I'm been using Comvita Propolis Extract for over 30 years now, let me tell you how and why and use it.
I first came across Comvita propolis products when I was living in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand (Comvita's home was about 45 minutes away from my home). I managed one of the largest health stores in New Zealand for approximately 10 years and as well as Comvita being a great brand (they now are a certified B Corporation which is hardly surprising as they have worked in harmony with nature since they began in the mid 1970s) they were also local so, of course we supported them.
Their most popular products back then were their propolis lozenges, which we had in bulk bins and had problems keeping stocked up especially in winter, and their mauka honey which is what they received international recognition for. My favourite product, however, was their propolis extract.
Propolis is what the bees use to protect the hive and keep it healthy as it helps to resist bacteria and I remember being in a training seminar and having someone tell us how amazing it was for sore throats.
What I was told to do was to put 2-3 drops of propolis extract into a little warm water, swirl it around and then gargle and swallow. The use of the warm water and the gargling were to help with the sore throat and the swallowing helped to make sure it didn't develop into anything worse.
I brought some and tried it out and it worked! I continued to use it up until a couple of years ago when I ran out and for some reason I didn't get anymore (pre-Covid I had stocked up when I went to New Zealand, but I hadn't been back since 2019). I decided to look online last month with a view to buying some online and found a local pharmacy stocked it so now I'm just waiting for a sore throat!
Why Does Propolis Work on Sore Throats?
Although propolis can be used for a lot more than just sore throats, this is the traditional use for it. It works because:
Propolis is antibacterial and antiviral so will help to fight infections (a very good reason for swallowing!).
Propolis is anti-inflammatory - it reduces swelling and this is also why it was recommended to use warm (NOT hot water) as it was supposed to also help with the inflammation.
Propolis has a slight anesthetic property which is probably why it's recommended to gargle with it in order to numb the irritation slightly.
You can use it twice a day for sore throats, but I've never used it more than once a day - I actually have never needed to as it's always worked the first time.
What Else Can Propolis Do?
When I brought my recent bottle of propolis extract here in Australia, the packaging was slightly different and there was no mention of sore throats instead it only mentioned mouth ulcers, general well being and topical use. This sent me to look at what it's recommended for elsewhere around the globe.
Note: Personally I have only taken this for sore throats and I believe it has kept some colds and flus away as well.
Oral Health - apparently it's very good at fighting the bacteria that causes plaque, gingivitis and bad breath. As I mentioned in Australia it's recommended for mouth ulcers. For these things it's recommended to use as a mouth wash.
Immune Support - As it also contains flavonoids and phenolic acids that stimulate the immune system it's believed to reduce the duration and severity of colds and flue. Some people also use it preventatively, especially during seasonal changes. In this case it is recommended to use 1/2 tsp in 30 ml warm water once a day.
Wound Healing - topically it is supposed to promote skin regeneration and reduce the risk of infection and is recommended on minor cuts, burns and cold sores. In this case they recommend apply 1/2 tsp to the dressing and cover the wound.
I have also seen that there has been some early research to suggest it may protect the gut lining and help with digestive health. There is also some talk about it helping to reduce oxidative stress and mentions it being very useful for people with inflammatory conditions.
A Consideration
If you are allergic to bees, pollen or honey then propolis could cause an allergic reaction. I personally would not recommend trying it in this instance as there are other products you could try which wouldn't put you at risk of a reaction.
Have you heard of propolis extract? Is it something you'd think of keeping on hand? Once I open a bottle of the extract I actually keep mind in the box (so that it's dark) and in the fridge (as it should be stored below 30 C which isn't always possible in my house!). It lasts for a few years and in my opinion is a great investment.
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I have added another tool to my indoor plant garden that has been very helpful. I have a small home and limited space for the amount of plants and seed-starting that I would love to grow. I need a few tools that work very well rather than large or mediocre systems. My newest addition, a gooseneck, table lamp style grow light is good-looking, adjustable to fit in a variety of spaces, and my pepper starts are growing great with it.
