** UPDATE * * Y'all... Two Lenovos Bugged Out on Me. TWO.

If you skip down and read the original post, I am raving there about that refurbed Lenovo. After you read that glowing report, come back and read this to know why I may never own another Lenovo - new or refurbed.

 Okay, so I loved that dang Lenovo Flex 7i. Until it wigged out and, after a shutdown, it decided to act a fool. Both of them did - the first one and then the replacement. They both went wacko. The replacement was worst than the first one. Way worse and in so many ways... 

 First, when I powered it up, I could log in with my fingerprint but, once on the desktop, I couldn't sign into my accounts. And, for even more fun, I couldn't sign out of my accounts - you know, the ones I wasn't even logged into. (Even Reddit couldn't help me unravel that problem.)

If that computer was a new man in my life, it was one that I had to get a restraining order against after the first couple of days. It was the equivalent of the man of your dreams being the man of your dreams and then, on the third or fourth day, revealing that he belongs to a blood-drinking cult or is a vegan.

At least with the first computer, I was able to wipe all my data before returning it. That second one? Nope. Every reset came with a message that it had not been able to wipe my data. I even did a complete wipe of the drive. Same thing.

What a nightmare.

Because I am slightly paranoid, before I returned Flex Number Two, I unlinked the machine from every other device and account I own. Then I changed all my passwords and set them to two-factor authentication mode. I'd only ever done that for any kind of financial account because it is so dang annoying. Now, any time I sign into anything, my phone is nagging me. It's for my own good but it really makes me relate to moms with kids tugging at them saying "Mama, Mama. Mama. Mama."

So, right now, I am back on the Dell. I have to let it rest in between uses and keep it plugged in whenever it's powered on. I can't even be mad. It might be a crazy machine but it's a normal kind of crazy, not some new crazy that I need special training to understand. 

Am I still looking for a laptop? Yeah, but I'm afraid of refurbs now. I did look around online pricing new 2-in-1 machines but the prices shocked me back to the beginning of menopause. After a couple of hours, I was crying and laughing and having conversations with the woman I remember being and sweating a lot. 

Next week, when I am somewhat recovered from this long episode of madness, I might have another go at looking for a different refurb. My problem is that I've gotten spoiled to the 2-in-1 setup but I need a lot more RAM and storage than I can afford. So many first-world problems, right?

In the meantime, pray for me. I have been having dizzy spells again. I don't know if this is the sarcoidosis flaring up again or if I just need some adjustments to my meds. No matter what, I am forever blessed and grateful to God.

***************************

This is the Lenovo I recently got to try out. It's the Flex 7i. I loved it. But I had to return it.

This is the product description that caught my eye:

Lenovo 2023 Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop,14" IPS 2K(2240x1400) Touchscreen, Intel 10-Core Processor i7-1255U Up to 4.60GHz, 16GB Ram, 512GB SSD, Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint Reader, Win11 OS(Renewed) 

This is the actual laptop. When I got it, I was tickled to see that the seller included a padded cover branded "HP"! (It's a great cover though.)

that's a cute cover, HP!

The RAM (18G) and storage (512) were superb and double what my Dell has. The 14" screen is technically an inch smaller than on the Dell but actually... there wasn't much difference because the Lenovo screen had a thinner margin. I mean that the screen filled the screen. On the Dell, a whole inch at the bottom is taken up with the logo and a black margin.

The graphics were stellar and I am now disappointed whenever I'm looking at the Dell graphics. The price was amazing and probably the only kind of price I can afford without sweating. 

But.

 I had to return the Lenovo. 

The one I got was a refurbished machine and something was wrong with the motherboard. I was so disappointed! 

There are some more (for now) but I am waiting to let the return clear off my card before I dive in again. I'm just praying that there are more of that specific model with those specific specs left by then...

So what did I love so much about the Lenovo? Everything - well, almost everything. Here's where the love comes in:

• It's a 2-in-1 - the same as this Dell that is about to die
• The better graphics. Even the webcam was better. Nice and sharp.
• It's built better than this Dell. It's sturdier and has better materials all around.
• Of course, it's lighter-weight and more compact (because of the size).
• There are Lenovo support apps built into it.
• The charger is USB and less bulky.
• The backlit keyboard can be turned on or off. (Dell also has this feature but is trickier to find. I actually didn't know this was a thing until I had the Lenovo.)
• A stylus/pen is supported (but not my Dell pen.)
• My favorite is the built-in web camera blocker. Awesome!

the screen with the blocker on

The Lenovo had everything I love about the Dell but better. However, there was one thing I really disliked: there were not enough ports.

On the Dell, I have enough ports for my USB mouse, a printer USB, and other things I can't think of. On the Lenovo, the charger takes up one of the only 2 USB ports. So I had the charger plugged in and the USB for the mouse. That's it. I had no other USB ports. To print, I had to either not be using the charger or I'd have to remove the USB for the mouse.

I do know that there are hubs (or docks -?-) to add ports. Still, that was a bit of an added hassle. But the price - under $600 for the laptop (with a 90-day warranty) and an additional 2-year warranty - was so good. 

no special lighting

I might not get a Lenovo just yet but when I am down to the wire and this one is completely dead, Lenoovo is going to be my choice. The refurbs on Amazon are selling out and I really haven't been able to find it elsewhere - even at full price... When I do I will probably go with a new one and have to do payments but it will be worth it.

Peace

--Free

Another Sunscreen Post (UPDATE 10/15/24)

**UPDATE 10/15/24**

If you need to check the authenticity of a product (as I did with sunscreen recently), you can go over to Checkfresh and enter the batch code (found on the packaging). If the batch number is legit, you will get information about it. For my sunscreen, I got the following:

even better, the batch code was 
embossed on the container

Of course, this doesn't mean that the product couldn't still be tampered with. This is just another way to get an idea if something I, I mean, anyone bought cheaper is possibly legit.

When I was taking birthday calls from my family recently, I was reminding the young ladies to always use sunscreen. It's not a "being cute" thing but a "being safe" thing. Skin cancer is real. It's not only that a lot of them live in Arizona but they spend so much time outside. I'm a hermit and I still wear sunscreen daily. Head to toe, baby.

