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Sunday, May 3, 2020

How I Stayed Committed to the Ketogenic Way of Eating

How I stayed committed to the Keto Way of Eating

My One Year Keto Anniversary is May 4, 2020

On March 8th of this year, I wrote in detail about my progress as well as a little about Keto itself. I've lost approximately 60lbs in one year. I'm currently 59 years old, and for my 60th birthday in August, my goal is to be down another 15 pounds or so. However, if my body doesn't want to lose any more weight, then so be it.

For this review of my annual weight loss progress, I want to speak to how I've mentally been able to keep-on-keeping-on.

Down approximately 60lbs - 11 months on Keto in

this photo - Me 59 years old, and still dreaming

As I mentioned in my previous article, Keto is not for everyone. Weight loss is an incredibly personal journey and what works for one person might not work for another. However, in case your body or personality is a bit like mine, perhaps you'll find some common ground and useful tips in the points featured below.

How I Got Started

2019 was a tough year. We had a lot going on - sickness, death and other complications - it was rough. But now 2020 is like, 'hold my beer.'

I wasn't planning a diet, nope. It all happened by chance when a family member visiting was explaining how she had lost so much weight. I had been resigned to the fact that I would never lose weight again - until she started to explain Keto.

The first step for me was to learn about food. Decades ago I had lost weight after pregnancies via Weight Watchers, however, I really didn't understand Carbs - oh I thought I knew! But, nope, I sure the heck didn't. So, I'd start with learning about Carbs and the body. Here's a website with good information.

After reading about Ketosis and the Ketogenic Diet, and trying that way of eating, I discovered that it agreed with my body. In fact, just by changing my eating, I lost 20lbs in the first month. So I would suggest learning about Ketosis. I'll let you google that and do your own research. There's a ton of it!

My Personal Mind Over Body Battle And How I Stayed Committed to the Ketogenic Way of Eating

I absolutely couldn't succeed without the Carb Manager App on my phone. It auto-populates your food entries regarding protein, fat, carbs, and calories. It does much more; be sure to check it out.
On tough days I drink a lot - of water (lol) - actually, Sparkling Water with a bit of freshly squeezed lemon is my go-to filler.
I drink tea with cinnamon and Stevia or Truvia sugar substitutes in the evening when cravings might hit.
Since the weight fell off very quickly in that first month, that kept me going.
Seeing my Carb-Face disappear was a real motivator to keep going!
I have RA (an auto-immune disease) and after losing the first 20lbs my health started to improve. I was in a bad way a few years ago, and today I feel 20 years younger.
An auto-immune disease triggers flare-ups (inflammation - bad, horrendous inflammation) and excess weight keeps us in a low constant state of inflammation. Since my weight is under control, inflammation is under control. My last flare-up was October 2019 and that was because I got cocky and reduced my RA medication - dumb move. Since I'm taking the correct amount again, no more flare-ups ... knock on wood. I feel the combination of weight loss and my meds have helped me to improve by a country mile.
One of my goals was to shock my Rheumatologist with how healthy I was. My most recent visit was January 2020 and she was very impressed, yep, and shocked! When she weighed me, her mouth dropped to the floor, lol. My blood work was good as well. I told her, that I had decided to take control of my own life, since ultimately that's the only thing we have control over.
Feeling better, bit by bit, kept me on track. I absolutely didn't want to go back to feeling immobile, and to struggle to get up and down from the couch.
It no longer became a diet but rather a way of eating. Since I now have an extended education on food, I'm careful about everything I choose to eat.
Yep, other than the odd recipe for Keto bread made with almond flour, I haven't had regular bread, rice, pasta, regular sugar, or regular desserts since the day I made the big change one year ago.
Since Keto requires eating a certain amount of Protein, my body now gets protein! I didn't eat enough of it before, and instead ate too many carbs! I was never a big eater, even before Keto, I was just eating the wrong food combinations for my body.
I had forgotten what it was like to feel 'small' - Now that my weight is down, I feel like I did in my 20s and 30s. By that I mean, I feel light. That feeling motivates me every single day.
I have two big-girl clothes bags in my closet and every time I shrink out of something, I add it to the bag. Once I hit my goal weight I'll be giving the bag(s) to the GoodWill. Adding my big-girl clothes to the bags for a year has been the best! In fact, I added two more pieces I shrunk out of a few days ago. That's the best feeling! To date, I have two large stuffed garbage bags with clothes that are now too big. I'm motivated to add more.
With Keto, my tummy shrunk, and wowza, there's a feeling that keeps me motivated.
Mostly I compete with myself to keep going. And I don't want to go backward, ever again
Keto has become a way of eating now, it's not a diet. Keto dictates my food choices.
My go-to snacks are about 15 to 20 Almonds with a teaspoon of peanut butter.
Keto foods are my fave; Chicken, eggs, cheese, fish, lettuce, pickles, olives, cauliflower, measured veggies, salad dressing, nuts, cream, dips, what's not to love.
Since sugar is no longer a part of my life, I don't have cravings.
When I was first diagnosed with RA in 2016 (at 56 years old), I was in terrible health and couldn't walk a Mall, or the Grocery Store without a cart. The other day, for the first time in four years, I was able to walk around our park without holding onto anything.
My go-to exercise is my stationary bike, and my outside bicycle - doing that daily keeps me motivated to keep active.
Since 2019 was 'Body' and every year has been 'Mind' - I decided that 2020 would be 'Mind, Body, and Spirit.'

