There are Vacuums and then there are Stick Vacuums! A Product Review

Hubby and I have been having a major disagreement over, wait for it, Vacuum Cleaners!

After 50_+ years of marriage you think we would have done this subject and moved on to something else, but alas, we are still having major discussions over which vacuum sucks more!

When we were in our home, we had a central vacuum that I really enjoyed as there was no bags, no canister and no cords to worry about!  But once we moved into our apartment, we were back to needing a vacuum that was not built in!  

So we have had canister vacuums, upright vacuums and each of them leaves me wishing for something better.  The canister vacuum always gets something stuck in the wand and leaves me stopping the job half way through to dislodge whatever is blocking my way!  It is good for getting under the couch and catching all those little bits of snacks that hubby eats during the hockey games.  But, I find that the cord is not long enough and the canister fills up real quick so the suction power seems to be a lot less very quickly. The upright vacuums are a little better in not getting blocked up, but they are cumbersome and don't get under the couches easily at all.

So, while I was out one day I happened to see someone using a small upright vacuum with no cords visible anywhere.  I watched as he vacuumed the area rugs that were full of salt from people's boots and this small upright vacuum did an amazing job on all those salt chunks in record time.  It was  relatively quiet during operation and did not need a "strong man" to handle it!  Some of the uprights I've had tired me out completely!

So being curious, I asked the young man about the vacuum and he told me it's the greatest thing since sliced bread.  Easy, mounts on the wall, runs for a good hour without another charge and is really easy to clean after using.  Not only that, but it's light and doesn't require the arms of a body builder to use.

Going home, I did some research and decided that I wanted to try one of these Stick Vacuums!

Hubby and I started to look at all the options and there really are many models available and many different manufacturers as well.  

If you have money to spare and want top of the line you can buy a Dyson* for about $900. This was not an option for us!  Eureka was much more affordable at about $125.00, but the reviews weren't that great!  Bissell also has a Stick Cordless Vacuum for about $165.00 but again the reviews were not all that flattering.  

We decided to go with the Amazon Choice as it was affordable, had good reviews and met all the needs I had.  For $170. it was a chance I was willing to take and now I'm really glad I did!

This Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner has a good strong motor, a 60 minute run time between charges, suction to spare,  wall mounting and will vacuum carpets as well as hardwood floors without needing to change the vacuum head!  It will also vacuum upholstery(with an attachment) and crevices as well.  Easy emptying of the dust container is a bonus.  I think I'm in love with vacuuming again.

Of course you can have a corded vacuum if you want, but why would you?  No running over the cord as you move through your home with the cordless models!  For daily clean ups, this is the answer for me!  When I'm done it goes back onto it's charging dock, out of sight and getting ready for the next time!

 

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A Review of Three Lower Calorie Thanksgiving Recipes

 

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you are like me, you worry that all that luscious food will be taking up residence on your hips after the event.  Over the years I have found a few recipes that help reduce this possibility, and are just as delicious as their full calorie counterparts.  I even started sneaking them into potluck events around the holidays, and not a single person has ever noticed that the calories have been trimmed.  

Substitute one or more of these recipes at your family feast, and see if anyone notices.  I can practically guarantee they won't!

  

Low Sugar Cranberry Relish 

 

Ingredients:

12 ounce cranberries - fresh or frozen cranberries. 

1 whole orange with skin  If you are not a fan of oranges, they can be changed out with any crispy, tart apple that is cored, peeled and sliced.

1/2 cup almonds, chopped medium. If you aren't partial to almonds, you can use walnuts or if you prefer softer nuts, use pecans.

1/2 cup to 3/4 cups sweetener. I use Splenda, not in packages, but loose.

Instructions:

1.  Wash the orange and cut it in half.  Peel one half and discard the peel.  Peel the other half and put the peel into the food processor or blender.   Separate the orange sections and cut each in half and set aside.

2.  Turn on the food processor or blender and chop the orange peel as small as you can without pureeing it.

3.  Wash and drain the cranberries well. Make sure they are all firm. Put in the food processor or blender.  

4.  Put the almonds and 1/2 cup sweetener in the food processor or blender.  

5.  Pulse the food processor or blender until the pieces of the mixture are smallish chunky, and the sweetener is well mixed in.  

