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Thursday, April 25, 2024

M&M Gifts

Are you looking for a gift for a special occasion? Is the recipient someone who is hard to buy for? Try a special M&M gift.

My husband has always been a challenge to find just the right gift for special occasions. Last year on Father's Day my daughter and family sent him a "Dad" candy dispenser full of St. Louis Cardinal logo M&M's. The Cardinals are his favorite baseball team and who doesn't love M&M's? This was a perfect gift for him. We have used it all year long. During the holiday's we put in holiday colored M&M's. For his birthday in April he received another pack of Cardinal logo M&M's so now we're ready for baseball season. The photo below shows one of the Cardinal logo candies.

You can buy refill bags of the candies on the M&M website. Here is one that my husband got for Christmas.

M&M's Special Candies

Click here to go to the website M&Ms. On this site you can find M&M's for every occasion, and you can even customize your own candies. Some of the many possibilities include:

Graduation M&M's with the year of your graduation imprinted and made in your school colors.
Weddings and Showers (think favors for the guests.
Mother's Day and Father's Day. See the dispenser at the top of this page. This is only one of many available.
Birthdays- both as gifts for the birthday celebrant and favors for the guests.
Team parties- designed in your favorite teams' colors and logos.
MLB-all 30 teams' logos and colors are in the store.

M&M Containers and Dispensers

To make your gift extra special pick a special container to hold the M&M's. For favors you can choose a special bag or perhaps a plastic see through containe, available in a variety of shapes. Check out the website to see all of the choices.

For a big gift you might choose a wine type bottle filled with M&M's, a mug, a animal shaped container or a dispenser like the one my husband received.

M&M's on Amazon

In checking out what was all available I checked out Amazon and found they had a variety of M&M's gifts listed. Check out this one for Mother's Day, https://amzn.to/4d8L4ti and this one for weddings https://amzn.to/447ErDs. Amazon carries a large variety of M&M toys and other containers.

I hope you have enjoyed this look at the many possibilities of gifts with M&M's!

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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Wednesday, April 24, 2024

You'll Love This High-Quality Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light

My husband and I run on very different internal clocks. I am a night owl, while he has to get up early for work (and is, by nature, more of an early bird). I have tried to reset my internal clock to align more closely with his, but that has meant going lights-out at 12:30 AM instead of at 2 AM, while his bedtime is 9:30-10 PM.

I try to keep my bedside lamp low for his sake (and to help my body get the signal that it should start winding down for the night), but if I want to read a printed book or magazine or do some needlework or beading to help me wind down after he's asleep, my aging eyes need good lighting. That's why I'm so happy to have found the Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light, which has worked much better for me than clip-on book lights or head lamps.

Illuminate Your Bedtime Reading or Handiwork Without Disturbing Your Partner

In this review, we'll delve into its features, usability, and overall performance to help you decide if it's the right addition to your nightly reading or handiwork ritual.

Comfort and Convenience

One of the standout features of the Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light is its lightweight, ergonomic design. The flexible arms allow you to adjust the light to your preferred angle, ensuring optimal illumination without straining your neck or eyes. No more wearing uncomfortable headlamps or trying to read in low light to avoid disturbing your partner. Simply position the light around your neck and enjoy hands-free illumination. Whether you prefer to read lying down, sitting up, or anywhere in between, this reading light adapts to your needs with ease.

Versatile Lighting Options

The Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light offers customizable illumination to suit your environment, thanks to six brightness levels (two independently controlled neck light arms, each with three brightness levels) and three color temperature modes (warm, warm white, and cool white). Whether you're engrossed in a thrilling mystery novel, catching up on your favorite magazine, or relaxing with a needlework project, you can easily adjust the brightness and color temperature to create the perfect lighting for your needs and personal preferences.

Long Battery Life and Convenient USB-C Charging

One of the most frustrating aspects of traditional reading lights is their tendency to run out of battery at the most inconvenient times. Fortunately, the Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light features a rechargeable battery with impressive longevity. With just a few hours of charging via a common USB-C cable, you can enjoy hours of uninterrupted reading or hobby time, making it the ideal companion for late-night literary or needlework sessions.