So there it is, one year ago at this time of writing, I weighed 60 pounds more than I do today.

Note: I'm not a doctor (a duh, lol) - I'm not advising anyone to go on a Ketogenic diet, rather just sharing my experience. If you're planning a diet, you know what they say, talk to your doctor first.

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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Saturday, May 2, 2020

Reviewing Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Every Mother's Day people are looking to get something special for their mother. While flowers and chocolates are a common standby, let's look at some other awesome Mother's Day gift ideas.

Flowers aren't the only gift you can give your mum on mothers day

Gifts for the Mum's Who Love to Read

Obviously, if their favorite author has released a book then grab them a copy, or if you've heard of a new author that you think they'd like this is an ideal time to make that introduction!

There are other things that would be good for book lovers though one of our contributors has reviewed an amazing range of gift ideas for people who love big books.

I Like Big Books and I Cannot Lie Gift Ideas

Your mother might be a regular at her local library in which case a library book would definitely not go astray.

Library Bags for Adults

Personally, there have been two gifts which I have absolutely loved as a bookworm mum - my kindle was a gift from my husband. Now I've always loved reading 'real books', but I've found with a kindle I am reading a lot more (and have ventured into a lot more genres). I tend to read fiction on my kindle and nonfiction (books that I'm likely to refer back to) as actual books.

The other gift is a gift I gave myself - Kindle Unlimited. It is amazing, in the first week of my Christmas holiday this year I downloaded 13 books through Kindle Unlimited and read them all. It's like an enormous library of books to choose from.

Gifts for Tea or Coffee Drinking Mothers

Don't all mothers drink at least one of these? You could buy them some specialty coffees or teas or even a coffee machine. Another idea that always seems to be a winner is a mug.

Mugs for Mum Ideas

There are lots of different gift ideas for coffee lovers such as these coffee slippers.

Mothers Day gift ideas include these coffee slippers

Women's Coffee Slippers - Perfect for the Coffee Loving Mom

When it comes to the tea-drinking mother then we have some great gift ideas right here -

Best Gifts for Tea Lovers

Gifts for Moms That Enjoy Wine

You can get some beautiful wine glasses including the fun Lolita collection that I'm sure any mom would love. If they already have wine glasses covered then maybe they need some wine pearls ...

Wine Pearls - Chilling Wine in Style

Of course, some nice wine to go with it is bound to be appreciated!