6.  Add the orange pieces and pulse a few more times till the oranges are well mixed in with the other ingredients.

7.  Try the relish for sweetness and and add more if needed.  

8.  This relish should be stored in a covered bowl in the refrigerator for 8 hours before serving.

Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

1/3 cup chopped onions

1/3 cup bread crumbs

4 slices turkey bacon

1 can (10 ounce) of 99%fat free cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup plain fat free yogurt

1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (I use Stubbs Hickory Liquid Smoke from Amazon)

3 9 ounce packages of frozen French cut green beans, frozen

Instructions:

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

2.  Lightly spray a cookie sheet with no stick spray

3.  In a small bowl, stir together the onions and bread crumbs.

4.  Evenly spread the mixture on the cookie sheet and bake about 12 minutes until golden brown.

  

5.  Remove from oven and set aside.

6.  Cook the the turkey bacon (I use the original Makin Bacon Microwave Dish to make mine)

7.  Chop the bacon and set aside.

8.  In a large bowl, stir together the condensed soup, yogurt and liquid smoke.

 

9.  Then stir in the beans and bacon.

10.  Lightly spray a glass baking dish (11" x 7" or 9" x 13") with no stick spray.

11.  Transfer the bean mixture to the backing dish.

  
12.  Top with the onion mixture to the glass dish.

13.  Top with the onion mixture and back for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Makes 6 servings, 103 calories per serving.

Pumpkin Pie

If you prefer, you can make your pie shell from scratch.  I always use a premade pie shell to save time.

Pumpkin Pie Filling:

15 ounce can of pure pumpkin - Not pumpkin pie filling

12 ounces of fat free evaporated skim milk

2 eggs or 1/2 cup of Egg Beaters 

1/2 cup granulated sugar - I substitute Splenda for this

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp powdered ginger

1/4 tsp ground cloves - this is optional, as some don't like the taste

1/4 tsp nutmeg

Instructions:

1.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees

2.  Combine sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves in a small bowl.

3.  Beat eggs lightly in a large bowl.  

4.  Stir in pumpkin and spice mixture. 

5.  Gradually stir in evaporated skim milk.

6.  Pour in to a pre-prepared pie shell.

7.  Bake pie in the oven for 15 minutes.

8.  Reduce temperature to 350 degrees and bake for 40-50 minutes or until a  knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

9.  Remove from oven and let cool for at least two hours, serve immediately or refrigerate before serving.  DO NOT chill before the pie has set, if you do it can begin to weep moisture on the top of the pie.  If this happens, blot the top lightly with a paper towel.

Makes 8 servings, about 150 calories each.

I especially love the relish.  It is so sweet and crunchy!  I always had eaten regular jellied cranberry sauce until about 10 years ago when my sister brought some relish to our Thanksgiving dinner.  I tried it and just never looked back.  It is YUMMY!!

The pumpkin pie is a recipe that I made myself when my husband developed diabetes and could not have sugar anymore.  While I was tweaking the recipe I decided to try to cut some calories too which is why I started using fat free evaporated skim milk.  I really cannot taste the difference.  

I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I have and you and yours have a

Happy Thanksgiving!

Photos by Pixabay and eatloveeats

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Fresh Banana Peppers with Bread Stuffing

 This banana pepper recipe review is an excellent way to use your garden harvest of fresh banana peppers. If you don't have a garden you can buy fresh banana peppers at your local farmers market, or grocery store.

This recipe is how my mother made these delicious stuffed garden peppers and brings back so many fond memories. These peppers stuffed with savory bread stuffing are a perfect choice for a meatless meal on your menu.

Banana Peppers with Bread Stuffing Recipe:

Ingredients:

10 to 12 large sweet banana peppers

12 cups unseasoned bread cubes or 1-1/2 loaf of Italian bread cut into cubes

4 large eggs beaten

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon fresh or dried basil

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. If you're using Italian bread, cut it into cubes and spread them on a cookie sheet. Bake at 275 degrees for about 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl mix all the ingredients with the bread cubes. Mix well until the stuffing forms. If it seems too wet add some more bread cubes or breadcrumbs.
3. Cut off the top of the peppers, carefully wash, and clean out the insides.
4. Spoon the stuffing inside the peppers 
5. Place in a greased glass baking dish. We used our 15 x 10 glass baking dish.
6. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes until the peppers are done. The peppers should be soft and you will see a wrinkle in them.

