Flannel Sheet Set Reviewed

Cozy Winter Sleeping With A Flannel Sheet Set

Cotton Used To Make A Flannel Sheet from Pixabay.com

As I write this review it is winter in my part of the hemisphere. My husband and I love to use a flannel sheet set on our beds when the weather gets cold. We have a variety of colorful sets to choose from for our bed but I'm always looking for another set to replace any that become worn out. They do not wear out often, in fact, in the 20 some years that we have used them; I think I have only had to replace two. 

We love that extra warmth that the flannel sheet offers and they feel so wonderful on your skin as you sleep. I don't know about you but I have found that as I age I seem to feel colder than I used to. 

So, I discovered that one of our sheet sets is starting to show some thinness in a couple of areas and I want to get another set to have on hand. My husband is partial to plaid and I try to keep a set or two in a plaid to keep him happy. Don't get me wrong, I like plaids too so I don't mind having a plaid set on our bed from time to time. I found a pretty set that will go with our bedroom decor and plan to order it in the next couple of days.

Printed Flannel Sheet Set

I just love that sage green, blue and brown combination in this particular sheet set! Another feature with this set is that it is brushed on both sides. That makes the sheets softer on your skin at night. When I first started buying flannel for our bed, I did not pay attention to whether it was brushed on each side or not. It does make a difference in both comfort and wear of the sheets. If the underside is not brushed it feels coarser and in my opinion wears out sooner. I don't know that it is a scientific fact or not but an observation that I have made over the years of using them.

If plaid isn't something that you care for this sheet set is available in five additional patterns. It also comes in the standard sizes of twin, full, queen, and king along with an option for twin extra long and California king size beds.

How about you? Do you use flannel sheets on your bed in the winter? If not, you might want to give them a try. I really do not think that you will be disappointed with them. They are so comfy and warm!

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 Free Country Women's Jackets

My Free Country soft shell jacket

I dread buying jackets and I am often disappointed after purchasing one. Winter jackets are too bulky or they aren't bulky but then they are not warm enough. Water-resistant jackets often feel too stiff and too much like plastic and are overly noisy when I walk. Or my favorite jackets do not remain dry in wet snow conditions. Last week, I found the solution to my jacket problems when I purchased a women's jacket by Free Country. I immediately put it to the test in severe weather. This review will explain why I have a new favorite brand of women's outerwear.

Free Country Soft Shell Women's Hooded Jacket

A week ago, I went shopping for a jacket. I needed a warm, wind-resistant, rain-resistant but light-weight jacket. I dread cold and wet weather. Not so much because of the weather. In fact, I enjoy being outside in inclement weather at many times. What I dread is finding outerwear that fits, is comfortable, and does what it claims to do. I chose a Free Country Soft Shell Hooded Jacket and immediately put it to the test.

This soft shell jacket was advertised as water resistant, wind resistant, and breathable.  It was so thin that I expected it to be not warm enough. But the "soft butterpile lining" and the wind resistant material kept me plenty warm as I went camping during severe weather that included 20F degree nights, severe wind gusts, and horizontally blowing snow crystals. I was camping in a cabin but had to walk the dogs, gathered wood, and I also planted my little Christmas tree in the inclement weather. I remained warm and dry during all of these activities.

The things I especially liked about this jacket:

• this little jacket kept me warm and kept the wind off me. 
• my movement was not constricted 
• I bought slightly large so I could layer underneath as needed but the fit was still very good
• the hood fit well (not so snug as to be binding and not so loose as to blow off) 
• shorter cut (no sitting on the tail of my jacket)
• multiple pockets (the pockets were large and roomy enough for a large pair of gloves)
• the velco-adjustable cuffs of the jacket are perfect for wind-proofing your wrists - no matter how thick or thin your gloves (or wrists) are

I was surprised at how well this jacket performed. I should have purchased two of them - one for my "roughing it" activities and one for work.

Free Country Women's Anorak Rain Jacket

After I purchased the jacket I described above, I thought something seemed familiar about it.  So I checked the rain jacket that I purchased last year that I like. Briefly, this women's rain jacket is advertised as being made with a "unique coating" that is soft, durable, and lightweight. The "radiant" coating feels slightly "nylon-ish" to me and does make some of that distracting rain coat noise that I despise. But only slightly.  The interior mesh keeps me cool (which is a huge plus) and none of the material gives my hair static (an even bigger plus).

If you are looking for a lightweight rain jacket, I recommend the Free Country jackets.

About Free Country

On the Free Country site you will find that there are many different styles of jackets for a variety of weather conditions.  You'll also find a long list of stores that carry this brand. Some of these retail partners include:

• Amazon
• Bass Pro Shops
• JC Penney
• Kohls

I purchased this jacket via Kohls because I had some generous gift cards to spend. I have several wish list items that I will purchase in the near future. Whether you purchase through one of the retail partners or through Free Country's site, I think you will find what you need.

I would like to mention that if purchasing from Amazon, please comparison shop. Amazon is my favorite shopping experience and I've never had difficulty with an order. All of the coats fulfilled by Free Country were competitively priced. However, I noticed that my specific jacket advertised on Amazon, fulfilled by another merchant, was marked up considerably. Be careful to watch those prices.

