Reviewing How A Good Torch Is A Great Safety Item

A good torch is a great practical item that makes life safer and easier. We have a really good torch we bought for blackouts, power cuts, and emergencies at home and on the road.

After a few unexpected power cuts, a power failure at home and a car breakdown, we realised how valuable a dependable, well designed torch can be for us.

Now my husband is severe sight impaired blind, I am responsible for his safety in all situations and so I feel safer and more in control now that I have a handy and powerful torch. The Fire Brigade visited us to advise and recommended we have at least one torch and we actually bought four, one for the  bedroom, the hall downstairs, the car and one I keep in my handbag.

Why We Invested in a Good Torch

Like many people, I had relied on the torch built into my phone. It is handy, but on my phone at least, is not bright enough for real emergencies and it is only one light source. After a couple of situations where we needed a stronger light, we decided it was time to buy a good dedicated torch.

Important Torch Features To Consider

• Bright enough to light up a large room and when outside so a good strong beam of light is necessary.
• Lightweight so it can be carried easily and durable
  
• Rechargeable, or easy to find batteries for convenience.
• Small enough to keep in a pocket, handbag and the car. I know from experience that I wont carry a big torch around with me. 
• Handle or loop handle to hang over the wrist, so I don't drop it and so that it is easy to handle when carrying other things or guiding my husband. 
• Equipped with multiple light modes, such as low or soft  light, bright light and flashing alert mode for emergencies so that it is versatile whatever situation we are in.
• A small compact size to fit in a pocket or handbag, you can see in the photograph below how our torch is only the similar length to a mobile phone. 

How It Helps During Power Cuts and Blackouts

Power cuts, although most disruptive during the long dark nights of winter  can and do happen at any time of year. Storms bringing down cables, electrical faults, trips, outages or even planned maintenance can leave us suddenly in the dark. Now we are so used to having electricity in our homes and light at the flick of a switch, this can become a little worrying when we are in darkness. 

A good torch makes a huge difference to us in relation to safety and security. It is very reassuring knowing we have torches that will work whenever we need light.

• We can safely move around the house without tripping up over things or having to rummage to find things in the dark. This is especially important if you have children, are a carer for someone, are older or have a disability.  
• A torch should be powerful enough to light up the stairs, hallway, and areas outside the house like the drive, garden and garage for when we need to go out after dark. 
• It gives us instant, bright light without draining our phone that may well be needed to make calls.
• It makes checking the ECU (Electrical Consumer Unit) under our stairs for tripped lights so much easier as we now have a very bright directional light. 
• A good torch with regularly checked batteries should have a good long battery life. Or even better if easily rechargeable. 
• The very bright flashing emergency mode can be used to signal for help if needed.

Car Safety

We also keep a torch in the car, and it’s been invaluable more than once. We used it to check a tyre after a pot hole encounter and trying to find something we lost in the boot where we do not have a bright light. 

There is the comfort of knowing that if we break down, we have a good torch and so a light source which is always comforting in the dark.

The emergency flashing mode is especially useful if we ever need to alert that we have broken down and it is reassuring to have it. It is good to be visible on a dark road. I also feel better knowing that, although I have my mobile phone to call for help, if I need to wait in the dark, I have a source of light and if there are occasions I cannot get a phone signal I could use it to signal for help. 

More General Uses For A Torch 

• Walking the dog at dusk or even letting the dog out for the final toilet in the garden. We looked after a dog once who was afraid of the dark and we needed to use a torch so he would go toilet! 
• Checking the garden or shed is locked after dark.
• Going out after dark to seek out caterpillars or snails on my plants (I don't kill them but I do move them to other less important plants !) 
• Taking the bins out after dark, I always forget to do it in the daylight especially in winter! 
• Night time safety when travelling whether its in the car or on public transport.
• Walking back to car parks when its dusk or dark. I especially prefer to have a light source with me when doing this. 
• Keys in the door when returning home in the dark. 
• Power cuts or outages at home or work
• Camping in the countryside or simply outdoor evenings in the garden.

