Is kitchen counter space tight? Is a traditional wood knife block taking up too much of the kitchen counter? The Universal Knife Black may be right in your lane to increase functionality along with increasing counter space.
I found this alternative to the traditional wood knife block when shopping to replace a very attractive, but very heavy and large knife block. With counter space at a premium the Universal Knife Block caught my shopping attention and I decided to give it a try.
Material
The Universal Knife Block comes in a three colors: black, white and lime green. The white and black colors are speckled to resemble marble (and actually from a distance the visual of marble is very close!) An up close inspection and it is evident the material is imitation and the block is in fact made of plastic.
Price Point And Convenience
The top of the knife black looks like a wavy grate. Knifes of all types easily fit between the "grates" with the handles straight up. This design is a huge space saver whether it be on the counter or in a kitchen cabinet.
The block is very easy to use and fits all different size and shapes of knives. The price point of twenty dollars much less expensive than traditional wood knife blocks. If down sizing or looking to increase counter space the Universal Knife Block is a very affordable alternative to wood.
Recomendation
The Universal Knife Block has already become a favorite. The block has two homes: 1. On the counter when cooking and 2. In a cabinet to be easily stored away. I do not miss the traditional heavy wood knife block taking up space on the counter.
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I've been on the hunt for a natural, safe remedy to deter squirrels from digging in my hanging pots and garden and something that would
naturally deter wasps and spiders.
After researching various options,
I discovered that peppermint oil is highly recommended for these
purposes. Its strong, minty aroma effectively repels these pests
while being safe for the environment, pets, and humans when used
properly.
Peppermint oil is a popular natural remedy for deterring various indoor and outdoor pests. This essential oil, derived from the peppermint plant, has a strong scent that many pests find overwhelming and unpleasant.
Here, I explore how to use peppermint oil to deter spiders indoors, wasps outdoors, and squirrels digging in your flower pots. I also discuss what pests peppermint oil won't deter and whether it might attract any pests.
Note: I've made the suggested diluted mixture, but I also use the pure oil outside (not diluted).
How to Use Peppermint Oil as a Pest Deterrent
General Preparation:
Mix peppermint oil with water to create a spray.
Use 10-15 drops of peppermint oil per cup of water.
For stronger solutions, use 20-30 drops per cup of water.
Shake the mixture well before each use.
I've also put some pure oil on the bricks of my house near my hanging pots as a potential climbing deterrent for squirrels.
Indoors (Spiders):
Spray the mixture around windows, doors, and baseboards.
Apply to corners, cracks, and other entry points where spiders may enter.
Reapply every 2-3 weeks or after cleaning.
I've sprayed the entire perimeter of my basement using this mixture. It seems to help!
Outdoors (Wasps):
Spray around areas where wasps are likely to build nests, such as under eaves, around porch roofs, and in sheds.
Apply to outdoor furniture and around picnic areas. I spray it under my outdoor table.
Reapply every few days or after rain.
I apply it to my decorative stones near my flowers and the open brick slots outside the house where I see the little "&#$%(" going in!
I have a little container on the patio table with pure peppermint oil.
Flower Pots (Squirrels):
They say you can spray the mixture directly onto the soil of flower pots, but I need to be brave enough to do that! I have sprayed it on my pots and around the edges of the flower pots.
I have yet to try dousing cotton balls with peppermint oil and placing them in the pots.
Reapply every 2-3 days or after watering.
What Peppermint Oil Won't Do
Rodents: Peppermint oil might be effective against mice and rats, but it is not a guaranteed deterrent. I couldn't speak to its effectiveness for this use. I encourage you to research more about rodents.
Significant Pests: It won't deter larger pests such as raccoons.
Persistent Insects: Peppermint oil alone may not significantly deter certain insects, such as ants and cockroaches.
Potential Insects That Peppermint Oil Might Attract
Pollinators: Bees and butterflies, which are generally drawn to floral and sweet scents, might be attracted to the sweet scent of peppermint oil.
Best Practices for Using Peppermint Oil
Consistency: Regular application is key to maintaining the effectiveness of peppermint oil as a deterrent.
