UVpaqlite Update

I ordered several more items and they arrived quickly.  I am especially pleased with a product that they sell but don't make, the NEBO work light. This LED light is 6.25 inches long and weighs only 2.34 ounces including batteries, but puts out a huge swath of light. It was designed with a lot of thought. The on/off button is on the top and there is a clip so you can easily attach it to the front of your shirt and have access to the on/off switch. The clip is also magnet with several swivel positions, so you can stick it on something steel and aim it in your desired direction.  It will definitely light your way.

 The GIDS (1.5 inch spots) are interesting, but I noticed that one of them was about a third as bright as the other 5. I tested that observation by putting them all in the sun, and sure enough, that night there was a runt in the litter. Upon inspection, it seemed to have gotten only a fraction of the glow-material compared to the others.  I notified the company by e-mail and asked how they would like to rectify. Their response was fast: they would send a replacement. It arrived today, and rather than replace the single GIDS, they sent a card of 3. Wow.  I am so impressed.  Most of their products are made in the USA and they have great customer service. Guess whose getting UVpaqlite products for Christmas and birthdays? Everyone I know!

Canning Supply Deals

It's getting to be canning supply clearance time at some retailers.  Keep you eyes peeled.

Even if you don't can, there is a special bargain on Vitamin C in the canning supplies. Ball brand Fruit Fresh is a little dextrose and a lot of Vitamin C. Each quarter teaspoon provides 230% of the RDA, and there are 141 servings per 5 ounce container. Not sure how this compares with your vitamin C source, but when on sale near summer's end it may be a preparedness storage solution for you.

Another useful supply item is pectin. Remember Kaopectate? Yup, clay and pectin are the main ingredients. If you read the labels carefully, you can find both liquid and powdered pectin with minimal other ingredients.  If you buy in the stores, look for the 4 ounce or larger jars of dry pectin, not the boxes with a lot of packaging and a couple tablespoons of product.  We also keep the liquid pectin for canning and home remedy use. It's already hydrated and smooth for adding to jam fixings or a bowl of oatmeal.

Note: I am not a medical professional. I make no claim that pectin or vitamin C are good for you or will benefit your health. Do your own research on the usefulness of these substances and make your own decisions.  Sheesh.

Overdue Product Recommendation: UVpaqlite

I usually wait a while before recommending a product. In this case I have used the product daily for over a year, and am ready to highly recommend the brand.  I will also buy more in the near future.

The product line, UVpaqlite, is pretty cool. These US-made products are highly portable, self-recharging lighting products.  My first was a gift from a friend.  The product line was somewhat limited back then, but I bought a few more of the X-small of these:



 

So what was my product test? It was primarily about the light: how much light, what was needed to recharge it and how long it would last, both short and longer term.

 

I have occasional insomnia. When I wake up and can't get back to sleep, I leave the bedroom so I don't wake my bread winning Husband. Before this product, I'd tried some flashlights and other carry items.  Invariably I'd forget to take them back to the bedroom, so would end up stumbling in the dark.  My solution: Using 3 of the extra-small UVpaqlites, I set up aiming points on a path from the bedroom to the study.  These are hung in out of the way places, like door hinges and light fixtures where most people would not notice them.  None of the locations are in direct sunlight.  More than a year later, these aiming points glow brightly enough to get me safely back and forth in the dark a couple or three times a week. Even at 3 or 4 AM, they are still glowing.

 

The larger items are not inexpensive, but they never need batteries so what you pay is for long term lighting. The lighting packets are incredibly light weight and come with a little chain on them.  If you are camping or backpacking, you can hang them on the outside of your tent or pack during the day and they will recharge. Otherwise, they are very low maintenance.

 

Use as markers and beacons can't be underestimated. My insomnia-path is also a secondary escape route from the bedroom. A spot on your phone or flashlight may help save a life. Think about the airline announcement about the lights on the aisle floor... small paclite spots (1.25 inch diameter) can lead to a larger light at the closest exit. 

 

Now that I have confidence in the lighting technology, I plan to purchase a few more items from them.  Larger lights for preparedness supplies and glow spots for home. I need to mount some low lights in a few spots to illuminate the occasional sleeping dog!