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Wednesday, July 2, 2025

You Will Love These Moist, Delicious, Low Sugar Protein Brownies

A delicious brownie that treats your tastebuds and supports your wellness goals? Yes, please.

As someone who prioritizes health without sacrificing enjoyment, I’m always on the lookout for snacks and desserts that feel indulgent but support my body, especially my skin, joints, and energy. So when I came across Prime Bites Protein Brownies, I was intrigued. A brownie with 19 grams of protein, 5 grams of collagen, a moist, fudgy texture and fairly low in added sugars? That definitely caught my attention.

After trying several flavors and incorporating them into my daily routine, I’m ready to share my honest thoughts. Here's my product review.

The Best Moist, Delicious, Low Sugar Protein Brownies

What Are Prime Bites Protein Brownies?

Prime Bites are individually wrapped high-protein brownies created by Alpha Prime. Each brownie is:

Generously sized (my husband and I sometimes split one)
Packed with 19g of whey protein
Enriched with 5g of collagen
Low in added sugars, sweetened using a blend of erythritol and other sweeteners
Around 200–240 calories, depending on the flavor
Available in fun dessert-inspired flavors: As of this writing (July 2, 2025), the flavor choices are:

Peanut Butter Candy Crunch
Glazed Cinnamon Roll
Glazed Chocolate Donut
Chocolate Cookie Monster
Cookies & Cream Blondie
Banana Nut
Cookie Dough
Blueberry Cobbler
Birthday Cake Blondie
Red Velvet
PB&J
Variety Pack

Crafted in small batches in the company's Miami bakery for quality control
Absolutely delicious!

These aren’t dry, chalky protein bars pretending to be brownies. They’re surprisingly soft and satisfying.

What I Love About These Protein Brownies

Excellent Texture and Flavor

I was honestly surprised by how moist and rich these brownies are. (They're even better after a quick 10-second warm-up in the microwave.) The texture is soft and slightly dense, much like a traditional fudge brownie. My husband and I have enjoyed all the flavors we have tried so far: Glazed Chocolate Donut, Chocolate Cookie Monster, Banana Nut, Cookie Dough, and Red Velvet brownies. (The Banana Nut isn't quite as indulgent as the other flavors we've tried.)

These taste like indulgent bakery treats, minus the sugar crash. They’re especially good when you’re craving something comforting but want to stay on track.

Packed With Protein and Collagen

Getting enough protein, especially as we age and lose muscle, can be a challenge. The combination of whey protein and collagen makes these brownies more than just a snack; they’re also nutritionally beneficial. I love knowing that I’m supporting my skin, joints, and lean muscle while indulging in something that tastes like dessert.

For those of us over 50, this collagen boost is especially welcome, since natural collagen production declines with age and affects everything from skin firmness, hair health and nail health to bone health.

Portability and Convenience

Each brownie is individually wrapped, which makes it easy to throw one into a handbag, gym bag, or even your car’s center console for a mid-day boost. They don’t melt or crumble, and they are much more delicious and feel more satisfying than typical protein bars.

A Few Things to Consider

Flavor Preferences Vary

Some flavors lean sweeter than others, and a few have a noticeable sugar-alcohol aftertaste. If you're sensitive to erythritol or similar sweeteners, you might want to sample one or two before buying a full box.

Not Budget-Friendly

These come in boxes of 12 individually wrapped protein brownies. At around $3–$3.50 per brownie, these are on the pricier side, but you are paying for high-quality protein, added collagen, and convenience, as well as supporting a small business.

I try to wait for a promo code or sale and stock up on the flavors we love.

Four flavors of individually wrapped Prime Bites Protein Brownies

Nutrition Snapshot

Per brownie (approximate):

Calories: 200–240
Protein: 19g
Collagen: 5g
Added Sugar: ~4–11g
Net Carbs: 7–14g (varies by flavor)
Sweeteners: Erythritol, allulose, and others

Where to Buy

I find the best promos are usually directly from the brand's website, where you can also create a custom assortment box with four flavors of your choice. You can also order the Brownie Variety Pack that includes all the flavors for you to try.

I love these brownies (and the brand new muffins) so much that I became an affiliate partner. You can order Prime Bites Protein Brownies through my affiliate link.