In 2023, I wrote a review about LED light bulbs that were very helpful for starting and growing plants in my window garden. They are effective. I use an open shelf for the plants and hang the bulbs from the top racks. I can choose the strength and color of the bulbs to suit the plants and I can adjust the height by loosening or tightening the cords. Imagine a pendant light that hangs from the ceiling and you can choose the height above your work space. These bulbs and cords are very effective but not very pretty to look at.
I have added another light to aid my plants inside. It is the gooseneck, table lamp style. I like that I can set it on a flat surface then move the four light arms, in any direction, to light a specific plant. I ordered the four light, SYEIORAOM brand light. They also have a 6-light version. And there many different brands to choose from; including versions that have a shelf clamp rather than a table lamp base.
LED grow light with full spectrum, Red White light
72 LED light beads
Telescopic pole; adjusts height
flexible goose neck that can bend and adjust 306 degrees
59" long power cord with a convenient on/off toggle switch
attractive modern style
This table-top lamp is more attractive than my hanging bulbs. It would be attractive on someone's desk at work, in a dorm room, or on a countertop herb garden. I have used this for 3 solid months and I have a planter of pepper plants are that healthy, and happy soaking up the light.
Previous Reviews:
Single Bulb LED Lights: I wrote about the hanging grow bulbs. I continue to use them due to their effectiveness. You can see that reviewhere.
Hydroponics for Small Spaces: I also wrote about my recent first experience with a small hydroponics system. I am sorry that I waited so long to try this growing system in my small space. I had fresh salad greens during cold months and now I'm using it to start seeds that will be transplanted outside. You can read my reviews of that hydroponics system here:
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Today is another flash fiction story about Gracie, who is eight years old. Long before those 82 years of life experience kicked in.
This flash fiction is about the early signs of who Gracie would become, and the first quiet stirrings of the peace she would one day find within herself—peace that would stay with her all the way to that rocking chair at 82.
______________________________
Gracie Always Knew - A Doll's Lesson
Gracie
held her favorite doll, its painted smile forever unchanged.
She
studied it closely, realizing that while she had learned to run
faster, dream bigger, and feel deeper, the doll had stayed exactly
the same. Time moved through her like the changing seasons—shaping her in quiet, steady ways—while the doll stayed exactly the same.
That's when she understood:
time only changes the living.
She gave the doll a pretend
life, imagining it full of thoughts and adventures. But sometimes,
late at night, another thought crept in—what if someone imagined me into being, giving me my lines, feelings, and story?
Church was as much a part
of her life as brushing her teeth or saying goodnight. And with
church came God, expected, unquestioned, and ever-present.
But the older
she got, the more she wondered: Where
is God? Why is God? Her questions had grown more detailed now, shaped by the things she
was starting to notice about the world and about herself. Those questions were
still too big to hold, but she carried them anyway.
She thought often about who
she was becoming.
There was one thing she wanted to be more than
anything—kind. Really kind. The type of kind that came from the
inside, not just because someone was watching. At eight years old, she failed at that many times. But it remained ever-present in her spirit.
Most of the time, she
was kind. But not always. Sometimes, she snapped at her little brother and was mean to her little brother!
Sometimes, envy crept in like a thief. She felt that and knew jealousy was not something to cling to. Still, deep down, she understood those moments didn't define her. They
were passing clouds, not her sky.
Something inside her—some
glowing ember she couldn't name—kept telling her that kindness
mattered more than almost anything else. It was what made people
beautiful. Not their clothes, or their hair, or even their words.
She felt kindness was like sunlight through a window—gentle, warm, and easy to miss if you weren't paying attention, but everything felt better there.
However, the world didn't
always agree.
Gracie had started to
notice contradictions.
Adults talked about love, forgiveness, and
doing what was right. They sang about it in church, prayed about it
at dinner, and nodded solemnly as Church leaders spoke.