Compact, Portable, and Travel-Friendly

Perfect for travelers, bookworms, and anyone who loves to read or do crafts in bed, this comfortable neck light will become your best friend whether you're curling up with a good book or traveling for business or pleasure. Its compact and foldable design makes it easy to stow in your bedside table drawer or pack in your bag or suitcase, ensuring that you always have access to reliable illumination wherever you go.

No Task Light? No Problem!

For people who enjoy crafts or hobbies or who need to work on the go where there may not be adequate task lighting, this lightweight, portable LED neck light is a perfect solution. Whether you're sitting on the living room sofa or in a dimly-lit hotel room, you can easily get good task lighting focused directly at your reading material, project, etc.

A Gift Everyone Will Appreciate

Glocusent Book Light, 80-hour Rechargeable 3-Color & 6-Brightness Adjustable Reading LightCheck Price

Good lighting makes every task, from reading to working to hobbies, easier and more enjoyable. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't benefit from one of these affordable, versatile, comfortable, and well designed neck lights.

The Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light is a versatile and user-friendly accessory that enhances the nighttime reading experience and makes a valuable accessory for work or leisure activities.

Its comfortable design, customizable lighting options, long-lasting battery life, and portability make it a must-have for avid readers, needleworkers, and hobbyists of all ages. Say goodbye to strained eyes and cumbersome temporary lighting setups with this inexpensive, useful, and practical accessory.

Slimmer, Lighter Weight Version With Timer

Glocusent Slim LED Neck Reading Light, 80-hour Rechargeable 3-Color & 3-Brightness Adjustable Book Light with 30-Minute TimerCheck Price

Since I purchased mine, the company has released an upgraded, slimmer, more lightweight version of this adjustable neck lamp.

The slim version has a narrower width (1.2 cm vs. 2.5 cm) in the neck area for a more ergonomic fit and weighs only 4.52 oz (vs. 4.8 oz), so it's even more comfortable.

It also has a 30-minute auto-off timer function in case you fall asleep as you are reading (haven't we all done that?).

I've just ordered this slimmer, lighter weight version and will be giving my current one to my husband. We're both thrilled!

You'll Love This High-Quality Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light by Margaret Schindel

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

A Review of Low Calorie Cheesy Vegetable Chowder

I have always been a huge fan of chowder. I don't really care what kind, it can be clam chowder, potato chowder, or vegetable chowder, they are all delicious to me. My nephew, who went to the Culinary Institute of New York, can dish up some of the finest clam chowder I have ever had, it is really to die for! However, the calorie count on this wonderful chowder was enough to give me a heart attack. I would estimate probably between 350 to 400 per cup!

I often thought to myself that their had to be a lower calorie way to make good chowder. So I did some research on the internet. There are literally thousands of recipes on the internet for all kinds of chowder. Low cal chowder, not so much. There are some, so I did some comparisons. I found that vegetable chowder is usually less calories that those containing meat or fish. I don't mind skipping the meat, so I decided to try a compilation of my own making for vegetable chowder.

I had to make it a few times to adjust the ingredients. At first the base was just too thin, more like soup than an actual chowder. I was at a loss as to how to correct this problem without causing the calorie count to skyrocket by adding heavy cream. I was stumped for a while. Then one day I was grocery shopping, looking for some cheese when I saw a bag of finely shredded reduced calorie cheese. I think a visible light bulb went off over my head, right there in the store. I could melt some of this cheese in my veggie chowder and thicken it and also add some more flavor! I made some the very next day and put about half the 8 ounce bag in the pot and stirred it slowly.

Ingredients:

2 cups reduced fat chicken broth

1 cup sliced carrots

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup chopped bell peppers

1/2 cup chopped onions

2 cups skim milk

3 Tablespoons flour

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

pinch of black pepper

4 ounces reduced fat cheddar cheese

Directions:

In a medium saucepan, combine chicken broth, carrots, celery, pepper and onions.

Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender.

in a covered jar combine skim milk and flour and shake well.

Pour into broth and veggies and stir gently to mix.

Add parsley flakes garlic powder and black pepper and then slowly add the shredded cheese.

