Couscous Salad for Summer

My couscous summer raspberry salad

It has been a hot and sultry summer.  A heat wave enveloped us for weeks.  I like to eat. It is safe to say that I like to eat way too much. But in this heat nothing sounded good to me.  Today I have made something that has satisfied my summer craving. I'm not very talented in the kitchen so I am not typically one to share recipes. But I have to share this couscous salad with you. If I made this recipe successfully, I am confident you will do even better. Couscous, raspberries, and feta - a delicious way to beat the heat.

Couscous

I am not even 100% sure what couscous is. But years ago I had a friend who made a good amount of recipes that included hummus, couscous, and other foods that I might never heard of otherwise. She ate far more healthy than I ever have. 

nutritional information

Lately, I've missed some of those foods. Twice recently, while trying to address my cravings, I've purchased couscous in the deli section at the store. And twice I was very disappointed. Their idea of couscous was pouring huge amounts of vinaigrette over couscous and calling it done. Their version was far too much "dressing" for me. It was almost like sipping directly from the vinaigrette bottle. Yuck.

I bought some couscous and some feta and hoped I'd find a recipe that would satisfy my hunger.

Refreshing Raspberry and Feta Couscous Salad  

I found this Raspberry and Feta Couscous Salad recipe online.  It looked easy and delicious. As soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted it. But I didn't have pine nuts or mixed salad greens.  I thought I'd wing it and make my own version which is a risky proposition in my kitchen!

Fortunately, I had fresh raspberries on hand (for smoothies) as well as some raspberry vinaigrette.  I read the directions above for guidance then made my own version.  

If you need measurements and amounts, you'll want to follow the above recipe. But my version was as follows:

• Prepare the couscous per instructions on the box.  When finished, fluff with a fork.  Add the smallest squirt of Raspberry Vinaigrette, stir gently, cover and refrigerate.
• Place the following ingredients in a small bowl - cubed feta, thin slices of cucumber, a few fresh raspberries, a big pinch of very finely chopped onion, a big pinch of thinly sliced yellow pepper, a bit of coarsely chopped spinach. Cover and refrigerate.
• After the couscous is chilled, add it to the other ingredients - Fluffing and mixing together gently
• Add another small squirt of raspberry vinaigrette

In hindsight, the only thing I should have also added was mint from my balcony garden. Perhaps I'll make that tomorrow with couscous, watermelon, mint, blueberries, and feta... my version of this recipe.

I have found that I could purchase the same brand of couscous from Amazon at a substantial savings. When I purchased the couscous from the store, I thought it was a bit pricey and thought I'd have to make it as a rare treat. But with the cost savings on the bulk amount on Amazon (same brand) I think I'll have to add this to my regular meal rotation. At least for the remainder of this summer.

Israeli Toasted Pasta Couscous

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing Monopoly Deal - A Playing Card Game

Monopoly Deal  is the Playing Card Version of the Classic Monopoly Board Game.

We are all familiar with the board game, Monopoly, which has been around in its current version since 1935.  Over the years, the classic version has grown to include nearly 1300 variations, many of them theme-based. For a list of these, check this link. 

Monopoly has become one of the most popular games of all time. I remember spending hours playing it as a child, then with my own children, and now my grandsons enjoy it just as much. And now it is available in a quick version card game form called Monopoly Deal. 

A Favorite Version of the Monopoly Board Game

While visiting my 14-year-old grandson, Ryan, in Iowa in June, we played his Star Wars Monopoly game in board game form, which he absolutely loves to play. 

At the end of my visit, it was decided that Ryan would come back home with me for a visit to Coastal Georgia and the beach. He wanted to bring his Star Wars Monopoly Board Game, but there wasn't room in the car.  Instead, he discovered that there is a card game version of Monopoly, which he purchased before we left. 

 

Grandson Ryan (c) Wednesday Elf

 Let me tell you, Ryan and I have become very expert at this Monopoly card game, playing 3 and 4 games per day most days! This Monopoly Deal card game takes only about 15 minutes to play, as opposed to 3 and 4 hours to play the board game version of Monopoly.  And since it doesn't take up any more room to pack in your suitcase than a deck of cards, it is the perfect game to take on a vacation or trip.  