Here are some torch options available at Amazon 

 NEXTORCH E51D Rechargeable Flashlight High Lumen, 2100 Lumen Tactical Flashlight with 3 Mode & StrobeCheck Price Small Powerful Flashlight Rechargeable High Lumens 3Packs-800L Pocket Bright Flash Light with 12H Long LifeCheck Price Lepro LED Mini Flashlight High Lumens with Clip, Waterproof, Energy Saving, Portable, AA BatteriesCheck Price

Peace Of Mind With A Torch

A simple torch has brought us peace of mind. It’s not the most exciting item to buy, but it is very practical, reliable, and extremely useful. I would also buy it as a gift.  

I keep a torch in my handbag, the car, our bedroom and hung in the hallway. It’s one of those items that gives me peace of mind wherever I am and it makes my husband and I feel much better prepared for those unexpected, yet very possible events that happen.

As I say bye for a while, it has been a pleasure writing here. Thank you for reading my articles and being a part of my journey. I truly appreciate it. Raintree Annie xxx 

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Reviewing How Coconut Oil Helps My Sensitive Skin

 

For most of my life, I had used standard skincare brands to look after my face and body. That changed quickly when I developed a sudden severe allergic reaction to a suncream i had used for years and it turned out i was allergic to several common skincare chemicals. My skin blistered, burned and itched, it was agony. It also took ages to be diagnosed. 

My allergic reaction was eventually diagnosed as contact dermatitis triggered by perfumes, balsam of Peru, and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone. These ingredients can be found in  many skincare and everyday household products so i have to be very careful.

Once diagnosed I had to immediately stop using any products that contained these ingredients. In the short term i was given steroid cream and Dr prescribed creams to use along with a directive to cease using pretty much all the products i had been used to using. 

I realised that i would no longer be able to use my moisturisers, shampoos, make up, or really most of my products. In addition because i was also allergic to them on other people if there was any skin contact, my husband was advised to not use his usual skincare products. I was left wondering what I was going to use...

After a lot of research, writing to companies, checking ingredients and frustration, I discovered something very simple, that I could use which was  pure organic coconut oil. The cold pressed, unrefined, food grade oils turned out to be gentle and effective for my skin. I would like to share how it helped me and its uses. 

I must stress that I am not a healthcare professional and If you have skin conditions or allergies, it’s always wise and recommended to discuss with a healthcare professional first.

Choosing Coconut Oil

Coconut oil varies a lot in quality. For sensitive, allergic skin the safest approach is to choose the simplest form. I find with sensitive skin the less ingredients is often the better.  It is generally better to go for organic, cold pressed, unrefined ,non deodorised and food grade coconut oil.

Some coconut oils have a strong coconut scent, others are very mild. Although i do like the scent of coconut oil, i prefer the milder versions on my skin.

Coconut Oil As A Body Moisturiser

For months I had to use only Dr prescribed creams and lotions on my skin. As time went on and with  approval from my Doctor I was able to try coconut oil. 

My skin was so sore and delicate. It took a little while but my skin became softer and more supple, more hydrated and smoother. It is rich in fatty acids and Lauric acid  can help support the skin barrier and the oil helps lock moisture into the skin. 

You do not need much and I learned that warming it between  hands turns the solid white oil block into a silky liquid. You can see in the photo below how the solid white block is turning into a colourless liquid and this took literally a few seconds.

Tips For Using Coconut Oil

• Start with a tiny amount in your hands and warm it first. You can always add more but if you get too much to start with it can be far too much and hard to get rid of! 
• Let it sink in for about 10 minutes before getting dressed. If you don't do this the oil will transfer to clothing. Rather than rubbing it off with a towel, it is better to gently pat it with a towel if you need to get dressed and it still hasn't sunk in.  
• I like to apply it at night after a bath or shower and then let it sink in and then wear Pjs. 
• At first when my skin was very dry and sore i used it every night. Now, several years on my skin is so much better i use it every few days  and if i use it too much my skin can get a bit too oily, so it will be a personal preference. 
• I do also use it in specific areas if they feel too dry like elbows, knees, and heels. It is nice to apply to feet and then wear  a lovely soft sock over. That to me feels indulgent. I wouldn't recommend walking around in bare feet after applying as it is far too slipperly! 
• Used like this my skin is nicely moisturised and i get no irritation or soreness. Personally  i only use on my body as it is a little too much for my face, but if you have dry skin everywhere it may work for you  on your face as well, but do keep away from your eyes. 

