OXO Good Grips Liquid Measuring Cup Review

When you work in the kitchen every day, as most of us do, it's important to have a good, easy-to-use, liquid measuring cup. While measuring cups are pretty easy to come by, just how easy is yours to use? 

Recently, after one time too many measuring water by pouring, then leaning over to read the markings on the side of the cup, then pouring a little bit of the water out, checking the markings again, then adding just a bit more since I poured too much out the first time, I had had enough of that frustrating routine. What I really disliked was having to lean over, contorting my body sideways so I could see the red marks on the side of the cup, then doing it all over again until I got the amount just right. My back didn't like the routine and neither did I.  

That day, after putting it off for much too long, I ordered an OXO Good Grips Angled Measuring Cup. 

When my package arrived, I couldn't wait to give it a try. I rinsed out the rather odd-looking cup, grabbed the water pitcher, and poured, aiming at the 1-cup mark. Voila!  I got the right amount of water on the first try! Why? Because all I had to do was stand up straight, pour slowly, and watch the target mark on the inner angled surface. When the water got to the target mark, I stopped. Perfect! I had just the amount that I needed. No bending!

Relief! I should have ordered an angled measuring cup a long time ago! 

This 3-piece OXO Angled Measuring Cup set
includes the 1, 2, and 4-cup measuring cups.

This liquid measuring cup is made of BPA-free plastic, has the comfortable OXO padded handle (great when your hands are wet or slippery), is dishwasher safe, microwave safe (except for oils or fats), and includes bright markings in ounces, cups, and milliliters (on the outside only). It's also available in multiple sizes. The three-cup set pictured here is a great package deal and includes one each of 1-cup, a 2-cup, and 4-cup cups with the patented inside markings that come in so very handy no matter what liquid you're using. 

Another feature that I really like about this cup is the indentation at the top, above the handle, for your thumb. It's comfortable to hold and easy to pour. Check out the picture below - that's my hand, my thumb, my OXO angled liquid measuring cup.

One caution, based on reading customer reviews, is to not use hot oil-based liquids in the plastic cup to avoid cracking or breaking. I wouldn't, for instance, melt a stick of butter in the cup in the microwave as I occasionally do with my old glass measuring cup.  

An individual angled measuring cup or the three-piece OXO liquid measuring cup set would make a great gift for a bridal shower, for mom, or treat yourself. You'll love it and, believe me, you deserve it!

-- Susan Deppner

Read more of my reviews.

Posted by Susan Deppner

About the Author

Susan Deppner is a baby boomer, a cancer survivor, and a Southerner who believes in the Golden Rule. She enjoys writing about food, faith, and fitness; health, home, and holidays; people, places, pets, and patriotism, and more. Follow Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

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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Reviewing American Girl Doll Sewing Patterns

Sewing Patterns For American Girl Doll Clothes

Save money or even make money by making doll clothes at home. Using sewing patterns for American Girl doll clothes can save you money and allow you to create unique one of a kind clothing for your doll or the doll that belongs to a special little girl in your life. It is also a way to use up some extra fabrics that are just waiting to be taken out of the "someday I'll use that" pile. Come on, you crafters know of what I speak! There is also the possibility of making yourself some extra income by purchasing several sewing patterns. If you are a good seamstress, you can take these patterns, make some doll clothing and sell them to Moms and Grandmas who do not sew but want something unique and different for their American Girl Doll. You can sell them online or do craft shows. There is some real potential for earning some extra cash for yourself and your family.

A Few Sewing Patterns For Doll Clothing to fit 18 inch dolls

There are just so many options when looking for sewing patterns for American Girl doll clothes and accessories. I found four cute ideas to show you.

Sew the Contemporary Wardrobe for 18-Inch Dolls: Complete Instructions & Full-Size Patterns for 35 Clothing and Accessory Items

This book of patterns includes the instructions and tissue paper pattern sheets to make 16 mix and match outfits for the American Girl dolls or any of the 18 inch dolls on the market. The designer actually took the time to interview little girls to find out what they want for their dolls to be able to wear.

McCall's Patterns M6005 Clothes and Accessories for 18-Inch Doll, One Size Only

This pattern from the company known for sewing patterns for 145 years, McCall's, offers the instructions and pattern pieces to sew up 6 adorable little outfits for dolls.

