2007 - Ease of Use - Spring Reviews!

  the Review Source

 
    There are many people with illnesses that drastically effect everyday living like MS, Lupus and Cancer just to mention a few. You may know someone whose life has been changed by a difficult medical diagnosis - you may be a person who has experienced this type of change personally. A difficult medical diagnosis means your life is going to change in significant ways. I know this first hand. In the past three years I've been diagnosed with MS, Lupus, Fibromyalgia and iron depleted anemia. I always have pain. I'm always extremely exhausted. My memory isn't anywhere near what it used to be and I experience tremendous weakness. My everyday life is not what it used to be, yet I still have responsibilities and things I want to be able to do that are significantly more difficult than they used to be. This article is one I've wanted to write for some time. Over the past few years as I've reviewed appliances and other products for our Holiday Gift Review, I've discovered several items that truly make everyday "chores" much easier. These items have allowed me to continue to cook, which is something I've enjoyed for years, and have made other everyday activities possible! MS and Lupus do not have to take everything away from me!
 
    This article is focused on reviewing appliances that make everyday chores easier as well as includes a few reviews of items that help you relax and refresh as well as provide resources to help you learn something new. I know for me, MS and Lupus have taken my ability to do things I used to do, so when I can learn something new it is very encouraging. If you, or someone you know, has been impacted by a difficult medical diagnosis, take a look at the following reviews and see if any of these items might bring more enjoyment to your life or the life of someone you know!
 
    As you read these reviews, please keep in mind the following - I am not paid at all for these reviews and recommendations. I do not charge for this magazine and am not paid to write these reviews. They are my opinions based on the experience of reviewing many items. I, and my reviewers, test the items sent to me to see if they are easy to use and if they continue to be reliable after repeated use in a home setting - the setting you and I use them in. If they perform well and are easy to use, then they receive our ribbon and commendation. The items I'm reviewing in this article are my top picks - they all have my ribbon because they are the ones that I've found, through the years, to be the very best. Again, these are unbiased reviews as I do not work for any of these companies and simply write about my findings. I've lost many abilities I used to have, but I can still write. I hope you find these reviews helpful.
 
Appliances, Coffee and Tea

    I love to cook, or at least I used to love to cook, but now I have to think about things like, do I have the strength to make pie crust? Can I carry that pot of coffee without dropping it? Will I have enough energy to fix supper tonight? While many days these are questions I wonder about, I have found a number of appliances that truly make life easier and allow me to answer "yes" to this type of questions!
 
    First of all, coffee! I enjoy a cup or two in the morning, as does my husband. I used to make coffee each morning and it is something I'd still like to do, but I am concerned about the very real possibility of dropping a coffee pot and a dropped, glass coffee pot is not something I'd like to deal with first thing in the morning. Fortunately there are several amazing options that allow me to make coffee in the morning - a seemingly simple and small thing that makes my day begin far better!
 
    I can not recommend highly enough the Senseo Single Serve Coffee Pod Machine! Many days I only want one or two cups of coffee making it unnecessary to brew an entire pot of coffee. The new Senseo Supreme by Philips is a must-have appliance for any home, but especially for someone whose medical issues cause concerns in the area of weakness. This machine can absolutely be depended on to make incredible coffee every time with no glass carafe to drop and break! The Senseo makes a single cup of coffee at a time, quickly and easily!

Senseo Supreme
Manufacturer - Philips
Ease of Use
    The Senseo can absolutely be depended on for a truly enjoyable cup of coffee! There are many places where you can find coffee pods, especially on-line, but the coffee pods I've found to be the best are as follows -

Baronet Coffee Pods
www.baronetcoffee.com

Top Pick

Ease of Use

 


 Cafe'jo Coffee Pods
www.cafejo.com

www.bettercoffee.com

Top Pick

Ease of Use
Favorite Features -

    Tremendously delicious coffees - the flavor just "explodes" in your mouth for a completely enjoyable coffee experience! These are some of the best coffee pods I've tested - I will absolutely continue to purchase them for use in my home and to give as gifts to friends who are coffee lovers! Tremendously well done, Cafe'jo!


