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Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Confessions of a Saatva Mattress Shopper: The Journey Begins

Sleep plays a vital role in our physical and mental health and emotional and psychological wellbeing, so it’s important to choose a mattress that will help you fall asleep, stay asleep and wake up rested, refreshed and ready to make the most of the day. Luxury mattress models are usually more comfortable, offer better support and use higher quality materials and construction, so they won’t break down as quickly and won’t need to be replaced as often. Some models are compatible with an adjustable base. Others have air chambers that can be inflated or deflated to make the mattress firmer or softer to suit your preference and sleeping positions.

Saatva manufactures and sells high-quality luxury mattresses directly to consumers for significantly less than comparable models from big name brands sold in department stores and mattress stores. In 2021, my husband and I ordered a Saatva mattress and were extremely impressed with the entire customer experience.

This is the first in a series of detailed reviews in which I will share our customer experience shopping for, choosing, ordering and sleeping on a Saatva luxury mattress, bedding and adjustable base, as well as the white glove delivery and set-up, exchanging the first mattress we chose for a different configuration, and in-depth product reviews of the Saatva Solaire customizable firmness air bed mattress, Saatva Adjustable Base Plus (formerly Lineal adjustable base) and bedding we ordered.

Adventures in Mattress Shopping: An in-depth, personal review of my Saatva customer experience

Disclosure: I have joined the company’s affiliate program, which means that if you choose to make a purchase through one of the links in this post I may be eligible to receive a commission, at no cost to you. I highly recommend the Saatva company and its products for their excellent quality, performance, price and customer service. The opinions, product reviews and recommendations in this post are my own and are based on my personal experiences. The decision to click on those links to learn more about the company’s products or make a purchase is greatly appreciated, but entirely up to you.

Why We Chose a Saatva Mattress

I first heard about Saatva in 2017, about a year after our previous mattress purchase, when my friend and former boss joined the company and asked me to do some freelance marketing research for them. In the process, I gained a valuable and eye-opening education about the mattress industry’s marketing and sales practices as well as mattress types, materials, construction, quality and pricing.

My husband and I had always bought good quality, moderately priced mattresses. We couldn’t justify spending a lot more money on a high-priced luxury mattress. We thoroughly researched product reviews before making a mattress purchase, and they all felt comfortable and supportive after we brought them home…for a while. However, John and I are “spooners” and after two or three years, each mattress would start to sag around the edges and develop a trough in the center. After I shared with him the new insights into mattresses and mattress shopping I had gained from my research project, we agreed that we wanted our next mattress to be a Saatva and started saving up for one.

Not long after our last mattress started breaking down and we were waking up more and more tired and with muscle aches, I got a call from my friend Joe at Saatva. His timing couldn’t have been better.

Joe and I had worked together closely for many years and conducted many customer experience audits for clients, and he also was familiar with my product reviews here on Review This Reviews. He asked whether I might be interested in ordering a Saatva mattress of my and my husband’s choosing, which we could keep, in exchange for providing detailed and candid customer feedback on my Saatva purchasing experience that he could share with his team. If we had a good customer experience and were pleased with the mattress, I also would write an unbiased, in-depth product review to share on Review This Reviews. If we were disappointed by the mattress or our customer experience, I would not publish a review, but Saatva could use the candid feedback I provided to improve their products and customer experience. Either way, the mattress would be ours to keep.

Our Must-Have and Nice-to-Have Mattress Requirements

My husband John and I agreed on the following priorities for choosing our new mattress:

King size
Excellent neck, hip and back support

Areas where we are both prone to joint pain and muscle aches

Durable materials and construction

Will resist sagging and furrowing, especially around the edges and in the center, where we sleep in the spoon position

Good for multiple sleeping positions

We both are side sleepers for the most part, but John also likes to take naps on his stomach.

Comfortable

Preferably cushiony enough to contour to our bodies, especially for side sleeping, but also firm enough to provide good support in any sleeping position

Compatibility with an adjustable base preferred, but not essential

An adjustable base had been on our wish list for many years, since one or both of us often need to lie on our backs with our heads elevated (because of my bad seasonal and indoor allergies and John’s mild sleep apnea) or to elevate our lower legs to relieve back pain. If we did end up getting one, we knew we would make good use of it.

Minimum 15-year warranty

This wouldn’t be a problem for any Saatva mattress we chose, thanks to the remarkable Saatva Friends for Life Lifetime Warranty. “From the moment our white-glove crew delivers it to you, fresh from the factory, we guarantee that it will be free from defects for as long as you own it. And if you ever have a problem, we’ll take care of it hassle-free.” Product warranties, especially for big-ticket purchases, don’t get much better than that!