Monopoly Deal Card Game

 

(c) Wednesday Elf

Monopoly Deal comes with 110 cards consisting of the familiar Property Cards (like Boardwalk and Park Place), plus hotel and motel cards, money cards, and action cards which include rent cards and cards that let you steal property from the other players.  

Monopoly Deal Money

• The Money Cards are a tad different than what you are used to in the Monopoly board game.  The denominations begin at One Million and go up to 10 Million dollars. At first it seems strange dealing with what appears to be such a large amount of money, but one quickly adapts to playing a Rent Action Card and saying things such as "Pay me $7 Million Dollars for my property"

• Instead of 'Passing Go" and collecting $200, as in the board game, there are Pass Go cards which allow you to draw two more cards.

 

• The "Just Say No" cards have become a favorite, as they prevent another player from stealing your property or having to pay a large amount of 'rent' on a property set with a house and a hotel! 

Monopoly Deal Rules

Each turn you draw two cards and can play up to 3 cards. Fortunes can change in a minute, depending upon what cards you draw and play.  To win you need three complete sets of Property Cards. 

The game can be played with 2-5 players, which made it perfect for Ryan and Grandma to play a quick game or two between trips to the beach or my apartment pool those hot summer days here in southern Georgia.  It's also a quick game to play between dinner and bedtime. The more we played it, the more we enjoyed it. It's truly an addictive card game. If your looking for a fun family/friend game, Monopoly Deal is it.

November 19

is

National Play Monopoly Day

*Monopoly Deal Card Game Review written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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How to Create a Static Home Page on Blogger

Blogger is a great blogging platform that is perfect for beginners, as well as experienced bloggers.   However, as our blogs grow, we need to find ways to make them easier to navigate.  We want our older posts to be easier to find by our readers.

Those of us who write on blogs already know that the newest article will be featured at the top of the blogger site.  The older articles will be shoved down the blog landing page and eventually to the "next" page.  Depending on the frequency of publishing, that can actually happen pretty fast.  Articles that are still very relevant are no longer seen on the landing page and become harder to find.  One could almost even say they are "hidden" by the newer content.  So, what can we do?  

We take navigation very seriously on Review This!  In addition to having every article listed in our drop down tabs, we have a "Quick View Home Page".  Each week, our contributors select articles to feature on that page.  It looks & feels like a Home Page on a website.  

We opted to have our Quick View Home Page set up as a separate page that our readers can easily visit, as opposed to setting it as our static home page.  However, you can certainly set one up just like it to be the landing page for your blog. 

Step by Step Instructions for Creating a Blogger Static Home Page 

Blogger has a default "Home" that takes any guests to the "line up" of published articles.  It is necessary to do a redirect in order to have a static home page on Blogger. 

1)  Create a new page with an appropriate title and Publish it.

2)  Set the Redirect on your Blogger Dashboard.  Go to Setting > Search Preferences > Custom Redirects

Fill in the blank squares.  The site url is auto-filled:  
  They will look something like this.  Be sure to add the / at the end of your current home url

      From:  www.CurrentHomeURL.com/
      To:   http://www.YourSiteName.com/p/home-page.html 

 
 
3)  Check Each of the Boxes Click Save

4)  Click Save Changes

5)  Check the main url link to make sure it is properly redirecting to your new home page.

6)  Go Back to the Page you created at the beginning of this tutorial and add the content you want showing on your new Home Page.

You Now Have A Static Home Page on Blogger!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Click the button below to see the Review This Quick View Home Page.  Each week, I use EPD, Easy Product Displays, to generate the code for the page that allows the images with captions to be set side by side.  

I have published a step by step guide "Using EPD to Create Home Page Featured Articles" in a separate post.  Please click this link to see that companion tutorial.
 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Inspirational Calendars for Women

I love this time of year, when summer starts winding down, school supplies fill stores' shelves, and it's time to start looking at calendars for the upcoming new year. Why start looking at next year's calendars in August? Because there are so many beautiful new designs coming out and it can take me weeks to choose a favorite!