Serve these stuffed peppers as a side dish, or appetizer, or if you're like me make them a meal.

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Lily's Toaster Grills Review

Admittedly I was skeptical. Lily's Toaster Grills removed my skepticism that a grilled cheese sandwich could be frozen successfully!

Taste

The Toaster Grill tasted very very close to the old school type of grilled cheese we find in area Deli's or Coney Islands. American Cheese and white bread where the cheese is melted (but not too much), the bread is toasted (but not too much) and the consistency is just perfect to dip into a cup of tomato soup.

This is not, repeat not, the gourmet grilled cheese on Artisan bread with three types of cheeses. Those are indeed wonderful as well, but the Toaster Grill is not in that lane nor does it advertise to be.

Convenient Comfort Food

So convenient and so incredibly easy to make. Simply put the Toaster Grill in the microwave for 30 seconds then into the toaster for one round of toasting. I understand the worry that the sandwich may leak cheese in the toaster; but I have not found that to happen.

But wait, how hard it is to cook a grilled cheese? That can be subjective indeed. The Toaster Grill is very convenient which is one of its' best features and in about one minute a consistent grilled cheese is delivered.

Where To Purchase?

The American Cheese Toaster Grills are available in my urban area at brand name grocery stores and Costco. The Costco packaging is in bulk and less costly than the grocery store. 

Recommendation

I have not met a grilled cheese fan yet who does not agree the Toaster Grills are the closest frozen equivalent to a fresh grilled cheese sandwich.

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Easy Zucchini Fritters

 These easy-to-make zucchini fritters are a fantastic way to use up an abundance of zucchini, especially during the summer, when our gardens are at their peak.

They are so crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a great snack, appetizer, or even a nice light meal.

Easy Zucchini Fritters - Reviewed

Our daughter, Jamie came over last week with a huge zucchini. She set it on the counter, and I asked what we were making. She replied we are going to make zucchini fritters.

I've never had these before and am always ready to try a new recipe. I couldn't wait to get started.

Recipe for Zucchini Fritters:

Ingredients:

• 1 large or 3 medium-sized zucchini (peeled and shredded) about 1 1/2 to 2 lbs.
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Panko seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 3 tablespoons Mrs Dash seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup green onions minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
• Olive Oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Peel and grate the zucchini with a hand grater or food processor.
2. Place the grated zucchini in a colander over the sink to drain. Tip: we placed a dish on top and pressed it to help drain.
3. After the zucchini is drained, mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. We used Jamie's Hamilton Beech Electric fryer for this.
5. Scoop out 3 to 4 tablespoons of the zucchini batter and flatten to form. Sort of the size of a thin burger.
6. Fry until they are golden brown on both sides. 

This photo is of our grated zucchini in a colander with a bowl under it, Fran placed a dish on top to help drain the water out of the zucchini.

The measurements in this recipe are approximate. I watched Jamie mix the ingredients but, she didn't measure anything. 

You'll want to make sure that the zucchini mixture is consistent and holds together when you're forming them. So, you may need to add more flour, bread crumbs, or parmesan cheese as needed.

We served the zucchini fritters with a Caprese Salad and a dill dip that Jamie made from plain yogurt, fresh dill, and lemon juice.

One of the best things about these zucchini fritters is how simple they are to make, and how absolutely delicious they are.

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Croissant Toast - A Food Review

 Anyone who knows me knows that bread is my favorite food of all. I could live on that old food punishment of only ‘bread and water’... as long as I could choose the kind of bread. 

You see, along with my love of breads, I am also somewhat a ‘bread snob’. I have certain breads I prefer, and know where I can get them. For instance, the very best French Bread is found in only three places - San Francisco, New Orleans, and, believe it or not, Houston. No other French Bread tastes as good. 

Bakery breads are my very favorite and fresh baked breads are next in line. I no longer get store-bought bread, but go to the bakery section instead. I also keep frozen bread loaves in my freezer for stormy winter days when it is not easy to get out to the stores and bakeries.

Recently, my son asked me if I liked Croissants. I assured him that I did and he told me about a new bread he had just discovered that was delicious. He brought me a loaf to try.  It’s called Croissant Toast.  The loaf he brought is made by La Boulangerie, a San Francisco bakery begun by a Frenchman, but I have since discovered that there are several other brands out there.

