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Thursday, May 25, 2023

Book Review - Lost Roses

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In this exciting prequel to Martha Hall Kelly's best-selling Lilac Girls, we follow the lives of Eliza (Caroline Ferriday's mother) and her two friends from Russia-Sofya and Luba Streshnayva. Sofya and Luba are cousins of Tsar Nicholas II and although all three women have grown up in privilege, they all have a strong desire to help others.

Background

Like Caroline Ferriday from Lilac Girls the characters in Lost Roses are real people from history. Martha Hall Kelly did meticulous research to make sure her facts were correct and then built a wonderful work of historical fiction around events from history. This second book in the Lilac Girls series takes place in 1914 in the days leading up to and during the Bolshevik Revolution.

Plot Summary

The book begins as Eliza Ferriday from New York City is going to visit her good friend Sofya in St. Petersburg, Russia. They had met years before in Paris and become good friends. Even though it is 1914 and the world would seem to be on the brink of war, Eliza is excited for her trip and a visit with her good friend. She arrives safely and all seems to be going well till there is word that they must flee the city because of the revolutionaries are nearby and are trying to overturn all the wealthy ruling class. Eliza sails home to New York and Sofya and her family escape to their summer home in the countryside.

While they are in their summer home they hire a local fortuneteller's daughter, Varinka, to work in their household. This turns out to be a very bad decision. As time goes on the revolutionaries kidnap the family and keep them captive in an outbuilding of the family's luxurious summer home. The storyline continues and keeps us on edge as we wonder how the family will survive and will they escape to Paris as they hope.

As the story continues, we see the ways both Eliza and Sofya work in these troubled times to help those in need.

I found this book to be very interesting. Martha Hall Kelly has a way of making her characters come to life and I found myself reading into the night to find out what would happen next.

Book One of the Series

The first book in the series, actually chronologically comes after Lost Roses. It is set in a World War II time frame and features Eliza's daughter Caroline. It too was a very compelling story that I had a hard time putting down.

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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Wednesday, May 24, 2023

OontZ Ultra — A Fantastic, Affordable, Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Whether you're looking for graduation gifts, Father's Day gifts, or presents for any occasion and anyone (including yourself), the OontZ Ultra waterproof Bluetooth speaker is a terrific choice.

Here's my product review of this terrific, surprisingly affordable portable Bluetooth speaker.

Indoor/outdoor waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker - clear, rich sound quality

This compact, waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker is perfect for listening to music, podcasts, audiobooks and more, at home or on the road

Our Constant Companion at Home or On the Go

My husband and I love listening to music and audiobooks. Thanks to its compact size, impressive audio quality and IPX7 waterproof rating, the OontZ Ultra Bluetooth speaker is our constant companion whether we're in the house, on the deck, in the car, at the beach, by the lake or pool, or on vacation.

Note: The OontZ Ultra is also called the OontZ Angle 3 Ultra. To avoid confusion, I will refer to it from this point forward as the OontZ Ultra, to distinguish it from the slightly smaller, less expensive OontZ Angle 3 model.

Here's why we love it.

OontZ Ultra Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker —Key Features and Benefits

Here are some of the reasons we love ours and use it all the time.

Compact Size & Lightweight

The OontZ Ultra is just 6.5" long x 3" wide and weighs 1.03 lbs., so it's easy and convenient to take with you, whether from room to room or from your house to your deck, patio, backyard or car.

Don't let its small size and light weight fool you, though. This portable speaker packs a punch when it comes to audio quality!

Full, Rich Sound at All Volume Levels

Despite its compact size, the OontZ Ultra delivers the exceptional sound quality you would expect from a speaker designed and engineered in the USA by Cambridge SoundWorks.

Its 14+ watts of power and volume booster produce crystal-clear mid- and high-tones, while its two precision neodymium drivers and proprietary, downward-facing passive bass radiator deliver high-quality, full-range bass that's surprisingly rich for its size.

The sound reproduction is high fidelity, balanced and even from lows to highs. It never sounds muddy (too much bass) or tinny (too much treble).

