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Best Coffee Makers – Top 5 Picks and Their Reviews.

February 25, 2020

The most immediate servant ready to manage your coffee demands both at home and in office is an automatic drip coffee maker. A lot of coffee drinkers like the convenience and rate of brewing a pot of drip coffee. The process is made simple by the automated features of the machine. This phenomenon helps busy people to perform several tasks at the same time as the coffee brews.

Acquiring one of the best coffee makers would also be one of the options that are affordable where brands begin from around $30. The design usually comprises of a glass carafe but can feature a more long-lasting and cushioning steel or thermal carafe. These features make it efficient in serving a family or a group with the brewed coffee. Below is a list of five top-rated automatic coffee makers for 2017. These picks have been awarded high ratings from a lot of users.

Bonavita BV1900TS 8-Cup Coffee Maker.

The brewer features a one-touch brew operation that has an auto-off. It can maintain optimal brewing temperatures as enhanced by its powerful and precise heater. It comprises of an optimal pre-infusion mode that can moisturize fresh coffee. The brewer provides a uniform extraction and a better saturation by its flat-bottomed filter basket and the large showerhead. It has a long-lasting thermal carafe. This product has one year warranty with dimensions of: length: 12.40″, width: 6.80″, height: 12.20″.

  • Retail price: $189.99.
  • Amazon price: $124.37.

Customer reviews.

3.9 stars (2144 reviews).

This machine produces the best coffee of almost 90% pours within perfect time. The product is a game changer for most users. It makes life easier. The coffee in the brewer’s carafe never burns. The carafe itself is perfect to keep the coffee extra hot from daybreak to evening thus allowing you to begin the brewing process at your convenience. The brewing process is faster, approximately 5 minutes. Once it’s over, the brew light indicates by turning off, and the brewer shuts down. Users were pleased with the brewer’s perfect design, and the full spray head that disperses water to the ground.

Oxo On Barista Brain 9-Cup Coffee Maker.

This brewer consists of a microprocessor that facilitates a controlled brew cycle to make 2-9 cups of excellent coffee. The one-dial interface checks on the coffee and the selection of the number of cups. You can quickly create one mug using the single-serve setting on the brewer. The coffee maker heats the water precisely to hold it at a perfect temperature for the coffee throughout the whole cycle. The pump enhances the distribution of water to the coffee in calculated periods for optimal extraction of flavor.

  • Retail price: $199.99.
  • Amazon price: $198.99 + free shipping.

Customer reviews.

4.1 stars (683 reviews).

The controls on this coffee maker are simple and easy to use. The brewer runs smoothly without any noise up to the last cup of the water. It’s much convenient to clean the brewer’s water delivery tubes and the removable shower lid. The capacity of the tank amounts to about 48 ounces when full, a reasonable volume that is similar to that of the top carafe. The container is labeled for easy reading and features a considerable target space for convenient pouring. The appearance of the Oxo On Barista is compelling to most users. It features a modern design.

Bunn BT Velocity Brew 10-Cup.

It brews 10 cups of quality coffee in 3-4 minutes. The Bunn BT features an internal tank of hot water that maintains an optimal temperature of about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Its unique spray-head appearance facilitates the wetting of the coffee for the extraction of perfect flavor.

  • Retail price: 159.95.
  • Price at Amazon: $189.99 + free shipping.

Customers reviews.

4.2 stars (2,139 reviews).

The brewer holds a pot of hot water all time. The thermos pot maintains the warmth for several hours without burning the coffee. This coffee maker is quick in the process and does not need an automatic feature. It can produce an entire pot of coffee in less than 3 minutes. The thermal carafe is of high quality and keeps the coffee for long. The Bunn BT is simple to operate. It doesn’t require a clock to reset when the power goes off. The temperature setting is not relevant because the brewer performs the process at the perfect temperature. The brewing process gives forth to an excellent tasting coffee that has no touch of bitterness. It’s a big challenge to dial in the coffee or the ratio of water and so does the machine overflow from the brewing basket.

Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 741 10-Cup with Thermal Carafe.

The Technivorm Moccamaster is an efficient vacuum coffee maker. It has high power with a metallic housing and a drip stop. Very fast and quiet in the process. The Moccamaster Thermos KBT 741 brews 10 cups of coffee in 6 minutes. The thermos jug is supposed to be positioned appropriately for the brewing process to begin.

  • Retail price: $294.95.
  • Amazon price: $203.21 + shipping.

Customers reviews.

4.2 stars (601 reviews).

The machine is entirely long-lasting though it’s mainly plastic, not metallic. It doesn’t have factory smell nor heavy plastic. It is fast in brewing a pot, and the cushioned carafe maintains the coffee hot for three to four hours. The machine is easy to use and the coffee produced has a fantastic taste. You can see the reservoir as you pour the water without necessarily relying on the water indicator. A user complained of the missing warming plate on the brewer. Another negative review indicates that the carafe fails after some years, loses its seal and no longer qualifies to be a vacuum pot.

Cuisinart DCC-2650 Brew Central 12-Cup with Glass Carafe.

The DCC-2650 is a programmable coffee maker with 12- cup carafe. It features a drip-free pour spout for easy brewing of coffee.  The brewer provides coffee up to 25% faster as enhanced by its unique brewing concept. It’s an entirely automated coffee maker with a setting of 1-4 cups and an auto shutoff. The machine has different modes of temperature to keep the coffee at preferred temperature options. The reservoir can be lifted up to fill the water. At your convenience, you can enjoy a mug of coffee before the process completes as enhanced by the brew-pause feature.

  • Retail price: $99.95.
  • Amazon price: $57.95.

Customers reviews.

4.0 stars (1,263 reviews).

This brewer compliments other steel machines by its attractive design. It’s a user-friendly device, easy to set up and use. The product is easy to clean with a compact shape that allows you to fix it in the cabinets. When it’s through with the brewing process, it beeps three times to alert you.  Among some of the mentioned drawbacks of this machine was that it does not provide hot coffee in the next 1 to 2 hours immediately after brewing. You cannot determine the number of cups while filling the carafe until you check with the reservoir.

Of course, you are the one to decide finally. You should be excited with either depending on your personal choice or feature need. I’m here to share my insight with you concerning research and first-hand experience. I hope that this article has been of great help to you on your purchase of your next new coffee maker. .. Have fun!

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How to choose the best best wire cheese cutter?

February 5, 2020

Cheese is one of the indispensable ingredients for any dish. They are always packed into large blocks for easy storage and you can also cut it into many different sizes.

In order not to struggle with the kitchen knife, a best wire cheese cutter is the smart choice of many home cooks to prepare evenly sized cheese slices.

The investment in a wirecutter cheese slicer is necessary and many people realize that.

Bad knife skills will only get you to get unwanted cheese slices. But things will be different with a cheese slicer, you can easily own the cheese sized as you like even without the skill.

Factors to consider before buying a slicer are:

#1 Flexibility

Cheeses come in many varieties, and each one is not the same. You should choose a wirecutter cheese slicer that can be used with hard, soft or semi-hard cheeses.

This will save you more money than buying more slicers for different types of cheeses.

Flexibility should also be demonstrated by whether or not wirecutter can be adjusted. Adjusting the wirecutter makes it possible to slice the cheese slices of different thicknesses.

#2 Durability

Durability is reflected in the material of the cheese slicer wirecutter. You should choose the ones with good durability to avoid having to invest too many times.

Materials with good durability that you should consider are stainless steel, high-grade plastic without BPA and marble.

These materials are not easily destroyed by water and moisture so that they can survive for a long time.

#3 Ease of cleaning

Any kitchen utensil should be easily cleaned to ensure food safety and health and ensure the health of users.

Choose cheese wirecutter slicers that can be used in dishwashers or can be easily cleaned with soap and warm water.

Consider slicers that can disassemble parts for cleaning and can be reinstalled securely.

