How I Treat Demodex Mites and Blepharitis with My Favorite Tea Tree Wipes

 

I Had No Idea Eyelash Mites Were a Thing...

If someone had told me that I had tiny mites living in my eyelashes, I would've laughed—until last year when I woke up with a chalazion. If you've never had one, it's a bump on the eyelid that can form from chronic blepharitis. It's not fun.

So, off to the eye doctor I went. After examining my eye, she explained that my issue might be linked to Demodex mites—yep, eyelash mites. Just hearing the word gave me the heebie-jeebies. 

She told me that many people have them, and they can contribute to ongoing eye irritation, chalazions, and styes. In fact, Studies show that about 50% of people have them by age 20, and nearly 100% by age 60.

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The Eye Doctor's Advice That Changed Everything

As part of the treatment, my doctor prescribed me some drops and also advised me to use tea tree wipes to clean my eyelid and eyelash area daily. I had never heard of such a thing, but I was desperate to get rid of that bump—and even more desperate to make sure it never came back.

So, I took her advice and bought a box of tea tree wipes. And let me tell you—they worked.

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How I Used the Wipes (And Still Do!)

Each night, I carefully cleaned along my eyelash line with a wipe. She instructed me to apply the product directly under the bump and gently over the eyelid, but emphasized that the lash line was the most important area. I did this religiously for about a month.

Even after the chalazion cleared up, I kept using them. Why? Because I didn't want to go through that again. They became part of my nightly routine. It just made sense—keep your eyelash area clean and reduce the chance of mites or debris building up again.

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When I Stopped Using Them… I Paid the Price

Earlier this year, I got lazy and stopped using the wipes. Not long after, a small sty popped up—right along my eyelid margin. It wasn't big, but it was annoying and uncomfortable. I immediately regretted ditching my routine. I went online and ordered my go-to tea tree wipes again.

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My Go-To: NOVEHA Tea Tree Eyelid & Lash Wipes

I've tried a couple of brands, but NOVEHA is hands-down my favorite. They're:

• Individually wrapped, making them perfect for travel or bedside use.

• Loaded with soothing ingredients like green tea, chamomile, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and of course tea tree oil.

• Great for multiple uses—I even use them when I forget to remove makeup or just need a quick eye refresh.

They're gentle on my skin, don't sting, and leave my eyes feeling clean and moisturized. Yes, they're pricey, but worth every single penny.

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What These Tea Tree Wipes Do

Let me quickly summarize what I love about the NOVEHA tea tree wipes, in plain language:

• Clean and refresh the lash line and eyelids

• Help reduce inflammation and irritation

• Remove dirt, oils, and debris that mites and bacteria love

• Help with conditions like blepharitis, Demodex mites, styes, and dry, itchy eyes

• Safe enough to use daily—even great at removing light makeup

• No preservatives, non-irritating, and recommended by eye doctors

The fact that they come individually wrapped means I can throw a few in my purse or keep them on my nightstand for those lazy nights.

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Final Thought

Dealing with eyelid irritation, chalazions, or styes can be frustrating and uncomfortable. I had no idea that Demodex mites even existed until my doctor opened my eyes—literally—to what was really going on.

These wipes have made a big difference for me. I use them as part of my prevention routine now, and anytime I feel a little irritation, I grab one right away. If you've been struggling with blepharitis or other eyelid issues and haven't tried tea tree wipes yet, I highly recommend giving them a shot.

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Quick Reminder

Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor—just someone who has personally experienced this and found something that works. Always talk to your eye care professional before starting any new treatments or routines.

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Cozy Mystery Review-Murder on Cape Cod

 

                                       Cape Cod Lighthouse Photo by Mary Beth Granger       

I love a good cozy mystery and the latest one I have read was delightful.  It is part of the "Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery" and was written by Maddie Day.  The author has a wonderful way of bringing the characters to life on the pages of the book.  This book was book one of the series and in it we are introduced to Mackenzie Almelda (Mac to her friends).   Mac had spent time after college traveling the world and has decided to come back to her home town, a small village on Cape Cod, to settle in and make a life for herself.  She opens a bicycle repair and rental shop, which is popular with all the tourists that visit the area.  In this first book we meet some of the other shop owners who are also members of her cozy mystery book club.