Coconut Oil For Haircare

Coconut oil can also be a lovely hair treatment. I have very fine hair, so I use it only once a month or even less, as a deep conditioner. If i use it more often it just makes my hair too oily and flat.  My husband, who has coarser, short, dry hair, can use it about once a week.

To use warm a tiny amount in your hands, smooth it through the hair, leave it for several hours or overnight, then wash out.

You may well want to wear a hair covering if you leave it in overnight to protect pillows from becoming too oily. It leaves hair shiny, nourished, and healthy looking.

Shaving With Coconut Oil

It is surprisingly good for shaving underarms and legs. I became unable to use any waxing or creams as my skin was too sore and some of the chemicals were irritating to me. My husband also had to stop using commercial shaving creams because of my allergies so he uses it for shaving his beard.

Coconut oil turned out to be really good for shaving purposes as it goes on very easily and leaves the skin feeling soft and well moisturised. It is also less expensive than most shaving creams and lotions. 

However a warning note be very careful using it in the bath or shower as it can make those surfaces very slippery and oily and difficult to clean. So i would suggest using it outside of the bath or shower for safety. 

Coconut Oil For Hands, Nails and Cuticles.

I love it for my hands especially after gardening and decorating It is very good for dry hands. Just make sure that you can rest and allow it to sink in for a while before you need to do anything. I also use it on my nails and cuticles to condition them.  

Important Patch Testing

Even natural products can cause reactions to some peoples skin, so before using any new products it is advisable to do a patch test. A simple patch test at home can help you stay safe. This is something i do with all new products now. 

• Test only one new product at a time on clean dry skin.
• Start by applying a tiny amount to a small area of skin that you can monitor easily , for example your wrist and then wash it off immediately.
• Watch for any reaction, if there is anything including a rash, soreness, spots, swelling or any reaction you do not like do not use the product again. Wash thoroughly with a gentle known product.
• If there is no reaction that time then on another day apply the product again and leave for a little longer. Again watch for reactions , if none wash off again. Try the following day and  gradually increase the time  the product is on the skin.
• Stop immediately if you notice spots, redness, blisters, itching, or swelling.
• Consult a healthcare professional if you get a reaction.

**Professional patch testing gives more accurate and detailed results and is more involved.

**If you are currently experiencing any skin issues it is best to consult a Dr before trying to change products without knowing exactly what you are allergic to.

**Consult a healthcare professional if you are at all unsure if a product is safe for you.  

So Coconut oil became a key part of my skincare. I never expected to find it so useful, neither did my husband but now we both really like it. With my very sensitive, allergic skin it, along with a few other products has become a core part of my skincare routine. 

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Reviewing How Coconut Oil Helps My Sensitive Skin by Raintree Annie

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Jumbo High Corner Cat Litter Box Review

We currently only have one cat, but we got her a jumbo litter box anyway. There are several pros to this choice.

First, it keeps more litter in the box. The cat only digs litter out onto the floor if she happens to be facing away from that particular direction. So my floors stay cleaner.

Second, our cat likes the extra space to turn around in the box, and to text out multiple dig areas. She seems much happier with this litter box.

Third, with the larger litter box, scooping once a day for one cat is plenty.

I chose this particular box because it doesn't come with a lid. Years ago we had a high side one with a lid, and one of our cats at that time, peed just high enough to have it go in between the lower box and the lid. It was not fun trying various options to keep it contained and cleaned up.

This particular litter box is plenty high enough on the sides to keep any higher sprays contained in the box.

The entrance is midway through the front side, making it easy to enter and exit if need be. She also steps up onto the edge of the higher sides, and that works too. But with this, she has a choice.

I preferred the corner box as compared to the rectangle box. The corner box is still spacious, and takes up a little less room than the rectangle box. I also prefer the entrance/exit location on the corner box.

This box also is smooth on the inside and is easy to wipe down.

So Phresh Jumbo Litter Box. Check price on Amazon.

Please share with any other cat parents that you know. Thanks.

Cheryl Paton

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Review of Renewed iPhones on Amazon

 

Renewed electronics on Amazon are a great way to get really good products at a reduced price. I have found that they offer a cost-effective way to own Apple products and they come with a warranty.  I have gotten my last three iPhones on Amazon using the renewed program and have been very satisfied.  The phones have been just like new and the process to get them and to trade in your old phones is great.

