Latest news with #Rhonda
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
We struck Gold on this visit to US state – and you should too
It has been 25 years since I visited the States and the last time I was in America, I was getting a selfie with Minnie Mouse at Disney World in Florida. So what better way to reintroduce America to me as an adult than to head for California's Tuolumne County – the heart of Gold Country where thriving Gold Rush towns put the region on the map. Here, you'll meet real life cowboys and cattle ranchers. Sadly, none I could take home to mum. After 10 hours on an Aer Lingus flight direct from Dublin to San Francisco, we travel around three hours to Sonora, the largest town in Tuolumne County. This quaint town offers a glimpse into the past with their preserved saloons, historic buildings and museums. Our first stop is bedtime. We arrived at The Inn on Knowles Hill, a gorgeous boutique bed and breakfast hotel overlooking the town of Sonora. It's been 14 hours since I last saw Ireland and I was looking forward to my bed. We were immediately greeted by owner Rhonda Buess, who runs this charming hotel with her vintage car obsessed husband couple have been married since 1992 and have spent over $1M renovating The Inn on Knowles Hill - and boy, does it show. The Inn is 12,500 square feet of home away from home. I've never slept in a bed with the softest of pillows and the most comfortable mattress. It was so big, I joked I'd need a ladder to climb in. After a peaceful night's sleep, it was time for breakfast. But this was no grab and go situation – I was in America now. For every guest, Rhona prepares a two-course breakfast that sets you up for the day. For our first course, Rhonda served us organic bosc pear poached in cardamom spice, filled with vanilla bean creme with raspberry coulis and toasted almonds. Our second course arrives – Aebleskivers (Danish pancakes) served traditionally with raspberry jam and Chantilly cream. The dish was accompanied with Knowles Hill eggs florentine, a recipe designed at The Inn and some turkey bacon. The food isn't the only thing that kept us talking on our trip – The Inn is steeped in history. Rhonda tells me: "The house was built in 1927 for a Swedish man called Charles Segerstrom. He had stock in the West in a lumber company. He was president of Royal Bank. He had hotels in San Francisco, but his primary money making was from mining.' Rhonda explains that each of the eight rooms at The Inn are all named after the famous people who have stayed there, including President Herbert Hoover, Supreme Court Justice, Earl Warren, Helen Keller, Ruth Bryan Owen and Melvin Belli. 'We've even had Motley Crew," she boasted. Most people who buy a hotel nowadays want to modernise it – but Rhonda and Fred wanted to restore it back to the roaring 20s. They are the third owners and bought the house in 2005. The previous owners had decorated it hot pink. "We opened in 2012. It took about seven years to get ourselves established.' Guests are not only treated to Rhonda's excellent cooking skills but they will also be accompanied by Fred downtown in one of his vintage cars. He owns several vintage Rolls Royce's which he proudly shows off out the front of this charming must stay hotel. After a peaceful night's sleep, we took a trip to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park where we met train enthusiast Daniel train station welcomed the first steam train back in 1897 to crowds of 5,000 and is a hit with fourth graders on school tours. From April until October, the train station runs excursion train rides as well as The Polar Express, which runs in November and December and "always sells out," said Daniel. The station was also home to some of Hollywood's 200 famous films, including High Noon, Back To The Future III and Petticoat Junction. 'Locomotive No.3 is by far the most famous here. She's been in more movies and TV shows than in Hollywood. Hollywood loved it. It has a classic style and it's cute. Sonora is also home to Columbia's State Historic Park, which is another hit with kids. But for the adults too, the western themed town features plenty of restaurants and bars to keep cool from the Californian sun. After digging for some gold at Columbia, thirsty travellers can head to Indigeny Reserve to sample some cider from the local sits on a stunning 160-acre preserve and apple orchard and is a hit with locals, especially on Valentine's Day. Our tour guide Cassandra takes us through the fruits of their labour from this family run business, which employs just 12 people, and was started by retired couple Jay and Judy Watson. Cassandra brings us through the process of harvesting the apples from their 30,000 trees. 'When we are harvesting our apples, we are harvesting over 52 varieties. 