I did the original sunscreen rant here, then did an update here. I'm following up with more information because one of my neighbors discovered that she has skin cancer. I don't have a lot of the details but, believe it or not, it started with a mole. A mole. Damn.

So, please make a habit to wear sunscreen on your face and body. And find the right sunscreen. I thought all sunscreens were equal as long as they weren't expired and had the right ingredients. Well, that's the thing. Not all ingredients are equal. Also, some people have to worry more about SPF while others need to be more concerned with UVA. It's all about skin tone and type. Not only that but location matters - as in where you reside. 

Good Lord. It's getting complicated, right? 

Dr. Dray (a U.S.-licensed dermatologist) on YouTube did a video that is very helpful. I am using her shortcut wordplay to remember UVA for UV-aging and UVB for  UV=burning. Note: I don't burn so I'm looking into UVA protection! LOL

This video will help me make sure I'm using sunscreen better suited for my face.

And this one is for folks who might not take sunscreen use seriously.

Please take heed. This is not about how cute you are on Instagram; this is about your health.

Since I have become a fan of La Roche-Posay's Double Repair Facial Moisturizer moisturizer, I have asked them about their UVMune 400 sunscreen. I am also going to be trying out the Toleriane Double Repair Facial Moisturizer With SPF. I will report back what I learn about the UVMune - which is impossible to find. (By the way, LRP has a good post on UVA vs UVB.)

The part of the first video above that I found most interesting was about how our skin tone matters when it comes to sun protection. It seems that the whole "black don't crack" line is not so much about moisturizing as it is about natural defenses against some sun damage.

Anyway, please check out those videos. Talk to your doctors. And for my lighter-skinned friends out there, pay attention to how much more vulnerable you may be to sun damage. Don't be cute, be safe.

Peace

--Free

Ashes: Not All That Remains

 When I think about the loved ones I've lost, I know that only their bodies are gone. Their souls are eternal. 

Recently, my nephew took the ashes of his mother (my sister) and his twin sister (my goddaughter/niece) home to Alaska, he found the perfect place to scatter them. Both these ladies loved, loved, loved Alaska. My niece and her brother were born there. My sister and I spent almost 45 years there. It's home.

Whenever I think of my sister and niece, I know their souls are at home in heaven and their human remains are in Alaska. My nephew really honored them and their love of Alaska.

We still have family and loved ones who live in Anchorage and it's nice that they can go and visit the area. I love that there is a small fall of water nearby the spot. 

McHugh Peak Trail

Alaska is so diverse in its beauty but this is a place that speaks for the whole state. It's beautiful and wild and open and free. One day I know I will see my sister and niece again. For now, I love where their remains are resting.

Peace

--Free

**Update- on the LRP branding** Is La Roche Posay Hype-Worthy?

See the end of the post for a little information update on the La Roche-Posay brand.

Have you tried any French Pharmacy products? Are you looking for affordable products? Products that last and live up to the hype? Keep reading to see if I think that La Roche-Posay is worth the raves...

La Roche-Posay is one of those brands that, for a long time I would scroll right past. At a glance, the prices always seemed more "up there" for someone on a tight budget. Also, I recently put together a decent (and streamlined) set of skincare products. I stuck to what seemed like very affordable items. However, usually, you do get what you pay for. I wanted to know if the LRP brand was worth all the hype.

You should know that the one thing I like about a lot of non-American skincare is the stricter ingredient regulations. Not only does it seem that some other countries have better regulations but they also seem to be ahead of us in innovation. There is a reason that so many Americans love their Korean, Japanese, and French beauty products. 

As you know, I have tried Korean and French products. Of the things I've liked a lot, I am still using the last of my Embryolisse and as I am less than halfway through the first bottle of Pyunkang Yul toner, I can say I will buy more when I'm out. And, now finally, I can say that La Roche-Posay is winning me over. 

A while back, I started using an LRP cleanser. After getting a sample - along with samples of cleansers from CeraVe, Neutrogena, and Olay - the LRP won out, fair and square. For one thing, it cleans the skin to an exfoliated softness without exfoliation and without drying. But I still held off on trying anything else from the brand. Until I got my hands on another sample. This time, it was for the Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer.

While I love samples and was excited to get one from LRP, I was a little disappointed because I have been so wanting to try the Cicaplast Baume B5 I've heard so many people rave about. On the other hand, that cleanser I've become a fan of is part of the Toleriane line. Also, a free sample is a free sample so I gave it a try.

{By the way, this is what comes up when you Google "Toleriane": Toleriane is a skincare range developed by the French pharmaceutical company La Roche-Posay. The Toleriane line is specifically designed for sensitive skin and aims to provide gentle, soothing, and effective solutions for individuals with various skin concerns.

The Toleriane range includes a variety of products, such as cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and treatments, all formulated with minimal ingredients to minimize the risk of irritation. These products are typically fragrance-free, preservative-free, and hypoallergenic, making them suitable for sensitive and reactive skin types.

The primary goal of Toleriane products is to restore and strengthen the skin's natural barrier function while reducing discomfort and signs of sensitivity. They often contain ingredients like thermal spring water, ceramides, glycerin, and niacinamide, which help hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin.

Toleriane products are commonly recommended by dermatologists and skincare professionals for individuals with sensitive, reactive, or allergy-prone skin. However, it's always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider to determine if Toleriane products are suitable for your specific skin concerns and needs.}

The Double Repair dispenses as a milky-white cream - not especially thin nor thick - and looks like any other lotion but it goes nearly clear when you smooth it with a finger. Once you do rub it into your skin, there is no visible trace left. Just looking at the test spot on my hand, I wondered if I was using enough. But when I touched my hand, I could feel a huge difference.

Describing the moisturizing effect of the cream is tricky. With most moisturizers, I can feel the product on my skin. With this one, I only feel the effects. When I apply this to my face and neck, the skin feels "padded" and soft. I guess "supple" is the word I'm looking for. The sample was small - like a tiny plastic condiment packet - but it was more than enough to treat my face and neck with a bit left over. I rubbed that on my pulse points before applying some perfume.

