Omika Fairy Lights USB Plug In Review

So, if you had an opportunity to watch my latest YouTube video, you could see these lights in action! There is absolutely nothing mot to love about these USB plug-in lights. But, let's start with a few specs about the lights, made by Omika.

The Omika Fairy Lights USB Plug feature 16 different colors and they are obviously the "fairy-light" type. The light is warm and relaxing and perfect for any celebratory occasion, such as the upcoming holidays. However, the Omika Fairy Lights USB Plug In are perfect for any time of year and can easily be incorporated into everyday decor. These are waterproof and that means that the lights can be easily placed outside around the front door for a super festive look or used anywhere around the house. 

Omika Fairy Lights USB Plug In Features:

• 33ft 100 RGB LEDs
• Indoor/Outdoor
• Remote Control
• Timer
• USB Plug
• 16 Colors RGB String Light
• Fade and Jump Mode
• ASTN Fade
• ASYN Jump
• Waterproof
• 12-month Warranty

The USB plug offers amazing convenience as these can be plugged into anywhere! Omika Fairy Lights USB Plug-in are available on Amazon!

Fireworks Injury Incidents and Safety Tips for Your Family

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) previously announced, the release of a special study regarding incidents of injuries surrounding July 4 holiday festivities. The study, conducted by CPSC staff, found that 65 percent (or 7,400) of all fireworks injuries were sustained during the 30 days surrounding the Independence Day holiday.

Shockingly, CPSC staff found that there were an estimated 11,400 people who sustained injuries related to fireworks. The 11,400 fireworks related injuries are a swift increase from precious years. More than half of these injuries were the result of unexpected ignition of the device or consumers not using fireworks as intended. Fireworks injuries most often resulted in burns to the hands and head, including the eyes, face, and ears. According to the special study, sparklers, firecrackers, and aerial devices were associated with the most incidents.

Whether it is the sparkle of the bright lights, or the thunderous boom of the explosion, there is no denying the thrill that fireworks can bring to an Independence Day celebration. Unfortunately, when consumers get their hands on professional fireworks, the results can be deadly. Last year, CPSC received reports of eight consumers who were killed by either professional-grade or homemade firework devices.

While the majority of fireworks injury reports involve emergency room treatment and release, CPSC is aware of more severe and fatal injuries that are associated with consumer use of professional-grade and homemade fireworks. Reports of faster-than-expected explosions and unpredictable flight paths of aerial devices have resulted in tragic consequences for some consumers.

In the eight reported fireworks-related deaths, the victims were killed when the illegal devices exploded, causing severe trauma to the head and face, and resulting in decapitation in one incident. In other incidents involving professional-grade or homemade devices, the victims reportedly sustained severe burns and the loss of fingers.

CPSC urges consumers to follow these safety steps:

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Parents may not realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees—hot enough to melt some metals.
• Always have an adult closely supervise fireworks activities if older children are allowed to handle devices.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Light fireworks one at a time, and then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. For more information please visit CPSC online and for consumer product related questions call the CPSC Hotline at (800) 638-2772. El CPSC estudio está disponible en español.

What Are You Drinking This Holiday Season?

The holiday season is here, and again, I’ve scored amazing cocktail recipes especially for Pop Culture Shock readers. Oh, before you start thinking that I’ve become a cocktail blog, rest assured that I have not! It’s just that we do a lot of entertaining this time of year and I like to have unique and inspired libations for my guests. The recipes range from keeping you and your family and friends warm from the dropping temperatures to keeping everyone festive yet refreshed.

Reyka Spiced Cran Mule

• 2 parts Reyka Vodka
• 1 part Spiced Cranberry syrup
• 3 parts dry ginger beer
• Combine ingredients. Shake and strain top champagne

Cranberry syrup - ½ cup Demerara sugar, 1 cup water, 12 whole allspice berries, 12 whole cloves, Zest of 1 orange, 1 inch piece of fresh ginger (peeled and chopped), 3 cinnamon sticks, 2 cups fresh cranberries

Combine all ingredients over heat except cranberries and stir until sugar dissolves. Add cranberries and bring to a boil... let boil until cranberries burst (about 3 min). Remove from heat and let sit for an hour. Strain through fine mesh strainer.