'Each year is different, depending on the seasons, whether we get a lot of water, whether our blossoms did great that year, we can range about 300,000 pounds of apples to a million pounds of apples. And so when we're harvesting, we harvest everything, even the imperfectly, perfect apples. This whole entire range here we have about 30,000 trees.' As well as feeding the cider thirsty customers, Indigeny feeds a plethora of wildlife from harvested apples that hit the orchard a day of tours, we head downtown – courtesy of Fred in the Rolls Royce – and arrive in style at a local dive bar, where my colleague hustles a few unsuspecting locals in a game of pool. The next day, we leave Sonora and head to Yosemite National Park for two days hiking. Yosemite is well worth a visit for any traveller who loves the outdoors. It's an hour and a half from Sonora and the views are breathtaking along the way. The side of the park we're exploring is the road less travelled. We met our tour guide Gabriel for a two-hour hike to Hetch Hetchy – an hour and a half from the popular Yosemite Valley. Hetch Hetchy, whose reservoir supplies the water for all of San Francisco, is a hidden treasure that lies in the northwest portion of Yosemite National Park. It's a jaw-dropping trail, way less crowded than other areas of the park, and is a perfect weekend backpacking trip for any level of experience. It sees fewer than 100 visitors a day, compared to the 19,000 day tourists to Yosemite Valley. And to rest your tired legs after, there's Rush Creek's Lodge and Spa. The hotel is the newest Yosemite spa resort, featuring incredible indoor and outdoor spa elements inspired by the natural beauty and power of Yosemite. But for those who prefer to sleep under the stars – Evergreen Lodge Yosemite is the perfect spot and just 20 minutes from Hetch Hetchy. Pick from family cabins, glamping tents or couples cabins – but be warned those who glamp need to remember the dress for the elements for bed. It gets very cold at night in Yosemite. Evergreen Lodge also offers all guests complimentary smores for that real American experience as well as heated saltwater pool and hot tub amongst the pines. The next day, we headed for the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias for a blissful two-hour hike amongst the two dozen mature giant sequoias. This strenuous walk is worthwhile when you come across these giants in the middle of the forest. After our hike, we head for a quick lunch stop at Around The Horn for a tasty American Hot Dog. And to quench your thirst, this bar offers a beer flight so customers can explore all the bar's different craft beers on offer. We head back on the road to shake our tail feathers on the last stop of the trip – The Chicken Ranch Casino. This casino underwent a massive $400 million renovation and caters to all your entertainment needs. It's non-smoking and its general manager Todd DeRemer spent 14 years of his working life managing a casino in Las Vegas, so he decided to bring his 33 years' experience in the gaming industry back to North America. The Chicken Ranch Casino also features a 209 Sports bar with 3D video aspect all around – it is the only one in North America as well as a Wahlburger – the second one in California and sales are eighth in the entire nation. Forget heading to Vegas, this hotel, which opened in July 2024, has 197 eggceptional rooms with 22 suites – including one called The Mother Pucker that features a golden chicken that players rub for good luck before heading downstairs to gamble. 'About 70 percent of people who stay at the hotel are players,' says Todd as he reveals the casino had two massive wins in March. One jackpot was $863,000 and the other for $823,000. The Chicken Ranch Casino also has a stunning Fine Dining restaurant called Perch Rooftop Dining and also has a shallow pool, which will host major parties in the future. For my first time back to America in 25 years, this was the perfect reintroduction as an adult exploring. Yosemite was definitely a highlight of the trip, and I look forward to returning again.
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Diana Ross makes surprising admission about her children in a rare interview
Diana Ross turns to her children for "advice" on various things. The 81-year-old music legend is mother to Rhonda, 53, Tracee, 52, Chudney, 49, Ross, 37, as well as 36-year-old Evan from various relationships, and admitted that these days, she is the one who is more likely to be in need of help and support. Asked if her children still ask her for advice, she told People: "Yes, and no. I ask their advice on many things. Rhonda travels with me on tour. Evan is always there for important events that I may attend. My five children really take care of their mom." The Chain Reaction hitmaker also has eight grandchildren, and when asked what "type of grandma" she is, she admitted that she just wants to be in their "presence" and does not hesitate to offer herself as a babysitter. She said: "That's a very sweet question. I just want to be in their presence. I want them to see me, and I want to be able to see them. If I'm needed, for sure I will babysit. Being with my grandkids means everything to me. If spoiling them means loving them – Yes! I do that, I do a lot of that. "When I recently arrived at Evan's house, Ziggy ran to me with his arms open to give me a hug and a kiss; that meant the world to me. And when I visit Everlee, she piles all her stuffed animals on me, and she has names for every one of them. That stays in my heart." The former Supremes star is heading back on the road this summer for a UK tour and is looking forward to have her entire family come along on the journey with her. She said: "I am very passionate about performing live. I love looking out at the audience and seeing faces and singing directly to them. My daughter Rhonda will accompany me on stage to sing the song that she wrote for me called "Count on Me." My entire family, my children and grandchildren will travel with me on this tour."
