Tshirt from Zazzle, Review

I was going to write about a different shirt that I have from Zazzle, but found out that it is no longer available. Zazzle does change their brands of tshirts from time to time. Instead of writing about the two that I have had for years, I am writing about a recent purchase, but I do expect the same quality performance.

The one thing about ordering shirts from Zazzle, is that they don't really have a teen section, sizes go from kids to adults, and some of their shirts are marked as slim. If I was ordering a shirt from Zazzle, I would go a size or two larger when wanting it to be sized for adults. I would definitely go two sizes larger if the description says Slim, so be sure to read the description before ordering.

Other than the sizing thing, I am quite pleased with my tshirt. I already knew to order a larger size. I also wanted a soft fabric, so I got a cotton tri-blend.

All of the apparel items that I have purchased from Zazzle have been printed well. I have learned to order the white or pastel colors when ordering printed tshirts. That way the coloring is printed into the fabric, giving it a soft look and feel.

To get a truer color on dark colored shirts, one would usually have to order with a white underbase printed under the design. This gives the design a brighter and more vibrant look, but also has a rougher and more solid texture to the actual design area. Some people are okay with this, so this is a matter of preference. Some, somewhat darker colored shirts are offered without the white underbase. Customers can click on the various options to see which type of print they prefer.

I have also ordered a hooded sweatshirt from Zazzle, and have had that for many years. It has held up through numerous washings.

My experience with washing instructions have been pretty routine, i.e. washing in cool water, only use non-chlorine bleach, tumble dry low, and don't dry clean.

You can check out the shirt that I'm wearing above, by using this link that goes to my CherylsArt store on Zazzle. This one is for the cotton tri-blend.

This is a bigger picture link, and it is for a Slim style, not the one I'm wearing in the above picture.

I paint artist palette tshirt
by CherylsArt

Whichever link you use, you can look around at other options from the various menus on Zazzle.

Cheryl Paton

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.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Reviewing Benefits And Features Of Talking Clocks

 .

Since my husband was diagnosed as severe sight impaired -blind, we have been exploring technology and devices that may help him. One of these we were advised to look into is a talking clock. 

This simple device is designed to audibly announce the time, and the date. For the model we have you simply press the top once for the time and keep it held down for the date to be announced as well.

It is of course very useful for anyone who has sight loss. However we have found it is also useful for me when I quickly want to know the time and date and through learning more about them I realised they can be very beneficial for many other people as well.

In this article we will be using the terms severe sight impaired, blind, low vision, partially sighted and sight loss as these are the current acceptable terms in my country for people with sight loss. This may change over time and be different in different countries. No offence is intended by any of these terms.

Empowering People With Sight Loss

For people who experience sight loss whether they are severe sight impaired or have low vision, checking the time can be a significant challenge and not being able to tell the time by yourself can be a real curb on independence. 

Prior to getting the talking clock my husband had to ask me the time whenever he wanted to know. This immediately made him feel less independent and for me it was not always convenient. For my husband it was a constant reminder of his sight loss that he had to ask a sighted person whenever he needed or wanted to know the time. 

Traditional clocks rely on us being able to read the numbers or roman numerals often at a distance. Some are very difficult to see if they have patterns or pictures and different colours. People with any degree of sight loss will have different needs and preferences.

My husband needs very clear bold black numbers on a white background with zero distractions and it needs to be very large. The clock would also need to be free from sunlight or glare hitting it, yet bright enough so he can make out the numbers. This is not always possible and we quickly realised it would be difficult to site such a large clock and give it the correct site to make it possible for him to read it. 

The talking clock eliminates this barrier completely by providing a clear, spoken announcement of the time with the press of a button or depending on the clock also the date or even via scheduled verbal alerts.

A talking clock can really help towards independence, allowing people with sight loss of varying degrees  to manage their daily routines without needing assistance from a sighted person.

You can choose a basic talking clock that can help you by simply telling the time and knowing the correct date, or more advanced models. Either way a talking clock gives a much higher level of independence.

