Sunday’s Best Linkup – #157

 

First, it’s hard to believe we’re half-way through January 2018.  I hope that you are being productive in the New Year!  Welcome to Week 157 of Sunday’s Best.  We’re continuing our Baby It’s Cold Outside theme. We’re looking for winter crafts, recipes, decorating ideas, mantel display, tablescapes and more. It’s cold, snowy or has frost on it, we welcome it.

We also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and share those on our linkup too. They’re are great for inspiration.
Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the party too.

Each week your hosts will select their favorite post and it will be featured the following week. An image from your post will be used on our linkup post the following week with a link back to your blog. Be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!
The Reader’s Choice post(s) will be determined by the post(s) with the most clicks. We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter. In addition to the Post With the Most Clicks, a post for our monthly themes will be selected and featured each week as well.

If you are interested in becoming a Sunday’s Best Linkup host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

Sunday's Best Linkup

 

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother  Brittany at A Mama Tale   Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone

Here are the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

Kim from Life In A House: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+;, Pinterest;, Bloglovin;, or Instagram; before you leave.

Brittany from A Mama’s Tale: Please like Brittany’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, or Pinterest before you leave.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

 

Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!


Rhonda selected How to Clean Your Stainless Steel Sink  from Magical Mama Blog  

 

cleaning hacks

 

 

Kim selected 5 Ways to Save Time at Home from Play Dates to Parties 

 

Home Organization Tips

 

 

Brittany selected Surviving Winter Printable Bundle from Janine Huldie  

 

winter planning printables

 


The Post with the Most Clicks


Simmer Pot to Make Your House Smell Good
from Chas Crazy Creations  

 Home Fragrace Ingredients

and

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) – Baby It’s Cold Outside

DIY Icicle Candle Holders from Sew Historically  

 

 

winter craft ideas

Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup. We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again; you could be selected next week! While you’re here, take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media!

 


First Grade Educational Activities: Winter Word Search Puzzles

 

 

Helping children learn to read must be a dual effort with teachers and parents.  My granddaughter is in the first grade this year, and she is learning to read.  As a result, I’m constantly searching for books, printables, games and anything else I can find to help her.  My grandson is an honor student, and he loves word search puzzles.  I purchased books for him and developed printables so he could learn word recognition.  I must admit, there were times I needed to occupy him as well.  Learning always comes to mind when I need to occupy the grandchildren.  There are times that I choose fun, but reading is truly fundamental so I turn to books or create printables for them.

I’ve decided to use the same method of teaching my granddaughter to read that I used with my grandson.  They are attending the same elementary school, so the educational concepts are the same.  I love word search puzzles because they assist children with word recognition, context clues and help with spelling.  Additionally, learning Context Clues is important. For example, snow, cold, coats and gloves are associated with winter. Word search puzzles help with spelling too.  So, I developed first grade educational activities to include all of the above.

 

first grade educational activities

So, I mentioned choosing between fun projects or educational activities for the children when I needed to occupy them or help with homework.  I have learned that it’s important to make learning fun for children.  If successful, children will want to learn and will stick with it.  I strive for fun activities when I’m working on printables for my granddaughter.  When I do, she wants to complete the goal.  I also strive to keep the printables simple and not drawn out.  Children ages 6 and 7, have short attention spans.

To help with Context Clues and spelling, I developed a series of first grade educational activities.  The series includes winter word search puzzles.  My granddaughter loves cold weather, snow, and hot chocolate.

First Grade Eeducational ActivitiesYou can download the winter word search puzzles here.

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #156

 

First, Happy New Year!  May it be filled with family, faith, good health,  and love.  Welcome to our first linkup of 2018, Week 156 of Sunday’s Best.  Our theme is Baby It’s Cold Outside.  We’re looking for winter crafts, recipes, decorating ideas, mantel display, tablescapes and more.  It’s cold and snowy, we welcome it.

We also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and share those on our linkup too. They’re are great for inspiration.
Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the party too.

Each week your hosts will select their favorite post and it will be featured the following week. An image from your post will be used on our linkup post the following week with a link back to your blog. Be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!
The Reader’s Choice post(s) will be determined by the post(s) with the most clicks. We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter. In addition to the Post With the Most Clicks, a post for our monthly themes will be selected and featured each week as well.

If you are interested in becoming a Sunday’s Best Linkup host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

Sunday's Best Linkup

 

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother Brittany at A Mama Tale Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone

Here are the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

Kim from Life In A House: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+;, Pinterest;, Bloglovin;, or Instagram; before you leave.

