Mom's New Nescafe Coffee Machine

Today I'm going to review the Dolce Gusto coffee maker that is my mom's new Nescafe Coffee Machine.   Now as you all know I'm a confirmed tea drinker, but I do also enjoy a nice coffee or a hot chocolate and this machine delivers with both.

My mom was given the Nescafe Dolce Gusto coffee maker by my brother and sister-in-law and was looking forward to seeing what I thought of her hot chocolate when I stayed (mom always makes me a hot chocolate at night when I'm at her house).   The Nescafe Dolce Gusto Chocoletto was delicious!

Mom's Nescafe Dolce Gusto Coffee Maker

I've seen that this coffee maker comes in sophisticated black and glamorous silver, but my mom was given a rather racy looking red which is very attention seeking in her kitchen!   The actual machine is one that takes capsules which are very popular at the moment.

Not only does the Dolce Gusto coffee maker make coffee and hot chocolate it can also make iced tea which is apparently delicious, although I didn't get around to trying that one myself.   Let's have a look at the coffee machine and see how it works.

As you can see this is a sleek looking machine which is what you expect from Nescafe, but let's look at each part and talk about how they all work together to bring you whatever elixir you crave!

1. You can see that the water is kept at the back of the machine - this is just room temperature water filled from the tap or from your purifier whichever you prefer.   A bonus with this machine is that if you forget to check if you have enough water before starting it up (lack of caffiene can cause concentration problems after all!) the machine will stop midway and allow you to add water.
2. Here you can see where you add the pods or coffee capsules (I'm never quite sure which term to use!)  For the hot chocolate, chai latte and other specialty coffees there are two capsules required a 'coffee' one and a 'milk' one.   Nescafe make the coffee ones black and the milk ones white to make it easy to grab one of each from the box.
3. Depending on what drink you're making it will tell you how many levels to 'dial up' on the machine - the green lights indicate the level on the Dolce Gusto machine.   When I say tell you, it doesn't actually speak but rather is shown on the capsule lid!  My niece told my mum to go up an extra level and we enjoyed it just as much doing that so I would just use their instructions as a guideline as opposed to written in stone.
4. The final part of the Dolce Gusto coffee maker is the switch which you put to the hot or cold side depending on what you're making because this gem of a machine makes iced drinks too!   Apparently the iced tea is delicious, but I didn't try it myself as mom had a peach flavored one which I wasn't too keen on.

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Coffee Capsules

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Coffee Capsules

Let's look at the fuel of the machine, the coffee capsules or coffee pods whatever you want to call them.  They are available in a wide range of flavors and as you've seen above the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Coffee machine allows you to make both hot and iced drinks.

Looking on Amazon I can see a range of flavors that my mom hasn't even mentioned so I'm excited about my next trip to stay with her.........or maybe I'll just have to get one of these machines myself and call it Lou's New Nescafe Coffee Machine!

I can thoroughly recommend the Chocoletto and the Chai Tea Latte and on my next visit I want to try the Mocha because combining chocolate and coffee is just like manna from heaven in my mind!  My daughter was looking over my shoulder as I checked out what capsules were available and has decided that her Nan will just have to get some Dolce Gusto Nesquik capsules!

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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Sully Movie Reviewed

When A Man Does His Job Well

Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Recently, my husband and I enjoyed watching the movie Sully and I still can not stop thinking about the film. I think most of us from the US remember the breaking news about the airplane that was landed in the Hudson River by the pilot Captain Chesley Sullenberger. We were amazed and cheered the pilot and his co-pilot for their heroic actions. 

The movie shows us what happened that day over the skies of New York city and the days that followed. Captain Sullenberger is played by Tom Hanks and does a marvelous job. 

In real life, I remember being struck by Sully's humility and his repeated comment that he was not a hero but was just a man who did his job. He seemed to be so uncomfortable in the limelight. What we, the public, did not know was what was going on behind the scenes to the two pilots who saved the lives of 155 people by landing the plane in the waters of the Hudson. 

The movie shows us what happened with the bird strike and the quick thinking of a veteran pilot. It also shows the process of investigation that is necessary with any plane crash. What is different in this real life event is that the pilot and the crew along with all of the passengers are all alive and can testify to what happened. Sadly, there is normally no one who can explain the events that caused the crash. It is much easier to deduce that there was pilot error and the case is closed. 

Sully

We are shown in the movie, Sully, that the investigators are most assuredly about to railroad a decision that will find fault with Captain Sullenberger's heroic act and most likely end his career as a pilot.  After all, there were the options to land the plane in two other places without causing much damage to the plane. But the Captain knows that there was no way he could have saved the passengers or the plane if he had gone to either option that the investigative board thinks he should have. It just boils down to him proving he had no other choice but to land the plane in the river.

