (non-GMO resistant dextrin, allulose, fructooligosaccharide), Vegetable Oils and Fats (sustainable palm fruit oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter), Roasted Hazelnuts, Skim Milk Powder, Cocoa Powder, Sunflower Lecithin, Monk Fruit Extract, Natural Vanilla Flavor	Fiber Mix (non-GMO resistant dextrin, fructooligosaccharide), Vegetable Oils and Fats (sustainable palm fruit oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter), Roasted Hazelnut, Cocoa Powder, Sunflower Lecithin, Monk Fruit Extract, Natural Vanilla Flavor

Dietary Restrictions / Special Diets

One of the great things about these three chocolate hazelnut spreads with no added sugars is that they can accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions for people on special diets.

	Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread	ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread	ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread
Keto-Friendly	✔	✔	✔
Low Carb	✔	✔	✔
Gluten-Free	✔	✔	✔
Sugar-Free	𝗫	✔	✔
No Added Sugars	✔	✔	✔
No Sugar Alcohols	Contains erythritol	✔	✔
Uses Only Plant-Based Sweeteners	Erythritol, stevia extract and monk fruit extract	Monk fruit extract, prebiotic fiber and allulose * **	Monk fruit extract and prebiotic fiber *
Soy-Free	✔	✔	✔
Dairy-Free	✔	𝗫	✔
Vegan	✔	𝗫	✔
Food Allergy Awareness Info	Contains hazelnuts, almonds May contain a trace amount of peanuts and other tree nuts because of processing on shared equipment.	Contains coconut, hazelnut, milk. Produced in a facility that processes peanuts and tree nuts.	Contains coconut, hazelnut. Produced in a facility that processes milk and peanuts.
* Check out ChocZero’s answer to the FAQ, "Is ChocZero keto friendly?" to learn why monk fruit extract and prebiotic fiber can be considered healthy, keto-friendly sweeteners.
** Read the Healthline article “Is Allulose Keto-Friendly?” to understand why allulose can be an excellent sweetener for someone following a low carb or ketogenic diet when used in moderation.

Jars of Livlo Zello and ChocZero regular and dark cacao chocolate hazelnut spreads with swooshes of each

The ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread (left) is the thickest; the original ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread (right) is slightly thinner; the Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (middle) is more fluid and spreads out more (unless you refrigerate it after stirring well).

Additional Considerations

Here are a few other considerations to help inform your product choices.

	Livlō Zellō Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spread	ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread	ChocZero Dark Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread
Non-GMO	✔	✔	✔
Also Available in Single-Serving Packets	✔	𝗫	𝗫
Small business brand	✔	✔	✔
Recommended Storage	Can be stored at room temperature, May be refrigerated (after stirring well) for a firmer texture, if desired.	Store in a cool, dry place, preferably at 63-68 °F (17-20 °C). For best results, do not refrigerate or microwave.	Store in a cool, dry place, preferably at 63-68 °F (17-20 °C). For best results, do not refrigerate or microwave.

Note: In my experience, refrigerating the original or dark cocoa ChocZero Cocoa Hazelnut Keto Spread makes it quite stiff and hard to mix or spread. However, during the cold winter months, I often scoop out a tablespoon or two into a custard cup and microwave it for a few seconds to gently warm it slightly and thin it out, and then drizzle it over keto-friendly berries, ice cream or other low carb desserts.

Comparing the Best Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spreads - No Added Sugars by Margaret Schindel

Posts About My Keto Diet Journey

My First Year on The Keto Diet

Preparing to Succeed on the Keto Diet, Part One

Preparing to Succeed on the Keto Diet, Part Two

Low Carb Muffins & Cupcakes: Treats to Enjoy on a Keto Diet

Low Carb Keto Chocolate Yogurt Granola Chip Pudding Recipe

Good Dee’s Keto Cookie Low Carb Baking Mix Review

Hamama Microgreens Growing Kit Review & Success Tips

My Favorite Hamama Microgreens Seed Quilt Accessories

Keto Cheddar Cheese Biscuits With Chives Recipe

The Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe

The Best Low Carb Keto Gift Ideas: Keto Gift Guide

The Best Low Carb Keto Cinnamon Muffins

Wholesome Yum Keto Bread Mix and Yeast Bread Recipe

The Good Chocolate 100% Organic No Sugar Dark Chocolate Review

The Best Advice to Maintain Your Keto Diet Weight Loss

My New Irresistibly Delicious Keto Cheese Crackers Recipe

Luscious Low Carb Keto Triple Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Quick & Easy Livlo Blueberry Scones Keto Baking Mix Review