Targeted Application: Focus on areas where pests are commonly found or seen entering.
Alternative Solutions: Consider integrating other pest control methods for persistent or large infestations.
Additional Tips
Safety: Ensure the peppermint oil mixture does not contact pets or children. While natural, it can still cause irritation.
Storage: Store peppermint oil in a cool, dark place to maintain potency.
Testing: Before widespread use, test the mixture in a small area to ensure it does not damage surfaces or plants.
Conclusion
Peppermint oil is an effective natural remedy for deterring spiders indoors, wasps outdoors, and squirrels from digging in your flower pots.
Peppermint oil can be part of your pest control strategy by following proper application methods and understanding its limitations.
It does seem to work for our home and the outdoor patio; I have had fewer wasps harassing me in the backyard so far this year. Since it's an easy, natural solution, I use peppermint oil inside and outside.
ADDED BONUS TIP:
Every month, I change our furnace filter and add about 20 drops of peppermint oil directly on the filter to give the house a pleasant, fresh peppermint scent throughout. It does wear off quickly (within a day or so).
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“... any man who can hitch the length and breadth of the Galaxy, rough it, slum it, struggle against terrible odds, win through and still know where his towel is, is clearly a man to be reckoned with."
Celebrating Towel Day
Fans of Douglas Adams’ book and its philosophy about towels, will enjoy Towel Day. Otherwise, towels are important in daily life and come in many forms.
There are bath towels and beach towels, dish towels, hand towels and tea towels.
To properly celebrate National Towel Day, let's look at a few examples of towels, that absorbent cloth used for drying.
Kinds of Towels
Bath Towels
Used to dry the entire body after a bath or shower. The best bath towel is one that is 100% cotton. Super luxury towels are those made of Egyptian Cotton. Pima Cotton and organic cotton are also superior types of cotton used in luxury towels.
Interesting note about those lovely soft towels hotels and resorts use ~ they are always 100% cotton (which makes them wonderfully absorbent) and always in the color white. White has an associated luxurious charm. White color also co-ordinates well with the decor of hotels.
Beach Towels
Used for going to the beach. Usually very colorful and they come in many designs.
Staying with our Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy theme, this galaxy beach towel is a fun choice for Hitchhiker fans. Other fans will know immediately what the number 42 / Don't Panic means!
Kitchen Towels
Used to dry dishes and wipe up spills in the kitchen. Kitchen towels are also known as dish towels (and are called tea towels in the U.K.
Hand Towels
Used to dry your hands. Hand towels are the perfect accessory for the kitchen and the bathroom. They are extremely handy hanging near the sink.
Summary
Towels, in addition to being the most important item a galaxy ‘hitchhiker’ can carry, are absolutely essential to every household. One can never have too many towels, as they have so many different uses.
National Towel Day
May 25
For More Holiday Reviews, check out ReviewThisReviews: Holidays
*National Towel Day Holiday Review is brought to you by Wednesday Elf
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In my last review, I explained why we run a washing machine cleaning packet
through a new home's washing machine on move-in day. We also run a
dishwasher cleaner through the family members new home's dishwasher.
Like clothes washing machines, the dishwasher has been used by previous tenants or owners. They may not have worried about the cleanliness of the dishwasher's interior or grease build-up on the bottom, sides or door interior. It could also have an unpleasant odor and need cleaning.
In my own home, I keep the dishwasher cleaner tabs on-hand and use then as needed. In the image on the right, you can see the residual grease on the inside of the dishwasher door still there after I washed the dishes. The grease stain wouldn't just easily wipe off, so I ran the empty dishwasher with the Cascade cleaner.
Viola! A clean dishwasher, ready for the next load of dirty dishes.
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I thought I was pretty good at keeping up with the changes in Adobe's Photoshop and Lightroom, but it seems like there is always something I missed. At our last photo club meeting the speaker introduced me to some features that have been there for months, and I was unaware of all the advantages they had.