 Extra Large Talking Button Clock - for The Blind, Elderly or Visually impairedCheck Price

Some talking clocks do not have any readable indicators while others may have a digital reading of date, time etc in large text. It all depends on what you personally need and find useful. 

The advanced models can do many tasks and have different features. I have listed some features here to give you an idea of what can be available. 

• Tell the time
• Tell the date.
• Set alarms
• Organise appointment and social dates
• Birthday and special day reminders
• Chime on the hour
• Reminders to take medication
• Different levels of brightness on the display 
• Customisable themes.
• Customisable language
• Lighting differentiates time zones during the day/night
• Temperature readouts
• Activated by voice controlled commands.
• Some with no visual display, others with large size and contrasting visual displays

Black and white contrast talking clock showing large button to activate

 Who Else Could Benefit From A Talking Clock? 

Clearly a talking clock can assist people with a visual impairment. However it does not stop there.

It got me thinking who else may benefit from a talking clock and I believe it may help older people who might have difficulty reading clock faces from a distance, perhaps even young children who need to know the time and have not yet reliably learned to read a clock face or digital clocks.

They would be a useful aid for people who cannot learn to tell the time on a clock, or for people who through various illnesses, learning difficulties, disabilities, who have memory issues, or dementia find reading a standard clock more challenging.

Additionally, talking clocks might benefit elderly people who may struggle with small text on standard clocks, and the advanced models might assist professionals who need to keep track of their schedule.

Talking clocks simplify timekeeping, and if technology is for anything surely it should be to make our lives a little easier. 

【Upgraded】Digtal Clock with Voice-Talking Day and Date for Seniors, 19 Alarms & Custom Reminders, 10-Level Auto Dimmer, Auto DST, 8 Colors Display Clock for Elderly Dementia Alzheimers, with RemoteCheck Price

Talking Clocks Are Convenient

Clearly talking clocks are a useful aid for a person with sight loss. However as we have found they can also be really beneficial to those with out sight loss. We now have several talking clocks around the house in places we regularly walk past and I now find my self using the talking clock much more than the sighted clock!

It is very unobtrusive, ours is a simple black and white device  certainly small enough to carry and light. It manages to both blend into the decor and yet be noticeable enough so my husband knows where it is.

Other clocks may have different colours such as blue, red or yellow and be smaller or larger. Many can be placed on a surface and some can be wall mounted. It all depends on what the person prefers. 

I especially use it for knowing the date especially if I don't have the computer or TV on. I often don't have the right glasses on to see our wall clocks and it is so convenient to punch the talking clock as I walk past and get the time and date so easily. 

You can buy talking clocks that are very simple and so easy to use with just the time and date or you can get advanced ones with a multitude of features and tasks. 

It has become a normal way to tell the time in our house. We didn't plan it this way but it does make my husband feel better that we just use his talking clock as a normal device, rather than just his special device to tell the time. 

 ORKA Talking Clock. Voice Recordable Ex Large Medication Pill Reminder. Talking Alarm Clock for Dementia, Hearing, Visually impaired Seniors-Digital Day Clock with Multiple Customized Alarms WhiteCheck Price

Aspects Of Talking Clocks To Be Aware About.

While I think generally they are a huge benefit, there are a few things to be aware of. 

Talking clocks can be run on batteries or plugged into electricity points, both have their good and bad points. We have the ones run on batteries and felt these were more portable, so that they can be taken into different rooms and taken with us on holiday. Clearly we need to make sure we always have a stock of replacement batteries either single use or ideally rechargeable.

If we had an electric model it could be plugged in around the house without the need or worry to keep a stock of batteries handy.  However, there is always the risk that in the event of a power cut or power outage it of course would not work. It is important if buying an electrical one to ensure that the features and time automatically reset after a power cut or outage is over. 

The solution is probably to have one of each, some of the electric models seem to carry more features, yet the battery ones are simpler, easy to use and more portable.  

By the very fact the talking clock is a fairly loud announcement of the time, it is impossible to privately check the time! So for example if you just wanted to check the time to see if guests ought to be leaving or a meeting has gone on too long, it is really a public announcement. They are not ideal in situations where discretion is required!

