Cozilife Silicone Egg Poacher Reviewed

Why Are making poached eggs so tough? Well at least for some and I include myself in the group of egg challenged egg poachers. That is a mouthful! Sad, but true. I was harkening back to the days when my Grandma made the perfect poached eggs where the yolk was the perfect runny, not too runny, but toast dipping perfect runny.

Being realistic I decided to investigate if there is an easier way to poach eggs with a high degree of success and came upon the Cozilife Silicon Egg Poacher Cups. This sounded right in my lane of egg expertise and I so I embarked upon the journey to make a poached egg in about 30 seconds.

Learning Curve

There is a slight learning curve with the egg poacher as the success does depend upon the strength of the microwave. Just like stove burners and ovens each accomplishes the task, but the length of time does vary. The same holds true with the egg poacher. 

The timing for each microwave is just a little different. A few seconds does make a difference with the egg poacher as a few seconds can determine the difference between a soft runny yolk or a semi hard yolk or a hard boiled egg!

I suggest using doing an experimentation trial with a few eggs and your microwave. It will quickly be apparent if the egg is poached to your satisfaction. 

Cooking Spray Is A Necessity

The silicone poaching cups as recommended by many users should be sprayed with a very light coating of cooking spray. This ensures the egg is easily released from the cup when done. I also used a dab of butter on the bottom of the cup (as also recommended by users) and enjoyed the little extra butter added to the egg.

Also a necessity is using a toothpick to poke holes in the egg yolk prior to cooking. If the holes are not made the yolk will blow up like a balloon. Needless to say that is not the goal! Interesting to watch, but definitely not poached. 

The egg cups can also be used on the stove with a pan of water to make poached eggs. Directions are included with the egg cups on making poached eggs two ways.

Hard Boiled Eggs

Yes! The cups can poach eggs, but can also make really quick hard boiled eggs. What a time saver and no need to use a pan or deal with peeling egg shells. 

I love the versatility of the egg cups as they can double as baking molds too. I see mini cakes in the future with the baking cups. The cups are also versatile in that since the cooking time is so short the 4 cups can easily be made to order per person in the family. After all as any egg cooker knows - everyone likes their egg just a little different! Once persons over easy is another person's fried. And so it goes.

I will say noone made better poached eggs than Grandma old style, old school! But for this egg poaching hack, the silicon cups made me want to make poached eggs!

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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A Shirt Extender is Ideal When You Wear Leggings

 

Very Handy to Use with Leggings - Shirt Extenders - A Review

Do you have a lot of leggings? I sure do.

The problem with my lacking wardrobe is that I don't have enough long tops that cover my behind when I wear leggings.

I'm 61 years old, and I'm not comfortable wearing leggings with short-waisted tops; with blue jeans, no problem, but not with leggings.

The tightness of leggings is unforgiving, and it's only my personal opinion, but I don't feel I'm dressed age-appropriate in leggings unless the top drops below my behind.

Since most of my sweaters, hoodies, and tops don't drop below my behind, and since I only have two tops that do, wearing my nice leggings has been a problem.

A shirt extender allows me to use my existing shorter tops with my leggings.

An Ad was Served Up on My Computer for Shirt-Extenders (Finally a Useful Ad!)

I thought, what in the heck is that? Hmm.

After watching it, the item reminded me of the figure skating skirts I used to wear in my youth. However, these ones are a bit longer.

They fit around your waist like a skirt and drop below your behind, to either mid or upper thigh. 

There are many shapes, sizes, designs, styles, and colors.

Here is the Shirt Extender I Recently Purchased

I Headed Over to Amazon to Check What Was Available

Turns out there are many styles of Shirt-Extenders to choose between. 

Before selecting the one I've featured in this article, I considered all the different colors and styles I wear. 

I decided on a simple black extender for my first purchase. It was under twenty dollars at the time of purchase, and of course, if it didn't look right, I could easily return it.