Press and Journal
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Behind the scenes with Ragamuffins as tearful members open up about Aberdeen Arts Centre's fight for survival
Rhonda Scott is warming up at the keyboard as she prepares for the latest in a long lines of performances at Aberdeen Arts Centre. The musician has been taking part in productions at the theatre for decades, and has been part of the Ragamuffins kids troupe since it started 30 years ago. This run of The Little Mermaid, a colourful spectacular based on the Disney film, will be a little different though. It comes just days after it emerged this cherished 'palace of dreams' on King Street is fighting for its future – with the musical coinciding with a major fundraising drive. And as she gears up for the show, Rhonda can't help but reflect on what this storied old building means to her. Taking a break from tinkling away at Under The Sea, the keys fall silent as she tells me: 'I don't know what I would do if something happened to this place.' Earlier this month, venue bosses missed out on lifeline funding from the council. They have now launched a desperate fundraising campaign to amass £660,000 and secure their future – which has already been backed by acting royalty Brian Cox. The theatre's plight has touched hearts across Aberdeen, with people digging deep to contribute about £10,000 already. It's against this backdrop that I turn up at the theatre at about 5pm on Tuesday night, as volunteers are just starting to arrive and the band is tuning up in the auditorium. Over the next two hours, more performers file in and the buzz inside begins to grow. Wednesday's debut show will be the culmination of months of preparation, and hours spent memorising lines and lyrics with the helps of mums and dads. All the hard work and dedication comes down to this week. And the anticipation was high even before the show took on some added significance when the fight for the venue's future began. As it happens, this is the Ragamuffins' 30th anniversary show – and they're putting on their biggest musical spectacular yet… I join 50 kids backstage (aged all the way from P2 to S1) as well as the volunteers, chatting to them to find out what this space means to them – and how they would feel if it closes. Instantly I am greeted with warm smiles as Eoin Smith from the centre takes me to the auditorium. Ragamuffins is a voluntary group run by best friends who also all performed when they were little. As the band is busy warming up, I manage to borrow keyboard player Rhonda for a quick chat. Rhonda is one of the directors of Ragamuffins and also one of the musical directors for The Little Mermaid. She has been with the group since it started 30 years ago. 'We do it because we love it,' the volunteer tells me. She has a very personal connection with the Aberdeen Arts Centre. Its doyen Annie Inglis was her drama lecturer when at Aberdeen University, and she used to come along to weekend workshops with her here. 'I have always been a part of the centre, it's just always been a huge part of my life. I don't know what I would do if something happened to this place. 'We couldn't really put on our shows anywhere else because it's the only venue that can host as many kids as we have. We always get so much support here.' Telling me a bit about the 30th anniversary show, Rhonda says: 'It's going to be bright, theatrical, dramatic, and colourful. We wanted to go all out.' It's become a family tradition, with her 35-year-old son Matthew Walker – an original Ragamuffin – joining her to play bass. With a bit of time to spare before all the youngsters arrive, I head backstage to meet some more volunteers… Shona Smith is on the sewing machine making some final tweaks to the costumes. I can see just how much detail and care goes into making the outfits. Her daughter Brooke, a former Ragamuffin, also volunteers and is helping out in hair and makeup tonight. Just as we are chatting away, two youngsters come up to Shona. She tells me that they started off in 'Minimuffins' and this is their first show in the arts centre. They are pretty excited at making it to the big stage. Shona tells me that she sees the kids grow in confidence as they form friendships. 