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Sunday, August 20, 2023

Dorm Room Essentials: 15 Must-Have Items for Your Home Away from Home

So you're getting ready to step into the world of dorm living – an adventure full of new experiences, late-night study sessions, and lasting friendships.

Creating your own little haven within those four walls is both exciting and a bit challenging. My personal situation was a bit different; my roommate and I shared an apartment. However, much of what's listed here was included and necessary in my own list of essentials.

To help you get started on the right foot, I've put together a list of the top 15 items that can make your dorm room feel like your own cozy slice of home.

15 Must-Have Dorm Essentials to Consider:

Bedding: Your bed isn't just a place to crash; it's your refuge. Trust me, investing in soft sheets that feel like a cloud, a comforter that wraps you up in warmth, and pillows that perfectly hug your head can make all the difference after a long day. Another item that is available today that wasn't used back in my day is a privacy tent for beds. If you're sharing your space with someone else, you can check them out here.
Storage Solutions: Dorm rooms? Yeah, they're cozy. And by cozy, I mean limited in space. You'll want to become best friends with under-bed storage containers, wall shelves, and clever organizers. They magically expand your room, creating space you didn't even know you had. Think vertically, think under the bed!
Oh, and you have to check out this nifty item! It's a bed-skirt organizer, so cool!
Mini Fridge and Microwave: Late-night snacks or impromptu tea parties, a mini fridge, and a microwave combo have your back. It's a savior when your stomach rumbles and your study partner needs that ramen fix.
Desk Essentials: Your desk is where academic magic happens. Having a good desk lamp for late-night study sessions is a game-changer. Organizers for your pens, pencils, and highlighters keep chaos at bay.
Technology: Let's face it – you'll practically be living on your laptop. Make sure it's your trusty sidekick. Chargers and power strips are your lifelines in this digital age.
Decorative Items: Pictures, posters, and wall art turn your dorm from "generic space" to "your space." These personal touches are like visual hugs from home.
Personal Care Items: A shower caddy is your shower-time superhero, corralling your shampoo and soap. And shower shoes? They're your feet's best friends.
Laundry Supplies: Laundromat adventures are a rite of passage. A laundry basket that doesn't double as an arm workout is essential. Don't forget the detergent and a stash of quarters (if needed) - it may just be a card you have to fill up with money online - maybe Mom and Dad will be doing that for you?
Cooking Essentials: If you're feeling culinary, some basic cooking gear can be a game-changer. A simple stir-fry or microwave-friendly recipes are sanity savers when cafeteria food just won't cut it.
Clothing and Closet Organizers: A closet can turn into Narnia with the right hangers and organizers. Keep your wardrobe tidy and accessible. No more digging through a mountain of clothes!
Study and Lounge Seating: Not every study session happens at your desk. A bean bag or floor cushion can be your "chill spot" for those group discussions or solo reading escapes.
Rugs: Let's admit it – dorm floors can be cold. A rug not only warms up the room but also adds a splash of color to your space. Choose one that matches your vibe.
Fan or Space Heater: Depending on your dorm's climate (and quirks), a fan or heater can be your climate control buddy. They're like roommates that actually listen to your temperature preferences.
Trash and Recycling Bins: Keeping things neat is easier when you've got designated spots for trash and recycling. It's a small touch that makes a big difference. Here's a compact garbage/recycle bin that works for smaller spaces.
Whiteboard or Corkboard: Organize your life with a whiteboard or corkboard. Pin up reminders, motivational quotes, and pictures of your pals. It's your personal command center.

There you have it! Have a successful, fun, and productive school year! Enjoy every moment; I'm sure you've heard it a thousand times, but it goes by fast.

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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Wednesday, August 16, 2023

The Best Reusable Microfiber Facial Cleansing Sponges for Better Skin

Receiving several compliments on my skin recently was a delightful surprise, something I never expected at age 69! I have been blessed with good genes and have invested in medical-grade skincare products for the past several years, which have made a big difference. But I also have noticed a big improvement in the appearance of my skin over the past few months since I changed the way I cleanse my face, using an enzyme-based facial cleanser and a microfiber facial cleansing sponge.

I purchased my first one at Sephora, but when I went back to purchase a second so I could have one in use and one in the laundry, I was dismayed to discover that Sephora no longer carries it. Fortunately, I found a nearly-identical microfiber plush-covered face-washing puffs on Amazon in a smaller size that I like even better.