But then the same
people would gossip, lose their tempers, or ignore someone who needed
help. It confused her. How
could they forget so quickly?
She wanted to believe
people meant well—that they were just trying, like she was. But part
of her couldn't shake the feeling that some were only
pretending—that they wore kindness like a costume and took it off
when it no longer served them.
And then, with a quiet
sigh, she admitted it—Sometimes,
I do that too.
The realization didn't
crush her, but settled into her chest with weight. Maybe being
good wasn't about getting it right every time. Perhaps it was about
not giving up when you got it wrong.
Gracie didn't like the idea of perfection—something about it always felt impossible, like a game no one could win. And yet, she couldn't help but chase it.
Even at eight, she felt the pressure to be the one who got it right, who made things better, who didn't let anyone down. Somewhere along the way, without meaning to, she'd written herself a silent set of rules: Be better. Fix it. Don't disappoint.
She didn't know it then, but that quiet urge to rescue and make things right would shape much of her life—until years later, when she finally began to see its weight and learn a different way of being.
You see, Gracie was, by nature, a
rescuer. But she didn't know that
yet.
For now, at eight years old, she knew only this: being a doll would be so much easier. Dolls didn't have to
ask questions, feel pain, or wrestle with what was right. Dolls
didn't worry about being enough.
It was the first time she
realized how heavy it could be to be real—and maybe the first clue
that she was beginning to understand more than most eight-year-olds.
That's when Gracie wrote her first poem, at 8 years old. She called it "Thanksgiving."
_____________________
Am I Gracie?
You can safely presume that I'm Gracie, and yes, that first poem called Thanksgiving is included in my published poetry book below. I penned it when I was in grade 3; it is childlike and reflects the idealistic mind of an 8-year-old.
_____________________
I hope you've enjoyed the story of Gracie's life lesson at eight years old. 🕮
If you're into a longer story, I've penned this short story, The Gift of Knowing (can you sense a theme here?).
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Karin Slaughter’s latest Will Trent thriller is filled with twists, turns, shocks and surprises. The story includes one very toxic family who run a lodge in the gorgeous northern Georgia mountains, 8 suspicious guests, and one killer. But since everyone appears to be guilty of something, who killed Mercy McAlpine?
Will Trent works as an investigator for the GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation). Throughout the series, he first met, then began dating, Sara Linton, an ER doctor in Atlanta. Sara eventually takes the position of Medical Examiner for the GBI.
Now in Book #12, we find that Will & Sara have married. They choose the McAlpine Lodge in the Georgia mountains as the ideal getaway to celebrate their honeymoon.
This family-owned off-the-grid mountaintop property appears to be the perfect place to unplug and reconnect. Until…. A bone-chilling scream disturbs the night.
Who killed Mercy McAlpine?
Will finds the manager of the Lodge, Mercy McAlpine, dead. A vicious storm is raging and the one access road to the property becomes washed out. Therefore, it becomes obvious that the murderer has to be someone on the mountain.
As Will and Sara begin to investigate both the very strange McAlpine family, as well as the other guests, they realize that everyone is lying. They are lying about their past and to their family and to themselves. Normal rules do not seem to apply at McAlpine Lodge.
Trapped on the mountain at the resort, Will and Sara are going to have to watch their step while they untangle a decades-old web of secrets and discover what happened to Mercy. The killer could strike again at any time, so the couple’s romantic honeymoon trip now becomes a race against the clock as they realize they have to return to their regular police duties to solve a murder!
Summary
In addition to 12 books in the Will Trent series of police procedurals, with continuing characters Will Trent and Sara Linton, along with Will’s partner Faith Mitchell and their no-nonsense boss Amanda, Will Trent is now a television series. The TV series is in its third season and can be viewed Tuesday nights on ABC or streamed on HULU.
*This is Why We Lied Book Review written by Wednesday Elf
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Last week, I published my review of the
first book in the Chronicle of Misadventures series
by Martha Keyes. This week, I will be reviewing the second book in the
series, "Secrets of a Duke" which is
based on a true story.