The product benefits? According to the brand: "Provides up to 48-hr hydration & helps restore skin's barrier after 1 hr. Won't clog pores."

Of course, I wanted to test how long the hydration lasted - or at least how long my face seemed to feel moisturized. The product passed that test with no problems at all. To be honest, it beat out everything else I have ever tried, even the 41-dollar-an-ounce Dermalogia sample that I loved.

The first thing I did when I woke up the next morning was check to see if my face felt dry. It did not. It was still very supple. I almost hated to wash away the moisturizer! And here's the thing: who goes 48 hours without washing their face? Hmm... I just might have to do a 48-hour test.

Now, I can't say how well this will perform in the very dry winter weather. Right now, my part of Iowa is really humid. Still, none of my other moisturizers have made my face feel this pampered and soft - no matter what the weather is like. I think that could be because my skin happens to love some of the ingredients in this cream - namely the ceramide and niacinamide. 

So, yeah, this LRP moisturizer has won me completely over. At $6.50 an ounce (or $22 for a 3.4oz tube) I was thinking that it was kind of up there in price - until I  compared it to the Embyolisse I've been using. 

I love the Price Cruncher app

Also, I don't have to use much of the LRP - about 2 pea-sized dots for my face and neck. A once-a-day application more than does it for me.

See how the small dot
spreads?

Also, this cream is much richer and does more for my skin than the Embryolisse. Since I have to pick a lane, so to speak, I will be hanging with the LRP. I'm just more than impressed with the moisturizer and the cleanser. I thought about trying the sunscreen - because Euro sunscreens are said to be more effective - but I've heard it leaves a white cast on very dark skin so I will pass until I can try a sample and see for sure.

I don't really need any other products right now. After discovering the LRP cleanser and this moisturizer, the only other thing I use on a daily basis is the Pyunkang Yul toner. I save my beloved German-made Nivea for my elbows and bosom area. My routine is very stripped-down these days. 

If - and I'm only saying if - I ever decide to try another LRP product, it will probably be the Cicaplast Baume or the version of this cream with SPF. As a matter of fact, if I end up getting a subscription for the cream, I might just get the SPF version.

Last, I want to mention that you don't need to use Amazon to get the products. I normally do use Amazon for subscription items but LRP's U.S. site offers subscriptions and is affiliated with ShopRunner for free 2-day shipping on orders over $25. Another benefit to ordering direct from the LRP site is that, for some products, you have the option of buying smaller quantities. That's helpful for saving money and for just trying a smaller size until you are sure you like it. Also, you get to choose a couple of small samples with each order. That's handy.

(By the way, I clean forgot that I have a ShopRunner account. I also forgot how easy it is to get a free membership. My first membership was courtesy of my American Express travel card but gave that up. Now I have a membership because of my FedEx Delivery Manager account. A paid SR account is around $80/yr.)

I will say one more time that I a more than pleased with the results of the LRP moisturizer. The hype is well-deserved.

(I just realized that I am scheduling this to publish the day after my 62nd birthday. I am very blessed to be in my 7th decade but... how appropriate to be talking about a good moisturizer!)

Peace

--Free

DISCLAIMER: I am not compensated in any way for this post nor did I receive any of the products mentioned. The links are not affiliated so I am not earning anything when you click on them.

UPDATE

I just realized that La Roche-Posay is part of the L'Oreal "Active Cosmetics' division. Interesting. The division also includes  L’Oréal’s Vichy and SkinCeuticals. This was posted in February 2023 on Cosmetics Business (which is worth perusing every now and then):

"The newly-named L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty groups together the same brands as the former Active Cosmetics division, namely La Roche-Posay, Vichy, CeraVe, Decléor, SkinCeuticals and the recently-acquired Skinbetter Science." 

Sneaky, sneaky? Not so much. There are a lot of brands grouped together that we as consumers don't know or even think about. 

I just wanted to mention this as soon as I could. 

Flax Gel Conditioning Treatment (It's Too Much, Y'all)

 After months of thinking about it, I finally tried doing a flax gel conditioning treatment for my hair. Never again, my friends, never, ever again...

First of all, I waited for a day when I was feeling a bit more energetic than usual.  And I feel like I should have used that energy on something else - like cleaning out my storage space or learning to build a hydro plant.

Making the gel

Of course, before I could do anything else, I had to make the treatment gel. It's not a complicated recipe but it takes time. Here it is:

Ingredients:

1/4 cup flaxseeds

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions:

In a small saucepan, combine the flaxseeds and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally.

As the mixture simmers, it will thicken and become gel-like. Once it reaches a gel-like consistency, remove the saucepan from heat.

Place a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl or container. Pour the mixture into the strainer, allowing the gel to separate from the flaxseeds. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to press out as much gel as possible. Discard the flaxseeds or save them for other uses.

Let the flaxseed gel cool down to room temperature.

Once the gel has cooled, add the extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Apply the mixture generously to clean, damp hair, focusing on the lengths and ends. Massage it into your hair and scalp, ensuring thorough coverage.

Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap and leave the deep conditioner on for at least 30 minutes. For a more intense treatment, you can leave it on for a few hours or overnight.

Rinse out the deep conditioner with lukewarm water, followed by your regular shampoo and conditioner or a co-wash routine.

This DIY deep conditioner combines the moisturizing properties of flaxseed gel with the nourishing benefits of extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil. It helps to hydrate, soften, and add shine to your hair. Remember to adjust the ingredient quantities based on your hair length and thickness.

And, where did I get the recipe? ChatGPT. Seriously.

Anyway. Some of my morning energy had begun to drain away by the late afternoon when it was time to heat the seeds. I decided to soak them instead. So I did, but the next day, I read somewhere that boiling the seeds is better than soaking the. I guess boiling them extracts more of the nutrients and also creates more of a gelatinous texture. 

I ended up also boiling the seeds that I had soaked overnight. I used the same seeds and water and the thin gel that soaking had produced. The result was a much thicker gel but I kind of wish I'd left well enough alone. If I had not had some latex gloves, I would not have been able to work with the booger-y substance. And I will never work with it again, I can promise you that!