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5 Awesome Ways to Be in Comprehensive Mental Health Outdoors

January 9, 2020

Cliché as it may sound but there is truth in the saying that health is wealth. This is why people must always learn how to prioritize their health before anything else. When you start to feel that everything in your life is starting to take a toll on your health, the first thing that you need to do is to rest. It doesn’t hurt to take a day off from all your stressors or obligations. Be one with nature and give yourself a chance to feel better. One of the things that you can do is to go outdoor and perform physical activities.

Outdoor activities can actually make you healthier and happier. When you go outside to perform some exercise, there is a high chance that you would receive more vitamin D for your body. At the same time, it also boosts creativity and excitement on your part.  Outdoor activities allow you to be exposed to the natural light from the sun, which in turn leads to an increase in energy levels. As a result, your mood will improve making you feel better for the entire day. Most importantly, outdoor activities can help you a lot in relieving stress from your system.

In this article, we will provide you with the top five ways on how to be in comprehensive mental health outdoors:

Outdoor Yoga or Meditation

The best thing about yoga and meditation is that you can do it anywhere. Skip your regular yoga classes in the gym and instead, do this physical exercise outdoors. Find the perfect outdoor area where you can perform yoga or meditation. We all know that nature has its own way of affecting people positively. With the fresh air, you are more able to feel more relaxed and gain better internal focus.

At first, it may feel awkward to do yoga poses or meditate outside the comforts of your home or of a studio. However, with constant practice, you will be able to get the awkward phase. It is about time to step out of your comfort zone and enjoy the good things that nature has to offer.

Fishing

Fishing is an interesting outdoor activity that you can do during the weekends or on holidays. There is so much in fishing, especially if you do it with your loved ones. This activity is perfect for people who want to spend more time with their family members. It can also be a good form or relaxation. When you go fishing, you are actually giving yourself a chance to de-stress.

There are many benefits that you can get out from fishing with your family. First of all, it can improve your relationship with the people close to your heart. Second, it encourages you to live a healthier way of life. Every time you go on a fishing adventure, you are improving your body strength. It also develops your comprehensive mental health, as you need to come up with strategies on how to get a good catch. All you need to do is to find the right fishing gear and invite someone to go fishing with you.

Walking

The first thing that you need to do when you wake up in the morning is to try walking. This is something that you have to make especially if you are suffering from some health problems or you simply want to stay fit. There are lots of benefits that you can get out from walking. For example, it can improve blood circulation in your entire body. As a matter of fact, walking has the ability to make you more intelligent. Walking results in an improved supply of oxygen and glucose to your brain, which enables it to function better.

Aside from the advantages to your health, walking can also help you clear your mind. If you are going through something or facing a major problem, walk it away. Just keep on strolling until your mind starts to arrange the thoughts and help you come up with a solution. No matter how busy you are, make sure to find time to walk at least four times a week.

Camping With Friends

One of the enjoyable activities that you can do with friends during the summer season is to go on a camping site. Explore the beauty of nature by camping with your friends. This is an exciting outdoor activity that can help you take a break from your hectic schedule or busy life. When you go to a campground, you expose yourself to more outdoor activities such as hiking, trailing or even swimming. These exercises can definitely help you lose calories and burn fat.

When it comes to camping, always remember that preparation is important. You need to get yourself ready for a camping trip with friends. This is to ensure that nothing will go wrong during the duration of your camping activity. It is highly recommended that you only bring the essentials like first-aid supplies, two room shower tent, map, basic hygiene products, lighter, knife or multi-tool. Do not forget to carry some barbecue tools and accessories that can be of big help during food preparation.

Hiking or Trekking with tow rope

Hiking and trekking are two recreational activities that you must do every once in a while. While these terms are used interchangeably, they actually differ in many ways. Hiking refers to an outdoor activity that involves walking on man-made trails or roads. On the other hand, trekking involves a more rigorous activity as it necessarily includes climbs or long walks. Therefore, hiking is simpler to perform than trekking.