A talking clock can take a little time to get used to. At first my husband did keep asking me the time and I reminded him to use the talking clock, after a few days or weeks it is just a normal habit.

The fact it is an audible time check can be disturbing if there are others in the house having quiet time or sleeping.

It may be more disruptive if there are several people in the house, who may not want to know the time in this way and might find it disturbing.  

While it is loud enough, if the environment was noisy or lots of people were talking or music playing it might be more difficult to clearly hear it. 

You need to choose the clock voice that works best for you. It all depends on the model if you can customise the voice and some of the voices might not suit you. Some voices are clearer and more calm than others. So it is worth checking which voice the model uses and if you are able to customise it.

 GOLOZA 7'' Digital Calendar Clock, Talking Clock with 10 Volumes, 6 Display with 10 Color Modes, Auto Dimmable, Alarms & Birthday & Holiday Reminders, 3 Pill Reminders Clocks for Kids Adults SeniorsCheck Price

We both feel the positives far outweigh any negatives and now would not be without it. We agreed at the outset of my husbands diagnosis of severe sight impaired that we would do everything possible to maintain his personal autonomy and independence. This little device of a talking clock has certainly been very helpful in this respect. 

Advancements in Talking Clock Technology

Our talking clocks are models that tell the time and date and can be used to set an alarm. At the present we are happy with these features but there are models that can do much more. 

There are a range of talking clocks now from the basic time and date clock to ones which integrate with smart devices and use Artificial Intelligence. 

Some have customised features or a choice of features and languages. As mentioned previously there are talking clocks which also set date reminders, medicine reminders and alarms. 

Of course there are also talking watches which is on our wish list for something else to help my husband. 

Technology is advancing and if it can assist in keeping people more independent for as long as possible that is a positive. 

I think a talking clock would make a very thoughtful gift for anyone who is finding it difficult to see or read a standard clock. 

It might seem a small thing, many of us take for granted until we cannot do it,  but being able to tell the time and date by yourself is a huge deal for self esteem and independence.  

As the talking clock technology evolves I think it will become increasingly useful and versatile, not only for people who are sight impaired, but for many people. 

Read More Product Reviews on ReviewThisProducts.com 

Reviewing Sensory Garden For A Person with Sight Loss Part One 

Reviewing Sensory Garden For A Person With Sight Loss Part Two 

Reviewing Benefits And Features Of Talking Clocks by Raintree Annie

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.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Reviewing Over Fence Hanging Metal Pot Planters

I love looking for ways to enhance our garden and to expand my areas for planting. Whether you have a small garden or a patio or balcony or a large garden with fences that look more bare than you would like a pot holder is a lovely idea to increase areas for planting and to brighten up the garden. 

These metal hanging over the fence pot holders are usually not very large, but not too small either and have a hole at the base to allow water to drain away.

Reasons To Buy a Hanging Over Fence Metal Pot Holder

Good Looking

They look lovely! Whether your garden is very modern contemporary or traditional, quirky or cottage garden these metal pot holders can fit into the scheme and compliment your garden design. They come in many different finishes from painted metal in many different colours dark or light, vibrant to pastel to natural colours,  to steel and copper. So there is a option that will be suitable for most people and most gardens.

Drainage

When planting into any container drainage is vital for the health of your plants. Without it they may suffer rot and just become waterlogged and die. As these pot holders have a decent drainage hole at the base excess water can flow away . I like to put a crock over the drainage hole or a layer of gravel to ensure that it doesn't become blocked by soil or compost. 

Space Saving 

If you garden in a small space such as a balcony or patio it can be very helpful to make use of walls and vertical spaces. If you have several pot holders you can easily make a beautiful hanging display of flowers or foliage to cover the wall or fence. This can really make a significant impact in a small space. 

Even in a larger garden it is good to cover bare fences and lovely to have more space to fit those smaller plants to make a beautiful display. 

Longer Lasting

These metal planters are more durable than wood or even plastic and are more weather resistant. So we can safely leave them out in rain or snow or brilliant sunshine and they should  be alright.