 Aloha Island Coffee Pods

www.alohaislandcoffee.com

www.bettercoffee.com

Top Pick

Ease of Use



Pod Pack
www.podpack.com 		ease
of use


    There are times when I want a pot of coffee, and yet, I have significant concerns about dropping and breaking a glass carafe. Fortunately there are coffee machines I have found to be absolutely perfect for anyone with medical concerns - and just flat for anyone at all as these coffee machines are absolutely second to none. In fact, they clearly set the standard for a quality coffee machine that can be depended on to make absolutely enjoyable coffee every time! Hamilton Beach's BrewStation Deluxe, Crusinart Coffee-on-Demand and Back to Basics Coffee Solution 2 in 1 are the best coffee machines I've ever reviewed! These machines make up to 12 cups of coffee at a time, but are designed for dispensing to a single cup at a time! Brilliant!


BrewStation Deluxe
Manufacturer - Hamilton Beach 		Ease of Use

Coffee-on-Demand
Manufacturer - Cuisinart 		Ease of Use

Coffee Solution 2 in 1
Manufacturer - Back to Basics 		Ease of Use
Commendation
    These coffee machines make the perfect machine for anyone you know who loves coffee and especially someone with medical concerns. These are absolutely "must-have" coffee machines!
 

    There are days when my MS and/or Lupus are flaring and even holding a coffee mug can take more strength than I have. It is on days like these that I use acrylic mugs as they are feather light and easy to hold. I found excellent mugs on-line at www.themarketcollection.com I reviewed the 14oz VIP mug and the 15oz plastic mug. Both are very light weight and easy to hold - some days this is very important for me. Typically I avoid glass mugs on days when my MS and Lupus are flaring, but I did find an incredibly lightweight glass thermal mug from Bodum and highly recommend for for their style and function!

Thermo-glass
Canteen Glasses
Manufacturer - Bodum 		ease
of use
 
    I have found slow cookers to be absolutely essential for my everyday cooking, but especially so on days the MS and Lupus are flaring or the heat has me feeling especially weak. When I use a slow cooker I can just put the ingredients in first thing in the morning and then by evening, especially when I'm feeling particularly weak, a healthy, home cooked meal is ready to serve! Rival is known for making quality slow cookers and I have had the pleasure of reviewing a number of them - all have performed reliably and along with "doing all the work" to fix meals, they fill my home with the extremely pleasant aroma of cooking food! Slow cookers also allow you to watch what ingredients are included in the food you eat as you put just the items you want in your food - no preservatives or additives!
   

Rival

Crock-Pot

Smart Pot
ease
of use

    Can't go wrong with a Rival slow cooker!  Fill before you leave in the morning and dinner is ready when you arrive home - plus, you can't beat the benefit of the incredible aroma of a home-cooked dinner!  Great taste, convenience and smells!  Tremendously well done, Rival!

 


 Crock Pot
Decorative Stoneware 		Top Pick ease
of use

 


 
Westbend adds a special "twist" to their cookers by designing extra flexibility with the heating base able to be used as a griddle.


 6qt
Versatility Everyday
Cooker
Manufacturer - Westbend 		Ease of Use
 
    One of my most enjoyable memories from childhood is that of visiting my grandmothers when they were baking bread! Talk about extremely pleasant aromas! It is nearly impossible for me to make bread as my grandmothers did, but I have found the Salton Breadman Bread machines  to be one of the appliances I most appreciate! I put the flour, water, yeast and other ingredients in the machine and then in one to three hours I have freshly baked bread for my family and I to enjoy! I can not tell you how encouraging this is for me, personally! I actually live in the house my grandpa built and where I visited as a child when my grandma baked bread. It is extremely satisfying for me to know my home is still filled with the aroma of fresh baked bread! Breadman Bread machines are tremendously reliable. I have reviewed a number of machines, but the Breadman machines always produce the perfect loaf of bread! Baking your own bread, aside from being an extremely satisfying thing to do, allows you to control the ingredients in your bread. Many of us, regardless of if we have a difficult medical diagnosis to deal with or not, are concerned with the ingredients in many of the foods we eat. When we bake our own bread, we can be sure the ingredients are going to contribute to our health.

Breadman Pro
Manufacturer - Salton 		Ease of Use

Breadman Ultimate Plus
Manufacturer - Salton		 Ease of Use

 
    Another very healthy and easy way to prepare meals is by using countertop grills. I'm so pleased to see these grills are easy to clean and provide the opportunity to cut fat while adding flavor! I found the G5 to be unique and an excellent appliance that saves space - one appliance with inter-changeable plates reducing the need for other appliances! Plus the new Rocket Grill from Sunbeam is amazing! This grill grills in parchment pouches allowing you to just throw away the pouch and clean-up is completed - a great energy-saver on those days when my energy is limited!