Spa Gift Ideas for Your Mother

Maybe you want your mother to feel special and a spa day with you just isn't on the cards. Why not give her some of Arbonne's beautiful spa range so that she can have a spa experience in her own home.

Arbonne's Rescue and Renew products, beautiful for creating a spa experience in your own home

Arbonne's Rescue & Renew Product, perfect for a day spa at home

One of the products in their spa range is the French pink clay face mask which feels absolutely divine, you can read about it here:

Have Fun with this Pink Clay Face Mask

Essential Oils for Your Mum

Following on from the spa idea is essential oils, if your mum loves essential oils then she may have her own selection, but I'm sure she would be happy to get some aromatherapy jewelry or a diffuser. If she's interested (or you think she would be) in aromatherapy then you could get her a few essential oils.

Some great essential oils for a beginner include lavender, lemon and peppermint (make sure that any you purchase are 100% pure essential oils).

Why I Love My Aromatherapy Necklace
I love my aromatherapy necklace, it's something I had been thinking of getting for a while, but it was actually my daughter who finally brought me one as a gift. Let me share my review with you and let you know how I wouldn't be without this now.

An Essential Oil Diffuser Lives Up to All the Hype
I received a HoMedics brand of essential oil diffuser as a gift and I love it. It's easy to use. The rotating colored lights gives the room a lovely ambience as well. Read my review to see what my hesitation on getting one was and why I think it lives up to the hype.

Lava Stone Bracelet Review
These bracelets are fully adjustable due to the sliding knot and are surprisingly affordable. Lava stones can be used as a wearable oil diffuser. They also make a very attractive fashion accessory.

Gift Ideas for Mothers Who Love a Puzzle

If your mother enjoys jigsaw puzzles or Sudoku then I have a few gift ideas she may enjoy right here:

Wooden Puzzle Compartment Boxes
The boxes are offered individually with different designs to choose from. The workmanship is beyond outstanding. You would never know just looking at the box that it is also a fabulous puzzle with secret compartments inside.

A Novel Gift for a Sudoku Fan
I think this novel gift idea for Sudoku fans is even more apt in 2020! It is ideal for a mom that has a sense of humour as well as a love of this numerical puzzle, I know my mum would get a laugh out of it.

Reviewing Ravensburger Puzzles Over 2000 Pieces
Ravensburger is a brand of puzzle that I can count on for quality. With over 2000 pieces in these puzzles they are ideal for a mother who is serious about her jigsaw puzzles (although you may want to measure her table beforehand to make sure it will fit!

More Gift Ideas that Moms Will Love

Of course, I love a comfy pair of PJs, a dressing gown, or a warm pair of slippers when it comes to comfy and practical gift ideas. In fact, a gift idea that was a huge hit with this mum was a cow onesie!

Handmade Crocheted Slippers
Slipper Socks Reviewed

Scarves are also a great gift idea and I know I've got a few for my own mother over the last few years. In 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic, a group of people that I work online with started to show off their scarf selections by way of big hair bows. I couldn't resist joining in!

Scarves make great gift ideas for Mother's Day, birthdays or other holidays

Me trying out a big hair bow for the first time!

Beautiful Affordable Scarves Make Great Gift Ideas

If you can't be there with your mother this Mother's Day then why not look at getting her lipstick to brighten up her day so that she can smile anyway!

I absolutely love the feel (and look) of Arbonne's Lip Duos which I've reviewed here:

Reviewing Arbonne's Lip Duos

What Will You Be Getting Your Mum This Year?

I've actually gotten my mum something from Arbonne this year (I can't say what in case she reads this) for a couple of reasons. The first is that I think she'll love it (the most important thing after all). The second is that I could log into my online account, order something for her and get it shipped straight to her door even though we live in different countries. That is what I call convenience.

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Friday, May 1, 2020

How to Make a Very Easy Afghan with Loop Yarn

Almost anyone can make a loop yarn afghan! No needles or hooks are required. All you need are your fingers and small scissors.

