Book Review - Friends Come to Call

 

Finding the Perfect Christmas Tree-AI generated image

In the fourth book of the "Tow Truck Mysteries", author Karen Whalen delights us with another mystery starring Delaney, a tow truck driver with a love for shoes, and her interesting cast of friends.  This mystery takes place in the days leading up to Christmas at a Christkindl Market.

Summary of Storyline

Delaney loves everything about the Christkindl Market.  She can spend hours each day wandering through the booths and enjoying all the lights, music, refreshments and decorations.

The book opens with Delaney and her latest boyfriend, Sheriff Ephraim Lopez looking for that perfect Christmas tree at the tree booth at the market.  As they wander through the trees they come across a dead body of a woman near the back of the lot.

After her initial shock and concern for the identity of the woman and her family Delaney starts to worry about all of the negative effects this could have on the Christkindl market.  Her best friend has a coffee kiosk at the market and Delaney worries about if this will have a negative effect on her sales and that of the other booth operators.

Delaney has a reputation in her town of Spruce Ridge, Colorado of not only being the high heeled tow truck driver but of also being a bit of an amateur detective.  When her family and friends are involved, she can't seem to stay away from the investigation.  This time is no different and even though she is told to leave this to law enforcement she just can't help herself and proceeds to wander the market questioning people and trying to uncover the guilty party.

Will she discover who is guilty, will the Christkindl Market be saved and will Delaney find the perfect gift for Ephraim?  These are all questions you will need to read the book to discover.

Book Release

The book will be released on October 25, 2023.  Click on the Amazon link below to order the book.

More Books by Karen Whalen

Here is a link to a review I wrote about the first book in the Tow Truck Mystery Series.

Toes on the Dash

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How to Soften Dry, Callused, Cracked Heels the Easy Way

As we age, we're more prone to developing dry, cracked heels that can be painful as well as unsightly. There are many contributing factors, some within our control and others not. However, if you suffer from cracked heels, you know they can be challenging to treat effectively.

I've tried many different treatments for this annoying condition. In today's review, I recommend some simple tips that have helped me the most. Here's to healing our dry, cracked heels!

Background photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What Causes Cracked Heels?

The helpful WebMD article "What to Know About Cracked Heels" explains that cracked heels can develop "When the skin around your heels becomes dry and thick...Extra pressure on the fat pad of your heels can cause dry, thick skin to form cracks, or heel fissures."

According to the article, contributing factors may include:

• Wearing sandals, clogs, or other open-heeled footwear
• Taking hot baths or hot showers
• Using soaps with harsh ingredients
• Standing for long stretches of time
• Cold, dry weather
• Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, athlete's foot, heel spurs, Sjögren's syndrome, or juvenile plantar dermatosis

How to Treat and Repair Dry, Callused, Cracked Heels at Home

After consulting multiple reliable sources, here are the at-home foot care steps I have followed to heal my dry, cracked heels successfully. I repeat these steps periodically, as needed, to prevent and heal my heel cracks.

The best time to do these steps is just before bed to allow the healing foot cream or ointment to soak into the skin and do its work while you're sleeping.

Caveat: The WebMD article explains that "Occasionally, severely cracked heels can get infected and lead to a skin infection called cellulitis" and advises talking to your doctor "if your heels are severely cracked or don’t improve after you’ve treated them for a week."

Step 1: Use a diamond foot rasp to remove the top layer of thick calluses.

If your calluses aren't too thick and your heel cracks aren't deep, you can use a pumice stone after soaking your feet in warm, soapy water (see step 2). However, if your heels are extremely dry and have thick calluses, use either a Diamancel Diamond Foot Buffer #11 Medium Rasp or, for even thicker calluses, a Diamancel Diamond Foot Buffer #22 Coarse Rasp followed by the #11 Medium Rasp.

These files are an investment, but they will last for many years and can be easily washed in hot, soapy water and then dried and disinfected with isopropyl alcohol after each use.

Note: I have tried but do not recommend the "cheese grater" style metal foot file. It removes a lot of skin quickly and has sharp "teeth" that make it easy to accidentally remove too much callus and possibly cut into your skin, which could lead to infection. This type of foot file also leaves the surface very rough and requires a lot of effort to smooth with a pumice stone or fine diamond foot buffer.

Step 2: Soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 20 minutes.

Use gentle soap and warm, not hot water, in a tub or, if you prefer, a dedicated foot bath. Consider the affordable HoMedics Bubble Mate Foot Spa, a splash-proof, heated foot bath with water jets and raised massage nodes to pamper your tired feet. This is on my holiday wish list and would make a great gift, especially as part of a spa gift basket! 