However, the benefits that these outdoor activities provide are the same. Both involve physical movements which means trekking and hiking can have a positive impact on your overall fitness. These activities also have the ability to increase you strength, endurance and agility. Consider hiking or trekking to expose yourself to the wilderness. It can be refreshing to spend time in the forests or mountains.

From https://andrewskurka.com/2013/characteristics-of-an-expert-navigator-part1-equipped-with-tools/

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KAYAKING PARAPHERNELIA

January 8, 2020

Getting started with any sport can be a little expensive on your pockets. You will have to spend on the necessary equipment and accessories. Kayaking is no exception. If you plan on trying kayaking, you need to buy the kayak and its required accessories. I know buying that kayak would have already made a tiny hole in your wallet, and the accessories might seem just unwanted for you. But trust me, they play a very important role in safekeeping our lives when we indulge in this adventurous sport. You would be confused on what are the important things you should buy and what are the extra items that you can skip to save that little extra cash. This article will list out the items that you must have, this way you won’t be spending unnecessarily on any item.

We are not water borne creatures, we took our time learning to survive in water. So don’t try to avoid any of these accessories thinking you will be able to do without it. If you ever paddle beyond the swimming distance from shore, you are risking not coming back in case a mistake happens. Its always better to be on the safer side and not risk your life.

You will find below the accessories that you should buy with the detailed description of that equipment or accessory.

KAYAK

The first and the foremost thing is the kayak. How can you go kayaking without a kayak?

You might feel it is very easy for you to choose a kayak, but trust me it can get very confusing. There is much variety and collection to choose from, that you won’t realise what to buy and what not to.

If you are a beginner, then you can start off with recreational kayaks.  When compared to other kayaks, recreational kayaks will have a larger cockpit for easy entry and exit and they also have a wider beam which will provide us with more stability. It is generally less than 12 feet and light, hence making it easier to handle it both in and out of water. They offer comfortable back support and possibly a foot pedal which helps you to steer the kayak in choppy conditions.

There are also sit on the top kayaks, in which there won’t be any opening or cockpit for you to enter, but a seat on which you can sit. But a slight problem with the model that you can experience is, you might get wet because of the water dripping from the paddle.

Once you gain some experience you can invest in different types of kayaks depending on the water body you plan to ride on.

PADDLE

The second most important thing after a kayak is, a paddle. Kayak paddles have blades on both the ends and they are mostly 210cm to 260cm long. Its manoeuvred from the middle of the shaft. Before buying a paddle there are four things you need to consider. First one being the length of the paddle, which you should buy keeping in mind the length of the kayak and your height. The next thing you should look into is the weight of the material, the lighter the material, better will be the performance. But lightweight material paddles are going to cost you more. The next factor is the blade choice. The size and shape of your paddle will affect the overall performance and efficiency of your paddle. The last choice you need to make is when it comes to the shaft. The effectiveness of the paddle will increase by using bent shaft and feathered blades. Keep all these factors in mind before getting yourself a paddle.

BUOYANCY AIDS

Buoyancy aids play the role of a life jacket. The only advantage is it allows you to move your neck and arms. It is always recommended to carry these because no matter how strong of a swimmer you are, you never know when you might fall into trouble. So stay safe and carry them. If you have enrolled in a kayaking school, then you will be provided with them. If you are going on your own, then make sure you buy these.

HELMET

Your head is a very delicate and important part of your body. You need to make sure you protect it always. A helmet will not only protect your head from your own paddle but also provide protection to your head in case your kayak capsizes.

SPRAYSKIRTS

They are waterproof skirts that you can wear around your body. These skirts will prevent water from entering your kayak as it will cover the opening of cockpit, when you sit inside it.

If you are going for sea kayaking opt for nylon spray decks or spray skirts, as they are quite roomy and provide good ventilation, just perfectly suited for long journeys. If you are planning to go for white-water and surf kayaking, then buy neoprene spray skirts.

 

These were the very essential items that you must include in you to-buy list before going for kayaking. Now, if you don’t mind spending a little more, then following are few items that you could also get to make your kayaking experience more enriching.