Almost anyone can make a loop yarn afghan!

Even someone with arthritis who can no longer grip a crochet hook or knitting needles can make a loop yarn afghan that is beautiful. This would also be the perfect afghan project for those who don't know how to knit or crochet.

Loop yarn is not a normal string of yarn, it is made with loops. Most of the patterns either say knit or crochet, but you really are not doing either. No needles or hooks are required. You only use your fingers to weave the yarn.

When I first spotted Yarnspirations loop yarn, I knew I wanted to make something with it. Normally, I would find a pattern and want to make a specific item. However, in this case, it was the yarn that called to me. I bought the yarn, then went on a search for a pattern. I knew exactly what I would make when I discovered this afghan pattern that resembles a cable stitch.

The Bernat Alize loop yarn is the softest yarn I have ever touched. When my son first touched my afghan while I was making it, he said if felt like a chinchilla. He is absolutely right! I had been saying it felt like petting a baby rabbit, but it really is softer than a bunny. This yarn truly is a joy to work with and to touch.

Loop Yarn Easy Afghan Pattern

I discovered this fabulous video that taught me how to make the pattern I love. Instead of trying to write out instructions, I'll share the video. It is very easy to follow and makes a lovely design.

I do have a few tips to share before you begin.

Have a pair of small scissors available. You start the project by cutting a few of the loops open. You will also need them each time you start a new skein of yarn.
Decide how wide you want your afghan before you start. I opted for a throw size afghan (100 loops - 60" wide), which is approximately half the size of a standard throw.
I originally purchased 10 skeins of yarn, but that was not quite enough for my desired length. I actually needed 12 skeins.
After you have completed the first few rows, the pattern design is easy to see, which makes continuing each row very easy.
Instead of sitting at a table, I use a lap desk that sits on the arms of my recliner. That allows me to watch a movie while making my afghan.

As you can see in my photos, I used a variegated denim blue & white colored yarn. This yarn is available in 10 - 12 different colors (see below). I highly recommend using the Yarnspirations Bernat Alize Loop Yarn.

My Lap Desk

In case you are interested, you can purchase a lap desk similar to mine on Etsy. Clearly, you can use the lap desk for a lot of other things as well as crafts. It even has a groove on each side for pens, pencils, markers, craft tools, etc.

Click my image below to see where I purchased mine. You can choose one that fits your own needs.

Yarnspirations Bernat Alize Loop Yarn Available on Amazon

Bernat Alize EZ Blanket Yarn Bundle 100% Polyester 4 -Pack Slate Grays Plus 4 PatternsCheck Price Bernat Alize Blanket-EZ Yarn, ThistleCheck Price Alize Bernat EZ Blanket Yarn Bundle 100% Polyester (Bright Purple, 4-Pack)Check Price Bernat Alize Blanket-EZ Yarn, Denim BluesCheck Price

To See Several Colors Available, Click Here!

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Learning to See - Book Review

Read an Excerpt

You have seen the photos. The Migrant Mother. Desperate families on the move. Children experiencing abject poverty. Desolate internment camps.

Migrant Mother (1936)
Credit: Dorothea Lange/Public Domain

You have heard the photographer's name. Dorothea Lange. But how many of us know the backstory of how Dorothea Margaretta Nutzhorn Lange (1895-1965) became one of the most famous documentary photographers of all time?

Dorothea Lange (1936)
Credit: The Library of Congress/No Restrictions

Learning to See is historical fiction that reads like an organic biography. Elise Hooper used volumes of historical records and interviews to create this compelling memoir-like novel. Like many based-on-true-life stories, the fiction morphs with the nonfiction into a very realistic portrait of the complex life and times of Dorothea Lange.