The Next Grilleration
Manufacturer - Salton 		Ease of Use
 

G5
Manufacturer - Salton 		Ease of Use
 

Rocket Grill
Manufacturer - Sunbeam 		Ease of Use
 
    Countertop ovens are another excellent energy saving device. On those summer days when the heat takes it's toll on me, having the option to bake or broil food without heating my entire home is the perfect solution!

 

KitchenAid


 Countertop
Oven		 Top Pick ease
of use
 

    Quality!  If I had to use one word for this oven, "quality" would definitely be it!  Dependability.  This word also describes KitchenAid's Countertop Oven.  You can depend on consistent results every time you use this oven.  Versatile - you can use this oven for simply toasting bread or preparing a complete meal.  Excellent alternative to using your regular oven and heating the home - especially in the summer.  Tremendously well done, KitchenAid!



 InfraWave Countertop Oven
Manufacturer - Black & Decker/Applica 		Ease of Use
Great for summer cooking, easy to use and allows very speedy food preparation! Tremendously well done, Black & Decker

Whirlpool

Microwave-Convection

Oven

Ease of Use
    I thought this would be a complicated microwave oven to use, but was delighted at how easy it actually is to cook with this oven!  Large size makes it easier to get foods in and out of the oven and the touch pad is very easy to use!  This oven makes a truly wonderful and thoughtful gift to give to someone you love!  Tremendously well done, Whirlpool!

 


 
    Another healthy choice we can make, no matter if we have medical concerns or not, is to drink tea! I have found drinking tea to be one of the healthiest choices my family has made in the past few years - we almost never drink soda! I prefer iced tea, although my son and daughter-in-law love hot tea. Adagio Teas have the most incredible selection of teas with my personal favorites being the Red Berry, White Blueberry, Kukicha green tea, Berry Blues and Fruit Medley  - one tablespoon each of Red and green and 1/2 tablespoon each of white and the fruit teas makes an absolutely delicious 3qt pot of iced tea! I can not recommend Adagio Teas highly enough - they absolutely receive my top pick ribbon! Adagio Teas have a wide selection of teas of the highest quality and flavor and their prices are excellent! Check them out at www.adagio.com
Mr. Coffee

 Iced Tea Maker - TM30P
Manufacturer - Mr. Coffee 		Ease of Use
Quick, easy and brews incredibly refreshing iced tea! Tremendously well done, Mr. Coffee!
 

Tea Drop Hot Tea Maker
Manufacturer - Sunbeam 		Ease of Use
    Along with choosing teas as a healthy option, consider your water. Whether you live in the city or country buying bottled water adds up but your coffee and tea will taste much better and be safer to drink if you buy bottled water, or filter your own. Some water filtration systems are very expensive, but there are effective and inexpensive options available! I really like the new Clear20 from Applica!
 

Clear20
Manufacturer - Applica 		Ease of Use
    I could not believe how fast this pitcher filtered water and had it ready to drink! Unique and effective design, tremendously well done, Applica!
 
    Many cooking "chores" are simplified and possible when I'm feeling weak, by using stand mixers, food processors and blenders. I don't have the strength to stir and mix which greatly limits my ability to cook, but these appliances allow me to enjoy cooking like I did before my diagnosis.

Heritage Series Mix Master
Manufacturer - Sunbeam 		Ease of Use
 

12 Speed Dial Blender with
Food Processor Attachment  		Top Pick Ease of Use

 


KitchenAid

 

12-cup

Food

Processor

Ease of Use

   

    Again, quality is a word I'd absolutely use for this item!  I can not get over how easy it is to use this food processor and how quickly you are able to get professional results!  This is an item you will absolutely use over and over again if you have it.  This is an item anyone, but especially people with MS, Lupus or other conditions, will appreciate as it will make their life easier and food preparation more enjoyable.  Tremendously well done, KitchenAid!

 

 Hamilton Beach

 

Food

Processor

 Ease of Use

    The compact, unique design of this food processor is perfect for the small kitchen as it takes less space on the counter or in the cabinet.  Easy to use, this processor will put the fun back into food preparation!  Extremely well done, Hamilton Beach!

 

 

 Blender Solution
Manufacturer - Back to Basics 		Ease of Use
    I especially like the food processor attachment as it allows you to process your favorite ingredients in a small, lightweight processor! Tremendously well done, Back to Basics!


 Blender Express Plus
Manufacturer - Back to Basics 		Ease of Use
    Allows you to make just the amount you need and then you can even drink from the container you mixed in - reducing dishes to wash! Works very well and is easy to use! Tremendously well done, Back to Basics!
 