Now through July 4, 2025, there's a Buy Two Boxes, Get One Box Free promo on the website!

If you prefer to order Prime Bites Protein Brownies on Amazon, you can. You can also sign up for a Subscribe & Save subscription on Amazon.

Prime Bites Protein Brownie from Alpha Prime Supplements | High Protein, Collagen Fortified Low Sugar Treat | Delicious Snack | 12 Bars per Box (Variety Pack)

Final Thoughts

I’ve tried dozens of high protein snacks and desserts over the years, and most have been too dry, too chalky, lacking in taste, texture, or both. But Prime Bites Protein Brownies stand out. They satisfy my sweet tooth, deliver meaningful nutrition, and support my healthy aging goals with that bonus dose of collagen.

If you're looking for a protein-rich treat that aligns with your skincare and wellness routine, these are absolutely worth trying—especially when you want a little indulgence without the guilt.

You Will Love These Moist, Delicious, Low Sugar Protein Brownies by Margaret Schindel

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

WHAT SOLD ON EBAY? MY BEST EBAY SALES OF 2024

The Best eBay Sales of 2024? Discover mine here!

This is the seventh in my series of What Sold on eBay posts, which reviews my best sales of 2024. It's written as 2025 is well underway but I believe it is interesting, nevertheless and, once again, I am defining best as the highest dollar value sales. If you are curious about what is valuable on eBay, these are the items that performed the best for me last year.

As I survey my list, it is noteworthy that four of the five items were toys and three of those toys were Lego and without further ado, here are the five best eBay sales from my eBay store in 2024.

LEGO CREATOR EXPERT MINI COOPER SET 10242

Cars have proven to be extremely popular Lego sets. They are interesting when they are released but continue to be of interest when they are retired. Who buys them, especially after they are retired? Anyone who owns or owned one of those cars or someone who collects Lego cars. This set, the Creator Expert Mini Cooper is set number 10242. It is a fairly large set, is recommended for individuals aged 16 and over and has 1077 pieces.

While mine was sold last year, you can still find Lego's Mini Cooper set here on eBay.

NORSCOT SKYJACK SCISSOR LIFT MODEL TOY

Norscot Skyjack Scissor Lift Model Construction Toy

Here's a toy I almost did not pick up but I am glad that I did. This piece likely appealed to someone who works with a scissor lift or with the company, Norscot. When I check eBay today, there are none available though I do see a couple that have sold in the recent past so they obviously become available from time to time. There are, however, plenty of other Norscot construction equipment model toys available on eBay by clicking here. If you are looking for this exact model, just add the words Scissor Lift when you arrive on eBay.

LEGO BATMAN MOVIE BATCAVE BREAK-IN SET 70909

Batman is eternally popular. As a matter of fact, in 2024 CBR.com said that "there have been 10 actors who have portrayed the Caped Crusader in both live-action films and on television, with many more voicing Batman in animated and video game works." No doubt, all those portrayals have contributed to Batman's enduring popularity with many different age groups.

The Batman Movie Batcave Break-in set, number 70909, is a retired set. It was released in 2017 and retired the next year. It contained 1047 pieces and was recommended for ages 8 to 14 though of course it would suit any fan who met the minimum age or who simply wants to display it.

Once again, my set is sold, but you can still find the Lego's Batcave Break-In Batman set here on eBay. If you only want to look at new sets, just add the word new to your search when you arrive on eBay.

BIRKS STERLING SILVER LONG-STEMMED ROSE

What Sold on eBay? Discover my best sales of 2024!

Next up is the only item that is not a toy though it could be argued that the scissor lift is a model and not a toy. Anyway, I was delighted by this find that was produced by the famous jeweler, Birks and crafted from sterling silver. The lady who purchased it was also delighted. She loved the idea of having a rose that was everlasting. It was a rare find and I see no other like it on eBay. However, I did find some other interesting Birks sterling silver floral items here.

LEGO STAR WARS WATTO BLUE MINIFIGURE

What Sold on eBay? Lego Star Wars Watto Minifigure

Yes, this is my fifth highest sale from 2024. It is another Lego item though this time a single minifigure rather than a complete set. Watto is from a 442-piece Star Wars-themed set from 2001 called Watto's Junkyard, set number 7186. If you don't already know, you might be interested to discover that some Lego minifigures are highly collectible and this definitely is one of them. Watto is so valuable that even bits and pieces of him sell for a good price. Visit this link to see what the Lego Star Wars' Watto minifigures are commanding right now on eBay.