'It's just that difference you make to kids lives,' she grins. 'It gives them life skills when going into university and jobs. It helps them to do presentations and to stand up in front of people.' Shona fights back tears as I ask her about the venue we are standing in. 'There is not another facility that meets our needs,' she says. 'His Majesty's Theatre would be too big and we wouldn't be able to afford it. Aberdeen Arts Centre is just such a great facility and to lose it would just be tragic.' Looking across the room, I see a table neatly laid out with plastic fish, and a cardboard box stuffed with multi-coloured inflatable guitars. Intrigued to find out more, I speak to Jennifer Brown. Jennifer is in charge of organising these props, and making sure that all the kids have got what they need for when they are on stage. It really is all the little touches that help to bring the show to life. Jennifer has been volunteering with Ragamuffins since it started 30 years ago, when her three-year-old daughter joined. 'It would be really sad to lose the Arts Centre,' Jennifer tells me. Alison Forsyth is the administrator and the treasurer for the organisation. Alison has one daughter in Ragamuffins performing in The Little Mermaid and two granddaughters in the younger Minimuffins section. She too has been part of the the team since it started in 1995, and finds herself a bit emotional speaking about the theatre. 'They are all such good friends and they are a lovely bunch of kids. The older ones who have been here a while even look after the little ones. 'I don't know what we would do if this place wasn't here,' Alison starts to tear up. 'This place is just everything to us really. We really would be lost if this place went.' Time flies by and before I know it I can hear voices echoing down the corridor. I am greeted with smile after smile, the excitement gleaming from their faces, as floods of kids come bundling through the doors. Suddenly the bustling backstage area becomes even more alive. Now it is full steam ahead to get the youngsters settled, warmed up, costumes on, makeup done and hair styled. As the warmup is under way on stage, I get a moment to chat to some of the cast. Daniel tells me he is 'really excited' at playing King Triton. The 14-year-old tells me that he is 'really glad' that he joined Ragamuffins and he has made many of his friends through the group. Aberdeen Arts Centre also means a lot to him. 'I have always performed here and most of my friends perform here too,' Daniel tells me. Ellie Mackenzie, 13, is playing Ariel. She tells me she has 'a lot of fun' up on the stage. The teenager joined Ragamuffins in 2019, when she prowled onto stage in Cats. 'Just being on stage and the whole atmosphere of the lights and everything, I just love it,' Ellie smiles. 'I also come here for my dance shows too, everything about it is so nice.' Aiden Smith, 13, tells me that this is only his second show with Rags. He will also be playing King Triton in different performances. He is busy getting into costume ahead of the dress rehearsal and chats with me as he is transformed into the Sea King. Aiden 'loves seeing everyone's excitement' at times like these. Cath Munro is applying the makeup. She has been with Ragamuffins since the beginning and her 40 year-old daughter was even part of the original group. Once she is finished with her brushes, we go for a chat. Looking out onto the stage, Cath tells me that she was first up there in 1976, the year she left school. 'I don't know where I would be without it, I get quite emotional, because honestly we are so passionate about what we do. 'I see these kids growing up and they just glow on the stage.' Before I know it I am back in the auditorium, but this time all the kids are in character and ready for their final dress rehearsal. As they said backstage 'let's get this show on the road'. I hadn't been planning to stay, but I can't resist delaying my return to the office a tad. I grab a seat near the front of the empty auditorium, sit back and take it all in. You can still grab tickets to see the show this week here. And you can donate to the crowd-funder . The Ragamuffins' Little Mermaid show runs from May 21-24 at Aberdeen Arts Centre.