I won't reveal everything about the movie here in the review. What I will tell you is that it is a movie that both my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed. It made us feel good and it made us appreciate what really happened that day in 2009. The movie made us proud that there are men like Captain Sullenberger who perform their jobs on a daily basis to the very best of their abilities, not for glory but because they take pride in their work and want to do their job well. Included in those who do their jobs well are the first responders who quickly went into action that day and rescued the crew and passengers from the frigid waters of the Hudson. That day in January 2009 is often referred to as the "Miracle On The Hudson" and it does seem to be quite miraculous. Perhaps it was a miracle, the powers that be saw to it the the right people with the right skills and experience reported for work that day. They did their jobs well and instead of a tragedy on the news, people all around the world were able to experience the joy of lives being saved by a pilot who knew exactly what needed to be done and whose main concern was the safety of the passengers on board his airplane.

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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Carhartt Socks for Women Review

If you are familiar with the Carhartt brand, there is a good chance you think only of men's clothing. Or more specifically, men's coveralls, coats, and hats. I depend on the Carhartt brand and I have two pairs of their wonderful women's Carhartt wool blend socks. As I was browsing online for a few more pairs, I realized that I should share my Carhartt women's socks experience with you. I paused my shopping in order to review these warm, durable, and comfortable socks. 

Warm and Thick Women's Socks by Carhartt

I have to start by stating, I really hate wearing socks and shoes. Period.  When I do wear shoes, boots, or socks, they must fit well, be comfortable, and serve a purpose. If I could live my life barefoot, I would. Unfortunately, I must wear shoes and socks.

Last year, I needed some suitable socks for camping and hiking at The Shack during cold weather.  I chose two pair of Carhartt socks and couldn't be more pleased.  I am so pleased with the socks that I was browsing with the plan to order another couple of pair to keep here at the apartment.  

These are a few of the many reasons I recommend these Carhartt socks

• keeps my feet warm but not sweaty
• durable
• the acrylic/polyester/nylon/wool/spandex blend (probably responsible for the two items above)
• built-in arch support
• heels that stay in place
• the style creates a good fit and a sock that doesn't slide around my foot
• top of the sock stays in place

There are few things I hate more than socks that slide around your foot, slide down your calf, and bunch up under your arch.  So uncomfortable and annoying!  But these Carhartt socks stayed in place whether I was using them as "slippers" while in The Shack or as warm socks under my rubber boots or hiking boots.  Those sewn "ribs" at the arch hug my foot and are so very comfortable.

Unfortunately, the exact pairs (the pink ones) that I purchased are currently out-of-stock and seem to be difficult to find. 

Carhartt Women's All-Season Crew Socks

The good news is that very similar pairs are still offered and are easy to find.  In fact, it seems the only difference is that the blends are ever-so-slightly different.  These purple "hiker crew" socks have similar heels, toes, and arch support. Not sold on the color purple? Don't worry, there are several other colors to choose from.

Carhartt Women's Merino Wool Blend Hiker Crew Socks

I will be ordering a couple pairs of these textured crew socks with confidence that I will love the new socks just as much as I do my pairs that are waiting for me up at my place in the woods. I like these as they are a bit higher on the calf. Slightly more coverage as I am tromping around in snow or outside in cold weather.

Carhartt Women's Merino Wool Blend Textured Crew

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If you are in need of soft and comfortable socks, be sure to read our Barbara's article about the World's Softest Socks. In her review, she describes why her soft socks and the absence of bulky seams is her choice. 

If you are unfamiliar with the Carhartt brand, I encourage you to take a peek at their official site. For as long as I can remember, the men in my life have depended on the durability and quality of their coveralls and coats. I find that their sweatshirts, hats, and socks are always a good choice and meet my own cold weather needs. 

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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Outdoor Swinging Egg Chairs - Comfort Beyond Belief!

Featured by Funkthishouse.com

This past Saturday we enjoyed an afternoon of walking through all the displays and home decor and design options presented at the National Home Show.

Unlike our visits to Home Shows in the past, this one involved constant searches for places to rest. In other words, where there was a chair, I was there.

However, my faulty knees turned out to be very helpful; they gave me an opportunity to be Goldilocks on the hunt for the comfiest place to rest my weary bones.

AND this was just right!

Of all the chairs we (my son and I) parked our buns in, the Swinging Egg Chair, in our opinion, was absolutely the most comfortable chair ever!

It wasn't just my son and me who were in awe at how comfortable these chairs were, it was everyone sitting in them in the booth! The seller had about 5 or six of them on display and they were being tried by passers-by on a constant basis. I found myself chatting with the testers of two other chairs on each side of me, and we agreed we could sit here all day and never get up.