Here's my product review of the Vtrem Reusable Makeup Remover Pads Soft Facial Cleaning Puffs I chose.

The Importance of Proper Face Washing for Beautiful Skin

A few years ago, when my formerly peaches-and-cream complexion was showing its age, I decided to upgrade my drugstore and Sephora skincare products and invest in medical-grade skincare products with high concentrations of active ingredients delivering clinically proven superior effectiveness. I have been amazed at the difference these products have made in my complexion.

Until this year, however, I didn't realize how much of a difference simply cleansing the face properly would make in the health and appearance of my skin. If I was working on the computer until the wee hours or came home very late after an evening out, I confess that sometimes I would just swipe my face with makeup remover or micellar water on a cotton pad, brush my teeth and go to bed. But not anymore!

What does "cleansing the face properly" mean? Removing makeup and/or sunscreen thoroughly, washing the face by massaging with a good, gentle facial cleanser and lukewarm water for a full 30 seconds, and then rinsing thoroughly, both morning and night. This is especially important if you use a mineral-based sunscreen*, as I do.

My skin is clearer and my pores are much less visible since I started washing my face properly a.m. and p.m., no matter how tired I am. Honestly, the difference has been remarkable!

Using a Microfiber Facial Cleansing Sponge vs. a Wash Cloth

An equally surprising discovery was the difference it made when I switched from using a washcloth to a soft, microfiber plush-covered face-washing puff.

Like many people, I grew up using a cotton terrycloth facecloth to wash my face. A few years ago, when I was upgrading my skincare products, I switched to a bamboo terry facecloth. The terrycloth texture was supposed to provide light exfoliation, and the bamboo fiber was softer than cotton.

Instead of massaging in my facial cleanser with my wet hands for 30 seconds, as recommended by dermatologists and estheticians, I was putting the cleanser on the wet washcloth and using that. Unfortunately, I finally realized that even using the bamboo terrycloth cloth gently was irritating my skin and that what I had been mistaking as a healthy flush was actually low-level inflammation.

There are much better — and safer — ways to exfoliate the face, and over-exfoliation can cause significant problems on delicate facial skin! So, when I saw the microfiber plush-covered facial cleansing sponges on Sephora, I decided to trade in my bamboo facial washcloth for a plush microfiber face washing puff and use my hands to massage my face with cleanser and water for 30 seconds before removing the lather with the wet microfiber puff and doing a final rinse.

It took only a few days for me to start noticing a difference! My skin looked smoother, I had fewer tiny breakouts and my complexion was more even-toned. I never dreamed that cleansing my face correctly — i.e., thoroughly but gently — twice a day would result in such a noticeable improvement!

How I Use Microfiber Facial Cleansing Sponges

I wear broadband mineral sunscreen every day, rain or shine, indoors and outdoors to protect from UVA and UVA rays as well as "blue light" from my mobile phone, laptop, TV, and other electronic devices. Sometimes I also wear makeup.

Many people do a "double cleanse," a first cleanse with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve and remove sunscreen and makeup and then a second cleanse with a water-based cleanser to cleanse the skin and pores thoroughly. But I find that using a good micellar water cleanser as the first step works just as well and allows me to get off all my makeup and mineral sunscreen so I can clean my pores gently and thoroughly afterward with just a single cleanse with an enzyme-based facial cleanser and water.

Microfiber facial cleansing sponge, spa wristbands, spa headband and skincare on bathroom counter

Here's my facial cleansing routine, which I do after pulling back my hair with a comfortable terrycloth spa headband and putting on my favorite microfiber face washing spa wristbands (you can read my detailed product review) to keep my arms dry:

Use ISDIN Micellar Solution, 4 in 1 on a couple of cotton pads to remove makeup, if I am wearing any, as well as sunscreen. It is far and away the most gentle and effective micellar water cleanser I have used, including my former favorite, Bioderma Sensibio. It removes even mineral sunscreens easily and is suitable even for sensitive skin.
Wet the face and neck area as well as the hands.
Dispense a small amount of a gentle yet effective facial cleanser onto one palm, then rub the palms together to create a lather and massage it over the wet face (including the eyes) and neck for at least 30 seconds. Then use a silicone facial cleansing brush to work the cleanser into the pores. (Read my detailed silicone facial cleansing brush product review to learn more about this helpful and inexpensive skincare tool.)
Note: Currently, I use either Osmosis Purify Enzyme Cleanser or Revision Skincare Enzyme Cleanser, which are expensive but worth trying if you have enlarged pores and sensitive skin.
Saturate the microfiber face washing puff thoroughly with water and wipe/rinse off any remaining lather, then do a final rinse by splashing your face and neck with water.