Generous in-home trial period

At the time we ordered our mattress last year, Saatva’s in-home trial period was a generous 180 days. It has since been increased to a full year, giving customers 365 nights to sleep on their new Saatva mattress at home before deciding whether it is right for them! As a Saatva customer, if you decide to return or exchange your mattress for another Saatva mattress during that home trial period, you can just call the company and have them pick up the used mattress and refund the purchase price, less a $99 processing fee (to cover the cost the company pays to the carrier to have your mattress picked up and transported from your home).

How We Decided Which Mattresses to Consider

Since we hoped to be sleeping on our new Saatva mattress for many years to come, I wanted to be very thorough in my due diligence to make sure we chose the best model for our needs. Armed with our requirements list, I decided to start by refreshing my memory about the different types of mattresses Saatva makes and the sleeping positions and preferences each is best suited to, as well as learning about the newer products the company had added since I worked on my research project for them in 2017.

At the time (February 2021), There were eight mattress models available (the new Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress had not yet been introduced). Three of the mattresses were easy to exclude from consideration: The dual-sided Saatva Youth (for kids), the Crib Mattress and the Saatva HD mattress designed for larger/heavier bodies.

That left five potential candidates to explore.

Saatva Solaire Precision Adjustable Air Mattress

I asked Joe which mattresses he and his wife had chosen Joe for their own home, and he said they owned two Saatva Classic innerspring mattresses (one “luxury firm” and one “firm”) and one Zenhaven all-latex on an adjustable base, which let them elevate the head or foot of the mattress (or both). He also suggested that John and I look at the Saatva Solaire mattress, a newer model that I was not yet familiar with and the one that Saatva’s president and CEO and his wife had chosen for their bedroom, along with the “upper-flex” configuration and an adjustable base.

The Solaire's key feature is a layer of individual air chambers that can be inflated or deflated with the remote control to make the mattress firmer or softer. There are 50 firmness settings so you can fine-tune the firmness to your precise preference if you wish. On a king Solaire each side can be adjusted independently, so spouses or sleeping partners can customize the firmness to their individual preferences on their respective sides of the mattress.

In the “upper-flex” option (available for queen and king sizes only), the upper part of the mattress is split down the center to allow the head of each side to be raised or lowered independently when paired with a compatible adjustable base, such as the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus, that has been configured for a top-split mattress. (“Upper-flex is Saatva’s term for this upper-split configuration, which is more commonly referred to as split-head, head split, split-top or top split).

In the "upper-flex" configuration of the Saatva Solaire mattress, the uppr portion is split to allow each side of the head of the bed to be raised and lowered separately, when paired with a compatible adjustable base

Since John and I often go to sleep and wake up at different times, the ability to elevate the head of the bed on our side without disturbing the other’s sleep was very appealing. Our only hesitation about getting the split-top, upper-flex king Solaire instead of the standard, solid king was whether one of us might end up with an arm stuck in the narrow gap along the top-center split. In addition, since we had never slept on an adjustable air bed type, we had no idea what it would feel like or how comfortable or supportive we would find it.

Loom & Leaf Memory Foam Mattress

John and I preferred the feel of a memory foam mattress to any other type we had tried, so we were pretty sure we would be comfortable on a Loom & Leaf memory foam mattress…at least, until the sagging and furrowing started, if it behaved like our previous memory foam mattresses. We liked that, unlike our previous memory foam mattresses, the Loom & Leaf has a high-density foam base underneath the memory foam layers, which are topped with a cooling gel-infused foam layer for added comfort and spinal support.

Given our chronic joint pain and backaches, reading that the Loom & Leaf’s ultra-premium 5-lb. memory foam, which adds durability and support, “conforms to your body and helps to relieve joint and back pain while keeping your spine in neutral alignment” definitely struck a positive chord. Maybe the combination of this denser memory foam and high-density foam base would resist sagging and furrowing better than our less expensive memory foam mattresses?

The Loom & Leaf mattress’s comfort level is described as “Relaxed Firm,” combining “plush comfort and contouring support” with a medium firmness, making it “a great option for solo sleepers or couples (especially ones who snooze in different sleep positions).” So, the Loom & Leaf seemed to tick several boxes on our wish list. It was also compatible with an adjustable base.

Saatva Classic Innerspring

When we were kids, John and I slept on traditional innerspring mattresses. We’ve also slept on them together during various hotel stays over the past 27 years and never found them to be particularly comfortable. However, we have never tried a hybrid innerspring. I knew that the original, flagship Saatva Classic innerspring mattress introduced in 2011 remains the company’s best-selling mattress and had earned many thousands of rave customer reviews. So, we decided to keep an open mind and learn more about this hybrid innerspring.