Planting Options 

You can grow a wide variety of plants in these pot holders. Herbs do well as the drainage is so good. Flowers look amazing. Hanging or trailing plants add a lovely dimension. You could even try smaller vegetables or small salad plants.  As they are portable and easily moved you can move them to where the plants will be most happy for example in full sun or part shade. I like growing herbs in them, particularly sun loving herbs like Thyme that do not need too much water. So if I forget to water them it is not a disaster.

Easy to fit.

Hanging pots are so easy to install in the garden. The ones we bought came already fixed with a hook and are not detachable so we simply planted them up then hung them over our fence with the hook. This took a few minutes and required no tools or knowledge. We had checked that the hook was large enough to fit over the fence.  If you do not have a fence it may mean installing a bracket or something they can hang over but that can be something very simple. If you buy pots that have detachable hooks or other fixings then they may require some assembly. 

 KINGLAKE Flower Pots,10 Pcs Metal Iron Hanging Flower Plant Pots 4'' Flower Holders with Detachable HookCheck Price Dahey 10 Pcs Hanging Flower Pots Metal Iron Bucket Planter Flower Holders with Detachable Hooks, Black, 4 InchesCheck Price

Aspects To Bear In Mind About Hanging Metal Pot Holders

As these pots are quite small you must only fill them with small plants. This might mean that you will need to move plants out of them if they get too big for the pot. You will notice this if you see the roots growing through the drainage hole or roots growing on the surface of the soil. 

In warm weather you will need to water quite often, possibly as often as once a day. This can be seen as a chore, or a lovely way to reconnect with your plants and check them over each day. The best thing to do is to check with a finger if the first inch of the soil is dry, if it is then water. 

It is better to use a gentle watering system like a long spouted watering can or a hosepipe on a very gentle spray. If you use  too forceful jet it will just displace the soil and be a bit harsh on the plant. 

If hanging over a fence in the garden then the drainage is no issue. However if you are hanging them on your balcony or patio you may find it beneficial to have something underneath them to catch the drained water. I feel it is a good idea to have another potted plant underneath, that way you catch the water and water the ground plant at the same time! 

Always check the size of the pots as you want to make sure they are not too small for your needs. Some are round pots with one hook and some are oval shaped or oblong shaped usually with a double hook and more space. Check measurements carefully to ensure they and the hooks will fit your fence or brackets properly.  

Some of the pots have a fixed hook and others a detachable hook. Both are great for this purpose. However if you have a detachable hook then you can use the pot as a freestanding planter on a surface as well more easily. The ones with detachable hooks may need some assembly though, so read each option carefully. 

 LaLaGreen Rail Planter Outdoor Plants(5 Pack, 11.8 Inch) Black Metal Iron Hanging Flower PotsCheck Price 8 Pack Metal Hanging Planters for Railing Balcony 10.6" & 5.1"Multicolor Hanging Flower Pot with Detachable HooksCheck Price

I like to buy pots like these so that they are grouped together in some way so to buy 3 or 7 or more to have a fuller display always looks better to me than a single one. 

Over fence metal hanging pot planters are a lovely addition to any garden whatever your style. They are very useful as you can use the vertical space in your garden which is often underutilised. They are practical and beautiful and really optimise the space in your garden. 

 

Read More Gardening Reviews on ReviewThisGardening.com

Read Diary Of A Wild Country Garden Blog

Visit Raintree Earth Designs for gifts and cards designed with nature photography

Reviewing Over Fence Hanging Metal Pot Planters by Raintree Annie

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.”

FOLLOW US ON:

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

Reviewing The Benefits Of Seed Container Storage Boxes

In my experience, seed container storage boxes are an essential tool for gardeners. Previously, my seeds for flowers and vegetables and salads were stored in draws in the kitchen or open storage boxes and it  was not really adequate. They often seemed to gain moisture or go bad quickly and if I opened a packet and put it back inevitably the seeds would spill out all over ! I also worried about mice and insects being attracted by them.

