Book Reviews and Money Saving Tips

I like to feed the birds.  Normally I use just black sunflower seeds.  I added this four days ago as it seemed like a good idea.  I have not seen one bird on it.  I don’t know if I am displaying it incorrectly but generally when I put out suet or other treats the birds find it within 24 hours.  This was serious money AT $130  for 20 pounds which I had hoped would translate into more birds at the feeder.  So far not so good. Maybe I hung it wrong??? ·                         Highly palatable treat ·                         Good for encouraging weaning and getting birds to eat ·                       ...

Everything but the little smile is accurate! I don’t often oooh, over a new product.  This bulb is ooooh rated though.  It set up easily upon downloading the app to my phone and setting up an account.  You need to input your router password and the bulb is recognized.  To get it recognized by your Amazon Echo you need to do a few more steps but all of them are quite simple.  Once set up you can control the light by your Amazon Echo or your phone.  You can even brighten or dim your light and change it from a cool white to a sunny yellow.  Pretty darn impressive for a light bulb.  From the vendor:  This item is certified to work with Amazon Alexa     Control this product with your voice through any Alexa device Control all your lights using your smartphone from anywhere, at anytime using the Geeni app (iOS 8 or higher/Android 4.1 or higher) No hub required, Wi-Fi built-in 75-Watt equivalent, 1050 lumen...

There is no steam involved on this cleaner. I was a bit bemused when I read the instructions and nothing was mentioned about power steaming, it’s because there is no steam.   With that aside, this seems to do a pretty good job.  I tested this on a powder blue sheared carpet, a longer sheared carpet, a very flat kind of mat carpet, a woven oriental type carpet and a bath mat.   The only one that it seemed to have issues with was the very tightly woven, flat mat carpet.  The brushes pulled some loops up on it.  On the rest of the carpets, it ran just fine.  There were a lot of lint balls after I was done but that is noted in the manual with the suggestion to vacuum after the carpet is dry.  I did not have any noticeable stains on any of the carpets but the one that it didn’t like so I don’t know how well it pulls up stains.  I can tell you that the water it pulled up was pretty darn dirty so it certainly looks like it is working....

Reviewing cookware is a bit challenging. If you screw up something it provides an excuse for your error by stating, it  must have been the pan, not me!  So far I haven't screwed up anything in this pan.  Only had it a couple of days and so far nothing is sticking to it.  Hand washing it is required but that isn't a hassle as I hand wash all my decent cookware and all my good knives.  This is a nice size and it has a wok like shape which I like as it doesn't give you that seam area which can be a problem to clean in some traditional type skillets.  It states do not use cooking spray.  So far that hasn't been a problem.  This is a nice addition to my kitchen tools. If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

This may be the brightest light I own. The light is so bright that even if you just catch the light peripherally it leaves a flash bulb kind of halo on your eye. The accompanying literature cautions against looking at it directly and it is certainly accurate. I like the small size, the pull out work light and the magnet. This is a very nice light. Photo to provide a size guide.  From the vendor: 170 lumen flood light on front extendable panel, 150 lumen focused top beam Featuring a strong magnetic base for hands-free use it can be used as a flashlight or extended into a work light. Water & impact resistant RUN TIME : 6 hours top beam, 4 hours front panel BATTERY TYPE : AAA; BATTERIES INCLUDED : yes; # OF BATTERIES : 3 If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Before and After cleaning after use and before cleaning. Skillets tend to get beat up fast, probably because they are a goto tool.   This finish surprised me.   I always spray a pan, regardless of finish or whether the recipe advises not to use spray.  I hate when things stick.   I have attached photos.   With a light nudge from a Teflon spatula, the eggs slid right out of the pan and onto the plate.   I did notice they were slightly more well done than I expected and that may have to be considered when using this pan.  It apparently conducts the heat well.  I was surprised the handle did not get hot, it certainly looked like it would.  Clean up was quite simple, keep in mind the manufacturer emphasizes to let the pan cool before cleaning.  It sponged out without and excessive elbow grease.   I will report back here if the finish breaks down faster...

I had planned on using these in the pool house for the small toys but my bride immediately decided she had a home for one.  It is ideal to hold the Kleenex, hand cream and remotes.  It is attractive enough that it is useable in public areas.  The fabric appears strong and these are very nice . Never made it to the pool.  From the vendor: Take Back Your Space with DII Storage DII nylon trapezoid storage containers are sold in a set of 2 identical containers and are available in four colors and five sizes to take care of your various storage needs. Bins are constructed with a metal frame with woven nylon material to hold up to any task. Storage containers are perfect for shelves, offices, laundry rooms, closets, and in your bedrooms for knick knacks, photos, or accessories. For care, simply wipe with a damp sponge to clean. DII has simple and effective storage solutions for any room in the home. Organize your kitchen or bathroom cabinet...

The material is light weight and the fit is outstanding. I like the slim cut which is often hard to find on larger shirts.  Large does not always mean portly.  The length of the shirt is also important as this style of shirt is my first choice for golf. This has a tail that is just a bit north of the crotch in my shorts.  This practically guarantees that the shirt will stay tucked in for the entire round.  This shirt was perfect and at $20 at Amazon a darn good deal.  If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

It's BACK! Halleluiah,  an easy, simple fix! I struggle to remember the last time I was able to say that. For several months my Viewsonic VS15153 touch monitor’s touch function has not worked.  The lack of touch has not impacted my work so I ignored the problem.  Today I finally had time to address the problem.   I called Viewsonic tech support, got Rose who suggested switching out the USB cable as it is the controlling factor for the touch capability. Viola the problem was solved.  The screen now supports touch again and incidentally lets me flatten it and draw on it.   The cable was fine but since the computer end was not connected it could not work.  My only excuse is when I replaced a UPS behind the computer I must have pulled the cable out.  But…. A SIMPLE FIX!  I did try and find a solution online and in the documentation that I saved to no avail.  However Rose solved the problem in less than one...

This is obviously me although my 6 pack isn't obvious. LOL I’ve loved that darn crocodile logo for years with no understanding of why.   This underwear looks good on (not that anyone will ever see it) and feels very comfortable.  I am mystified as to why there is no fly on them which seems to be a factor that will impact functionality.  Their product information says that it is a tag free and seamless waistband but there is a seam under the back tag and there is a designed in France and made in Egypt tag listing the fabric breakdown.  The addition of a fly would bump this up to 5 stars.  The lack of a fly restricts them to 4 stars.  The misinformation regarding the waistband is inconsequential to the product. The price, however, is indicative of brand name overkill at $16.79 a pair on Amazon.  47% Pima Cotton, 33% Modal, 14% Cotton, 6% Elastane Imported Machine Wash Crafted in soft, breathable pique cotton, these boxer briefs...