Book Summary

In  this charming town on Cape Cod, Mackenzie "Mac" Almeida stumbles upon a dead body while walking home from a book club meeting in the dense fog.  The victim is a local character, Jake who has been stabbed and the police investigation begins.

Despite warning from the police to stay out of it, Mac and her book club friends decide that the police need help determining the suspect and they start snooping around for clues.  As Mac digs deeper she fears that her brother Derrick will become a suspect.  She does more snooping and one evening comes home to a note in her door threatning her to stay out of it.

With the help of her quirky friends and loved ones, Mac navigates the web of complex relationships and secrets in the small town to uncover the truth behind Jake's murder.

The Book on Amazon

Here is a link to the book on Amazon  Murder on Cape Cod

More Cozy Mystery Reviews on Review This

Here are some other cozy mysteries reviewed by the Review This Staff.

Fear in First Gear

Tea by Sea

Irish Village Mystery Series

Mrs Fix it Mystery Series

Review of Cozy Mystery Genre

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Spiced Tea and Honey Nut Bread - The Perfect Snack

If you read the post I made on March 25, 2025, for Old Fashioned Rice Pudding, I explained about a very old recipe book that I had found in my mother's things after she passed.  To call it a book, is being kind, as it was just a collection of hand typed (on a manual typewriter!) recipes folded in the middle and stapled together.  No front or back cover, no information of where it came from.  The pages are so ancient they are dark tan in color.  

Anyway, the recipes in this old gem are from a time before I was cooking.  Some of them are recipes for foods I have never heard of like Strawberry Fool or Fruitinays.  I love reading through the pages and some times I find a recipe that I want to try.  This is how I came across the recipes for the perfect afternoon snack:  Spiced Tea and Honey Nut Bread.

This first time I made the bread, I found it delicious, but it seemed to be lacking something to go with it.  I tried coffee, but it didn't fit, I tried iced tea and it was completely not a match.  I was stumped.  So I went back to the recipe book and looked under "Drinks."  When I saw the spiced tea recipe, I knew I had hit the jackpot.  Cinnamon and fruit juices sounded like a great combination!  I got up and made some right then and there.  It was exquisite!  The flavors blended together perfectly and they were just right with the honey nut bread.  It really is the perfect snack!

Spiced Tea

Ingredients

Juice of one lemon

Juice of two oranges

2 Plain teabags (more if you like it stronger)

1 teaspoon all spice

1/4 teaspoon cloves (optional, if you like clove flavor)

1 and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 and 1/2 cups sugar

6 cups water

Instructions

1. Put spices in a small bag
2. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add the bag of spices.
3. Boil for 10 minutes and remove the spice bag and turn off the stove.
4. Add teabags to the spiced water and steep for 10 minutes.  Remove teabags.
5. Boil the remaining 2 cups of water and add sugar. Stir until sugar melts.
6. Pour the sweetened water into the tea and stir until mixed.
7. Add the fruit juices and mix well.

If you want it drink your tea cold, chill the mixture in the refrigerator and serve over ice.  If you are like me and prefer it hot, place it back on the stove and boil.  I put mine in a carafe so it stays hot to enjoy with our next recipe:  Honey Nut Bread.

Honey Nut Bread

Ingredients

1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts (whichever type you like)

1 cup flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1/2 cup of honey

1/2 cup of milk

2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Sift dry ingredients and stir in nuts.
3. In a bowl beat the egg and add honey, milk and melted butter and mix.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until the ingredients are  moistened and mixed.
5. Grease a bread pan and pour in the mixture.
6. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.

Honey nut bread is also great with toppings like:

Apple Butter

Fruit Jam

Honey Butter 

Flavored Cream Cheese (like strawberry)

Lemon Sauce

I have even made French Toast with honey nut bread.  I trade in the syrup for some hot honey and it is really delicious.

I really love this old cookbook, it has so many unusual recipes in it and it also has a 'Hints and Tips' section that is pretty funny.  Maybe I will share some tips in my next post, I think you all would find it pretty entertaining!

Enjoy your snack!

  

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Reviewing Vicks VapoShower

A few years ago I came across how to make shower steamers and I thought that sounds interesting, down a rabbit hole I went looking at shower steamers and imagining creating a lovely spa experience in my own bathroom with some - I just had to decide which ones.