Crisp Highs and Full, Rich Bass, Even at Low-to-Mid Volume. We prefer to listen to our music at moderate volume most of the time. Fortunately, this speaker doesn’t have to be cranked up high to sound good! You don’t sacrifice either clarity or bass when listening at low-to-moderate volumes.
No Tinniness or Distortion, Even When Cranked to the Maximum Volume. When we're listening to music or audiobooks in the car, we always use the OontZ Ultra for superior audio quality, rather than the car's built-in speaker. When we're on the highway or there's a lot of traffic, we often need to crank the volume on our songs, podcasts or audiobooks, and we love that the sound quality remains excellent even at full volume, with clear, crisp audiobook narrations and good bass with no distortion.

IPX7 Waterproof Rating for Indoor-Outdoor Use

This Bluetooth speaker is perfect for taking to the beach or the pool. No more worries about listening in the rain! The IPX7 rating means this speaker is fully waterproof and can be immersed in water up to 3 feet.

Long Battery Life

The OontZ Ultra Bluetooth speaker delivers a full day of listening pleasure on a single charge. The manufacturer claims that its rechargeable battery "provides up to 20 hours of playtime at 2/3 volume." So whether you're spending the day outdoors hiking, camping or at the pool or listening to music while you work, you never have to worry about running out of juice.

Simple, Intuitive Controls With Large Buttons

I love that I don't have to put my glasses on to read the controls of this portable Bluetooth speaker! The buttons are also large enough and easy to push without accidentally pressing the wrong one.

Side view of OontZ Ultra with control buttons

I love how large the buttons and how intuitive the labels are on this portable speaker!

Choice of Horizontal or Vertical Orientation

This speaker can be placed either horizontally or vertically. While we usually use ours in a horizontal orientation, if you are using it on a desk or end table where space is at a premium, it's nice to be able to stand it on its end.

Built-in Microphone

You can take calls from any mobile phone without having to disconnect from the speaker, thanks to the built-in microphone that acts as a personal hands-free speakerphone.

Excellent Bluetooth Connectivity and Superior Wireless Range

The OontZ Ultra Bluetooth 5.0 speaker is a cinch to pair with our mobile phones, laptops, tablets and other devices, and the connection has been uniformly reliable. The manufacturer claims that with its "advanced antenna design and Bluetooth 5.0 technology, this speaker provides faster connection speeds," which my husband and I have found to be true.

It also has an impressive wireless range up to 100 feet!

Thanks to the built-in AUX-IN jack, you can also easily connect to non-Bluetooth devices with a 3.5mm Line-In cable (not included).

Connect Two or More OontZ Ultra Bluetooth Speakers for Your Next Party

While the OontZ Ultra has plenty of power and volume for my husband's and my needs, its maximum volume isn't loud enough for a party. Fortunately, you can connect between two and four OontZ Ultra speakers using the OontZ app and play your party music as loud as you wish in left and right stereo.

This is also a great option if you want to play music in multiple rooms, given the speakers' 100-foot wireless range.

Fantastic Sound Quality at an Affordable Price

Although the list price of the OontZ Ultra Waterproof Bluetooth 5.0 Speaker is $49.99, at the time of this product review post's publication the price on Amazon was just $39.99. That's a terrific price for such a high-quality waterproof Bluetooth speaker.

Even Smaller and Less Expensive OontZ Bluetooth Speaker Recommendations

If you plan to bring your OontZ Ultra to the beach or on vacation, you might want to pay a bit more for the OontZ Ultra with Carry Case, which comes with a carrying case made of waterproof neoprene material with reinforced zippers and a built-in aluminum carabiner clip. The neoprene OontZ Ultra Carry Case can also be purchased separately.

If you are looking for a great, versatile Bluetooth speaker with an even smaller footprint, you might want to consider one of the following options (there are also several other models):

The slightly smaller and less expensive OontZ Angle 3, which measures 5.5" long x 3" wide and has an IPX5 waterproof rating. The list price is $34.99, but at the time of this post's publication it was just $24.99 on Amazon.
The even smaller and less expensive OontZ Angle Solo, which we bought for my husband's parents. The adorable Solo also has an IPX5 waterproof rating but measures only 3.9" long x 2.8 inches wide and weighs less than 8 ounces! My in-laws love using it in their car during their 3-hour commutes to and from their lake house in Maine. The list price is $29.99, but at the time of this product review's publication, the price on Amazon was just $19.99!

These Make Excellent, Affordable Gifts for Any Occasion

The OontZ Ultra, OontZ Angle 3 and OontZ Angle Solo make terrific, affordable gifts for anyone on your list, for any gift-giving occasion. They're easy enough for a child to use, with sound quality that your favorite audiophile will appreciate. Think Father's Day gifts, graduation gifts, birthday gifts, or just-because gifts!