Croissant Toast

Croissants are a French Pastry made from puff pastry usually in a crescent shape - a buttery layered treat often served for breakfast in Europe.

Croissant Toast is a super flaky bread made with real butter in the style of croissants. It is a loaf-style bread made from yeasted pastry that has the taste and smell of a croissant but slices like bread. The flaky crust and the soft buttery interior is unbelievably delicious. It combines a favorite pastry into a loaf style bread

As toast for breakfast, it melts in your mouth.

It is absolutely fantastic when fixed as French Toast ~ fluffy and thick, and very tasty.

Summary

Croissant Toast breads are available in several different brands and found in many stores, including online at Amazon. To date, I have only tried the Croissant Toast by La Boulangerie, which was delicious, and which I highly recommend to fans of breads and croissants.  But, if you try this tasty product from other companies, come back and give me your opinion. Toast has never tasted better! 

Happy Eating!

Croissant La Boulangere Pains Au Chocolat, Chocolate Croissants, Individually Wrapped, Non GMO, Free From Artificial Flavors & Colors, Kosher d, 1.59 oz

Thomas' Croissant Bread, 13.5 oz

LA BOULANGERIE Croissant Toast, 15 OZ

Check Review This Reviews! 

For more Food Reviews and Recipe Reviews

*Croissant Toast Food Review written by Wednesday Elf

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The Best Low Carb, High Protein, Gluten-Free Pasta

Kaizen Low Carb Pasta made with lupin flour is a health-conscious alternative to traditional pasta made with wheat flour and semolina. It is the best pasta I have found for those of us who follow a low-carb diet, such as keto enthusiasts, diabetics, or anyone looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake. It is also a great option for people who follow a gluten-free diet.

This product review will cover Kaizen pasta’s taste, texture, nutritional value, preparation, and overall value. As a bonus, I will also share a simple recipe I developed that uses Kaizen fusilli.

Taste and Texture

One of the most critical aspects of any pasta product is its taste and texture. Kaizen low carb pasta aims to mimic the familiar experience of traditional pasta, and it does a commendable job.

Taste

The pasta has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of sauces. It reminds me of chickpea pasta. 

While it doesn't have the same taste as pasta made from wheat flour and semolina, it is quite enjoyable when combined with robust sauces like marinara or Alfredo. 

Texture

The texture is pleasantly firm, though slightly different from traditional pasta. It is a bit chewier, which can take some getting used to, but it holds up well in both hot and cold dishes. 

Nutritional Value

Kaizen low carb pasta shines in its nutritional profile, making it an attractive option for health-conscious consumers.

Low in Carbohydrates

This pasta is significantly lower in carbs compared to regular pasta, making it suitable for low-carb and keto diets. Each serving contains only 6 grams of net carbs, depending on the specific variety. 

The company has also come out with an even lower-carb pasta line, which I have ordered and will review after I have tried it.

High in Protein

With 20 grams of protein per serving, this pasta helps in meeting daily protein requirements, which is beneficial for muscle maintenance and overall health. 

High in Fiber

The pasta has 15 grams of dietary fiber per serving, contributing to better digestive health and helping to keep you full for longer.

Gluten-Free

Kaizen pasta has been reformulated with a gluten-free recipe, so more people can enjoy it.

No Artificial Ingredients

Kaizen prides itself on using natural ingredients, which is a big plus for those avoiding artificial additives and preservatives. 

Preparation

Preparing Kaizen Low Carb Pasta is straightforward and similar to traditional pasta. Just bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook the pasta for about 5–6 minutes (to the desired texture), drain, and use as desired, with a sauce or in recipes. 

Although the texture is different than traditional pasta made from wheat and semolina flours and cannot be cooked al dente, it's crucial to monitor the pasta closely to avoid overcooking so it does not become mushy.

Versatility

Kaizen Low Carb Pasta is versatile and, at the time of this post's publication, is available in four shapes: Fusilli, ziti, radiatore, and cavatappi. This makes it suitable for a variety of dishes.

It works well in classic hot pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese, carbonara, lasagna, and baked casseroles.