Features and Benefits of My Favorite Microfiber Face Washing Puffs

Microfiber makeup remover puff with skincare products

The Vtrem Reusable Makeup Remover Pads Soft Facial Cleaning Puffs (Set of 4 Colors) are:

Soft and gentle on your skin. As I learned from my experiment with bamboo terrycloth facial cleansing cloths, it's important to be very gentle with your skin, especially your facial skin. These hypoallergenic makeup remover pads / facial cleansing sponges are covered with soft, silky microfiber plush fabric that is gentle enough for even sensitive skin.
Gentle but effective. Even though these face washing puffs are gentle on your skin, they are also effective, allowing the cleanser to get deep into the pores for a thorough cleanse.
Reusable and hygienic. Because they are reusable, like washcloths, they are environmentally friendly. And because they come in a set of four, you can wash them frequently and still have a fresh one ready to use, so they are also hygienic.
Well made, durable, and affordable. These facial cleansing sponges will last through 200 washes apiece and come in a set of four, so they will last you for several years. They come in a set of four for just $11.99 at the time of this product review's publication, less than $3 apiece.

Note: The Amazon product image shows a black drawstring pouch for these face washing puffs, but mine did not come with one. However, each facial cleansing sponge in the set of four does arrive in its own clear cellophane envelope.

A Thoughtful, Affordable Gift for a Beauty and Skincare Lover

I think any woman who enjoys makeup or skincare would love to receive a set of these plush microfiber face washing puffs as a gift, either alone or with the microfiber spa wristbands and terry spa headband I mentioned previously. You could even splurge and add a VOLO Hero premium microfiber hair towel / turban (see my product review).

Vtrem 4 Colors Reusable Soft Facial Cleaning Puffs

8 Pcs Microfiber Face Washing Spa Wristbands

Set of 2 Terry Cloth Spa Headbands for Washing Face

VOLO Hero Premium Microfiber Hair Towel

* An Important Note About Wearing Sunscreen

A good face cleansing routine is especially important if you wear and reapply sunscreen every day. As any dermatologist or esthetician will tell you, wearing an effective broadband sunscreen is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine.

A broadband sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 and preferably with filters that block "blue light" should be worn every day, rain or shine, 365 days a year and reapplied every 2 hours or after swimming. Even though UVB rays (the ones that cause sunburn) don't penetrate through car or window glass, UVA rays (the ones that are skin-aging and cause fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, etc.) do pass through. And our electronic devices expose us to blue light that also causes photo-aging!

Please read my review of two of my favorite mineral sunscreen brands to learn more about this important topic: Review of EltaMD® and Colorescience® Mineral-Based Physical Sunscreens.

The Best Reusable Microfiber Facial Cleansing Sponges for Better Skin by Margaret Schindel

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Team Spirit: Roots Canada Book Review

Team Spirit: A Field Guide to Roots Canada takes a peek into Roots Canada and founders Michael Budman and Don Green and how they built a wildly successful business.

Detroit natives Michael Budman and Don Green became Canadian sensations when they opened the first Roots store in Toronto in 1973 and had a stroke of luck (or was it genius) in the form of the negative heel shoe.

Because they had spent summers at a camp in Ontario’s magnificent Algonquin Park, they decided to use a beaver and other Canadian references in their business. Their story, therefore, is about Canada and Canadian culture. That is, camp culture and wilderness culture. Those themes helped Budman and Green build an empire that today includes fashion and so much more.

Written by Geoff Pevere, this Team Spirit takes a peek into the lives of these two men and how they built a business based on “integrity and quality.” It shares information about the celebrities from the worlds of music, film, fashion, art, literature and sports and it shares how they built a business promoting “Canadian culture to Canadians” that is now worth more than $121 million dollars and recognized around the world.

Published on October 20, 1998 by Doubleday Canada, it contains 152 pages of text and pictures. The Toronto Sun said, "Without question, this is the funniest book of the year and the last word on Canadian pop culture."

Quill & Quire said, the book tells “the story of Roots, the company that brought funny shoes, branded sweatshirts, and doofy Olympic hats to millions of Canadians.” However, they go on to say, “It’s full of wordy, pretentious fawning, and it’s tough to sit through.”