Snack Better With The Best Healthy Keto Cookie Dough Bites

The Best Quick and Easy Low Carb Keto Pizza Recipe

The Best Quick and Easy Low Carb Keto Shortcake Cupcakes Recipe

Comparing the Best Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spreads - No Added Sugars

The Best Low Carb Keto Sandwich and Burger Buns Mix

Blueberry Biscuit Scones — New, Easy, Low Carb Keto Recipe

The Best Keto Pizza Crust Mix With 0 Net Carbs

An Unusual, Delicious Strawberry Chocolate Tea With 0 Calories

Delicious Sugar-Free Keto Cookies That OREO Fans Will Love

Healthy Pistachio Cherry Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cereal Treats Recipe

Easy, Decadent, High Protein, Sugar-Free Rocky Road Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

The Best Quick & Easy Low Carb Sausage and Ricotta Calzones

How to Make Refreshing Vanilla Italian Soda (With or Without Cream)

Reviews of the Keto Diet by Barbara C. (aka Brite-Ideas)

My Personal Keto Testimonial

How I Stayed Committed to the Ketogenic Way of Eating

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Wholesun Electric Pressure Washer

My new Wholesun Electric Pressure Washer Reviewed

For so many years I have wanted to buy a pressure washer. A pressure washer is just one of those things that you don't think you need but there are so many times when you need one. When I needed one I found myself borrowing one from a friend.

A pressure washer is a great tool for cleaning patios, decks, walks, driveways, the siding on your house, grills, and your car.

I finally bought one of my own and I am so glad that I did. Our deck was in need of a makeover, and I knew that I needed a pressure washer to remove the loose paint. I did some research to find out how much PSI (Pounds per square inch) I needed to remove loose paint.

I found that between 2500 and 4000 PSI was good enough to remove loose paint. I also knew that I didn't want a gas-powered one, I wanted an electric one. So, I found this Wholesun electric pressure washer on Amazon. The reviews I read were all positive.

Features of my new Wholesun Pressure Washer:

3000 PSI

2.4 gallons per minute

4 adjustable nozzles

20-foot pressure hose

Long electric cord

Detergent Bottle

Easy connect water and pressure hose

When my pressure washer arrived I found it very easy to assemble. I had it together and ready to use in about 10 minutes.

The very first project I used it for was our deck. There was so much winter dirt to clean up and I really needed to get that loose paint removed. As you can see, my new pressure washer worked like a charm. It removed the loose paint down to the bare boards.

We have a small front porch, we don't use our front door entrance at all so this has not been cleaned in a couple of years. This little pressure washer cleaned the dirt build-up off with ease. This is a photo of the porch railing halfway cleaned. The porch now looks like it is brand new and is ready for a fresh coat of stain.

I am so very happy with my new Wholesun electric pressure washer, and would highly recommend it to anyone for their outdoor cleaning projects.

Find more amazing product reviews here:

ReviewThisProductReviews.com

WHOLESUN 3000PSI Electric Pressure Washer, 2.4GPM 1600W High Power Washer Machine with Spray Gun & 4 Nozzles for Cars, Homes, Driveways, PatiosCheck the Price

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Sunday, July 3, 2022

Affordable Warm Sherpa Comforter and Shams - A Personal Review

Recently we had to add another sleeping area to our home. We have five bedrooms already, and hadn't anticipated needing a sixth!

Our basement isn't finished; it's only partitioned and has all the electrical hooked up. I decided to use one of the unfinished basement rooms to create an extra sleeping area.

The "Hippie Bedroom"

That's what we call it; the Hippie Bedroom. It's genuinely a hippie room, with comforters nailed to all the walls and extra furniture that gives the space a bedroom feel. We've also added a TV, Fan, and Portable Heater.

It's a funny-looking mish-mash, but it solves a problem and, believe it or not, is actually cozy.

