As with my "Some products I'd like to review", "More (unsolicited) reviews, and a request for my readers", and "FINALLY! More (Unsolicited) Product Reviews" posts, these reviews were written over time, and so might be a bit disjointed. I wanted to note my impressions while they were still fresh in my mind, even if it meant the post's continuity is a bit wonky. And these are MY opinions, though I'm sharing them in an effort to help you save money (after all, spending money on something you'll waste is far from frugal!). Anyway, on to the reviews....
At long last, the (unsolicited) review I've been promising for a goodly while. I'll bet you thought it would never come, eh?
As with my "Some products I'd like to review", "More (unsolicited) reviews, and a request for my readers", and "FINALLY! More (Unsolicited) Product Reviews" posts, these reviews were written over time, and so might be a bit disjointed. I wanted to note my impressions while they were still fresh in my mind, even if it meant the post's continuity is a bit wonky. And these are MY opinions, though I'm sharing them in an effort to help you save money (after all, spending money on something you'll waste is far from frugal!). Anyway, on to the reviews....
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In early June, a box from Healthy Snack Boxes arrived. Yes, they're legit. They send you a box of items for FREE, all you have to do is give reviews on their site. I was recently told I'll be getting another in September, because my Facebook comment was randomly selected.
So, what did I think of the box? I loved the variety of products, ranging from sweet to savoury. I enjoyed some products more than others, of course. But I'm glad I got the chance to try things I've never had (in some cases, never heard of!). And not only was everything HEALTHY, but it was all Vegetarian-friendly. Here are my thoughts on each item: I'm sorry it's been so long (I say that a lot, don't I?). My last rattie needed more intensive care for the last couple months of her life (in addition to the extra attention I gave, since she'd never been alone). She was PTS when the med cocktail no longer kept her stable. It broke my heart, and I still cry about it, but I was there until the end. And then I grieved.
Meanwhile, I had to start preparing my home for hip surgery (which is getting more and more common in younger and younger patients, it's not just for the elderly anymore). As I type this, I'm two weeks post-surgery and have been told all along how far ahead of the game I am. That's what this post will deal with. It may not apply to most of you now, but you never know. And it's not just hip surgery that these tips can help with. Also, exciting news: I got a box of samples from Healthy Snack Boxes. I plan to provide mini-reviews here in addition to the required reviews on their site. So look for that. It's not easy hearing you need surgery (unless it's a "good surgery", i.e. one that you want). Especially when you finally reach the point where they tell you that you can't put it off any longer. Make sure to have a good support team (therapist, yes. But also friends and family). It will be rough mentally. Research the procedure, and ask your surgeon a lot of questions. How many of this surgery have they done? How high complication rates have they had? What sort of complications? What risks are most common, and what should you watch for? What procedure do they use (for hip replacement, there is Anterior and Posterior)? What restrictions will you have post-surgery? They will probably give you information on the basics, read it! And ask any questions well before your surgery date. In the weeks leading up to surgery, you will be busy. So many appointments, tests, and so on. Schedule a dental and eye exam for a month or so before surgery (call as soon as you know your surgery date, so you can be sure to get in). You'll be glad you did. If having hip surgery and they offer the "hip kit", and your insurance pays for it, get it! If it's out-of-pocket only, try searching online. Here's one from Walmart. I made the mistake of saying no to the "hip kit" because a friend had a sock aide and I was told I could get a grabber from a medical charity (more in a moment). Needless to say, the sock aide (though appreciated) didn't work for ankle socks or compression socks. The grabber from the charity fell apart. And the extendable shoe horn I bought couldn't hold up to some tasks. I did without a "dressing stick" (part of the "hip kit", and I suggest having one), but spent way more piecemeal than a kit would've been. Also, make sure rugs are non-slip. Either tie shoes loosely or get slip-on shoes (use the grabber to hold the tongue and the shoe horn for putting on). Get a long-handled scrub brush to clean your bathtub/shower and so on. A dust pan with a handle so you don't have to bend is a blessing. I'm sure other surgeries would have their own kits/tools. RESEARCH what you need ahead, and get it! Practice with the tools as much as possible. As soon as you get a cane and walker (if the surgery requires one) start using them. Make sure you are prepared not only for your home floors, but sidewalks and stairs. While you're at it, walk as much as you can (use the arms and hands a lot if it's hand/wrist, elbow or shoulder surgery). The stronger the muscles before surgery, the faster you'll heal. If you need a tool that insurance won't cover and you can't afford, look into a