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I hope you enjoyed this peek into my best sales of 2024. If you would like to see more, please check out my eBay store!

You never know
what I might have
in store for you!
Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

QUICK LINKS:

What Sold on eBay? The Best Sales of 2022.
This edition included an antique bear, a very expensive set of costume jewelry, an olympic poster, a Lego set and a mid-century modern Danish item.

What Sold on eBay Sixth Edition: Interesting Buyer Stories.

This edition included a collection of magazines, a specific coffee mug, a reproduction print, a Mexican greeting card and a Barbie toy.

What Sold on eBay, the Christmas Edition.

Fans of Christmas will enjoy seeing the Christmas items that sold from my eBay store.

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Monday, June 30, 2025

Stonewall Kitchen Cornbread Mix - Reviewed

We found some home-baked goodness with this box of Stonewall Kitchen Cornbread Mix.

We prefer to make cornbread from scratch, but sometimes a quick fix is necessary.

While on one of Fran and Jamie's Buffalo shopping trips, Fran picked up this box of cornbread mix, along with many other things.

Stonewall Kitchen Cornbread is inspired by classic New England recipes, baking up with a soft, fluffy texture and sweet corn flavor that pairs perfectly with barbecued meats, baked beans, spicy chili, or just as a snack.

A few weeks ago, Jamie made a big pot of her Award Winning Chili. Fran remembered she had bought this cornbread mix, and we gave it a try.

You will find the instructions on the box very easy, and it bakes up in about 25 minutes, making 8 to 12 servings.

The Stonewall Kitchen Cornbread mix did not disappoint; it was a perfect match with the chili. So, if you're looking for homemade goodness from a box, give this one a try.

If you like making cornbread from scratch, try my Cheddar Cheese Cornbread made in my cast iron skillet.

Stonewall Kitchen Cornbread Mix, 16 OuncesBuy Now

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Sunday, June 29, 2025

How to Create Free Picture-in-Picture Walkthrough Videos

Growing a YouTube channel comes with a learning curve. I'm sharing what I've figured out so far in case it helps make your journey a little easier. Last week, I discussed YouTube Playlists, and the week before, I covered how the YouTube Algorithm has changed.

Today's Lesson is about Simultaneous Screen and Camera Recording

Have you ever wanted to show your YouTube channel, walk someone through a tutorial, or create a quick how-to video, with your face in the corner—all without buying expensive software?

That was me just a few days ago. I wanted to create a basic video showing how people can use my YouTube riddle compilations as a free party or family game.

I didn't want anything fancy—just a simple way to screen record my laptop while I talked and scrolled, with my camera on so I could be in the corner of the video explaining everything.

That's when I discovered Microsoft Clipchamp, and the best part is that it's free and already on many Windows computers.

Why I Chose Microsoft Clipchamp

I conducted a basic search on my laptop for "screen and camera recording" tools, and Clipchamp appeared as a result. It was already installed, and it didn't require any sign-up hoops. That was a win.

Clipchamp allowed me to record my screen while showing my face in the corner, so I could explain how viewers could use my YouTube riddle playlist and compilation video as a fun, interactive game streamed on a big screen.

I wanted to walk people through my channel, show them the layout of my playlists, and highlight the video that features 70 riddles in a row—perfect for get-togethers.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Microsoft Clipchamp for Screen and Camera Recording

Here's the super simple, no-fuss tutorial for beginners (like me!).

1. Search and Open Clipchamp

On your Windows laptop, click the Start menu or use the search bar.
Type in "Clipchamp" and click to open it.
If it's not installed, search for it on the Microsoft Store—it's free.

2. Start a New Project

Click "Create a new video."
It will open a blank video editing workspace.

3. Get Your Screen Ready FIRST

✅ Important lesson I learned the hard way:
Before you start recording, make sure the webpage, app, or YouTube channel you want to show is already open in a browser window in the background.

I had to scroll through my YouTube channel to showcase my riddle compilations, and I realized after the fact that setting everything up first makes things go much smoother.