A Warm Comforter with Matching Shams

Since the central air conditioner can make that space quite cool, even cold, I wanted a comforter that looked sleek but had warmth.

I wasn't seeking anything decorative; however, as you can see from the photo below, it's pretty.

Warm Sherpa Comforter with Matching Shams

At the foot of the bed is an extra blanket, purchased separately

I Do Recommend This Soft Micromink Sherpa Comforter Bed Set - It's Good Value for the Money

This set comes with a comforter, and two shams (1 Sham for twin sets, I presume)
It's available in multiple color choices
For us, it arrived quickly
It's available in sizes Full/Queen, King, and Twin
It's a nice quality
It's warm

Make shift hippie bedroom with warm sherpa comforter set

Check out this make-shift Hippie Bedroom! The Sherpa blanket adds more warmth
The blanket at the end of the bed is an extra blanket, purchased separately

This bedroom set would be ideal for a guest room or a room that's not particularly warm. It would even be suitable for a child's room. Since it's not that pricy, it's a set that can safely take a little bit of use or overuse without too much risk.

You can find this set on Amazon here.

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Thursday, June 30, 2022

How to Recharge Auto Air Conditioning

Holy heat wave, Batman! On the hottest day of the year so far here in the Desert Southwest, I discovered something I never want to do again: drive for twelve hours straight without A/C (with the temperature right at 100 degrees). There's nothing that will melt your superpowers faster (and I was on a rescue trip at the time).

What's a girl to do? Thankfully, you don't need to call in a superhero, aka mechanic, when you can easily solve the problem with an affordable, easy-to-use A/C Pro air conditioning recharge kit. Best ten minutes and $37 I have spent this summer. Here's a quick DIY tutorial on how you, too, can beat the heat by knowing how to recharge your vehicle's air conditioning system.

AC Pro for recharging auto air conditioning

Step 1: Purchase the right kind of A/C refrigerant for your vehicle. Most vehicles after 1990 use R-134a (which complies with the EPA Clean Air Act). Check your vehicle's maintenance manual, or find the sticker under the hood, to verify. After reading online product reviews, and watching YouTube videos, I decided to go with the bestselling A/C Pro recharge kit. This kit is sold at automotive stores, Amazon, Walmart, and many other retail locations.

find the low pressure service port on your vehicle

Step 2: Find the low pressure service port in your vehicle's engine. If you're not sure where to look for it, download the A/C Pro app for specific information linked to your car or truck model year. Mine was easy to find (a blue cap with an "L" imprinted on it).

Step 3: Start your engine. Set A/C to its maximum cooling level and recirculation mode (with fan on highest setting).

Step 4: Place hose coupler on low pressure service port and press down. It will click into place and lock down securely.

Step 5: Check gauge to determine if your vehicle's A/C system is low on refrigerant. My gauge reading indicated I needed a major fill (it was on zero).

Step 6: If low, remove coupler from the service port. Unscrew gauge/hose assembly from the new can of A/C Pro. Unscrew the protective shipping tab on the top of the dispenser. Screw gauge/hose back on the refrigerant can. (Be sure to wear protective gear: gloves and safety goggles.)

Step 7: Affix hose coupler to low pressure service port. Hold can upright. Squeeze dispenser trigger to begin filling A/C system with refrigerant. While squeezing the trigger, move the can from a 12 o'clock position back and forth to a 3 o'clock position (to keep the contents mixed and flowing properly). Release the trigger after about ten seconds.

Step 8: Check the gauge to see if the needle is in the green filled section. Do not overfill! If the level is still low, repeat step seven. If filled to the mid part of the green section, you are done. Check the air temperature coming out of the vents inside your car. My air was perfectly chilled at this point.

Step 9: Remove the coupler from the service port. Replace the port cap. Turn off your engine and close the hood.

I cannot even begin to express the satisfaction I felt to have solved this common air conditioning issue so quickly and so cheaply. You should have seen the big smile on my face. Not only did I save at least $100 with this DIY fix, but I learned how to keep myself out of a dangerous situation in the future.

It would be smart for all of us to keep a canister of A/C Pro in our vehicles' emergency supply kits. I am totally sold on this product and highly recommend it. It's not just about comfort. Heat kills. I have lost count of the number of heartbreaking articles I have read this week about individuals, especially children, who have died in hot vehicles. Incredibly tragic.