medical charity. Here's a list of sites that might be able to help. Just double check it before you rely on it! If your bedroom is on a different floor than the rest of your living space, try to get a small bed or cot if stairs will be an issue (like hip surgery). Again, medical charities sometimes have them. Plan ahead if you'll need to take stairs to the bathroom (you may end up wanting a "bedside commode" initially, if you're on a walker). Stock up on household goods. Especially if you live alone. Think about all the things you would buy in a three month period (things like soap or toothpaste might last you longer than toilet paper or foil). Make sure you've got everything you need. And buy non-perishable goods ahead too. Focus on easy-cook options for a while. Things like canned soup, boxed pasta and jars of sauce, Ramen noodles (not healthy, but quick), snacks, etc. Buy or make-and-freeze meals, sides, and desserts so you can be ready. Freeze a loaf of bread! Just open it and quickly flip through the slices to separate, close it back up, wrap in foil with the date on it, and freeze for up to 6 months. You can thaw the whole loaf, or just put a couple slices in a sandwich bag on the counter. Or toast it to thaw. Have some Ensure or another such drink on hand in case you just can't handle food at first. BUY FIBRE POWDER! It doesn't matter if it's Metamucil or generic, just get it now. And a stool softener might be a good idea too, so when you finally do go (in my case, it was nearly a week), it doesn't hurt as much. Place a hold on your mail if you live alone. If you live with someone, make sure they're willing and able to help you before you assume. If you're alone, find someone you trust to come check on you and help out. Look into Nursing Homes and Inpatient Medical Rehab facilities if the surgeon's office suggest you may need it. Contact them ahead of time with questions, and have a few in mind in case your first choice doesn't have beds. If bending will be an issue, make sure all the supplies and food you've purchased, dishes you'll use, personal care items, etc are high enough up that you don't have to bend too far. It'll be annoying before surgery, but life will be so much easier after. Check for tripping and slip hazards (even for hand surgery, since you can't just grab a surface to steady yourself). If shaving your legs (or other body parts) is part of your routine, do it as close to surgery as you're allowed (usually one week). An electric leg razor is amazing if you already have trouble bending, and there's less worry that you'll cut yourself. You'll want clothing that's easy to get into and out of. Regardless of your gender(s), avoid things like jeans, leggings, yoga pants, etc. Even sweats are out (elastic around the ankles). Go for shorts, Capris, PJ pants, and pants that have elastic or drawstring waist and legs that are loose. Elastic waist skirts that aren't too tight are an option. Dresses that can go on over the head, or that wrap around are good. With shirts, anything easy to get into is good (Tees, tanks, etc. If you're having hand/wrist surgery, skip buttons and snaps). In regard to underwear: They typically suggest loose boxers. A good option for "ladies" underwear is high-cut bikini panties made of cotton. A tip I learned from experience: Whatever underwear you wear, put them on inside out. The seams won't rub. Wash as much laundry ahead as possible, so you don't have to lift or bend much. And keep it in a place (and height) accessible to you after surgery. Follow pre-surgery instructions (which usually involves stopping alcohol intake 10 days prior and certain meds 7-10 days prior, using a special soap, fasting, etc) exactly. Be very careful about even small cuts, scrapes, open wounds, or chafing...you don't want your surgery canceled. My advice: Wear a high-quality mask (like N95 or KN95) whenever around people or in frequently-traveled public spaces (such as shared stairwells) for the weeks leading up to surgery. If you even catch a cold, they may cancel you. A couple tips from an Occupational Therapist for hip replacement patients: Step into the bath/shower sideways, facing the wall so you can brace yourself (a suction grab bar can help you steady yourself, just check it every time and don't put all your weight on it!). It's less stressful on the leg. And instead of buying a leg-lifter (unless it's part of your kit), just grab the belt from a robe. Hold the ends and loop the middle over your foot. Listen to the Nurses, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, etc. But also listen to your body. If an exercise causes pain, STOP until you can get clarification on how to do it safely. Soreness is good, but pain is bad. If you need to rest during tasks, rest (even if it means putting a chair in the kitchen while you cook). Regardless of the type of surgery, focus on eating plenty of protein after surgery. And get lots of Vitamin C, calcium and Vitamin D (link mentions fish and liver, but also plenty of Veg*n options), and water. Ask your surgeon about any other nutritional needs. Okay, I'll shut up about surgery now. lol. I'll try to get another post on soon. Until next time.... I know I've been promising a (unsolicited) review post for a while. It IS coming, I promise! And sorry it's been a while since I posted. There's been so much going on (good and bad) that I just haven't been able to squeeze in a post. I'm going to try to post more often! Anyway....