Once I actually had a mixture done, I used an immersion blender to really blend it all together. I put it all in a plastic squeeze bottle. 

Applying the treatment

Once the oils are mixed in with the gel, it's a bit less nasty feeling. But just a bit. I separated my hair and applied the gel to small sections at a time. Once I'd smoothed the liquid from root to tip, I secured the hair in twists. Light and drippy twists. I did this to my entire head and put on 2 plastic caps.

My goal had been to leave the treatment in overnight. That was not feasible. The liquid really stays super wet and I had to tuck cotton around the edges of the cap to keep it from dripping everywhere. I was sure that sleeping with a thick towel under my head wouldn't protect my bed linens. I settled for leaving it in for around 4 hours while I cleaned up, made dinner, and ate.

Instead of shampooing the mixture out, I used a co-wash.

The results

As much as I hated the process, I have to admit that the results were awesome. My hair looked and felt better - as if I'd gone to the salon for a deep conditioner.

While it was still damp, I used my usual oil and cream and a sealant. I used shea on my scalp.

When my hair was completely dried from everything, it did have a bit more shine and it still felt good. The next couple of days after the treatment, my natural curls remained soft and lovely. Four days in, I could revive the initial results by spritzing with a fine water mist and fluffing the curls with my fingers. I washed my hair again after that. And, no, I didn't use the gel but I plan to the next wash day. I will leave it in for about an hour. Maybe.

So was it worth it?

Yes, it was worth it - this one time. I don't think that I will ever make more because the initial flax gel texture is just too gross for words... Or maybe I will be like those women who, after the pain of labor, have more children. I don't know. I'm pretty sure I will be able to find a flaxseed conditioner online. (Please, God, let it be so!)

Thankfully I have quite a bit of leftover product in the bottle. It's supposed to keep (tightly sealed and in the fridge) for 12 to 14 days. Once there's any change in smell, texture (as if it could be worse), or color, into the trash it goes.

If you can stomach working with the gel, I highly recommend at least trying the treatment. If you have a weak stomach and a vivid imagination, like me, try finding a ready-made version.

Peace

--Free

The Saga of Finding A Dresser

Can someone tell me what ever happened to the idea of actual dresser drawers? I'm talking dressers made of some kind of non-toothpick-strength wood and with real drawers to hold real and adult-sized clothing. 

For the past 4 or 5 months, I have been trying to find a bedroom dresser. I'm not looking for anything fancy or special. I just want a basic dresser - made for adults - to hold my clothing - not for my TV, not for my "media" and not just for socks and gloves and other things that kindergartners keep in their cubbies.

$109 and made in China

Finding a halfway decent dresser drawer is becoming headache-inducing.

The first sites I checked were, of course, Amazon and Walmart. Then I moved on to Wayfair and Overstock. My first search query was basic and done with a China-blocking app on: "bedroom dresser $200 or less" and the results indicated that I was going to have a bit of a problem.

Most of the results that came back were items made for the nursery or an entryway. Almost all of them had fabric drawers because, apparently, that's a thing now and not just for dorm rooms or travel-trailer storage. I'm not kidding. Sometimes, the product page won't even call these things dressers and label them as "organizers" - which is legit if I'm looking for something to keep my financial papers in... When I added dimensions to be taller than doorknob height, things only got a tad better. 

$119 (on sale for $101)

I literally sat down for at least a quarter of an hour, just trying to figure out the perfect search terms. "Wooden, bedroom drawers, no fabric, adult, $200 or less" is what I came up with. The results were worse than for the basic search. "Wood" these days can be used to describe anything from particle board, engineered, laminate, bamboo, and alloy. What? Do the online sites not understand the term "wood"?

One time, I did find a decent-looking item. It was on Amazon. The price was very decent (originally $295 but on sale for $175) and with over 8000 customer ratings. The problem is that the ratings were wonky - 57% 5-star ratings and 11%  1-star ratings. If that wasn't bad enough, some of the reviews were of the "get what you pay for" type. Of course, you usually do get what you pay for but, in reviews, that phrase is not promising especially when some of the photos showed broken parts and cosmetic damage. Oh, and, most of the first reviews I read indicated that people bought the dresser for a child's room or the nursery. ~sigh~

So, okay. Maybe I was shooting for too low of a price. I upped the maximum price limit to $250.  I know that's not a lot but I'm not furnishing a stately home. I'm only looking for something to store some clothing. If it's not ugly and won't fall over if I lean against it, that would be great. 

After searching for at least 2 weeks, I grew sick of seeing even more "cube" or fabric "drawers". I don't think it should be legal to use the term "fabric" for any type of dresser drawer. "Fabric" should be for under drawers, if you know what I mean.  At least the word "cube" lets me immediately know to skip the item. And the photos... So sneaky! I'd see something that, in the product photos, looked like wood only for customer photos to show webbing or plastic painted to give the appearance of wood.

Then, one day, the heavens opened, golden light shone down and angels sang. My brother (who often buys pallets of goods for resale) got a couple of boxes of furniture in a load. And, boy, I was so happy when 2 of the boxes contained dressers! And of course, because my entire family is wonderful like this, my brother gave me one of the boxes. Yes!

My brother had just had surgery to remove a GIST so he had to have someone else bring the heavy box to me and I would have to do the assembly. I was ready for it and had a neighbor as a helper.  I unpacked everything and she went and tossed the box and all the styrofoam and plastic out in time to catch the garbage truck. (This was a big box and took up a lot of room that I do not have.)

So now I had a free dresser (and not the cheap kind either) and an assembly helper. This is when you'd think I was home free, right? I was not.

In our excitement, my neighbor and I started doing the assembly before we realized we were missing something. Quite a few somethings... Somethings as in most of the pieces needed. That's when we looked at the instructions and saw that the dresser was a 1-of-2 box situation. We think that the box we threw out was Box 1. 