Key Features of Amazon Renewed iPhones

• Choose from service provider or unlocked
• Great selection of all models of iPhones--some as low as $315.00
• Choose memory size
• Choose condition- choices include Excellent, Good, and Acceptable and range from no cosmetic damage to lightly visible scratches.  All have battery life of greater than 80%
• Trade In of your old phone is available- you enter information on your old phone and they will give you an estimated trade in value.  If you choose to go with the trade in they send you a free shipping label.
• All come with accessories equivalent to those that were originally shipped in the box when they were new.
• Free Returns- 90 day refund/replacement

Here is a link to Amazon's Renewed iPhones Renewed iPhones

Amazon Renewed Store

In addition to the iPhones the Amazon Renewed Store carries a variety of expertly refurbished products at great prices.  Here are the categories I found on the Renewed page on Amazon.

• Cell Phones and Accessories
• Computers and Accessories
• Video Games
• Office Supplies

Here is a link to the Amazon Renewed Store Amazon Renewed Store

Buying a renewed phone or other electronic product is not only a great way to save money, but you are helping the environment at the same time.  I have been so pleased with the phones that we have purchased in this way.  Everything has always gone as smooth as can be and I love my new (renewed) iphone 14Pro Max!

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Reviewing The Benefits of Exercise Bands

 

We recently bought these Resistance Exercise Bands with five levels of resistance. We do have a few exercise  items such as a Pilates reformer, Body blade and Rebounder and we love them all. However we wanted something quick, affordable, very light and portable to take away with us so we can still do some beneficial exercise.

Exercise bands look so simple, like oversized elastic bands.  They are in fact thick stretchy bands of different colours which correlate to the different strengths. They work using your own bodyweight to stretch the bands in a controlled way to provide muscle resistance. 

These bands are available in different levels of resistance depending on which brand you buy, ours come in five levels , others may have three. They usually start at a light level and move up through medium bands to strong or heavy. 

 If you are new to any exercise or starting again after a period of rest or illness or you just want something quick to do these are very simple to use and versatile. The main driver for me is that I have suffered an ankle injury and so many of the exercises I am used to doing are a bit problematic for me right now. So in order to keep my body active while I heal, we decided on these exercise bands.

 I would suggest that you consult your doctor or physiotherapist if you have any conditions, allergies to materials (such as latex), illness or injury before you start and use the easiest, most gentle band first. 

 

Requirements For Using Resistance Bands.

The only room you need to store these resistance bands is to keep a few lightweight bands in a small bag. 

The only room you need to use them is the size of your own body plus room to stretch out a little. Stretchy exercise bands make exercise when there is little room easy.

You can use in any room in the house or even in the garden or on holiday! They’re perfect for exercise at home and they are amongst some of the most inexpensive exercise equipment available. 

You don't need any special clothing, just something you can move in. You can use them sitting, standing or lying down depending on the exercise and your ability.

They are very quiet to use so suitable if you don't like noise, have a baby in the house or someone who needs peace and quiet. You can even use them while watching Tv or listening to music.

No travel required! You do not need to travel to a gym and can use them just when you have a few minutes or to incorporate into a whole exercise routine. 

For fitness we can use them on their own or alongside other exercise like pilates, yoga, weights, and cardio exercise.

Resistance Levels

The resistance on these bands increases as you stretch the band so the muscle works though the entire stretch and importantly at your pace. 

They are usually graded from light to heavy or strong and we should start with light and move up as we feel it is suitable. 

We can use these bands to strengthen arms, legs, back and shoulders and the core also gets a workout which is good for the whole body. 

Use the resistance that suits you, whatever stage of fitness or recovery you are at currently. Start on the lightest band if you are unsure or new to exercise or injured. 

Resistance Bands Are Gentle On Joints

The resistance bands resistance is due to the stretch on the band itself, there is no reliance on gravity like weights. So we can make the movements smoother and gentle and to our tolerance which is kinder to our joints. 

Although there are exercises you can do lying down in the floor, if that is difficult then we can just do the seated or standing exercises. It is still good effective exercise and very valuable. 