Presets
The subject was on making your own presets in lightroom and while that was a great topic, while I was listening to the speaker, he mentioned a few features that I had overlooked. Lightroom, through the powers of AI, now gives you the ability to edit one section of a photo at a time with a single click. In the masking feature you can select sky, background or subject and then edit just that portion of the photo. In addition to this when you find a look that you like you can turn it into a preset and use the same editing for future photos.
One of the things that I had overlooked was the Lightroom in their latest update had added three groups of presets for you to use. They are for portraits, sky, and subject. This is a real time saver when one of the presets works for the photo you are editing.
Adaptive Presets-Sky
Here are the presets that are available for your use in Lightroom.
Blue Drama
Dark Drama
Neon Tropics
Storm Clouds
Sunrise
Sunset
The photo at the beginning of the review is one that I took while on a visit to Forest Park in St. Louis. It is of a historic bandstand, that has been a favorite of people visiting the park since the 1920's. In this photo I used the 'Blue Drama' preset to add a bit of drama to a rather dreary sky.
Another tip I learned from the speaker at photo club, is that there is a slider above all the presets and when you use this slider you can alter the amount of the preset that can be used on the photo, anywhere from 0 percent to 200 percent. Here are two examples using the same photo and using the 'Neon Tropics' preset. This first example uses the preset at 200 %.
This version is interesting, but I think it is a bit too dramatic, so here it is using only 50% 'Neon Tropics' preset.
I do think I like the 50% use a bit better.
Adaptive Presets-Subject
For subjects Lightroom has six different presets added in and in addition you can always make and safe your own presets.
Pop
Warm Pop
Soft
Cool Soft
Vibrant
Glow
To demonstrate the subject presets built into Lightroom I will give you a few examples below. You will first need to select your subject in the photo using the masking feature and then select your preset and add the percentage of preset that work for your photo. In my examples I will again use the Forest Park Bandstand photo.
The first one is using the Glow setting. It is very subtle, but I like the look it portrays.
The preset used int the photo below is the Pop setting at 200%
Like I learned at my last photo club session, there is always something new to be learned in Lightroom, even for those of us who are seasoned users. Here is a book that is sure to teach you a few tricks. Lightroom for Beginners and Seniors It can be purchased on Amazon.
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Kaizen Low Carb Pasta made with lupin flour is a health-conscious alternative to traditional pasta
made with wheat flour and semolina. It is the best pasta I have found for
those of us who follow a low-carb diet, such as keto enthusiasts, diabetics,
or anyone looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake. It is also a great
option for people who follow a gluten-free diet.
This product review will cover Kaizen pasta’s taste, texture,
nutritional value, preparation, and overall value. As a bonus, I will also share a simple
recipe I developed that uses Kaizen fusilli.
Taste and Texture
One of the most critical aspects of any pasta product is its taste and
texture. Kaizen low carb pasta aims to mimic the familiar experience of
traditional pasta, and it does a commendable job.
Taste
The pasta has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of
sauces. It reminds me of chickpea pasta.
While it doesn't have the same taste as pasta made from wheat flour and semolina, it is quite enjoyable when combined with robust sauces like
marinara or Alfredo.
Texture
The texture is pleasantly firm, though slightly different from traditional
pasta. It is a bit chewier, which can take some getting used to, but
it holds up well in both hot and cold dishes.
Nutritional Value
Kaizen low carb pasta shines in its nutritional profile, making it an
attractive option for health-conscious consumers.
Low in Carbohydrates
This pasta is significantly lower in carbs compared to regular
pasta, making it suitable for low-carb and keto diets. Each serving contains
only 6 grams of net carbs, depending on the specific variety.
The company has also come out with an even lower-carb pasta line, which I have ordered and will review after I have tried it.
High in Protein
With 20 grams of protein per serving, this pasta helps in meeting daily
protein requirements, which is beneficial for muscle maintenance and overall
health.
High in Fiber
The pasta has 15 grams of dietary fiber per serving, contributing to better digestive
health and helping to keep you full for longer.
Gluten-Free
Kaizen pasta has been reformulated with a gluten-free recipe, so more people can enjoy it.
No Artificial Ingredients
Kaizen prides itself on using natural ingredients, which is a big plus for
those avoiding artificial additives and preservatives.
Preparation
Preparing Kaizen Low Carb Pasta is straightforward and similar to traditional
pasta. Just bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook the pasta for about 5–6 minutes (to the desired texture), drain, and use as desired, with a sauce or in recipes.
Although the texture is different than traditional pasta made from wheat and semolina flours and cannot be cooked al dente, it's crucial to monitor the pasta closely to avoid overcooking so it does not become mushy.
Versatility
Kaizen Low Carb Pasta is versatile and, at the time of this post's publication, is available in four shapes: Fusilli, ziti, radiatore, and cavatappi. This makes it suitable for a variety of
dishes.
It works well in classic hot pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese, carbonara,
lasagna, and baked casseroles.
I used it to make a low-carb, high-protein, high-fiber version of a traditional Jewish sweet noodle kugel (a sweet egg, cottage cheese, and noodle casserole) and it was absolutely delicious!
It also holds up well in cold pasta salads, providing a hearty base for a variety
of fresh ingredients.
Overall Value
Considering its health benefits, Kaizen low carb pasta offers good value for
money. Although it is more expensive than conventional pasta made with wheat
flour and semolina, the added nutritional benefits will justify the higher
price point for many consumers.
It's particularly valuable for those who need to manage their carbohydrate
intake, follow a gluten-free diet, or want a higher protein
alternative to standard pasta.
Kaizen low carb pasta is an excellent product for anyone seeking a healthier
alternative to traditional pasta without compromising on taste and texture.
Its high protein and fiber content, combined with its low carbohydrate
profile, make it a standout option for low-carb dieters and health-conscious
individuals. While it may require a slight adjustment in cooking and texture
expectations, its versatility and nutritional benefits make it a worthwhile
addition to your pantry.
I whip up this delicious, low carb pasta dish often because it's quick and
easy to make and my husband and I both enjoy it.
I usually serve it with a side salad and, sometimes, with garlic bread made
with Hero bread (expensive but 0 net carbs and exceptional taste and texture for a
keto-friendly bread).
I hope you and your family enjoy it.
Buon appetito!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Boiling water
Salt
1 pound ground pork
8 oz. portabello mushrooms
1/4 cup wine (red is traditional but white is good, too)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil while you make the pork and mushroom ragu (meat sauce).
In a large nonstick skillet, crumble and lightly brown the ground pork over medium-high heat.
Slice the mushrooms and add them to the browned pork. Stir occasionally until the mushrooms are soft.
Stir in the wine and the optional seasonings and cook until the wine is reduced by about half.
Stir in the marinara sauce and turn the heat to a low simmer.
Stir the fusilli into the boiling salted water (some foaming is normal) and boil for 5 minutes.
Drain and stir the cooked pasta into the pork and mushroom ragu. Turn the heat down to low and let the pasta "marry" with the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes.
Divide into four portions and grate some Parmigiano-Romano cheese over the top just before serving.
The Best Low Carb, High Protein, Gluten-Free Pasta by Margaret Schindel
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In this age of digital streaming, there is something undeniably charming
about spinning vinyl records on a classic turntable. Our daughter bought
Fran a classic turntable for her birthday this year. Since we didn't have a
place for it we had to find a record player stand.
Fran began a search for what she wanted to buy for our new turntable. Yes,
now we have another piece of furniture in the house. She found this Amil
Series stand from Mazefur with more of a contemporary style. It's perfect for
the new turntable and fits nicely in our living room.
The stand was very easy to assemble with excellent easy-to-follow
instructions. The top surface offers a stable platform for our turntable,
with enough space to accommodate even a larger model.
The stand has a sleek
pull-out drawer at the top, a shelf right below the drawer, and plenty of
storage space for our extensive collection of vinyl records to be stored
safely.
Many turntables on the market today have built-in CD players, ours does
not. The shelf below the drawer will be perfect for a CD player, as we also
have an extensive collection of CDs. The shelf has wire management access on
the back panel for easy installation of the wires.
