Reviewing Cleaning Cloths for Spectacles Or Eyeglasses

 

If you wear eyeglasses for reading or driving or long distance or wear sunglasses we need to clean them effectively and easily. I really dislike when my glasses are smudged or do not feel clean and it certainly makes it harder to read or drive or watch Tv when they are not crystal clean!

So it is important to clean eyeglasses often and carefully. Eyeglasses and sunglasses can be often incredibly expensive and so need to be treated well.

If we use the wrong type of cleaning cloth it can damage your lenses including damaging the coatings, scratching the lenses and just cause irritating streaking and smudging. 

Always Avoid Cleaning Eyeglasses With These Items

Any dirty cloth , even a microfibre one. Dirt particles can scratch the coating of the lens and cause damage.

Pieces of your clothing like a T shirt or fleece. Most of us have probably done this from time to time when we don't have a cloth handy and our glasses are dirty, but its not a great idea. You can transfer oils, sweat and dirt onto your glasses and any dust particles can scratch the surface. Also depending on the fabric it is often not very effective and can make things worse. 

General household cleaners and sprays designed for kitchen or bathroom use. These are generally too abrasive or contain chemicals that can damage our glasses coatings.

Using the wrong cleaning method can at best leave annoying and irritating streaks and smudges and at worse scratch your lenses and  damage coatings which may need to be repaired or replaced. 

How Should We Clean Our Eyeglasses?

There are several options for cleaning cloths to clean our eyeglasses, sunglasses or spectacles. I have listed three below but there are other options that you may find useful and effective. 

• Microfibre Cleaning Cloths

These are by far my best option. The ones I use now are Go Optical Microfibre Glasses Cleaner but I have had many different makes over the years and all have been very good. 

Microfibre is a densely woven cloth that is very soft and non abrasive. It has excellent cleaning properties and takes off dust and oils easily and quickly. 

They can be washed and used many times so they do work out cost effective and good for the planet. To keep it clean wash every couple of weeks or sooner if your glasses get more dirty. It is usually only necessary to use a mild soap and warm water. I usually handwash as its quicker and easier but they can be generally machine washed as well. Do not use fabric conditioner though as it reduces the absorbency and effectiveness of the cloth.

Microfibre cloths can be used anywhere when at home or out and about and travelling. They have the added advantage of being able to use them on many other household items such as camera lenses, laptop and tablet screens, TV's, mirrors, gaming toys, phone screens and glasses.

I just love how so quickly and easily they turn my smudged and annoying  glasses into a lovely clear vision! Its a small thing but one that makes life a little bit easier and better.

 MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 6 Pack - Premium Cloth for Glasses, Lens, Screens & MoreCheck Price

• Pre-Moistened Spectacle Wipes

These often come in boxes with many wipes in individually wrapped packaging or in a larger single tub. The individual wipes can be very useful especially when at work, school, gym or travelling.

They are usually once only use and being individually wrapped can be useful as they do not dry out easily while the packet is intact, but also can be wasteful. They are generally not reuseable. 

So if you are not travelling and using at home the tub option dispenser type may be better. 

Once opened they must be used quickly as once exposed to air they can dry out.  It is good to look for ones that are free from parabens, alcohol, dyes and too many chemicals and made from sustainable plant based fibres. 

 VOISEN Lens Wipes for Eyeglasses,450 Pack Eye Glasses Cleaner Wipes,Pre-Moistened Individually Wrapped Lens WipesCheck Price

• Reusable Spray and Cloth Glasses Cleaning Kits

These are a combination of a microfibre cloth plus a cleaning solution. It is good for a really proper clean. Most are best I feel to use at home as otherwise its quite a lot to carry around just for cleaning glasses, but a good option especially if you often get oils or dust or other dirt on eyeglasses or sunglasses.

However the one featured below is  listed as compact and easier to travel with as it is all contained in a convenient tube,  so may be a good on the go option to consider.