Vicks VapoShower Shower Tablets

Imagine my surprise a few weeks later when I had a bad cold so my husband did a grocery shop and came home asking me if I had ever seen these tablet things that you put in a shower, I was so excited to see what he'd got me. I'm not going to lie when he showed me the box of Vicks VapoShower that he'd got I wasn't overly impressed as I had been thinking citrus or floral scents!

His heart was in the right place though as a Vicks VapoShower with it's Eucalyptus, Menthol and Camphor scents was certainly a good idea to clear my sinuses. Now I think it's important to talk about Vicks and both mine and my husband's history with the brand before I review the shower steamers. I'll also let you know how easy they are to use.

My husband used to always have Vicks VapoRub on his chest when he was younger and feeling sick and he loved it, I remember when we hadn't been married long and he had a bit of a cold he came to bed with some on his chest - I couldn't sleep with the smell as I found it way too strong. I have never been able to use the Chest Rub however I did used to use the Vicks nasal inhaler both when I was blocked up and also when I was flying. Vicks is actually really good, I just can't handle the smell for too long.

When it comes to using these Shower Tablets (aka shower steamers), once you open the box you'll see all of the tablets individually wrapped. Simply cut off the top of the plastic wrapping and push the tablet out onto the floor of the shower (I choose to do this without touching them, personal preference). Once you turn the shower on the tablet with start to dissolve from the heat of the water and the fragrance will be released.

So let's get back to reviewing the Vicks VapoShower tablets. The first time I tried them I got in the shower and couldn't smell anything, by the end of my shower I could smell it faintly and I found that it had definitely helped to clear my sinuses. A big yes from me, until my second time of using these.

My second time of using Vicks VapoShower tablets I had a bad cold/flu, but it was more chest congestion and a bad cough - my sinuses weren't too bad. When I stepped in the shower I could smell the Vicks straightaway, I did cough a lot during my shower and it helped to break up the phlegm, but the smell was too overwhelming for me personally and I felt quite sick by the time my shower had finished. Did the Vicks help with breaking up the phlegm as I coughed or would that have happened with a hot shower alone? I don't know.

In conclusion, for me I only use the Vicks VapoShower if I have very blocked sinuses and for this it works really well.

Let's now talk about my husband - he loves Vicks VapoShower and does not find the smell overwhelming at all. If he has a cold or is feeling a little sniffly he will use one whether he's congested in his chest or sinuses and he swears it helps.

I would definitely recommend them for anyone who finds Vicks VaporRub helpful. If you generally find Vicks VaporRub a little too over stimulating then try a Eucalyptus & Lavender or Tea Tree & Lemon shower steamer as they will still help but the smell won't be quite as over powering.

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Clevr Blends Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte: Delightful Hot or Cold

I’ve never been a big fan of matcha. The distinctive grassy flavor reminds me a little too much of freshly mown lawn clippings. So, when I tried Clevr Blends’ Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte after it was highly recommended by a friend, it was more out of curiosity than optimistic expectation. But this blend surprised me—in the best way.

Smooth, subtly nutty, and lightly sweet, it’s easily the most enjoyable matcha I’ve tried. In fact, I liked it so much I’ve started keeping a pouch on hand for both cozy mornings and refreshing cold pick-me-ups.

Here’s my honest review, including how I like to prepare it as both hot and iced matcha lattes.

A Delicious, Indulgent-Tasting Treat

The taste of this matcha latte is surprisingly delicious. The matcha is smooth and mellow, not grassy or bitter. The honey and pistachio notes shine through, adding warmth and a slightly nutty sweetness. The added honey and milk make it even more comforting and balanced. It feels like an indulgent treat. The added superfoods and antioxidants are a bonus!

The iced version is light, smooth, and refreshing, with just the right amount of sweetness. The pistachio flavor seems to come forward more when iced, which I love, and the honey note lingers without being too sweet. It’s the kind of drink I could sip all summer long: satisfying but not heavy.

The bright green color was a bit startling at first, but it's much prettier in person than on the screen!

The Superfoods Bonus

The Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte from Clevr Blends isn’t your typical matcha drink. It’s a creamy, plant-based latte mix that blends:

• Organic Japanese matcha (ceremonial grade, but without the overpowering grassy bite)
• Oat and pistachio milk powders for creaminess
• Real honey for natural sweetness
• Ashwagandha, lion’s mane, and reishi for focus and calm
• L-theanine to smooth out energy without jitters (this honey pistachio matcha latte with superfoods has 45 mg of caffeine, about half the amount you would find in a cup of coffee)

It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, with functional ingredients that support focus, mood, and a sense of balance. And while it's definitely not keto, it's fairly low carb.