4. Click Record & Create

On the left sidebar, click "Record & Create."
Then select "Screen and camera."
You'll see options pop up. Choose your microphone and camera source.

5. Choose the Right Screen Window

After hitting "Record" (the big red round button at the bottom center), you'll be asked to choose what to share.
Important: Click "Window" instead of "Entire Screen."

“Entire Screen” didn’t work for me—nothing recorded properly when I used that option.
Select the specific window you want to show. In my case, I chose the YouTube window that was already open with my riddle playlist.
Ensure that you only have the one window open that you want to demonstrate—this keeps things clean and avoids distractions or showing stuff you didn't intend to.

6. Check Your Appearance (and Be Ready to Switch to Your Content Fast!)

🎥 Heads-up from my experience:
Once you hit record, the recording starts instantly. Your selected screen will take over and start showing. You won’t see yourself in the corner during the recording—only after it’s done.

So:

Be camera-ready: check your lighting, camera angle, and background before you hit record.
Have your content already open and ready to go in a browser window.
As soon as the recording starts, switch to your content. For me, that meant clicking over to my YouTube page immediately to start scrolling and explaining.

✅ Pro Tip: Keep all other tabs and windows closed to avoid distractions—and to protect your privacy (like open emails, bookmarks, or YouTube sidebar details).

7. Record Your Walkthrough

Start talking to your laptop like you're explaining it to a friend.
Scroll through your browser, demo what you're showing (in my case, my YouTube riddle playlist), and just keep it natural.

8. Finish & Review

When you're done, click "Stop recording."
Clipchamp will automatically insert the recording into your project timeline.

9. Basic Editing (What I Did)

You don't have to do major edits! But if you want to cut out a pause or mistake:

Use the "Split" function (scissors icon).
Click where you want to split, then trim out the part you don't need. There was a learning curve on that as well.

That's literally all I did.

10. Export Your Video

When you're ready, click the "Export" button at the top right.
Choose your video resolution (I picked 1080p).
It will save the video to your device.

Where I Used This Tool

I used this exact process to create a tutorial showing how people can stream my YouTube riddle compilations on their TV and use them for free family or party entertainment. No apps. No sign-ins. Just hit play and have fun together.

⬇️ Here's the Result of My FIRST Ever Screen and Camera Recording!

A Few Final Tips I Learned Along the Way

Clear your browser tabs at the top if you're recording a screen that shows them. It keeps things tidy (and private).
Close the sidebar on your YouTube channel if you don't want to display personal playlists, subscriptions, or navigation options.
Speak slowly and be yourself. You don't need to be perfect. Just helpful.

Want More Advanced Tools?

If Clipchamp isn't meeting your needs, there are more advanced programs available (such as OBS Studio, Camtasia, and ScreenFlow). Simply search for "advanced screen and camera recording software" to find the solution that best suits your needs.

However, if you're just starting out, Microsoft Clipchamp is more than enough for creating great, basic content.

Final Thoughts

It took me the better part of an afternoon to get my recording to a semi-decent state, and I still fumbled a bit. But I'm glad I stuck with it. Now I feel more confident using Clipchamp, and next time I'll likely be more natural and smooth on camera.

Hope this helps you get started. You've got this!

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Saturday, June 28, 2025

Life, Loss, and Puffins - Book Review

Review of a novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde

For two teenagers, their bucket list isn’t about dying. It’s about finally living.

Highlights of the Story

Life, Loss, and Puffins: A Novel

The two main characters in Life, Loss, and Puffins are teenagers Ru Evans and Gabriel.

Ru lives in California with her mother. She is freakishly smart. She taught herself euclidean geometry at age seven and has a photographic memory and total recall. As the story begins, Ru is about to enter college, and she is only thirteen years old.

The college is 150 miles from Ru’s home, so her mother arranges for her to board with a family near the college campus. This family consists of a mother and her seventeen year old son, Gabriel.

Gabriel is very much an outsider like Ru. They both have trouble making friends; Ru due to her intelligence, Gabriel because he has his own way of ‘being’, which includes wearing makeup on his eyelashes and nail polish on his fingers.

Ru and Gabriel, perhaps because they recognize the ‘uniqueness’ in each other, form a deep sibling-like bond. Being able to relate to someone else in their world that they can talk to is a first for each of them.