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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Our Wishes for Your 2017!

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Appetizers on Ice Buffet Serving Trays Review

For many years, I have made appetizer and fruit trays for our guests during the holidays.  The smell of food cooking always makes everyone hungry long before the dinner is ready.  Fruit and vegetable appetizers are the perfect way to take the edge off hunger without completely ruining the meal.

The only problem with cut fruit and vegetables is the short counter life.  Both fruit and vegetables start to "age" as soon as they are removed from the refrigerator.  Once they have set out for a short while, there is absolutely nothing appetizing about looking at them, much less eating them.   This year I tried something new.  I purchased several iced buffet serving trays and they were fabulous!

I actually left the cut fruits and vegetables out for hours.  At the end of the day, they were just as ripe and delicious 10 hours after I first set them out.  I did have to change the ice several times during the day, but that was easy.  I was also able to save the leftovers to eat later.

Buffet on Ice Serving Trays with Lids

Because I wasn't sure whether I wanted the iced trays with or without lids, I purchased one of each.  After using them both, I now have a clear preference for which one works best for our family.  I actually liked the lidded appetizer on ice tray the best.  Since the appetizers were set out for all day "grazing" instead of a short duration luncheon style buffet, it was wonderful to have the food covered.  

 Prodyne AB-5-L Appetizers-On-Ice with Lids

• Revolving Tray - Lazy Susan Style
• Pretty Scalloped Edge
• 3 Lidded Sections
• Lids have Handles 
• Removable lidded Dip Dish included
• Clear
• Lightweight 
• 16 3/6" wide
• 5" deep

Note:  Before I purchased this tray, I read the reviews.  Several people complained about the vent holes.  They were not a problem at all for the fruit, vegetables or cheese that I served.  However, if you are serving an appetizer that has sauce, then I would recommend the tray below.

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As you can see in the photo, you fill the bottom tray with a layer of ice, set the tray section over the ice, then cover with the lids.  When the ice melts, you remove the lidded sections, pour off the water and add a new layer of ice.

Buffet on Ice Serving Trays without Lids

 Clear 2pc Appetizer Server with Ice TrayThis is the second iced buffet serving tray I purchased and used.  It does not have lids, it does not turn, and it does not have the vent holes like the tray above.  The sections have solid bottoms.  This is a two piece design where the entire top tray lifts away from the lower tray of ice.

However, there are no lids and no removable dip dish.  This style would be an excellent choice for a luncheon or buffet dinner where an open server would be preferred. 

This is a perfectly acceptable appetizers on ice buffet serving tray and I will certainly use it again.  But, my first choice would be the pretty scalloped tray with the lids and separate dip dish above. 

Both serving trays would need to be hand-washed.  

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Appetizers on Ice Buffet Serving Trays  Review Written by:

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Site Review of Teabag Folding|Paper Facets

Review of Teabag Folding Site

Rosette from Teabag Folding Site

If  you are a fan of hand made cards you will love the site: http://paperfacets.com. 

It has many beautiful cards for you to purchase and they are very reasonable for such unique designs that are made entirely by hand. Even the shipping is much less than it is on other sites. 

Teabag folding is sort of an obscure paper craft but the results are gorgeous and your card recipients are going to be stunned by the beauty of the cards you give them. I was blown away by all the beautiful cards available on this site.

Learn the Art of Teabag Folding

And if you would like to learn about the craft of paper folding you are in for a treat as the owner has many many tutorials with clear and precise directions to help you from start to finish. (Tea bag folding is also known as flat fold origami.) She also lists and reviews many sources of the supplies you will need to get started making your own beautiful cards and the craft of teabag folding. 

Hand Made Card from Paper Facets

From the beginning of learning the craft, to learning some of the techniques and patterns, to sourcing some of the materials, and her reviews of some of the suppliers and supplies, you will find everything you need to get started and to become an expert on this very unique paper craft. You will also find hints on how to run an arts and crafts business if you want to take it that far. 

As an aside, I met the owner, Sherry, at an event in 2010 and she was very lovely and funny.  I am not surprised that her art is so wonderful. And that's what it is, art. Each and every card is a little work of art. She told a hilarious story of making her designs while on break when she worked at the phone company for many years so she could rush to craft fairs with her beautiful cards and sell them.

Buy Hand Made Cards at the Teabag Folding Website

Cut Out Rosette from Teabag Folding Site

I am so glad she now has them online so you don't have to find her at a crafts fair. You can just go to her site: Tea Bag Folding or http://paperfacets.com and look at some of her beautiful cards or you can order custom work too by contacting her on the site. There is lots of information for everyone. from the customer to the beginner to the expert paper craft artisan.

I totally recommend Teabag Folding, both the craft, and the site. Prepare to be enthralled. 

Photos on this page are courtesy of  paperfacets.com.


Two books about the paper craft of Origami to get you started:

Easy Origami (Dover Origami Papercraft)over 30 simple projects
Origami Fun Kit for Beginners (Dover Fun Kits)

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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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