Reviewing the Huogantom Magnetic Cell Phone Tripod

"You have to order this" my friend said to me, sending the link to a little gadget. I hadn't thought I needed a handheld phone tripod but he was insistent that I order it. My friend was right, this cell phone tripod is super handy and has been helpful in so many ways; hands-free video chatting, recording videos from different angles, and reading or watching a variety of things. I have used this handy cellphone tripod on a daily basis. 

Huogantom Magnetic Phone Tripod

The link my friend had sent to me was for the Huogantom phone tripod. In internet searches, there are many small cell phone tripods available. This particular design is perfect for me.

• Strong magnetic attachment
• sturdy aluminum alloy
• versatile - desktop stand, handheld
• easy vertical or horizontal orientation
• carabiner clip design
• Hands-free recording
• easy positioning perfect for video chats, watching movies, and/or reading that online recipe.
• The sturdy frame is cleverly spaced so that the tripod legs fold and store flat into the frame. the time of this writing, this tripod is rated at 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon

At the time of this writing, this tripod is rated at 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

My Personal Thoughts.  

I hadn't been looking at additional tripods since I have a tabletop phone holder that I've liked very much. With the table top cell phone holder, it is easy to film downward angles, it is very sturdy, and it is adjustable in height. It is not easily portable but even so, I wasn't in the market for another tripod. 

The carabiner type clip has been awesome in helping to keep track of the tripod during outings. I have clipped it to my yarn bag straps so that I don't have to rummage around in the bottom of my bag to find the tripod. 

With this very small phone tripod (small enough to fit into my jacket pocket) I really like the magnetic attachment. It is much easier to use than the other clip designs on other phone stands, including my tabletop stand and stands I've borrowed from my friend. While the sturdy clips on those other stands ensure the phone will not fall out, I have a great deal of difficulty clipping the phone in and releasing it. Some of those spring clips are so firm that it hurts my hands and is very frustrating.

The magnetic attachment on my Huogotom tripod is so strong that the magnets click together when I'm moving the phone close to the stand. While I would not hold my phone above water, while running/hiking, or any jarring activities where my phone might bounce loose and become damaged. As a countertop tripod, that magnetic attachment is plenty strong enough. And I don't have to struggle to disengage my phone from the stand.

I have found that this small tripod also seems to be decreasing the amount of times I drop my phone around the house. Like those little Pop Sockets that increase a person's grip on their phone, this tripod increases my grip on my phone. I am developing significant grip issues and this tripod assists me by giving me more than my phone to hold on to. 

Only One Minor Complaint. I ended up purchasing a different magnet sticker for my phone. Possibly because I have an Android phone and a protective case, rather than an iPhone, I used the circular magnet sticker that was included with the tripod. That magnet portion of the sticker was very strong. The adhesive portion of the sticker was not as strong and failed soon after I began using the tripod. I will admit that I am clumsy, and the failure of the adhesive may have been "operator error". It was easy enough to remedy. I purchased flat magnetic strips and what was described as "strong adhesive". 

Related Links:

For better information and other reviews, check out the Huogantom Magnetic Phone Tripod on Amazon. 

For a better understanding of Pop Sockets, take a peek at the Pop Socket store on Amazon. 

The table top, Overhead Phone Mount stand I purchased is awesome. I love the down-views it provides so I can share videos of my crochet projects in progress. It is also very helpful for video chats and selfies.  The drawback is that it is sturdy and not suitable for throwing into a bag or taking on outdoor adventures.

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Remembering The Unscarred Me - A Song Review

Sometimes, I think about that little girl I used to be—the one who played with dolls and held imaginary tea parties, who believed the world was full of endless possibilities. 

There was a gentle magic in those early years, a quiet wonder that filled my room and the pages of bedtime stories. I remember being unscarred.

A Walking Doll Gift From Dad When I Was Seven

When I was seven, my father had been away for a while, and when he returned, he brought me a gift I still vividly remember: a giant doll, almost half my height, with a name—Shirley. 

I was completely taken aback by this amazing toy. Shirley wasn't just a doll; she was a walking doll. You could hold her hand or arm, and as you walked, her legs would move forward as if she were walking alongside you. 

I remember the awe of watching her move, the sense that she was alive in a way no toy had ever been. That feeling—the magic, the companionship, the sheer possibility—stayed with me for years, and it's exactly what inspired the term "walking doll" when I wrote this song.

As life went on, Shirley stopped walking. I grew taller, my imagination quieted, and somewhere along the way, I stopped letting her talk. Pretend tea parties became memories. She became a decoration, a silent reminder of a part of me I had tucked away.

I Grew Bigger And Stopped Her From Talking

In my twenties, thirties, and forties, I thought I had to leave that little girl behind. I told myself I was practical, independent, and strong.