DRY SUIT/WET SUIT

Buying this will completely be up to you. Wearing a pair of shorts and t-shirt would be enough on a hot sunny day. Wearing the suit would be good in case you feel you might get wet, because you have to keep one thing in mind that no matter how warm the day might feel, the water might just be freezing cold.

DRY BAG

A waterproof bag in which you can carry an extra pair of clothes, phones etc. would keep all your stuff safe and dry.

ROPE BAG

If you have an instructor, then you don’t need to worry about this item as he will already have it. But if you are going without one, it’s good to keep this, in case anyone flips over, it will be of great use.

KNIFE

This might also seem absurd to you, but its good to carry a pocket knife with you.

COMPASS AND MAPS

In case the route and ways you are taking is confusing, they will really come in handy.

I hope this has helped you to clear the confusion arising in your head as to what to buy and what not to before going for kayaking. Hope you guys enjoy every moment of the adventure filled kayaking experience.

HAPPY KAYAKING MATES!

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Have you tried growing these shade-tolerant herbs in your apartment?

November 13, 2019

Chive butter with buttermilk biscuits, ribbons of tarragon with egg salad, iced tea with crisp mint. There are quite a great number of reasons to love herbs. Unfortunately, as a city inhabitant living in a Brooklyn condo without brilliant sun, I generally assumed that I wouldn’t have the capacity to grow some of my own.

Turns out, I have been trying to grow the wrong herbs all along. While it is a known fact that herbs such as sage, rosemary, thyme and lavender require a considerable measure of daylight to flourish, a large number of culinary herbs can flourish in a shadier spot.

Soft, leafy herbs such as lemon balm, oregano, tarragon, cilantro, mint, parsley and chives can fare okay in marginally shadier spots (however look out for dill and basil which are soft-leaved, yet require full sun).

In the event that you have a little window sill (or an emergency exit), consider setting up a couple of these herbs in pots to enjoy all through summer and spring.

If it also happens that you don’t have enough space outdoor but you get a lot of daylight inside, a significant number of these will even do fine in a radiant windowsill or on a splendid kitchen ledge.

Where do you Hide Your Potting Soil in Plain Sight in a Tiny Apartment?

I made a stop at my neighborhood plant shop and picked four diverse natural herbs to put in my planter and they are tarragon, chives, hydroponic nutrients, oregano and parsley.

I likewise purchased a thin, three-inch wide teak grower with great seepage. Are you a fan of wooden boxes? Then you shouldn’t have a problem picking a lovely one.

You can utilize little rocks in the base of a planter to keep the dirt from compacting and blocking the little holes made for drainage.

A great deal of the more sun-cherishing herbs are especially touchy to excessively damp roots, yet if you opt for herbs that thrive well in little sunlight, you won’t need to stress yourself up over keeping the soil sandy. If your planter will be kept inside the house, consider purchasing a little plate to put underneath it to get water as it drops).

Since I’m quite positive I will spend the mid-year drinking lots of mint juleps, I purchased a mint plant as well.

Mint is a herb that truly flourishes in shadier greenery enclosures. Actually, it occasionally flourishes too well. I didn’t need my mint to assume control over my minor window box, so I got a Ben Wolff pot in black and pruned it there.

When it came to putting whatever is left of my herbs in a pot, I cleared out around two inches between each plant to be sure they have all the required space so they don’t choke each other.

My condo windowsill just gets a few hours of direct daylight every day and fortunately, it is quite enough to keep the herbs going, but you can try viparspectra 450w for grow indoor.

Full revelation: I stuck a basil out there about a month ago and shockingly, it was doing quite okay too. If you happen to be someone just like myself who can’t go an entire day in the summer without having caprese salads, then you should give it a go— but don’t be sad if they do not make it.

Herbs are intended to be eaten, so harvest them regularly. If you are having difficulties clipping them, then purchase a lovely pair of scissors to help with the undertaking.

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The Broken Arm.