I must admit, if the author had not shared that the book is based on a true
story, I would have thought the plot far-fetched. Knowing that it actually
happened, makes me like the character, William Yorke, even more.
We meet William Yorke in the first book. He is the oldest brother of
4 and has already inherited his father's estate and holdings. The
novels are set in England during the 1800's where the first born son
inherits everything instead of dividing property and assets between
siblings. That way, the family name maintains the wealth, a higher
status in society and the original estate is not subdivided or transferred
outside of the patriarch's ancestral bloodline. If a man only has
daughters, his property is entailed to the closest male heir, which could
easily be a distant relative he may not even know personally. Ideally,
a Duke would raise his son to follow in his footsteps, teach him how to run
the estate, prepare his son to succeed him in parliament, and choose an
equally trained wife.
An entailment to a distant male relative is the basis of the plot of this
book. The Duke of Rockwood knew the Yorke family, but was not fond of
them. Therefore, the two families did not interact with each other,
which left William unprepared to be the Duke's successor.
At the end of the first book, "Reputation at Risk", we find out that William Yorke has unexpectedly become the Duke of
Rockwood. No one could have anticipated that the previous duke and his sons
would all die together in a tragic accident. Therefore, William is far from
prepared to step into the dukedom and assume the Duke's
responsibilities. William hires a friend from his Oxford days to advise him
and serve as his man of business. Since their time at Oxford, Edmund
had become a barrister (lawyer) and worked as the steward to an earl.
As a trusted friend, he was the perfect man to help William navigate the
world of the titled nobility. William did not wish to dishonor his
family by making avoidable missteps. There would be many watching and
waiting for the opportunity to criticize his actions.
After attending the funeral and completing additional business, William and
Edmund embark on their journey from London to his newly inherited
estate. When they stop at an inn for the night, William is surprised
to see a woman serving as the ostler and holding the horses while they step
out of the carriage. He is even more surprised when that same woman
knocks on his room door a bit later. He had not realized he had
dropped his signet ring in the entry of the inn. Thankfully, she found
it and returned it to him. He was amazed by her integrity, but when
she spoke, he was even more astonished by her refined manner of
speech.
The next day he observes that same maid being pulled to the market
square. Her cheek was cut, her hands were tied and a horse's halter
was around her neck. William was aghast! When he asked a passing
boy what was happening, he was informed that the men were selling her.
He simply could not stand by and let her be sold like livestock to the
highest bidder in the crowd, but that was exactly what was going to
happen. Even though Edmund advised him against it, William determined
to be the highest bidder. He would buy her freedom.
Clara couldn't believe what was happening. The embarrassment of being
sold, plus having the Duke observe the auction, was shameful. She had
no idea how to respond when he actually bought her. She was panic
stricken when she realized he planned to simply leave her there and
requested a job on his estate.
Once again, against Edmund's advice, William decided to help her and
hire her as a housemaid.
_____________
That is only the beginning of how William Yorke, the Duke of Rockwood, and
a lowly housemaid became friends, confidants, and allies in working toward
another loved ones freedom.
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I was becoming more and more intrigued to create prints from a carving. I had watched numerous videos on YouTube to learn about the techniques and methods that people used. I was hooked, and ordered my Speedball Linoleum Cutter.
I had some dense foam on hand that was used in some basic picture frames. It seemed that they were soon going to have a new purpose. My Speedball cutting tool arrived and I looked forward to cutting out my first print. Nope! Didn't work. The foam was a bit too dense. I had grown up with the adage of 'make do with what you got.' Well sometimes that works, and sometimes not. It was time to get something that I saw people have success with.
I placed another order for the Speedball print making blocks, called Speedy Carve. I figured since my first try didn't work, I wasn't going to go with a less expensive brand. I definitely wanted it to work. I ordered the Speedball Carving block.