But you don't have to drink it for the superfoods benefits. You can just drink it because it's flat-out delicious!

Making Hot Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte

I add 3 tablespoons of the powder to 6–8 ounces of hot water (not boiling). Then I stir in a small squirt of honey (I use monk fruit-sweetened sugar-free honey), add a splash of unsweetened macadamia or almond milk, and froth it all together until smooth and frothy.

Making Iced Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte

I use an electric frother to dissolve 3 tablespoons of the powder in 4 ounces of warm water with a squirt of honey (or monk fruit honey) and a splash of unsweetened macadamia or almond milk until the mixture is very frothy. Then I pour it over a tall (16-ounce) glass filled with ice cubes.

By the way, the best frother I have ever tried is the one in these photos, the Nahida Coffee Milk Frother Wand, which is powerful, has three speeds, dedicated buttons for each speed, and holds a charge longer than any other frother my husband and I have tried.

Why I Keep Reaching for It

As someone who’s never cared for matcha, Clevr Blends Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte really changed my mind. It gives me a gentle, steady lift without the crash I sometimes get from coffee. And I love that it includes adaptogens like ashwagandha and lion’s mane for added stress support and focus. It feels like a small act of self-care, easy to make, enjoyable to sip, and supportive from the inside out.

Pros & Considerations

Pros:

• Smooth, mellow matcha flavor (even for matcha skeptics!)
• Honey and pistachio notes are well-balanced and comforting
• Easy to prepare hot or iced
• Adaptogens and L-theanine support focus and calm
• Dairy-free and refined sugar-free

Considerations:

• A bit pricey per serving (but worth it for the quality)
• Some may want to add extra sweetener or milk to customize the flavor, as I do

Final Thoughts

If you’ve avoided matcha because of its grassy flavor, this SuperLatte might just change your mind. The Honey Pistachio Matcha from Clevr Blends is smooth, lightly sweet, and surprisingly crave-worthy. With its clean ingredients and nourishing benefits, it’s become a go-to in my kitchen.

Not a matcha lover? Neither was I. But this superfoods-infused Clevr Blends matcha latte made me a believer.

Clevr Blends Organic Matcha Green Tea Latte, Instant Ceremonial Grade Matcha, Superfood Powder Blend with Oat Milk, Lions Mane, Reishi Mushroom, Coconut Cream, Ashwagandha, Serve Hot or Iced, 12 oz

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Reviewing Uses, Benefits And Disadvantages Of Insulated Water Bottles

Before a recent trip to a major city  we went on we decided to buy a couple of insulated water bottles. We knew it would be warm and we had a lot of walking to do. We did not want to keep buying plastic water bottles, partly for environmental reasons and partly due to the expense. 

Although the water bottles we purchased were far more expensive than a single plastic water bottle, we knew the cost of single plastic bottles would mount up and we would use these insulated water bottles for many reasons not just this one trip. 

In addition we were fed up with plastic water bottles becoming a not very nice rather warm tepid drink within a short period of time and often leaking.

It is so important to keep hydrated in the summer heat we felt it was a worthwhile investment. Now I have experienced travel with one of these insulated water bottles I would never be without one and feel they are an everyday essential for just about everyone. 

For us they were a real game changer and helped us to feel much more comfortable and hydrated. We bought two of the 750 ml ones in different colours and it was one of our best purchases. 

The reason these insulated water bottles are so good is that they use double walled vacuum insulation to keep the drinks at the right temperature for many hours. Some models including the one we bought keep cold drinks cold and fresh for up to 24 hours, and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours. Different models will have different times for hot and cold liquids so do be careful to check that out.

They come in a range of sizes from small ones that can be carried easily to big one litre ones for a long trip and other in between options. We found the 75 litre size perfect for our days out. There was no strange taste or smell and it all was just fresh cold water and thirst quenching.

A tip is to fill with water then put in the fridge for a while to have really cold water for your trip or day out. However it is not advised to have freezing cold water as it can upset your stomach, just cold water is best. 