Brittany from A Mama’s Tale: Please like Brittany’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, or Pinterest before you leave.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

 

Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!


Rhonda selected DIY Picture on Canvass from Foxy’s Domestic Side  

 

 

DIY Christmas Canvas Photo

 

Kim selected A Walk Down Festive Fifth Avenue from The Boondock’s Blog

Christmas in New York

 

Brittany selected Christmas Gift Tags from Burlap and Blue

 

Christmas Gift Tag Ideas


The Post with the Most Clicks


Caramelized Onions
from Jay Tried and True  

carmelized onions

and

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) – Merry Christmas to You

Sweater Weather Christmas Table from Blowing Away Out West  

 

Christmas Table Setting Ideas

 

and

 

Terra Cotta Nutcracker Soldier  from Chas’ Crazy Creations  

 

Christmas Decorations

 

and
Peppermint Mochatini Cocktail by Playdates to Parties 
 Peppermint Cocktail Ideas
Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup. We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again; you could be selected next week! While you’re here, take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media!

 


Trendy Fashion Tips That Won’t Break Your Wallet

Every girl loves to dress up and look great when attending those eagerly awaited dinner party, girl’s night out or holiday parties. These sparkling, fun-filled parties requires trendy party wear that will be sure to make you stand out. But, most of us can’t afford to splurge on a single outfit.  So, to shop on a budget and still look great is a feat.  As a result,  I’m sharing a list of trendy fashion tips. These trendy fashion tips will help you to renew outfits that you currently have.  And,  will ensure you look stylish and empowered without breaking the bank.

 

 

 

 

Trendy Fashion Tips

 

 

Search the closet

First, start going through your closet! Yes, you’re probably thinking you’ve already done this plenty of times. But, you’d be surprised at the amount of old gems you’ve forgotten about that just need some accessorizing.

We can all be guilty of accumulating clothes, leaving them in the closet and forgetting about them. By having a good old look through the closet again, but with a new attitude, you’re bound to find something.  Perhaps you have a dress that only needs a scarf or sequined jacket to give it a completely different look. Think about the accessories that you could use to change the look, a necklace or a belt?  Also, what type of shoes can you use – sandals or sneakers?

With a clear picture of what you have in your wardrobe, it will be easier for you to buy specific accessories and save yourself from the dangers of  impulse shopping.

Don’t be trend specific, buy classic

Fashion trends are changing swiftly and one season’s hit is the next season’s flop.  So, you can revamp your entire wardrobe one year only to face a heap of outdated clothes the next.

Shop smartly and stay away from choosing shirts, sweaters and jackets that all have the latest cuts and embellishments.  Instead, balance things out by opting for something classic like a plain LBD (Little Black Dress) that never goes out of fashion.

Perhaps you already have one in your closet. Why not consider adding fur at the hem or metallic trimmings? Or you could invest in a trendy sequined jacket to go with your classic LBD.  If you have a good old pair of jeans or a skirt lying around, why not buy a flared top to go with them and refresh the look.

Invest in a quality wardrobe

You can’t overhaul your entire wardrobe every year in a bid to be trendy. Therefore, before heading out make a list of the clothing items you have to buy. If you’re in need of a decent jacket or new shoes, concentrate on those rather than buying randomly. Be sure to buy mindfully and try to opt for quality products within budget.

Think of your shopping list in terms of trade-offs.  Skip one or two must-haves for one quality item that will last for years. A good pair of jeans, for example, won’t wear out and are always trendy. Another example is cashmere. Yes, it’s pricey, but it can definitely be worth it.  Its longevity, warmth, and comfort make up for the high price.  Plus you can wear it in a variety of ways.  Be sure to choose the cuts and colors that don’t go out of fashion.

Layer it up

Some items are in fashion all year, meaning you can just layer them for winter. You can incorporate your old shirts or sweaters in the layers and stay warm and stylish. You can also wear your summer clothes in between the layers like a tank top paired with a blazer for that winter chic look.This means you don’t have to go on an expensive winter clothes haul!

Mix and match your staple pieces

Every wardrobe has plenty of staple pieces like trousers, skirts, sweaters, cardigans, and coats. When you’re out to buy any of these, choose neutral shades that can be easily mixed and matched.  For example, 20 tops with 5 trousers and 5 skirts, gives you 200 dress choices – win, win!

