Reviewing Choosing Compression Socks

Not All Compression Socks Are Created Equal

If you find yourself having to wear compression socks, are they digging into your legs? If so, you do not have a proper fit. Let's review the things you need to know before purchasing another pair.

These ankles don't seem to need compression socks. Do yours?
image courtesy of pixabay.com

We might assume that if this type of stocking has been recommended by a physician that the correct size would be prescribed or at least the information you need to purchase them if they are not covered under your insurance. That isn't always the case. Even in a hospital or assisted care facility, the correct fit isn't always chosen. If they are so tight they cut into your leg or so loose you have to pull them up; they are not the proper fit for your legs.

Factors To Take Into Consideration:

I think most of us would opt for a lower cost in this type of stocking that is supposed to help our circulation because we don't plan on having to wear them for an extended length of time. First of all, the cheaper ones don't usually ask for measurements of your calf or your ankle and that is important for a proper fit. They also don't normally tell you the degree of pressure the socks will provide and that is also important. 

The amount of compression that you need is determined by why you are being asked to wear these socks. 

• Mild compression (15-20 mm Hg) is used for the relief or prevention of minor to moderate varicose veins, minor swelling of the legs and ankles, or tired and aching legs
• Moderate compression (20-30 mm Hg) is needed for moderate to severe varicose veins, moderate to severe lymphatic edema, ulcers, or post thrombotic syndrome
• Firm compression (30-40 mm HG) is used for ulcer management or post thrombotic syndrome

The better quality socks will provide a chart to determine what size you need. You will need to measure the circumference of your calf and your ankle in order to know what size will work best for you. A proper fitting stocking will feel snug but not tight. 

Usually if a physician has recommended that you wear the socks, they will give you some guidance on what to select. They do not have to be prescribed in order to wear them, though. Athletes often wear compression stockings to help with blood flow as they perform. They are also often used by people who have to stand on their feet for long periods of time during their work day. 

Compression socks like the ones below give you the option of the sizing and compression provided before you order them: 

Click Here to See Compression Socks For Women

Disclaimer: I am not a physician. Be sure to discuss the use and purchase of compression socks with your medical professional before using them. This is information you can be armed with when you have the discussion.

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 the DB Moon Women's Summer Casual Dress

I recently decided that I needed a new piece of clothing. I needed lounge wear that didn't look too much like pajamas. I wanted something extremely comfortable that could be worn in public. I didn't really want stretchy pants. What I chose was a casual summer dress by DB Moon and I like it so much that I'm ordering a second dress in a different print.

Summer Casual Short Sleeve Dress with Empire Waist 

This dress has a scooped neck, short sleeves, and an empire waist. The waist is elastic. The dress has pockets (in-seam and deep) and what I call a full skirt. 

The material is 95% Rayon and 5% spandex. It is machine washable - cold. And it is "hang dry".  It is offered in a variety of colors and prints (including floral, polka dot, and snow leopard). 

Why I Chose This Dress

During this work-from-home time frame, I found that I do not have adequate lounge/casual clothing. I have pajama dresses and jeans/slacks. Period. I decided I needed some dresses that I could wear both while lounging/working from home and while doing errands or walking the dogs. I was also thinking of future camping trips. While camping at The Shack, I tend to slip my boots on with my pajama dress when I go out to walk the dogs or look around the yard in the morning. Typically, no one can see me when I am tucked down the hill and hidden from the road. But recently, the builder pulled up while I was in my boots and pajama dress!  

I wanted a comfy, casual-but-appropriate dress.

The DB Moon dresses offer a variety of color choices. It was hard to choose which color to try first. And is knee-length (to the bottom of my knee since I'm 5'4") which means I feel adequately covered for errands or visitors. The material is very soft and cool and drapes/swings nicely. But I think I like the pockets the best. The pockets are deep enough for a roll of doggie bags, my key, and my phone. 

Some people may be put off by the "do not tumble dry" care directions. I'm not. I already prefer to hang dry as much clothing as possible. Also, while most of the reviews are good reviews, a few ladies were disappointed with the fit of the dress.  From their photos, it seems that they maybe chose a size too small. I chose XL and the dress does not fit me as tightly as it seems to fit those who didn't like the fit. So I guess I am recommending that when in doubt about the size, go a size up.