This cutaway section shows the layers, materials and construction of this Saatva Classic luxury hybrid innerspring mattress, from the heavy-gauge tempered steel coils to the plush, 3-inch Euro pillow top

The Saatva Classic’s dual-coil system includes a support base of heavy-gauge, tempered, recycled steel coils that provide stability and resist sagging and a second layer of individually wrapped, pocketed coils that conform to the body, relieve pressure points and reduce motion transfer (so turning over or getting out of bed is less likely to disturb a partner). John and I both have back problems, so the pairing of the company’s patented spinal zone active wire with premium high-density memory foam for enhanced lower back support and pressure relief in the center of the mattress sounded great for us. The memory foam and the 3-inch, organic cotton, quilted Euro pillow top layer filled with a mix of plush fibers and comfort foams would likely make this hybrid innerspring a lot more comfortable than the older, traditional innerspring mattresses we had tried.

The Saatva Classic also offers a choice of two heights (11.5 inches or 14.5 inches) and three comfort levels (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm or Firm). Luxury Firm, the most popular firmness level choice by far, was “designed to replicate the comfort level used in luxury hotels” and provide “a perfect balance of comfort and uplifting support,” which made it suitable for any sleep style and a good option for couples like us who prefer different firmness levels.

The 11.5-inch Saatva Classic is compatible with an adjustable base, although the thicker 14.5-inch model is not.

Zenhaven Natural Latex

John and I tried a latex mattress (the one we were sleeping on at the time) because latex is supposed to retain its resilience and supportiveness longer than memory foam. Although ours had, indeed, held up a couple of years longer than our previous mattresses, it was much less comfortable and didn’t provide the contoured support of its memory foam predecessors and we were tired of waking up with sore muscles and aching joints. Initially, I hadn’t planned to include it on our list of potential candidates, but I decided to refresh my memory about this model.

I remembered that, unlike our old latex mattress, Saatva’s Zenhaven natural all-latex mattress is dual-sided and can be flipped with either the softer Luxury Plush side or the Gentle Firm side facing up. There was a good chance that at least one of the sides would be more comfortable than our old latex mattress. Better yet, if we found the other side reasonably comfortable as well, when the side we were sleeping on eventually started to sag we could flip it to the other side, effectively doubling its useful life.

In addition, natural latex is naturally hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and resistant to dust mites, mold and other common indoor allergens, and the natural latex used in the Zenhaven is also certified free of harmful chemicals. Since John and I both suffer from a plethora of allergies including pollen, dust and mold, that was an important consideration that earned this natural all-latex mattress a place on our list of models to consider. The Zenhaven was also compatible with an adjustable base.

Saatva Latex Hybrid

The last option we considered was the Saatva Latex Hybrid mattress, which pairs a support base of individually wrapped recycled steel coils, like the Saatva Classic hybrid innerspring, with a 3" layer of 5-zone natural latex that conforms to and supports the body and provides enhanced lumbar support and pressure relief. According to the product description, the Saatva Latex Hybrid’s “luxury plush” feel and firmness make this mattress a good choice for any sleeping position, which was one of our key requirements.

Even though we weren’t big fans of the latex or innerspring mattresses we had slept on, we had never tried a latex and innerspring hybrid, so I decided to keep this one on our initial list of options. It was also compatible with an adjustable base.

Next Step: Culling the Herd

In my next post in this series, I’ll share the factors we considered, the steps we took and our interactions with customer support that helped us narrow these choices and, ultimately, finalize our decision on the best Saatva mattress for our needs.

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Confessions of a Saatva Mattress Shopper: The Journey Begins by Margaret Schindel

Posts in This Series

Confessions of a Saatva Mattress Shopper, Part 1: The Journey Begins

Confessions of a Saatva Mattress Shopper, Part 2: How to Choose the Best Saatva Mattress for Your Needs

Confessions of a Saatva Mattress Shopper, Part 3: Ordering a Saatva Mattress and Adjustable Bed Online — A Candid Review

Confessions of a Saatva Mattress Shopper, Part 4: Saatva Organic Cotton Mattress Pad and Sheet Set Product Reviews

Confessions of a Saatva Mattress Shopper, Part 5: Saatva Mattress and Adjustable Base White Glove Delivery and Setup

Confessions of a Saatva Mattress Shopper, Part 6: Saatva Solaire Mattress and Adjustable Base Plus Product Reviews

Confessions of a Saatva Mattress Shopper, Part 7: Exchanging a Saatva Mattress: My Personal Experience

Confessions of a Saatva Mattress Shopper, Part 8: Which Queen or King Saatva Solaire Mattress and Adjustable Base to Buy

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

A Review of the Foodsaver Vacuum Sealing System

Considering the price of food today, it is ridiculous to let it spoil. It is like throwing your money in the garbage! If you are like me, you have a lot of good intentions when it comes to the food you buy.

Such as:

You buy a family sized package of pork chops, thinking how many meals you are going to make with all that meat and when you get home from the store, in a rush as always, you just toss it in the freezer. Then when you want to make porkchops for dinner, you go to the freezer, only to see six porkchops frozen together in a big lump. Now you know if you thaw them all, the ones you don't cook will probably spoil before you decide to have them again for dinner, so you just leave them in the freezer and have spaghetti instead.