OontZ Ultra — An Affordable, Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker That Sounds Fantastic! by Margaret Schindel

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Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Get Rid of Slippery Bathtubs! Use SlipDoctors Non-Slip Treatment

Use in Baths or Showers

bathtub that was treated with slipdoctors non-slip treatment

When we moved into our house in 2016, one of the first things I noticed was that the bathtub floor was slippery! I mean dangerously so. Stepping over the side, I had to hold on to the wall because my foot would slip when lifting my other leg in. It was scary! After a few months, I knew I had to do something. I dreaded taking a shower because I was honestly was afraid I would fall.

When I looked up on the internet what to do for slippery bathtubs, I first thing I saw with the textured rubber stick ons that you can put on the floor of your tub. So I ordered some. When they arrived, I cleaned the tub and let it dry and stuck them on. I immediately hated how it looked, I felt like I was back in the 70's. Those stickers looked pretty tacky. However, they did stop my slipping problem, even though I didn't care for the feeling of stepping on them. I figured it was the price I would have to pay to be safe. Unfortunately, less than a month later, when I was cleaning the tub, I noticed that the stickers were starting to peel off. I remember thinking.....there has got to be a better solution than buying and applying these ugly stickers once a month.

So back to the internet I went. This time, I looked on You Tube to see if there were any how to videos on preventing slippery bath tubs. I took a look at a few different ones, and I found out there are solutions you can put on your bathtub or shower floors to give them a more stable grip when wet. Many of them were a bit more complicated than I wanted and some could actually cause harm to your tub, like one that called for sanding your tub floor! I didn't want to do anything like that and end up with a scuffed up awful looking bathtub.

I decided to take a look on Amazon. I typed "preventing slippery bathtubs" in the search bar and the first thing that came up was "SlipDoctors Bathtub & Shower Kit | Non-Slip Treatment for Ceramic or Enamel Tubs & Tiled Showers" When I looked further, I began to get hopeful. It seems easy to apply and it got good reviews from other customers. This is the video I found showcasing this product:

I ordered it. I knew I would be kicking myself, if it didn't work, but I had to try. A couple days later, when it arrived, I handed it over to my husband and said "please put this on the bathtub." He was happy to, as he didn't like the slippery tub floor any more than I did. I am allergic to many chemicals, even soap, or I would have done it myself, I was just that anxious to try it!

It didn't take long at all, after washing the tub and wiping it dry. The solution was dry in a short time as well, but I let it sit a couple hours just to make sure. I finally was ready to see if it worked. I turned on the water and stepped in and I had no slippage! I even tried to slide my foot across the tub floor and it was difficult. However, picking when my foot straight up, the floor was not at all sticky. The floor looked exactly the same and felt the same under my feet. It was like a miracle! My slippery bathtub floor problem was solved.

They gave us enough for two applications, but believe it or not, 7 years later it still is as non-slip as the day it was applied. Now that is what I call a GREAT product!

Remember, you must get the right product for the type of tub or shower you want to apply it to. We got the ceramic and enamel treatment, but if you have an acrylic or fiberglass shower or tub, make sure you get the treatment for that. The two different treatment are in the links below.

Ceramic and Enamel

Acrylic and Fiberglass

To look at all of the products that are available from SlipDoctors, click the link below:

SlipDoctors Treatments

I highly recommend this product, it worked perfectly for us and has lasted for over 7 years. We no longer have to worry about our safety while showering and that is worth much more than the price of the treatment.

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Monday, May 22, 2023

A Salad for Breakfast? Let's Review!

Today I'm going to review the advantages of having a salad for breakfast and also share some delicious recipes to inspire your morning culinary adventures.

Yes, you read that right - a salad for breakfast!

While it seems unconventional it's actually really nice and is an idea that's even backed by Harvard Health as being very beneficial. Incorporating salad into your morning routine can provide numerous health benefits and set you up for a productive and energetic day.

My First Breakfast Salad

Now I didn't come up with this idea all by myself, I was actually away for a long weekend with my husband a few years ago and we went to a cute cafe for breakfast. I'm sure you can guess what happened, they had a menu item called a Breakfast Salad.

I had never considered salad for breakfast, but decided to give it a go and surprisingly (to me) my husband decided to try it as well. A little side note here, my husband is usually a bacon, sausage, eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, hash browns and toast kinda guy when we're out for breakfast. I thoroughly enjoyed this breakfast salad, but my husband not only enjoyed it but continued to rave about it for weeks afterward!

