Thursday, May 11, 2023

Review of Spring Flowers 2023

Photo of Daffodils in early Spring

 I love photography and, in the springtime, flowers make particularly great subjects.  Each year I have been trying to post some of my favorite flowers from that year.  In this post I will highlight some of my favorites from 2023.  The photo above is of some daffodils in one of our city parks.  It was taken in early March when they were just starting to bloom and since it was a rather cloudy morning the blossoms were "bowing down" waiting to be warmed by the sun.

A Few Tips for Photographing Spring Flowers

  • Cloudy days are great for showing off the colors in the flowers.
Bright Yellow Daffodils


  • Right after a rainstorm you can get some great photos including raindrops on the flowers.
  • Be sure to get some closeups and some wider shots of a grouping of flowers.
A group of Primrose Plants

Closeup photo of a Primrose


  • Look for unusual angles.
  • Set your aperture to blur out the backgrounds.
    Bright blooms on Spring Bush

  • Don't forget to photograph the beautiful blossoms in trees as you see in the photo above and the one below.
Bright Pink Blossoms on Bush

  • I like taking photos of the buds of a flower and then of the fully opened bloom.
    Early spring flower buds

    Pink flower Just Opening

Flowers around my Neighborhood

The great part about spring flowers for me is that I don't even have to travel far.  I can find lots of spring blooms in my own yard or on my neighborhood walks.
Yellow crocus Popping out of Ground

Pale yellow Daffodils

Hyacinths in Early Spring

Dark Purple Iris

Enjoy the Beauty of Springtime!!



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.”


Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Your Back Will Love This Practical Laundry Bag Backpack

Carrying laundry to and from the basement laundry room in our old house has always been a bit nerve-wracking, thanks to the narrow, steep basement steps that wouldn’t meet today’s building codes. I can’t navigate them safely without holding onto the handrail (which is only on one side). So, when I was perusing Amazon and accidentally happened upon a laundry bag backpack, I got quite excited.

Today, I’m sharing my review of this spacious, practical laundry bag backpack that turned out to be the perfect solution to my clothes-toting challenge.

Lightweight, comfortable laundry bag backpack great for college students!

Whether you have a large family, hate doing laundry or know a busy college student who makes trips to the washer and dryer only when they're running out of clean clothes, toting around large loads of laundry can be a real pain in the back, especially for those of us who already suffer from back pain. Fortunately, the smart folks at Ãƒzhido have made toting multiple loads' worth of dirty or clean clothes back and forth to the laundry room or laundromat a lot easier on the back with their extra-large laundry bag backpack.

Here's what I love about it.

Hands-Free, Comfortable, Back-Sparing Design

Because it's a backpack, my hands are free to hold onto the banister as I lug my tops, pants, underwear, socks, etc. up and down the stairs to the washer and dryer. There is also much less strain on my back, thanks to the lightweight fabric and the weight load of the contents being balanced behind me and distributed evenly between the comfortable, thick, foam padded straps. 

As a result, I can easily carry multiple loads' worth of apparel to and from the laundry room in one trip, something I could never manage with a conventional laundry bag or basket.

Extra-Large Capacity

Excluding the gray, drawstring-top extension gusset (which folds down into the bag when not needed those dimensions increase to 39.4"L x 15.1"W x 15.1"H with a 115-liter (4.06-cubic foot) capacity, easily enough space to accommodate three to four loads' worth of clothing.

There is also a 15” x 11.2” outer pocket to hold laundry detergent and other items, which is especially useful if you are going to and from a laundromat. I have also used it to keep delicate, hand-washable items separate.

partially filled laundry bag backpack
Even filled with two loads' worth of clothing, the bag is just half full.

Perfect for Bedding and Oversized Items

Because of its generous capacity, this laundry bag backpack can be used to carry large quilts and comforters, king-size bedding, pillows, down coats and others large, bulky items that can be unwieldy.

Adjustable Size

Just as the extension gusset at the top accommodates extra-large loads, the webbing strap can be folded over the top and securely latched to make the bag more compact when carrying smaller loads. The length of the shoulder straps can also be adjusted to fit the wearer and balance the weight optimally.

Man wearing laundry bag backpack
You can gauge the size of this extra-large laundry bag backpack on my 6' tall husband. The gray webbing strap can be folded over the top and securely latched on the other side to make the bag more compact for smaller loads. You can also see the large outer pocket for detergent, delicates, etc.