    Treatment for MS involves shots - not a lot of fun, especially when you might experience side effects. There are some wonderful items on the market that help you relax and provide comfort. You might initially think of candles when you think of something to can help you relax and for good reason. The aroma of candles can be very comforting. Old Virginia Candle Company makes the most amazing candles! I've found them to have incredible aroma and the wood wick candles also provide the sound of a gentle, crackling fire - very comforting.

Old Virginia Candle Company

WoodWick
Candle

  • Favorite Features -

    • available in 24 scents - we tested applewood and it is amazing!

    • available in two sizes - 22 oz and 11.5 oz - the 11.5 oz burns for 100 hours

    • attractive style and colors

    • unique wood wick makes a soft "crackling" sound - you almost think you have a fire burning in the fireplace!


        The scent of this candle permeates the room without even burning the candle! Long lasting aroma makes this candle a true delight! WoodWick candles are the perfect gift for anyone! Tremendously well done, Old Virginia Candle Company!

Triple Fragrance
Collection


  • Favorite Features -

    • available in 30 fragrance combinations - we tested Coffee Hazelnut, Irish Cream, Swiss Mocha and it is very enjoyable

    • available in four sizes - 26 oz, 16 oz, 8 oz jars and votive - the 8 oz size burns for 60 hours


        As each new layer of candle is burned you are able to experience an all new fragrance! You are sure to find fragrances to match anyone on your gift giving list and the variety of sizes allows you to select a size to fit your budget as well! Extremely well done, Old Virginia Candle Company!

Farm Grown
Triple Fragrance

  • Favorite Features -

    • available in 12 fragrance combinations - we tested MacIntosh, Gold Delicious, Granny Smith and they are extremely enjoyable!

    • available in 26 oz and 8 oz sizes - the 26 oz candle burns for 180 hours

    • the jar looks like an old-fashioned canning jar - very attractive!

    • soy wax burns clean with lead-free wicks


        I love this candle - the many fragrances available and the style of the jar make this the perfect gift for the person on your list who enjoys candles - and as a gift for yourself as well! I know people with MS often relax before taking their shots by burning candles - these candles can be ordered on-line making them extremely easy to get! Check out all their amazing candles on their web site! Tremendously well done, Old Virginia Candle Company!

HoMedics also makes items to help with relaxing and feeling more comfortable. They have a wide variety of fountains and foot massagers -

Envirascape
Relaxation Fountain - Shimmering Towers
Manufacturer - HoMedics 		Ease of Use

Foot Pleaser Ultra
Manufacturer - HoMedics 		Ease of Use

    Tea, both warm and cold, is an excellent choice for both comfort and relaxation. Plus, you receive incredible health benefits as well! Adagio Teas as a great source for tea!

Adagio Teas
www.adagio.com 		Ease of Use
I've tried a lot of teas in the past few years but none have been as excellent as Adagio Teas! I highly recommend these teas!
 
    Finally, the house still has to be cleaned, even on days when my energy is limited. We are all familiar with brands like Mr. Clean and Swiffer, for good reason. These items work and are easy to use!

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Manufacturer - Proctor & Gamble 		Ease of Use
    I was very skeptical the first time I heard of the magic "eraser", but this item works! You just rub and dirt, stains, marks all "magically" disappear! I don't know how these things work, but they absolutely do! Tremendously well done, Proctor & Gamble and Mr. Clean!


 Swiffer Carpet Flick
Manufacturer - Proctor & Gamble 		Ease of Use
    I have great difficulty vacuuming my home - my amazing husband usually vacuums for me. However, there are many times when a full vacuuming is not necessary and the Swiffer Carpet Flick is the perfect solution! This item is truly simple to use and doesn't deplete my energy like a regular vacuum. Tremendously well done, Proctor & Gamble and Swiffer!


 

Swiffer Sweep + Vac
Manufacturer - Proctor & Gamble 		Ease of Use
    Far superior to mopping, this verstile sweeper/vac makes most hard floor cleaning chores significantly easier. Tremendously well done, Proctor & Gamble!
 
    Well, these are some of my top picks for items that make everyday living and everyday chores easier and even enjoyable! I hope you found information on items that will make your everyday living and chores easier for you and bring some enjoyment to your life!  Take care!

 

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Copyright © Lynda Freeman
Last Updated April 29, 2007
Web Page by Lynda Freeman
Send an e-mail to Lynda at LyndaFreeman@thereviewsource.net


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