A delicious and nutritious breakfast salad

Photo by Lou16, design elements from Canva

So what was in this breakfast salad? It included mixed salad leaves, roasted tomatoes, a basic French vinaigrette and was topped with a couple of poached eggs and served with sourdough toast. It really was very basic, but the yolk from the poached eggs mingled with the vinaigrette and salad leaves really well and the whole meal was amazing.

I have tried to recreate this at home a couple of times, but when I do I usually cook the poached eggs so that the yolk is a little firmer and you don't get as much yolk running through the salad which is why the last couple of times I tried I switched to a couple of fried eggs and these worked really well (although they didn't feel quite so healthy!).

Why Should You Try a Breakfast Salad?

I actually googled a breakfast salad as I was curious to see if it was something other people actually ate and it appears that there are a number of different recipes out there and the benefits certainly support this as a great breakfast idea.

Check out these benefits:

Increased nutrient intake: Breakfast salads are a fantastic way to kick-start your day with a wide array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. You can pack them full of fresh vegetables, fruits and other ingredients such as eggs, nuts and seeds that all help to support your overall well-being.

Enhanced digestion: Fiber-rich vegetables and fruits found in various breakfast salads can promote healthy digestion, prevent constipation and keep you feeling full for longer. Incorporating fiber into your morning meal helps maintain a healthy gut and supports optimal digestive function.

Sustainable energy levels: Unlike sugary cereals or pastries, breakfast salads offer a steady release of energy throughout the morning. A combination of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing energy crashes and mid-morning cravings.

Boosted brainpower: Research suggests that a well-balanced breakfast positively impacts cognitive function, memory and attention span. Breakfast salads, right in brain-boosting nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and B vitamins, can help you stay focused and alert throughout the day.

Breakfast Salad Recipes

Avocado and Egg Salad

Ingredients: Mixed greens, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bacon bits, lemon juice.

Arrange the mixed greens on a plate. Top with sliced avocado, halved hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion and bacon bits. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad and enjoy.

Berry Spinach Salad

This is a salad that I have tried a few times and I have found it listed on Pinterest as a breakfast salad, I've only had it as a lunch/dinner salad and I've added mackerel to it as I'm not sure that it contains enough protein for a meal on its own, especially breakfast.

Ingredients: Fresh baby spinach, mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries - side note I've also had this with just strawberries), sliced almonds, crumbled feta cheese, balsamic vinaigrette.

Toss the spinach, berries, almonds and feta chees together in a bowl. Drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette and enjoy.

What About a Warm Salad?

I have also had a warm salad for breakfast (this is also a great Sunday night dinner when you need something quick and simple)

Ingredients: Crushed garlic, mixed salad leaves, cherry tomatoes, and eggs. Optional ingredients include roasted sweet potato, spring onions, and capsicum.

Add a clove of garlic (crushed) into a pan with some olive oil and let it heat up. When you can smell the garlic it's time to throw in the mixed salad leaves and let them wilt down, stirring. Once they have started to wilt throw the tomatoes and any other ingredients in to heat through, pop a lid on and take off the heat.

Now cook your eggs, either poached or fried are great, when the eggs are ready transfer the salad to your plate and top with the eggs.

Will You Be Eating Salad for Breakfast?

So what do you think, will you try salad for your breakfast? Experiment with different fresh ingredients and let us know how you find it.

If you're interested in getting and/or staying healthy why not join our Facebook Group - Healthy Tips to Feel & Look Your Best.

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Sunday, May 21, 2023

25 Little Surprises for Men: Gift Ideas that Effortlessly Slip into a Card

Gifts for a Man that Fit Inside of a Card

Sometimes large elaborate gifts are not an option.

When you're looking for a gift to fit inside a card, you're more than likely seeking a personal, unique, oddly helpful gift that can be mailed and, in some cases, is affordable.

To save you some mind work and extra thinking, I've compiled a list of ideas for the man in your life that you can consider mailing or handing him as a gift inside a card.

Take note that you may have to purchase slightly larger cards for a few of these suggestions.