I used it to make a low-carb, high-protein, high-fiber version of a traditional Jewish sweet noodle kugel (a sweet egg, cottage cheese, and noodle casserole) and it was absolutely delicious!

It also holds up well in cold pasta salads, providing a hearty base for a variety of fresh ingredients. 

Overall Value

Considering its health benefits, Kaizen low carb pasta offers good value for money. Although it is more expensive than conventional pasta made with wheat flour and semolina, the added nutritional benefits will justify the higher price point for many consumers.

It's particularly valuable for those who need to manage their carbohydrate intake, follow a gluten-free diet, or want a higher protein alternative to standard pasta.

Kaizen low carb pasta is an excellent product for anyone seeking a healthier alternative to traditional pasta without compromising on taste and texture. Its high protein and fiber content, combined with its low carbohydrate profile, make it a standout option for low-carb dieters and health-conscious individuals. While it may require a slight adjustment in cooking and texture expectations, its versatility and nutritional benefits make it a worthwhile addition to your pantry.

Kaizen Low Carb Keto Pasta Fusilli - High Protein (20g), Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly (6g Net), Plant-Based Lupini Noodles made w/High Fiber Lupin Flour - 8 ounces (Pack of 3)

Kaizen Low Carb Keto Pasta Ziti - High Protein (20g), Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly (6g Net), Plant-Based Lupini Noodles made w/High Fiber Lupin Flour - 8 ounces (Pack of 3)

Kaizen Low Carb Keto Pasta Radiatori - High Protein (20g), Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly (6g Net), Plant-Based Lupini Noodles made w/High Fiber Lupin Flour - 8 ounces (Pack of 3)

Kaizen Low Carb Keto Pasta Cavatappi - High Protein (20g), Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly (6g Net), Plant-Based Lupini Noodles made w/High Fiber Lupin Flour - 8 ounces (Pack of 3)

Low Carb Fusilli With Pork and Mushroom Ragu

I whip up this delicious, low carb pasta dish often because it's quick and easy to make and my husband and I both enjoy it.

I usually serve it with a side salad and, sometimes, with garlic bread made with Hero bread (expensive but 0 net carbs and exceptional taste and texture for a keto-friendly bread).

I hope you and your family enjoy it.

Buon appetito!

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Boiling water

Salt

1 pound ground pork

8 oz. portabello mushrooms

1/4 cup wine (red is traditional but white is good, too)

Chopped fresh or dried Italian herbs (optional)

15.5 oz. jar Rao's Homemade Marinara sauce

8 oz. box Kaizen Fusilli low carb pasta

Freshly grated Parmigiano-Romano cheese

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil while you make the pork and mushroom ragu (meat sauce).
2. In a large nonstick skillet, crumble and lightly brown the ground pork over medium-high heat.
3. Slice the mushrooms and add them to the browned pork. Stir occasionally until the mushrooms are soft.
4. Stir in the wine and the optional seasonings and cook until the wine is reduced by about half.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce and turn the heat to a low simmer.
6. Stir the fusilli into the boiling salted water (some foaming is normal) and boil for 5 minutes.
7. Drain and stir the cooked pasta into the pork and mushroom ragu. Turn the heat down to low and let the pasta "marry" with the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes.
8. Divide into four portions and grate some Parmigiano-Romano cheese over the top just before serving.

The Best Low Carb, High Protein, Gluten-Free Pasta by Margaret Schindel

Read More Low Carb & Keto Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

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Reviewing Oats Overnight Flavor and Subscription

I am not a fan of subscription boxes. And I didn't think I was a fan of making oats in the fridge overnight for breakfast. Yet, here I am recommending Oats Over Night. Why? I am finding that the flavors are fantastic and having Oats Over Night brand meals at my fingertips has been very helpful. And I am very sure that the Oats Over Night meal is far healthier than the daily drive-thru choices I've been making. Did I mention that the Oats Over Night flavors are delicious?

My first few attempts at making overnight oats were failures. I made them with packets of my favorite brand of instant oats and I used milk. I also tried it with oats that are meant to be cooked when I was going on a camping trip and the oats would be soaking in a jar, in a cooler, for a longer period of time. All of my attempts produced slimy, pasty results. Yuck. Maybe it was the milk. Maybe it was the instant oats. I don't know. But it was just gross.