October 17, 2019

Partner in crime

They are two of my favorite things: eating things I shouldn’t (like the most heavenly cheesecake ever) and feel guilty about it afterwards, and buying things I shouldn’t (like the insanely cool designed PB0110 bags or a fab Jacquemus skirt) and feel guilty about it afterwards. Because I can’t possibly bare to go through a guilt trip alone, I must make you my partner in crime and drag you down with me into the abyss. One filled with stylish, fat and blissfully happy people though, so why the hell not?

Fashion paradise

If you find yourself in Paris on any day of the week except Sunday (they are closed, what the h*ll?!), get your hipster ass over to The Broken Arm. A fashion paradise filed with cool brands, inspiring magazines, run by painfully hip people. Don’t be scared though, they are super friendly. Can’t make up your mind on what fashion gem to add to your collection? Hop over to their coffee shop for the best cheesecake in Paris. You will be sitting amongst the hipsters and rich kids, so there is plenty to look at.

Cheesecake and coffee

On a side note, the designer bag density in Paris is literally insane, you can also have a lot of fun counting Adidas Stan Smiths while sitting on a terrace, did that last weekend under the influence of rosé. I think it’s time to move on to another hype, really…

Back to cheesecake and coffee, plus tea and anything else they serve there: it’s good. Mouthwateringly so. So when do we meet up there?

The Broken Arm
12 Rue Perrée
75003 Paris

Do you want more cool places to visit in Paris? I’m collecting all my favorites here.

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Blogger Closet January

May 26, 2019

Every month TheSLCTD blogger closet offers you a new curated shopping experience with the very best fashion pieces found on the internet. We scroll endlessly through all the best online shops so you don’t have to. Shopping is easy, just click the piece you love most and you will be directed towards the online destination at which you can place your order.

So even though it is only January and the freezing cold has us paralyzed every time we step outside, you do need to be thinking about open shoes like these. They are selling out now. So if you want the perfect Laurence Dacade sandal or de platform flats from Calvin Klein or Steve Madden, you need to act now. And trust me, you will want to have them when Spring finally blossoms.

You can sigh in relief though, because your legs can stay wrapped up. Do invest in a pair of flared jeans (for example these from J Brand) and make sure you own the perfect pair of cropped trousers. Preferably black of course, but you can keep going with all colors or prints even. Last but not least, the slim fitted black jeans, a staple no one can go without. I don’t care if you already own one, it probably has been worn so much it needs to be replaced ;-).

Let’s talk bags. Nowadays they tend to reside under my eyes. All the more reason to distract from those bags with some eye-catchers (ooooh the irony) that you carry in your hand or around your shoulders. The mini bags will reign this coming season, which means we need to drastically cut down on junk we carry around. But with beauties like these, from Calvin Klein, Zign and Sophie Hulme, we’ll gladly start sifting through the mess that weighs us down every day.

Let me know what you think…

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The almighty Sacré-Cœur.

April 13, 2019

It is always impressive to look at. Day and night, during a hot summer day or a foggy Sunday morning in fall. Walking through small alleys or standing on top of a Parisian building, it rises over the city and gives it even more grandeur.

The Sacré-Cœur.

Being a relatively young church, the construction was only finished in 1914, it is located on the picturesque hill of Montmartre in the north of Paris and landmarks the highest point of the French capital.

This Parisian Postcard was taken from insight the Musée d’Orsay which is famous for its collection of impressionist paintings. Many of these impressionist, like Monet and Renoir, actually painted the sceneries at the hill of Montmartre just before or during the construction of the great Basilica.

Many of these artist gathered on Place du Tertre, a small, beautiful square near then construction site of the Sacré-Cœur. Probably not surprisingly with such a great history the Place du Tertre has become a tourist magnet, just like the Sacré-Cœur itself.

Definitely worth a visit when you are Paris. However for those who do not fancy queuing up with other tourist to climb the stairs to the church, it is also admirable from many locations in Paris, especially on the right bank.

Want to discover more cool places to visit in Paris? I’m collecting all of my favorites here.

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