This year I got a head start, poring through the selection at Calendars.com. For 2017 I knew I wanted an upbeat inspirational calendar, one that would lift my spirits each time my eyes fell on it. I like lots of color, engaging artwork, and positive messages that make me smile but also make me think. And since I am one, I specifically looked for inspirational calendars for women.

After many enjoyable hours of browsing, I've finally narrowed my choices down to three favorites. Here's what I've decided.


Since color and engaging artwork are on my list of requirements, it's no surprise that I was immediately drawn to Suzy Toronto's calendars. Her 2017 "Don't Let Anyone Dull Your Sparkle" wall calendar is bright, beautiful, and covered in the engaging art that the artist is known for. There's a bit of a "flower power" message on the cover and a huge amount of positivity that fills the insides.

Suzy Toronto's Don't Let Anyone Dull Your Sparkle 2017 Calendar

One thing that I especially like about the Suzy Toronto inspirational calendar is that her artwork isn't limited to the upper half of each monthly spread. She carries the design, and each monthly message, through to the bottom half, too, beautifully decorating not just the corners of the page but the holiday squares, too. In the sample shown, for instance, the cute shamrocks and pot of gold make St. Patrick's Day stand out on the March page. I love this calendar and know that I won't tire of looking at it.

Blessings for Life 2017 Wall Calendar

The "Blessings for Life" wall calendar with scripture also is filled with beautiful artwork, but the mood is a little more subtle. I adore the whimsical art collages from the Velvet Lime Girls that remind me of colorful doodles. The theme of the calendar is hope, grace, and love and an uplifting short Bible verse is included each month.

This is a high-quality calendar with linen-embossed pages and would make not just a perfect calendar for any woman's home or office but would be a fabulous choice for a special gift. I'm thinking that this calendar will look perfect in my colorful "quilts" bedroom.

Mary Engelbreit "Life Happens" 2017 Desk Calendar

If you prefer your inspiration and encouragement in daily doses, here's a page-a-day desk calendar that's worth waking up to each morning. You've probably already identified the artist.  Yes, this is the Mary Engelbreit 2017 "Life Happens" calendar, with a page for each day of the year (Saturday and Sunday share a page). Each day when you tear off the preceding date's page, you can count on not only an adorable, whimsical piece of art but a related, short, uplifting, inspirational quote to go with it. I can't decide which I like better, the quotes or the art! I want to put this desk calendar in the kitchen where I'll see it first thing so my brain will have all day to mull over the wisdom that permeates each message. "Every flower must grow through dirt" has been popping into my head frequently since I first saw this page. I love it and bet you'll love it, too.



So, these are my current top three favorite inspirational calendars for women, each with its own touch of whimsy and dose of wisdom. Which one is your favorite? 

If you like all of these calendars, as I do, you might appreciate this link for free shipping.
Calendars.com - Free Shipping On Any Order Over $35

P.S. Calendars make great gifts!

~Susan
Read more of my reviews here.

(Note: I may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article.)

Posted by Susan Deppner

About the Author

Susan Deppner is a baby boomer, a cancer survivor, and a Southerner who believes in the Golden Rule. She enjoys writing about food, faith, and fitness; health, home, and holidays; people, places, pets, and patriotism, and more. Follow Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Review Some of Grammie Olivia's Favorite Things

Grammieknows is what my darling little ones tell everyone, whenever I answer a question for them. 

Sometimes the answers are true and other times they are a story that makes absolutely no sense, but has them laughing in the aisles.  My propensity for telling tales has earned me the moniker of being a know it all.....So I guess the nickname Grammieknows fits pretty good.

Trilliums 2016 from  Grammie Olivia's Garden. 

What Grammie does Know is, that gardening is a balm for the soul and works nicely to make a body tired, so that sleep can, eventually make the body rest.  Working in the garden not only makes the body tired, but it is great exercise.  As we age, we need that exercise to keep us moving one step at a time.  You know (and Grammieknows) if you don't use it, you'll lose it!  It is so true with exercise, if you don't move those muscles, arthritis and weakness will take over.  

Muscle Medicine

 

Gardening also provides a way for you to enjoy the beauty that is all around.  From the ground right up to the sky, flowers and plants make the world a more beautiful place. It doesn't stop at the ground level either.  All those flowers planted in garden beds, encourage bees, butterflies, birds and small animals to gather and enjoy the work of your hands.