I often buy seeds whenever I visit a garden centre especially if they have any on sale. So I often keep seeds from one year to the next. A garden magazine I subscribe to monthly usually include free seeds as well. In addition I gather seeds from my own flowers. So it is often the case that I have a lot of seeds needing storage at any one time. 

I enjoy growing from seed and watching the tiny seeds grow into a young plant then mature and flower is a wonder of nature and always enchanting to me. In addition it often works out significantly cheaper than buying larger plug plants later on in the year. If you grow from seed you can grow many times more flowers and crops for the same or less price. 

So I now have two seed storage boxes, I keep one for flower seeds and one for vegetable and salad seeds. 

Benefits Of Using Seed Container Storage Boxes:

Organisation

Seed container storage boxes often come with cardboard or plastic compartments or dividers that allow us to organise seeds. Organising seeds is a personal thing. Some people might organise the seeds alphabetically, some by flower type or by month to plant. It does not matter as long as it suits you. Sorting seeds in these ways can make it easier to check dates by which seeds must be sown.

It can also keeps seeds of one type for example salad crops, cress, poppies or sweet peas together so that you don't go out and buy more stock of seeds when you already have plenty.

I also have these blank seed container packets so that I can store any of the seeds I collect from my own plants.

 So there are many benefits from a little time spent organising.   

Keeps Seeds Dry

Seed container storage boxes keep seeds dry. This is very important to keep seeds viable and able to germinate. Too much moisture can lead to mould growth and ultimately the seeds just rot before you get a chance to sow them. 

It avoids the disappointment of finding your lovely seeds with all the promise of flowers and crops only to have to discard them. These seed storage boxes help preserve seed quality and ensure they remain good for sowing for longer.

Protection From Mice.

Seeds are a magnet for mice for whom it is a food source. So it is important not to leave seed packets loose in a draw, cupboard or outdoor storage where mice can find them. We do not want a mice infestation in our homes so a sturdy seed container keeps the seeds secure and unavailable as a food source. These containers are usually metal with sturdy fastening clips and so not easily accessed by rodents. I have had no issues with mice getting into my seeds since using these containers. 

Easy To Carry

The seed containers I have and the ones I am talking about here are smaller and easily carried. This is important to me so that I can carry the whole box into the garden, use the seeds from the packets I need and put them back. 

I can keep the box in the garden with me all the time I am gardening so no need to go back and forth to the house. Then I simply carry it  back into the house when I have finished.

I hope to get an allotment one day and they will be invaluable in that case so that I can simply take them back and forth to the allotment easily. 

A sturdy, portable box means no seeds spills all over the garden or home and I have all the packets of seeds available to me as I work.

Storage

I do have a lot of seeds and rarely use all the seeds in every packet every year. Seed container storage boxes are designed for longer term storage, thus allowing seeds to remain viable for longer periods of time. I really like this as it means I can keep seeds for longer, often year to year and as long as I sow them by the use by date on the packet they are still good viable seeds.

There is also plenty of room for my seed labels. Labelling seed trays is in my experience vital. No matter what I think I do forget which seeds I have sown in which seed tray! So labelling is important , yet labels can often go astray. So keeping them in with the seeds in a seed storage box is perfect !  

Having one or more seed container storage boxes is sensible if you gather or buy seeds. Seed container storage boxes offer some good benefits that help us gardeners maintain the quality and viability of flower, vegetable and salad seeds. 

It can also be cost-effective. By keeping seeds protected and dry, away from rodents and organised we keep the seeds fresher for longer. We also can easily see what seeds we already have so no need to buy more of seeds we already own. We also can be more organised so sow the seeds we want to have, whether flowers or vegetables, at the correct time.  

Gardening Gift Idea

These Seed Storage boxes can make a lovely thoughtful gift for just about every gardener and really anyone who you know loves sowing their own seeds. So you may like to bear in mind for Birthdays and Christmas gifts especially, though as a keen gardener, I would be very happy with one as a Valentines gift too! 

In my experience, these container seed boxes are a valuable addition to help make seed sowing a pleasurable and organised gardening activity.