25 Gift Items for a Man: Gifts that Can Fit Inside of a Card:

A gift card to his favorite restaurant or store
Handwritten letter expressing your love and appreciation
Movie tickets for a special night out
A small printed photo of a cherished memory
Inspirational quote or affirmation card
Custom-designed bookmark
Lottery scratch-off tickets
Guitar picks for the music enthusiast
Write a few riddle brain teasers inside the card
Personalized stickers or decals
Thoughtful coupons for acts of service or quality time
Magnetic bookmark with a funny or meaningful quote
Assorted tea bags or single-serve coffee packets
A handwritten recipe for his favorite dish
A collectible trading card of his favorite sports team or player
A necklace, cufflinks, or other jewelry
A personalized keychain
A personalized business card holder
A small pack of Post-it notes with witty or loving messages
Key locators, password savers
A USB flash drive with important files or photos
A personalized luggage tag for his next adventure
When money is no object, tickets for a weekend trip together
Tickets to his favorite type of music band, theatre, or concert
Personalized return address labels or decorative stickers

Remember to account for the weight of the envelope if you plan to put the card in the mail; you'll want to ensure you have the correct amount of postage.

Don't send anything restricted or prohibited by mail, usually food products, medicines, etc.; check with your local mail service online or in person.

If you're more of a visual person, I've put together a list of gift ideas for a man that can fit inside a card or envelope. You'll notice that the gift ideas are from various stores.

You can see the list of gift product suggestions here.

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Saturday, May 20, 2023

All That We Are - A Book Review

All That We Are is the third book in the Wyndham Beach Series. With this book, author Mariah Stewart concludes this trilogy of lighthearted tales of love and reinvention.

sand and shell beach scene at the ocean's edge

Readers of books one and two in this trilogy have met the three older heroines whose lives have intersected since grade school in the charming small town of Wyndham Beach, Massachusetts. Now in their fifties, married, then divorced or widowed, they have become mothers, and now grandmothers.

Book One featured Maggie Lloyd in An Invincible Summer

Book Two featured Liddy Bryant in Goodbye Again

Now in Book Three, All That We Are, the star of the story is Emma Dean.

Synopsis

Emma Dean is the widow of Harry who died a decade ago and mother of Chris, a charming young man who pursued his dream, followed his music and today is a famous rock star.

At this stage in her life, Emma has found fulfillment in running the Art Center in town and has been busy finalizing plans for the artist colony the Art Center will host this summer. She enjoys her peaceful and organized life in her hometown and the friendship of the two women she grew up with. Plus, she has recently been seeing a charming businessman.

Then two surprises interrupt her life. First she accidentally finds evidence in some old papers of her husband's longtime affair she knew nothing about.

And the biggest surprise of all turns her life completely upside down when she opens her front door to discover a small, thin, 8-year-old girl with pig tails standing there. The little girl ~ Winnie ~ states that her granny in Georgia sent her on the bus to Emma “cause she said it's 'bout time you took your turn.”

The letter Winnie hands Emma states that her son, Chris Dean, is listed as the father on the child's birth certificate. Could Emma, unknown to her (and apparently to her son, Chris), be this child's grandmother?

As Emma struggles between what was and what is, she discovers that the life she really wants may be unexpected, but is hers if she is willing to fight for it.

Summary

beach scene with beach hat and flip flops

Image Source: Pixabay

The story is filled with a wealth of subplots, including the artists in residence at the art center, the charming businessman who has eyes only for Emma, a beach wedding, Chris Dean's relationship with Maggie's daughter and now the possibility that Chris has a daughter he knew nothing about.

A story of friendships, forgetting and moving forward. An enjoyable read about love, loss, and second chances.

For More Book Reviews, check out ReviewThisBooks.com

*All That We Are was reviewed by Wednesday Elf

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Friday, May 19, 2023

Lipton Cold Brew Iced Black Tea Bags Review

A few months back, my husband's uncle invited us to dinner. He is an excellent cook and we thoroughly enjoyed the meal.

He served delicious tea with the dinner, which I drank without adding any sweetener. However, I did sweeten my second glass of tea. It was tasty both ways.

The brew was the perfect strength. When he told us how he made it, I was shocked. I couldn't believe it was cold brew, meaning it was made in cold water and not boiled.

When the uncle came to dinner at our home a few weeks later, he was sweet enough to gift me with a box of the Lipton Cold Brew Iced Black Tea Bags. I have made it several times since and my husband loves it.

The one thing I, personally, miss is the smell of brewed tea, but the taste is still delicious.

Iced tea is always a welcome and wonderful compliment for meals.