The time came. I was going to make a real print. Something I actually dreamed about printing, and not just some little things to give it a try. I drew a picture of my cat, Tori, from a photo. She is gorgeous, no matter if I didn't draw every change in fur color!
The method I used was to first trace around my Speedy Carve block, so that I would have the appropriate dimension for my upcoming drawing.
With photo on my phone off to the side, I commenced to drawing, and shaded in the areas that I wanted to print, on my paper. The areas that you don't want to print, are the ones that get carved away.
I darkened my drawing with my pencil, and then laid it on the carving block, face side down. I used the smooth round side of a marker to rub over the back of my paper, to transfer the drawing to the block.
Cool, the image was easily transferred. As per tips from the videos that I watched, I went over my drawing on the block with a pen, as the pencil marks can easily get smeared away.
Then the carving began. I started with the smaller V shaped carving tool to carve right around the edges that I wanted to make my prints from. I used a larger V shape carving tool to carve out the larger areas. I even laid the large V carving tool on its side to cover more area. That worked pretty good.
Overall, the Speedball carving tool works really well, and glides smoothly along the surface of the Speedy Carve block. Per instructions from videos that I watched, I held the carving tool at an angle and with light pressure, pushed the tool along, away from my body, and my other hand.
I found that it helps to have good eyesight, good lighting, steady hands, and being able to see all the lines and areas that you want left intact. With a bit of a slip, part of what you want to print can easily go away. The black in one of the cat's eyes, was mistakenly made smaller, more like a slit when a cat is looking at a light. So guess what, the cat now has black slits instead of the wider eyed look. Oh well. She's still gorgeous!
I have since cut away the areas around the cat, and glued the carved block to a piece of wood. It gives me a solid piece to hold, and isn't wobbly or flexible.
I also found that I get a cleaner print when I press the carved block down into brayered paint that is smoothed out, rather than using the brayer to apply the paint directly to the carved block.
Hope you found some helpful tips here. If you want to try making prints yourself, I do recommend the Speedball Carving Took, along with the Speedball Speedy Carve.
Thank you for visiting and for your comments. My plan now is to fine tune my print making of this cute cat, and then design some products with the prints in my CherylsArt store on Zazzle. Let me know if you have a cat color request and or product type that is available on Zazzle. I will be glad to oblige.
Cheryl Paton
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Retired Army Veteran Cesare Giannetti has written an interesting book dealing with all kinds of reactions to military personnel who find themselves in difficult physical, emotional and mental places after serving for their country. De Facto Pathfinder is a book I know you will enjoy!
Chris Longo (our de facto Pathfinder) is himself a veteran of five years of service in the military. Now a couple of decades later he finds himself in a dead-end dull state run agency that serves the veteran community. He feels that he is not making any kind of difference in the lives of the veterans he is serving. Disillusioned, he decides that he needs a new job and a new start! He's really not sure of what or where this might lead, but, he has enough saved up to just coast for a little while.
Chris is still struggling after a couple of months when he gets a call from his previous employer with a job offer! He's not interested in going back to doing what he was doing before as he never had a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction, so what could this new "job" be?
Well let's just say that the Department of Defense has a new program to help veterans that are in dire need of help. He is offered the lead on a national pilot program that would have him travelling across the country to counsel these lost veterans and hopefully help them find their way back to a fulfilling life.
Each Veteran he meets has a great need for some intervention. All of them are unique and yet all of them are in trouble making their lives make sense to themselves and their loved ones.
Chris is not a "doctor", "mental heath practitioner" or in any way a qualified psychologist, yet as he starts out on his new mission he finds that it's better for himself and those he's trying to help that he isn't a professional.
I don't want to give to much of the book away, but must tell you that I found this book to be very interesting for both the people we meet and how Chris manages to find the "sweet spot" in each of them. All together the stories of each life will keep you turning the pages and in the end I'm sure that you will come to some very interesting conclusions!
This book is a real eye opener for everyone to read whether you are military or not! There are life lessons be be learned that can help you too.