This makes them helpful for anyone recovering from injury with Dr or physio permission, people unused to exercise,  older adults and anyone who may have stiffness.

Exercise Bands May Help Improve Balance And Stability

This becomes increasingly important as we age. Many band exercises involve slow, controlled movements. This helps strengthen the smaller stabilising muscles that keep us balanced and steady. 

With consistent use this can help to improve our balance which is the key to avoiding falls and posture which is crucial for stability and overall body health. 

They help with coordination and general confidence and the feel good factor.

As my ankle has been hurting I first started with the arm exercises simply holding the band between my hands and above my head and moving them gently apart and together. I tend to do 3 sets of 10 -15 reps. I thought this was easy and that I wouldn't feel the benefit, but I did! 

A later one I tried was slipping the band under both feet sitting down and with one hand gently stretching the band towards me up to knee level or higher. It was a surprisingly really good strengthening exercise for my arms. 

So while I am currently concentrating on my upper body while my ankle heals and doing the specialised physio exercises for that, my husband is concentrating on exercises to improve balance. An example is the one where you put the band around your ankles and gently move one foot to the other side while keeping the other foot stationary. 

Resistance Bands Suit Every Fitness Level

If you are a complete beginner to exercise the bands are easy to use and you can begin with very gentle stretches on the lowest band strength.

 If you are used to exercise these bands can be used for strength training with the heavier band stretches. You can also use them to improve control and flexibility. 

Resistance Bands Make Exercise Feel Accessible And Achievable

Many of us have great ideas and good intentions for exercising but sometimes it seems intimidating, especially if we are unfit  or injured, time poor or new to exercise. 

If we need to travel or make arrangements for child or carer care it can start to feel like a chore.

These bands have allowed me to continue doing some exercise without stressing my ankle or travelling out in the freezing cold weather, which is a huge emotional and physical benefit to me.

There are exercises you can do sitting or standing or lying down and  different levels of resistance, so whatever our tolerance for activity there are exercises most of us can do with these bands. 

Complicated set ups or having to travel to exercise can be a barrier to many of us.  However these bands are easy with no complex instructions and we can pick them up for a few minutes at a time so great for people who are time poor. Even five to ten minutes with these bands makes you feel like you have done something good for your body and that is encouraging and motivating. 

I often pick them up to do a few exercises just when i have a few minutes or even while watching TV or listening to music. I don't need to change clothes if I don't want to in order to do many of the exercises. I don't need 30 or 60 minutes to exercise, just 5 mins here and there if that is all I have available.  

These exercise bands are so small and easy to carry they are perfect for taking away on holiday, business trips or visiting family and friends so we can keep up with some exercise even if away from home. 

Financially these resistance exercise bands are amongst the most affordable pieces of exercise equipment. 

I find I need that now, to do a little exercise every day. You could even just take one single band with you  and that would be enough to give you a good exercise routine for a while.

 Here are a selection to choose from.

 Exercise bands Fit SimplifyCheck Price Professional resistance bandsCheck Price Tribe resistance bandsCheck Price

Exercise and caring for our body ought to be easy and accessible. These Exercise bands show that improving our fitness doesn’t have to mean complicated routines or machinery or huge financial commitment.

I love our other exercise machines and would not be without them for all manner of reasons, but they were more expensive and some needed more set up time and room to store and use.

If you are looking to improve your balance and strength in a easy way with something that takes up little room and is quiet and effective, these resistance bands may be what you need.

More Reviews

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The Benefits Of Rebounder For Health And Fitness Reviewed

The Benefits Of Bodyblade For Health And Fitness Reviewed

Reviewing The Benefits of Exercise Bands By Raintree Annie

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Reviewing The Benefits Of Shoe Protector Bags

 

Like many people we have a number of different shoes. Some we use very often, some are more seasonal like boots and sandals and some we rarely use such as occasion or wedding wear.

When we do a deep clean of our home, we also clean and clear out our shoe storage. This is when I realised how many of our shoes, especially the ones we don't use all the time, were looking a bit dusty despite being cleaned before they were put away. Also one or two had slight scuffs where they had been packed too close together.

Altogether it all just looked a bit messy and disorganised. Now messy storage always makes me feel a bit unsettled and shoes are expensive, so worth looking after. So I looked into shoe protective covers.  