 Seed Storage Box – Metal Seed Packet Organizer with Garden String and Bamboo Plant LabelsCheck Price Xbopetda Seed Saving Box, Metal Seed Bin, Seed Storage Organizer Box, Seed Packet Container with Lid and 4 DividersCheck Price Burgon & Ball Seed Packet Storage Box Container Tin Stone Cream with Inside Dividers for Organization with Lid, Side Handles and LatchesCheck Price

Read More Gardening Reviews on ReviewThisGardening.com

Read Diary Of A Wild Country Garden Blog

Growing Vegetables In Outdoor Containers Reviewed.

Read More Product Reviews on ReviewThisProducts.com 

Reviewing The Benefits Of Seed Container Storage Boxes by Raintree Annie 

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.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Reviewing The Many And Varied Uses Of Magnifiers

I have recently discovered that using a magnifier can be a game changer! Whether you pursue an intricate hobby, are partially or severely sight impaired, have issues seeing tiny labels, or love seeing the world of nature in close up detail, a magnifier is so very useful.

I was introduced to the world of magnifiers due to my husband being diagnosed severe sight impaired. He requires additional support to read print and had an assessment to ascertain which magnifier would suit him.

Magnifiers are incredibly versatile tools with a wide range of uses, regardless of whether you have vision issues or not. As part of his sight assessment my husband was issued with two magnifiers and he finds them very useful, however an unexpected benefit is that I am also finding them extremely helpful! I don't have any particular sight issues but I do find these days and as I get a bit older there are so many things that seem to be in tiny print!! 

My husband who is severe sight impaired uses them for accessibility and a low vision aid and I use them whenever I cannot see the print very well and for other interests. 

Examples of ways we use magnifiers.

• Reading the very small print on washing instructions. I find it particularly annoying that the print is always so small and even worse when it is grey on black. A magnifier helps me to get the washing right and avoid costly mistakes! 
• Reading mixing or cooking information on jars and packets of food.
• Checking ingredient list and cooking instructions on tins, packets and jars.
• Checking the ingredient list on beauty and health products - as I am allergic to specific ingredients this is very important to me to so that I do not get a reaction or waste time having to send things back.
• Reading the Fine Print in important written paper documents.
• When I took an evening class in Astronomy we needed a magnifier to spot the finer details. We used magnifiers to  examine star charts.
• Helps me to in identify tiny pests and diseases particularly on my indoor plants and to investigate the intricate details of plants and flower structures we would not normally see.
• On our nature walks it can be interesting to examine tiny flowers and fungus under the magnifier to find details not easily visible.
• Ideal for checking splinters and other small wounds
• Reading, especially books or magazines with small print 
• Checking telephone numbers
• Looking at debit card details when providers ask for the numbers
• Reading policy numbers on insurances etc when providers ask for them. 
• Reading Instructions on new purchases.
• Reading restaurant menus, especially in low light.

Magnifiers are useful for a range of interests

Here are just a few examples

• Watch and Clock Repair: Magnifiers are essential for examining and repairing the delicate parts of watches and clocks. My Dad had an avid hobby repairing watches and clocks and he always had a couple of magnifiers beside him. I have fond memories as a child watching him take apart watches and clocks, repair them and carefully put it all back together again with such patience and skill.  
• Collectors may use magnifiers to inspect the details and condition of stamps and coins.
• Ideal for artists and crafters working with small, intricate pieces like beads.
• Magnifiers can be used to study the details of rocks and fossils which are fascinating.
• Artists can use magnifiers to add details to their work or to appreciate the intricate details of other artists work.

 MagniPros 5X Large LED Page Magnifier for Reading with 3 Color Lighting Modes & Anti-Glare Lens to Reduce Eye Strain-Perfect for Small Prints, Aging Eyes, Low Vision and SeniorsCheck Price

Useful Features To Consider In A Magnifier

We personally find the two most useful features a light with the magnifier and the portability.

We now have two magnifiers, one is hand held with a round glass vision area and a handle and the other one is a credit card shaped  magnifier. Both are very useful in all kinds of situations. 