I will skip over the rest to say that my brother then had someone bring me the other box. His friend had to go look for it in the garage. That box turned out to be Box 2 but... it was Box 2 of an entirely different dresser.  The first dresser was a beautiful white-washed ash-blonde chest model made in Thailand. The second was a dove gray double dresser made in Brazil. I loved the chest model but the double dresser wasn't shabby either.

I gotta find the other box!

Now I had not only stressed myself out, but I also had created (or found) a problem for my brother. He was going to have to contact his pallet supplier to straighten things out because the missing boxes were not on his pallet. Somewhere, someone else was missing boxes. (I know. I'm still confused!)

Today, I still do not have a dresser. However, I do have parts to one fully unboxed dresser and another partially unboxed dresser stacked at the foot of my bed. Everything that would normally go in and on top of a dresser is in stacks around the rest of the room. It's a nightmare trying to maneuver around.

I don't even know if I still want a dresser. I'm thinking of making random stacks of stuff a design trend...

If you were to visit me right now, you would see a decently cute (but crowded) kitchen, a beautiful budget living room, and a nicely organized bathroom. At that point, you would think that I had done an amazing job creating a pleasant living space on the tightest budget in the world. But you might wonder what was behind the mysterious closed door - which is 1 of only 2 interior doors. No one but myself is allowed to open that door. Behind that door is the bedroom that I am hiding. 

Anyway, once I regain my strength and the will to care, I will deal with the dresser/bedroom situation. My brother is still recuperating from surgery and dealing with moving his daughter out of his and into her own house. I can't be mad that it will take him a while to figure out how to get me my free dresser.

Pray for me. And stage a protest against dressers with cubes and fabric drawers.

Peace

--Free

**CROSSPOST** Isn’t a Horrible Thing Is Always a Horrible Thing?

(I recently posted this on my other blog.) 

I watched this video and was mad. 

This woman had a child and let it die. She buried it somewhere.

At first, I felt compassion for this woman (and still feel some). Then I finished watching the video and learned that she'd done the same thing before. And I got real mad. But then... I really thought about all the comments of outrage (including my own) and wondered about something. What is the difference between what this woman did and the women who go to clinics and do the same thing every day?

A baby discarded is a baby discarded. Why does it make such a difference in where and how it's done? Here is the video.

Go and read the comments. Hear the anger and disgust. Now go look up stories of people advocating for medical abortions.

This woman was not raped or taken advantage of in any way. She had a man in her life who obviously loved her and was willing to marry her. She was not a confused teenager. She had options. She just did not want to deal with the consequences of having sex.

What is different about her and most of the women who walk into clinics every day and do the same thing she did: get rid of an unwanted child?

I'm waiting for the hatred that will be coming my way because of voicing this opinion in the YouTube comments. Oh boy. 

Peace

--Free

*REVIEW** Sunfood MSM Lotion

 My psoriasis, which was doing better all winter - as it generally does - decided to flare up a while back. Another patient I chatted with at the infusion clinic told me about using MSM-based products topically. She says that she uses her gel-based product mostly for pain relief but noticed that it is very hydrating and healing to the small patches of eczema she has.

I had no idea what MSM actually is though I have seen supplements advertised online so I tried looking up topical versions. Most results were for brands only hawking their own products so I took this from a GPT response: 

MSM lotion refers to a topical skincare product that contains methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) as one of its key ingredients. MSM is a naturally occurring compound that contains sulfur, which is important for the formation of collagen, connective tissues, and healthy skin.

MSM lotions are often used for various skin conditions and skincare purposes. Some of the potential benefits associated with MSM lotion include:

Moisturization: MSM lotion can help hydrate the skin, keeping it soft and supple.

Soothing properties: It may have soothing effects on irritated or inflamed skin, making it suitable for conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or acne.

Anti-aging effects: MSM is believed to promote collagen production, which can help improve the elasticity and firmness of the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Scar reduction: Some people use MSM lotion to minimize the appearance of scars, including surgical scars or those resulting from injuries.

Joint support: While MSM lotions are primarily used for skincare, MSM is also known for its potential joint-supporting properties. Although the lotion is not directly absorbed into the joints, some people believe that MSM applied topically can indirectly benefit joint health by reducing inflammation in the surrounding tissues.

MSM lotions are available in various formulations and concentrations, so it's important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. As with any skincare product, it's advisable to perform a patch test before using it on a larger area of the body, especially if you have sensitive skin or known allergies. If you have specific skin concerns or medical conditions, it's recommended to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional for personalized advice.

(Note that I highlighted some of the more pertinent bits and added the link to Wikipedia.)

Deciding to give a lotion a try, the problem I had was finding something affordable that seemed to be of a "clean" formula. Depending on the patch test, I could be out some money. After looking at several brands and types (I didn't want a gel or anything with scent or a lot of added ingredients.), I found this one from Sunfood. 

8 ounces is lasting
longer than expected

Immediately after doing a patch test on the back of one hand, I thought I really might have wasted fourteen bucks - which would buy a lot of flour or a couple of packs of chicken... 

My skin wasn't irritated or anything but the lotion absorbed and dried so quickly that I was puzzled. I expected the temporary dampness that I get with some good moisturizers. Still, I wanted to see if I could use the lotion on my face and the upper part of my body (bosom and shoulders) so I applied some and then went about my business.

To be honest, after about half an hour (when I thought about it again), I realized that even though my hands were completely dry - dry enough that I hadn't been smudging paperwork and didn't actually feel the lotion at all - they were hydrated. My hands were not moist but they were not ashing up when I scratched them with my fingernails. They were dry but hydrated - this is the best description.

Notice the top 2 ingredients

This is going to sound weird but this lotion provides a kind of "dry moisture". After using it, my skin is not moist but well-hydrated. This is almost like the Embryolisse face cream, which has the same dry moisture effect. But the MSM lotion effects last longer.  

For the week that I've been using the lotion, I have been able to whittle down my skincare routine from 5 items (sunscreen, serum, toner, hyaluronic acid, and face cream) to 3 (sunscreen, this lotion, and toner). If I want to be real, I could actually do without the toner. It and the hyaluronic acid were to help my face hold onto the moisture of the face cream...