Finding great tools to use to make the job easier is also a lot of fun.  I have my special tools that I just can't be without!  Like any other craftsman, looking for new tools is a joy and I love sharing those great finds.  You can see some of the tools I love in another Review This Article, I love my tools.

Being green minded, may be avante garde today, but I have been that way for a long time.  I don't encourage the use of chemicals in any way, shape, or form.  There are natural solutions to every problem and I try to search those out.  When something works particularly well, you will find me sharing that with everyone who will listen. 

 

Recipe for Homemade Weed Killer

Like my favorite weed killer, that is made up of Vinegar, Salt and Dawn (Blue) Dishwashing liquid.  I know you want the recipe now....  So, it's one gallon White Vinegar,  2 cups of Salt, and 1/2 cup of Dawn.  Always shake it up well, before applying.  Put it into your sprayer or divide it up into several different spray bottles (make sure you label them) and use early in the morning(on a dry day) for your weed issues.

Gardening is such an incredible opportunity to stand on God's earth and work to make the world a better place to live, breathe, and be!

You will find me on Review This, or on my website, www.grammieknowshow.com and sometimes on Facebook posting things of interest to gardeners  and those who enjoy flowers and nature at https://www.facebook.com/GrammieKnowsWeekendGardeners.
The other places where Grammie Olivia posts things of interest include  Pinterest for fun and lots of interesting subjects that just tickle her funny bone.  You can check out some of the interesting things Grammie Olivia finds online right there.  

I love to hear from others, so use one or all of the platforms I have shared with you to drop me a line.  I will answer, because after all, GrammieKnows.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing Brush Buddies Denture Brush

Better Than A Regular Toothbrush For Dentures

When you have a denture or partial denture you really need a denture brush to properly clean them. Sure, you could use a regular or standard toothbrush but it will not perform as well as one specifically made to brush your dentures.

In the last few weeks, I have been discussing the products to use when you find that you are now one of the 31.5 million denture wearers in the U.S. Today, we will discuss the proper brush to use. A denture brush is made a little differently and really does work the best for cleaning. Even if you decide you are not going to use toothpaste for dentures, you still need a denture brush. After soaking your denture in an effervescent solution, you should brush your denture to make sure that you get any particles of food out of crevices and to make sure any stains are completely off.

I chose the Brush Buddies dental brush to use for my new teeth. 

Dental Brush

Notice that there are two heads on the brush. The larger one is good for overall brushing and the small round head works well for the hard to reach areas that fit next to your gums. I, also, use the small round head to go around the teeth to make sure there are no left over particles of food stuck around them.

The denture brush by Brush Buddies has a nice grip that molds to your fingers and hand to make brushing comfortable. I am pleased with the choice I made and I think you will like this brush, too.

I use my denture brush two different ways. After I have soaked them, I go over my denture with the brush. I also use a toothpaste made for dentures a couple of times per day using the brush for dentures to make sure everything is clean. You do not have to use both but I just want to make sure my dentures are clean and that my breath is fresh. Either way, you do need a good brush to assist in your dental hygiene.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Review of CreateSpace Self Publishing Platform

Instructions for Publishing Books at CreateSpace.com

 State Flowers of the USA Coloring Book: For Students and Teachers

Ever since I published my 3 books on CreateSpace people have been asking me how to do that and if I recommend them. The short answer to that is yes, I do recommend them.

The other thing people want to know is if it is hard to do. That is not so easy to answer. There is a learning curve for sure, but I do have some free tools you can use to make it easier. All in all, I think CreateSpace is a fantastic tool for first time authors to get themselves published.

*All the books on this page are my own books I have published at CreateSpace.

Getting Started at CreateSpace 

So here I am going to take you step by step through the process to create your first book on CreateSpace and get it published and listed on Amazon and maybe picked up by booksellers who will also distribute it for you. My first book is on the right and got picked up by 12 other sellers besides Amazon including Barnes and Noble and several teacher websites. I am thrilled! 