(My mom had a heated foot bath many years ago that she used to bring with her to the nail salon when she got a pedicure since she was extremely conscious about good hygiene at the salon. She also loved using it at home to soothe her aching feet after a long day.)

After soaking your feet for 20 minutes, use a pumice stone to smooth away any calluses or, if you used a diamond foot rasp in step 1, to smooth any roughness left by the rasp(a).

Step 3: Towel-dry your feet well.

Use a clean, absorbent towel to dry your feet very thoroughly, especially in between your toes to help prevent athlete's foot.

Step 4: Apply a healing ointment or moisturizing cream.

I have tried numerous foot creams to heal dry, cracked heels. Based on my experience, if you have very dry, callused heels with fairly deep cracks, I highly recommend starting with the Kerasal Nighttime Intensive Foot Repair, Skin Healing Ointment for Cracked Heels and Dry Feet. I discovered this fantastic ointment thanks to the recommendation of a well-known and highly respected board-certified dermatologist on social media. I'm very grateful to her for introducing me to this miracle cracked heels treatment!

It contains 5% salicylic acid, 10% urea and soft white petrolatum to exfoliate, soften, and moisturize hard, dry, cracked, and callused heels, and is approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association. It comes in a small tube, but a little goes a long way.

Another good option is Ebanel Urea Cream 40% plus Salicylic Acid 2%. It has a consistency that one Amazon reviewer likened to Elmer's glue, which helps it adhere to the skin while it does its work. It may not be the most cosmetically elegant formulation, but it's extremely effective!

Once your feet are in better shape and your cracks have healed, you can switch to something less heavy-duty and more economical for daily or nightly maintenance. Good choices include Dr. Scholl's Dry, Cracked Foot Repair Ultra Hydrating Foot Cream, Miracle of Aloe Miracle Foot Repair Cream for Dry, Cracked Feet & Heels, or Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E Foot Magic Moisturizing Foot Cream. All of these are available on Amazon, and most can be found at a well-stocked drugstore.

Whichever cream or ointment you use, make sure to massage it in very well before putting on your heel socks or sleep socks.

Step 5: Put on heel socks or thin, breathable bed socks and wear them overnight.

I prefer wearing thin cotton or bamboo socks to bed if I'm applying my foot cream or ointment to the balls of my feet as well as my heels. Bamboo or cotton bed socks allow the skin to "breathe," and thin socks are less absorbent so your foot cream or ointment stays on the skin of your heels vs. on your socks.

My favorite socks for this purpose (and also my favorite summer or warm weather socks) are the SERISIMPLE Women's Bamboo Ankle Socks. They come in a pack of five pairs for less than $17 (at the time of this post's publication), so $3.40 a pair, and they are excellent quality! They are thin, soft, and lightweight and slip on easily over foot cream or ointment. They also come in a very large selection of pretty pastel, mid-tone, and dark color assortments.

But if my feet are in really rough shape and I'm applying the ointment just to my cracked heels, I'll put on toeless, silicone-lined heel socks before going to bed.

For the latter, I really like the ZenToes Moisturizing Fuzzy Sleep Socks. The outer shell is a soft, fleece material, while the heel is lined with a silicone gel infused with jojoba seed oil, olive oil, and vitamin E to add an extra layer of softening and moisturizing ingredients where they are needed most.

ZenToes Moisturizing Fuzzy Sleep Socks with Vitamin E, Olive Oil and Jojoba Seed Oil to Soften and Hydrate Dry Cracked Heels (Regular, Blue)

The silicone gel creates a warm, hydrating environment that helps your foot cream or ointment penetrate while you sleep. These open-toed sleep socks are also washable and reusable, and one size fits most. Even after the infused oils are used up, they still work perfectly with your preferred foot cream.

I also love that these are made by a small, woman-owned business based in Wisconsin. Although the socks are not manufactured in the USA, the company prides itself on doing three product quality checks before they are shipped out to customers: before they leave the factory, when they are received at the USA warehouse, and when they are packaged in that USA warehouse.

In addition, ZenToes uses individuals with diverse abilities who work for Opportunities, Inc. in Wisconsin, a Community Rehabilitation Program, to package their products "with dignity and purpose."

For a short-term quick fix, replace steps 4 and 5 with an intensive repair foot mask.

