Timely nuggets of information and ideas we want to share with you.
This aluminum tablet holder desktop stand allows users to adjust the height and the angle. It has a locking mechanism that securely holds the position. It is compatible for devices from 4” up to 17.3”, ideal for tablets, iPads, iPhones, and e-readers. It is sturdy and durable and has a weighted base. It has non-slip silicone pads on both the base and the device holder. It folds almost flat for travel. $18.99
When in doubt, I usually store foods in the fridge on the theory that the cold will prevent over-ripening, and mold or other bacteria from forming. It turns out there are a handful of foods that do not do well if refrigerated and decay faster.
Honey becomes thick and congealed if it’s stored in the refrigerator. Honey is very happy to be stored in a cool, dark pantry.
Bananas only ripen well if left in a warm temperature, between 59 and 68 degrees F. For bananas, being exposed to light and air slows down decay, and if they were refrigerated, decay would accelerate because the cold damages the cell walls and turns the banana skin black. Other fruits that are better left out on the counter are peaches, watermelon and most citrus.
Salted Butter Is safer to leave out of the refrigerator than unsalted butter, and either butter should be in a covered container. Putting butter in the fridge is unheard of in most European countries.
Chocolate is much happier left out of the fridge because it doesn’t like to be cold or moist. Chocolate can also take on the smell of a surrounding food because the cocoa butter absorbs nearby scents. When chocolate gets cold it can develop a white tinge. It is still tasty and safe to eat, it just looks old.
Olive Oil and anything else that is oil-based, does not need to be in a refrigerator. Olive oil gets cloudy and grainy because it solidifies in cold temperatures. Salad dressings that are mostly oil and vinegar have the same problem with the cold. This is the one food item that I have always kept in the refrigerator, so I’m very happy to know this tidbit!
Many condiments like ketchup, hot sauces, and soy sauce do not need to be refrigerated. Who knew?
I recently heard a rave review of Scrub Daddy and Scrub Mommy multipurpose cleaning sponges.
The Scrub Daddy sponges are made with BPA-free polymer foam that is flexible and scratch-free, called FlexTexture. The foam is firm in cold water for tough scrubbing and soft in warm water for light cleaning. This sponge has an abrasive surface. It is safe to use on dishes, glass, stainless steel, cast iron, non-stick coatings, copper, chrome, leather and more. Scrub Daddy is better for heavier duty cleaning projects than Scrub Mommy. The sponge fits comfortably in the hand.
Scrub Daddy – $13.99 for three.
Scrub Mommy has two sides, each made with different materials. One side is made of the same abrasive FlexTexture foam as Scrub Daddy, and the other side is made from ResoFoam and is softer. Scrub Mommy is a more absorbent version of Scrub Daddy and better for dishes and small messes.
Scrub Mommy – $13.99 for three.
This interactive world history map allows users to explore history with a timeline. Choose a time in the past and with the slider bar search for detailed high-resolution scanned maps to see what was happening then. Watch empires rise and fall. The timeline will show you the changes in political boundaries over time and the evolution of a place. It’s fascinating and easy to access.