Ideas How To Use Insulated Water Bottles.

These insulated water bottles are incredibly versatile and since we have owned them have far more uses than I initially thought. 

For City sightseeing trips like ours they are invaluable. Walking for miles and needing regular drinks, these water bottles were fantastic! We added rehydration sachets as well to maximise the benefits of the cool fresh water and sometimes lemon.  We saved a small fortune on city centre cafe visits and found many places to fill them up.

For more serious hiking, biking or camping trips and long nature reserve walks where hydration is important. The size to choose will depend on the length of time you are out, the weather,  and how comfortable you are carrying the size and weight of the bottle. 

Fill it with cool water for exercise in the gym, running, yoga, Pilates or spin class to rehydrate. It is useful to add rehydration sachets to the water to help you as well. 

On family trips out each family member can have their own individual drink in smaller sizes, maybe each person has a different colour. Alternatively, the family or couple can share a larger size bottle.

Keeping one with you when gardening to keep hydrated or have a lovely coffee, tea or hot chocolate just when you feel like it without having to go inside. This is great for me as an avid gardener I can now stay outside all the time and I do not need to go inside to make a drink! Also as it is sealed, unlike a glass or mug of water you wont get any stray insects in it!

Take hot tea, coffee or fresh cold water with you on your journey to work and for use while at work. For people who work outdoors, it would be a very handy way to hydrate and have good hot drinks available just when you need them.

Very good for keeping fresh cold  water or hot lemon drink by your bed when feeling poorly or post operation, as it is important to keep hydrated and also for taking medication. No need to keep getting up to make drinks when you don't feel like it, or bothering someone else.

Keep one bottle by your bed at night, filled with water,  in case you wake up thirsty, which I often do, when the weather is very hot or humid. The water is much fresher than when it is just in an open glass. 

Older people often do not drink enough water to keep hydrated. If they have one of these it is easier for them or carers to monitor how much they are drinking. It is easier to drink more when a bottle is by your side than having to keep getting up to get water or make a drink.  

Take one for long train, bus or car journeys and have your hot or cold drink just as fresh as you made it. I once ran out of water on a long train journey in the summer heat and I do not recommend it, I felt quite poorly as I was dehydrated and so since then always make sure I have more than enough water with me. 

 

 POWCAN 40 oz Insulated Water Bottle with 2-in-1 Straw and Spout Lid, Keep Cold 24H, Leak-Proof, BPA-Free, Double Wall StainlessCheck Price

Benefits Of Insulated Water Bottles

• They keep drinks cold or hot for hours which is a major benefit and one of the main reasons I wanted buy one. I love this feature as I dislike lukewarm water or a just about cold coffee. It is a lovely thing to have a refreshing cold drink several hours after you have made it or a nice hot coffee or tea halfway through the day. So great for both warmer and colder months. 

• A huge advantage is that many of them and the ones we bought are leakproof. This was my second reason for buying one. Ours have a guarantee against leaks which is a big plus for me. I once had a plastic water bottle that leaked all over on a bus which was embarrassing and then meant I had no water for my rather hot journey. I would certainly choose one that is leakproof. 

• You can also  make your drink exactly how you like it. For example I like water with a hint of lemon. I like my coffee milky. Most coffee shops make it too strong for me. My husband likes coffee strong but not sweet. So we can now customise our drinks the way we want them and have a bottle each. 

• They are perfect for rehydration for travel and days out, exercise and illness.

• Insulated water bottles are better than constantly buying plastic water bottles then discarding them. Or filling a plastic bottle repeatedly and risking leaks as the plastic weakens or the top seal fails. Instead we can just refill these insulated water bottles helping to reduce plastic use overall and is in time cost effective.

• In addition most insulated water bottles are made from stainless steel, which makes them strong, though do check individual models and makes for exact construction.

• There are a variety of useful sizes to choose from. From small bottles perhaps for exercise use, medium sized for carrying around sightseeing all day, to large flasks for long hot days or sickness, we can choose the best for us and our needs.

• While certainly more expensive than a plastic bottle or take away coffee initially,  over a short period of time you will more than recoup that cost by making your own drinks and using this flask.

• These insulated water bottles are available in a good choice of colours and designs to suit most needs and styles. We found it useful to have one colour for water and one colour for coffee. Or one colour for each of our different coffee preferences. Ours came available in silver, blue, green, black or white and there are a wide range of colours to choose from in most brands. 