I was very hesitant to try the Oats Over Night brand. They seem a bit pricey and I didn't want to pay that much for yucky goo. But I have to do something. I've gotten to the point that I'm using a lot of drive-thru meals or joining my co-workers for the pick-up "gas station food".  Those options are too many calories and frankly, turn out to be more expensive than that Oats Over Night. I finally gave in and ordered a box and I'm so glad I did.

Oats Over Night Brand

The brains behind Oats Over Night thought that DIY oats were great but the flavor was inconsistent from serving to serving. Brian began experimenting to get consistent flavors, delicious flavors, and a short prep time. After many failures, and oats that didn't taste good, Brian landed on what they consider "The best oatmeal in the world". I can't say that I disagree.

To learn more, go to their official Oats Over Night site

On the site you will instantly notice the reduced price, free shipping, and free shaker bottle for the first subscription. The reduced price made it easier for me to convince myself to give it a try. You choose the number of oatmeal packets you want (16 for example) then choose the combination of flavors you want to order.  That will remain your monthly subscription (minus the "first order offers") but it is super easy to change the flavors that you want to arrive each month.

As a subscriber you are able to choose flavors that aren't yet offered to the non-subscribers. You also receive samples of products in development. Usually, that is a new flavor. This month, the sample of the product in development is a protein coffee. 

I have read reviews that it is super easy to cancel your subscription. And/or put your subscription on pause until a certain date. I cannot testify to that as I have had no desire to cancel or pause. 

Oats Over Night Flavors

The flavors of these oats are amazing. I expected the flavors to be similar to the flavored instant oatmeal varieties at the store (which - the apples and cinnamon is one that I liked very much by the way). The flavors of Oats Over Night are so much fresher and without that "artificial flavoring" taste that I dislike so much. Clearly, the bits of fruit are dehydrated or have been freeze dried. The Bananas Foster flavor is one of my favorites so far. And there are actually chunks of banana in it. Which is great in my opinion, not-so-great if you aren't a fan of bananas. 

Another of my favorites is the Banana Bread (do you see a theme here?). The flavor is very much as though I added a slice of Banana Bread to a bowl of milk. Speaking of milk... I have problems when I drink dairy. So I use unsweetened Almond Milk for my Oats Overnight. 

There are many flavors to choose from and I am excited to try them all. 

As far as nutritional values, I will let you do  your research. It will depend which flavor you choose and which milk you use. I will say that these packets reportedly have 20g of protein.

Preparing Oats Over Night

While you can make Oats Over Night in the microwave and eat it without the wait, the idea is to have a grab-and-go meal.  The prep is super easy. Add 8 oz. of your milk choice (mine is unsweetened Almond Milk) to the shaker bottle. There is a line indicating 8 ozs. so there is no need for measuring. Then you empty the packet of Oats Over Night, screw on the shake bottle lid (make sure the pour spout is closed), give it a shake and let it sit in the fridge until morning. 

I am finding that I still REALLY like sausage and egg sandwiches for breakfast. So I've been prepping the Oats Over Night in the morning and placing it in the fridge at work. No more missing lunches because I'm too busy. And no more having my really boring (good - but boring) apples and cinnamon instant oatmeal. 

I will say that the main complaint I see about the Oats Over Night grab-n-go meals are that they are chunky for straws and too runny for spoons. It's very easy to adjust the milk to oats ratio to get a consistency closer to what you like. While I do use regular straws when I forget mine, I find that the wider and washable "smoothie" straws are perfect.

Related Links

Our Lou16 writes about Oats Based Breakfast Ideas that Include Fruit & Vegetables and she reviews Why a Protein-Rich Breakfast is Important. She includes a lot of interesting and important information. 

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Reviewing Locally Made Candles and Soap by Wild Roots Cafe & Co.

I am thrilled that a local family has opened a cafe in a small town near me. The farm-to-table focus along with the home-made breads, biscuits, and desserts are exactly what I've been craving. In addition to the delicious meal options, they offer handmade soaps and hand poured candles. All made with fewer ingredients than mass produced soaps and candles. The great news is that even though these candles and soaps are made locally in my area the Wild Roots Cafe & Co. offers a mail order option so you can consider these for yourself or gifts even if you don't live here.