Accessorize your outfit

Turn your simple, basic outfit into a stylish, trendy outfit by simply pairing it with colorful, chic accessories. A colorful scarf can really add vibrancy to an otherwise dull outfit. The same goes for bold, statement jewellery which can transform your overall look.

Avail the sales

This is a no-brainer. We all know about sales and their money-saving potential.  However, some of us don’t have the time to take them on. Instead, sign up for your favorite brands’ newsletters and stay updated on any upcoming sales.  You may even find discount vouchers to help pay for an item on your trendy fashion tips list. Shop smart, and you won’t need to compromise on quality and style.

Resale shops

When you’re on a tight budget, the last thing you think about it buying high end brands. But there is a way. There are plenty of resale shops where you can find brand name goods at minimum prices. They sell anything from designer clothes and bags to shoes all for a fraction of their original cost.

Visit a tailor

The key difference between a branded, expensive dress and its cheap alternative is the fitting and stitching. Inexpensive dresses are usually ill-fitted but this can be fixed.  Therefore on our trendy fashion tips list is to try taking your dress to a tailor for an exclusive fitting. Some extra pennies on the fitting will instantly change the whole look of your dress.

Sell or trade extra items

If you’ve overspent on items that you don’t need or have found some unwanted yet valuable clothes lying around your closet, why not make extra money from them?  You can easily sell them in resale shops or garage sales. You can also auction them on eBay or through local Facebook groups.  Earning extra money out of insignificant stuff at home never hurts. In fact, there are many other creative and smart ideas for earning some extra money too.

So, it’s not impossible to look stylish and trendy on a budget.  All you need is a few trendy fashion tips and to shop smart. You can turn your basic tee into a chic dress by pairing it with the right skirt and accessorizing it properly. Invest your money in basic, staple classics instead of impulsively buying all the shines on the branded racks. Then, pair what you have with one or two trendy items of the season. This way you’ll neither break your bank or sport an outdated look. The classics will stay with you for years and help you style within your comfort zone.

The Packaging of Food Products Can Affect the Taste

 

Have you ever wondered why some things just taste better when eaten or drunk from certain containers?  For instance, it is believed that coffee will taste stronger if you drink it from a white mug as compared to a clear one.  This seems to be true even though it is the same brew.  Additionally, it appears that all senses are involved in the sensation of taste.  Packaging manufactures have taken note.  As a result, there are different types of boxes for different product types.  This is part of the food product packaging concept.

You can learn more here https://www.boxcoop.com/boxes-by-industry/food-beverage.  So, lets delve a little deeper into the matter and discover how and why these connections exist in our minds.

Suggestive Design Can Be Healthier

For instance, products that suggest saltiness can use a food product packaging concept that reduces the salt content without compromising the taste of the food.  Similarly, sugar content in a lot of foods could be significantly lowered with the use of these food product packaging concept too.  Again, what’s important is the suggestion that the product is healthier and there is no perceived change in the taste to consumers.

The Picture on the Package Goes a Long Way

Consumers seem to be trained to look for certain elements on packaging too.  In most cases, these clues are subconscious.  They are a reflection of what our ancestors looked for in the food they choose.  However, you can make a conscious effort to pick up on those clues.  For instance, if the package displays the product contained inside, customers are more likely to connect with the product being high quality and tasty.  This packaging concept is often employed by food brands.

The next time you go food shopping, take a closer look at the packaging. You may be pleasantly surprised and empowered by having knowledge of how brands advertise.

packaging food products

The Colors Affect 

For humans, colors can represent a lot of things.  But, there are some colors and associations which go beyond our conscious minds.  They delve deep into our primordial nature.  For instance, red and yellow are primary colors when it comes to food.  These colors stimulate hunger.  Which is why food brands will use these colors in their advertisement.

Brown and similar earthy tones are associated with nature and natural foods. The same kind of association comes with green, but the use of this color has reduced in the past few years.

Bright and bold colors are typically reserved for candy and other sweet products. The intensity of the color usually reflects the intensity of the taste of the product. On the other hand, reserved and pastel colors are used for savory products.  They signify a rich and deep flavor of high-end products.