• They are easy to clean. We just clean ours manually in the sink.

 Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw, BPA-Free Sports Water Bottle, Great for Travel, 24 Oz, Camo CoolCheck Price

Disadvantages Of Insulated Water Bottles

• Insulated water bottles are significantly more expensive than plastic bottles. However we find the cost recouped really quite quickly once we no longer needed to buy plastic water bottles or so many cafe visits. On our one week trip with them we already saved most if not all of the cost than if we had bought the same volume of water in plastic bottles. 

• They can be heavier and take up a bit more space in a bag or rucksack than a plastic bottle. However on our city break trip and nature walks we have not found this an issue.

• The bottles are generally opaque so you cannot see from the outside how much of the drink you have left before opening them. We found that you can get an idea by the weight though quite quickly once you are used to them. 

• If you are going to want to refill them often when out and about be careful which size you choose. With our 750ml bottles we found that we could refill them at most water filling points. However, there were some we could not fit the bottle underneath. So if that is a concern perhaps take one smaller bottle to use alongside a larger one in those circumstances or just the smaller bottles.  

• It is important to clean thoroughly after containing tea or coffee.

However for us these insulated water bottles have been wonderful and made life so much easier! A few minor issues are not important compared to the major advantages and now I would absolutely never be without one or two. 

 TOURIT 32 oz Insulated Water Bottle, Stainless Steel Bottle With Straw, Double Wall Vacuum Insulation for Cold and Hot DrinksCheck Price

So in summary, we think these insulated water bottles are a great find for us and for many people. They look nice and stylish and have a good range of colours to choose from. The size choice is good from small to very large. Many carry a good guarantee against leaks  as well which was important to us. Once bought you will never need to buy plastic throw away water bottles anymore or take away coffees, so you will easily recoup the money spent. As always read the details about each brand carefully and choose based on your own needs and activities.

 BJPKPK Insulated Water Bottles, 18 oz Stainless Steel Metal Water Bottle with Strap, BPA Free Leak Proof ThermosCheck Price

Finally these would make a lovely thoughtful gift for just about anyone. Especially for a birthday or Christmas present and would also be a thoughtful gift for someone starting work who has a commute, exercising regularly,  someone going travelling, a gardener or an older person, to name a few.

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Self-Heating Mugs: A Wonderful Gift To Keep Coffee Or Tea Hot All Day

I received a self-heating mug as a thoughtful birthday gift from my husband, who knows that I always like to keep a hot beverage with me at all times. I like to have both ice water and hot water or tea within easy reach if I wake up during the night and when I wake up in the morning, before I get out of bed, since I have a hard time getting up. Even though I have been using insulated travel tumblers for a very long time for my hot beverages, the lids have multiple silicone gaskets that are a bit of a pain to remove, clean, and replace. More importantly, after several years of round-the-clock use, the gaskets no longer work as well as they once did and no longer keep the hot water or herbal tea by my bedside hot throughout the night and into the morning.

The sleek Kepwam 16-ounce Self-Heating Coffee Mug my husband gave me has quickly become one of my favorite daily comforts. It keeps my tea or hot water at the perfect temperature indefinitely and brings a small but constant, cozy joy to my daily life. In fact, my husband, who is a coffee drinker, likes mine so much he requested one in a different color for his upcoming birthday!

Here's my product review after putting this heated coffee mug through its paces for the past three weeks.

Why It’s a Daily Essential

With three temperature settings—113°F, 131°F, and 149°F—the Kepwam 16-ounce Self-Heating Coffee Mug lets me sip slowly throughout the day without losing any warmth. The Very Hot (149°F) setting keeps my tea or hot water quite hot, just the way I like it. If I wake up in the middle of the night, I can reach for a comforting sip of the hot water or herbal tea I often drink at bedtime. 

Whether I’m reading, working, or relaxing, my tea or hot water stays delightfully hot from the first sip to the last. No more microwave trips and no lukewarm disappointments.

Less Expensive Than Better-Known Competitors

There aren't a lot of choices if you want a large-capacity self-heating one like this one. Others we looked at from better-known brands, such as the Ember Temperature-Controlled Smart Mug 2 and the Nextmug Temperature-Controlled Self-Heating Coffee Mug, have a smaller capacity and sometimes unnecessary features (like controlling the mug through an app). They also cost $100–$150, while my Kepwam self-heating coffee mug cost less than $60 on Amazon at the time of this review's publication.