The charming origin story has been told over and over again so a book about how they actually built their business would have been welcome. This one does not do that. Nor does it tell their story from a biographical view point. Instead, it shares, according to Quill & Quire, “little pieces of the Roots story.” That seems fair.

CBRA Online says that the Roots story in this book “gets to be a bit much, especially when Roots’ essentially capitalistic nature and purpose is kept in mind.” They are, after all, a business that wanted to and does make money, lots of money. Like Quill & Quire, CBRA reminds us that this is not a business history nor a biography. They elaborate by saying, “It is a colorful, impressively illustrated presentation of Roots products in various settings accompanied by a pop culture text …that does not do justice to the subject.”

Reviewers seem to agree that this book is perhaps more of a coffee table book than it might have been. It is light with text and it is heavy with photographs of celebrities.

If you love Roots products and you want to read more about the back story of Roots Canada Ltd., Team Spirit will share that with you. Just don’t expect it to be really deep. It will do a better job of giving you a look back through the world of Roots and the celebrities associated with it during the last 50 years. Note that the book is out of print but that Team Spirit: A Field Guide To Roots Culture can still be found on Amazon by clicking here.

A reminder that this book was published in 1998, which means that it is no longer up to date. There has been at least one very significant change to the company since then. In 2015, the majority interest in the company was sold to Searchlight Capital LP though the founders continue to hold a small interest.

See you
At the bookstore!
Brenda

Monday, August 7, 2023

Reviewing the DeWalt 20v Max Cordless Pruner

Some time ago I bought my first cordless DeWalt tools. They have been reliable and durable for all these years. Imagine my delight when my son gifted me with two more Dewalt tools (a cordless chainsaw and pruner) for Mother's Day. The DeWalt Pruner has been far more useful than I had imagined and I highly recommend it.

DeWalt 20v Max Cordless Pruner

In just a few short months, I have put this pruner to good use in my yard and my woods. The blades are a really good size for trimming woody stems and small branches. I have not noticed any dulling of the blades.

My Pruner was the "tool only" option which did not include the battery or the battery charger. It does include a blade sheath and the wrench/tool that would be useful if I ever need to replace the blades. There are options with the pruner, battery, and battery charger included for folks who would need the set.

Some specifications:

non-stick coated blades
blade gap of 1.5 inches (Maximum cut diameter 1.5 inches)
60 cut strokes per minute - 1 cut per second
powered by the DeWalt 20V battery (may or may not be included)
built in LED light
weighs 3 lbs
covered by warranty (3 year limited warranty, 1 year free service, 90 day money back guarantee - see website for details)

My Thoughts About the DeWalt 20v Max Cordless Pruner

I already mentioned that I like DeWalt brand tools and have had good luck with their durability and ease of use. I have the perception that many cordless tools are not as powerful as gas-powered or corded electric tools. However, my DeWalt circular saw and drill started to change my mind. Yet I was still very surprised the first time I pulled the trigger on the pruner and the blades literally slammed shut.

Having issues with weak hands ergonomics related to grips and triggers are important to me. Fortunately, the handle seems just right and the trigger pulls easily. In my opinion, it is a plus that your hand must be fully on the tool and engaging what appears to be a safety switch before the pruner blades will shut. I appreciate those types of safety features. Someone may wonder whether the 3 lb weight is prohibitive for someone with weak hands. Yes, the tool feels hefty but no, it's not a problem. Personally, I have far more difficulty squeezing manual pruners (both small hand-held pruners and larger loppers) together than I do holding this DeWalt Pruner up.

I want to also mention that the manual available for download online. The pruner came with a manual but in the event your manual becomes lost or ruined, the online version is easy to find and download.

This pruner is an excellent tool and would be a perfect investment for yourself or a gift for a landowner.

Related Links:

My review of my DeWalt 20v Max driver in 2016. That drill is still dependable, problem-free, and is used frequently.

My video of the day I received my Mother's Day gifts: the DeWalt cordless chainsaw and DeWalt cordless pruner. My first impressions and first cutting.

And a very brief review and update now:

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Friday, August 4, 2023

Review of a Microwave Omelet Maker That Makes Perfect Omelets

Making Omelets in the Nordic Ware Omelet Maker

I recently reviewed the Nordic Ware Microwave Egg Poacher which we loved so much that I immediately ordered two Nordic Ware Omelet Makers.