Cranberry Sauce Gin & Tonic – Jimmy at the James

• 2 parts Botanist Gin
• ½ part simple syrup
• ½ of fresh lemon juice
• 1 heaping barspoon cranberry sauce
• Q Tonic
• Lemon Wheel

In a cocktail shaker combine the gin, simple syrup, lemon juice and cranberry sauce. Shake with ice for about ten seconds and then strain into a tall glass with ice. Stir in tonic water and garnish with a lemon wheel.

Sailor Jerry Mulled Cider

• 1 Part Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
• 3 Parts Mulled Cider
• Cinnamon
• Cloves

Heat Sailor Jerry and slowly add cider and desired spices. Stir and let cool before serving.

Green Rabbit – by Proof

• 3 parts Homemade Melon Milk
• ½ part Ancho Verde
• ¾ part  Hendrick’s Gin

Combine ingredients and shake well. Strain over fresh ice in a wine glass. Garnish with pineapple mint and serve with a straw

Drambuie’s Mulled Wine

• 8 parts Drambuie
• 1 bottle (750 ml) Red Wine-Suggest Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2 parts Honey
• 1 Spearmint-Peppermint Tea Bag
• Peel of ½ Grapefruit
• Peel of 1 Orange
• 2 tbsp Fresh Grated Ginger
• ½ tsp Whole Juniper Berries
• ½ tsp Whole Allspice Berries
• ½ tsp Whole Peppercorns

With a mortar and pestle grind the berries and pepper corns and add to a sauce pan. Add all other ingredients to the sauce pan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat and let stand for 1 minute. Strain and serve. If not hot enough, bring back to a simmer. Serve hot.

Ponche Primavera (pitcher)

• 12 ½ parts Montelobos Mezcal
• 7 ½ parts Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur
• 5 parts lime juice
• 5 parts lemon juice
• 15 parts sweetened agua de Jamaica (Mexican hibiscus tea water, can be found in most supermarkets)
• 1 part Oleo Saccharum (an oil made from mixing citrus peels with sugar)

Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl and mix together.  To keep chilled, freeze a large ice block the night before by double boiling water and using a large casserole dish. Add edible flowers to the water before it freezes (optional). Let ice block rest in punch bowl throughout the gathering. Build ingredients into a glass mug

Hudson Hot Toddy

• Add to a mug or Irish Coffee glass:
• 2oz Hudson Manhattan Rye
• .75oz fresh lemon juice
• Heaping teaspoon good, local honey
• 4oz very hot water
• -OR- substitute a preferred brewed tea or mild/diluted cider for the amount water required.

Optional but recommended: dash or two of aromatic bitters

Stir to blend and dissolve honey. Add a star anise and a lemon slice studded with cloves for extra aromatics.

 Remember - Please Drink Responsibly! 

The Origins of Halloween From Sacrifice to Celebration

While many of us look forward to the fun of costumes, parties and candy on Halloween, current day traditions are quite the departure from the true origins of Halloween. Halloween’s origins date back over 2,000 years and began in sorts with the Celtic festival of Samhain. (Don’t Forget To Checkout The Exclusive Cocktail Recipe!)

The Celtic New Year and was celebrated on November 1. This day was the unofficial mark of the end of summer and the beginning of fall harvests. The ancient Celts believed this specific time of year, as the daylight began to lessen and the air began to cool, that it was a sign of human death. This belief culminated into a focus on the night before the Celtic New Year, where Celts believed that on October 31 the veil between the living and the dead became blurred -- when the ghosts of the dead could return to walk among the living causing mayhem.

In order to ward of such terrible happenings, the festival of Samhain was celebrated with huge bonfires, where Celts would gather in costume and sacrifice animals to Celtic Gods. Throughout history, various ancient peoples have looked upon this time of year with similar beliefs. Around the fifth century, The Romans celebrated Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans commemorated the passing of the dead and today, we celebrate All Hallows Eve … Halloween.

To help readers celebrate Halloween 2017 -- after the children have finished their “trick and treat,” I have an exclusive recipe for Pop Culture Shock readers from Black Bottle Blended Scotch Whisky.

Death Takes a Holiday

• 2 oz Black Bottle Scotch
• 1/2 oz Lustau Oloroso Don Nuno Sherry
• 1/2 oz Ancho Reyes Ancho Chile Liqueur
• ½ oz Lemon Juice
• ½ oz Chai Cinnamon Syrup
• Tablespoon Pumpkin Puree

Directions: Combine ingredients in shaker. Shake with ice. Double strain into a coupe or cocktail glass.