 MidOpt Professional Optics Cleaning Solution and Microfiber Cloth, for Clean and Smudge-Free LensesCheck Price

The most effective way to clean glasses or spectacles

If glasses are really dirty then rinse them with clear water under the tap/faucet first, just so that any dirt particles are washed away so as not to cause any abrasion or marks. If they are not really dirty you can skip this step. 

If very smudged or dirty or have oils on them, its a good idea now and again to use a specific lens cleaning solution tot he lenses. 

Then simply wipe over with  clean, dry microfibre cloth. Clean gently and cover the whole lens area with a slow circular motion. If they are not really dirty you can just clean with a microfibre cloth. 

My overall preference for cleaning my eyeglasses is a microfibre cleaning cloth. It is safe, effective and easily available. I find mine cleans without streaks and gets rid of smudges and gives a lovely clear view.

I can wash it and use it for a long time without having to replace. However I do have several so I always have one in the car, the house, my handbag etc. I hate having dirty glasses so this way I always have one to hand when I need it.

It is a good practice to keep the microfibre cloth in a small pouch or carry bag to protect it and keep it clean too. I do keep some single use cleaning cloths in the house and my handbag in case of emergencies as well. Every now and again I will give them a thorough clean with a lens solution and microfibre cloth combination. However my go to item for cleaning daily is a microfibre cleaning cloth. 

Anyone who wears eyeglasses or sunglasses will know how important they are to clear and good sight and how expensive they can be to buy. We do not want to compromise clear vision with dirty, smudged glasses or to compromise the effectiveness with scratched damaged lenses. So it is a small but valuable consideration to have a safe, effective cleaning cloth.  

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Best Affordable Microfiber Cleaning Cloths for Eyeglasses and Screens by contributor Margaret Schindel

Reviewing Cleaning Cloths for Spectacles Or Glasses by Raintree Annie

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Reviewing Benefits Of Sun Protection Hats for Adults and Children

I always look forward to Spring and summer, It is so lovely to get some  sunshine and enjoy lovely weather, but too much or too strong sun exposure can be harmful so I look for ways to enjoy the sun safely.

One way we can protect ourselves is to wear a hat. However although we can wear any ordinary hat, if we want the best sun protection it is better to buy one with added sun protection built in to the fabric. Most are factor 50 which is excellent sun protection.

Sun safety is very important and a Sun Hat with built in sun protection can be very helpful. As summer arrives  and the temperatures rise and the Ultra violet (UV) factors also rise we should all be more aware of keeping ourselves safe in the sun.

My husband and I always wear a Sun Protection Hat now and it really makes a huge difference to how we feel when out about about in the sun, we feel much more protected and cooler.

What Are UPF Protection Sunhats?

UPF sunhats are designed with tightly woven materials and special treatments to block harmful UV rays. They are better than a standard hat in this respect and offer more protection. 

A short explanation is that we are used to hearing Sun Protection Factor SPF in sunscreens, but in clothing and sun hats you may see UPF which means Ultraviolet Protection Factor.

UPF measures the level of Ultra violet radiation the fabric permits to get through to our skin.

UPF 50 in a sun hat blocks 98% of the sun’s rays and protects us from UVA which are the ones that age us and UVB which are the ones that burn. You may still see them advertised as SPF or UPF and should look for factor 50 ideally. 

They are available in a very wide variety of styles for men, women and children. Styles include wide brimmed which are my favourite, baseball caps, bucket hats, beach hats, travel hats, stylish hats and some corded to keep them on in windy conditions. Some are plain, some pretty,  others two tone so you can have a two in one hat, some very practical, others more decorative but all offering you added sun protection.  

A range of colours are available from blues, pinks, creams, greens, black and many others so there is sure to be a colour that you like.  

 Women's Travel Beach Hat with Chin Cord - UPF 50 Sun ProtectionCheck Price

Why Do We Need A UPF/SPF Sun HAT? 

Most offer sun protection to our scalp, hair and face. If the brim is wide enough it can also give protection to our eyes, ears and neck.