Buzz Feed
15-05-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
30 Walmart Products For People Who Live Alone
A three-step kitchen and household ladder, because you can't ask your super tall roommate for help getting stuff down from the highest shelves if you, uh, don't have any roommates. Easy to fold out and equally easy to store, this handy little stepper is a must-have to make the most of your vertical storage — particularly if you, like me, are less than vertically blessed yourself. Promising review: 'Step in the right direction! This is a great step ladder to use inside the house. It's not too heavy. I'm only five feet and I didn't want anything that I couldn't maneuver on my own. It's sturdy enough to hold me, but not too sturdy for me to move around. It also folds up to a pretty small footprint. I love it and highly recommend!' —Rhonda Price: $44.97 A good household tool kit, so you can DIY your own fix-it needs without going through the hassle of texting everyone you know to see if they have a hammer you can borrow. This set packs everything you need to handle most common household needs, including the aforementioned hammer, a level, a measuring tape, two sets of Allen wrenches, a ratcheting screwdriver with tons of heads you can swap in and out at will, some smaller precision screwdrivers, a box cutter, a wire stripper, a wrench, and review: 'Great price, great quality! This was a very great price, and it has everything that I need for daily house fixings. I keep it in my car, and it comes in very handy. Extremely satisfied and definitely worth the money! I love the case that it comes in because it holds everything perfectly.' —Victoria Price: $21.98 And a compact little multi-tool, because you don't always need to break out the big tools to fix your household problems. This one packs a whopping 17 tools — among them pliers, wire cutters, a bunch of different files, scissors, a screwdriver, and a bottle opener — into one tiny, pocket-sized package. Listen, I've carried the same trusty multi-tool for more than 20 years now, and it has never not come in handy. Never underestimate the worth of having one of these things review: 'Great product! So I bought another one. Great pocket-tool! Sturdy and functional. I like it better than my Leatherman, and I bought a second one to keep in the truck. I have big hands, and it is the correct size and has a good feel to it. ALSO, the other tools open when it is folded! This is what you want — think about it.' —DrJohnJDMPrice: $11.24 An extendable, heavy-duty duster with a pivoting head, so you — yes, YOU, Person Who Has Their Own Private Household — can finally do something about that annoying cobweb that's been stuck up in the corner of your ceiling for, like, months. This handle from the geniuses at Swiffer stretches out to a full 6 feet, while the duster head itself actually traps dust, instead of just spreading it around. Promising review: 'It extends so long! I love this product. I'm an average-ish sized person (5'3) and this product helps me reach the high fans in my house (10' ceilings) and also helps me get rid of the cobwebs in the corners or swiping the baseboards when my back is hurting. I will continue to buy this product.' —AlexisPrice: $14.44 for a starter pack A lightweight, bagless, cordless Shark vacuum that'll make keeping your floors clean a breeze. Yes, it's an investment, but since you're the only one responsible for the household chores, trust me when I say a good vacuum is worth the expense. This pick is *so* much easier to move around your home than the huge, corded vacuums of yore; it converts easily from an upright vac to a hand-held one, so you can get into hard-to-reach places no problem; and it even flexes to get under low-to-the-ground furniture. Talk about versatile!Promising review: 'Love this vacuum. It charges pretty quickly. I have a dog and cat with thick hair who shed a lot. It does a great job of sucking up hair and dirt from the wood floors to throw carpets. When vacuuming the smaller throw carpets, I don't have to stand on them or fight with the vacuum to keep it from sucking them up. I love the 'trigger' on it that gives the vacuum more power. It worked great when using it on the chair. It's easy to detach and re-attach the pieces. Also, emptying out the canister is a breeze. I've only had mine for about a week, but I purchased it after I've used the one my brother and his wife have. They vacuum their house several times a day. They have three kids and four long-haired dogs. They've had theirs for a year and it still works amazingly. I would recommend it to anyone.' —SabrinaPrice: $249 (originally $329) An Arlo video doorbell, so you'll always know who's at your door — whether or not you're actually home yourself. Connected to your phone via an app, this handy system lets you keep an eye on things from near and far, giving you peace of mind no matter where you are. Promising review: ''Clear, reliable, and easy to use. I recently installed the Arlo Doorbell, and I'm really impressed with its performance. The video quality is fantastic — it's crystal clear, and the wide-angle view lets me see everything happening at my door. I especially like the two-way audio feature, which