About This Shirt Extender:

Here I am at 61 Years Old - Wearing My First Shirt Extender

What I Like:

• I decided to go with a laced bottom shirt extender - It looks nice
• These particular shirt extender size choices are very small, so I selected XXL
• It fit snug, so although the material isn't high quality, I was still able to stretch it out and give the bottom lace section a bit more flare
• The waist doesn't bulk you up - which I was worried about
• It solves the problem and covers my behind with leggings
• Easy to slip in and out of 

What I Don't Like:

• It feels cheap (but for daily use with leggings, that's ok)
• It looks more like a slip when I wear a short top, so I solve that by wearing a longer sweater with it. In the above photo, I'm wearing two tops; the short one underneath, and a hoodie on top.
• The sizes are very small - I definitely needed an XXL - I'm 5.6" tall
• Since it's black, and many of my clothes are lighter colors, I won't wear this one with many of my other tops. However, with a colorful sweatshirt that isn't too short, I'd probably give it a try.

A Close-Up of the Shirt Extender, with a Short Black Top

Would I Buy More Shirt Extenders?

Yes, I would.

However, I plan on choosing different styles. Some are designed to look more like the bottom of a dress shirt. I'm thinking about trying this one next.

If you decide to give one of these a try, mind the sizes carefully. Most of my time was spent assessing the measurements to ensure I ordered the best size for my body.

The one I purchased is here, on Amazon.

In Summary:

The idea of shirt extenders, 5 stars.

This particular shirt extender, 3.5 stars.

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 Harlan Coben's Stay Close, Netflix Series

I really enjoyed watching Harlan Coben's The Stranger so when I saw another series based on one of his books I was interested. James Nesbitt & Cush Jumbo as two of the leads were another draw for me and I am so glad I watched it. 

Image from Pixabay, adapted via Canva by Lou16

If you're interested in Harlan Coben's books then you really should check out my fellow contributor, Wednesday Elf's Harlan Coben book reviews as she is a huge fan of his books.

This series is only eight episodes long and episode one is a little slow, it is well worth persevering, however because the next seven episodes more than makeup for it.   The series is full of twists and turns and red herrings that lead to an ending my husband never saw coming.

I did predict the killer earlier in the series (I can't remember which episode as we binge-watched this over two days), my husband did not believe me and I have to say there were a few moments where I started to second guess myself too!

The series is based in the North West of England and it opens with a young man disappearing after a night out at The Vipers (a nightclub).   One of the detectives who is handed this case to investigate is convinced that it is linked to the disappearance of another man, Stewart Green, last seen at The Vipers seventeen years previously.

We are also introduced to a family of five - Dave, Megan and their three children.   We soon discover that Megan used to be called Cassie.   Cassie worked at The Vipers as an exotic dancer and also disappeared on the same night as Stewart Green seventeen years ago.

I won't go into too much detail as I really want you to discover all the twists and turns for yourself, but I will let you know that after the killer is revealed, everything else gets revealed too so that there are no loose ends for you to continually wonder about.

I really do have to start reading Harlan Coben's books as I love all the plot twists in the television series and just be reading reviews of his books they sound like they are made for me.

Have you seen Stay Close or The Stranger yet?

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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Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Dinner Fast & Easy Recipe Reviewed

I am always searching for fast and easy recipes for dinner.  I enjoy cooking, but I don't always have time to prepare a meal that takes hours to cook.

I recently accidentally purchased the Knorr chicken flavored broccoli and rice packet instead of the chicken flavored broccoli and pasta packet.  Because I hate to waste food, I decided to play around with the rice packet to see if I could create a quick meal.

As with any premixed packet of food, the ingredients are not fresh and it is only chicken flavored.  There is a small amount of broccoli in the packet, but the vegetable itself tastes good.  As it is, it would make a delicious lunch or side.  However, after adding chicken, it becomes suitable to serve as an entree. 

I made it for lunch the first time, but have served it several times since as our evening meal.  It only takes about 15 minutes to throw together and cook.  It is the perfect warm meal at the end of a hard day. 

Plus, it is actually very tasty!

Easy Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Recipe

Swanson canned chicken is a fast way to add cooked chicken to any recipe.  It is packed in water and has no artificial flavors or msg, but I still prefer to drain and rinse the chicken before adding it.  