I would be the first to admit that I am not really crazy about breakfast. I don't wake up hungry. It is usually lunchtime before I start to feel the desire to eat anything. However, my husband loves breakfast and traditional breakfast food. As often as not, he will either eat breakfast with Merlin or I will sit at the table with him and nibble on toast with coffee.

The egg muffins we made with the egg poacher were so delicious that I decided breakfast might be something I could enjoy, especially since they are so easy to make. The promise of a homemade omelet was enticing. Omelets are something I usually only eat when we travel. Some of the hotels were we have stayed had chefs that made them to order and I always enjoyed them, but never really got into making them at home. Now, with the Nordic Ware Omelet Maker, that has changed and we can have easy to make homemade omelets with ingredients that we individually prefer.

Breakfast, here I come!

How to Make Omelets with the Nordic Ware Omelet Maker

It is fun to assemble an omelet made with ingredients you love. I prefer adding ham and cheese to mine, while my husband adds vegetables to his. Since we each have our own omelet maker, we assemble them separately while spending time together in the kitchen.

My first attempt to make a ham and cheese omelet turned out to be the best omelet I have ever eaten. By following the instructions that came with the omelet maker, my eggs were perfectly cooked and the cheese was completely melted. I used 2 eggs for my omelet.

My husband added ham, mini sweet peppers and fresh parsley to his omelet. He used 4 eggs to make his omelet, therefore his took a few minutes longer to cook. He also buttered his omelet pan before he started. I did not butter mine and I could not tell a difference when sliding the cooked omelets from the pans. However, as the pans age and go through many washes, butter may be necessary.

Here are the Cooking Instructions

Nordic Ware Microwave Omelet Pan Cooker, Set of 2Check Price

Lightly beat 2-4 eggs and 2 Tbsp of water or milk - We beat our eggs in a measuring cup and we both opted for milk.
Pour mixture into omelet pan, dividing equally between the 2 sides - The measuring cup made equal division easy!
Place open pan in microwave and cook for 1 to 2 minutes - I cooked my 2 eggs for 1 minute and my husband cooked his 4 eggs for 2 minutes
Remove the omelet maker from the microwave and stir the eggs from the outside to inside - the center was still liquid and the edges were firmly cooked so the firm section was blended with the liquid section.
Place desired toppings on each half - we also seasoned our eggs with salt and pepper
Cook until eggs are set; 60-90 seconds - I cooked my 2 eggs for 60 seconds & my husbands 4 egg omelet had to be cooked approximately 2 minutes
Remove from the microwave and fold pan in half so the 2 side form the whole omelet.
Open the pan and gently slide your cooked omelet onto the serving plate.

cooked omelets - one made with 2 eggs & one made with 4 eggs

These microwave pans are dishwasher safe on the top rack and I did initially wash ours in the dishwasher. However, in the future, I will most often hand wash them to ensure a longer life. Being able to put them in the dishwasher does make them more convenient to use!

If you like cookware that makes cooking easier, you may also like these related reviews.

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Easy Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Air fryers are a wonderful tool to have in your kitchen. If you don't have an air fryer consider making room on your kitchen counter for one. From main dishes, and side dishes to desserts, there isn't anything you can't do with an air fryer.

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob - Reviewed
Photo credit Sam Monaco

Our daughter got us a Ninja Foodi Grill for Christmas a few years ago. It is a combination grill and air fryer, and we use it all of the time to make so many easy meals.

Summertime is corn season and grilled corn is a favorite of ours. If you don't feel like firing up the grill just for corn or boiling water to heat up the kitchen try the air fryer.

It's so easy to make in the air fryer, in just 15 minutes you will enjoy that delicious toasted corn flavor with your favorite garnish for added flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Corn on the Cob:

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Photo Credit Sam Monaco

I started with five fresh ears of corn and brushed them with olive oil on all sides, or you could use melted butter.

Then, I coated them all around with Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning. I preheated the air fryer to 375 degrees and set the time for 15 minutes. We added melted butter and salt for a delicious side dish. My air fryer basket easily fits five ears of corn.

This works well for fresh or frozen corn, but I prefer fresh corn on the cob. If you have an air fryer give this a try, your family is going to love it.

Other Topping Ideas for Corn on the Cob:

Sour cream
Parmesan cheese
Cheddar cheese
Crumbled bacon
Chili powder
Paprika
Old Bay seasoning
Cajun seasoning

These are just a few more ideas for garnishing corn on the cob. I'm sure everybody has their favorite.