Features I Love Most

• Modern matte design with a stainless steel build
• Spill-resistant lid that is easy to put on and take off, keeps heat in, and slides open and closed with one finger
• One-button operation with color-coded lights to indicate temperature setting; just push the button repeatedly to cycle through the temperature settings
• Long-lasting 3000 mAh lithium battery allows the mug to maintain a temperature of 113°F up to 3 hours off the base with a full charge, and longer if you keep the lid on and closed, as I do. 
• Smart charging base that doubles as a warming coaster (although the base does not get warm)
• Easy to clean (hand-wash)
• The temperature of the hot beverage is true to the temperature setting (we used an instant-read thermometer to check the hot water in mine after the mug had been sitting on the charging base overnight and it registered exactly 149°F).

I keep my mug on the charging base overnight, then carry the mug with me to whichever room I want to be in. Whether it’s my second steep of herbal tea or just hot water, this mug keeps my drink piping hot and makes hydration feel like a comforting ritual.

Perfect for Tea and Hot Water Lovers

This mug isn’t just for coffee drinkers. Whether you enjoy:

– Hot coffee

– Hot tea (black, green, herbal—pick your pleasure)

– Hot cocoa

– Plain hot water

…then this is an everyday luxury you’ll truly appreciate, especially if you enjoy sipping hot beverages slowly throughout the day without having to reheat your drink.

Things to Know

• Although the stated capacity is 16 ounces, I have found that it holds only 14 ounces of liquid when using the lid.
• There’s no app to fuss with—just one intuitive button. 
• The mug is hand-wash only, but easy to clean.
• While not officially discouraged, it’s wise to avoid using milk-based drinks for extended periods to prevent buildup or spoilage.
• Additional charging bases are not sold separately.

A Gift That Keeps on Giving

Kepwam Self Heating Coffee Mug, 16oz Smart Heated Coffee Mug, 150 Min Battery Life - Hot up to 149℉ Temperature Control Coffee Mug Warmer, Gifts for Women and Men

The Kepwam Self-Heating Mug has truly changed the way I enjoy tea and hot water throughout the day. It’s more than just a gadget—it’s a thoughtful gift that brings comfort, convenience, and a little extra warmth into my life.

It comes in a range of colors including Graphite, Steel Blue, Black, Burgundy (which looks brown in the product images), Lilac, and Sage Green. My mug is Graphite (deep gray) and the one I purchased for my husband is Steel Blue.

If you or someone you know prefers sipping hot drinks slowly and hates reheating them repeatedly throughout the day, this mug is a simple joy and a daily pleasure.

Best for: Coffee, tea, cocoa, or hot water drinkers and anyone who wants to keep their hot beverages hot without a hassle.

Kepwam Self Heating Coffee Mug, 16oz Smart Heated Coffee Mug, 150 Min Battery Life - Hot up to 149℉ Temperature Control Coffee Mug Warmer, Gifts for Women and Men

Excellent Customer Support

Update: Less than a month after I purchased the second Kepwam Self-Heating Mug for my husband’s birthday, the lid broke when he was removing it to wash it. I contacted the seller through Amazon, and after providing photos of the broken lid, they quickly and courteously sent us a replacement lid. Great customer service is one more reason to choose this self-heating mug over a competitor’s model.

Self-Heating Mugs: A Wonderful Gift To Keep Coffee Or Tea Hot All Day by Margaret Schindel

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Drink Dr Pepper HOT

 

My Favorite Mug for My Favorite Drink

A Review of my Favorite Drink

I love Dr Pepper and for the past 60 years I have had a cup of "hot Dr Pepper" most every morning.  I started when I was a teenager and saw the ads for hot Dr Pepper.  Back then I would pour my Dr Pepper in a saucepan, add a slice of lemon and heat it.  I would then pour it into a cup and enjoy.  In today's microwave world, I pour my Dr Pepper into a mug and heat it for 2 minutes.  I then add either a slice of lemon or lime.  Delicious!!  I don't drink coffee or tea so it is Dr Pepper that helps me to fully wake up each morning.