You never know when you might be called upon to provide assistance with something you keep in your vehicle for emergencies. My recent rescue trip was all about rendering aid to a young family broken down roadside in excessive heat (in a remote area without services). With this weighing on my mind and heart, I wanted to share a product that I now consider essential. Let's all be safe out there!

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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Summertime and Playtime Go Together For the Whole Family

For most of us Summertime is just what we need to get us moving a little bit more! That being said, it's also a time when family's get together more often for BBQ's and some fun!

We spent the last weekend at my son's cottage and had some really good time with two of our three grandchildren. The third one was busy at a Horse Show.

So we made the most of the time we had with the two younger ones!

Cottage life is so different from everyday life in the city. It's time to relax, enjoy the outdoors and just reconnect with our loved ones.

My son makes sure the kids have more outdoor time and less "electronic" time especially when at the cottage. Plus sometimes the power goes out, so there is no electricity to run those hand held games. That is exactly what happened when we were there. No power, so we had to make our own brand of fun.

Enter Granddad's great idea for a fun time without the need for power.

We are always looking for things that the kids can do while at the cottage. Things that make them think, explore, observe and best of all move out into the wilds! Board games are great, but sometimes you just need to get some of that pent up energy released!

We found a great way to do just that with a Badminton Set that is so easy to set up and take down again.

No need to bang in posts or mark out where those posts should go. Just set it up and you are ready to go! Of course I'm talking about recreational badminton and not professional status. This is meant for fun only!

Do you want to see how easy this set is? Well I'll tell you I was impressed with how quickly this was done! Granddad checked out the instructions just to see if there was a hidden surprise in there. Like some difficulty that was NOT expected. Well I'm happy to report that there were no hidden surprises of any kind and it was as advertised, easy to set up!

The net is pressure fitted onto the frame and stands up on it's own in minutes. Just put the base together (everything slides together), attach the net and you are ready to go! Grab a racket and shuttlecock and you are ready to play. Make up your own rules if you really want to have some fun! (Like first one to get a rally of 10 or more hits, gets the first popsicle) You get the idea....

The beauty is that all you need is a flat surface to set up on and when you are done, it goes back into the box as quickly as it was set up or you can make it into a self caddy. Not only good at the cottage, but if you go camping or to the beach this Badminton set is a great take along. It comes with 4 rackets and 2 shuttlecocks, the net and the frame. It has instructions as well, but even a child could put this together in minutes.

What has us so excited about this set, is that even in our apartment, we could take this set outdoors and play on the grounds around our building. I bet that when our neighbors see us having some fun, they would be interested in joining us for some great outdoor fun and exercise time.

Badminton when played at a recreational pace is not so tiresome that us "older" kids can't join in the fun. It might even do our older bones some good to get them moving about! Just think about all the stretching and bending to get our joints moving! Of course after all this playing is done, you can relax with your favorite beverage (you deserve it now)!

Don't let this summer pass you by without making some time for some fun in the great outdoors.

Play on everyone and enjoy the summer months!

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Tuesday, June 28, 2022

The Benefits Of Seatbelt Protectors Reviewed

I recently bought a seatbelt protector for the first time. It has proved to be a very useful and essential item. It is simply attached around the seatbelt in the car to provide more comfort when driving. It can also be used for any other straps on various bags for extra comfort for our shoulders, neck and chest.

The reason I looked into buying a seatbelt protector is that after having surgery a few months ago I got clearance from my surgeon to resume driving. The nurse did however advise me that because of where the scar is and that the seatbelt cuts across it that I may find it a lot more comfortable with some form of cushioning.

She suggested wrapping a towel or small blanket around the seatbelt to protect my skin and the scar tissue, which I initially thought was a great idea.

However, while this is an inexpensive idea I could not get on with it as it kept slipping and felt very bulky and certainly not a great look either.

Nevertheless, it was clear that I was going to be uncomfortable for a long time if I drove or was a passenger wearing a seatbelt in the car so I had to find something. Here in the UK it is a legal requirement for all drivers and passengers -with very few exemptions- to wear an individual seatbelt. If we do not wear a seatbelt we can be given a hefty fine and penalty points on our license.