The first thing you will need to do is sign up for a free account. Just go to http://CreateSpace.com  and follow the easy registration instructions. Once you have an account you will be taken to your dashboard. It looks like the image below. The first thing you do to get started on a new book is to press that Blue button that is just about in the middle of the page which says "Add New Title." If you know the title of your new book just go ahead and add it. Don't worry you can change it before you publish, so  just put something and that way you will have access to the rest of the tools. This is the first part of the setup by the way.  After you have a title, you can just hit the button at the bottom that says "Save and Continue." 

Menu 

On the right is a photo of the Menu that is on the left side of the setup process once you add a title. You can see that the different parts of the process are listed and when you complete a section it gives you a Green check mark so you always know what else needs to be done. 

The set up process is a series of pages where it will ask you to put in information about your book, so just do each step and hit save. The next thing it will want to know after the title is the ISBN. Now I am a big fan of "free" so I just use their free ones. The only reason to buy your own ISBN would be if you wanted to have books printed by them and then distribute them yourself. I have no idea why anyone would want to do that work though! Later in the process you will see that CreateSpace gives you the option to have your book distributed by Amazon (they own CreateSpace) and also by other online sellers and even by bricks and mortar stores like Barnes and Noble.  I am a big fan of "easy" too! So just use their free one, and go on to the next step, which is the Interior.

In this step, you pick your size and type of printing. You will see a list of formats and there is a button you can click to see the approximate cost to print too. But to save you time here is a page with a list of the sizes and templates you can download to add your content. https://forums.createspace.com/en/community/docs/DOC-1323

Now the next step is the heart of the matter so to speak; adding all your content. The templates are set up for Microsoft Word, or for OpenOffice. I don't have Word, so I use OpenOffice. (because it's free, LOL, just go to OpenOffice.org and download it! ) I find this to be the hardest part of the process, because you have to make sure your content is exactly the way you want it printed. I have done 2 coloring books and I wanted them to be printed on one side only to make a nicer product for the colorists, so I had to really pay attention to insert a blank page after every image. If you don't know how to use OpenOffice or Word, that is beyond the scope of this article, but I used Google and YouTube and was able to do find tutorials to format everything properly. Just type your question into Google. 

 Shells From the Sea: Coloring Pages and Greeting Cards

Once you are happy with your book, save a copy, and then also use the "export as PDF" function to save as a PDF too, because CreateSpace wants you to upload it in PDF form. But if you ever need to edit it later, you might need the original document, unless you have Adobe software and can edit PDF documents. So just to be sure, I always save the original Open Office document and also a PDF document.

If my instructions are not clear, you can also see lots of helpful tips on the page under the Interior button. Also there is a forum with a community of writers who have compiled a list of frequently asked questions. However, many of them are experienced authors and seem to be a little impatient with first time authors, so I just use Google to ask my questions. For example I might ask "how do I  __________ on a createspace template?" You would think CreateSpace would be easier to ask, but no, Google is. 

Designing the Cover of Your Book on CreateSpace

Next is the cover. They have templates for that too, so just scroll through them till you see one you like. Here's a hint. Under each cover there is a scroll bar to see different versions. The typeface and the colors can often be changed so there are a lot more variations than is apparent when you first look through the cover options. Just pick one you like and upload your image if it calls for one. They often have specific requirements for the images, so if your images are not the right size you will need to edit them. Lots of people have Photoshop but I don't, so I use http://Picmonkey.com. (yes, it's free) You can upload an image there, change the file size in a few clicks and then you are good to go!

 The Swans of Kensington Garden: A Photo Book of Swans

Speaking of images, they have to be at least 300 dpi for CreateSpace so what should you do if yours are not?  If you have Photoshop, this is fairly easy to fix but if you don't, here is a free software program you can use to change them to the correct dpi. Just go to http://www.Irfanview.com and download the free software.  

The program can be used for many other things too, but I only use it for changing the dpi and use Picmonkey for all the other things I do with images, like change the exposure and crop, add text, straighten, etc. Picmonkey is much easier to use for those things. But you can't control the dpi with it. A hint when  you use Picmonkey: save the file as the best quality jpg. They call it Sean. Yes it is a bigger file, but it will make your finished book far more beautiful! 