Fun Facts about Dr Pepper

• Created in the 1880's by pharmacist Charles Alderton in Waco Texas
• Name "Dr Pepper first used in 1885 and that preceded Coca-Cola by one year
• It was introduced nationally at the 1904 St. Louis World Fair (and no I wasn't there, but my grandfather was 😂)
• Early ads claimed medical benefits "aids digestion and restores vim, vigor and vitality"
• The formula is a trade secret and is said to be held in two separate Dallas banks -Half of the recipe in each bank safe deposit bank 

Advertising for Dr Pepper

Some early ads called for "Dr Pepper Time" at 10, 2, and 4 o'clock.

In the early 1960's Dr Pepper was promoted to be served as a hot drink in the winter months.  The ads showed it being heated up and served with a slice of lemon.

In 1977 lyrics were written for a Dr Pepper jingle called "Be a Pepper" by Jake Holmes.  The chorus of the song goes as follows.

I'm a Pepper, he's a Pepper

She's a Pepper, we're a Pepper

Wouldn't you like to be a Pepper too?

Be a Pepper, Drink Dr Pepper

Dr Pepper Museum

There is a Dr Pepper Museum in Waco Texas.  It was opened in 1991 in downtown Waco.  It has three floors of exhibits and includes a working old-fashioned soda fountain, and a gift store with Dr Pepper memorabilia.  That is where I purchased my mug that you see at the beginning of the photo.  As you can probably tell from the photo my mug is showing some wear, perhaps I need to get a new one!

You Tube Video on Hot Dr Pepper

In researching information on the history of hot Dr Pepper, I found this interesting and humorous video that not only gives you some history on hot Dr Pepper but also shows several of the ads for it.

Hot Dr Pepper

Amazon has lots of Dr Pepper products for Sale

When you check out Amazon you will find that they have lots of Dr Pepper products.  Whether you want socks, shirts, hats, slippers, mugs, BBQ sauce, jellybeans, cotton candy and many more Dr Pepper themed products check out the following link to Amazon

Dr Pepper Products

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.”

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How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley

A while ago, I reviewed The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley. It is the story of a solitary green notebook that brings together six strangers and leads to unexpected friendship, and even love.

Clare Pooley, a British author, has a special knack of weaving together clearly flawed (as aren’t we all in one way or another), but lovable characters and allows them to prove how worthy they are. This was so true in The Authenticity Project, and is even more so in her latest novel ~ How to Age Disgracefully. 

Cast of Characters

Lydia - who takes on the  job of running the Senior Citizens’ Social Club now that her children are grown, expecting she will spend her time drinking tea and playing gentle games of cards.

Art - a failed actor who has somehow turned into a kleptomaniac, and his best friend, William.

Ruby - a banksy-style knitter who creates unusual public yarning projects.

Daphne - who just turned 70 and regrets the number of years she has hidden away from her rather checkered past. Hoping no one any longer pays attention to who she was, she now feels a need to find some friends and stop being so alone.

Ziggy - a teenage dad - and his adorable toddler daughter, Kylie.

And, last, but certainly not least as she eventually plays a large part in the story, is an orphaned geriatric dog named Margaret Thatcher (after the former British Prime Minister) who sometimes gets called simply ‘Margaret’ or “Maggie”, depending on which of the senior citizens you ask.

A Brief Synopsis of How To Age Disgracefully

How to Age Disgracefully: A Novel

When you find yourself approaching the later decades of life, you discover that age makes you invisible and secrets are easier to hide.

When this group of seniors come together at a senior citizens’ center that shares space with a daycare, hilarious results are in store.

When an accident involving a partial collapse of the  buildings’ ceiling causes the local council to threaten to close the club, the members of the Social Club join together with their tiny daycare friends next door, along with Ziggy, his toddler daughter and the geriatric dog, to save the building. 

Their unorthodox methods may actually work, as long as their pasts, and the police, don’t catch up with them first. They certainly do turn out to be a far cry from the genteel 'tea & card playing' group Lydia thought they would be! 

Summary

How to Age Disgracefully is an absolutely delightful story with a charming group of characters. Clare Pooley has outdone herself with another ensemble comedy filled with characters who prove we are limitless at any age.

Related Link:

• The Authenticity Project

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*Review of 'How to Age Disgracefully' is written by Wednesday Elf

 

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