There are Kerasal Nighttime Intensive Repair Foot Masks that can be used instead of steps 4 and 5, although as single-use products they are less economical (and less environmentally responsible). But they're great if you want to try out the Kerasal Nighttime Intensive Foot Repair ointment to see how you like it before investing in heel socks or thin cotton bed socks.

Also, if you want to wear sandals, go to the beach, etc., and notice at the last minute that your heels are cracked, you can use the Kerasal Daytime Intensive Repair Foot Mask (pack of 2 pairs). These won't deliver the same results as steps 1–5, but they can definitely improve the way your feet and heels look and feel in less than half an hour.

To use them, start by washing and drying your feet thoroughly. Then, remove one pair of the foot masks and put them on. Put your feet up and relax (they're too slippery to walk around in) for 20 minutes, then remove the covers and massage any residue of the healing cream into your feet.

Helpful Tips to Prevent Heel Cracks

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. To keep your feet and heels soft, smooth and healthy, here are some habits to adopt that can help prevent or reduce calluses and heel cracks:

• Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces
• Wear closed-heel footwear
• Take warm, not hot, baths or showers
• Use mild soaps
• Dry your feet and in between your toes thoroughly to avoid athlete's foot
• Keep your skin at a comfortable temperature and moisturize your feet daily and/or nightly with a foot cream after showering or bathing and drying the skin well

Disclaimer

I am not a medical professional and this article should not be construed in any way as medical advice. When in doubt, consult your doctor before attempting to treat your cracked heels at home.

How to Soften Dry, Callused, Cracked Heels the Easy Way by Margaret Schindel

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How to Clean and Season a Cast Iron Skillet

 I love cooking with my cast iron skillets. Lodge cast iron skillets are the only brand I buy. I have three cast iron skillets, 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch. When you buy a Lodge cast iron skillet, it is already seasoned and ready to use. But over time and use, you must re-season your cast iron skillet.

Last week I was making some hash brown potatoes in my 10-inch skillet, and they stuck to the bottom of the skillet. I knew it was time to re-season my skillet.

My 8, and 10-inch skillets are seasoned and ready to cook again

You can search YouTube, and you will find many videos on how to season a cast iron skillet. Today, I'm reviewing the method that I use and that has worked well for me over the years.

The first thing that I do is clean my skillets. I use mild dish soap, warm water, and this copper scrub pad.

 I want to make sure that I get any food particles left behind. 

Next, I dry them with a soft towel. Then, I put them in the oven at 200 degrees for about 10 minutes. 

This ensures my skillets are completely dry.

Now that my pans are dried, I added a thin layer of olive oil. Then, I pre-heated my oven to 400 degrees. 

Olive oil has a smoke point of about 350 degrees, so you want to be at least 20 degrees higher than the smoke point.

When the oil hits the smoke point and above a chemical reaction occurs called polymerization. 

This chemical reaction bonds the oil to the pan, creating a layer of natural seasoning.

Cooking with cast iron frequently using oils also helps build up a layer of seasoning in your pan.

I set the pans in the 400-degree oven upside down and baked them for 1 hour. You can add a cookie sheet or tin foil under the pans to catch any oil that may drip. Then, I turned the oven off and let them cool while still in the oven. After 1 hour if you need to use your oven remove the pans with an oven mitt and set them on a cooling rack.

You can repeat this process as many times as needed to develop a layer of natural seasoning. With proper care, your cast iron skillets will give you years of cooking delicious food. 

These are three Lodge cast iron skillets I own and use:

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 3 Skillet Bundle. 12 inches and 10.25 inches with 8 inch Set of 3 Cast Iron Frying Pans

 

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Original Gorilla Grip Can Opener Review

The hunt to replace the tried and true can opener continues as the top contenders are evaluated. This week I tried the Original Gorilla Grip Can Opener along with its' twin the OXO Good Grips Can Opener.

The Gorilla was easy to use and delivered as promised. This is not a safe top can opener so the lid is jagged old school which was its' main con. Newer safe top can openers can eliminated the jagged edge lid and create a smooth lid; however, the Gorilla excels at what it is designed for which is a safe, easy to use can opener that is friendly on your joints.

Comfort

The Gorilla promises as delivers. The can opener is very easy to grasp with a padded handle feel. The crank also has a padded feel and is easy to operate. 

Function

The Gorilla again promises as delivers. The turning operation is smooth with little effort. The larger handle helps propel for easy opening and less stress on the hand and arm. 