The Tactile Texture Matters 

For many, the packaging is just a container.  It simply preserves and houses the product until it is used. However, there is so much more that goes on into packaging the product for potential consumers.  For example, the feel of the box can persuade you that the contents of the box are of high quality.  It can signify high quality even if is not.  Furthermore, the most recent texture marketing move was done by the potato chips producers.  The companies want to give the impression that their product is healthier.  As a result, they started using matte bags as opposed to the traditional shiny ones.

Finally, if you are in the food business, you should spend time designing your package.  Since, it will become a part of your product’s image the time will be an investment.  There are companies which can help you with that part, if you’re not design-savvy.  If you’re not in the food business, becoming knowledgeable of the packaging concepts can be beneficial simply because you’re a consumer.

How to Get Your Portable Generator Ready for Winter

Portable Generators

 

If you own a portable generator, you probably know by now that these devices require special treatment during cold winter days. This goes for both standby and portable models. And, people living in colder areas also know how dreadful it can be to lose power in the middle of winter and not be able to rely on your portable generator for backup.

To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, there are a few things you could do. The first is to subject your generator to regular maintenance.  This is important even if everything seems in order.  Proper maintenance will prevent unexpected malfunctions. The second is to properly winterize your generator. In this article, we’ll explain how.

Portable Generators

If you don’t intend to use your portable generator during the winter, you’ll need to properly winterize it so you can be sure it will be in working order once you need it again. To make sure it’s properly winterized, you have to make sure you are using a premium class fuel stabilizer.  Add the stabilizer to the fuel supply according to the label on the product.

Next, run the engine for around ten minutes so the stabilizer is evenly distributed. Drain the oil and replace it with a fresh supply. While you’re at it, replace the oil filter. With the engine running, add premium class fogging oil into the engine until it starts producing heavy smoke, then turn off the generator. This will help prevent condensation and moisture damage during the winter.

After that, take out the spark plug and use the same fogging oil to cover the hole of the plug. Make sure all nuts and screws are tight and that there are no damaged parts.

Standby Generators 

The same rules about protecting the generator during the winter apply to standby generators as well.  This will ensure they will be able to provide additional power even during the coldest months of the season. First and foremost, you should ensure that there’s no snow on and at least 5 feet away from the generator.  Check the battery to make sure it’s not low or dead. If the battery is low on power, you should recharge it. However, if the battery cannot hold the charge, you should replace it.

Use a battery warmer from a cold weather kit. It will make sure the temperature of the battery doesn’t drop under 40 degrees.  Diesel fuel tends to become gelatinous when the temperature drops, and there are several ways to make sure this doesn’t happen. You can add certain special additives that will prevent the fuel from becoming gelatinous or heat the fuel delivery lines.

The Necessary steps to service your portable or standby generators before cold snowy weather arrives.

 

 

10 Amazon Prime Holiday Movies for Kids

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on holiday movies for kids.  The holidays are here!  That means the kids will be home for the next two weeks, and we will need to occupy them.   It doesn’t take long for kids to lose interest and become bored.  If they’re not bored, it’s probably because they’re on an electronic device somewhere.  If you want them to take a break from the electronics, check out these Amazon Prime Holiday Movies for Kids.  They’re perfect for watching on Christmas Eve and anytime during the holiday season.  You can  you watch them on the Kindle, table or PC if you are a prime member.  So, check out our list:

 

 

Amazon Prime Holiday Movies

 

The holidays are here!  That means the kids will be home for the next two weeks, and we will need to occupy them.   It doesn’t take long for kids to lose interest and become bored.  If they’re not bored, it’s probably because they’re on an electronic device somewhere.  If you want them to take a break from the electronics, check out these Amazon Prime Holiday Movies for Kids.  They’re perfect for watching on Christmas Eve and anytime during the holiday season.  You can  you watch them on the Kindle, table or PC if you are a prime member.

 

Holiday Movies for Kids:

 

All I Want for Christmas Is You – First, this all-new movie features Mariah Carey’s music and narration in a story about little Mariah’s Christmas wish for a puppy.

If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie – If it’s holiday time in Mouse’s house then, that means Christmas cookies (including a special one for Santa, of course), caroling…and one nearly-destroyed holiday pageant.  Can they save the holiday pageant?

The Elf on the Shelf Presents:  An Elf’s Story – Add this one to your list of holiday movies for kids.  Chippey is assigned by Santa to restore Taylor McTuttle’s belief in Christmas magic.  Can he restore Chippey’s belief as Santa asked him to do?

The Snowy Day – Furthermore, Peter goes on a magical, snowy walk to his Nana’s house to bring home their Christmas Eve dinner.  What will he encounter on his magic walk?