Simplicity Sewing Pattern 3551 Doll Clothes, One Size

From Simplicity, also a popular company for many decades, we find a sweet little sewing pattern with 41 pieces. You can make a top, pants, skirt, jacket and coat with this one! Depending on the fabrics you choose they can be for the spring and summer seasons or for fall and winter.

Simplicity Sewing Pattern 4364 Doll Clothes, One Size

What little girl doesn't love to dress up in a party dress? Well, with this Simplicity sewing pattern for dolls, her little friend can be dressed for a party or special occasion, too. The dress can be sleeveless, short sleeved, long sleeved and the length can be short or long. How much fun is that?

Sewing Patterns For The Historical Character American Girl Dolls

If you have one of the Historical Character Dolls from American Girl, choosing a pattern for doll clothing of the specific era is a distinct option. The Felicity and Elizabeth dolls were from the Colonial era of history so outfits made from patterns with that era in mind are perfect. There are also patterns for other eras that work for the other historical character dolls.

What size sewing patterns do you need?

Not all sewing patterns will say that they are for American Girl Doll Clothes. In fact, most of the time they will state that they are for 18 inch doll clothes. Those will work just fine for the American Girl dolls or 18 inch dolls in general. American Girl also has Bitty Baby and Bitty Twins but those are 15 inch dolls so if you are sewing clothing for them, you will need to shop for the 15 inch size patterns.

Seasonal Fashions In One Sewing Pattern for American Girl Doll Clothes

The really great and economical thing about most doll clothes patterns is that you get more than one outfit in the package. It is not uncommon to find a pattern that allows you to make 6 different outfits that will work for the Spring and Summer clothing or for Fall and Winter.

Suggestion For Selling The Doll Clothes that you make from the sewing patterns

May I offer some suggestions to you if you are planning to make doll clothes for the American Girl Doll or any 18 inch doll and sell them? I believe that it is wise to make a variety of outfits to offer for sale. More importantly, I think it is important that you do not make too many outfits using the same fabric. Mix it up a bit. Your buyers will be looking for something unique that they can't find in a store or online. They don't want an outfit that hundreds of others have one identical to. You can make a cute little sun dress 100 times but use different color combinations and mixtures of fabrics. Perhaps only make 5 that are identical. Believe me, you will sell more that way.

Also, when working on your inventory to offer for sale make sure you have fashions for the specific seasons of the year and holidays. Sports clothing is also very popular for the dolls. Plan to give your customers a nice variety of unique doll clothing.

Pay Attention To Adult Fashion Trends:

Keep your eye on the colors and fashion trends for adults and see if you can use those ideas in making your doll clothes for the American Girl Doll. Especially if you plan to sell them. Trendy colors in your fabrics can lead to some pretty good sales. Your initial investment does not have to be a lot of money. You can start with one pattern and make it in a few different options. Once you have made some money selling those doll clothes, you can invest in additional sewing patterns for American Girl doll clothes.

What should you charge for the doll clothing?

If you have decided to sell the items that you have made using the sewing patterns for American Girl Doll clothes, you should have a plan for how much to charge for each outfit. It isn't always an easy calculation or decision to make. Obviously you need to make enough money to cover the cost of making the outfit. You also need to make some profit to pay for your time and to re-supply your working inventory. A good practice is to look around at online sites and see what the asking price for something similar is. One really good measuring unit is to ask yourself what you would be willing to pay for an outfit from someone else. Chances are if you think the price is too much, so will your potential customers. Try to come up with a fair and affordable price for your customers. If doing a craft show, you can sometimes have a slightly higher price to give yourself some negotiating room for those times when the customer asks if you can do any better on the price. You already added a little cushion to your bottom line. If selling your doll clothing online, remember that the customer is looking at the price of the item plus shipping charges. You might look at what the shipping is going to be and perhaps try to keep the total under $20. Of course that depends on how much you have in the outfit. I would also suggest that you have one price for items you have made up ahead of time to sell and a higher price for custom orders.