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Bev reviewed comfy flannel pajama bottoms. I love flannel and that sort of pajama pant is what I often prefer to wear. However, we are moving toward summer and warmer weather. I wanted something cooler during warm days.  

Our friends on the other side of the world are moving into cooler weather. They may prefer the flannel pants. Or, they may prefer this fun Cow Onesie that LouAnn reviews. I know I want one! Just not as our summer is arriving. Maybe this fall I'll be seen wearing a cow (or chicken!) onesie while puttering around the yard at The Shack. 

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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High Pressure Car Cleaning Tool Review

Reviewed, and Approved - Yes to a High Pressure

Car Detailing Tool

This item is a must for auto-detailing enthusiasts.

My husband loves to clean. You heard that right. Gifts for him normally include cleaning gadgets of some sort.

However, this particular gadget was entirely his idea. He's an avid cleaning-product-researcher and decided a high-pressure car cleaning tool would help to detail the car the way he likes it.

A High-Pressure Car Cleaning Tool Works With an Air Compressor

Take note that you'll need an air compressor to run this gadget. If you don't have an air compressor or access to one, this tool isn't for you.

This particular car cleaning tool lets you adjust the air pressure. You can clean an area using a level of pressure that's appropriate for the job.

He's pointed out it's the air pressure that pushes the cleaner into the fabric and on surfaces. That helps to provide deep, thorough cleanings.

The Car Cleaning Tool with the

air compressor hose attached

Easy to Use - Add Cleaning Product and Go

Just fill the container with any cleaning solution and water. Next, connect the air, set your ball valve to dispense the cleaner. Once you're ready to go, simply pull the cleaning trigger.

There's a water mode and air mode: To do the cleaning, use the water mode. Once the cleaning is complete clear away the excess water with the air mode. At that point, you can wipe the surface down with a microfiber cloth if needed.

Here's the High-Pressure Cleaning Tool in Action

Air Dried and Wiped with a Microfiber Cloth

Use The High-Pressure Cleaning Tool for the Car Seats and Rugs

My husband is quite detailed when he cleans. He also uses this handy gadget to clean the seats and rugs. After the winter months, it's very handy indeed for renewing those filthy rugs! They look like new when he's done. Check out the two photos below showing one of the seats and rugs.

By the way, this vehicle is fifteen years old. So it's not as though he's keeping up a new car that's in prime shape. This old SUV looks new because of his hard work and detailed mindset.

Oh, and something else he wanted me to mention: Cleaning the seats and rug below only took about ten or fifteen minutes. Of course, for extra dirty surfaces, the initial cleaning will take longer.

Here is the rug and seat after a quick cleaning

Here's a closeup of the seat after cleaning.

Remember, this vehicle is fifteen years old.

Yes, He Recommends This Product

It can also be used for other cleaning projects. You're not limited to just cars. Use it for bikes, motorcycles, outdoor furniture and rugs, and whatever else you can think of that needs a deep cleaning.

He didn't buy the high-end version of this product either. He selected an inexpensive model, similar to this one, and so far so good - it's still working.

Have fun, stay clean.

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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Why I Love My Cow Onesie

Today I'm going to review a polar fleece cow onesie for adults and tell you why it was my best birthday gift.   I also love the presentation (kudos to the shop assistant for folding it this way).

My cow onesie all folded up!

So I recently celebrated another trip around the sun and this year my husband surprised me with a few gifts in the morning.  One of them was my absolute favorite for a number of reasons the main one being I had never asked for one and yet it's perfect!   That gift was the cow onesie pictured above.

When I unwrapped it I was like a kid again, I thought he'd got me a fun, novelty cushion to start with and then I realized what it was and I was so excited!   I love that it was a cow because I have a soft spot for cows and because it's just fun!

More Reasons to Love My Cow Onesie

If you're not into cow onesies there are lots of others ones to choose from (to be honest I would've been just as excited to get a unicorn onesie too!).

Polar fleece onesies mean they are lovely and warm which is just perfect for winter.   Here in Australia we are predicted to be heading into a very cold winter this year, so warmth is very important.  