This same scenario is played again and again over the next few months until that package of porkchop is darkened and dried up with freezer burn. With regret, you take it out of the freezer and throw it in the trash.

You know this has happened to you, it has happened to all of us! I cannot count the number of times I have bought large portions, intending to save money by meal planning, only to end up thowing it out. It either spoils or gets lost in the freezer.

The day I decided to change this pattern of behavior was the day I cleaned out my chest freezer when we were preparing to move. I just could not believe the amount of freezer burned meat and other items that were in the bottom of that freezer. The food that I ended up throwing out could have fed us for a month!. I said right then and there, no more!!!

After much research and talking to friends, I decided to buy a Foodsaver V4400 Vacuum Sealer.

Foodsaver V4400 Vacuum Sealer

It is their middle of the road sealing machine, not the top end or low end. I had recently had a dozen meat chickens butchered (we moved out to the country) and I thought this would be a great time to try out our Foodsaver. With only two of us in the house, those 12 chickens would be in the freezer for a long time and I did not want them freezer burned.

My husband and I sat down and read the directions and found them very clear and easy to understand. We grouped the chicken pieces how we wanted to freeze them and we were off! We were both surprised how quick and easy it was to package all that chicken. While we were at it, we decided to package up some green beans that I had picked and cleaned the day before. They came out beautifully. Even after packaging all that, we still did not use up all the bags that came with the machine when we bought it. We were impressed!

How to Use a Foodsaver Video

In case you are thinking that you only need a vacuum sealer if you raise your own chickens and garden, nothing could be further from the truth. We also use it for cheese, lunch meat, fruit and many other things that we buy at the grocery store. It cuts way down on food spoilage. A block of cheese that is vacuum sealed will not mold for weeks if stored properly. You can also vacuum seal all kinds of leftovers, from steak to Sweet and Sour Pork. It will lengthen the shelf life of just about anything in the refrigerator.

As many bags as they did give us with the machine, they did eventually run out. To buy more, I took a look on Amazon, and found the Foodsaver bags to be pretty pricey. However, there are perfectly good bags of other brands that work well and are less expensive. The kind I use and like best are Reli Vacuum Sealer Bags. You get 4 rolls of 8" wide x 50 feet long, so they can be cut to any size.

Reli Vaccum Seal Rolls

While a Foodsaver is not an inexpensive purchase, if you use it, I guarantee that you will save money on food and you will recover the price you paid. You will also find that your food tastes better when stored properly. It is definitely worth it.

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Monday, February 27, 2023

Dog Slicker Review

Rain rain go away! It's that time of year - oh wait! That is every time of year in this area of the United States where rain seems to be a year long event. The weather has been so rainy this year I decided the Fluff, aka as the dog, needed some rain attire to brave the elements.

I purchased the HDE Dog Rain Slicker and have not been disappointed! Easy to wear, functional, a breeze to put on and take off plus the slicker comes in a few fun colors and patterns. The slicker comes in four sizes and I chose a medium which fit true to the size chart.

Selection of Patterns and Colors

This rain slicker comes in a large selection of colors and patterns. I chose the humorous pattern for a change of pace. And --- chances are if it is raining hard enough for a dog rain coat in the northern United States a little whimsy is a good idea to brighten the mood for all. I will say dog walkers passing by do get a good chuckle out of this coat.

Function

This dog coat is more like a slicker. The coat is very lightweight, yet has enough body so that the hood will stay on. The reflective stripes are a good safety feature and the velcro makes it easy to put the coat on and take it off.

What Does The Fluff Think?

The fluff approves of the coat! The fluff tolerates the hood. As you can see by this slightly side eye look of OK I won't protest, I don't love the hood, but I will humor you.

I like the hood because the fluff is not a wash and wear dog. The fluff has real hair verses fur which means that rain equals wet hair equals blow dryer equals now we have an issue. As the fluff has curly hair as well the hair needs to be dried to avoid matting. I appreciate the fluff cooperates with the hood for heavy rain events. If the weather is just drippy I do not always use the hood.

Recommendation

I really like this rain coat for the price and function particularly in the warm weather months in the northern United States. I reviewed a heavier rain coat which I use for the colder heavier rains earlier this year. Both coats work well all year round and are a good addition to your pet tool belt of accessories to make your life and your pet's life just a little easier and more comfortable.

More Dog Rain Coat reviews >> Yellow Dog Rain Coat reviewed

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Sunday, February 26, 2023

Tablescapes: Creating Beautiful Settings for Easter and Other Spring Celebrations

Spring is such a refreshing and vibrant season and what better way to celebrate it than by creating a stunning tablescape for Easter and other springtime events? With a few simple touches, you can make your guests feel warmly welcomed and surrounded by beauty.

Select Your Preferred Color Scheme for the Table Setting

To start off, it's important to choose your color scheme wisely. While pastels are a popular choice for Easter, you can also opt for bold and bright hues that capture the energy and vitality of spring. Think of blooming flowers and fresh leaves as inspiration for your color palette. Also, consider how your choice matches the room.