We are first introduced to the intrepid twenty-two-year-old Nutzhorn as she arrives in the bohemian San Francisco of 1918. Having been the victim of a thief who makes off with her life savings, Dorothea must use her wits to secure housing and a job as a photographic assistant. Before long, the renamed Lange decides to forge her own path as an independent studio photographer.

As things unfold, we discover Dorothea's many evolving iterations: friend, businesswoman, wife, mother, and fearless social activist. There are elements of Lange's life that some will find upsetting (like choosing to foster out her children during the hard economic times of the Great Depression). The sacrifices endured for the sake of Lange's calling will have lifelong ramifications.

This is a book for those who appreciate historical fiction, biographies, defining moments in time, photography, or reflections on the human landscape of America. I couldn't help but see the parallels between the subjects of Lange's Depression Era portraits and those that are beginning to define this current time of economic collapse, migrant oppression, and social injustice.

As a photographer with a connection to our country's unseen and often marginalized individuals, the themes of this book deeply resonate. For me, Lange's unvarnished look at the real America took me to a place deep within myself that wishes to compassionately acknowledge and respond to the pain of those who are struggling mightily. We know there are multitudes experiencing the hardest times of their lives at this very moment in our nation's history.

Woman of the High Plains (1938)
Credit: Dorothea Lange/Public Domain

This is not the time to look away. To peer into the haunting images of Dorothea Lange's America, is to have the opportunity of a lifetime to learn to see and to define who we will become in relationship to, and with, those who are trying to survive, while hoping for a better tomorrow.

I highly recommend this novel and encourage members of book clubs to consider Learning to See as a group selection. It is sure to generate the kinds of conversations that matter.

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Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Fresh Lemon Hand Pies

My mother made the best ever lemon meringue pie, it's one of my all-time favorites. Every time she made it I was like, "is it cool enough to cut yet mom".

Anyone else in the house was lucky enough to get a slice with me around. Today I'm reviewing how easy it is to enjoy that lemony taste that brings back some wonderful childhood memories.

Hand pies are so easy to make with store-bought pie crust and lemon filling, or any fruit filling for that matter. This perfect snack or dessert could be ready in 40 minutes or less.

Every year my cousin sends me these giant lemons for his backyard in Arizona. This weekend I decided to make homemade fresh lemon hand pies. The first thing that I did was make the lemon filling.

Lemon curd is really so easy to make. I made this and refrigerated it overnight, but you can make this and let cool for a couple of hours and use it for whatever your making.

Lemon curd is so versatile it can be used for cakes, cupcakes, donuts, or spread it on top of a scone of crackers.

Fresh Lemon Hand Pies Ingredients (Lemon Curd)

1 cup of sugar

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (4 to 5 lemons)

zest of 2 lemons

5 large egg yolks

1/2 cup salted butter (Cold)

Instructions

You will need a double boiler for this, add some water and bring it to a boil.
Whisk together the sugar and egg yolks, continue to stir.
Add the zest of the lemons and the lemon juice. Continue to stir the mixture for about 10 minutes, it will begin to thicken.
After 10 minutes remove the mixture from the heat, and add the butter one tablespoon at a time.
Continue stirring, the mixture will become nice and thick. Once all the butter is melted into the mixture pour it into a bowl and let it cool for 2 to 3 hours before using it.

Pie crust ingredients

2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup Crisco (Cold)

6 to 8 tablespoons of Ice Water

Cut the Crisco into smaller pieces
Add flour and Crisco into a mixing bowl
Mix until Crisco begins to fold into the flour
Add ice-cold water one tablespoon at a time
Mix until a ball of dough forms

Divide the pie crust into two equal parts wrap each with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about a half-hour. I used my KitchenAid Stand Mixer to make the pie crust.

Now, it's time to assemble and bake these little sweet treats. I rolled each ball of the pie crust out to about a 10-inch circle between two sheets of parchment paper.

Tip: Lay the parchment paper or wax paper on a kitchen towel. This prevents it from moving all over the counter while rolling.