A Christmas Tree Miracle –  Next, a family learns that miracles do come true if you only believe! A holiday movie for the whole family.

Christmas in New York – Ari has vague memories of a decorated tree and the gifts exchanged on one particular day of the year. A wise owl reveals to Ari and his friends that it is all about Christmas!

Click, Clack, Moo:  The Farm Christmas  – Additionally, it’s Christmas time and the farm animals have a problem: how to buy Farmer Brown the present of his dreams – a Tumbletron 300 clothes dryer.  How will the solve the problem?

Operation Christmas List – 12-year-old Barney has got a plan to beat the Christmas rush and buy the entire stock of the most sought after gift, Crabby Mousie doll!  Barney and his friends sneak into the mall afterhours, but things don’t go as planned.

A Country Christmas – Last, Santa loses his magical powers and becomes stranded in a barn.  Two children from the  farming community help him save Christmas.

The Cabbage Patch Kids First Christmas – Last, the Cabbage Patch Kids leave their patch to search for the Christmas spirit.

Finally, we hope that you enjoyed our list of holiday movies for kids and will select a few for movie night in your home.  You may also like:  30+ Rich and Delicious Hot Chocolate Recipes and 21 Christmas Movies recommended by Cosmopolitan.

 

 

7 Christmas Items You Can Recycle

The holidays are upon us.  Today, I’m sharing tips on Christmas items you can recycle.  There’s food, music, carols, lights, Santa and reindeer. We spend hours trimming the tree, wrapping gifts, and preparing to entertain family and friends. Also, we spend days reading Christmas cards from family and friends and finding the perfect spot to display them.

Finally, Christmas day arrives! We find a mountain of ripped gift wrap and bows in the middle of the floor. The kitchen is filled with empty wine bottles and corks from the gathering, and you realize that you purchased too many candy canes for the kids. Not to worry, don’t throw any of it away. There’s tons of ideas to recycle all of it.

 

 

Christmas Items You Can Recycle

 

Check out our tips on Christmas Items You Can Recycle:

Christmas Cards – First, Christmas cards have beautiful scenery on them.  You can recycle and use them as gift tags, frame them for a vignette, or donate them to your local school.

Candy Canes –   Next, candy canes can be used as stirrers for hot chocolate.  Kids love them.  Also, they can be pulverized and used in sugar scrubs or cookies and brownie recipes.

Wrapping Paper –  So, piles of wrapping paper are sitting in your living room. A 33 gallon garbage bag should be big enough to hold it.  But, don’t throw it away.  Wrapping paper can used for crafts, book covers, scrapbooking, shreds, puzzles for kids and more.  Save the best pieces and get creative.

Wine Bottles and Corks – Paint the wine bottles and use them as vases or for seasonal messages on mantel.  Joy or Peace can painted on them for Christmas or BOO for Halloween.  The wine bottles are perfect for ring toss games.  Additionally, turn corks into wreaths, ornaments or other crafts.

Christmas Gift Bows and Ribbon – Furthermore, turn Christmas bows into wreaths or use them on next year’s gifts.  Save only those that are in good condition.

Cardboard Shipping Boxes –  Cardboard boxes make great craft material.

Gift Wrap Tubes – Last, these make tubes are sturdy and make great bases for kid’s crafts.

Finally, I hope that you will find Christmas items you can recycle.  So, if you’re a crafter put your creativity hat on and get to work next season.  You have plenty of time to find projects, and be sure to involve the kids!  You may also like: 7 Christmas Morning Tips You Need.

 

VenusCare Travel Pillow and Sleep Mask Set

This post contains affiliates links. If you make a purchase, I may be compensated. However, you will not incur additional fees. You can read my Disclosure Policy here.

I spotted this travel pillow and sleep mask set, and was offered a discount for a review.  I jumped on the opportunity to check it out.  I’ve been wanting a travel pillow for years, but never took the time to purchase one.  Airport prices are always more than I wish to pay. So, I ordered the set and waited for it’s arrival.  I’m always anxious to share my travel tips and travel destinations with you.  So, let get started with the review.

 

 

travel pillow

 

 

 


 

The set finally arrived.  A velour storage bag contained a pillow and sleep mask.  It will come in handy while trying to keep it clean and while it’s not in use when I’m traveling.  The bag has a drawstring for easy removal and storage.  It will fit perfectly in a tote bag or attached to a backpack.  When I’m taking a flight, I always carry a tote with a blanket, snacks, and my passport and cellphone.  So, I plan to attach the pillow to the handle of my travel tote.