Prep Time	Cook Time	Ready In	Yields
5 min.	7 min.	15 min.	3-4 servings

Ingredients 

• 2 packages Knorr Rice Sides - Chicken Flavor Broccoli
  
• 2 cans White Premium Chunk Chicken Breasts, drained & rinsed 
  
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 2¼ Cups Water
  

Directions

1. Combine Chicken, Water, Butter, and Rice packages in a large saucepan
2. Bring to a Boil
3. Stir, reduce heat, cover pan, and simmer for 7 minutes
   
4. Let Stand for 2 minutes, then serve!
   It really is that simple to make this delicious dinner.
   

 Swanson White Premium Chunk Canned Chicken Breast in Water, Fully Cooked Chicken, 4.5 OZ CanCheck Price Knorr Rice Sides For a Tasty Rice Side Dish Chicken Long Grain RiceCheck Price

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Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Dinner Fast & Easy Recipe Written by:

© 2021 Cynthia Sylvestermouse
 

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January, the Longest Month in the Year for Gardeners!

January is a month that has many of us dreaming and planning for better things to come!

As a  avid gardener, I know that this month in particular is probably the one I wish would pass by quickly.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not wishing my time away, rather, I want to see something other than snow and cold temperatures.  

In past years I get through this month with a trip to the south where I can soothe my soul on a beach or sitting poolside and dreaming about how to bring this beautiful weather back home with me.

Alas, as we all know this has not been possible for the past couple of years due to pandemic travel restrictions.  

 

So what can I do to combat this seasonal depression that seems to envelope me and many of my friends?

Well let me tell you what works for me and maybe, just maybe you could try it and see if it works for you too!

The internet is wonderful for daydreaming and even most browsers will send you lovely pictures from all over the world,  When I find one I particularly like, I will google that location and see what I can learn about that particular spot.

This past week I had pictures of Machu Picchu, Portugal and  Columbia!  That's just to name a few places I have had come up on my screen just this past week.   

If that doesn't get you dreaming, I don't know what will.

But let's get back to some reality.  I don't think travel will be in my near future (at least until our COVID situation changes) so I'm back to dreaming closer to home.

As an avid gardener, my other daydreaming is all about growing things when the season moves from winter to spring.   

Seed catalogues are a staple in our home.  If you are looking for a magazine to read, it will usually be a Gardening magazine!  In between those magazine, you will find seed catalogues from several different suppliers and growers.  

Now you have to be careful with seed catalogues and where they originate.   Many countries will not allow over the border sharing of plants and seeds (rightly so).  My feelings on this are that this is a prudent way to do business, especially when it comes to live plants.  We have seen invasions of many detrimental and invasive species take over when they find a new hone that they happen to like.  Just one small example is the KUDZO vine which seems to grow unhindered in the south.  

Please don't try bringing plants across borders without the proper growth certificates and permissions.  

But we are supposed to be dreaming, not having nightmares, so let's get back on track.

I love my Gardening Magazines and keep them for reference and the pretty pictures.

In Canada we have many to choose from including The Gardener Magazine.  I love it because it does focus on Canadian sources, growing zones and is full of really good information!

In the USA, you have several different choices as there are so many more growing zones in your country.  You can focus on magazines that will show you beautiful shrubs, vines, plants and vegetables that will grow well in your particular "zone" or you can get magazines that encourage you to become a better gardener.  The Spruce has a list of 9 of the best magazines for gardeners in the States (you can also use some of these here in Canada as references) !  

There will be pictures of birds, flowers, garden plans and anything else that will make a true gardener's heart go pitter pat for a long time.  

You can treat yourself to a magazine subscription to some of the best magazines available right here at Magazine Deals.com!  You just need to put "Gardening" in the search box. 

I know that you will find something that just tickles your gardener's fingers. I know that are itching to get back in the ground. This will keep you dreaming and planning until you can actually get your hands dirty!  It works for me and I always learn something new too!  

Don't let yourself get caught up in what you can't do right now, rather spend that time dreaming up ways that you can do something new in the coming months.  

Plant a garden, learn a new technique for growing your favorite vegetables or learn about keeping the bees and birds happy!  All of these topics and more are right at your fingertips when you immerse yourself in a great gardening magazine.  

Here is hoping that you don't find the winter too long and that your itchy fingers will find some relief when your eyes behold some of the beauty that can be yours with just a little dreaming and planning.

 

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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