There are many styles of record player stands to choose from. We like the
style of the one we purchased, but you can find many stands that offer a
retro look to bring you back in time.
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Alicia Berenson, artist, lives in a gorgeous home in a desirable part of London with her husband who is a well-known fashion photographer. She has an upcoming art show, she is clearly very in love with her husband, and she appears to have everything. So why does she kill her husband? The Silent Patient is full of twists and turns. I suspected first one person then the next.
The Silent Patient is a psychological murder mystery that jumps from one point of view to another and includes Alicia's diary. The story isn't told in a linear timeline. The prologue is an excerpt from Alicia's Diary on July 14th soon before the murder in August. Chapter One begins with recap as though written by a report with the murder having happened six years prior. We learn about their careers, their art, their ages, and the last day of Gabriel's life. We learn the gory details of the murder scene, Alicia's attempt to take her own life and how she fought those trying to save her. We find that Alicia turned mute and remained silent.
Alicia was discharged from the hospital and was initially under house arrest while waiting for the trial. She painted a self-portrait that she named Alcestis.
Huge Cast of Characters:
Alcestis. A heroine of Greek mythology. Also, Alicia's self-portrait just after allegedly murdering her husband.
Alicia. A complicated, artistic woman, whose husband worried about her mood and well-being. He convinced her to start a diary. After all, maybe writing would help.
Jean-Felix Martin. The manager of a small SoHo Gallery who exhibited her art; including the Alcestis. Long lines formed outside of this small gallery to see what the murderer had painted.
Lazarus Diomedes. The clinical director of the Grove, the secure forensic psychiatric unit in North London. Alicia was placed here due to clearly suffering from profound psychological distress as determined by the murder and the continuing refusal or inability to speak. Diomedes oversaw her treatment at the Grove. Including the high level of sedating medications that both kept her safe for others and barely able to function.
Yuri. Head psychiatric nurse. Appears to do very well with managing the patients.
Christian. The head of Alicia's care team and the current prescriber of her medications. He clearly dislikes Theo from the moment we meet him.
Theo Faber. Psychotherapist. Theo followed the trial closely and chose to interview at the Grove as a way to get close to Alicia. His goal is to treat her and to get her to talk. But Christian is the head of her care team.
The list of characters goes on and on. Max Berenson. Gabriel's brother and Alicia's attorney. What might he and other members of the Berenson family know? The patients in the unit, what might they know? Who has something to gain from her lengthy stay at the Grove and her silence? Why is the victim's brother also the attorney for the murderer? How do the gallery still show her art? There are so very many questions.
Alicia has been violent on the unit. Which is why her medications are so high and sedating. It's not a far leap to assume that she committed the murder. But still... there are so many things that aren't right.
My Thoughts
During each twist and turn, I kept thinking "that's not right". Both in the unit where Alicia is house and out of the unit. With every twist and turn I began to think someone else did it. I never did guess correctly. Did I miss the clues?
Or... is it a matter of me missing the clues in this mystery? Or, to quote Annie Wilkes in Misery, "He never got out of the cockadoodie car" and the plot doesn't fully line up? It reminds me a bit of how I felt when I watched The Sixth Sense many, many years ago. Malcolm Crowe is a child psychologist and the child he's working with says, "I see dead people." I was stunned and thought, Whoa! How'd we get here?!!!! I feel the same about The Silent Patient.
I can tell you that I've already started reading this a 2nd time to try to find what I missed and why I blamed the wrong people. How I missed seeing how we got to where we ended up. Or... was it a matter of plot problems. I don't know, but I'm reading it again.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides can be found here on Amazon.
Currently, over 300,000 readers have reviewed this book on Amazon with a 4.4. out of 5 star rating. The negative reviews discuss the mental health issues, plot, and timeline issues. The vast majority of reviewers enjoyed this book. I found that the portrayal of the flawed mental health system and what can happen in those settings to be accurate. And the flawed mental health workers... same. I'm still not completely sure what I think of the plot/timeline. I can say that it was intriguing enough that I'm re-reading it already.
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