Put De Facto Pathfinder on your radar of books to read, I'm sure you won't regret it!
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
We have always had a hosepipe for our garden. We generally use it for watering the garden
particularly the containers and pots, washing the car and general cleaning
of the patio. We also use it for filling up the bird bath and cleaning out the big bins.
Why Do You Need A Garden Hosepipe?
Hosepipe uses
Are you watering a small or large number of plants in pots or containers, your lawn or other plants?
Do you intend to wash your car or motorhome at home?
Do you need it to clean your patio?
Do you need it to fill a birdbath, child's paddling pool or dog
bath?
Over the years we have had several different types of hosepipes and while
we do restrict its use for eco reasons and cost reasons we do find certain
tasks are so much easier for us with hosepipe.
Hosepipes can make everyday tasks like watering gardens, cleaning patios,
filling paddling pools, cleaning and filling bird baths and dog baths easier
and quicker. However there are different types of hosepipe that may suit
different needs, budgets and uses.
Standard Hosepipes
This was my first hosepipe and one I replaced more often than I can
remember. Very affordable and widely available, standard hosepipes are
within most peoples budgets and do the job. They are usually made of plastic
or rubber.
In my experience while I never expected them to last too long, the biggest
issue with them was the constant checking and releasing kinks that prevented
proper water flow.
I understand now that you can buy kink-resistant coils to help with this
issue or even hoses with kink resistant features in affordable models. They
are a decent affordable option if you buy one with this feature.
Expandable Garden Hosepipes
This was our previous hosepipe and I loved it! These hoses shrink when
empty, making them much smaller, lightweight and very easy to store.
When in use, they expand to their full length as water flows through
them. I found it was important to let the entire hose fill with water and
fully expand before starting to use. Being expandable meant it was really
easy to store and crucially to move around.
It was so lightweight. I also liked the various spray nozzle features
such as mist, fan, cone and shower. The handle on my model however did have
to be kept pressed down which if doing a long watering session I found hard
on my hand. So I would now always buy one that you can clip in place to stay
on.
We had ours for nearly two years and were very careful about storing it
inside in winter. However it did not survive the second winter and split one
day beyond repair.
It was really good for our garden while it lasted and I was very impressed. So easy and light to use. I think that maybe it got too much use and being dragged across sharp gravel and
concrete may not have been good for it. I wonder if it is maybe better for
lighter duties. Otherwise our expandable was a really excellent hosepipe. If I got an expandable one again I would look for a heavy duty option like the one below.
Our recent purchase is a steel core hosepipe and we spent rather more than
we ever have on this one as we wanted durability as a primary function. It
is built for strength and to be long lasting. Steel-core hosepipes are
reinforced with metal, which makes them much more resistant to annoying
kinks and splits or punctures.
I can certainly say that it feels more robust and copes well with our
gravel drive and concreted steps and many changes in direction as I go
around the garden. It has not kinked or split or punctured and is easy and
fairly lightweight to use. I thought it would be heavier but it is really
very easy to move around.
I love that it has many spray nozzle features such as full, mist, jet, cone
spray etc which gives a lot of choice in how you use it.
One of the features is for the spray to stay on when a clip is pulled over
so it reduces strain on the hands as you no longer have to hold the lever
down. These steel core hoses are certainly more expensive, but the idea and
my hope is that they last longer.
Storage Space. Some Hosepipes come with with hooks and wall mounted features. If you like a tidy garden wall-mounted reels are a great solution for
storing the hosepipe preventing damage and tangles. An automatic rewinding
device is an even greater feature to make life a bit easier. Or are you happy to store in a bucket or bag?
The handle should be a comfortable grip and ideally be able to be held down with a clip or
similar. This saves a lot of pressure on our hands constantly having to
hold a handle down. It makes watering a lot easier and then only light
hold of the handle is required.