You may also like some of my other Air Fryer Recipes:

Fried Dough

Baked Potatoes

Italian Roasted Potatoes

Apple Hand Pies

Crispy Chicken Wings

Sugar Cinnamon Biscuit Bites

Homemade Frech Fries

Ninja Foodi Grill Review

Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill with Integrated Smart Probe, 3.9 L (4 qt.) Air Fryer

Find more recipes on Review This Here:

ReviewThisRecipes.com

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Wednesday, August 2, 2023

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

Couldn't you go for a chilly, refreshing, nonalcoholic beverage to help keep you cool and hydrated during the dog days of summer (or any time)? This quick and easy Italian vanilla soda recipe reminds me of the lovely, lightly sparkling cold drinks we enjoyed many years ago during our honeymoon in Italy. It can be made with regular or sugar-free vanilla syrup and with or without a splash of heavy cream (Italian Vanilla Cream Soda) and takes less than a minute to prepare. The sugar-free version of this recipe is also low carb and keto friendly.

This post includes not only the Italian Vanilla Soda recipe, including the Italian Vanilla Cream Soda variation, but also a product review of the delicious ChocZero sugar-free vanilla syrup I prefer to use when preparing this delightful cold drink recipe.

Homemade Vanilla Italian Soda Regular or Sugar-Free

This delicious Italian soda is light, refreshing, and can be made with regular or sugar-free vanilla syrup and with or without a splash of heavy cream.

Choosing Your Ingredients

Vanilla Syrup Options

You can make this delightful cold drink with a conventional commercial vanilla syrup, such as Torani Puremade Vanilla Syrup, DaVinci Gourmet Classic Vanilla Syrup or Monin Vanilla Premium Gourmet Syrup, if you aren't avoiding sugar.

Sugar-free vanilla flavoring syrups are also an option, and the one I prefer. While there are several widely available brands of sugar-free flavoring syrups on the market, most include questionable ingredients that can be detrimental to your health. For example, Jordan's Skinny Syrups vanilla syrup contains cellulose gum, sucralose and acesulfame potassium; Starbucks Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup contains maltodextrin, cellulose gum and sucralose; and Torani Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup contains acesulfame potassium and sucralose.

That's why I love using the new ChocZero Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup. See my product review just after the recipe to find out why it's far superior to the other options on the market.

Italian Sparkling Mineral Water

When my order of the new ChocZero sugar-free vanilla syrup arrived, the first thing I did was to add it to some club soda, since I had some in the fridge.

It was tasty, but definitely not similar to the lovely cold drinks we remembered from our trip to Italy. Also, my husband isn't crazy about most carbonated beverages (or, at least, about his body's reaction to them) and he had asked me to suggest non-carbonated, sugar-free cold drinks he could enjoy during the summer other than lemonade.

So, thinking about the Italian sodas we had enjoyed during our honeymoon, which were far less carbonated than conventional sodas, I decided to try to recreate one by mixing the ChocZero Vanilla Syrup into some chilled Italian sparkling mineral water. What a difference! My husband loved it and didn't have a bad reaction to it, as he does to conventional carbonated drinks. Success!

You can use any genuine Italian sparkling mineral water, such as S. Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water or Whole Foods Market Italian Sparkling Mineral Water for the authentic Italian flavor and carbonation level.

Optional Cream

I find this cold drink much more refreshing during the summer without the optional addition of a splash of heavy cream, but I enjoy the added richness of the cream during the colder months. Try this recipe both ways and see which way you prefer. With the addition of the cream, this drink is often called an Italian Vanilla Cream Soda.

Extra-Tall Pilsner Glasses for Serving

Libbey Giant Wheat Beer Glasses, 23-ounce, Set of 6

During the hot weather, it's important to stay hydrated. This Italian vanilla soda recipe is a delicious way to get in extra water! So, I like to make a large, 16-ounce serving and serve it in an extra-tall Pilsner glass.

I find that the curved shape and narrower bottom of these Pilsner glasses make it much easier to hold a very tall drink much more comfortably and securely versus tall, large-capacity cooler drinking glasses with straight sides.

Our glasses were purchased many years ago and are no longer available, but these attractive Libbey Giant Wheat Beer Glasses with a 23-ounce capacity are very similar to ours and have enough room to add ice to your beverage, if desired.