Well known Designers Get Into The Spirit Of Dolls

I just love that there are well known designers who are starting to create fun and unique clothing for dolls. Whether it is an American Girl doll or any 18 inch doll they can wear designer clothes made by you or the seamstress of your choosing. Whether you plan to use sewing patterns for American Girl doll clothes to make a few outfits for your own doll, a special little girl's doll, or you want to sell them to others, I hope you had fun looking at the ideas that I have presented on this page. Making doll clothes is a great way to add some income and to use up pieces of fabric. Let me know you stopped in to the craft room today by leaving a comment.

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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What do an Electric Snow Shovel and a Deep Fryer have in common?

A while ago, while the snow was still flying in the sky and falling to the ground faster than running water, my other half and I decided that now would be a great time to own our own Electric Snow Shovel. 

What actually happened, though, was not what I expected.

My husband likes to research anything that we are going to purchase to make sure that we are getting value for our dollars.  One of his favorite mottos is "Getting the  Biggest Bang for Your Buck!"  So with that in mind, I knew that I was going to be shoveling whatever white stuff the clouds were going to dump on me,  that day and probably the next.

Fast forward about three days: low and behold, my sweetie's favorite truck comes by with a delivery.  I was sure that it was my new and improved Electric Snow Shovel and my back, arms and legs were all doing the happy dance.

One big problem,  the size of the box and the dimensions of that same said box, were no where near what I would have expected for an Electric Snow Shovel!

Now we have a rule in our house,  that if the delivery truck comes, only the person that it is addressed to, is allowed to open whatever is in the box.

Well wouldn't you know it, he was out and I was in!  Darn,  I couldn't break our long standing house rule, even though my fingers, hands, arms and legs all said......."DO IT!"

A few hours go by and my sweetie finally makes it home.  I am waiting like a kid, who has the biggest secret and can't wait to tell the next person who crosses his path.

He enters the home and sees the  box in the middle of the living room and I with a great big grin on my face, look at him with great big puppy dog eyes and ask, "What's in the box?"

He grabs the box and takes it into his "man-cave" leaving me with this goofy grin on my face.  "I'll be right back" he says ever so coyly.

Well up the stair he comes in short order carrying not my new Electric Snow Shovel, but rather this lovely looking T-Fal Deep Fryer!

In my state of excitement and anticipation, we could now add total confusion.  Because I love this man, and he loves me, I let him explain.

Honey he says very coquetishly,  I got us something that both of us could use and neither one of us has,  I got us this lovely T-Fal Deep Fryer! 

T-Fal Deep Fryer

I just looked at him with total uncomprehension and said, "but I thought we were getting an Electric Snow Shovel?"  

He says ever so quickly, "honey, the Electric Snow Shovel isn't on sale yet, but the Deep Fryer was!

So I spent the rest of March and April of this year, shoveling by hand, while my sweetie was busy in the kitchen making Home made Fish and Chips.  Guess I will wait until the Snow Shovels are no longer needed to get mine.

Snow Joe, Electric Snow Shovel

Right now though,  I am thoroughly enjoying summer and the snow can wait until December at which time I am sure that I will be the owner of my very own Snow Joe Electric Snow Shovel.

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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Hiking Through Book Review

Hiking Through

Hiking Through is a bitter, sweet, and victorious story of Paul Stutzman's new beginnings on the Appalachian Trail. He had dreamed of hiking the trail and after the death of his wife, he began that hike. As someone who has worked to continue living during the dark hours of profound grief and loss, who has questioned the presence of God, and who believes nature heals us, I found this book to be both entertaining and soothing.

One Man's Journey to Peace and Freedom on the Appalachian Trail

Paul Stutzman was raised in an Amish and Mennonite community. He attended church regularly and lived a quietly Christian life. Paul married a "liberal" Mennonite gal named Mary, raised a family, and was successful in the restaurant business. Life rolled along as expected until Mary passed away from cancer. She lost that battle and his faith in an active God was shaken.

He chose the trail name Apostle Paul and began the 2,176 mile hike from Georgia to Maine. When asked about his trail name on that first day he replied, "Apostle Paul. I'm hiking to Damascus, hoping for an enlightening experience. Damascus, Virginia, that is. Then on to Maine."

Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail

I have read several AT thru-hike memoirs.  They have been decent reads. But there is something about Paul's story-telling and documentation of the trail that I found interesting.  I have a basic understanding of protecting your food supply by hanging it in the trees, trying to pack the lightest pack possible and yet have sufficient supplies, and pitching a tent in the rain. Even so, I had imagined the AT as an arduous but well-kept, longer version of other park trails.  

I was wrong.

Paul's descriptions of the wide variety of shelters, weather, and trail conditions kept me engrossed in this book.  He described fording rivers, slipping from narrow board walkways into mucky bogs, and scrabbling over house-sized boulders.  I am certain I have a more clear understanding of the AT trail after reading his descriptions.  I am more familiar with the terms blue blazing, slack-packing, and hike your own hike. 

God and Faith

I do not typically read Christian literature and at the first sign of bible thumping or attempts to save my soul from the fire and brimstone I run the other way. I have beliefs and a certain level of faith, but I have no desire to be lectured by other humans who are as flawed as I am. Typically, as soon as I understand that a book is "religious", I shut it and put it aside.

Some reviewers make statements along the lines of 'I didn't realize God was going to be a main character in this story' (paraphrased). Apostle Paul makes frequent references to his conservative up-bringing, his understanding of the church the requirements to avoid sin, and his questioning of God. After all, why does God let our loved ones suffer and die? And do nothing to stop it?  Paul looked for signs of an active God along the trail.

However, I didn't feel lectured or Bible-thumped. I felt fully as though I were watching a man find his way. And in his search I learned a thing or two.  At the one point in the book that he summarizes his thoughts on God and the trail, he gives the reader permission to blue blaze, and skip that section. Oddly enough, I read every word.

Paul did find his signs that God exists and is active. He found those signs in the dancing of the leaves on the trees. And in the earth-shaking storm that threatened to take his very existence. 

"I was terrified of the storm but I was not terrified of dying. I actually felt at peace with the possibility. I clung to the tree, on my knees in streaming water, wind tearing at my body, rain and hail pounding me. I hung on. I knew God was there."

A Good Read About One Man, One Long Hike, and Faith

If a memoir (not a technical how-to) about the Appalachian Trail interests you, if you have ever lost a loved one and questioned the existence of God, or if you have ever struggled with living a more peaceful life, you will likely enjoy this book as much as I did. 

Other Thru-Hiking Memoirs and Trail Resources:

Paul Stutzman -- The official website of Paul Stutzman. Read about what he's done since thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. 

Trail Journals -- an online community of hikers as they prepare and hike. Read about their hiking gear, their preparation, and their journal entries while on the trail. 

Movie Review of Wild -- The story of Cheryl Strayed and her thru-hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. Another hiker in search of something. Watch as Cheryl finds herself. 

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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Unique Wall Decorating Idea for Washrooms!

The Washroom Quote We Featured

The Twitter Principle - I call these 'Mom's Visual Tweets'

A few years ago, we updated our main washroom, and one of the accessory items I wanted to place on the wall was a quotation that didn't relate to the room itself.

Typical washroom quotes normally involve something about brushing your teeth or maybe soaking in the tub. However, you don't have to limit your choices. You can easily select words usually reserved for a bedroom, kitchen, living room, or office.

I elected to go this route mainly because it's the one room I know I'll have the kids' undivided attention in! I'm using what I call 'The Twitter Principle' - I call these Mom's Visual Tweets. Especially since some of my boys are men now, reading a short, profound message is much more effective than mom (a.k.a ME) blurting out one-liners! Not to mention that short quotes qualify as NOT too much information!

I've also placed quotes on the fridge for the family to read, but since our washroom was recently updated, I used a small space on the wall to feature this lovely message:

Our Washroom with Wall Quote - Wall Quotes

However, don't feel you have to be limited to being profound and deep with your word choices; you can also choose fun quotes, especially if the washroom is deemed a 'kid space,' or you can have a quote personalized and simply select your own words. 

The above photo shows the canvas quote I put on our own washroom wall, as well as a photo that shows you how I used a small section of the wall to feature it. You can see that you only need a little wall area to find a space for a quote.

Reading and gathering quotes and sayings is one of my favorite hobbies, so much so that I've created quite an extensive Pinterest board about quotes: 

Follow Barbara Tremblay Cipak's board Favorite Quotes on Pinterest.

Have fun decorating!

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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