Lipton Cold Brew Iced Black Tea Bags

The 4.8 oz box contains 22 large (family size) tea bags. The box states that you use 2 bags in 8 cups of cold water. However, my glass pitcher only holds 6 cups of water and I still use the 2 bags. It is the perfect strength when made that way.

Allow it to "cold brew" for 5 minutes. My husband's uncle did tell us that he has left it for 15 or 20 minutes and can tell no difference for the longer time.

Cold brew tea does contain caffeine, but is generally considered to only have about half the caffeine of boiled black tea. There are no artificial flavors or sweeteners added to Lipton Cold Brew Tea.

It is also available in decaf.

Lipton, Cold Brew Family Size Iced Tea Bags (Pack of 4)Check Price Lipton Black Tea Bags, Cold Brew, Decaf, 22 ctCheck Price

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Oats Based Breakfast Ideas That Include Fruit & Vegetables

Images of oat based breakfasts like proats, overnight oats and oatmeal bake

Photos by Lou16, template by Canva

I absolutely love oats for breakfast, for years I had porridge every morning until I was introduced to proats. I think proats is probably my favourite breakfast, although I've recently discovered an oatmeal bake which is absolutely amazing.

Sometimes, in Queensland, it's too hot to eat proats so one of my alternative oat-based options is overnight oats.

I like to make sure I increase the nutritional content of these meals by adding a couple of servings of fruit and vegetables to them. Starting the day with fruit and vegetables helps you to hit your daily target. Let's review how you can do that with each of these three meal ideas.

Proats with Cauliflower!

Yes, you heard correctly and if you're anything like me when you read that you probably thought cauliflower for breakfast - you're crazy! I actually really enjoy it though so let me take you through how I make it.

First of all, I've been enjoying proats for years using just oats and when I was told I could substitute the oats for cauliflower I was NOT going to do that, however, I did decide I would try adding a little bit of cauliflower to my oats and take it from there.

2/3 cup oats
1/3 cup frozen cauliflower rice
2 scoops Arbonne protein powder (if you use a different brand then this may need to be adjusted, it's basically one serving)
1 2/3 cup water (you can use milk of your own choice and also adapt the amount if you prefer your proats a different consistency)
1 tsp nut butter (optional)

Add the oats and the cauliflower to a bowl next put the liquid and protein powder into a shaker and shake. This ensures you don't get lumps in your proats so please don't skip this step.

Add the protein shake to the oats mixture and mix well.

Pop into the microwave for 2 mins, take out and stir well, then put back in for 1 minute.

If you're adding nut butter pop it in now and then stir really well before putting it in a bowl to serve.

I top it with fruit and seeds ie cherries and pumpkin seeds or strawberries with sunflower and flaxseeds.

Now I wouldn't personally want to add more than a third of cauliflower to my oats and I will admit you can taste the cauliflower, but I actually don't mind the flavour I think it goes well together, especially for chocolate or mocha flavour oats. Vanilla oats don't disguise the cauliflower flavour nearly as well, in my opinion.

Overnight Oats

I love making my overnight oats, but most of my recipes only used to contain fruit and no vegetables, as I was scrolling Instagram one day I came across a carrot cake overnight oats recipe and had to give it a go. I didn't really like it to be honest, but I did love the idea of having carrots for my breakfast so I experimented and remembered that my husband's secret ingredient when he makes carrot cake is pineapple so...check out my carrot cake overnight oat recipe that I DO like.

2/3 cup oats
1 small carrot, grated
1 tbsp chia seeds
a small handful of frozen pineapple
2 scoops Arbonne vanilla protein powder
2/3 cup DF milk (I like to use oat milk)
1/3 cup coconut yogurt
1 tbsp nut butter (I use almond)
dash of cinnamon

Topping

Yogurt & pumpkin seeds

Combine the oats, carrot, chia seeds, protein powder, cinnamon and pineapple together in a container and give a quick stir. Now add the milk and coconut yogurt and mix together really well. Place in the fridge overnight.

In the morning roughly spread your nut butter on the top and then add the yogurt or see below for the bonus recipe and use my protein-enhanced yogurt (this is what I prefer to use. Originally I tried using just one scoop of protein in the base layer and the other scoop in the yogurt layer, but one scoop in the base leaves it tasting a little bland it definitely needs the full 2 scoops).

Finally, sprinkle the pumpkin seeds on the top and enjoy!