Table Linens - Which Colors and Styles Would Work Best For Your Space

Once you have your colors, you can select your table linens. A classic, crisp white tablecloth always works, but you can also experiment with patterned or textured fabrics to add depth and interest. Try using a table runner or placemats in a complementary color to create a layered effect.

Add a Beautiful Centerpiece

The next step is to add your centerpiece. For Easter, a lovely traditional floral arrangement is perfect. Consider including springtime blooms such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in a mix of pastel hues. You can also incorporate some greenery, like ferns or eucalyptus, to add texture and fullness.

Consider Accessories to Compliment the Table Setting

To add a personal touch to your tablescape, consider adding small details like place cards, napkin rings, or even decorative eggs. These little touches will make your guests feel extra special and bring even more charm to your setting.

Don't Forget About the Lighting

Lastly, lighting is important to keep in mind. Soft and warm lighting creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while brighter lighting adds energy and vibrancy. You could use candles or string lights to create a soft, warm glow that enhances the beauty of your table.

Creating a gorgeous spring tablescape is all about capturing the essence of the season and infusing your own personal style. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can create a setting that is both breathtaking and welcoming. Embrace the season of renewal and let your imagination run wild.

Here are several product ideas to help you get that decor thinking cap going!

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Saturday, February 25, 2023

Cold Cold Bones – Book Review

A Temperance Brennan Novel by Kathy Reichs

Kathy Reichs' books in her series about Temperance Brennan, forensic anthropologist in Charlotte, North Carolina and Quebec Canada, have fascinated me for years. Reichs has written 21 books in the series (The Bone Code #20 was reviewed here on ReviewThisReviews). Cold Cold Bones is her latest (#21) in the series.

Cold Cold Bones Synopsis

Cold Cold Bones is a novel by Kathy Reichs

As the story begins, it is wintertime in North Carolina. Tempe (Temperance Brennan) is enjoying a light work schedule at the Charlotte, NC Medical Examiner's office due to a drop in crime. This gives her time to dote on her daughter, Katy, who has just returned to civilian life from a stint in the army. Meeting up at Tempe's place for dinner together, Tempe and Katy discover a box on the back porch containing a very fresh human eyeball.

Enlisting the help of detective Erskins “Skinny” Slidell, retired but still volunteering with the Charlotte Police Department's cold case unit, they follow a lead left with the eyeball to a Benedictine monastery where they then discover the head the eyeball came from. Shortly afterwards, a mummified corpse is discovered in a nearby state park.

Eventually joined by Tempe's Montreal-based boyfriend, Andrew Ryan, who is now working as a private detective, the 3 discover a series of gruesome killings which strangely appear to reenact several of Tempe's prior cases.

As elaborately staged deaths continue, each mimicking one of her earlier cases, Tempe is at a loss to find a motive for them... and then her daughter disappears!

Summary

Tempe Brennan appears to be targeted, but she cannot figure out who, or why. It seems as though revisiting the past may be the only way to unravel the present.

Cold Cold Bones is a suspenseful whodunit novel of revenge which will keep you guessing until the last pages.

Friday, February 24, 2023

Easy Lasagna Recipe

This is the easiest lasagna recipe I have ever tried that yields a delicious lasagna that everyone loves. I am happy to review and share it with you today.

We have several family members who do not like pieces or chunks of tomato in any recipe. We also have family members who do not like cottage cheese and won't get within 10 feet of anything that is made with cottage cheese. Therefore traditional lasagna recipes are not something my family will eat.

Decades ago, I started trying to develop a lasagna recipe for my family and their preferences. After a few trials, I finally came up with a recipe that works for us. The ingredients are basic enough that anyone, including children, will enjoy eating this lasagna. I have served it to dozens (or more) of people over the years with nothing but praise.

Hope your family and friends love it too!

My Easy Lasagna Recipe

1 Jar of Paul Newman Marinara Sauce
1 1/2 lbs. Ground Chuck
1 Ricotta Cheese (15 oz)
1 Box Lasagna Noodles (8 - 10 noodles will be used)
4 Cups Mozzarella Cheese - shredded

Directions

Brown ground chuck & drain grease off of the meat. Season meat to taste. I use salt, pepper & chili powder
Add Marinara sauce, cover with lid and simmer about 10 minutes
Cook lasagna noodles as instructed on the box & drain
In a 9 x 13 baking dish, spread just enough sauce to cover bottom of pan (this prevents sticking)
Put in a layer of noodles
Cover noodles with approximately 1/2 of the sauce
With a spoon, drop spoonfuls of Ricotta Cheese onto the sauce and spread carefully
Sprinkle top evenly with 2 cups of Mozzarella Cheese
Repeat noodles, the rest of sauce, more Ricotta cheese and top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the over on 325 for 30 min.