The big test for me was how well this would work overnight. Normally, as a night routine, I use one of my face creams topped with a light touch of German-made Nivea cream. As much as I love my Nivea, the MSM lotion did fine all by itself - at least during this summer weather. I can't wait to see how it does during the super-dry winter months.

These are all positives

What I really like most about this lotion is how good it makes my skin feel. In just the short time I've been using it, my face has held onto the hydration during the entire day. That one rough elbow I have? It's so much smoother. The small patches of psoriasis near my ankles? The worst patch began looking better after about Day 3 and both patches felt better immediately. (I'd show you Before and After photos of my ankles if I wasn't so embarrassed by the Before pics.)

I have said this before and might do so again, but this lotion is a game-changer for me. I was subscribed to the Embryolisse but I'm going to replace that with a Subscribe and Save on this MSM lotion. I do love, love, love the Embryolisse but it does nothing for my psoriasis and it's not quite as hydrating as this lotion. My only complaint about the MSM lotion is that I can only find the 8-ounce size bottles for this brand.

There are several brands and forms of MSM moisturizers. I don't know anything about taking a supplement internally. I take enough meds so I will stick with this topical lotion! 

As always, I am not giving healthcare advice or suggesting this for anyone else's use. I am simply relating my personal experience with a product I really do like. Also, I was not compensated in any way. The lotion was bought and paid for by me.

Peace

--Free

Fixing My Great Big Flour Mistake

 Thanks to a messed up store order, the other day I ended up with 2 ten-pound bags of all-purpose flour. Instead of the bread flour that I actually requested. I was already having a bad week because an Amazon seller had sent me expired yeast. Amazon refunded me for the yeast but I was still stuck with 2 big bags of the wrong kind of flour.

Luckily, I learned (for the first time, I think) that you can turn all-purpose flour into really good bread flour. Of course, you need to get hold of some gluten to do that.

I ordered this with my monthly Amazon Shopper Panel gift card:

 It's Just-Vital Wheat Gluten Flour

It has a faint yellow tinge

Not only did this save a waste of flour, but the dough came out so good that I might keep using this bag to add some to bread flour.

My usual dough is pretty good, if I say so myself and it saves me so much money. A bag of bread flour costs about $5.50 for a ten-pound bag. I can make a lot of dough with 10 pounds of flour, a bit of EVOO, salt, yeast, sugar, and water. The best part about making my own dough is freezing large batches in sealed 200g bags. I can thaw 1 bag for a meal or 2 bags to make a loaf (or 2) of bread. I can make a pizza, garlic knots, or a bread loaf with garlic and butter or cheese baked in. I can make seasoned flatbread for dipping in oil sauce or aioli. 

The bread dough I made with the added wheat gluten flour... that was a whole other level of good. The bread made with that dough was just like the bread my mama used to make. 

Seriously, the difference in texture, and flavor (and a shortened kneading time) is so good that I plan to always add a bit of wheat gluten to my flour. I wish I had some of the "regular" dough to show but there's a reason I was making a new batch. I ate it all! 

So, if you ever wondered what to do when you need bread flour and only have all-purpose, now you know. There are other ways to turn flour into bread flour but this one just blew me away.

By the way, I can almost never talk about bread without thinking of the very funny late comedian John Pinette's take on gluten;

The whole thing is funny but the gluten bit is at the

19:59 mark

Enjoy and pass the tip along.

Peace

--Free

**REVIEW** IT Dusters AirTec Ultra Electric Air Duster

 Why did I not get this sooner? It's the AirTec Ultra Electric Air Duster from IT Dusters.

As a single woman, I try to have the basic useful things around for cleaning and doing very minor repairs. I have a brother nearby who has the big boy gadgets but I keep some tools for him to use here at my place. Adding this duster is the best thing I've done for a while.

For the almost 7 years I've lived where I currently do - with this extreme humidity of the warm summers - I always keep 2 tower fans around. I run the one in the bedroom non-stop (as I do with the bedroom and living room ceiling fans). I only turn the ceiling fans off when I am away for more than a day. Fans accumulate a lot of dust.

The tower fans are the main reason I got the electric duster. This one:

This is the duster without the 
attachments

It came nicely boxed &
makes a great gift

Canned air is pricey and pretty much useless for cleaning tower fans. And, as I said, I really should have gotten this sooner. Here are the advantages of having an electric duster (and I can only speak about this brand and model):

• The one-time price ($45, on sale from $60) is cheaper in the long run than repurchasing compressed air cans I have used in the past (here are some of the current prices of what I've used) and the cheapest brand that I currently see.
• This is way more powerful than the canned air that I've used. That may be because I can use prolonged blasts of air (and without the vapor "spit"). I always worry about that vapor hitting certain parts of my electronics.
• While this is vacuum-cleaner loud, it's fine to use during regular waking hours. 
• It comes with 6 attachments. Because the air blast is powerful, I like being able to vary the direction and concentration of the flow. I use the wide flat attachment for the fan on the back of my computer.

  

  the brushes

• It's useful for way more than I realized. So far, I have used it to clean the tower fans, the hard-to-reach floorboard space that runs underneath the kitchen cabinets, along the windowsills, under and around the baseboard heating vents, and I dried out a damp bottle that was too narrow and deep for a cloth to reach. I even cleaned the inside of a bowl-shaped lampshade because I hate using water and a rag to do that. Next, I'm going to do the ceiling fans and the tops of the closet and door frames and blow the dust and debris from the bathroom storage closet, not to mention the tops of the kitchen cabinets. I won't have to remove everything to clean those places!
• At almost 9 feet long (when I measured with a tape),  the cord is not quite the 3 meters shown on the product page.  It's long enough, in my opinion, and, so far, I have not had to use an extension. I might need to when I get to the ceiling fans and door tops.
• **While the less expensive Model 3 has a single (full power) mode, this Model 6 has a second mode with less power for more delicate jobs. I do find this useful but I probably could have lived with the Model 3, to be honest.
• Even after using it for prolonged blasts (I'd say up to 30- to 60-second blasts for up to as much as 5 minutes), the motor doesn't get too warm. When it does get warm, it only takes a few seconds to cool back down.