Dolls were for children, not for grown-ups. But life has a way of nudging you back to what you need most. Every heartbreak, every challenge, every moment that shook me whispered: remember the unscarred me. Remember the one who imagined freely, who believed in possibility, who saw the world as full of magic.

Now, at this stage of my life, I realize I don't have to hide her anymore. I've stopped worrying about what others might think when they see me tap into my creativity, my imagination, my artsy, playful side. What matters is being true to myself. Being free again, as I was when I was little, is my gift to myself.

This Song is About Acknowledging Our Young Imagination

This song, The Living Story (I Remember Being Unscarred), is my ode to that girl in the light pink dress. 

I chose the color pink in these lyrics and in the lyric video for two reasons: one, because when I was a little girl, pink was one of my three favorite colors; and two, most importantly, because my granddaughter's favorite color is pink. 

In the lyric video, I dressed both the grown woman and the young girl in pink to reflect that connection. She's still there on the shelf, waiting patiently for me to remember her, for me to reach for her when the world feels heavy, when life leaves its marks. And now, I do. I drink pretend tea again. I let myself imagine. I let myself create. That girl, that spark, is alive in me, and she always will be.

At 65 Years Old, I'm Acknowledging The Unscarred Me Once Again, as Talked About in the Lyrics I Wrote in this Song

Those who know me know I've been writing for a long time. I started writing poems and song lyrics in 1968, when I was eight years old, and I've written on and off ever since. In 2019, I published a book on Amazon featuring fifty years of my writings. Life often pulled me away from writing. 

Now, at 65, I've made a personal decision: I will honor my spirit and write as much as I can for as long as I live. This is my choice—not to be special, but to be true to who I am, what my soul calls me to do. For me, it's writing. For others, it may be art, music, or building something meaningful. 

The truth is, knowing ourselves is the hardest thing we do. I've come back to my true self, and I plan to live out the last third of my life fully aligned with who I am at heart.

Whether anyone reads or listens to my writings is secondary; it's ok if people don't. It's just something I have to do; I have to get it out. I hope you can release the true you, or maybe you already have!

******

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The Cat in the Stacks Cozy Mystery Series Reviewed

 Starring volunteer librarian Charlie Harris and his rescue Maine Coon cat, Diesel. 

We first meet Charlie and Diesel in Book I - Murder Past Due, the 2010 debut of this charming and delightful series.

To date, author Miranda James has written 17 books in the series, with Something Whiskered having been published in 2025.

Series Synopses

Charlie Harris is recently retired from his position as a Library Director in Houston. Widowed, and with his two children grown and pursuing their own careers, Charlie decides to move back to his hometown, a small town near the coast in Mississippi where he has inherited a house from a great-aunt. 

The house is large, so Charlie rents out a couple of the rooms to boarders. His aunt’s housekeeper has run the house for years and stays on part time to tend to Charlie and his boarders, cleaning and cooking. Since Charlie adores her fine Southern cooking, this works out fine with him. 

To keep busy, Charlie volunteers a couple days a week at the local public library and also works one day a week as custodian of the rare books collection at the local college. 

One day, as Charlie parks at the library for one of his volunteer days, and anxious to get inside as it is pouring rain, he  spots movement under a nearby bush. Investigating, he discovers a very large, and rather wet, Maine Coon cat. He picks up the cat and takes him inside to dry him off.

As time goes by, Charlies tries to find out where the cat belongs, while taking care of him at his home. Unable to locate an owner, he ends up keeping the cat. Since the cat has a very deep and rumbling purr, Charlie names him Diesel. He decides he sounds just like a diesel engine. :) 

Then a murder happens and Charlie Harris and Diesel end up playing detective to solve the crime. 

Diesel goes everywhere with Charlie, including the library where he is a favorite with the children. He even walks on a lease when doing so would keep him safer. 

In subsequent books, Charlie and Diesel become involved in more unsolved murders.  The dynamic duo of genial librarian Charlies Harris and his smart and clever cat, Diesel, earn  the reputation of becoming quite good detectives. 

*You can find the entire collection available here on Amazon. 

Author Miranda  James

Miranda James is a pen name for Dean James, a former medical librarian of two decades. His professional background includes extensive published research on library science, medical history, and the mystery genre. In addition to the Cat in the Stacks series, he is the author of three other series of books. James lives in Texas. 

Summary

If you enjoy cozy mysteries and also like stories that include animals, you will be pleased with this Cat in the Stacks series. As time goes on, Charlie’s two kids move back to Charlie's small Mississippi town (the son, a lawyer, from Houston and the daughter, a striving actress, from California) and become a part of subsequent stories. As does the housekeeper’s daughter, who is a senior detective on the town’s police force and keeps bumping into Charlie when he somehow keeps finding bodies. 