Originally, Ru’s mother planned to come pick up Ru each weekend, but the first few weeks she comes up with excuse after excuse why she cannot come. Finally Ru gets Gabriel (who drives her to the college campus every day and picks her up in the afternoons after his own college classes) to drive her home to see her mom. She discovers her mom’s sister is there and that her mother is terminally ill. She had tried to keep this from Ru. Quite soon, Ru’s mother dies and Ru is expected to go live in Kentucky with her miserable aunt, her only remaining relative and one she has never gotten along with.

The Trip of a Lifetime

Not able to bear the thought of life with her aunt without ever really having a normal life (wanting to go from being a smart person to just being a ‘person’), Ru tells Gabriel what she would like to do. Gabriel agrees to help her fulfil her ultimate dream. They set off from California and head for Canada. Ru’s bucket list includes seeing the aurora borealis and the Atlantic puffins in the wild.

Summary

Atlantic Puffin (Source: Pixabay)

Ru & Gabriel know that they will be in trouble when caught, but their special friendship, combined with help in unexpected places, combine to help them both see what it feels like to really ‘live’ as a normal person as they take life one beautiful and spontaneous day at a time.

This is a delightful feel-good, coming of age story about two young people you will really enjoy getting to know.

For more books by and about Catherine Ryan Hyde, click here.
For more book reviews, check out ReviewThisBooks.com

*Book Review of Life, Loss, and Puffins written by Wednesday Elf

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Friday, June 27, 2025

Homemade German Chocolate Cake Recipe Reviewed

German chocolate cake is a unique and delicious cake. A German chocolate cake is often easily recognized by the way it is frosted. Traditionally, the sides of a German chocolate cake are not frosted. The coconut-pecan frosting is only on the top and between layers. However, when I make this cake for our family, I elect to put the frosting between layers, on the top and sides. We like the extra frosting. If I made the cake for a party, I would opt for the more traditional, recognizable method and leave the frosting off the sides.

Baking any cake from scratch does take more time to prepare than a boxed cake mix. Plus, you need more ingredients on hand. Those ingredients often have a short expiration date and are likely to spoil before you use the full bottle, bag or can. This alone may be why so many people choose to make cakes with a cake mix instead of from scratch.

When you have the time and inclination, a homemade cake from scratch truly is a gift, as well as a special treat. My homemade German chocolate cake is the most requested cake out of all of my homemade cakes.

German Chocolate Cake Recipe
Sylvestermouse - ReviewThisReviews.com

Set out your butter to soften about an hour before you are ready to start mixing the cake together. I would also recommend lining your cake pans with parchment paper or pre-cut cake pan liners to keep your cake from sticking to the pan.

Because there are several parts of this recipe made in separate bowls and later combined into one large mixing bowl, I use mixing bowls with spouts for easy pouring.

I do use my stand mixer for this cake in order to free up both hands to hold bowls and/or spatulas when adding ingredients to the batter.

Ingredients

1 pkg. (4 oz.) BAKER'S GERMAN'S Sweet Chocolate

½ cup water

4 eggs, separated

2 cups & 4 Tablespoons cake flour or 2 cups of all purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. salt

1 cup butter, softened

2 cups sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup Prairie Farms Bulgarian style buttermilk or whole buttermilk

Directions

Cover bottoms of 3 (9-inch) round pans with parchment or pre-cut dry wax cake liners for pans; Coat bottom & sides with Crisco shortening.

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F – Convection)

Microwave chocolate and water in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 min. or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after 1 min. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.
Separate Eggs (Egg whites in the medium glass mixing bowl)
Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl
Beat butter and sugar in large mixing bowl with mixer until light and fluffy
Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each.
Blend in melted chocolate and vanilla with the low setting on the mixer
Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating until well blended after each addition
Beat egg whites in glass bowl with a hand mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form
Add egg whites to batter by gently stirring them in with a spatula until well blended
Pour batter into prepared cake pans
Bake 25 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean
Immediately run small spatula around cakes in pans and cool cakes in pans 15 min.
Remove from pans to wire racks; cool completely.
Be sure to remove the pan liner parchment paper from the bottom of the cake layers before frosting.