Vanilla Italian Soda Recipe

Italian Vanilla Soda with bottles of ChocZero vanilla syrup and Italian sparkling mineral water

Prep Time: 1 minute

Total Time: 1 minute

Servings: 1 serving

Ingredients

16 ounces Italian sparkling mineral water, thoroughly chilled

3–4 tablespoons regular or sugar-free vanilla syrup for flavoring beverages, such as ChocZero Vanilla Syrup

3–4 tablespoons heavy cream, chilled (optional, for Vanilla Italian Cream Soda)

Instructions

To make Vanilla Italian Soda, pour the chilled Italian sparkling mineral water into an extra-tall Pilsner glass or cooler glass. Stir in the vanilla syrup to taste.
To make the Vanilla Italian Cream Soda variation, follow the instructions for Italian Vanilla Soda, then pour the heavy cream over the prepared soda. You can stir in the cream or just leave it at the top, whichever you prefer.

Enjoy!

ChocZero Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup Product Review

Bottle of ChocZero Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup

ChocZero Vanilla Flavoring Syrup is sugar-free, contains no sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners, blends easily into cold or hot drinks, and tastes delicious!

ChocZero sugar-free vanilla syrup is made by one of my favorite brands of yummy keto-friendly, low carb products with no added sugars. Their vanilla syrup is sweetened with monk fruit, which doesnt spike blood sugar levels, instead of artificial sweeteners and contains 8 grams of functional fiber per two-tablespoon serving (great for gut health).

It also isn't thickened, so it mixes instantly and effortlessly into cold drinks as well as hot beverages. (It's a delicious addition to hot or iced coffee or hot cocoa.)

I love having a healthy alternative to the big-name sugar-free vanilla syrups with questionable ingredients!

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

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Tuesday, August 1, 2023

The Roots Canada Story: A Brief History

Roots Canada was founded in Toronto on August 15, 1973 by Michael Budman and Don Green. They decided to create a company with a Canadian feel based on a summer camp that they had attended as children in Ontario's Algonquin Park. The first item that they sold from their first store in Toronto was a shoe. It was commonly known as the Earth Shoe and officially called the Roots Negative Heel Shoe.

The company was successful right from that very first day when they sold seven pair of the shoe. Intended as a part-time business, they were so successful that they opened more than thirty stores in the first year. Dan Ackroyd and Gilda Radner were there helping in the store from the very beginning. The venture was meant to be, according to a CBC video, "a celebration of what makes us Canadian" although the founders were American.

From CBC News, comes this fascinating 8-minute look at the story of Roots Canada. The 2014 video does a fine job of documenting the story but it is noteworthy that since then, the iconic Canadian company has been sold and is now a publicly held brand.

ROOTS COMPANY AND POLICIES

Not all of Roots merchandise is manufactured in Canada but Roots does demand that its merchandise be excellent. It has a well-respected reputation to maintain and strives to uphold that reputation. Roots built this reputation in the past by creating extremely successful Olympic collections and merchandise for celebrities, concerts, cultural events and movies.

Roots created the Canadian Olympic Team's outfits from 1998 to 2004 and has also done so for Great Britain, the United States and Barbados. Remember the 1998 poor boy or newsboy-style hats worn by the Canadian Olympic team in 1998? Roots sold 500,000 of them that year and those Olympic pieces are still sought after today.

The picture shown above is of the Roots' poorboy or beret-style hat from the Olympics in Nagano, Japan in 1998. The picture is used here with permission and currently available in the eBay store of Jav Treasures by clicking right here.

If it is no longer available in Jav's store, you can click here to see the selection of Roots' Olympic-themed Poorboy hats that are available now.

ROOTS CODE OF CONDUCT

Roots products are made in Canada, the United States, South Asia, Asia and South America only using reputable companies and suppliers who adhere to the Roots Code of Conduct. Factories must provide working conditions meeting health, safety and labor standards; respect for all workers, not use child or forced labor, minimize the impact on the environment and avoid too much packaging in shipping, have inspections by independent auditors and not have any discrimination based on gender, race, nationality and religion.

ROOTS PRODUCTS

Roots makes wonderful clothing and fabulous leather products. They now sell a wonderful range of items including but not limited to genuine leather shoes, jackets, bags, belts and luggage; sports and yoga wear including t-shirts and sweatshirts for men, women and children; watches; and home items that have included furniture, linen, towels and accessories.

I do not mind paying a little more for a quality Canadian style that lasts. How about you?

See you next time

on Review This Reviews!

Brenda