The hard edges of the seatbelt and the hard material hurt my skin now and where it lies is very close to the scar. I do not like to wear a coat when driving so there is not much buffer of clothing between my skin and the hard seatbelt.

So when I found this seatbelt protector it seemed an excellent idea! I chose a fake fur one as I thought it would be the softest option. I wanted it to protect my skin from any chafing or cutting from the seatbelt.

Seatbelt Protector Velcro Fastening Side Up

Factors To Consider When Buying A Seatbelt Protector

What colours and patterns do you like?

Mine is in grey as I thought it would blend in with my car's decor. However, if you wanted to have some colour or make a statement they do come in different colours and patterns. I have seen many in pink and blue and black and different patterns to suit everyone's taste. There are some fun designs for children as well.

Decide the right size for you.

I chose a seatbelt protector that is a little longer than average so mine is 13 inches long, many are around 10 inches. I think in normal circumstances 10 inches would be perfectly good but I just wanted to make sure none of the seatbelt had edges touching my body. Extra long seatbelt protectors are readily available to purchase.

Ease of use.

You do need to slide the seatbelt protector up and down the seatbelt to get it adjusted to fit in the right place but in my experience, it stays there once positioned.

The one I have is fastened with velcro. It is very easy to fit as you just pull the strong velcro apart, fit around the seatbelt and seal up the velcro again. It takes no time at all. To take off just unseal the velcro.

I wear it with the edges of the velcro away from my body but you could wear it either way round.

Fabric composition.

I chose fake fur as I wanted the softest possible material. They are warm in winter and cool in summer so time will tell. So far I will say it is very soft and for me makes driving a lot more comfortable. I am not finding it too hot even in this mini heatwave we are currently having. Faux Sheepskin Seatbelt protectors are also available if you like the feel of sheepskin.

You can also buy them in a quilted looking fabric, so if you do not like the look or feel of fake fur or faux sheepskin, this is a good option. All these options can be found in a variety of colours to suit your taste or your car decor.

Washability.

While they should not need washing all the time, you will want to clean them so it is important to check if it is machine or hand washable.

Velcro Fastening On My Seatbelt Protector

Seatbelt Protectors Are Comfortable

As there were two in the pack we fitted the other seatbelt protector one to the passenger seat and my husband has used it as well. He said he wonders why we did not fit them years ago as it makes wearing a seatbelt significantly more comfortable as it provides a cushion between you and the seatbelt hard edges.

I imagine it would also be helpful to fit these for children to make their car journeys safer and more comfortable and encourage them to wear their seatbelts with a fun design.

I think they would be helpful for many people who may find the seatbelt cuts across their necks, shoulders or chest when driving or a passenger.

Inside Of The Seatbelt Protector

There Are Many Uses For Seatbelt Protectors

I bought mine for a very specific reason initially, but now I have it I can see there are many more practical uses for them!

I can see them being very useful and practical protecting us from backpack straps which can often cut in on the shoulders and laptop bags which can cut across the body or shoulders with a laptop and maybe heavier work materials to be carried as well.

Seatbelt protectors may be very handy when carrying baby bags which often have a lot of items inside. They may even be useful when carrying baby close to your body in a baby harness.

Sports bags such as golf bags which can be heavy and awkward would also be more comfortable to move around with a seatbelt protector.

It would be wonderful to make carrying heavy luggage when on holiday easier. Also when we next travel by plane I will take a couple with us for when we wear seatbelts during the flight to make it more comfortable.

I have even thought of buying another one for my camera bag which has good straps but can cut in when it's around my neck for a while. See The Perfect Camera Strap Cover to Protect Your Neck by Sylvestermouse Cynthia about how to use it on a camera strap.

Using it on these types of bags will help prevent any strap cutting in on the shoulder, chest, or neck and make carrying heavier or awkward bags more comfortable.

So, in addition to using them for driving and whenever I am a passenger in any vehicle, I will certainly be using one when we are traveling with bags for day trips or on longer holidays for our luggage.

Seatbelt protectors are not particularly expensive and in addition to our own personal use, would also make a great and thoughtful gift idea for many people.