Note: For those of you who love tomato slices, feel free to add a layer of tomato slices. If you prefer cottage cheese, simply use it instead of the ricotta cheese.

For more of my tried and true family recipes, please visit Cooking for the Holidays

I also contribute to our Recipes category right here on Review This Reviews alongside some really fabulous home cooks! This is a category you will not want to miss.

Easy Lasagna Recipe Written by:

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Thursday, February 23, 2023

The Tobacco Wives- Book Review

The Tobacco Wives- A Book Review

This thought-provoking historical novel takes us to North Carolina in 1946. We are introduced to a small town that is reliant on the tobacco industry and the pride the community takes in the industry. During the war the community survived by the women taking the place of the men who normally worked in the tobacco factories. We are also introduced to the wealthy women who are the wives of the tobacco company executives.

The Book on Amazon

The Story

We are introduced to the community of Bright Leaf by Maddie, a young girl who is brought to live with her Aunt Etta. Maddie has visited her aunt in the summers for several years and has learned from her how to be a seamstress. This year, however, is different when her mother unexpectedly drops her off much earlier at a time when Etta is very busy sewing gowns for the wealthy women to wear to the annual Gala. When Aunt Etta suddenly falls ill, Maddie is tasked with being the lead dressmaker and in getting all of the gowns ready for the Gala.

Maddie is enjoying her challenge as the dressmaker and even starting to feel comfortable working with the wealthy women of Bright Leaf till she discovers some of the secrets of the small town. She now has to worry about how much she should say and just who she can trust.

This book is a very interesting look at activism of women in the post war era and how the freedom they were given during the war years changes how they see life. It is a book that shows the courage of a young woman and the challenges she faces.

My Recommendation

I really enjoyed this book and once I got started felt I could not put it down. Maddie was such a delightful character who became real in the pages of the book. I would highly recommend this book and also feel it would be a great book to read in with a book club.

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Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Prostormer Electric Paint Sprayer - Reviewed

Springtime is on the way, and with spring and summer weather comes many outdoor projects. One, in particular, is outdoor painting. Last year I took on the task of painting our deck.

We have a large deck on the back of our house, it measures 35 ft. x 12ft. deep. Our large deck along with good weather provides us with the perfect outdoor space for fun, and entertaining family and friends.

Last summer it was time to paint the deck for another season of outdoor fun. The first thing that I had to do was clean and remove all of the dirt and loose paint. For this, I used my Wholesun Electric Pressure Washer click the link to see my review of the pressure washer.

After cleaning the deck it was time to paint, so, I painted all of the railings with a brush and the deck floor with a roller.

That only left the lattice around the outside of the deck. Lattice is the framework of crossed boards around the bottom of the deck as seen in the photo.

The last time that I painted our deck I painted the lattice with a small brush. This was not only backbreaking but took a long time to complete as I have 35 ft. and 12 ft. deep on both sides to paint.

I needed an easier way to paint the lattice so, I started looking for an electric spray gun. I've never owned a spray gun before and really didn't want to spend a lot of money. After looking through what Amazon had to offer and reading many of the reviews, I found this Prostormer 750-Watt Spray Gun.

The Prostormer was reasonably priced and easy to use. We followed the easy operating instructions to get it all set up and ready to go. While I continued to paint the deck, my grandson Tyler sprayed the lattice around the bottom of the deck with the Prostomer 750.

What you get with this Prostormer Spray Gun:

1 Prostormer electric paint sprayer
1 1200ml tank
4 different size spray nozzles
1 Funnel to fill the tank
1 cleaning needle
1 cleaning brush
1 user manual

My new spray gun was also very helpful in between the deck boards. The roller or even a paintbrush didn't get paint in between the deck boards very well but, the sprayer did the job with ease.

Spray guns are a perfect option for fences, window shutters, furniture, ceilings, and hard-to-reach places with a roller or brush.

I'm very happy with my Prostormer spray gun, and as you can see it is a great price.

Prostormer Paint Sprayer, 750 Watt High Power HVLP Electric Spray Gun with 1200ml Container, 4 Nozzles, Easy Spraying and Cleaning for Home Painting

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Tuesday, February 21, 2023

A Review Of The Elaeagnus Shrub In The Garden.

Lets me introduce you to Elaeagnus. This is a shrub I would not be without in my garden, yet is not a garden plant that many of us would seek out. She is a very unassuming shrub but if we look closer really rather beautiful and very practical and valuable in the garden.

Many of us want gorgeous colourful flowers and impressive trees, maybe even exquisite alpines. They are so beautiful and often colourful, we would always want them in a garden.

However, it is easy to overlook the real workhorses of the garden, the plants that provide us long lasting green background, cover for birds and green in the depths of winter and a foil for all the other showy beauties.

Such is the Elaeagnus shrub. She is a bold, beautiful, hardy, vigorous and easy to care for plant in the garden.