Spray nozzle choices. For me I like a wide range of spray nozzle features to choose from. So I mostly use a mist for plants that need a gentle spray, jet for
cleaning the car or patio area, full or shower for general watering and
cone for spraying the larger areas such as grass on the lawn or newly
seeded areas.
Anti kink abilities. Maybe this is a pet hate of mine but i cannot cope
with a hosepipe that is constantly kinking and stopping the flow of water,
so for me and maybe for you this is important.
Durability for your needs. Are you using it for light jobs such as watering pots or heavier use for a range of activities. Will it be dragged across difficult surfaces or a smooth patio or well mown grass?
Budget. There maybe a balance cost as you can buy hosepipes very cheaply or rather more expensive. However the higher the quality and guarantee available the hope is the longer they will last, thus saving money in the long term.
Disadvantages Of Using A Hosepipe.
For water saving strategies hosepipes are probably not the best for
watering a garden. Water here is expensive now and so using less water has
become a mission for many people.
So if you can water your garden with a watering can either via a tap or
ideally by using a rain water butt or a trough then you could save money on
water bills that way.
We may in a hot summer face a hosepipe ban where it is not permitted to use
a hosepipe for anything, except in special circumstances.
Using a hosepipe is probably not the most eco friendly item to use if we
are trying to save water.
Using a hosepipe can work out more expensive for your water bills,
depending on how you use it and if you are on a standard charge or a water
metre.
Advantages of Using A Garden Hose
For me using anything but a smaller watering can to water our garden plants
is difficult. I have a back issue and while most of the time now it is under
control, there are some things that will set it off and sadly using a
watering can full of water and walking down our steps to the garden can and
does result in pain for me. I only usually water plants in pots, other
plants in the ground can usually survive without watering.
Equally for my husband who is severe sight impaired it is less dangerous
for him to hold a hosepipe and do a lot of watering without having to move
too much than it is for him to have to constantly walk up and down to the
tap and navigating steps and a gate to do so.
Perhaps for some people with certain disabilities and some people who are
older a hosepipe may be a better option than carrying a heavy full watering
can.
Washing our car at a commercial jet wash or car wash involves driving quite
a way, then paying for it. At home we can wash the suds on the car using a
bucket and car wash and simply rinse off with the hosepipe for a cheaper and
more convenient way to wash the car.
We do not pay anyone to clean our big wheelie bins, we do that ourselves
using suds and a brush then rinse it all out with the hosepipe.
There are many hosepipe options to choose from, including not having a
hosepipe at all. I hope I have managed to cover some of the main features and qualities to consider, the basic choices available and main features to help the
decision which to buy to suit your needs a little easier.
Reviewing Features When Choosing A Garden Hosepipe By Raintree Annie
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
So many choices after the proverbial cutting of the cable! Rabbit ears or streaming or both? Chances are a combination of the above will be the answer to economical viewing of your favorite shows. For the past months I have been trying Peacock streaming and the results have been favorable for lower cost with a large variety of programming.
What Are Your Favorite Networks?
If the programming on Bravo, Hallmark, regular NBC line up, SNL, variety of sports, NBC news are on your streaming must list, Peacock may be a good fit. Peacock Originals are also offered as exclusive content.
Live Viewing
For breaking news and live viewing the Premium Peacock plan would probably be a better fit, but there is a work around. If you have Amazon Prime live channels are offered or Freevee has access to live news channels also. Rabbit ears in my area provide access to all major networks which is helpful for easy access to local channels and free viewing.
Sports
Lots to choose from (but... no ESPN, see below!)
Football fans will enjoy: NFL Sunday Night games, Big Ten football. Figure skating, French Open tennis, rugby, pickleball tournaments, soccer, all snow sports are a few of the sports specific channels within Peacock.
Sports fans will notice Peacock does not offer ESPN channels which may be a game changer if sports are a deal beaker. The work around for a fan of a few major sports events would be purchasing for a month a streaming service which offers ESPN, ESPN 2 coverage. Sling would an example of an easy to use, easy to set up, no contract service. Again, check for discounts.