Cut the crust with a 4-inch cookie cutter, place a tablespoon of the lemon curd in the middle. Then, fold them over and pinch the edges together. Press a fork around the edges to seal.

Poke the middle of each hand pie with a fork. I made 12 hand pies, six out of each half of the crust. You will have to re-roll some of the crust to get the other 2 out of each half.

Now you will need two egg whites and a couple tablespoons of sugar. Beat the egg whites in a small bowl.

Brush the hand pies with the beaten egg whites and sprinkle the sugar over the top. Or you could skip the sugar and dust them with powdered sugar right out of the oven.

Bake on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper at 350 degrees for about 18 minutes. Set them on a rack to cool and enjoy.

You might enjoy some of my other fresh lemon recipes

Easy Lemon Brownies

Glazed Lemon Almond Biscotti

Quick Easy Lemon Bars

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Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Bird Feeder Station Reviewed

Feeding Birds Efficiently

Let's review an option for a bird feeder station that would be nice for anyone who loves backyard birding. I simply love all of the options to attract different species of our feathered friends!

Looking at bird feeder stations
image courtesy of pixabay.com

If you are like me, you love to encourage the different varieties of birds to land in your yard. I could sit and watch them for hours. Well, truth be told, I often do! So, I've been looking at some options to replace some of the older feeders that need to be replaced. While looking for new things to place the bird seed in, I came across this bird feeder station and I think I must have one.

Six Ways To Feed On One Pole

What I love about the station that I accidentally found is that I can put 6 different feeders in one place in my yard. There are 4 hanger hooks in two different styles and can be used for feeders or other things. I particularly like the ones that fit on the top of the pole because if I choose to I can hang a couple of potted plants on those instead of a feeder for some colorful interest. The options are limitless, really. Two metal trays also come with the pole with hangers that will hold the round trays in place. One has drainage holes in it to keep the bird seed from getting too damp. The other is solid and can hold water for the birds to drink or bathe in.

I like the idea of having one place to take the food and water instead of having to carry my bags out and then move them around to several places. The pole has a sturdy four pronged base that will allow for some good stability when I drive it into the ground. There are wing nuts that allow me to move the hooks and trays in any pattern that I want to. I just love the versatility of this pole.

This pole with its accessories should last for years to come since it is constructed from metal. It should be fairly resistant to rust. If I find after a few years pass that the paint is wearing off, I can always sweet talk my sweet hubby into painting it for me.

Of course, that still doesn't take care of replacing those worn out feeders that I first went looking for. I will still need to find those but with the bird feeder station it allows me to look for ones that will work best with this station for my lovely little winged visitors. My daughter has recently realized how much she loves watching the birds in her backyard, this might be something for me to get her for her birthday this year.

Click Here to See Bolite Bird Feeder Station

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Monday, April 27, 2020

Zoo Cam's Reviewed!

Who doesn't need a bit of calm in this topsy turvy world of late? Free, fuzzy and a whole lot of fun are the Live Cam's from zoos across the world!

Larger zoo's have multiple live cams for a dose of free entertainment. However, the animals may not always cooperate with on demand viewing (we all need our sleep don't we!). So checking back is necessary at times to find the action shots. Here are a few of my favorite zoo cams.

Panda Cam - Smithsonian's National Zoo

Not one, but two cams for the absolutely too darn cute Giant Panda.

There is also a robust archive of panda videos at the National Zoo including the arrival of baby giant panda Bao Bao.

Penguin Cam - Detroit Zoo

If there is one cam that will give you an immediate chuckle is the penguin cam. These guys and gals are too funny!

Butterfly Cam - San Diego Zoo

The butterfly house at my local zoo is a favorite to visit. Entering into the butterfly house is akin to being transported to a fairy garden of gorgeous flowers. San Diego Zoo has a variety of Live Cams to bring out the smiles.

Koala Cams - Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Lone Pine Sanctuary was established in 1927 as a safe refuge for Australia's koala bears. The sanctuary has its' mission to protect the Koala with its' efforts for a sustainable and biodiverse environment.