Stir slowly and let thicken.

Remove from heat and spoon into bowls with a sprinkle of cheese on top.

Only 160 calories and 4 grams of fat.

The result of the addition of cheese was a creamy, delicious chowder with medium thick consistency and mouth watering vegetables. Toss in a few croutons and you don't even need crackers, and all for fewer calories than most protein bars. If you need to add meat, try ham cubes, bacon, or pulled chicken. All of them would be a yummy addition!

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Monday, April 22, 2024

3D Printing In Libraries Reviewed

Are you intrigued with 3D printing? The 3D printing market has exploded the last few years, but is it reasonable and affordable for consumers to own a 3D printer?

Look no further than your local library! Did you know your local library may provide access to 3D printers for free or at a nominal cost? An alternative does exist to owning a 3D printer and the use maybe included with your library access (or in many areas, shared access between libraries.)

The possibilities truly are boundless with 3D printing projects. The libraries in my area offer a myraid of 3d printing services and/or use of the printers by patrons or the library staff. Step 1 of 3D printing is to find a design and finding a free and open source design is as easy as visiting a website, choosing the design and uploading the design to your computer, cloud or thumb drive.

Where To Find Open Source (Free) 3D Designs

The three sites I review for free designs are:

Thingiverse (my favorite)

Cults

My Mini factory, free and paid designs, niche

The sites are easily searchable and also provide visual examples if a design was made by others. I found this feature especially useful so if a chosen design has been made successfully by multiple users I view this as a possible design to use. The sites are reminiscent of open source software sites of the past, but with 3D printer design files.

I love the variety and imagination of the designs. What a great project this could be for kids and grandkids with an innovative interest: shop for the design, upload the design, visit the 3D maker space to view actual 3D printers and use the printers (depending upon the policies of the library.)

How 3D Printing Works With Library

My local library offers free 3D printing through its' on site Idealab! And the free printing is not just for patron of the library; free to anyone!

The library has a monthly que with a limit of projects. Projects are submitted via email on a google doc form. The Idealab provides 200 kg of filament per monthly project. If the project requires additional filament then the patron can provide the filament per the instructions from the library.

The STL files are uploaded with the google form and the direct link to the files is also provided to the library.

When the project is finished an email is sent from the library and the project is then picked up in the grab n go area of the library. So simple! So easy! So fun!

The majority of large libraries in my area now offer 3D printing: the policies vary per library, but the intent is to provide a service at a nominal if any, cost.

A Few Examples of 3D Printing From The Local Library

Slow Feed Dog Bowl

Painting palette

Table!

The MCM table was a special project from the lab. Reservations were required and clearly it was anticipated the project would fill up quickly. Online registration was opened and filled to capacity within minutes.

The tables were printed within approximately one month and ready for pick up from the library. The table was in three pieces, the legs, base and tabletop. All pieces fit together and could be (if desired) reinforced with glue. It took only a few minutes to assemble.

The table below is similar to the table the library printed.

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Sunday, April 21, 2024

The Popularity of Pickleball: A Sport on the Rise

The growing popularity of Pickleball fascinates me! My mom loved playing this! Mom and Dad were Snowbirds; they spent winters in the southern USA. The community they stayed in played Pickleball, and Mom was really into it. Whenever I hear the word Pickleball I think of mom talking about it.

When I read that Pickleball is now going mainstream, I sort of giggled, thinking it was more of a senior sport. But guess what? It's growing amongst young people.

Being a lover of statistics, I had to research this! Below are some of the fascinating growth stats.

Why Is Pickleball So Popular?

It's easy to learn and inexpensive. Pickleball's accessibility is a key factor in its popularity. Unlike some sports that require years of practice, Pickleball is easy to pick up.

The rules are straightforward, and beginners can quickly get into the swing of things. Plus, it doesn't break the bank – you only need a paddle, a ball, and a court.

Celebrity Endorsements

Pickleball has indeed caught the attention of celebrities from various walks of life. From actors and musicians to athletes and influencers, the pickleball craze has spread like wildfire and become the latest trend in the celebrity world.