Prepare Coconut-Pecan Filling and Frosting; spread between cake layers and onto top of cake.

Top with Homemade Coconut-Pecan Frosting (click here for the recipe!)

Lot of 2 Baker's 4 oz. German's Sweet Chocolate BarCheck Price Swans Down Regular Cake Flour, 32oz BoxCheck Price 100Pcs 9 IN Round Non Stick Parchment Paper for BakingCheck Price

Check Out More Recipe Reviews at
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Homemade German Chocolate Cake Recipe Written by:

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Thursday, June 26, 2025

Reviewing -The Glassmaker

The Glassmaker by Tracy Chavalier

I love reading historical fiction and Tracy Chavalier is one of my favorite authors. This book takes place in Venice and the areas around it and since I've been to Venice it made this book extra special for me. As they were describing various places in Venice I could picture just where they were talking about. The author makes the characters come alive in this book which makes it a very compelling book to read.

Story Summary

The author takes an interesting take on the timelessness of Venice in this book. In the first paragraph of each chapter she takes on a timeline of Venice through the years starting in 1486 and ending in present day. In the rest of each chapter we follow Orsola Rosso, a woman who has grown up in a glassmaking family in Murano, just a gondolier ride away from Venice.

In Orsola's time woman were meant to be helpers in the business, but never actual glassmakers. In order to help her family in a time of need Orsola learns to make glass beads in secret.

Venice in 1486 is a very wealthy and an opulent center for trade. As time flows through the years Venice suffers through plagues and wars and eventually turns in to more of a tourist destination than a trade center.

In this book we follow the Rosso family through good times and bad. We see life through the eyes of Orsola and view her pains and triumphs as she deals with deaths, births, and changes in the glassmaking business.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Book on Amazon

The Glassmaker is available on Amazon in Hardback, Paperback, Audiobook or eBook. The Glassmaker

Reviews of Andriana Trigiani Books

If you enjoy historical fiction you may enjoy this book. Here is a book I reviewed by Adriana Trigiani.

The Good Left Undone

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Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Summer Heat and Babies Be Prepared ~ A Product Review

Everyone has been waiting for summer so patiently and now it is here. In the last two days we have had almost 100 degrees F through the day and that is a lot of warmth!

Adults know how to handle the heat (while complaining loudly), but when it comes to the littlest of our families, we are somewhat stymied as how to help them keep their cool.

Well, if you know someone who is expecting a little one this summer I have a great gift idea for you! Little Bum Coolers are here! We have lots of laws in place to keep our babies safe while in the car, but no one ever mentions the heat! Most cars have air conditioning but does it reach the back seat where baby's car seat is located? Driver and passenger are comfortable, but the back seat is sometimes less so.

Babies only know how to cry when they are uncomfortable, so if taking your little one out becomes a crying fest, maybe there is something that is bothering them.

Now I know how hot those car seats can get when you've been out shopping and the car is sitting in a sunny spot getting baked. Touch that car seat and you know what I'm talking about. Many malls don't have covered or shaded areas in which to park, so you are left with an interior car temperature that can cook an egg! Not fun for anyone. This is where the Little Bum Coolers come into play! Take the Little Bum Coolers out and place it into the car seat after you have your little one out!

Baby car seats get really hot! The buckles can burn your child's skin. With Little Bum Coolers you can keep your child car seat cool and the buckles as well. The Ice Packs will keep the seat cool and the buckles from becoming a burn hazard! When coming back to the car, open up the windows and let all that standing heat out, then if you can, start your car to get that air conditioning going. Take your Little Bum Coolers off of the car seat, add your child to the cool seat and off you go!

Now everyone is cool and comfortable with no HOT SEATS for anyone.

These Ice Pack Cooling Pads are great for long trips in the car. Shaped to fit the car seats, these Pads work the same way that ice packs work for sore muscles, bruises and sprains. You refrigerate or freeze these ice packs until you are ready to use them and then you put them inside the car seat before baby gets on board.

Just a word of advice, bring along an insulated bag with frozen gel packs inside, so that when baby comes out of the cool car seat, you can place the Ice packs inside the insulated bag. If you don't put them inside an insulated bag they will become warm too. In the insulated bag the Little Bum Coolers will will remain cool and useful for the drive back home again.