The attachments

I only first noticed electric dusters while pricing some canned air. I thought they were for people who have garages and work with serious tools. Once I realized they are meant to replace canned air, I looked at several. I chose this particular one because of the reviews. The only downside is that it is made in China and I have been trying harder to support American-made products.

The forty-five dollar price almost put me off. The Model 3 is $30. However, the $45 model was on sale down from $60. As I mentioned, I could live without the 2 power modes but I really do like having them. For quite a while, I was using this very basic item (and still do for quick cleanup) but it's not the same.

As for how loud the duster is, here's a short video.

(Very short but I was trying to film and run the duster. I have a one-task kind of brain, folks!)

Right after I first ordered this, I wondered if I'd be sending it back out of buyer's remorse. Once I tried it, I was hooked. This is not something I will use every day (at least, once I finish cleaning everything the first time!) but it's a good item to have. 

The bag holds everything
& fits back into the box

Again, I cannot say whether or not this is better than (or not as good as) other similar dusters. I am happy with it because of the price and the power. 

Peace

-- Free

** Re the difference in models. IT Dusters Support sent this in response to my question:

"The Type 6 offers a few additional benefits over the Type 3 including: 

- 2 Speed Setting

- Larger 480w motor

- Carry Bag

- 3pcs ESD Brush Kit

- ESD-protected housing

If you are intending to use this often or for work, I would recommend the Type 6."

DISCLAIMER: I am not being compensated in any way for this blog review. I bought and paid full price for the item. I am not affiliated with the brand.

Let's Normalize Common Sense

 People. We need to start a grassroots campaign for making common sense common. As the tech-smart folks say, let's make that trend!

I've come up with a basic platform. Feel free to add to it, but here goes:

• Let's start acting our ages. Tweens, enjoy being too young to be adults. Stop worrying about developing your online persona and start worrying about developing a solid personality.  Enjoy not having to worry about sex and drama and trends. Enjoy being able to giggle, be silly and be kids.
• Spend more actual face time with each other. Families and friends: pick up the phone and call each other. I like to get my news personalized and direct to me - not with every person on your social media "friend" or "family" list. Sometimes, I just like to hear your voice, tell you a secret, and share a laugh. Sometimes I want to really actually connect just one on one.
• Let's start writing letters again. On paper. I miss being able to retrieve letters from that one friend or "special someone". I miss having that stash of old love letters or birthday cards. I miss the very personal touch and knowing that someone took the time to sit down and write me a letter I could keep and hold after they are gone.
• Let's bring back 2-parent families. I'm not saying that single parenting is bad, I'm saying that, when possible and healthy, 2 parents are generally better. Even if those parents are separated or never were in a relationship, both mom and dad can be involved. And, let's include the grand and the aunties and uncles. Let's include trustworthy friends. Raising children is a big job for 2 people, let alone for one person. (I come from a "broken" home but I had both parents involved in my life and I had extended family to teach and help raise me.)
• Let's bring back family and/or friend dinners. Doesn't anyone else miss that one day when a special group gets together at one home or in a backyard or park? That day when it's just "us" having a meal and watching the kids run around together. Maybe you will have a night when it's just family and another when it's just friends? Maybe you can have a couple's night or a single friends' night?
• Let's bring back respect. Respect for those older and wiser than yourself. Respect for each other as human beings. 
• Speaking of respect, let's bring back self-respect. Respect yourselves enough to not objectify your own bodies. Respect yourself enough that others will also respect you. Respect yourself enough to be respectful toward others. 
• And even more on respect: let's get back to respecting public places. Respect enough not to curse and talk loud and foolishly. Respect enough not to litter and destroy places that others would like to enjoy. Respect enough to be civil in public even to those you don't agree with or like. 
• Let's bring back graciousness. Be polite and courteous. Be helpful when you can. Look out for the other person who might need looking out for. Let's forget the "girl code" and "bro code" and have the same care and concern for each other no matter your gender.
• Let's stop stereotyping and generalizing each other. Not all men or women or kids or blacks or white, etc are ~fill-in-the-blank~. Even when something is generally true, it's not universally true. People are all individual people. Not all people of a certain gender, generation, or race are the same as the worst person of that gender, generation, or race that you ever met.
• Let's bring back useful education - and not just for children. Let's bring back teaching how to do basic math and understand basic science and geography. Let's make it normal to pursue education outside the classrooms - for all ages. In this day and age, most of us have a wealth of resources to learn or re-learn basic classroom and/or life skills. Just because most of us have access to devices that multitask as maps, calculators, and phonebooks, let's not lose the ability to function without them. 
• Let's bring back holding politicians and other public figures accountable for good character.  Let's bring back scorn for blatant lying and moral failures. Let's stop labeling rudeness as being "brave" and "blunt". Let's stop making it admirable to be horrible. 
• Let's bring back civility in politics and public debate. Let's not normalize (any further) being nasty to each other in public forums.
• Let's bring back respect for the actual truth. Let's normalize having "alternative truth/facts" and everyone having an individual truth. There is such a thing as true and false. Everything else - your truth, my truth, etc. - is an opinion, theory, or individual belief.

Am I just being naive? Maybe. My parents used the saying about not being able to unring a bell. I get that. However, can we please muffle the echo before it destroys everything that is halfway decent about society?

Minus the racism and religious bias, I know why each generation longs for "the old days". Every generation has horrible social scars and embarrassing events. However, in spite of all the "progress" it seems that with each passing year, we are getting worse in more areas than we improve. 

(By the way, I am going to start with myself for everything on this list. For example, if I ever lost access to my phone, I wouldn't be able to provide a phone number for a kidnapper to call in a ransom demand. Not that I would have a ransom fund because I can almost no longer do simple math in my head when dealing with my budget. I was never good at math but I once was proud of my grammar and spelling prowess. Today, I rely on Grammarly and my phone's auto-correct. That's just sad.)

Peace

--Free

P.S.: I know that some parts of this post might be offensive to some. I hope that's not the case. I'm not trying to hurt or offend anyone. I am just doing some wishful thinking.