Cost
Always search the internet for a discount code or promotion ! signing up for the email promotions will more than likely generate offers also. Prices are subject to change, expect to pay below 15$ a month for regular or Peacock Plus which has a few more bells and limited ads.
Recommendation
I used a promotion offer for a reduced monthly price and for ESPN or live news i used the work arounds. This has proved to be the most cost effective at the current pricing and so far has worked well. Using the work arounds is necessary to watch major sports live, but while adding another step has not been cumbersome.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
5 Years Later: The Cubii Under Desk Bike Elliptical Still Gets a Five-Star Rating From Me!
In 2020, my mom gifted me the Cubii Under Desk Elliptical, and five years later, I'm here to tell you it's still one of the best, most-used gifts I've ever received.
I originally reviewed it in 2021, followed up again in 2023, and now, in April 2025, I'm thrilled to say the Cubii has stood the test of time — and if I could, I'd give it 10 out of 5 stars.
Here's why I'm still raving about it after all these years.
Silent, Reliable, and Built to Last
One of the biggest fears with exercise equipment is that it'll wear out, start squeaking, need constant repairs, or you'll just tire of it.
Not the Cubii.
Five years in, and this little powerhouse is still whisper-quiet — no squeaks, no grinding, no weird pedal noises, and used nearly daily.
It's as solid today as it was when I first slid it under my desk five years ago.
The build quality is beyond impressive, and it's clear that this unit was made to last.
More Than Just Exercise — It's Sentimental Too
Since my mom has passed, the Cubii means even more to me now. Every time I pedal, it's like a small connection to her.
She gifted me something not just practical, but something that truly fits into my daily life — and even brings a little piece of her into my everyday routine.
That alone makes it priceless in my eyes. However, beyond that is its exceptional durability, practicality, and benefits.
The Ultimate Companion for Desk Workers and Writers
As I'm typing this very review, I'm pedaling!
That's the beauty of the Cubii — you can get your legs moving while staying creatively productive.
For writers, remote or office workers, and anyone who spends hours at a desk, it's a complete game-changer.
When there's no time for a complete outdoor walk or gym session, you can still sneak in that much-needed movement without missing a beat at work.
Goodbye Guilt, Hello Movement
Ever feel guilty sitting all day? Yeah, me too.
But with the Cubii under my desk, that guilt melts away.
Whether you're tackling a big project, deep into online work, or just stuck indoors, the Cubii helps you stay active without rearranging your schedule.
Movement becomes part of the day, not an afterthought.
A Secret Weapon Against Stress
Another unexpected bonus? Pedaling through stress.
When life throws those inevitable curveballs and the emotional weight starts to build, I hop on the Cubii and pedal with all the energy those feelings bring.
It's amazing how much lighter your mood can feel when you physically move through those heavy emotions.
For Me, the Desk Cubii is Way Better Than a Basement Bike!
My husband always says, "Why don't you use the stationary bike in the basement?" I just laugh.
The Cubii is different — it's right here where I work, ready to go without needing a wardrobe change or a trip downstairs.
Some days, I make a game out of it and challenge myself to see how long I can pedal. Movement is built into my life, not something extra I have to force myself to do.
I Found it to be a Good Choice for Chronic Illness and Autoimmune Warriors (Unfortunately, Like Me)
Living with an arthritic autoimmune disease makes staying active challenging, but the Cubii makes it possible.
I can work for hours without sacrificing gentle movement, which is crucial for managing joint stiffness and overall health.
On days I feel strong, I pedal like a madwoman; on days I'm tired, I give myself grace and rest.
The flexibility it gives me is worth its weight in gold.
Every Office Should Have One!
Every office in every country should have a Cubii under every desk.
It would revolutionize workplace wellness.
A simple piece of equipment like this could increase health, happiness, and productivity.
Such a small thing to add to the lives of thousands of desk warriors!
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
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