If you have young children you can all wear onesies for a family movie night and have a lot of fun as your favorite animal.   Just in case you didn't realize I do think these are a lot of fun!

If you have a pet they will love snuggling up to you, my dog loves snuggling up all the time, but the cow onesie really won over my fur grandbaby - my daughter's kitten was not straying from her nanny once she felt the polar fleece!

Pets love polar fleece so a polar fleece onesie is just asking for lots of
cuddles - meet my grandfurbaby, Simba!

Back to my onesie, it has a hidden  zip in the back so that you can sit on the toilet without having to get undressed!   

It also has a tail which I thought was a lot of fun (that might just be me though!).

Onesie's with hoods just seem to me to be even warmer and I love putting the hood up as I'm curling up on the couch watching something on television such as House on Haunted Hill or Jack Ryan.

I do recommend going one size up than you'd normally wear as the idea is to be comfy which is easier if you keep the onesie more roomy.

PIN ME!

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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Propel Water: Bottled & Powder Packets Reviewed

For several years, I have been drinking Propel water, almost exclusively, instead of any other flavored cold drink.  

I started drinking Propel water because it is so hard to find tasty tap water when we travel and I prefer to avoid the unnecessary calories in soft drinks.  

Bottled water has served travelers well for many years.  I simply prefer the flavored water that Propel offers, especially if we are walking or hiking a lot.

I've been told that it is rude to carry a bottle of water into a restaurant.  I don't doubt the validity of that statement.  While I have no desire to offend anyone, I also have no desire to drink the equivalent of pond scum.  One only has to travel abroad once to recognize the very real reality of the revenge that some tap water will take on a body.  

Tourist cities, and countries, are accustomed to travelers who prefer bottled water.  As a matter of fact, many sell bottled water at local places of interest, on their tour observation buses, and in their restaurants.  I noted the last time I went to Florida, even the hotel was selling bottled water.  I applaud their desire to accommodate a variety of guests with individual preferences or health concerns.  That alone would make me choose that hotel over another when I return.

Why I Prefer Propel

 Propel Powder Packets Four-Flavor Variety Pack With Electrolytes, Vitamins and No Sugar (50 count)Check PriceAs I said earlier, I prefer flavored water.  In addition to being tasty, Propel has 0 calories.  Compare that to the calories in a soft drink, and you can easily see that benefit.

Propel is also vitamin enriched!  For me, that is just a nice side benefit.

My preference to Propel is not just limited to the flavor and calories.  Propel offers individual powder packets!  I can use a powder packet to flavor our local tap water.  When I visit my parents or friends, I don't have to carry a bottled water with me.  I simply carry a powder packet to add to tap water. 

Even at home I use the powder packets.  They take up a lot less storage space and are relatively inexpensive.  I always have bottles of Propel in my refrigerator though for when we make day trips.

Propel is made by Gatorade and is promoted as an exercise drink, enhanced with electrolytes to replace what you lose through sweating.  I did ask my doctor if there were any negatives to drinking Propel water every day.  He didn't know of any negatives. However, his nurse did tell me that Propel will skew a blood test.  Therefore, I don't drink propel after midnight the day before I have an appointment.  

My Preferred Water Bottle

 The Best Water Bottle to Carry Around A few years ago, our own contributor, Barbara Tremblay Cipak, introduced me to the Contigo Water Bottle.   I selected a blue bottle in a slightly different style, but it is still the Contigo brand that Barbara recommended.

I now own 2 bottles so I have one in constant use even when the other is in the dishwasher.  The non-spill lid allows me to keep my water on my nightstand while I sleep.  Now, when I wake up and need a sip of water, it is right there for me.  Plus, it is so nice to have a bottle I can drop, or knock off the table, without spilling the contents on the carpet.

For Propel water, I fill my Contigo water bottle to 20 ounces (not full) and add one packet of Propel powder.   


Disclaimer:  I am not a doctor, nor am I offering any medical advice.  Drinking water is required.  I am not recommending replacing all water consumption with Propel water.

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I Buy My Propel From Amazon! It is Nice to Have it Delivered to My Door!

 Propel, Kiwi StrawberryCheck Price Propel Zero Calorie Nutrient Enhanced Water Beverage MixCheck Price Propel BerryCheck Price

 

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