Sturdy Fabric and Durable Construction

The main body and padded straps of this laundry backpack are made of sturdy, rip-resistant 600-denier oxford cloth fabric. All points of wear have reinforced stitching, and the durable webbing straps and secure locking catches are also made for heavy-duty wear and tear over the years.

laundry backpack with foam padded straps
You can see the reinforced stitching and sturdy webbing on all the straps as well as the loop for hanging on a hook or doorknob or to carry the bag by hand for smaller loads.

Convenient Carry Handle / Hanging Loop

The sturdy loop made of heavy-duty webbing can be used to hang this laundry hamper backpack from a doorknob or hook or even carry it if your load is light.

Wide Opening

The wide opening at the top makes both filling and unloading this laundry bag extremely easy.

Wide opening in laundry backpack
You can see how easy it is to fill and unload the bag, thanks to the wide top opening (the gray extension gusset is opened up here to accommodate up to 3–4 loads).

Compact Folded Size

When not in use, this laundry bag backpack folds down to a very compact size for storage.

laundry bag backpack folded to compact size

Wide Choice of Colors

At the time of this review's publication, this laundry bag backpack comes in a choice of 13 colors: Teal (the one I chose), Army Green, Black, Dark Blue, Light Blue, Khaki (a pale tan, like chinos), Light Purple (a plum color), Orange, Pink, Purple (a grape color), Red (a deep crimson), Yellow and Charcoal Grey. The wide selection of colors is especially nice if you plan to give these as gifts.

Very Affordable

At the time of this review's publication, the price of this extra-large, heavy-duty laundry bag backpack on Amazon is on sale for less than $22 ($20.49 TO $21.49, depending on the color), regularly $22.99-$26.59, making it an affordable and effective solution to a frustrating problem.

Makes a Great, Practical Gift

The manufacturer emphasizes the usefulness of this product for college students, and I agree that these would make wonderful graduation gifts for high school seniors or anytime gifts for college students.

I also think they would be terrific gifts for anyone who uses a laundromat, has their laundry room on a different floor from the bedrooms or just does a lot of large loads on a regular basis.


Your Back Will Love This Practical Laundry Bag Backpack by Margaret Schindel

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Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Char-Griller Smokin Champ Review

 Ghar-Griller Smokin Champ Review: The Smokey Goodness of Grilling

Char-Griller Smokin Champ Review

Most people love the taste of smoked food. And, if you are one of those people you need a good quality smoker grill in your life. The Char-Griller Smokin Champ is one of the best affordable smoker grills for the market, and it's perfect if you love to cook with smoke.

This grill is designed to give food that perfect smokey flavor, and it will not disappoint you. The Smokin Champ will deliver consistent results with its even heat distribution and adjustable vents. Whether you're grilling, smoking, or even baking the Smokin Champ will help you get the perfect results every time.

In the photo above is my Smokin Champ just after we assembled it. My daughter got this for me four years ago for Father's Day and it's everything that I expected. This grill has served us well for the last four years and I expect many more.

My Char-Griller Smokin Champ is made of high-quality steel that lasts years. It has a large cooking area of 614 square inches with a warming rack of 315 square inches, making it easy to cook for a large group of people. Or, it's just as convenient to cook for two people as most time it's just me and Fran grilling some burgers and veggies.

Features of my Smokin Champ:

  • Large cooking area
  • Warming rack
  • 3 cast iron cooking grates
  • Side firebox
  • Easy slide-out drawer to clean the firebox
  • Built-in thermometer to monitor the temperature 
  • Side shelf for utensils
  • Ashpan with hangers for charcoal grilling

Char-Griller Fire Box

This is a photo of the firebox, it is also made of heavy-duty steel with a drawer that pulls out for easy cleaning. The firebox is separate from the main chamber making it easy to add wood or charcoal without losing heat in the main chamber.

My smoker is known as an offset smoker. There are many other types of smokers on the market. But, I prefer the offset smoker, it takes a little time to learn how to control the temperature, so there is a little skill involved. Once you have mastered it you will be very happy with the results of the food you cook. 

Overall, Char-Griller Smokers are an excellent and affordable choice for anyone who just loves to cook with smoke. Or, if you don't want to use the smoker you have the option to just grill over charcoal. It's perfect for backyard barbecues and family gatherings. This smoker and grill has served our family well over the last four years and I'm looking forward to this year's grilling season. Every grill master in the family needs a fun apron. Check out my article on Funny Grill Master Aprons.

Here is a link to some of my favorite grilling and smoking recipes:

Main Dishes/Grilling

If you like cooking with charcoal, Char-Griller has a great affordable selection of Smokers and Charcoal Grills.

Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro 830 Square Inch Charcoal Grill with Side Fire Box, 50 Inch, BlackChar-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro 830 Square Inch Charcoal Grill with Side Fire Box, 50 Inch, BlackCheck the Price

 

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Monday, May 8, 2023

Reviewing How to Pack Your Breakfast Smoothie With Nutrition

Protein smoothies make great breakfast ideas when they have plenty of nutrition added
Photos by Lou16, design via Canva

Smoothies can be a great breakfast idea for people who don't have much time to eat in the mornings or don't feel like they can eat in the morning.

A protein smoothie can easily be made the night before and grabbed to drink on the go which makes it perfect for the person who gets up at the last minute before racing to get a train; or for the busy mum who is trying to make sure her children eat their breakfast and get to school on time before she gets to her own job.

They are also perfect for the person who just can't face the idea of food first thing in the morning.  My own father didn't eat breakfast for the majority of his life as he couldn't stomach any food until he'd been up for a number of hours.  He could manage coffee or tea, however so I think a smoothie would've been a great idea.  My late mother-in-law would take a smoothie for breakfast after she became a widow and lost her appetite.

Now there's a lot more to a protein smoothie than just protein powder and water though, when you're having them for breakfast you need to make sure that you pack plenty of nutrition in there as it's the most important meal of the day.

An ideal protein smoothie should include protein (I use Arbonne's protein powder, but I have seen recipes that use chickpeas instead), vegetables, fruit and healthy fat.

Chocolate Cherry Protein Smoothie

2 scoops chocolate protein powder

1/2 avocado

frozen cherries

baby spinach

1 tsp raw cacao powder

coconut milk

Blend this all together for a delicious breakfast smoothie.

Carrot Cake Smoothie

2 scoops vanilla protein powder

grated carrot

frozen pineapple

1 heaped tsp cashew butter

oat milk

dash of ground cinnamon

Blend this all together for a delicious breakfast smoothie

There are lots of different options you can use for a protein smoothie and there really is one to suit everyone.  You can check out a range of smoothie recipes in my Facebook group - Healthy Tips to Feel & Look Your Best. including the delicious Pineapple Lump smoothie and the Blueberry & Lemon Smoothie.

How to give your protein smoothies a nutritional kick






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.”


Sunday, May 7, 2023

Lego Flowers & Lego Bouquet Sets Reviewed

lego flower sets
Lego flowers and Lego bouquet sets are a wonderful way for Lego lovers to give flowers for any occasion.  

It isn't always easy to think of a unique gift for someone we love.  We often send flowers for holidays because they let the recipient know we are thinking of them.  Sadly, flowers don't live very long and the gift gets thrown away too soon.  Unfortunately, while they are lovely for a short time, unless you take pictures, they are quickly forgotten.

If you make and send Lego flowers, they are not only unique, but they won't die!

There are several Lego flowers and Lego bouquets available now that would be an awesome Mother's Day gift, birthday gift, Christmas gifts or any "thinking of you" gift.

Any handmade gift is a treasure for the recipient.  Lego builders now have a fabulous gift they can make and give to someone they love.

Even children can build these Lego flowers and give them as a gift.  What better way to tell someone you love them then with a handmade gift of flowers.

 

Lego Flowers & Lego Bouquets

Build and give a single rose, tulip, or sunflower.  If you have time, you could even build and give a Lego bouquet.  You could even mix several sets to make a completely unique, one of a kind gift for that one of a kind loved one.

 LEGO System A/S Lego 40461 Tulips Flower BouquetCheck Price LEGO Iconic Rose 40460Check Price LEGO Sunflowers - 40524Check Price

 

Lego bouquet sets include everything we need to build a lovely bouquet of flowers.  There is also a lovely orchid Lego set.  For someone like me who loves orchids, but cannot keep a real orchid alive, this would be the perfect bouquet gift.

Choose between a wildflower bouquet, a traditional mixed flower bouquet, the orchid, or even a succulent bouquet.


 LEGO Botanicals Artificial Wildflower Bouquet - 10313Check Price LEGO Botanicals Flower Bouquet - 10280Check Price LEGO Botanicals Orchid - 10311Check Price LEGO Botanicals Succulents - 10309Check Price

 

 

Regardless of which Lego bouquet or flower set(s) you choose, there is no doubt it will be a gift that is loved and reflects your love for the recipient.  Plus, it will be a precious piece of decor that can be displayed in any room of a home without having to worry about watering, sunlight, or feeding.  It will always be lovely!







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Review This Reviews is Dedicated to the Memory of Our Beloved Friend and Fellow Contributor

Susan DeppnerSusan Deppner

We may be apart, but
You Are Not Forgotten





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