Sunscreen on the face and head needs reapplying often, can cause allergic reactions and can rub off during the day. For many people it is more difficult to apply to your head and not perhaps very comfortable and may be greasy or tacky. If you can wear sunscreen on your face and neck you should. However, by wearing a Sun protection hat as well, we cover all bases by being sun safe and maybe a little cooler. Yes hats can blow off or be taken off, but as long as the person keeps the hat on, perhaps with an adjustable  chin strap, it gives all day protection. 

Some medications can make your skin very sensitive to sunlight and you may be advised to keep your skin covered while taking them. Always check with your doctor, but if advised to avoid the sun, a wide brimmed SPF sun hat may be a very useful accessory to protect you while going about your day. 

Some health conditions make exposure to the sun inadvisable. Your doctor is the best person to advise you, but if they approve wearing a wide brimmed SPF sun hat may be useful to help you go about your day more safely. 

Sun Protection hats can really help us by protecting our skin from the sun, helping to shield us from burning or damage by the suns rays and even serious cases of skin cancer on the head and neck. My friend got skin cancer on her head despite having thick hair. She never wore a hat all summer both home or abroad. After having surgery for the skin cancer, she does now. 

If you cannot wear sun screen due to allergies and still want to go out during summer, a sun hat is essential to protect your scalp, face and neck. Due to allergic reactions to sun creams and other creams and cosmetics I am unable to apply sunscreen. I have very fair sensitive skin which does not tan easily, so it is vital to me to wear a SPF sun hat at all times when the sun is out from Spring to Autumn to protect my skin. 

Many sun creams contain chemicals which not only can irritate the face, eyes and skin but the chemicals may affect marine life too. A UPF/SPF sun hat may be an option if this affects you. Also look for sunscreens kinder to you and the environment. 

There is a SPF sun hat for any occasion. Whether its gardening in your own garden yard, going for a walk, days out sightseeing, dog walking, hiking, beach days or exotic holidays. 

A UPF/SPF Sun Hat can make enjoying the heat and suns rays a little safer for everyone.

 Wallaroo Hat Company Men’s Summit Sun Hat (Stone, Large/Extra Large) – UPF 50+, Wide BrimCheck Price

Sun Hats With SPF Benefits for Teenagers And Adults

• A sunhat with added sun protection can be fashionable, sporty, practical, even stylish. You can always add a ribbon or brooch to the hat if its too plain for you or you like to individualise it. 

• If the brim is wide enough, it can protect your face against sun skin ageing and from the skin going red and sore or getting burns. 

• A sun hat may help make up look better for longer.

• AN SPF sunhat is very helpful for people with fine or thinning hair as it offers protection for the skin on the scalp, as well as the face.

• UV exposure can fade hair colour so if you colour your hair it is worth wearing a good sunhat.

• If you have short hair or neck coverage is important to you there are styles with back flaps to guard the neck. It is often a difficult place to apply sunscreen thoroughly and can feel tacky or greasy if it gets in your hair.

• An SPF sun hat is great for people who like to be active and outdoors. There are hats suitable for hiking, gardening, fishing and many sports. I always wear a Sun Protection hat while I am gardening and out walking in nature in the summer. 

• I find an SPF sunhat with a wide brim also keeps me cooler. 

 Solbari Everyday Broad Brim Sun Hat with Pocket UPF50+ Uv Protection, Sun Protective Hat for Women Beige MediumCheck Price

Benefits for Babies And Children

• Children have more delicate thinner skin and it is important to protect it from the suns rays.

• It might not be the easiest task to keep reapplying sun screen especially to a child's scalp, neck and face, although of course we should try, but a hat with a strap to keep it on may work and be a good double form of protection. 

• Children generally like to be active and a SPF Sunhat will help to protect their face, eyes, head and neck from sun damage and burning while they have fun, play or watch sport.

• If a child grows up to feel that it is normal to wear sun screen and protective hats and clothing, they will hopefully continue to wear them. It keeps their skin protected from damage now and also perhaps guard against serious skin damage and cancers later in life. 