We have an evergreen variety and I love the leaves which are thick and resilient dark green and an unexpected and striking silver underneath. This is particularly evident on a windy day when you can see the shrub waving in the wind and flashes of bright silver even on a dull day.

I was very impressed with Elaeagnus in the drought we had last summer, 40 degree heat and fierce sunshine. She was one of the few plants whose leaves did not scorch and she survived with no watering at all. She even grew a good 3 foot this summer!

I love that this shrub can be evergreen if you choose the right variety and if you choose a dark evergreen that other more showy flowers and roses look just beautiful against.

She also provides shelter for other plants from the intense sun and the wind. As she can grow quite dense she also provided shelter from snow and cold this winter.

All this is great in the garden but the real surprise comes when tiny white flowers, easy to miss appear on the leaves.

Before you even see the flowers you start to notice a beautiful scent in the air which smells to me like honey and sweet perfume and if you move closer and take in the scent of these flowers it is gorgeous.

There are many varieties of Elaeagnus with slightly different needs, some evergreen, some deciduous, some one green colour, others variagated. Most have small insignificant flowers that have a gorgeous scent that can fill a small garden beautifully.

Foliage colours also vary from dark green with silver or white undersides or silvery foliage, or golden with green. Pollinators seem to like these little flowers as well.

Many are large shrubs but there are also dwarf varieties for a smaller garden or a container garden.

Once it becomes a more dense shrub the birds like to hide and seek shelter in it. I am hoping that now our shrubs are larger, birds will nest in it.

Care Of Elaeagnus

This is an easy-care vigorous and strong shrub with thick leaves. Most of the care is in the early years to keep it well watered.

After that apart from pruning to the desired height and width it can take care of itself. An application of mulch each spring will be beneficial though I have to say I have not always done this and the shrub is doing very well.

Ideally, plant a young shrub in autumn into the soil. However especially if you have a compact variety you can also plant it into a large container in free draining soil.

Where To Plant

Many Elaeagnus shrubs ideally like to grow in full sun though I have one in part shade and she is perfectly happy. Check the varieties for what they most enjoy.

They can grow in a variety of soil types though they do prefer well drained soil. However, our soil is heavy clay and our plants are growing very well.

It copes with most weather from drought to cold very well and for me is a real workhorse of the garden and a plant I do not need to worry about.

Pruning

Elaeagnus is a strong very vigorous shrub and grows rapidly. Although it does not need any pruning to be healthy, in a small or average size garden I would advise pruning at least once a year then it is easily done with good quality secateurs.

However, if you leave it too long or let it get too big, it will be a bigger and more arduous task needing more heavy duty tools.

With regular pruning, I find this shrub very easy to prune with secateurs after flowering as long as you do it from being a young plant. I never let it get so big that I need shears or a saw to prune it.

It is very vigorous but I find it easy to keep to the height I want and in our conditions, which are less than perfect for this plant, it stays under control as much as any of our other shrubs.

National Plant Network Eleagnus-2 Piece Live Plant, Green-Silver-Brown Foliage

Propagation.

Once you have one shrub you can easily make more. I find that cuttings are very easy to take and grow on well.

We just take 5cm semi ripe cuttings in the summer. These are stems that are soft at the tip and woodier at the base, growth that is from this year's current growth.

As with most cuttings simply remove the lower leaves, leave a couple at the top then inset the cutting gently into a pot of well drained compost.

You can ideally cover loosely with a polythene bag so that the levels of humidity remain high, but I have found they take very well even without it.

Keep the soil moist and pot onto individual pots once they make roots.

A Vigorous Shrub

Please note, this is a very vigorous shrub; in some conditions and countries, it can become invasive. I have found this to be fine in our garden and love having this shrub, but do check locally to see if it may be an issue for your garden. In some countries where conditions are different and more perfect and for some varieties, it is known as an invasive shrub. So if you are interested do check for your local conditions and seek advice as you do not want to plant an invasive shrub in your garden.

If you are concerned that this shrub might be too vigorous or invasive in your garden growing a compact variety in a sturdy pot might be a good compromise and that will inhibit its growth as well.

How To Use Elaeagnus In The Garden

Grow as a very effective screening hedge or train as an elegant single plant as a standard. This is especially good if you choose an evergreen variety.
Ideally, this is a shrub to plant in the soil but if that is not an option for you try growing it in a smaller pot first and graduating up to the largest pot you can find in good free draining soil.
Alternatively, simply buy a compact variety of this shrub which can then be grown and live its life in a container.
If you do want to grow it as a hedge allow the leaves to grow right from the base of the shrub to provide cover and density. Evergreen varieties are best for a hedge.
However, if you think the shrub will be too vigorous or invasive, grow it in such a way that you prune all the lower leaves away to expose the stem to make it more of a standard plant. In this way, you can control it better and even grow it in a large pot as a specimen shrub.
We grow ours in two ways one plant is grown as a hedge to screen off an area of the garden and the garage and the other is more of a standard plant next to a holly tree.
It is also a great shrub to grow near the bins to screen them off and provides a lovely scent when it flowers, It is good to grow near an area where you might sit in the autumn/fall so you can enjoy the scent when it flowers.
Grow other colourful plants, climbers, perennials or annuals in front of it so that it provides an effective foil for them.
If you enjoy flowers in your home the strong cut stems of Elaeagnus are lovely to use when doing flower arranging and are long lasting for your foliage arrangement and in a mixed flower and foliage display.