Style

Do can openers have a style? They definitely have a design, but for style the Gorilla is made in eight colors to mix,match or coordinate with a kitchens' style.

Recommendation

I previously reviewed the Pakitner Safe Cut Can Opener which I could not recommend due to the 

stress on the hand and wrist; however, the can opener itself I did very much like and loved the smooth lid edge as a safety feature.

I was familiar with the OXO Good Grips can opener as it was on loan for evaluation. 

The Gorilla Grip and the OXO Good Grips are very similar - so similar as if they were twins. From their features to design to comfort to cost, either would be an excellent choice as a can opener replacement or a second can opener.

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Did You Know Your Home Has Wealth Corners? Let's Review This

Hey there, fellow seekers of good vibes and positive energy! Today, once again, we're diving headfirst into the fascinating world of Feng Shui.

For the past two Feng Shui articles, we discussed whether your bed was in the "coffin position" and whether you should have a mirror in the bedroom. Today, we'll cover the "Wealth Corner" of your home.

The Quest for Wealth Energy in Your Home

Let's start with the basics: Did you know that your home and each room have their own little money magnets called wealth corners? Yep, you heard me right. Money corners! 

The Two Ways to Find Your Wealth Corner

So, how do you locate these elusive pockets of wealth energy? There are two schools of thought here: Classical Feng Shui and Western Feng Shui. Today, we're keeping things laid-back and going Western.

The Western Bagua Map:

Point 1: Locate Your Wealth Corner

• Here's what you need to know about the Bagua Map (if you're so inclined - there's more detail at that link).
• You can print out a copy of the Bagua Map here or use the one above as a mental guide as you find the wealth corner in a room.
• Stand at the room's door or the front door of the whole house, and hold the map physically flat with the title at the top of the page as a guide to the direction.
• Your wealth corner for the home is the top left area of the house, as it is for each room.

By the way, each map section represents quadrant directions for those vibes. As an example, the love and relationship corner of your home (or a room) is in the top right area.

Point 2: Embrace the Element of Wealth

Now, here's where things get colorful – literally. According to the Feng Shui Bagua Map, the element that brings the big bucks is wood, and the color choices are as vibrant as a rainbow: purple, green, gold, red, and blue.

Ready to Decorate Your Wealth Corner? Here's What You Can Do:

• Wood Frames: Picture this - a wooden-framed photo featuring a wealth-related scene, like a tropical beach holiday or a luxurious cruise ship. Just make sure that the water feature is squeaky clean. If you're jazzing up your bedroom's wealth corner, hang that photo above a dresser and add a tabletop waterfall. Some say you shouldn't have water in the bedroom, but hey, it's your call!

• Plants and Mirrors: For some leafy green charm, consider Bamboo, a Money Tree, or a Fern. Or, throw a mirror into the mix, just not in your bedroom. Still, some folks swear it's no biggie, so do what feels right for you.

• Shapes and Crystals: Go rectangular with a wooden accessory housing Citrine or Pyrite Crystals. If those crystals are large and in charge, let them shine as the star of your wealth corner show.

• Bowl of Oranges: Oranges are a symbol of good luck and wealth, so create a lovely presentation for your wealth corner that happens to be in the kitchen.

• Position a Tortoise or a Money Frog in your Wealth Corner: Choose ones made of glass, resins, mud, metals, wood, and crystals

• An Added Overall Tip: Paint your front door red; yep, you heard correctly. Red. Red is considered good luck and is said to bring opportunity and good luck to a home. Darn! My door is blue!.

Declutter, Declutter, Declutter!

Whether you're a Feng Shui enthusiast or just tidying up, remember to keep your space clean and clutter-free. That way, positive energy can flow like a champ throughout the room. Bright lighting, groovy tunes, pleasant scents, and a touch of candle magic can also work wonders.

Hold Up! What NOT to Include in Your Money Corner:

• Piles of clothes, boxes, or general chaos.
• Plants that have seen better days.
• A stack of unpaid bills (nobody wants that energy).
• That noisy paper shredder - let's banish it elsewhere.
• Leave your tools out of this.
• Garbage cans or recycling bins? Nope, keep them hidden.
• Sad or gloomy images - we're all about the good vibes.
• Say no to painful memories and negative vibes.
• Old, unattractive furniture - it's time for an upgrade.
• And remember, while a touch of fire or metal is okay, don't overdo it in your wealth corner.

There you have it, folks – the secret to unlocking wealth energy in your home. Go forth, decorate those wealth corners, and let the money vibes flow! 

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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