I couldn't put my finger on what made these chairs so comfortable. At first I thought it was the swinging, and of course, it was, but it was that and more. Perhaps the sense of floating? Maybe that was it? Whatever makes these work, I was thinking I could easily spend a day in one of these just reading a book and swinging to nice light background music.

There are many other designs available in swinging chairs. In the display at The Home Show, there were single chairs like the one above, just enough for one person. There were double swinging egg chairs for two, and there was a swinging lounge chair as well. I tried them all, and WOW, is all I can say! I really like the swinging double egg chair too as it would enable you to put your feet up if you wanted.

These can also be used inside the home. In fact, depending on the manufacturer, you can find them in other colors. They'd be great in a bedroom, office or even a large family room. You would have to be sure there was enough space in the room, as the base is quite large, and the egg chair itself is a good size as well.

The measurement of the Swinging Egg Chair in the photo is 37.5 inches in diameter by 75 inches high. The chairs are also quite heavy and sturdy; this one weighs about 60 pounds.

I have to say, if I find a place inside the home to include this comfy egg chair in my décor, I'm going to do it.

Happy 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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Mystery Series Review: Cats, Cupcakes and Killers

Cats, Cupcakes and Killers

Mystery series are always fun to read, especially when you can get them in a nice boxed set. Author Sylvia Selfman has done just that with her Izzy Greene series in Cats, Cupcakes and Killers. All seven mysteries are published together for Kindle and e-readers. What could be more enticing for a mystery story lover such as myself?

Cats, Cupcakes and Killers Starring Izzy Greene

This fun series is considered a cozy mystery series. (More about that coming up.) It's also an enjoyable romp through life with Izzy Greene, our amateur sleuth. The setting is a modern day Palm Springs retirement community. Yep, our Izzy (short for Isadora, of course) is a widow living happily in retirement. Happily that is, until murder comes knocking at her door. Well, the murderer comes knocking, followed by the police detective who wants her to just find a hobby. And one that doesn't involve murders, please.

In the first book, Izzy ends up with a companion cat named Sherlock. Really, that's his name. This ushers in pets as integral parts of the various murder investigations. Which allows the author to weave some extra humor in.

Cats, Cupcakes and Killers

Not that she needs extra humor. There is plenty around the cupcake and dessert loving duo of Izzy and her best friend and sleuthing partner, Flo. Of course, we are treated to decadent descriptions of these rich sweets. Enough to make a chocoholic like me go rushing to the nearest bakery. With chocolate cupcake in hand, or mouth as the case may be, I'm off reading the next in the series. 

Author Sylvia Selfman has put together a humorous premise for this mystery series. Every one is just plain fun reading. None of these books will ever win a Nobel prize for literature, but they don't have to. In my opinion, fun reading is worth it's weight in gold. (Not sure what that weight is, but it sure sounds good, doesn't it?)

Cozy Mysteries - The History and Progression

In the days of Agatha Christie, the term cozy mystery got it's start. It was meant to describe a mystery setting where a very limited number of people could be the murderer. A family gathering at the locked estate of the victim, a weekend getaway on an island resort, even a formal birthday party where all the guests stay overnight.  The victim and the suspects are all in a "cozy" situation.

Since that original description, the term cozy has come to include a broader use. It's not just about the suspects anymore. It's now applied to mysteries that allow you read them curled up on the couch for an afternoon. Instead of the suspects, we the readers are cozy.

Sylvia Selfman decided to include both definitions in her Cats, Cupcakes and Killers series. I have been curled up in my favorite reading chair enjoying the stories of Izzy's limited setting for suspects. Cozy mysteries from any angle.

My Word of Caution for this Mystery Series Review

It's rare for me to care much about a typo or two in a book that I'm reading. Proofing isn't all it's cracked up to be. And we know that we're all only human, we make mistukes. But, with this series, along with many others I have read recently, typos seem to be popular. Maybe it's the software that put these into Kindle format, maybe it's the authors themselves. Whatever it is, be aware that there are enough typos to cause you some reading stoppage. My advice - try to ignore them and enjoy the story. Typos included, the cozy mysteries are worth it.

Besides, the price is completely right. Ninety-nine cents for the complete series of 7 mystery novels. For that price, I'll forgive the typos. It's even better if you belong to Kindle Unlimited. So take a risk - not much of one anyway - and enjoy Cats, Cupcakes and Killers.


Posted by: BuckHawk

About This Contributor

BuckHawk decribes herself as "Basically a lazy person who prefers the easy things in life." So that's what she writes about. Easy home decorating, easy recipes, easy entertaining. But, she is also a lover of animals, gardening and crafting. You'll find her writing all over the Web, but with Review This Reviews! she has the opportunity to write about all of her loves.

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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