Hedges and Living Boundaries (A Gardener's Guide To)

So while we enjoy and bask in the beauty and colour of the gorgeous flowers and bulbs, we spare a thought and a place in our gardens for the evergreen workhorses of the garden. These shrubs give us foliage all winter, cover for wildlife, screening and privacy for us and a perfect foil for all the pretty climbers, roses, flowers and joyful colours.

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Monday, February 20, 2023

Book Review: Alaska by James Michener

Alaska is an epic novel by James Michener that spans an unimaginable length of time and describes Alaska and it's people from the beginning. From the formation of mountains and land masses to Mastodons to modern times. As soon as I pick up where I left off in the story I find myself surrounded by the people in the unique land that eventually became a U.S state.

Introduction by Steve Berry

Steve Berry explains how he came to read his first James Michener novel then goes on to tells us a bit about James Michener the man and author. Michener was reportedly an orphan, adopted by Mabel Michener. He lived in poverty in Bucks County, Pennsylvania for at least a portion of his childhood. Then as a young adult, he traveled the country by train (in boxcars to be more specific) and found odd jobs. James Michener wrote his autobiography in 1991 titled The World is My Home. He attributes his curiosity about people and their lands. I feel that his curiosity about people, their cultures, and their lands as well as his love of travel shines through his writing.

Fact and Fiction

Alaska is a historical novel. Fiction. But based in fact. The Fact and Fiction chapter explains some of the examples in which fact and fiction come together. For example, it is widely accepted that the order of the arrival of humans in Alaska was The Athapascans first, followed by the Eskimos then followed by the Aleuts (with the Tlinglits being offshoots of the Athapascans). But the time of their arrival is unclear and possibly somewhere between 12,000 B.P.E and 40,000 to 30,000 B.P.E.

Alaska by James Michener

This novel has me hooked. I am writing this before I've finished the novel but due to the length, I feel that's acceptable.

Michener describes how the land was likely formed. How the collision of plates created the Aleutian Islands and the mountains of Alaska. How the Mastodons and Mammoths arrived, lived, and perished in the area. The arrival of humans. And how conflict begins as soon as different groups live in proximity of each other. As time moves on, we learn about the Russians who settle there under Tsar Peter the Great and how others such as Vitus Bering and Georg Stellar explore the area. The story goes on to include the introduction of different religions; Shamanism, Russian Orthodoxy, and eventually Christianity. The area transfers from Russian ownership to American. Then comes the Gold Rush and moves on to more recent places and events.

I wish I could write the review this story deserves. I can't. Some online reviews describe the beginning of the book as slow and hard to get through. For me, I enjoyed thinking about the massive number of years that it took for the land to form over time, mountains being sent to great highs due to the movement of the plates and volcanos forming due to the geographical events that are beyond my comprehension.

I am amazed that Alaska was settled at all. People walked to get there. They rode in tiny kayaks to hunt whale for survival and to change their location Conflict, war, and slavery occurred long before I had imagined. Larger ships began to move people up the Yukon and into the land but became frozen in the ice and stranded for months until the thaw. Humans have gone through a lot to find and keep a home.

The writing is beautiful.

"And each one was formed by some segment of the Pacific Plate bulldozing it's way into the North American Plate, submerging along the edge, and causing such tremendous commotion and movement of forces that the great mountains erupted as a consequence. When one looks at the glorious mountains of Alaska he sees proof of the power of the Pacific Plate as it noses its way north and east... "

"The ten children were like a collection of colorful flowers, for the clothes they wore were varied in design and color. Some wore short tunics with stripes of white and blue, others long robes and heavy boots, but all wore in their hair some ornament, some flashing bit of shell or ivory"

I find myself cheering on the adventurers, crying with those who have suffered loss, and booing the villains. All while learning how Alaska became a place where humans chose to call home.

I have two regrets with reading this book. First, I regret that I don't have more time that I can dedicate to getting comfy in a chair and reading for days upon days. Second, I'm not sure that starting this novel during my winter holiday break was the best choice. My area was hit with a powerful ice storm that wrecked havoc in our county followed by an Arctic blast that was most uncomfortable. Choosing to read Alaska during that time frame was almost as bad as choosing to read Jaws before going to an ocean beach for the first time. Other than those two things, I am enjoying this immensely.

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The first James Michener novel I read was Chesapeake. It was a wonderful read and I enjoyed the setting around the Chesapeake Bay.

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