Lone Pine has quite a few Koala cams and I admit a huge fondness for the Koala! But the live cams at Lone Pine also have Platypus cams and Dingo cams.

Sloth Cam

For life in the slow and slower lane, check out the sloth cams. Sloths are active at night and no worries about missing the action with this slow mo crew.

Support Your Local Zoo

The vast majority of zoo's are currently closed and all could use financial support while America is staying at home. Now would be an excellent time to fast forward the holiday donation to your local zoo.

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Sunday, April 26, 2020

How to Color and Seal Grout in One Step - Checkout the Before and After Photos

How to Color and Seal Grout in One Step

My husband likes to keep busy. Lucky me, and that's not meant to be sarcastic!

He's always finding a task to do around the house and is an avid watcher of YouTube how-to videos.

Next thing I know, he's painting/sealing the grout in the hallway. I'll quickly review the steps he followed to get the lovely finished result featured in the photos below.

1. He Used Polyblend Grout Renew

I'm always confident that hubby will select a quality product because he's very thorough when researching choices.

This product is an all-in-one colorant and sealer. You'll want to match the color of your own grout. The sealer protects the grout from traffic, dirt, and floor washings.

He purchased several bottles and color-matched them to the color of our floor. We prefer our grout to be as close to the same color as the tiles. I suspect most people prefer that.

By having the grout and tile similar in color, the floor looks more like one flowing piece. This is especially useful if your hallway isn't very large. Darker grout lines can leave an area feeling chopped up and smaller.

Here's an actual photo of the grout he

purchased - Yep, it's available

on Amazon

2. Tools Needed For The Job

All he used was a toothbrush (or 2) and some cloths for wiping. He trimmed the toothbrush to the width needed to fit the grout gap between the tiles. The gap between the tiles in our hallway is a bit wider than most, but he still had to trim the toothbrush.

Trimming the toothbrush makes applying Grout Renew easier because it fits nicely in the gap and has less chance to overlap onto the tile.

Here's a look at the toothbrush he trimmed for the job

3. How to Apply The Grout Colorant and Sealer

This job requires you to be on your hands and knees. Unfortunately, that's not easy for some of us. Thankfully hubby doesn't have any health issues in the knee department. It was hard on his back though, so be forewarned, it may take several days to complete. Take your time, don't overdo it.

He applied the grout paint sealer directly onto the grout line and painted it into the grout using the toothbrush. It was very time-consuming.

Don't worry if a bit of grout paint gets on the tiles, as you can wipe that off as you go along or do a few floor washings after it's had a chance to set for a day.

Here's the Before and After

Photo of the Grout Work

4. The Finished Look

Check out the finished look below. Hubby completed this in the fall of 2019 and it's currently spring 2020. This grout colorant/sealer has held up nicely. The floor still looks like he just finished the job. You'll notice that this grout colorant/sealer comes in many color choices, so go crazy and do the whole house.

Grout Colored/Sealed - Finished Look

Did I just add something to your honey-do-list? Sorry :)

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Saturday, April 25, 2020

Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Review

In January, the Windows 7 operating system on my desktop computer ended all updates. My son (an IT Tech by profession) upgraded my computer to Windows 10. At that time, I took a good look at my peripheral devices and realized that my years-old keyboard had over one-half of the letters worn off. Being a touch-typist, I hadn't really looked at the keyboard in a long time, but now decided it was time to get a new one.

Wireless Keyboard by UHURU

Wireless Keyboard by Uhuru

After looking online at a number of keyboards, I decided on a wireless keyboard. This one by UHURU also came with a wireless mouse and a mouse pad. In addition, the batteries needed for operation were included, one A A battery for the mouse and two AAA batteries for the keyboard.