This is a great gift idea and something that not everyone will think of. I'm sure it will be a welcome addition to anyone who has that summer baby!

These Little Bum Coolers fit all car seats so it's useful for toddlers too!

Happy Summer and Stay Cool!

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Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Reviewing Uses, Benefits And Disadvantages Of Insulated Water Bottles

Two insulated water bottles, one blue, one silver

Before a recent trip to a major city we went on we decided to buy a couple of insulated water bottles. We knew it would be warm and we had a lot of walking to do. We did not want to keep buying plastic water bottles, partly for environmental reasons and partly due to the expense.

Although the water bottles we purchased were far more expensive than a single plastic water bottle, we knew the cost of single plastic bottles would mount up and we would use these insulated water bottles for many reasons not just this one trip.

In addition we were fed up with plastic water bottles becoming a not very nice rather warm tepid drink within a short period of time and often leaking.

It is so important to keep hydrated in the summer heat we felt it was a worthwhile investment. Now I have experienced travel with one of these insulated water bottles I would never be without one and feel they are an everyday essential for just about everyone.

For us they were a real game changer and helped us to feel much more comfortable and hydrated. We bought two of the 750 ml ones in different colours and it was one of our best purchases.

The reason these insulated water bottles are so good is that they use double walled vacuum insulation to keep the drinks at the right temperature for many hours. Some models including the one we bought keep cold drinks cold and fresh for up to 24 hours, and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours. Different models will have different times for hot and cold liquids so do be careful to check that out.

They come in a range of sizes from small ones that can be carried easily to big one litre ones for a long trip and other in between options. We found the 75 litre size perfect for our days out. There was no strange taste or smell and it all was just fresh cold water and thirst quenching.

A tip is to fill with water then put in the fridge for a while to have really cold water for your trip or day out. However it is not advised to have freezing cold water as it can upset your stomach, just cold water is best.

Two water bottles, blue one standing, silver on on its side.

Ideas How To Use Insulated Water Bottles.

These insulated water bottles are incredibly versatile and since we have owned them have far more uses than I initially thought.

For City sightseeing trips like ours they are invaluable. Walking for miles and needing regular drinks, these water bottles were fantastic! We added rehydration sachets as well to maximise the benefits of the cool fresh water and sometimes lemon. We saved a small fortune on city centre cafe visits and found many places to fill them up.

For more serious hiking, biking or camping trips and long nature reserve walks where hydration is important. The size to choose will depend on the length of time you are out, the weather, and how comfortable you are carrying the size and weight of the bottle.

Fill it with cool water for exercise in the gym, running, yoga, Pilates or spin class to rehydrate. It is useful to add rehydration sachets to the water to help you as well.

On family trips out each family member can have their own individual drink in smaller sizes, maybe each person has a different colour. Alternatively, the family or couple can share a larger size bottle.

Keeping one with you when gardening to keep hydrated or have a lovely coffee, tea or hot chocolate just when you feel like it without having to go inside. This is great for me as an avid gardener I can now stay outside all the time and I do not need to go inside to make a drink! Also as it is sealed, unlike a glass or mug of water you wont get any stray insects in it!

Take hot tea, coffee or fresh cold water with you on your journey to work and for use while at work. For people who work outdoors, it would be a very handy way to hydrate and have good hot drinks available just when you need them.

Very good for keeping fresh cold water or hot lemon drink by your bed when feeling poorly or post operation, as it is important to keep hydrated and also for taking medication. No need to keep getting up to make drinks when you don't feel like it, or bothering someone else.

Keep one bottle by your bed at night, filled with water, in case you wake up thirsty, which I often do, when the weather is very hot or humid. The water is much fresher than when it is just in an open glass.

Older people often do not drink enough water to keep hydrated. If they have one of these it is easier for them or carers to monitor how much they are drinking. It is easier to drink more when a bottle is by your side than having to keep getting up to get water or make a drink.

Take one for long train, bus or car journeys and have your hot or cold drink just as fresh as you made it. I once ran out of water on a long train journey in the summer heat and I do not recommend it, I felt quite poorly as I was dehydrated and so since then always make sure I have more than enough water with me.