We've been dealing with horrible inflation over the past year. Some things seem to be easing a bit (like gas prices). But others just keep going up, up, up! One of the biggest offenders? Eggs! There are a lot of reasons why, from storms in the south to outbreaks of Avian Flu. Plus corporate greed, and good old "supply and demand". And now they're saying to brace for a shortage. What to do? Read on.... Sorry this entry is so last-minute. I had been working on it, but then was laid low by a stomach bug. I figured I could still get it up Monday, but ended up so busy I didn't have a chance to finish it. And then my chronic pain kept me in bed for the most part on Tuesday. So here we are. And sorry it's not the big (unsolicited) review, I actually got MORE things to try! lol.
Anyway, for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, Mabon is on Thursday. If you're in the Southern Hemisphere, Blessed Ostara! What IS Mabon? Well, this article explains it pretty well. But for those who want a brief explanation: Basically, it's a minor sabbat for Neopagans. Also called "The Witches Thanksgiving", it is the second of three harvest festivals. However, that doesn't mean that non-Pagans can't celebrate! After all, it's the Autumnal Equinox (aka First Day of Fall). Read on.... This is not the big review I've been working on forever now. Please forgive me. One of my animal babies was sick and on meds for about a month, before passing away. Which has left me a bit depressed. I've been dealing with some health issues and undergone quite a few tests. Plus I've had a situation with a local business that resulted in my taking them before a Magistrate (that was only finally resolved this week). I will get to it. In the meantime....
Thanks to Social Nature, I tried the Ocean's Halo Ramen broth (they sent a FREE product coupon in exchange for a review on their site). I can't recommend Social Nature enough! Anyway, I wanted to expand on my thoughts on Ocean's Halo Ramen broth here as well. I know it's been a long time since I updated. My last post was back in May! "Holiday Horror Movies Throughout The Year Updated", for those who wonder. I'm so sorry. I've had a lot going on and haven't felt up to working on posts. Some of the stuff has been good (a nephew's graduation last year and other family stuff, a nice Thanksgiving with friends who're "almost family", vaccines for COVID making life a tiny bit less risky, getting some amazing gifts [an Elvira Funko from one friend and Elvira's book from another, for example], and giving out cookies to family and friends [and doctors] in December) and some bad (health problems for me and some of my animal babies [including some animals passing], and having to file a lawsuit against a local business). All I can say is that I'm sorry and will try to do better.
I'm so very sorry it's been so long. I've been focused on other things (and lost yet another animal baby. This one I had to make the tough call to have him PTS rather than let him suffer and die at home). I AM still working on two (unsolicited) product review posts. In the meanwhile.....
Back in 2019, I posted "Holiday Horror Movies Throughout The Year". Since then, quite a few new movies have come out (and there are others I'd forgotten in the initial post, or learned of since). So I wanted to post an updated version (as of early May, 2021 when I last researched). Here is a list of various horror* movies related to holidays throughout the year. Although not EVERY holiday has a horror movie, you'd be surprised at how many of them do! I'm sure this list is far from complete (feel free to comment with ones I've missed), and every year brings new movies. I "celebrate" special occasions with horror, and now you can too! *Note: I'm focused on horror mostly. Some will be more "horror-comedy". And I'm including some that aren't horror for Halloween (because Halloween is "horror adjacent" in my mind. lol). Although I could pick any point in the year as a starting point, I'm going with the big one..... Sorry this is so last-minute, I had yet a THIRD animal baby die at the end of November. And my stove died shortly after I started my annual cookie baking this month (I did still give out some small plates, outside only and asking for masks and distance...which most people didn't have a problem with).
Since Hanukkah, Yule, and so on have already passed, I figure there's no point in sharing ideas for them. I'm sorry. I "celebrated" Yule by doing some housework and turning on all my lights at sunset, then watching a horror movie. I have a post about all the various December holidays at http://cheapconnie.weebly.com/blog/december-holidays for those who are interested. Again, this year is radically different than anything we've ever seen. And we should brace for at least another, realistically. Typically, the holiday season is a time for gathering together with all those you love. But large family dinners are just too dangerous now. Even small gatherings of people outside your home are strongly cautioned against. Here are the CDC recommendations (don't forget to check state and local restrictions). So, how do you scale back all those large dinners? Read on.... I've written about Thanksgiving three times before ("Thanksgiving", "Thanksgiving Part II", and "Thanksgiving Part III"), but this year is going to be drastically different for most people. The CDC is advising against traditional indoor get-togethers with extended family. And for much of the USA, it'll be too cold to host "a small outdoor dinner with family and friends who live in your community"! There's a site that offers tips to reduce the risk, but bear in mind that even following all the hygiene, masking, and distancing isn't a 100% guarantee! Basically, the only "safe" option is to make dinner for just the people in your household. But many holiday recipes are designed for a crowd. What to do? Read on....
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