 

 

travel pillows

 

 

I removed the pillow and mask from the storage bags.  The pillow is gray and the eye mask black.  I could see myself using it for a car trip, a flight or train trip.  I haven’t traveled on a train in years, but I do travel frequently on planes and road trips.  The pillow is constructed from memory foam.  Another great feature is the gray cover is washable.  Simply remove it, and throw it into the washer.  To be on the cautious side, I think I’ll let it air dry.

 

 

 

 

 

The pillow has a 360 degree design to support the head, neck and chin.  This design keeps the neck from getting stiff. I used to be a window person when I was flying, but I prefer the aisle now.  The design of the pillow will keep your head from falling sideways or forward.  Once I placed the pillow around my neck, I was a little disappointed.  The pillow seemed short.  As you can see in the picture, it is snug around my neck.  I fastened the strap to help keep it in place.

Even so, the pillow was still comfortable.   Additionally, I was able to lean back comfortably, which is what I would do on a flight.  The pillow stayed in place and supported my neck as I wanted.  I fastened the strap on the pillow to see if it would fit better or help keep the pillow in place.  It didn’t make a difference.  However, the eye mask fits nicely.  It’s doubtful that I would use on a short flight, but any long distance flight is fair game.  I love to sleep on my flights.

Last, I would recommend the Venus Care Travel Pillow.  The pros outweighed the cons.   Although I believed the travel pillow was short around my neck, the quality makes up for the flaw.  I’m hoping that it was just the pillow that I received.  Finally, you may also like Using Travel Checklists to Organize Packing.

 

 

 

Essential Oil Diffusers Review

This post contains affiliates links.  If you make a purchase, I may be compensated.  However, you will not incur additional fees.  You can read my Disclosure Policy here.

 

Essential Oil Diffusers

 

For years I burned candles, however, I didn’t realize how much soot I was inhaling. Furthermore, I didn’t realize that my walls and ceilings were being cover with the soot.  I painted regularly because my ceilings would end up dirty.  As a result, I stopped burning candles.  Repainting was getting costly.

Last year, I attended a bloggers conference where Rocky Mountain Oils was a vendor.  They were promoting their essential oils, so I decided to grab a few samples.  I held on to them for months after the conference.  For some reason I never got around to using them.  So, my daughter’s birthday was approaching and she had essential oil diffusers on her birthday list.  So, I headed over to Amazon and started browsing essential oil diffusers.

essential oils diffuserI selected this SmartMist Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser as a gift.  I purchased this particular one because it is a diffuser, purifier and humidifier in one.   My granddaughter is prone to nose bleeds when her room gets too hot or dry.  So, having the diffuser moisten and humidify dry air was a perfect feature.  Additionally, it improves the air quality, reduces allergies, minimizes stress, fights bacteria, and creates a better sleep environment.

Furthermore, it has an automatic shut off.  When the reservoir is dry it shuts off.  It also has an adjustable LED light and 3 different mist settings.  Also, this diffuser will run for up 4 hours on the highest setting, 6 hours on medium and up to 8 hours on the lowest setting.  Unfortunately, this model is out of stock. Here’s one that is similar.

essential oil diffuser

 

I decided to purchase one for my home to replace the candles.  It was time for me to pull out my stash and start diffusing essential oils.  I selected the COSSCCI Essential Oil Diffuser Humidifier.   I love the fact that it not only  improves air quality, but it functions as a humidifier as well.  The icing on the cake for me, was the 7 LED lights.  I love that it passes through all of the colors.  I find it so soothing.  Not only are the lights soothing, I sleep better.  I have a terrible time with allergies, and this diffuser cleans the air.

My grandchildren love the changing colors on the diffuser.  So, Santa will be placing one under the tree for them.  They love to snuggle with Mawmaw when I’m visiting or when they’re visiting me.  As a result, they were able to enjoy the diffuser at bedtime.   I purchased this essential oil sampler and I am thoroughly enjoying them.  The box contained Peppermint, Eucalyptus,  Lemon Grass, Tea Tree, Sweet Orange, and Lavender.  Sweet Orange and Peppermint are my favs.

So, if you are new to essential oils and looking for essential oil diffusers check them out.