 Coolibar UPF 50+ Baby Splashy Bucket Hat - Sun Protective (one Size- Aruba Blue)Check Price

Points To Consider In A Sun HAT

Ensure it has UPF factor fabric, ideally Factor 50.

Check the brim width is suitable for your protection needs and your activities.

Choose the colour and style

Choose the size - for this you will likely need to measure around the head above the ears then check with the size charts.

Is the Hat adjustable to your head

Especially if you travel a lot does it fold up or lie flat for packing

Is it reversible - useful for travel, or if you want to buy only one hat.

When it arrives is it comfortable for you to wear for long periods of time. 

Does it have a chin strap, a detachable one is useful to make it more versatile.

Is it washable or wipeable to keep it clean.

My favourite features in a sun hat include a wide brim to give some shade and more protection, an adjustable chin strap so that there is less likelihood it blows off in the wind and also gives me the strap to hold it with over my wrist if I don't need it on. 

I like a choice of colours and I do like a two tone reversible so I get two hats in one which is great for travel. I like when they are packable and foldable as well or at least lie flat.

There is a Sun Protection Sun Hat that will suit every person and they do make a thoughtful gift. 

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Reviewing The Benefits of Sun Protection Hats for Adults and Children by Raintree Annie

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Sea Sponges for Painting Review

One of the early painting tools that I came across, when I first started persuing painting as more than a hobby, was the sea sponge.

They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and make a variety of affects. Depending on the side of the sponge that one uses, at any specific time and place, the affect will be different.

A sea sponge can be used to paint the look of distant leaves, textures that resemble rust, and so much more.

Sea sponges can be used for more close up leaves and provide layers of varying shades of highlights. You can press them down onto wet paint for one look, and a different look if you press them onto paint that has already dried.

You can swipe them across the sky to help create wispy clouds. Or in front of waterfalls to resemble a spray and splash of water. Again, the look here will vary depending on whether you are swiping the sponge across wet or dry paint.

Just like the shapes of the sponges themselves, the creative options are endless.

For this design, I went for a tile look.

For any sea sponge that one paints with, I recommend that the sponge is first wet and squeezed out, to make the sponge more flexible, and also easier to rinse and or clean the paint out.

In between color changes is an opportune time to do a quick rinsing. At the end of a painting round, I will usually add a diluted laundry detergent. I save my almost empty laundry detergent bottles, add some water and shake it up. Then I have a quick and easy way to help clear the paint out.

However, as you can see from my sea sponges, pictured above, that all the paint doesn't necessarily always come out.

Anyway, the sea sponges are re-usable for numerous times. I still have all of my sea sponges from decades ago, however, all of any one sea sponge, may not still be present. As edges became worn and loose, it was more efficient to remove the dangling piece and just work with what was left.

I leave them out to air dry, and may drop them into a wide open container, so that they remain dry, in between uses.

One of my most recent recent ventures for using sea sponges, was using them on my Gel Press Plate. The look turned out awesome.

Speaking of the surface that one uses them on, will also affect how the look will turn out. For instance, paper is more absorbent than canvas. You can also make designs on wax paper or foil, which aren't so absorbent, and then make a press print from there. The opportunities are as endless as anyone's imagination.

Here is my tile print look printed on pet dishes in my CherylsArt store on Zazzle.

Rustic Texture Slate Painting Pet Bowls
by CherylsArt

Hope you enjoyed learning about painting with sea sponges. Happy creating.

I have purchased a variety of brands of sea sponges over the years, and do not really have a brand to recommend. You can check out a variety of options on Amazon. I just recommend getting a variety of shapes that inspire you. Here's the link. Sea Sponges for Painting

Cheryl Paton

You can read my review of the Gel Press Plate here: https://www.reviewthisreviews.com/2025/06/gel-press-plate-review.html

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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

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Reviewing Benefits And Features Of Talking Clocks

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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

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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. 

 

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Reviewing Over Fence Hanging Metal Pot Planters by Raintree Annie

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My KDP Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheryl Paton