Just a few years ago, I was living in a small metro apartment and dreaming of moving to a rural setting. I watched gardening and homesteading videos for entertainment, relaxation, and education. And with those videos I tuned out the noise from the adjoining apartments, parking lot, and the frequent police helicopter circling overhead. One of those channels was Wild Wonderful Off Grid. I knew that they were a family working to build their off grid home, raising their children, and raise chickens and sheep. I knew they were in West Virginia. What I didn't know is how close they were to the raw land I had purchased in West Virginia. 

Fast forward a few years and my small home was built on my land, I transferred to one of our buildings near here for work, and I am now a West Virginia resident. I continued to watch gardening and homesteading videos in order to make progress toward my goal which is retirement on my land and growing as much as my own food as I am able. I am learning to live a healthier life. Imagine my GREAT surprise when I learn that Josh and Erin from Wild Wonderful Off Grid lives somewhat in this general area AND have built a cafe in a small town near me.

Wild Roots Cafe & Co

The videos show the remodeling process of what was once a flower shop in small town Romney, West Virginia. It has been turned into a cafe that offers coffee, breakfasts, and lunches. So far, I've had the cinnamon rolls (the best I've ever had!) and a BLT. A woman named DeAnna is in charge of the kitchen and her bread recipes are amazing! The cafe only very recently opened. You can learn more about the cafe and shop on their website Wild Roots Cafe & Co. 

Hand Poured Candles

The candle selection is poured at the Wild Roots Co. in Romney, WV. I purchased the Appalachian Forest scent which is Balsam Fir, Cypress, and Cedar. I had intended to purchase the "Bare Naked" which is the unscented candle since I struggle with so many perfumes and over-powering scents these days. One whiff of the Appalachian Forest scent had me hooked. I am having no sign of sensitivity to this scent. 

Wild Roots offers seasonal scents and holiday scented candles. They have just sold out (online) of their special Mother's Day candle.  

About their candles, they say:

• size - volume 8.5 oz
• wick - cotton (lead and zinc free)
• burn time - 40+ hours
• wax - 100% soy and made in the USA
• Premium non-toxic - phthalate-free
• hand-poured in small batches

They also list excellent reminders about general candle care and safety on their page. 

Hand Made Soaps

I was so thrilled to learn they were making soaps. I had started to learn to make my own soaps but I'm just too busy currently with work and other obligations. In the meantime, I've wanted to buy locally made soaps from small businesses. I am a firm believer that handmade soaps are far better for our skin than mass-produced soaps. Even better if I can find these soaps locally.

With the publicity of the Wild Roots Cafe opening, there has been a super high demand on the merchandise. As I write this, I notice that several of the soap types are currently sold out. Please don't let that deter you. 

When I was at the Cafe, I purchased the patchouli sunrise and the mountain mint. These bars are 4.5 oz. Both have a very short ingredients list: saponified oils of coconut, olive, palm and castor.  

In addition to that list of ingredients, the Patchouli Sunrise also has patchouli essential oil, sweet orange essential oil, and Brazilian clay. The Mountain mint includes eucalyptus powder, spinach powder, spurline, peppermint essential oil, and eucalyptus essential oil. I chose both of these soaps for their scent. The Mountain Mint will be perfect when I have colds or allergies. I also like to use peppermint and/or eucalyptus on my skin before I go hiking or camping. I feel as though those scents repel some of the bugs that want to swarm me when I'm outdoors. The Patchouli Sweet Orange is a scent that I've always enjoyed. With my chemical sensitivities, I have to be careful to now use over-powering scents. I am aware that patchouli can be over-powering. But these bars are at a nice level of the scented essential oils; not too soft and not too strong. In my opinion. 

As soon as they re-stock I will purchase a bar of the Detox soap. I have used activated charcoal and tea tree soaps in the past. I look forward to getting my hands on a bar of this soap by Wild Roots.

I highly recommend either these candles or soaps as gifts (for someone or for yourself). I am excited about pampering myself with the natural soaps and candles that Wild Roots Cafe & Co has to offer. 

Related Links:

Josh and Erin's primary YouTube channel can be found here at Wild Wonderful Off Grid. You can see their home build, home life, the cafe remodel and and more

Wild Roots Cafe & Co has an Instagram account here.

I often find the most updated information about the cafe on the Wild Wonderful Off Grid Instagram account here

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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