Free Ad-Supported TV (FAST) Resources

 I have accumulated these links for watching Free ad-supported TV. I am pretty sure they all have mobile apps also. Here are the links:

• Roku
• Tubi
• XUMO
• Amazon's FreeVee
• Pluto

For those of you with smart televisions, some of these apps might be in your TVs store app. I have been able to access all of them via the popular browsers.

Enjoy.

Peace

--Free

Blood Pressure Update

 When I first posted about my improved BP numbers 5 or 6 weeks ago, I was wondering how the magnesium glycinate and nitric oxide supplements would affect my labs. Well, I had my labs done last week and things were great. It's not uncommon for my creatinine levels to fluctuate. Sometimes the level gets worrying enough that the infusion nurses have to check with my doctor about whether or not to proceed with the treatment. This time, nothing.

None of my doctors seem willing to admit that the supplements have anything to do with the lowering of my blood pressure. They all chalk it up to a change in my eating habits (that ain't happened), my getting more exercise (nope), or cutting back on salt (nope again). I will be seeing yet another new rheumatologist soon and will be asking him about the supplements. 

For now, I am continuing with both the supplements and my regular BP meds. I am still drinking a minimum of 50 to 70 ounces of water daily (usually 70 ounces). I still drink about 12 ounces of coffee daily. And I am still on my pizza kick. 

My salt intake is not down. I'm not bad about having a lot of salt in my diet and I've been eating a variety of meals using the same ingredients.  My daily meals for approximately the last 6 months include homemade dough (made with a teaspoon of salt for enough dough for 6 small meals), mozzarella cheese, about 3 tablespoons of sauce, some black olives, pepperoni slices, and EVOO. If I make a small pizza, I use about 6 slices of pepperoni, a fourth cup of cheese, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Lately, I will have about 3 tablespoons of aioli. Sometimes, I make a loaf of garlic and mozzarella bread to eat with some butter or sauce or aioli. My BP after a pizza for lunch today was 125/64.

By the way, I am using this BP monitor - which is much better than my last one. I like that it has been reading close to what the nurses get during appointments. It also warns the user about high readings and incorrect placement of the cuff. The only thing I regret is not getting it at Walmart where my health insurance would have covered the price.

The big thing is, I guess, whether or not I feel better. The answer is, not really. The only difference is that I don't get as many headaches and my weight is dropping slightly. I still have the fatigue but my doctors say that is due to the sarcoidosis - even though having high blood pressure doesn't help. I still have days when I can't think clearly and I still occasionally have to be really careful about my balance so I don't run into walls or trip myself. 

The reason I am so happy about my blood pressure being lower is mainly because, the better my BP, the less damage to my kidneys. I have a traumatic fear of ever needing dialysis. That will never be on my bucket list.

So, yes, I am feeling optimistic about my kidney health. I still wish every day that someone will find a cure for sarcoidosis but I will take any win I get.

Peace

--Free

IMPORTANT NOTE: Understand that I am NOT offering health or any other kind of advice. I am simply relating my personal experiences. Also, I am not compensated for the products mentioned or linked to in this post. You should always consult with your medical care team before taking anything not prescribed - including supplements in powder, tablet, liquid, or any other form. Supplements are not regulated and, like anything, can have varying quality issues.

**TRIED IT** Pardon My Fro Detangler Leave in Conditioner

 Looks like there is a new player in the afro-curly hair game. The brand is Pardon My Fro and I got to try the Detangler Leave-In.

Right off, I can confidently say that I like this a lot better than Kinky Curly Knot Today (KCKT) - for many reasons but for one in particular. Let me just give the bullet point pros:

• It detangles like crazy. I think this is because it immediately softened my hair and kind of "unstuck" the strands from each other. That sounds weird but it's the best I can describe.
• While it softened my hair for the detangling, it didn't make it feel weak. (I've used another popular product that makes my hair feel too fragile until it dries). Keep in mind that, the softness lasted long enough for detangling. A couple hours later, the softness faded but my hair didn't go back to bone-dry.
• The texture of the product really did help. My hair seemed to drink it up and relax just long enough for me to detangle. The moisture didn't evaporate while I was detangling so I didn't have to keep spraying my hair with water or reapplying more product. I was able to get all my hair detangled with a couple of pumps for each quarter section. That's impressive.
• While I was applying this to sections by smoothing it with my fingers from root to tip, my curls just started plumping. This allowed me to sort of shape and define the curls as I was detangling. I usually do twists for overnight but, if I needed to, this would be good for leaving the house with some definition.
•  I sleep with a satin cap that can scrunch & squashes my curls. After using this to detangle my hair after a wash, for the next few mornings, all I have to do is spritz with water to revive the effect so that I can finger-style my hair without losing a lot of strands. This gets me through wash week.

This stuff has a lot going for it. And the big reason I prefer it to Kinky Curly Knot Today? This costs under $15 for a 12-ounce pump jar. The last 8-ounce bottle of KCKT I bought cost me $16 ($17 with tax).

Now, once this has completely dried, it doesn't leave behind a lot of softness (at least, not in my hair). It did leave my hair feeling strong and conditioned but I followed it up with my usual softeners and sealing products. This leave-in does exactly what it claims on the front of the jar: Detangles, Conditions, Protects. 

In my opinion, this works so much better than KCKT because the moisture doesn't evaporate so fast. I was able to use less to do my entire head. I will repeat that this left my hair feeling more conditioned and stronger than when I use KCNT. I'm glad that there is something to give the big-name products a run for their money.

I got this one free for a promotion and I was looking around online at other products in the line. So far, the only one I'm really itching to try is the Hair Milk. I'm a little bit interested in trying the Curl Enhancing Cream but... I've never had great lunch with such products. My curls are more of a freestyle type. I don't generally like doing twists. Mainly, I just like to smooth a conditioning product on to let the curls do their own thing.

One tip: The official website prices are higher than those that I found on Walmart. Do with that what you will.

Peace

--Free

DISCLAIMER: While I did get this product gratis for a review, it was NOT in exchange for writing this review post. I just wanted to spread the word because I really do like this one.