Shoe protector covers or bags are specially designed covers used to shield shoes from dust, moisture, scratches, and other damage, basically a protective barrier. 

They can be made of several different materials such as cotton, non-woven fabric, nylon, plastic, silk, flannel, satin or polyester. 

These Are The Key Benefits Of Shoe Protector Bags

Protection from Dust. Especially for shoes which are stored for a longer term without wearing. This keeps shoes clean and protected for your next wear.

Water resistant. You can buy shoe protector bags that help protect against high humidity and moisture damage. These are also very good for when travelling. 

From a weekend away to a holiday, we usually pack at least a spare pair of shoes or sandals. Packing them in a separate bag keeps the shoes clean. Especially once they have been worn, keeping them separate from your clothes or other luggage.

Protection from Scratches. When you have shoes that may be more delicate, or have cherished memories like your wedding shoes, or for those that have pearls or other adornments it is important to keep them undamaged from being with other shoes or any other items in the same cupboard. 

Storage. Protective bags keeps shoes you don't wear very often or special shoes free from dust and dirt in wardrobes, shoe closets or if storing under beds.

Gym goers and sports players can carry sports shoes or swimming pool sandals separate from everything else. 

Commuters who want to wear a comfy pair of shoes on the commute to work maybe on public transport, but a smart pair for the office, can easily carry the spare pair cleanly and safely in these bags. 

Bags that close around the shoes via a drawstring or a zip help prevent spiders and anything else crawling in to less used shoes ! 

Choice of Material For Shoe Protector Bags.

Which fabric you choose may depend on the reason you would like them for your shoes. In most households a combination of different fabrics work well. 

The choices are usually from a non woven fabric lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for most footwear. Plastic, Nylon or polyester are generally more water resistant making them great for travel, sports  and long term storage.

Then there are Cotton or Flannel even Silk and Satin choices which are softer and gentler for delicate shoes or those with fabrics or embellishments. 

Prices vary from very inexpensive to a higher cost mainly dependant on the materials and size required. 

It is important to make sure that any fabric bags are washable.

Many come with drawstrings and some come with zippers or fold over style. There is a decent choice of colours and some have beautiful patterns. This makes it easier to choose say a different colour shoe bag for each family member or choose colour or pattern dependant on type of shoe. 

Overall I feel there is a good choice for our needs. Here is a small selection to give you an idea. 

 Bee Green Shoe Organizer With ZipsCheck Price Waterproof Drawstring Shoe Bags For Packing, Storage And TravelCheck Price Cotton Rich Shoe Storage BagCheck Price Plus sized Shoe Bag For Gym, travel, odour resistantCheck Price

Linked Text
Bee Green Shoe Organizer With Zips

Waterproof Drawstring Shoe Bags For Packing, Storage And Travel 

Cotton Rich Shoe Storage Bag 

Plus sized Shoe Bag For Gym, travel, odour resistant. 

I love now how our shoes all look protected and more organised in their respective shoe protector bags. It makes the shoe cupboard look more together somehow and that feels good.

For most shoes I can fit both pairs into one shoe bag. However if the shoes are larger or a chunky boot for example I simply use one shoe bag per boot. 

Also the shoes that I wear more often and keep at the bottom of my wardrobe are much more protected from dust and any damage. 

As long as shoes, sandals and boots are put away clean, I can just get them out and wear without having to think about cleaning them first or wondering what condition they are in. I now have a selection I can use for travelling and storage.

For footwear we don't wear often, I am secure in the knowledge that they are protected from dust, damage and moisture.

In addition I am finding a wide variety of other items that  will fit into these shoe bags and I can use them to keep other things dust free!

So for a small cost outlay for the shoe protector bags, there are so many long term benefits for your footwear and other items and the joy of a clean, protected, more organised shoe cupboard!

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Reviewing The Benefits Of Shoe Protector Bags By Raintree Annie

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Summer 2025 ~ My Favorite Kitchen Gadget Reviewed

Okay, okay,  I have more than one favorite item in the kitchen, but for purposes of this review I'm sticking my neck out and picking my go-to item.

Now, just to be certain, coffee makers are not included here because that is my all time favorite kitchen gadget all year around.  Without my "rocket fuel" also known as coffee, this person would not be able to function.  Maybe that's because of my Brazilian roots, who knows for sure?