So once you have your interior and cover done, you are ready to complete your setup. This just involves setting the price, telling CreateSpace where you want it distributed and approving the proof. You will be able to check it page by page to be sure it meets your expectations. Once that is done, CreateSpace will also have to examine your proof to make sure it meets their specifications. They will either approve it, or send you a message that it needs to be changed. Don't worry, they will tell you exactly what needs to be changed. 

Here is a photo of the project page that shows all the steps in a graphic so you can see what is done and what needs to be finished. This is a completed book so all my steps are completed and marked with a Green check mark. (I can't publish a coloring book on Kindle so that one has a red button.)

Eventually you will get it approved. I say that because it usually takes a few times before they do approve it. But then, wow, you will have published your first book! Good luck! 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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We'll Build This Love From the Ground Up - The Perfect Wedding Song by Dan + Shay

Find 'From The Ground Up' Plus Over 40 Additional
First Dance Wedding Songs Here

You're Getting Married Congratulations!

Your love is long standing, almost nostalgic, and trying to find a song that fits the two of you isn't easy. I'll bet you've long since figured this out.

Have you spent hours on end listening to every single word of too many wedding love songs already? Don't worry, we've all done it. Every relationship is unique, and the words we dance to represent part of the promise we're making to each other ___ which is why we're all so picky.

From the Ground Up by Dan + Shay - Is This You?

The song is sung from a man's point of view, and all that he'll be and do for his bride.

Grandma and Grandpa set the example of a life that held strong through decades of change, chance and choice. They've set the stage, and showed you what happens when love is built from the ground up.

It's not just a memory, it's not just 'I Do'. It's a commitment, a promise that the wedding day is one piece of the foundation you're building together. You're making this promise for a lifetime.

You'll build your own family and you'll stand beside each other through all of life's trials and smiles.

When you look at grandma and grandpa, you both understand that life goes by in a blink and today's wedding is the celebration of what you know will last til death do you part.

You'll be each others shelter during hard times, and as two old souls you know first hand that love is about being there for better or worse.  Your very clear about one thing; the path of grace is found on the road of love.

When your own decades have passed and it's your turn to sit in grandma and grandpa's chairs, you'll hold each others hands, watching your grandchildren make that same promise you're making today - a love built from the ground up.

"Just take my hand and I'll be the man your dad hoped I'd be" (lyrics)

The only way through life is to live it with love, compassion, promise and kindness. You both know this already, that's why you're perfect for each other. The depth of this song says it well.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing Reusable Foldable Shopping Bags

Foldable Shopping Tote

Have you seen the range of reusable foldable shopping bags that you can get?   I used to have a cute black nylon fold up shopping bag that I absolutely loved, it lived in my handbag ready to be used if I saw something I just had to buy.

Unfortunately my little bag got lost when I was on holiday which means I'm looking for a new one.

I am amazed at the range that are available in an array of different colors as well as a few different styles - my mother even has one of the cute reusable shopping bags that are shaped as a strawberry!

I'm looking to replace my original which was a foldable nylon shopping bag - the nylon bag was very sturdy and perfect for impulsive purchases.   The bag not only folded up, but it also had a zip which meant that it looked like a zipped up wallet in your bag when not being used.

Why Do You Need Reusable Foldable Shopping Bags?

I'll answer that question with another question - do you know why there's more jellyfish around these days?   I see so many of them floating around in the sea near me and I hear about more people being stung by them around the world.   Jellyfish have very few predators and it's main one is the sea turtle who's numbers are in decline around the world and one of the reasons for this is plastic bags.

As a community we humans send so much plastic into our waterways as rubbish that we should hardly be surprised that it is messing up our marine life.   Plastic bags in particular can look very much like jellyfish to a poor unsuspecting turtle - but I won't go on as we're supposed to be talking about shopping bags!

Now nylon isn't the most environmentally friendly material to make a bag out off, but having one of these bags and reusing it time and time again over a period of years is definitely better than using several different plastic bags every week and then throwing them away.

Foldable Nylon Shopping Bags - Part of My 2 Pronged Attack on the Plastic Bag Army!

These bags are part of a two pronged attack on the use of plastic bags in my household.   Now I'm not perfect I do use plastic bags sometimes, but I also take steps to reduce how often I use them.   Step one is my little foldable shopping bag for impulsive buys.   Step two is reusable canvas bags - I keep a few in the boot of my car as well as the boot of my husband's car for when we do the grocery shopping.

This is the closest foldable shopping bag that I can find to my original, it's made from a nylon polyester which I'm sure will mean it'll last the years that my first foldable shopping bag did.   A tote style of bag it comes in a pack of two - blue and gray.   This means that I'll have a back up which is always a great idea.

Reusable Grocery Shopping Tote from Amazon

The other thing I love about these foldable shopping totes is that they can also be zipped up - again like my original bag.

So let me ask you a question - what are you doing to stem the tide of plastic bags marching towards our waterways?   Make a small step in the right direction by getting yourself a foldable shopping bag to pop into your purse when you go out.

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Star Trek Beyond - Review of a Fantastic Movie

Star Trek fans will love this new Star Trek movie!  I know I did.  

It has taken me a while to adjust to the new Captain Kirk, Spock, Scotty, Chekov, Sulu and Uhura, but this movie somehow firmly set these actors in my mind as the new generation of beloved characters.  

As for Dr. McCoy, I love Karl Urban in that role!  I am so very glad Karl decided to stick with Star Trek instead of accepting a contract for a different movie that conflicted time-wise with Star Trek Beyond.  He is perfect for the role of Dr. McCoy in looks and ability to pull off the sarcastic wit of Dr. Leonard McCoy.  All of the actors are fantastic, but this new generation of the Star Trek crew would not be complete without Karl Urban.

This is a totally awesome Star Trek movie that Star Trek fans will not want to miss.  Trust me!  I understand loyalty to the original cast members, but this really is a great movie and these actors breath new life into our beloved Star Trek.

The Plot of Star Trek Beyond

The plot may actually have had a lot to do with solidifying these actors in my mind as the Star Trek main characters.  It was a new plot, but a very familiar theme.  It reminded me a lot of those original weekly Star Trek TV shows of my youth.  

When a beautiful female stranger, Kalara, begs for help to rescue her captured crew, our gallant Enterprise crew of heroes answer the call and bravely go forth to fight this unknown enemy.  As the Enterprise approaches the planet Altamid, they are attacked by hundreds of swarming small ships under the command of Krall.  I call it a swarm because it resembled a bee or hornet attack.  The massive swarm of little ships targeted the entire surface of the Enterprise.  They swept in fast and with so many areas under attack at once, the Enterprise was completely defenseless.  It was actually rather awful to watch the Enterprise be destroyed.  

At one point, the swarm was commanded to sever the neck.  I had never thought about the Enterprise having a "neck" until the swarm attacked and did exactly as commanded.  They literally severed the power and propulsion units from the primary hull and bridge (the area that resembles a saucer).  Crew members scattered to pods in an effort to escape, but they were quickly captured by the enemy.

Spock and Dr. McCoy evaded capture and landed on the planets surface.  It was a good thing Dr. McCoy was there, because Spock was injured and needed immediate medical attention.  

Captain Kirk, Chekov and their new "friend" Kalara also land safely on the planet.  Since they had so quickly come under attack, Captain Kirk suspects they were lead by Kalara into Krall's ambush.

Jaylah

Not to far away, good ole Scotty has landed and soon makes a new friend when she saves his life.  Jaylah is fantastic!  I absolutely love her "face paint".  Not only is her makeup truly awesome, she herself proves to be a competent warrior.  

Jaylah takes Scotty to her home, which happens to be an old, lost Starfleet ship, the USS Franklin.  

Now!  I have set the stage and given you a small taste of what this movie is about.  There really is quite a bit more that you will not want to miss.

Once you have seen Star Trek Beyond, I would love for you to come back and share your opinion below.  As I have said, this movie made a difference in my own opinion of the new generation of the Star Trek crew.  I would love to know what you think!

 Star Trek BeyondWatch on Amazon Prime (When Available) Star Trek Beyond (BD/DVD/Digital HD Combo) [Blu-ray]

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