Some notable celebrity Pickleball team owners include Selena Gomez, Ellen DeGeneres, and Jim Berkus. It's popular! Here's an article that features some additional notable celebrities connected to the sport.

Pickleball by the Numbers Explosive Growth:

(A) 36.5 Million Players: From August 2021 to August 2022, over 36.5 million Americans played Pickleball.

(B) 158.6% Growth: The number of players increased by a staggering 85.7% in 2022 alone, with a three-year growth rate of 158.6% (2020-22).

Fastest-Growing Sport:

For three consecutive years (2020-2022), Pickleball has held the title of America's fastest-growing sport.

Average Age: Between 2020 and 2021, the average age of pickleball players dropped from 41 to 38.1, indicating a surge of interest among younger players.

Core Players: Those who play Pickleball more than eight times a year fall into the "core player" category. Their average age is 47.5 years.

Casual Players: Casual players who play at least once a year have an average age of 33.6 years.

Youth Appeal: The 18-34 age group constitutes 27.8% of players, with the highest participation rate. However, they also have the most casual players.

The Popularity of Pickleball: A Sport on the Rise

Senior Players: Remarkably, 33% of core players are over 65, emphasizing Pickleball's appeal across generations.

How to Play Pickleball

Court and Equipment: Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a net. Players use a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball.

Serving: The serving team starts the game by serving diagonally. The ball must bounce once before being returned.

Volley Zone: The non-volley zone (or "kitchen") near the net is crucial. Players cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing inside this zone.

Scoring: Points are scored only by the serving team. Games are typically played to 11 or 15 points, with a two-point lead.

Dinking and Smashing: Dinking involves soft shots close to the net while smashing is a powerful overhead shot.

Pickleball's rise from retirement communities to mainstream courts is a testament to its universal appeal. Whether you're a seasoned player or a curious beginner, grab a paddle and join the pickleball revolution! 🏓🥒

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Reviewing Bob's Top-of-the-Stove Baked Beans Recipe

Image of a serving of baked beans on a plate

The original oven baked beans of our childhoods were always SO good; cooked with lots of bacon and sweet molasses. Only problem is, they take a long time to prepare and cook.

As our children were growing up, we did a lot of camping, and cooked on a Coleman Stove and the camp's grill. We always enjoyed having baked beans with our grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. But, without an oven, and having a time constraint out in the campgrounds, oven baked beans was not an option. Therefore, my hubby, Bob, came up with his own version of camper baked beans, which he named Bob's Top-of-the-Stove baked beans.

After our children grew up, they began to make this recipe both in camp and at home. Quite quick to prepare and always tasty, it has become a standard favorite in our family.

Bob's Top-of-the-Stove Baked Beans Recipe

Ingredients

Serves 4

1 can pork & beans (we usually use Van Camp's).

Several slices of bacon*

½ to 1 diced onion*

Mustard to taste

Ketchup to taste

1 tablespoon dill pickle juice

Brown Sugar to taste

Salt & Pepper

Instructions:

Cut up bacon slices into one or two inch squares. Chop the onion.

Begin by sauteing the bacon and onion together. When done to your preference, pour off excess bacon grease (leaving a small bit for flavor).

Add the can of Pork & Beans.

Add all the other ingredients.

Simmer for 15-20 minutes to heat through and blend all the ingredients.

As the beans simmer, add more ketchup and/or brown sugar to your tasting preference. This is an extremely variable recipe, so exact amounts are not given in the ingredients. Personally, I prefer lots of ketchup and enough brown sugar for that 'sweet' taste. Taste and adjust amounts to your own satisfaction as the beans simmer.

NOTE: We always used a Corning Ware pan (as shown in the accompanying pictures), so everything can be cooked in one pan. Otherwise, you might wish to saute the bacon and onion in a frying pan, then add them and the other ingredients together in a sauce pan.

*Explanation for the *starred items in the recipe: the number of bacon strips and the amount of onion used are negotiable! Personally, we like LOTS of bacon and plenty of onion. Adjust each to your own personal preference.

Summary

Bob's Top-of-the-Stove Baked Beans Recipe is easy & quick, and definitely delicious. And it's one of those recipes that works equally as well cooked on the stove-top in your kitchen or on a camp stove at a campsite.

It is most definitely a favorite in our family.

*All images are the personal photos of (c) Wednesday Elf

*Bob's Top-of-the-Stove Baked Beans Recipe is brought to you by Wednesday Elf

Corning Ware Cornflower (1.5 qt) Casserole Loaf Pan Baking Dish (P-4-B)Check Price Campbell’s Pork and Beans, 11 Oz CanCheck Price HEINZ Tomato Ketchup, 38 oz BottleCheck Price Domino, Sugar Light Brown, 32 OunceCheck Price

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Friday, April 19, 2024

Philips 6-Outlet Extender for Multiple Plugs in One Outlet Reviewed

When I purchased my safe cut/smooth cut electric can opener, I immediately realized it was annoying to constantly be plugging and unplugging my small appliances on my kitchen counter. I needed more outlets to accommodate every electrical appliance I had in that central work location. I prefer leaving my can opener plugged in since I use it several times a day. However, the nightlight needs to stay plugged into that outlet too since it is always recharging.

If I unplug the nightlight flashlight, I found that I often neglect to plug it back in at the end of my work day. We need that there because it is centrally located in my kitchen and provides just enough light at night for anyone who needs a glass of water. In that location, the light is blocked by the adjacent wall so it doesn't shine into other rooms in our home and disturb rest. It is also one of our emergency flashlights. Keeping in the same place all of the time is essential.

I looked at quite a few outlet extender plugs before I made a selection. I needed the outlets to be 3 prong and I wanted the extender to be UL certified. I opted for the Philips 6-outlet extender because of the flatter face with angled sides design. The angle on the sides makes it easier to use when standing in front of the outlet. I don't need to remove the entire extender to plug something into it.

The Philips 6-outlet extender has been perfect for my needs. I can leave my electric can opener and my nightlight-flashlight plugged in constantly and plug in my rice maker, mixer, toaster, electric kettle, instant pot, etc. as needed without unplugging anything else.

PHILIPS 6 Outlet Wall Plug Adapter Power StripCheck Price

The Philips 6-outlet Plug Extender

This extender has drastically improved my kitchen workspace. I no longer need to search for a second outlet when I am using multiple small appliances.

Expands 2 Outlets into 6 Outlets
Grounded Outlets
Side & Front Outlets
Spacesaving Design
5.5" tall x 3.75" wide x 1.5 inches deep
Extra Wide Spaced Outlets for Bulky Chargers

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Seagate Backup Plus Portable Storage Reviewed

In our fast-paced digital age, where every moment is captured, every file is crucial, and every memory is cherished, having a reliable storage solution is paramount.

The Seagate Plus Portable Storage is a compact companion designed to safeguard your precious data while offering convenience and peace of mind.

Features of Seagate Backup Plus Portable Storage:

Design and Portability: The Seagate Backup Plus offers a sleek design, with a durable enclosure. The compact form makes it effortlessly portable, fitting snugly into pockets, bags, or backpacks, ensuring your data is always with you wherever you go.

Capacity and Performance: Available in various capacities ranging from a few gigabytes to multiple terabytes, the Backup Plus offers ample storage space to accommodate your growing digital needs.

Whether it's high-resolution photos, extensive music collections, or hefty video files, this portable powerhouse can handle it all with ease. With USB 3.0 connectivity, transferring files is as easy as a couple of clicks.

Backup and Data Protection: The reason I purchased the Seagate Backup Plus. I've had my computer crash before and lost all of my data. So, I needed an external backup for peace of mind.

I considered Cloud storage and found that the free plans don't offer enough storage to back up your computer, meaning you will have to buy additional storage for a monthly fee. Also restoring your computer from local storage is generally far faster than pulling it down from the cloud.

I'm not very technical or computer-savvy I like things simple. With just a couple of clicks, my computer is backed up and the data is on my desk. Paying the one-time price for the Seagate Backup Plus is worth it to me. I find it to be a worthwhile investment for dependable storage.

Find more Product Reviews on ReviewThis Here:

Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD — USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox -1-Year Rescue Service (STGX2000400)