My wireless keyboard is compatible with Windows 10 and provides automatic connection link for fast data transmission without any delays. A 2 in 1 Nano receiver unifies the keyboard and mouse connections quickly into one plug and play USB port. It also has 13 hotkeys to instantly access movie, music, internet, e-mail, volume and more. The advanced chip provides automatic connection from up to 33 feet.

It is a full size keyboard and has foldable stands to provide a comfortable angle for typing. The description states that this keyboard also has a sensitive touch for smooth typing that is easy on your fingers. My ONE complaint may be that it is a bit TOO sensitive for the way I type as I find I often end up putting 2 spaces between words when I only wanted one. Perhaps I need to slow my typing speed a bit to compensate....LOL. But having made my living as a typist, this may be hard to do. ^-^.

The keyboard has a power-saving mode which automatically lets it go to sleep within 8 minutes of no operation. Click any key to wake it up.

Wireless Mouse

Wireless Mouse

The wireless mouse has many of the same features as the keyboard, working from up to 33 feet away with automatic sleep feature when not in use to conserve battery power. The Mouse works off the same plug and play USB port as the keyboard. Not only is it compatible with my new Windows10 operating system on my PC, but also works with Windows 8/7/Vista and XP and works with Notebooks, Laptops and Smart TV with no extra software or set up needed.

Summary

Altogether, with the many features and the low price, I found this wireless keyboard and Mouse to be an excellent buy. I am very pleased with my new wireless keyboard and wireless mouse.

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Wireless Keyboard & Mouse by Uhulu

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Friday, April 24, 2020

Backseat Barker Dog Bed for SUV or Jeep Review

The Backseat Barker SUV Dog Bed

Dog Car Bed for Jeep & SUV - Backseat Barker Review

If Merlin had a middle name, it would be "Go"! He never wants to be left behind. Therefore, we sought and found a wonderful dog bed for our old jeep.

As you can see in the photo, we laid the dog bed directly on the jeep floor. That required us to find a dog bed that was thick enough to really cushion and separate him from the hard, unforgiving surface.

Normally the pillows on each side would lay at an angle. In our case, we wanted the larger size bed so the pillows would stand upright on the side and give him more protection from the hard side panels of our jeep. Merlin likes to stand up and look around even when the car is moving. Protecting our "big dog" is always our first priority.

When we are traveling in our SUV instead of our little Jeep, we simply move the Big Barker to the larger vehicle. Here is a picture of Merlin on his Big Barker bed in our SUV. As you can see, the side pillows tilt to the sides and make a great head rest for our big dog.

Merlin loves his Big Barker

The Backseat Barker Dog Bed for Cars, SUV, & Jeeps

There are several features about the Backseat Barker that would prompt me to recommend it for dogs. First and foremost, the thickness of the orthopedic cushion provides a more comfortable ride for our "big dog".

I left that one side up slightly after Merlin got out, so you could easily
see the thickness of the bottom pad

The size of the bottom bed cushion is perfect for our jeep floor. As you can see, the large 3" thick cushion goes all the way up to the back of the front seats. Therefore, Merlin can stretch out comfortably when he wishes to lay down and still be close to us.

As I said in the introduction, I also love the side pillows! Normally, in a larger SUV, the pillows would be slightly tilted so a pup could use them for propping his head on them.

There are several sizes of the Backseat Barker Dog Bed available. We purchased the Extra Large (61 x 45 x 3) dog car bed so it would fit snugly in the back of our jeep, which has a smaller area in the back than an SUV.

The cover has zippers on the bottom pad and on the pillow sections. That allows us to remove all 3 of the foam pieces and machine wash & dry the cover when needed. According to the manufacturers, the foam can also be washed and air-dried, but that has not been necessary for us yet.

The Backseat Barker Dog Beds come with a 10 year warranty. We all understand the importance of a trustworthy warranty.

One note, like most orthopedic foam, the foam in the beds have a strong odor. We let Merlins' bed foams air out for about 3 days and I washed the cover immediately. After a few days, all was well, no more smell!