So back to the most favorite kitchen gadget for 2025 and beyond!  I'll fill you in on all the reasons why this great item made the top of my list. 

The WINNER in my books has got to be the INSTAPOT!

Did you guess this or is it a surprise?  There could have been many different items here, but this one tops my list.  The reasons are simple.

1. Even when it's hotter than Hades outside, you don't need to spend hours in a hot kitchen preparing something for dinner.
2. This past summer with temperatures up around 80+ and feeling like 100, you can still make dinner without melting right along with the butter.
3. It takes up little counter space when in use.
4. It's easy to clean up, one pot does it all!
5. It's great for chicken, pork. beef and just about anything else you want to make.
6. It's not just for dinner (although with us, that is it's major use)
7. There are recipes galore for you to try out.

The only thing I would not do in the Instapot is a great steak ( T-bone, porterhouse, sirloin, those IMHO should remain a staple for the grill).   

This particular Instapot can easily make dinner for one, two or more people.  Or you can make enough for two days, especially when the weather is super warm. If you have a small family you could get the 3 quart size and if you have a larger family there is even an 8 quart sized Instapot.  We have a 6 quart sized one and find that it is perfect even though there are only two of us in the household. It also seems that this is the favorite size as it is an Amazon Choice product.

So here are some of the features according to the Product Description.

1. It has 7 different functions, you can pressure cook, slow cook, saute, steam, ,make rice, yogurt or simple keep your meals warm. (all in the same pot, but not all at once)
2. Customizable programs, you can make everything from soup to desserts.
3. Safe and easy steam release 
4. Cooks up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
5. Pro-Grade cooking pot: stainless steel with a tri-ply bottom
6. Family sized capacity: the 6 quart is perfect for 6 servings and batch cooking
7. Quick Clean UP.  The lid and inner pot are dishwasher safe.

Now the added bonus that you don't hear about too often, is that it uses so much less energy than stove top cooking. 

Cleaning the Instapot is easy too, the face of the pot just needs a wipe down after use with warm soapy water.  Rinse and it's done!

So there you have it folks.  All my reasons why this has become my favorite Kitchen Gadget for 2025 and beyond!  

Of course my Coffee Maker will remain in top spot for beverages, but the Instapot is #1 for everything else!

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Raising Cane's - Restaurant Review

A few years ago, I moved to Kansas City to be near my family. One day, my daughter-in-law was at work with the only family car when she contacted my son that the car would not start. He called me and I picked him up so we could go ‘rescue’ her, jumpstart the car with my jumper cables, then get them to an auto supply store for a new battery.  On the way, my son suddenly announced that it looked like it was a “raising cain” day! 

When I did not respond; only staring at him perplexed, he asked if I heard what he said. I answered, yes, but I didn’t understand what he was talking about. 

Turns out, since it was going to be past dinnertime by the time we were done, thus making it too late to begin fixing dinner, they would stop to pick up take-out.  Being new to Kansas City, I had never heard of the place he was talking about ~ Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Restaurant! :) 

History of the Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Restaurants

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers restaurant (also known as Raising Cane’s or, simply, Cane’s) is a fast casual food chain specializing in chicken fingers. It was founded in 1996 by Todd Graves and Craig Silvey. Their first restaurant opened in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

The restaurant chain was named after Todd Graves’ yellow labrador retriever, who is the company’s mascot! :) 

The Raising Cane’s menu is very simple, consisting of really delicious chicken fingers, french fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, Cane’s Sauce and soft drinks. Today, this restaurant chain is considered to be the third largest chicken restaurant chain and has over 900 locations, both throughout the United States and internationally. 

Summary

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers has become one of my favorite ‘go-to’ places to eat and I highly recommend it if you are a fan of chicken fingers. The menu may be very limited (by design), but they do it VERY WELL. 

It had already been a favorite for my son and his family. Interestingly, this Spring one of my grandsons celebrated his 16th birthday and by June he had begun his very first summer job. Where else would the job be but at ‘Raising Cane’s.’ 🙂

*Raising Cane’s Restaurant Review written by Wednesday Elf

+Image sources: Wikipedia

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Chicken Finger Dipping Sauce, Dupe for Famous Canes Sauce, Pack of 2

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