Oatmeal Bake

There's no way I can think (just yet anyway) how to add any vegetables into this bake, but it does contain a couple of serves of fruit and it tastes delicious. I find it super easy to prepare and pop into the oven as I do a few other jobs before it's time to eat. Here's the recipe, let me know if you try it:

1 banana
3/4 cup unsweetened plant milk
1 cup oats
1/2 tbsp baking powder
1 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 cup frozen berries

I make this all in the pie dish that I am going to cook it in so that there are fewer dishes to wash! So, after turning the oven on to preheat at 180C, mash the banana then add the oats, baking powder, chia seeds and plant milk. Stir it all together well before adding your frozen berries and mixing them in well (I've tried lots of different versions and prefer using mixed berries).

When the oven has come up to temperature pop the oat mixture in for 20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Voila! It's finished and tastes delicious. You can eat it by itself or add a dollop of yogurt on the top - my personal favourite way is by adding some of my protein-enhanced yogurt (sometimes a few fresh berries on top as well).

Bonus Recipe

Well not really a bonus recipe, but here's how I make my protein-enhanced yogurt. I basically take a scoop of Arbonne's vanilla protein powder and a very generous dollop (or two) of coconut yogurt and mix them together. The result is a sweeter flavoured, protein-packed yogurt that is great on the bake above, or on top of pancakes or waffles. I have even mixed fresh berries through this and eaten it as a snack.

Image of a delicious bowl of proats, just one of the 3 oats based breakfast ideas mentioned

Photo by Lou16, Template by Canva

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Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Safety and Aging Go Hand in Hand ~ A Product Review

For anyone who has had to look after an aging relative or even an aging spouse, you know that the most important thing from day to day is a person's safety.

While our loved ones may still be able to do many things, there are also many that they can no longer do for themselves. So as their caregivers we need to make sure that their independence and safety come first and foremost.

We took my mother into our home at the end of February and since then have made many small changes that has resulted in her being able to do some things for herself . This helps her with her self-esteem! The more we can help her be independent, the less she will suffer from Depression.

One of the major things we needed to do was to make sure that her night-time routines would be easier for her and for us as well.

Nightlights became a "must have"! She has one in her bedroom and one in the bathroom. What I love about these nightlights is that they don't cast such a glow as to interfere with her sleep, yet when it is dark at night, they illuminate her surroundings enough that she can make out a clear path to her bathroom.

We were talking with many representatives about services and tools that are useful for seniors. They gave us a great list of things we could do to make my mother's situation as good as it can be.

The second part of this safety lesson for us, was having something that she can hold onto when getting up out of bed. It's difficult at the best of times for the elderly to get safely from their beds to the bathroom, but when they also have lightheadedness, it is even more critical to make their trip to the loo, an easy, and safe journey.

This may be of great help for you in whatever situation you might find yourself. It is a simple bed frame that is firmly attached to the box spring on the bed. It offers a rail that can be held onto until they get their feet under them. It stabilizes them until they can take that first step or two after getting up!

My mother loves this rail and uses it even through the day when she feels the need for a little extra support. It has a non-slip covering that is soft on "old hands". This is the Amazon Choice for bed rails, but in our case it was also the one most recommended by Senior's Occupational Health and Safety. It is not terribly expensive and gives us so much piece of mind. Because of the relative costs for her safety and depending on your own situation, you could install these rails on either side of the bed or on both sides for that little bit of extra safety and security.

In our case one rail was enough as her bed is on a wall on the other side. There is only one way into her bed and one way out! We are so pleased with this purchase because it makes our lives easier knowing that she is safely tucked into her bed at night, but that should she need to get up, she can do so in a manner that doesn't put her at risk of falling!

In the description of this item it says that it takes 2 minutes to install and I thought to myself, that for sure it was an exaggeration. Well, I was wrong! It really did only takes a few minutes to have this bed rail installed and ready for use. Over all both my husband and I are so pleased with this purchase and my mother loves it as well.

Aging is not easy as every day brings some new challenges, but with the right tools, everyday life can be made easier!

Here's to keeping our loved ones safe and secure in their later years.

You can read more about safety and seniors in my other review:

Wonderful Tools to Help You Age Gracefully

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Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Reviewing My Experience Of Bamboo Sheets And Bedding Sets

We started using bamboo bedding a couple of years ago. Prior to this, we had cotton sheets in summer and fleece bedding in winter.