 

Light

We both appreciate a magnifier that has an optional light. This is really helpful when trying to read in low light such as a restaurant menu or a poorly lit room. It is also easier to see tiny print with the light on. I would certainly recommend always getting one with a good light system. 

Magnification Power

This is a personal preference so it is good to check the magnification power for your needs to give you clarity and reduce any eyestrain. This may depend on your eyesight and the reason you need the magnifier.

 Magnifying Glass with Light, 30X Handheld Large Magnifying Glass 18LED Cold and Warm Light with 3 Modes, Illuminated Lighted Magnifier for Seniors Reading, Inspection, Coins, Jewelry, ExploringCheck Price

Quality 

It is important that the Magnifier is strong enough so that it can stand up to being carried around and used on the move and that it is comfortable to hold. It needs to be light enough to easily carry, yet sturdy enough to carry in a pocket or handbag. We have found that sometimes you might need to consider the trade between a comfort hold and an item that it a bit bulkier or to get two, one to use at home and a lighter  smaller one to use out of the home.

Clarity

It is vital that the resulting sight is clear and comfortable for your eyes. There is a slight learning curve as you find the ideal distance from the letters or numbers you are trying to read to get the optimum clarity. 

Versatility

Ideally the magnifier will be suitable for several tasks, though you may find for some needs and specific tasks you might need two. We only use portable Magnifiers so far, but people may also find a magnifier with a stand is useful especially for crafting and if you find it difficult to hold a magnifier for periods of time. 

 MAGNIPROS 5X LED Full Page Magnifying Glass with Detachable Stand, 3 Color Modes for Eye Strain Relief, Hands-Free Magnifier for Reading Fine Print, Crafting, and Seniors with Low VisionCheck Price

Value For Money

We all look for value for money and assuming you choose the correct magnifier for your needs it can be a great long lasting product and handy helper to help you in everyday life, keep independence and enjoy hobbies. 

 

Magnifiers have so may potential applications for a wide range of needs and interests. Whether you are visually impaired, struggling more with sight as we get older or enjoying an intricate hobby a magnifier is a versatile tool.

It encourages more independence with everyday tasks rather than having to ask other people to read labels and instructions.

In my experience using a magnifier  results in fewer frustrating moments of struggling to see things and makes everyday tasks much easier. I would highly recommend a magnifier!

Read More Reviews By Raintree Annie

Read More Product Reviews

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.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Preferred Water Bowl for Cats, Review

Our preferred water bowl for our cat is a human grade dessert bowl made for humans.

We had tried water fountains before with other cats that we had, to encourage them to drink more water. Actually, we didn't see a big difference and there was the additional upkeep of the fountain and filters, etc. So we switched to metal pet bowls. They seemed to last a long time.

When our cat Tori came into our lives, I bought her a new metal bowl of the same brand that we had purchased before. It didn't seem to last long at all. As before, I rinsed it each day and put in fresh water. After a month or so there was a roughness that I noticed when I rinsed the bowl out. I thought perhaps it was a fluke, and bought another one. Same thing happened. I purchased a different style metal bowl that was a different brand. Again, the same thing happened.

These were decent bowls, I had thought. They had a good weight to them and were coated on the bottom to prevent sliding. And I didn't have that issue before.

I decided to move up to human grade bowls and kept my eye out for one that would be a good size for our cat. I found an 11-ounce dessert bowl by Corelle. It was a great height for our cat and held a decent amount of water. This bowl is thicker than the cereal bowls in this style.

It worked! I do the same routine, and the insides of the bowl have remained smooth for months and months. And our cat even drinks more water now than she did before. The bowl doesn't have the rubber grip stuff under it, but I can live with that. A cloth mat under the bowl suffices. It is now our favorite bowl for our cat's water.

These bowls are available on Amazon as a set. Amazon wouldn't allow linking to the specific bowl, but did allow me to link to the page it is on. It is the 11-ounce size and is sold as a dessert bowl.

Corelle bowls on Amazon

I bought mine as an individual bowl from Walmart.

Cheryl Paton

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.”

FOLLOW US ON: