Extreme Cold Weather Safety Tips - Reviewed

 In January and February, most of the country is experiencing extreme cold, snow, and ice. Here in Western New York, we have had 8-plus days with temperatures below freezing and wind chills below zero.

The photo above shows our driveway during a recent snowstorm. We have the driveway plowed, but when the street and sidewalk are cleared, the snow builds up at the bottom of our driveway. I've been stuck twice this year and had to dig my car out. As I write this today, the temperature is below zero with a wind chill of -30 degrees. 

Risks of Extreme Cold:

• Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it.
• Frostbite will damage your skin and tissue.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by improper heating methods.
• Slips and falls, due to icy surfaces.

Knowing these risks is the first step in preventing cold-weather emergencies.

Dress Smart: Layer Up Properly

Dressing properly is one of the simplest safety tips for extreme cold.

• Wearing multiple loose layers will trap warm air.
• Add insulated outerwear that is wind- and water-resistant.
• Don't forget hats, gloves, scarves, and boots.

Protecting Your Home:

• Keep your thermostat set to a consistent temperature.
• Insulate pipes to prevent freezing and bursting.
• Seal drafts around doors and windows.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
• When temperatures are below zero, turn your faucet on to drip. This keeps water moving and prevents freezing.

If you do turn on your faucet, make sure it is the cold water. Fran set the hot water faucet to a drip when the temperature was below zero, and I woke up to a cold shower.

Prepare an Emergency Winter Kit:

• Blankets and extra warm clothing.
• Flashlights and batteries.
• Non-perishable food and water.
• First-Aid kit.
• Phone chargers and power banks.

Add these items to the car if you have to travel:

• Jumper cables.
• Ice Scrapers.
• Sand or kitty litter. (If you're stuck, use this under your tires for traction)
• High-energy snacks

When temperatures are below freezing and below zero, limit outdoor time. Check on neighbors, and don't leave your pets out too long. 

Cold weather can cause dry and itchy skin. I always use a good moisturizing lotion for my skin.

Preparing for extreme weather with these tips will help keep you and your family safe.

Find more Excellent Reviews Here:

ReviewThisReviews.com

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.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Reviewing Arbonne's Daily Core Complete Sets

 I fell in love with Arbonne because of their nutrition range and over 8 years later I still love their products. This month Arbonne has released their Daily Core Complete Bundles and I think they are a great way to customize your daily nutrition.

Image created by Lou16 on Canva

There are two different Daily Core Complete Sets available - check them out here - they are called Daily Core Complete with FeelFit Pea Protein Shake Simply1 and Daily Core Complete with EssentialMeal Replacement Protein Shake and there's only one difference between them - the protein component.

Which Set Should I Get?

Both of these sets are designed to help you feel great, look radiant and support your body to be the best version of itself that it can be (kind of like Captain America!).

If you struggle to grab breakfast or lunch during the day and want something quick and easy to help with that, then choose the EssentialMeal bundle. This supplement is designed as a meal replacement (I use this on the days when I'm travelling from one job to another with very little time to spare). You simply add it to water and you are good to go.

My favourite protein, however, is the Feelfit Pea Protein Shake Simply 1 - this is a protein powder that ticks the box if you're doing Keto. I like it because I use it to make my proats, overnight oats, pancakes and more. It is designed as a protein supplement, not a complete meal replacement. If you follow a Keto plan, you need an after-workout protein shake or you just like using protein powder to ensure you have a protein-rich breakfast then choose this option.

What Are The Other Core Products?

The core products you get (aside from a bag of protein as above) are:

• 2 x EnergyFizz Ginseng Fizz Sticks
• 2 x CleanTox Herbal Detox Tea
• 1 x GreenSynergy Elixir

I have reviewed the EnergyFizz Sticks on here before and I use one every day (sometimes I'll have two). Fizz Sticks give you energy from Ginseng, Guarana, B Vitamins and Chromium - I used to tell people it's what keeps the smile on my face.

I have also reviewed the CleanTox Herbal Detox Tea on this site before and I love it. I usually drink this tea first thing in the morning, but it is caffeine-free and I know some people take it at night because of this. The herbs in this tea help to support your liver and kidneys. 

GreenSynergy Elixir is a greens drink that I have every single days. I used to take a couple of different green drinks which I have reviewed on this site. GreenSynergy Elixir is a 3-in-1 supplement that brings together the ingredients from the Green Gut Glow drink that I used to enjoy. Now it's one stick in water and mix which makes it a lot more convenient for a busy lifestyle.

This bundle delivers you daily support for energy, digestion, gentle detox and radiant-looking skin. Take these core products and customize your add-ons based on your wellness needs.

Selectable Wellness Enhancements 

As part of this set you get to choose 2 products from this list (this list is based on the US, some markets have different products available)

• BeWell Daily Multivitamin & Mineral
• Daily Omega
• HerCore Essentials Meno Support
• HerCore Essentials Flora Complete
• HerCore Essentials Cycle Support
• BioticSticks Fast Melt Probiotic
• BeWell Superfood Greens
• MindHealth Focus Super Powder
• InnerCalm Adaptogenic De-Stress Powder
• CleanTox Gentle Cleanse
• GutHealth Prebiotic Fiber
• MushroomPowder Daily Defense

Which of these products you choose really depends on what your focus is whether it's digestive support or women's wellness or something completely different. Let's look at a few ideas:

Whole body wellness, please! If you don't have any specific issues that you want to improve, you just want a general wellness then I would consider adding the Multivitamin & Mineral along with the Omegas.

More Focus & Calm, please! I'm sure a lot of people could use some help with their focus especially at stressful times which is when I would suggest MindHealth along with the InnerCalm for releasing stress.

I want to support my digestive system, please! I would look at adding the Superfood Greens (although you're getting 12 different sources of fruit and veg in the GreenSynergy Elixir the Greens supplies 36 different sources. The diversity of this really helps with the digestive system) and the BioticSticks.

No, you misunderstood I meant I needed help with the elimination and detoxification side of things, please! I would suggest the CleanTox Gentle Cleanse coupled with the Gut Health Fibre. I will add a word of caution with our fibre product. Do not start with a full scoop, start with a 1/4 dose and gradually increase it to a full serving as your body adjusts. Personally, I never taken more than 3/4 scoop at a time as more than that upset my stomach - we are all different.

Support for Menopause, please! If you're going through peri-menopause or menopause then I would suggest the Flora Complete and the Meno Support.

General women's health, please, but I'm way too young for menopause! I would suggest Cycle Support and Flora Complete.

Let's Recap These Bundles

All of Arbonne's products are neutraceuticals, this means they are created with the best of plant-powered ingredients combined with emergent science to create products that support our overall wellness. The Daily Core Complete Sets are a great example of this as they offer a flexible daily system that works with your body and adapts as your goals evolve - supporting your whole body wellness in a way that's simple and sustainable over time.

This set is designed to last for 30 days, although the fizz and tea may last longer if you only have one a day. I use the core products every day and absolutely love them. I have tried all of the add-ons that are available in Australia so if you have any questions do not hesitate to leave a message.

If you would like to know more and you don't want to leave your question in a comment below feel free to leave your instagram handle (or email address) and I will reach out to you.

The link for the Daily Core Complete Sets is below, if you would like to buy them (delete the set you don't want). You'll also be asked to select a free gift with your order which is always nice.

Daily Core Complete Sets - Buy Here

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.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Beurre D'Isigny Butter Review

I should begin this review with a disclaimer that it would be rare for me to meet a piece, stick, tub or block of  butter I did not like!  I am a fan of butter and only use butter for baking. I always favorite a brand of butter my family has used for decades which also leads to reliability when baking. 

However, I do like to try different products and this butter caught my eye as it landed at the top of the list for Butters of 2025! A quick look around my neighborhood grocery and I found Beurre D'Isigny.

The butter came in a block form and was definitely priced higher than other brand name butters, but in the same price range as what I would consider premium brands. I used the salted version, but an unsalted version is also available

Creamy

Yes! Yes! and Yes! The perfect consistency for melt in your mouth butter. The butter complements and does not distract when spread on breads and rolls. 

 Spread --- ability

This butter was a delight to spread! Directly from the refrigerator and the butter can be easily spread with a knife. I was suspect as the butter was in a block; no need to be suspect, the butter truly is easy to spread from the block cold.

The consistency was perfect to spread with the portion in mind. My usual butter is not easily spread from stick form; the butter cannot be spread cold without breaking apart the bread.

Taste

Smooth, sweet, velvet, silky, rich are a few adjectives which come to mind.

What Makes This Butter Different?

• Pastures: The Isigny area is known for its' mineral rich grasses which the cows enjoy.
• AOP is the status to ensure the butter is made in the specific region with specific traditional process.
• Additive Free
• Beurre D'Isigny is a type of cows' milk in Normandy, France
• Smooth As Silk
• Salt crystals on outside
• Dates back to 16th Century

Recommendation

I did not bake with this butter, so no opinion! This is definitely a butter I like to have in the refrigerator, especially to use on bread, bagels or rolls or baked goods.  Due to the price it is not practical to use for everyday cooking, but... 

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.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Gut-Wrenching Lyrics About Love and Loss - The Story Behind These Words

The lyrics I wrote for this song are rather gut-wrenching and extremely personal, but I'm sure many who have gone through loss can unfortunately relate.

On February 6th, 2026, I put these words together for Echoes of a Quiet Room. I felt compelled to sit down and finally share the story of the day the world stopped for me. It happened twice—first in 2013 with my dad, and then in 2021 with my mom. 

These words express some of the feelings I had in those moments, especially when my mother passed.

The Front Porch Never Felt So Empty

The lyrics to this song talk about our front porch never feeling so empty, the kitchen feeling empty, and my mom and dad's chairs being empty. 

But the truth is, these feelings didn't just occur the moment they passed. While it was much more powerful when Mom died—mostly because Dad was already gone—these feelings actually hit me hardest while Mom was in nursing care.

I would drive the car up our long driveway and look at those empty front steps, remembering all the life that had once been there. I'd pull into the garage and walk up into the house all by myself, without my mother, my father, or my brothers. I was walking into that house alone. 

There wasn't anything domestic being done anymore; the kitchen was just still. I would go into the family room and sit in her chair or Dad's chair, absolutely devastated by the realization that I was at a stage of life where they were no longer a part of the home, although they always will be in spirit, of course.

The hardest part when I think back was my parents not being there when I arrived. That was just one hundred percent brutal, and a bit weird all at the same time.

On the actual day my mom passed, I was with my brothers, so I wasn't alone. But the lyrics speak to those times she was in care, and I was at the house by myself, just existing in that space without them.

How We Get Through This Part of Life I'll Never Fully Understand, It's Brutal - That's The Only Way To Describe It

I've had a lot of trouble expressing the sheer loneliness I felt while Mom was in the hospital. Looking back, I feel a little bit proud of myself for managing such an intensely grief-stricken part of life.

I wonder how I even got through it. But the universal truth is that we don't know how strong we are until we have to be.

So many people out there are going through these exact same feelings, and that's why I wanted to write this song. 

For anyone who has suffered this kind of loss, know you aren't alone. Having lived this myself, I wouldn't wish this pain on anyone, but I unfortunately share it with you. I guess that's just part of life.

Grief really does just sneak up on us sometimes.

*************

For More Original Song Lyrics About Life:

Follow me on YouTube 

Drageda Lyrics on Spotify

Drageda Lyrics on iTunes

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.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Reviewing National Guitar Day

 February 11 is known as National Guitar Day, a day to honor that iconic and versatile instrument known as the guitar.

The guitar is a widely appreciated instrument, valued by beginners learning their first chords and professionals performing on stage. Its pleasant sound is enjoyed by many fans of guitar music.

The History of the Guitar

Dating back over 4,000 years to Mesopotamia and Egypt, the guitar evolved into its modern form in Spain and later gained worldwide popularity. Whether it's a classical, electric, or bass guitar, its influence spans a wide range of musical genres, including folk, rock, jazz, blues, and pop.

The Basic Guitar

Basic guitars have six steel or nylon strings that create different sounds. 

Experts recommend beginners start with an acoustic guitar, which produces sound via string vibration and helps build finger strength, while electric guitars are often preferred by more advanced players

My Love of the Guitar

I entered college in the the Fall of 1959, which was a time of the popularity of Folk Music performed by such iconic groups as The Kingston Trio, Peter, Paul and Mary, and dozens more. All of these groups had at least one member playing the guitar.  Having attended a Kingston Trio concert at my college in the Fall of 1959, I became an instant fan of both Folk Music and the guitar. My roommates and I played the recordings of these groups, particularly of the Kingston Trio, over and over, singing along until we knew all the words to each song!

By the next semester, I had met the guitar-playing, folk-music-loving guy that I ended up marrying. While in college, he played the guitar and sang folk songs, along with two fraternity brothers, all over campus. Over the years, he continued to play the guitar and sing, occasionally with friends, but mostly to me. Naturally, I loved it. :) 

As the years went by, hubby’s musical talent showed up in our youngest son, who played 3 instruments before settling on the guitar as his main musical outlet. Son had his own band for a bit, before life and family obligations took up the time. Now, one of his sons, who is proficient on the violin, is currently teaching himself how to play the guitar. From hubby, to son to grandson, the guitar has played a part in our family’s lives. It truly is an instrument we all have enjoyed, either playing or listening. 

Summary

So, on February 11th, get out your guitar and play, or simply listen to some good guitar music as a way to celebrate this musical holiday.

*This review of National Guitar Day has been written by Wednesday Elf

+Images in this article are from Pixabay and personal photos of Wednesday Elf

Guitars and related products..... 

Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Natural Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strings, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

EASTROCK Guitar Stand - Guitar Stands Floor Adjustable Folding Guitar Stand for Acoustic Electric Bass Guitar Banjo Mandolin, Black Tripod with Foam Padding & Non-Slip Feet (1PACK)

Alfred's Easy Guitar Songs -- Rock & Pop: 50 Hits from Across the Decades

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.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Godiva Chocolate Reviewed

My husband has been giving me Godiva Chocolate for Valentine's Day and Christmas for decades.  

We first discovered this brand while shopping in a mall and seeing the Godiva store.  Back then, they boxed their candy in beautiful tin collectible boxes.  In recent years, they started using decorative boxes covered in fabric, some have even had lovely embroidered designs.  I keep the tins and decorative boxes and use them in my craft room.  The boxes alone have been gifts, but the chocolate is divine.  

Over the years, I started getting headaches when eating chocolate.  Some of my favorite things like chocolate ice cream or candy bars have become a thing of the past for me.  However, Godiva chocolate stands out as the one chocolate candy I can still enjoy.  For some reason, perhaps the type of cocoa they use, Godiva chocolate does not give me headaches.  That is pretty fantastic!  It is a way for me to still delve into the world of chocolate without paying a painful price.

Now, don't tell my husband, but I saw the package of Godiva chocolate for Valentine's Day delivered yesterday.  I left the box on the porch and acted totally ignorant.  Our Ring doorbell doesn't really allow me to be ignorant, but we can pretend. 

 

Godiva Chocolate for Valentine's Day

We have to purchase Godiva Chocolate online these days.  The store in the mall shut down years ago.  As of 2021, there are no Godiva brick and mortar stores.  Fortunately, the candy is still available online.  They still have a few tins available, but most of the larger boxes of candy now come in a gold box with a decorative ribbon.  

No matter how the chocolate is packaged, the candy is delicious! 

 Godiva Masterpiece Heart Chocolate Gift Tin, Assorted Milk & Dark Chocolate with Ganache & Caramel, Valentine’s Day Keepsake Gift for Her, 20pcCheck Price Godiva Red Ribbon Gold Assorted Chocolate Gift Box, Belgian Dark and Milk Chocolates with Pralinés, Ganaches & Caramels, Gourmet Valentine's Day GiftCheck Price Godiva Masterpiece Heart Chocolate Gift Tin, Assorted Milk & Dark Chocolate with Ganache, Valentine’s Day Keepsake Gift for Her, 7pcCheck Price

 

 

If you want the tins, you may find them on Ebay, without the candy, of course.

 

 

Read More Gift Reviews On
ReviewThisGifts.com

 

Godiva Chocolate Reviewed by:

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.”

FOLLOW US ON:

All in One Course, for Piano, Review

Decades ago, when I first took piano lessons, I was instructed to purchase individual books on theory, and some other books as well. There were three or four books that I had purchased. It is what was available at the time, and I got the books my teacher recommended.

When I had gone for quite awhile without playing, sans piano, I decided to get some books to help me relearn piano.

What I found was a book that has Lesson, Theory, and Solo, all in one book. I already worked through Book 1, and have recently started with Book 2.

I like this approach much butter, you learn a bit of theory along with explanations, and practice songs to reinforce the theory and technique, all in one book.

It's so much nicer having the various steps of learning, all in one place, in an easy understandable order, without having to go to one book from another; it's all sequential. It's much easier for one to follow and know what to do next, especially if they don't have a piano teacher.

When I started working in Book 2 of the All in One Course, Lesson, Theory, Solo, I was able to jump in and play the presented song from beginning to end, (They are short."), without much hesitation. I am pleasantly making progress. I know it helps that I had piano lessons many years ago, but overall, I think this method is much more enjoyable than the earlier method was, and easier too.

It is so nice having the lessons flow from one aspect to the next, in a sequential order, all in one book. If you are interested in checking out this book on Amazon, you can check it out here: All in One Course. There are other books in this series for different levels.

Cheryl Paton

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.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Final Orbit ~ A Book Review

Final Orbit is a novel that you just won't be able to put down.  Chris Hadfield is a master at putting together a story that is full of facts and yet manages to weave in some fiction into the story plot as well. He is much loved Canadian Astronaut, author, musician and writer.  This reviewer has read his books and loved each one.  But let's get into the Final Orbit!

The 1970's space race had everyone interested in what was out there.  There was much political, international and general interest in all of the exploration of the moon, the space station and the possibilities of future travels in space.

In 1975 the space race took on a whole new focus as Apollo and the Russian Soyuz were to jointly dock with the now abandoned Space Station.  It was a time of hope for the whole world that the two super powers could in fact come together to benefit all of mankind with  cooperation and not with suspicions.

But unknown to both the US and Russia, China has been secretly trying to enter into the space race as well.  Deep in remote location, China secretly launches it's first manned spaceship.   No one knows what their purpose is and even though the Russians and Americans are working together, they are never totally above being suspicious of each other too.

This space mission is full of many triumphs and many  mistakes as well, not just in the heavens but here on earth as well.  Three of the six astronauts die during a decompression error.  One of the Soviet's and two American astronauts are no longer part of the mission as it was supposed to happen.  That leaves two Soviet's and one American aboard the Apollo capsule to figure out what needs to be done and how to do it.  Just to add to the astronauts stress, there is the language barrier to work through and teaching the Cosmonauts how the Apollo works, compared to their Soyuz craft.  And then there is that pesky Chinese astronaut out there too.  

It doesn't take too much imagination to put yourself right into that Apollo capsule along side these three space travellers.  That's what makes this book so intriguing.  

If you are an astronaut wannabe or get excited about the possibilities of outer space travel, this book is for you!  

If you lived through the 1960's and beyond, the Space Race and all of the missions Apollo made, you will relive some history that was happening on earth during that time as well.  The Cold War, Patty Hearst. civil unrests and more are all part of what happened during this mission.  

Once you open the book, Final Orbit, will be glued to your hands until you finish the last page. and then you will want to go back to the start and read it all over again.  

Well done Chris Hadfield, well done indeed!

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.”

FOLLOW US ON: