Flannel Sheet Set Reviewed

Cozy Winter Sleeping With A Flannel Sheet Set

Cotton Used To Make A Flannel Sheet from Pixabay.com

As I write this review it is winter in my part of the hemisphere. My husband and I love to use a flannel sheet set on our beds when the weather gets cold. We have a variety of colorful sets to choose from for our bed but I'm always looking for another set to replace any that become worn out. They do not wear out often, in fact, in the 20 some years that we have used them; I think I have only had to replace two. 

We love that extra warmth that the flannel sheet offers and they feel so wonderful on your skin as you sleep. I don't know about you but I have found that as I age I seem to feel colder than I used to. 

So, I discovered that one of our sheet sets is starting to show some thinness in a couple of areas and I want to get another set to have on hand. My husband is partial to plaid and I try to keep a set or two in a plaid to keep him happy. Don't get me wrong, I like plaids too so I don't mind having a plaid set on our bed from time to time. I found a pretty set that will go with our bedroom decor and plan to order it in the next couple of days.

Printed Flannel Sheet Set

I just love that sage green, blue and brown combination in this particular sheet set! Another feature with this set is that it is brushed on both sides. That makes the sheets softer on your skin at night. When I first started buying flannel for our bed, I did not pay attention to whether it was brushed on each side or not. It does make a difference in both comfort and wear of the sheets. If the underside is not brushed it feels coarser and in my opinion wears out sooner. I don't know that it is a scientific fact or not but an observation that I have made over the years of using them.

If plaid isn't something that you care for this sheet set is available in five additional patterns. It also comes in the standard sizes of twin, full, queen, and king along with an option for twin extra long and California king size beds.

How about you? Do you use flannel sheets on your bed in the winter? If not, you might want to give them a try. I really do not think that you will be disappointed with them. They are so comfy and warm!

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Reviewing Free Country Women's Jackets

My Free Country soft shell jacket

I dread buying jackets and I am often disappointed after purchasing one. Winter jackets are too bulky or they aren't bulky but then they are not warm enough. Water-resistant jackets often feel too stiff and too much like plastic and are overly noisy when I walk. Or my favorite jackets do not remain dry in wet snow conditions. Last week, I found the solution to my jacket problems when I purchased a women's jacket by Free Country. I immediately put it to the test in severe weather. This review will explain why I have a new favorite brand of women's outerwear.

Free Country Soft Shell Women's Hooded Jacket

A week ago, I went shopping for a jacket. I needed a warm, wind-resistant, rain-resistant but light-weight jacket. I dread cold and wet weather. Not so much because of the weather. In fact, I enjoy being outside in inclement weather at many times. What I dread is finding outerwear that fits, is comfortable, and does what it claims to do. I chose a Free Country Soft Shell Hooded Jacket and immediately put it to the test.

This soft shell jacket was advertised as water resistant, wind resistant, and breathable.  It was so thin that I expected it to be not warm enough. But the "soft butterpile lining" and the wind resistant material kept me plenty warm as I went camping during severe weather that included 20F degree nights, severe wind gusts, and horizontally blowing snow crystals. I was camping in a cabin but had to walk the dogs, gathered wood, and I also planted my little Christmas tree in the inclement weather. I remained warm and dry during all of these activities.

The things I especially liked about this jacket:

• this little jacket kept me warm and kept the wind off me. 
• my movement was not constricted 
• I bought slightly large so I could layer underneath as needed but the fit was still very good
• the hood fit well (not so snug as to be binding and not so loose as to blow off) 
• shorter cut (no sitting on the tail of my jacket)
• multiple pockets (the pockets were large and roomy enough for a large pair of gloves)
• the velco-adjustable cuffs of the jacket are perfect for wind-proofing your wrists - no matter how thick or thin your gloves (or wrists) are

I was surprised at how well this jacket performed. I should have purchased two of them - one for my "roughing it" activities and one for work.

Free Country Women's Anorak Rain Jacket

After I purchased the jacket I described above, I thought something seemed familiar about it.  So I checked the rain jacket that I purchased last year that I like. Briefly, this women's rain jacket is advertised as being made with a "unique coating" that is soft, durable, and lightweight. The "radiant" coating feels slightly "nylon-ish" to me and does make some of that distracting rain coat noise that I despise. But only slightly.  The interior mesh keeps me cool (which is a huge plus) and none of the material gives my hair static (an even bigger plus).

If you are looking for a lightweight rain jacket, I recommend the Free Country jackets.

About Free Country

On the Free Country site you will find that there are many different styles of jackets for a variety of weather conditions.  You'll also find a long list of stores that carry this brand. Some of these retail partners include:

• Amazon
• Bass Pro Shops
• JC Penney
• Kohls

I purchased this jacket via Kohls because I had some generous gift cards to spend. I have several wish list items that I will purchase in the near future. Whether you purchase through one of the retail partners or through Free Country's site, I think you will find what you need.

I would like to mention that if purchasing from Amazon, please comparison shop. Amazon is my favorite shopping experience and I've never had difficulty with an order. All of the coats fulfilled by Free Country were competitively priced. However, I noticed that my specific jacket advertised on Amazon, fulfilled by another merchant, was marked up considerably. Be careful to watch those prices.

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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Happy New Year!

Good Cheer, Good Vibes, Good Health, and Good Fortune

Our Wishes for Your 2017!

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Appetizers on Ice Buffet Serving Trays Review

For many years, I have made appetizer and fruit trays for our guests during the holidays.  The smell of food cooking always makes everyone hungry long before the dinner is ready.  Fruit and vegetable appetizers are the perfect way to take the edge off hunger without completely ruining the meal.

The only problem with cut fruit and vegetables is the short counter life.  Both fruit and vegetables start to "age" as soon as they are removed from the refrigerator.  Once they have set out for a short while, there is absolutely nothing appetizing about looking at them, much less eating them.   This year I tried something new.  I purchased several iced buffet serving trays and they were fabulous!

I actually left the cut fruits and vegetables out for hours.  At the end of the day, they were just as ripe and delicious 10 hours after I first set them out.  I did have to change the ice several times during the day, but that was easy.  I was also able to save the leftovers to eat later.

Buffet on Ice Serving Trays with Lids

Because I wasn't sure whether I wanted the iced trays with or without lids, I purchased one of each.  After using them both, I now have a clear preference for which one works best for our family.  I actually liked the lidded appetizer on ice tray the best.  Since the appetizers were set out for all day "grazing" instead of a short duration luncheon style buffet, it was wonderful to have the food covered.  

 Prodyne AB-5-L Appetizers-On-Ice with Lids

• Revolving Tray - Lazy Susan Style
• Pretty Scalloped Edge
• 3 Lidded Sections
• Lids have Handles 
• Removable lidded Dip Dish included
• Clear
• Lightweight 
• 16 3/6" wide
• 5" deep

Note:  Before I purchased this tray, I read the reviews.  Several people complained about the vent holes.  They were not a problem at all for the fruit, vegetables or cheese that I served.  However, if you are serving an appetizer that has sauce, then I would recommend the tray below.

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As you can see in the photo, you fill the bottom tray with a layer of ice, set the tray section over the ice, then cover with the lids.  When the ice melts, you remove the lidded sections, pour off the water and add a new layer of ice.

Buffet on Ice Serving Trays without Lids

 Clear 2pc Appetizer Server with Ice TrayThis is the second iced buffet serving tray I purchased and used.  It does not have lids, it does not turn, and it does not have the vent holes like the tray above.  The sections have solid bottoms.  This is a two piece design where the entire top tray lifts away from the lower tray of ice.

However, there are no lids and no removable dip dish.  This style would be an excellent choice for a luncheon or buffet dinner where an open server would be preferred. 

This is a perfectly acceptable appetizers on ice buffet serving tray and I will certainly use it again.  But, my first choice would be the pretty scalloped tray with the lids and separate dip dish above. 

Both serving trays would need to be hand-washed.  

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Appetizers on Ice Buffet Serving Trays  Review Written by:

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Site Review of Teabag Folding|Paper Facets

Review of Teabag Folding Site

Rosette from Teabag Folding Site

If  you are a fan of hand made cards you will love the site: http://paperfacets.com. 

It has many beautiful cards for you to purchase and they are very reasonable for such unique designs that are made entirely by hand. Even the shipping is much less than it is on other sites. 

Teabag folding is sort of an obscure paper craft but the results are gorgeous and your card recipients are going to be stunned by the beauty of the cards you give them. I was blown away by all the beautiful cards available on this site.

Learn the Art of Teabag Folding

And if you would like to learn about the craft of paper folding you are in for a treat as the owner has many many tutorials with clear and precise directions to help you from start to finish. (Tea bag folding is also known as flat fold origami.) She also lists and reviews many sources of the supplies you will need to get started making your own beautiful cards and the craft of teabag folding. 

Hand Made Card from Paper Facets

From the beginning of learning the craft, to learning some of the techniques and patterns, to sourcing some of the materials, and her reviews of some of the suppliers and supplies, you will find everything you need to get started and to become an expert on this very unique paper craft. You will also find hints on how to run an arts and crafts business if you want to take it that far. 

As an aside, I met the owner, Sherry, at an event in 2010 and she was very lovely and funny.  I am not surprised that her art is so wonderful. And that's what it is, art. Each and every card is a little work of art. She told a hilarious story of making her designs while on break when she worked at the phone company for many years so she could rush to craft fairs with her beautiful cards and sell them.

Buy Hand Made Cards at the Teabag Folding Website

Cut Out Rosette from Teabag Folding Site

I am so glad she now has them online so you don't have to find her at a crafts fair. You can just go to her site: Tea Bag Folding or http://paperfacets.com and look at some of her beautiful cards or you can order custom work too by contacting her on the site. There is lots of information for everyone. from the customer to the beginner to the expert paper craft artisan.

I totally recommend Teabag Folding, both the craft, and the site. Prepare to be enthralled. 

Photos on this page are courtesy of  paperfacets.com.


Two books about the paper craft of Origami to get you started:

Easy Origami (Dover Origami Papercraft)over 30 simple projects
Origami Fun Kit for Beginners (Dover Fun Kits)

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Rechargeable Power Failure LED Night Light: A Review

Why Do You Need a Rechargeable Power Failure LED Night Light?

Night lights are wonderful. They keep you from tripping over things in the dark when you don't want to turn on some other light. We have them in the bedrooms and the bathroom. The ones we have now are not only rechargeable but also dual-purpose. They turn into flashlights during a power failure.  I have used these GE Rechargeable Power Failure LED Night Lights for years now. 

What's Special about These Night Lights?

When these nights are plugged in providing light in a room, they are also recharging. If there is a power failure, they not only stay lit so you can find them, but you can unplug them and use them as flashlights. 

Rechargeable Power Failure LED Night Light Plugged into Bedroom Wall After Dark, © B. Radisavljevic

Although the night light is always charging when plugged in, it automatically senses when it's dark enough to need to be on. So it comes on at dusk or in a dark place and turns off when daylight reaches it. It also turns off if another light is turned on to make a night light unnecessary. You don't need to worry about forgetting to turn it off in the morning. 

My Experience with These Rechargeable Night Lights

I inherited a house from my mom in 2005. When the night light she had been using burned out, I decided I wanted one that had a sensor to turn it on and off automatically. I tend to be forgetful. I wanted the light to be bright enough to help me find my way to the bathroom after dark, but not bright enough to keep me awake when I was trying to sleep. 

I looked at a lot of night lights and decided to try this one. It's never failed me yet. When I discovered how many power failures this house seems to have in a year, I knew I needed more of these, so I bought two more -- one for the hall bathroom and one for the hall itself. I think I will buy two more soon -- one for the family room and one for the kitchen. 

I had learned my lesson during our last unexpected power failure that happened at night. I was totally unprepared and that bedroom night light was the only light in the house. Since it could be used as a flashlight when I unplugged it, I could use it to find candles and the only other flashlights we had. That's when I decided to buy more of these night lights and some emergency lanterns. 

Rechargeable Night Light Slightly Smaller Than Actual Size, © B. Radisavljevic

Now I'm Prepared for Power Outages

I have emergency lanterns spread around the rooms we use most, and I have these rechargeable night lights in my bedroom, the bathroom, and the hall. My husband also keeps a flashlight by his bed. A night light will do him no good since he doesn't have a place to plug it in that is accessible. He can use his flashlight to find the closest emergency lantern.

I can easily see my way through the hall or bedroom to the bathroom, which has its own light, without turning on a brighter light. As night lights these give enough light to follow 2 am bladder calls without turning on the bathroom light and thoroughly waking ourselves up. There's just enough light to find what we need. That saves the energy that turning on larger lights would use. 

I highly recommend these lights. The one in my bedroom has lasted over ten years now. If I wanted to store it or pack it for a trip or moving, the plug is retractable. 

Why not pick up some of these for your home now while you're thinking about it? Then you, too, will always have enough light to see your way around -- even when the lights go out. Get enough so you have one for every room that is used after dark. 

GE Rechargeable LED Power Failure Night Light, White

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Meadowland Wall Calendar Reviewed

Sam Timm 2017 Calendar For Lovers Of Nature

Calendar Year 2017 from Pixabay.com

I am still a little old school when it comes to keeping track of the days of the year. I love to keep at least one wall calendar in the house and I have a lovely one to monitor the months of 2017 to share with you.

One of my Christmas gifts this year was a gorgeous wall calendar with the art of Sam Timm included on each of the 12 month sections.Each month showcases one of his incredibly detailed paintings of scenes from a meadow land including birds that are seen in his native Wisconsin. Mr. Timm would appear to be connected to my soul as he sees the same beauty surrounding his life as I do in mine. 

Several of the pictures in this wall calendar include my favorite bird, the cardinal. Although there is not one picture that I dislike, I think my most favorite is the one for August which shows two gorgeous cardinals resting on sunflowers. It just takes my breath away. That image also happens to be the cover image of the wall calendar.

I was also delighted to see that for the month of April (the month of my birth) the picture chosen was of a male and female cardinal perched on a fence among daisies. March which is the month of my husband's birth is a lovely painting of a male and female deer. Anyone who knows me knows my spiritual connection with the deer and would see the symbolism that this picture would have for me.

Sam Timm is not just an artist but also a minister and I think that might explain his choice of scenes to paint. He is a man of faith and it comes through in the images he chooses to share with the world. He obviously sees the beauty of our creator in the simplest of images in the wild. A couple of birds surrounded by flowers or a bald eagle flying over a church. The wonders of nature and creation caught in a glimpse by this most talented artist.

The calendar itself is published by Lang so the paper is a high quality and the pictures are so beautiful that I will probably keep them even after the year of 2017 is complete. They would be lovely to frame!

So, if you are like me and like to have a wall calendar in your home or office and also enjoy nature scenes, birds and flowers I can highly recommend this 2017 wall calendar showcasing the art work of Sam Timm. I am pretty sure that you will not be disappointed!

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 Wrapping Paper Storage Solutions

Every single year, as Christmas approaches, I pull out my random rolls of unused Christmas wrapping paper. Every year I find that it is wrinkled, ripped, and not suitable for wrapping gifts. Year after year I throw out wasted paper that could have been saved - if only I had known how. It is wasteful, expensive, and frustrating. Today, I have researched and found the perfect solution for storing my unused wrapping paper. I am implementing an easy and inexpensive solution for saving my rolls of wrapping paper for next year.

Wrapping Paper Storage Woes

Last year, I thought I was slick.  I had a box that was nearly as tall as the rolls of paper.  I stood the wrapping paper on their ends in that box and thought they were stored safely until this year.

Lo and behold, I pulled them out of the edge of the closet and discovered that I still needed to go buy new rolls of wrapping paper.  Ugh! Even in this box, that had seemed perfect a year ago, the rolls had loosened and the ends had crinkled and wrinkled.

In prior years, I had tried to re-wrap the rolls in their cellophane as well as I could and stand them up in a closet corner. That didn't work. I have just laid all of the rolls on a pile on the closet shelf.  That didn't work either. In all of those prior years the paper becomes dusty or wrinkled.

Wrapping Paper Storage Solutions 

Pinterest is a great resource. You can find photograph images of almost anything you could think of. This includes storage solutions for rolls of wrapping paper. You can choose from dowel rod racks, a large variety of re-purposed baskets, modified shoe storage bags, and so many more storage ideas. I love the dowel rod racks - what a great idea. But in my small living space, I need a storage solution that is more compact.

I've chosen my solution.  And I think it'll be perfect.  It will keep the rolls from loosening.  They will be protected from dust and wrinkling. The entire thing will be kept in an out-of-the-way place in my closet.  I  think it is a perfect solution.

I will be using a combination of toilet paper rolls and a clear garment bag for wrapping paper storage this year. The process is as easy as:

1. Save empty toilet paper (or paper towel) rolls
2. Cut the toilet paper roll cardboard from end to end
3. Slip one of these cardboard rolls over each end of the gift wrap  (The gift wrap roll is then held snug enough to prevent loosening)
4. Place the secured gift wrap rolls into a garment bag
5. Close bag and hang in the closet

Easy.  And the end result will be less expensive than replacing rolls of gift wrap each year.

I've chosen a clear garment bag because I am forgetful. If I can't see the wrap through the bag, I'm likely to forget where I've safely stored my gift wrap rolls.  I'd imagine that a darker bag would also provide the added benefit of protecting the wrapping paper from light and possible fading.

40" long, clear hanging garment bag

Hopefully, you have already found a storage solution that works for you and have eliminated the waste of ruined paper. If you haven't already, you might want to give this a try.

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Merry Christmas - The Needed Power of Faith

Faith is the bird that feels the light and

sings when the dawn is still dark

FAITH

The greatest gift we can give or are willing to receive is Faith.

Faith holds the secret key to the universe.

Think of all the things we treasure but cannot see: Those untouchable, intangible valuables that matter most and ultimately hold the power of good to shape our world.

Love - We feel it, we know it's real but we cannot touch it, bottle it, sell it, or earn money from it. It's the biggest, richest gift anyone can receive and it comes straight from faith in ourselves that it exists.

Compassion - We all matter. Every single soul on earth matters. No one is greater than another and the gift of compassion shows we have faith in and believe in this untouchable energy.

Hope - Without hope, we cannot have faith. Even though hope in our hearts is not visible to those who walk by us, our body language, our energy and our demeanor have the power to pass along the gift of hope. All of it, unseen, yet felt. One life touches another every single day.

Like butter and eggs, the years blend together. Before we know it we've lived through over 50 or more Christmases. No matter the number we've had, each one blends into the other and over-time, our traditions shape us and our family.

Our children and extended family are the carriers of our roots, and passing along even the smallest sense of tradition in today's crazy-busy world has more value than decades ago.

This year, let us pass along the greatest gift, especially to our children ... the priceless Gift of Faith.

Enjoy this beautiful song by Tim McGraw, Humble & Kind - Song Review can be found here, and most of all....

Merry Christmas xxoo

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Buttery Pasta and Shrimp Recipe Review

Our Favorite Seafood Meal

Having lived in coastal communities a number of times over the years, from the California Central Coast to the Gulf Coast of Florida to (today) Coastal Georgia, seafood dishes are popular favorites in our household. 

While living on the California Central Coast in 1980, I came across a shrimp recipe put out in a little cookbook leaflet by Land O Lakes, using real butter (yum) in the recipes. This shrimp/pasta buttery combination has become a standard for company dinners and has also become a family favorite for Christmas Eve dinner every year.

Ingredients

Ingredients, prepped and ready

• 3 cups cooked spaghetti, (7 oz. Uncooked)
• 1/4 cup Sweet Cream Butter
•  1 cup chopped green pepper, (1 medium)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 (12 oz.) packages frozen cocktail shrimp (or fresh shrimp as noted below)
• 1-1/2 tsp. Garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Oregano leaves
• 1/4 tsp. Pepper
• 2 cups cubed fresh tomatoes
• Grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese 

*Cooks' Note: 

The recipe calls for frozen cocktail size shrimp, which is fine, but living near the coast where fresh seafood is available I naturally substitute fresh shrimp for the cocktail shrimp.

I take about one pound of medium shrimp, peeled & deveined, cut them in half most times, and sauté them separately in a bit of butter & garlic before adding them to the pot of vegetables simmering in the butter & seasonings. I've also added fresh sliced mushrooms to the original vegetables of chopped onions and green pepper in the recipe. As you can see, your own preferences are easy to substitute in this dish.

Instructions

Angel Hair Pasta - Cooked

• Cook spaghetti; set aside.  I used angel hair pasta in this recipe, but you can use any pasta that you desire.

Sautéing the vegetables in real butter

• In a 3 qt. Saucepan melt butter over medium heat (5-7 minutes).

• Add remaining ingredients, except tomatoes and spaghetti. Stir to blend.

• Cook over medium heat (5-7 minutes).
• Add cooked spaghetti; stir to blend.
• Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring occasionally until spaghetti is heated through (3-5 minutes).
• Remove from heat; add chopped tomatoes. Cover; let stand 1 minute or until tomatoes are heated through.
• To serve, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Pasta dish with garlic toast & coleslaw

Serve this buttery pasta and shrimp dish with slices of garlic bread or Texas Toast, and either a salad or coleslaw, and you have a very delicious and satisfying meal anytime you crave shrimp & pasta.

Land O' Lakes Chicken and Seafood Cookbook

Land O Lakes Chicken & Seafood Cookbook

The buttery pasta with shrimp recipe featured in this review can also be found in this cookbook of recipes for chicken and seafood made using real butter. I've used my copy for years!





This 44-page booklet from 1980 has recipes for both chicken and a variety of seafood, all using delicious butter.

Shrimp Lovers Recipes

 

Forrest Gump knows ways to eat shrimp - shrimp kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo, shrimp cocktail...

Looking for more shrimp recipes, you'll find them here! 

Over 75 Shrimp Recipes from Forrest Gump

 


For other delicious recipes, shrimp and otherwise, check out ReviewThisReviews Recipes for a variety of yummy dishes from our contributors.




+Images are personal photographs by (c) Wednesday Elf

(c) Wednesday Elf. Article originally written in October 2013 on another site.

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