POWCAN 40 oz Insulated Water Bottle with 2-in-1 Straw and Spout Lid, Keep Cold 24H, Leak-Proof, BPA-Free, Double Wall StainlessCheck Price

Benefits Of Insulated Water Bottles

They keep drinks cold or hot for hours which is a major benefit and one of the main reasons I wanted buy one. I love this feature as I dislike lukewarm water or a just about cold coffee. It is a lovely thing to have a refreshing cold drink several hours after you have made it or a nice hot coffee or tea halfway through the day. So great for both warmer and colder months.

A huge advantage is that many of them and the ones we bought are leakproof. This was my second reason for buying one. Ours have a guarantee against leaks which is a big plus for me. I once had a plastic water bottle that leaked all over on a bus which was embarrassing and then meant I had no water for my rather hot journey. I would certainly choose one that is leakproof.

You can also make your drink exactly how you like it. For example I like water with a hint of lemon. I like my coffee milky. Most coffee shops make it too strong for me. My husband likes coffee strong but not sweet. So we can now customise our drinks the way we want them and have a bottle each.

They are perfect for rehydration for travel and days out, exercise and illness.

Insulated water bottles are better than constantly buying plastic water bottles then discarding them. Or filling a plastic bottle repeatedly and risking leaks as the plastic weakens or the top seal fails. Instead we can just refill these insulated water bottles helping to reduce plastic use overall and is in time cost effective.

In addition most insulated water bottles are made from stainless steel, which makes them strong, though do check individual models and makes for exact construction.

There are a variety of useful sizes to choose from. From small bottles perhaps for exercise use, medium sized for carrying around sightseeing all day, to large flasks for long hot days or sickness, we can choose the best for us and our needs.

While certainly more expensive than a plastic bottle or take away coffee initially, over a short period of time you will more than recoup that cost by making your own drinks and using this flask.

These insulated water bottles are available in a good choice of colours and designs to suit most needs and styles. We found it useful to have one colour for water and one colour for coffee. Or one colour for each of our different coffee preferences. Ours came available in silver, blue, green, black or white and there are a wide range of colours to choose from in most brands.

They are easy to clean. We just clean ours manually in the sink.

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw, BPA-Free Sports Water Bottle, Great for Travel, 24 Oz, Camo CoolCheck Price

Disadvantages Of Insulated Water Bottles

Insulated water bottles are significantly more expensive than plastic bottles. However we find the cost recouped really quite quickly once we no longer needed to buy plastic water bottles or so many cafe visits. On our one week trip with them we already saved most if not all of the cost than if we had bought the same volume of water in plastic bottles.

They can be heavier and take up a bit more space in a bag or rucksack than a plastic bottle. However on our city break trip and nature walks we have not found this an issue.

The bottles are generally opaque so you cannot see from the outside how much of the drink you have left before opening them. We found that you can get an idea by the weight though quite quickly once you are used to them.

If you are going to want to refill them often when out and about be careful which size you choose. With our 750ml bottles we found that we could refill them at most water filling points. However, there were some we could not fit the bottle underneath. So if that is a concern perhaps take one smaller bottle to use alongside a larger one in those circumstances or just the smaller bottles.

It is important to clean thoroughly after containing tea or coffee.

However for us these insulated water bottles have been wonderful and made life so much easier! A few minor issues are not important compared to the major advantages and now I would absolutely never be without one or two.

TOURIT 32 oz Insulated Water Bottle, Stainless Steel Bottle With Straw, Double Wall Vacuum Insulation for Cold and Hot DrinksCheck Price

So in summary, we think these insulated water bottles are a great find for us and for many people. They look nice and stylish and have a good range of colours to choose from. The size choice is good from small to very large. Many carry a good guarantee against leaks as well which was important to us. Once bought you will never need to buy plastic throw away water bottles anymore or take away coffees, so you will easily recoup the money spent. As always read the details about each brand carefully and choose based on your own needs and activities.

BJPKPK Insulated Water Bottles, 18 oz Stainless Steel Metal Water Bottle with Strap, BPA Free Leak Proof ThermosCheck Price

Finally these would make a lovely thoughtful gift for just about anyone. Especially for a birthday or Christmas present and would also be a thoughtful gift for someone starting work who has a commute, exercising regularly, someone going travelling, a gardener or an older person, to name a few.