However, since I had a severe skin allergy and perimenopause my skin has become super sensitive and I cannot bear anything but the most silky soft materials next to it.

So I was finding our old cotton sheets a bit too crisp and a little irritating and even itchy. The winter soft fleecy sheets were still OK but too warm and unbearable to use in the spring and summer.

People often skimp on good bedding as it is not something people usually see but it is vital for our health. A good comfortable sleep is so important to our emotional and physical well-being. So I started researching alternatives and found that Bamboo bedding has become increasingly popular in the last ten or so years. Given the benefits of Bamboo bedding, we decided to try them.

Our Experience of Sleeping on Bamboo Sheets and Pillowcases.

I was incredibly happy the very first night with the bamboo sheets, duvet cover and pillowcases. They are so silky soft to the touch and did not irritate my skin at all. The pillowcases were lovely so soft and comfortable and had a nice cool feel to them against my face.

It was a real pleasure to get into bed and an added bonus was that they seemed to regulate heat better.

My husband sleeps naturally cold and in recent years I have been throwing sheets and covers off me in the night due to getting too hot.

However using Bamboo bedding for the sheets, duvet cover and pillowcases my husband is warm enough and while I cannot say I am completely cured of the night heat, it is significantly better.

We have bought them gradually and currently have two sets consisting of a duvet cover, a fitted sheet and two pillowcases, one is a light grey and one dark grey. Over time I would like four sets a white one and another dark grey or a soft colour so I can mix and match them.

Why Is Bamboo Bedding A Good Choice

If we are concerned about sustainability and being friendly to the planet bamboo bedding can be a sensible choice.

It grows very quickly and is a renewable resource that needs little water to grow. So if recurrent drought is going to be a factor in our future this is helpful.

Being naturally pest resistant it does not require harmful pesticides to grow as a crop which is helpful to the creatures in nature and ourselves.

Bamboo is resistant to dust mites, mildew and mould which is great for those of us who have to deal with sensitive, allergic skin or asthma.

I have found that the sizes easily fit our bed, duvet and pillows and with the Bamboo being so lightweight and easy to handle it is an easy task to make the bed. Ours came with a zip to close the duvet which is quick and easy and the sheets have an additional elastic strap and elastic edging, making it simple to fit and they never slip during the night. The pillowcases are a simple envelope fitting large enough to cover our pillows easily.

Our Bamboo bedding is very lightweight and folds into a remarkably small package so even in a larger King size it does not take up much room in the linen cupboard.

Also now I have found bedding that works for us, if like me, you like to take your own bedding with you on trips away and holidays it is possible to do that.

Tafts Bamboo Sheets Queen Size Bed Sheet Set, Pure 100% Organic Bamboo Viscose, 17 Inch Deep Pockets – Luxuriously Soft, Silky, Cooling Sheets, Double Stitched, Lifetime Quality Guarantee (Green)

Care Of Bamboo Bedding

As I change our bedding at least once a week I need sheets and covers that are quick and easy to wash and dry all year round.

Bamboo bedding fulfills these criteria easily. I simply put them in a 30-degree delicates machine wash. They are beautifully clean and washing at this low temperature saves electricity costs.

For drying I hang on the washing line whenever it s not raining or hang over a clothes horse inside with the window open or our dehumidifier on and they dry very quickly.

I have also put them in the tumble dryer on occasion on delicate and they come out lovely, though I do not do this often due to the cost of running a tumble dryer these days!

Whichever method you use to dry them there is no need to iron them which is a welcome bonus and they come out perfectly silky soft and gorgeous.

We have had our two sets for a couple of years now and they still look like new. Granted they are more expensive than our other sheets but they are stronger and look and feel significantly better for longer. They have not developed any holes or uncomfortable bobbles. If anything they feel softer now than they originally did and look beautiful on the bed.

Pure Bamboo - Sheets Queen Bed Sheet Set, Genuine 100% Organic Bamboo Viscose, Luxuriously Soft & Cooling, Double Stitching, 16" Deep Pockets, Lifetime Quality Promise (Queen, Ivory)

So in my experience, Bamboo bedding is a great find and something we will continue to use for our sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases.

It is one of the more eco-friendly choices, easy care, good for allergy sufferers and sensitive skin, beautiful to look at and feels so gorgeous against the skin.

They are incredibly comfortable and soothing to sleep on and have made a huge difference to our sleep comfort.