For Chai Cinnamon Syrup: Combine equal parts sugar and water with 4-5 cinnamon sticks and 3 good quality chai tea bags. Bring to a boil. Once finished, add the tea bags and let them sit for about 20 minutes before removing.  Leave the cinnamon sticks in a bit longer but discard them before refrigerating. The syrup should last about two weeks.

Crystal Champagne Flutes by Bella Vino Review

This is the third product that I have received from Bella Vino and each one has been absolutely exquisite! These champagne flutes do not fail to live up to the expectations from my previous experiences. The flutes are simply beautiful and I have to keep checking the price point because I can’t believe that quality at this price. The flutes would be beautiful in your own home and would definitely make the perfect wedding or anniversary gift!

Crystal Champagne Flutes by Bella Vino Features:

• Standard Champagne Flutes
• Upscale Design
• Made From Premium Lead-Free Crystal
• Dishwasher Safe
• 100% Money Back Guarantee

The Crystal Champagne Flutes by Bella Vino come in a pair set and sell for $29.95 on Amazon! Now’s the time to stick up for winter holiday entertaining!

                        

Jamevar Black Wool Scarf from Jewel Silk Scarves Review

Hello Pop Culture Shockers! I hope that everyone enjoyed a beautiful holiday! Okay, let’s get to today’s product #review! I received the Jamevar Black Wool Scarf from Jewel Silk Scarves a few weeks ago and when it arrived, it was so stunningly packaged that I felt as if I was receiving a gift.

This particular scarf measures 70 inches long and 14 inches wide, making it the perfect size for 100’s of different ways to wear. Each scarf is handmade, making each scarf unique! The Jamevar Black Wool Scarf is made from 100% merino wool and woven in a classic paisley design. It is very soft! It’s also like having two scarves in one, as one side is black with tan accents and the other is ten with black accents. This company offers products that are handmade, eco-friendly sustainable fashion -- made by master artisans in different regions of India.  

The Jamevar Black Wool Scarf from Jewel Silk Scarves is simply beautiful and sure to make the perfect holiday gift. However, if scarves are not your thing this company offers up quite a few stunning handcrafted items … think jewelry and candles … so it’s worth a visit! Oh, I promised in my YouTube review that I would disclose a discount. Ready? Use the Code: HOLIDAY and receive $10 off your order!  For this scarf or other items, visit the Jewel Silk Scarves website! 

RÖD Wine White Wine Glasses Review

The holidays are essentially upon us! But, do not despair because I will be bringing as many recipe, holiday hosting and holiday gift giving ideas as I possibly an! And, I’m staring off with RÖD Wine White Wine Glasses. The stunners arrive in a set of three. The packaging is exquisite and gift ready! So, all you’ll need to do is pair these glasses up with a lovely bottle of wine and you will have the perfect holiday gift. I reviewed these babies on my YouTube Channel and take a moment to hop over a have a peek … you won’t be disappointed.

RÖD Wine White Wine Glasses Features:

• Made of Bohemian Crystal from the Czech Republic
• Lead Free
• Ecologically Produced
• Dishwasher Safe
• Restaurant Grade
• Classic European Design
• Beautifully Designed Gift Box
• 7.5-Ounce Each
• Free 195 pages e-book “Wine Wisdom” Included
• FREE Standard Shipping for all USA Orders
• 100% Money Back Satisfaction Guarantee

The RÖD Wine White Wine Glasses regularly sell for $67 and are currently on sale for $40.61 online. RÖD offers free standard shipping, as well as expedited shipping!

Genuine Leather Front Pocket Wallet Gift Set by Prägres Review

I am always on the hunt for upscale (yet, affordable) accessories for Mr. Hubs. For a guy who works in industrial construction, the man knows high end and isn’t about to compromise on style or quality, however he also isn’t going to break the bank because I have taught him that it isn’t necessary to do so in order to look good!

When I received the opportunity to review the Genuine Leather Front Pocket Wallet Gift Set by Prägres, I knew that I had to jump on it! The wallet has the perfect slim design with one outer pocket and three on the inside. It also comes with a detachable money clip! The outside is a gorgeous, buttery black leather with the inside being a perfect complementary red! The set includes a double-sided black leather keychain with silver toned accents.

Genuine Leather Front Pocket Wallet Gift Set by Prägres Features:

• Premium Full Grain Leather
• Matching Spring Loaded Keychain
• Removable Money Clip
• Slim Design
• Gift Ready

The Genuine Leather Front Pocket Wallet Gift Set by Prägres sells for $29.99 on Amazon. While Father’s Day and Grad time may have passed, it’s never a bad time to pick up gifts ahead of the holidays!

Holiday Cookie Recipe and Silicone Slotted Spatula Turner Review

I do a lot of cooking and my tools are important to me. This Silicone Slotted Spatula is a steal! It’s solidly made and the heat resistance up to 480 degrees makes this tool highly versatile. The spatula also stands up to the dishwasher – many items of this type do not – but after baking I tossed it in the dishwasher and it came out just as new!

Silicone Slotted Spatula Turner by DEMYLY Features:

• Heat Resistant to 480F
• Non-Toxic Food Grade Silicone
• Non-Scratch
• Dishwasher Safe

Pop Culture Shock Sugar Cookies

Ingredients: 

2 cups butter

1 1/2 cups Raw Sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon sea salt

Holiday Colored Sugar For Decoration

Holiday Shaped Cookie Cutters

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt, stir into the butter mixture until dough comes together. Roll dough out ¼ inch thick and use whichever cookie cutters you like. Place them on an unprepared cookie sheet about 2 inches apart and decorate with colored sugars. Bake cookies 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until bottom is light brown. Remove from baking sheets to cool on wire racks.

The Silicone Slotted Spatula Turner by DEMYLY lists for $16.99 and currently on sale at Amazon for $7.35! How could not grab this bad boy for your holiday cooking?

Chefmate II Food Thermometer Review And Holiday Toffee Recipe

Wow! Can you believe that we are less then a week away from celebrating Thanksgiving? Here in my neck of the woods -- Northeast USA – the weather feels more like the cusp of spring versus the cusp of winter. But, we’re on our way to winter none-the-less and I am prepared for some good ol’ holiday cooking. I’ve written before about my sweet tooth, which I will absolutely indulge for the season and I’m sharing my Pop Shock Christmas Pecan Toffee Recipe!

But, before I do let’s check out the latest foodie gadget to come my way. The Chefmate II Food Thermometer is multi-purpose, so although I tested it out on my toffee the thermometer is completely suited for all cooking needs like meats and such. It features an easy-to-read digital display, which for anyone who has struggle to “see the line” on a conventional cooking thermometer knows what a pain that can be.

There are two features that I found to be very helpful with the Chefmate II. One, it operates off of 1 AAA battery, which has an auto-off after 10 minutes and two, it has a magnetic holder so you can place the thermometer right on the fridge for easy access – okay, let’s make that three – this thermometer is also foldable so you’re aren’t going to accidentally take the temperature of your hand. Oops -- 100% Lifetime Warranty!

The Chefmate II Food Thermometer lists for $18.95 and is currently on sale at Amazon for $14.95.

Pop Shock Christmas Pecan Toffee Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon plus 2 cups butter, divided
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 package (11-1/2 ounces) milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds

Grease a 15x10x1-in pan. In a heavy saucepan, melt butter. Add sugar, pecans, water and salt. Cook, stirring continuously over medium heat until a thermometer reads 295°. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Quickly pour into greased pan. Let stand at room temperature until cool, which will take about 1 hour.

While your waiting for the toffee to set, melt 1 cup chocolate chips over a low heat. Spread over toffee and refrigerate until set. Turn over onto an baking sheet. Melt remaining chips; spread over toffee. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Let stand 1 hour. Break into bite-size pieces.

3 Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set by Chefs Limited Review

This is my second review for Chefs Limited and the first item to note is the outstanding customer service of this company. The people at Chefs Limited are just simply good folks. Now, the product itself -- To me, there’s nothing better than an item with both function and design.

This 3-piece Bamboo Cutting Board set is sturdy enough for any cook and these cutting boards are good looking enough to use as servers. Another bonus with the design of these boards is that each board has a top hole that makes them easy to hang for storage.

3 Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set by Chefs Limited Features:

• Three Sizes: Small-9" x 13" x 3/8", Medium-8 ½" x 11"x 3/8, Large-7" x 9" x 3/8"
• Doubles as serving trays
• Antimicrobial Surface

With the holidays just around the corner, these will definitely come in handy for hosting and they also make a great host/hostess gift. Pair these up with bread, cheese and wine – and there you go! 3 Piece Bamboo Cutting Board Set by Chefs Limited are available on Amazon for $24.99.