Each story leads into the next, so reading them in sequence is recommended. The Cat in the Stacks series is a darling and light-hearted series of cozy mysteries. 

*Book Review of the “Cat in the Stack” series of cozy mysteries is written by Wednesday Elf

There's a cat in the stacks...

...and he makes the purr-fect partner for a librarian-turned-sleuth.

Murder Past Due (Cat in the Stacks Mystery)

Something Whiskered (Cat in the Stacks Mystery)

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2 Minute Microwave Fudge Recipe

Yes, I did say 2 minutes!  

The 2 minutes refers to the microwave cook time.  It does take a few minutes to mix the ingredients together and spread it in a cooling pan.  Regardless, it only takes about 15 minutes total time to make this fudge and approximately 1 hour before it is set to eat.

I've made this fudge many times over the years for parties, teas, and receptions.  It is always extremely popular.  If attendees only knew how easy it is to make, I doubt they would be as generous with the compliments.  After all, traditional fudge, made the way my grandmothers made it, has to be cooked on the stove-top to the right consistency, without being overcooked.  This microwave fudge is pretty fool proof and simple!

I started using this easy fudge recipe 35 or 40 years ago when I purchased a Tupperware Microwave 2 quart "Ultra 21" set.  You will see it in the photos below.  I feel rather old when I realize that set is referred to as "vintage" in eBay listings.  No matter!  Sometimes vintage is best!  

I would appreciate it if you wouldn't tell my guests at my next party my fudge secret.

 

2 Minute Microwave Fudge Recipe

In my case, I use the 2 quart bottom half of the Tupperware microwave set to cook the fudge and then spread it in the top of the set.  However, you can use any 2 quart (or larger) microwavable cooking dish then spread the fudge mixture in a 8 x 8 pan to cool.  

Before you start, butter the pan you will be using to cook the fudge. If you line the cooling pan with parchment paper, you will not need to butter it, and clean-up will be much easier.

There are only a few ingredients needed for the microwave fudge.

• 1 lb. Confectioners Sugar aka Powdered Sugar  (approx. 4 cups)
• 1/2 Cup Cocoa
• 1/4 Cup Milk
• 1 Stick of Butter

Optional:  You can add 2 teaspoons of vanilla along with the milk.    

Sift powdered sugar and cocoa together into 2 quart microwavable bowl/pan.  Pour in milk and stir together.  Lay the butter on top of the mixture.  Cook in the microwave for 2 minutes.

Take it out of the microwave and stir it all together until it is smooth.  There will be some lumps, but they will breakdown and mix in as you stir to a smooth consistency.

  Optional:  You can stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the fudge right before you spread it in the pan for cooling 

Spread the fudge into the prepared (buttered or parchment paper) cooling pan and set in the refrigerator for an hour to completely cool.

Then, enjoy!   

 

 Confectioners Powdered Sugar, 1 lbCheck Price Hershey's Unsweetened CocoaCheck Price

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2 Minute Microwave Fudge Review Written by:

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Review of Renewed iPhones on Amazon

 

Renewed electronics on Amazon are a great way to get really good products at a reduced price. I have found that they offer a cost-effective way to own Apple products and they come with a warranty.  I have gotten my last three iPhones on Amazon using the renewed program and have been very satisfied.  The phones have been just like new and the process to get them and to trade in your old phones is great.

Key Features of Amazon Renewed iPhones

• Choose from service provider or unlocked
• Great selection of all models of iPhones--some as low as $315.00
• Choose memory size
• Choose condition- choices include Excellent, Good, and Acceptable and range from no cosmetic damage to lightly visible scratches.  All have battery life of greater than 80%
• Trade In of your old phone is available- you enter information on your old phone and they will give you an estimated trade in value.  If you choose to go with the trade in they send you a free shipping label.
• All come with accessories equivalent to those that were originally shipped in the box when they were new.
• Free Returns- 90 day refund/replacement

Here is a link to Amazon's Renewed iPhones Renewed iPhones

Amazon Renewed Store

In addition to the iPhones the Amazon Renewed Store carries a variety of expertly refurbished products at great prices.  Here are the categories I found on the Renewed page on Amazon.

• Cell Phones and Accessories
• Computers and Accessories
• Video Games
• Office Supplies

Here is a link to the Amazon Renewed Store Amazon Renewed Store

Buying a renewed phone or other electronic product is not only a great way to save money, but you are helping the environment at the same time.  I have been so pleased with the phones that we have purchased in this way.  Everything has always gone as smooth as can be and I love my new (renewed) iphone 14Pro Max!

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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.

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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

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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... 

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