makes it easy to talk to visitors, whether I'm home or out and about. What I find really convenient is how well it integrates with my other Arlo security devices. The motion detection alerts are super responsive, and even at night, the video is clear thanks to the night vision. Plus, being able to connect it to Alexa is a nice touch — I can quickly check the camera feed on my Echo Show. Overall, it's been a great addition to my home security setup, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a reliable, easy-to-use video doorbell.' —Kenny Price: $78 A pantry and fridge storage bin set, because not having to share your fridge means being able to organize it exactly how you like it. This set of stackable clear bins makes it so you'll always be able to reach what you need quickly and easily — and you won't have to worry about anyone else finishing all but the last dollop of your salsa and leaving the basically-empty jar in there for you to find later. The set includes two wide bins, two narrow bins, an egg tray, and a can dispenser, plus a magnetic dry-erase board and a couple of review: 'I can't believe how clean this keeps my refrigerator. Now, if I have something with the potential of making a mess, it goes in the bins.' —gieseler4Price: $30 A space-efficient drop-leaf dining table — even though you don't need a huge table just for yourself, sometimes, you just want to have a bunch of people over to share a meal, you know? This cute lil' farmhouse-style table features two leaves you can keep folded down when you're on your own and extend easily when you're getting ready for guests. Promising review: 'Great table for a small area. We bought this for a studio apartment that has a kitchenette and it turned out to be an excellent purchase. The drop-leaf feature allows for more space to move around the kitchen and yet plenty of room for four when the leaves are up. The table looks great and is also very sturdy!' —Golfdad727 Price: $172.99+ (available in two colors) A 6-in-1 jar opening tool, so you'll always be able to open your own jars — yes, even the extra-stuck ones. This nifty tool is loaded with features that let it tackle large lids, small lids, safety seals, pull tabs, bottles, and even bags. Who needs a roomie with terrifying biceps when you've got this? Promising review: 'I've tried other brands, but this opener is the best one I've found and it opens cola bottles and jars. I have arthritis in my hands, so trying to open bottles or jars is made much easier with this opener. I highly recommend it for anyone, especially for people who have difficulty opening bottles or jars. The price is great and the tool is very well-made. I believe it will last a lifetime!' —Jacqueline Price: $6.97 A set of produce-saving storage containers, because when you're the only one who's eating all those gorgeous fruits and veggies, you want to make sure they last. There is nothing sadder than opening the fridge and realizing your but-I-just-bought-them-yesterday! strawberries have already gone moldy — but with these containers on hand, that will cease to be a problem for your solo-living self. The set includes three containers — two medium, one large — each with its own review: 'The best produce saver!!! I love these Rubbermaid FreshWorks produce containers. They really help to keep salad greens to last much longer and stay fresh. I've been using them now for almost a week and half and my lettuce is still nice and crisp and fresh. I also use one of them for a cut red onion and another one for berries and grapes. I'm so glad that I decided to get these because I've been looking for the Salad Keeper of Saver from Tupperware without any luck, and now I'm a believer in Rubbermaid FreshWorks!!!' —BirdandCatLover Price: $24.97 A clip-on strainer, so you can strain your pasta literally single-handedly — a necessary skill when the only one in the kitchen is Chef Moi. Just snap this silicone strainer to the side of your pot and tip it directly into the sink. It'll keep your noodles (or veggies, or ground beef, or whatever) safely in the pot while the water just drains away. Promising review: 'This strainer makes it so much easier to strain food. It fits over the pot and the food stays inside. The process is quicker and so much easiers. The strainer is of good quality and is needed in every kitchen.' —Tatyana Price: $10.19 (originally $15.99; available in two colors) A 34-ounce French press coffee maker, because if you're going to be making coffee for one, you deserve to drink something better than the weaksauce brew that tends to come out of single-serve pod machines. This sleek, aesthetically pleasing pick is double-walled stainless steel, too, so it'll keep your java warm to the last drop. Promising review: 'I love this French Press!!!!! This is my first French press, and I love it! Easy to use, and clean. Makes a perfect cup of coffee, or several cups. Love the sleek stainless-steel design. Not a single ground of coffee gets through the strainer sieve. Highly recommend this product!' —BiscuitballPrice: $39.58 (originally $50) An automatic pet feeder, so you can rest easy in the knowledge that Fido will always get their snackies — whether or not you're actually home to fill the food bowl. The peace of mind is worth its weight in proverbial gold, and your furry pal will thank you for it, too! This smart pet feeder can dispense meals on a schedule you set yourself, or instantaneously (initiated by you!) via the integrated app. It's also got a camera and two-way audio, so you can check in on your fur baby while they review: 'Worthwhile! This thing has everything you can set up. It has specific features like motion sensor settings, video recording, how much you want to feed, and it holds plenty of food. I bought this for my cat. It has a camera, and it is an awesome, awesome device!' —john Price: $84.61 A weekly calendar whiteboard you can put to SO many good uses. Meal planner! Important appointments scheduler! Workout tracker! The possibilities are endless! Promising review: 'Works great!! I use this every week to keep myself scheduled. I love it, especially since it's so cheap. It hangs on my fridge with no issues. I've had it for about a year now and the marker still works great as well.' —Britty Price: $10.37+ (available individually or in a two-pack) A light bulb changer kit, so you can switch your burnt-out bulbs all on your own, even if you have super high ceilings. Good for track lights, recessed lighting, and flood lights, this gadget attaches to any threaded pole; then, all you have to do is reach up to the dead bulb, catch it in the device, and twist to remove it. Then, reverse the process with a new bulb, and voila! Let there be actual literal light. Y'all, if there is ONE thing I wish I had in my apartment-living arsenal back before I moved in with my 6-foot-tall spouse, it is this. The ceilings in all my pre-cohabiting apartments were really, really high, and I am very, very short. I also generally did not have an on-site super. If my bulbs burned out, I always had to text all my much-taller-than-myself friends to see if any of them could come over sometime in the next week or so to help me change my light bulbs in exchange for a batch of cookies. And then I had to live in an apartment lit only by my desk lamp until my good-natured friends arrived. It was Not. A. Good. Time. (My friends, however, are great.)Note, by the way, that the threaded pole isn't included in this set, but any standard-threaded pick will 'This works great. I was a little skeptical if it would work on my outside flood lights, as they can be hard to remove because of being out in the weather. It is a nice, tight grip — easily unscrewed the old blub and replaced the old.' —MarthaPrice: $9.48 A set of two stunning yet practical storage baskets that'll give you somewhere quick to dump your clutter at a moment's notice. When you live on your own, sometimes, the space can get away from you — but a) that's okay! and b) clearing it up doesn't have to be stressful. These baskets are so chic, your visitors won't even realize they're just That Spot Where You Shove Stuff To Get It Out Of The Way. Promising review: 'Very nice! I ordered these to put my blankets in. They're made well and look nice in the living room. I'm happy with this purchase.' —Becky Price: $31.16 for a set of two A gel toilet stamp, because if your toilet gets gross, you have only yourself to blame. Better to nip the problem in the bud — and this neat-o little cleaner can help you stay on top of things! Stamping it on the inside of the bowl will keep things fresh in between deeper scrubs, rinsing things around for you every time you flush. FYI, each stamp is good for up to 12 review: 'Nice scent, keeps it clean! I use these in both my bathrooms at home. They have a nice clean scent that is not over powering. They help keep the toilets cleaner than if I didn't use these regularly.' —anonymousPrice: $13.87 for one dispenser and 24 gel stamps A big ol' bottle of Wet & Forget weekly shower cleaner that'll keep your shower clean with minimal fuss and bother — which is especially important when the job of keeping things sparkling falls to you, and only you. Spritzing your tub or shower with this stuff once a week then just walking away (really!) keeps soap scum, mildew, and other grossness at bay, no elbow grease required. Promising review: 'This is the best and easiest solution I have found to cleaning my shower. Just spray it on when you finish showering and leave it until the next day and rinse it before you shower. I especially like the way it cleans the residue off the glass doors. It has a light vanilla scent. Perfect.' —Susan Price: $19.98 for a 64-ounce bottle A two-pack of drain snakes, because being able to clear out your own drains is a skill worth cultivating (particularly when it's your own hair — and only your own hair — backing them up). It is astonishing what this deceptively simple little tool can dig out of the depths of your pipes. Sink clogs, begone! Promising review: 'OMG!!! You can't believe the gunk I pulled out of the shower drain! YUCKY! It was like an old sci-fi movie with a hair monster coming up out of the drain! No kidding. It was gross, but amazing the amount of hair and debris that was hiding down in the depths of my shower! Now my drain is actually working as it should!' —Chris Price: $3.92 (also available in a 12-pack) A lift-top coffee table so multi-functional, you'll wonder how you got along without it for so long. Working from home? Open it up and use it as a desk (and enjoy the fact that you can turn the living room into your personal office and no one will complain to you about it). Chilling out? Stash your tea and snacks on it while you kick back. In need of some fast storage space before your bestie comes over last minute? Pop the top, throw your clutter in, close it up, and you're good to go. Promising review: 'Wonderful big table, high end look! I am so glad I ordered this coffee table. It is nice and big, the top lifts up so you can use it to eat on while sitting in the couch, or put a laptop on it or do paperwork. My son and daughter-in-law eat on it when they are over. There is great storage under the coffee table, too. It looks very expensive. I like it so much, I ordered two nightstands too. Great product!' —ElizabethPrice: $145 A wall-mounted mail, key, and, uh, life organizer, so you'll never have to worry about locking yourself out. (Alas, no roommates means no one around to let you in if you forget your keys.) With four small hooks for keys, five larger ones for bigger hanging must-haves, a little shelf, and even a wire organizer grid, this handy station will help you double-check that you've got everything you need before you run out the door in the morning. Promising review: 'Great price for kitchen organization! Perfect addition to my kitchen organization center. Easy to assemble and sturdy material. For this price, great find and buy!' —Darlene Price: $55.07 An unexpectedly chic air fryer, because there's no easier way to cook for one than this. This pretty pastel gadget from Drew Barrymore's Beautiful line has a 3-quart capacity — the perfect size for one! — so you can air fry, roast, reheat, or dehydrate whatever your little foodie heart desires. Meal prepping has never been easier or more ~aesthetic~! Promising review: 'Perfect for small kitchens — GAME CHANGER! I recently got my hands on the Beautiful 3-Quart Air Fryer, and I couldn't be more impressed! First off, the sleek design is absolutely stunning — it adds a touch of elegance to my kitchen, and I love how it seamlessly blends with my other appliances. Functionally, this air fryer is a dream. It's incredibly easy to use with intuitive controls and pre-set cooking options, which take all the guesswork out of preparing meals. Whether I'm making crispy fries, tender chicken, or even baking a small batch of cookies, this air fryer delivers consistently great results every time. What I love most is the 3-quart capacity — it's perfect for one or two people, and even though it's compact, it doesn't skimp on performance. The food comes out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and it cooks so quickly! Cleanup is also a breeze, thanks to its non-stick coating. Overall, I highly recommend the Beautiful 3-Quart Air Fryer to anyone looking for a stylish, efficient, and compact air fryer. It's definitely earned a permanent spot on my countertop!' —anonymous Price: $34.96+ (originally $39.96; available in eight colors) A soap-dispensing dish brush that'll make doing your own dishes a little less onerous. (No one's gonna do them if you don't, so you might as well make the chore as close to enjoyable as you can!) First, fill 'er up with the cleaning agent of your choice; then just push the button on the top of the handle and the soap will come right out of the brush, all ready to suds up for you. Promising review: 'So great I had to get one for my sister. I have used several different scrub brushes and I like this the best. The soap comes out with a gentle touch, unlike some others I've tried that have to be squeezed over and over. The soap doesn't leak out when not in use, and it has a scraper on the end for scraping off dried on foods. You can also order replacement brush heads.' —Glenna Price: $6.47 A really good mattress, because your sleep is something you should never compromise on — and, hey, since you're the only one sleeping in this bed, you don't have to! This gel memory foam dream machine is soft yet supportive, and even features cooling technology so you don't overheat while you snooze. Go catch those Zzzs, friends! Promising review: 'Best mattress ever. Great night sleep since we purchased it and wake up with no aches and pains in the joints. Plan on purchasing more and switching out all my old ones. Highly recommend. Thank you!' —Natalie Price: $98.88+ (originally $159+; available in sizes twin–king and in four thicknesses) A sewing kit, since you no longer have a handy-with-a-needle roommate on whom to rely when you lose a button. This packed case includes all the basics for patching up your own clothing (or upholstered furniture, or curtains, or table linens, or what have you): 30 needles, a measuring tape, scissors, two thimbles, a threader, a seam ripper, and — of course — LOTS of thread in a rainbow of different colors. FYI, the kit comes with 32 regular spools of thread and 32 bobbins of the stuff — so if you've got access to a sewing machine, it'll work for that, too!Promising review: 'A perfect kit for someone who does small mending jobs. Lots of colors to match clothes and even the bobbins are wound up for you. The bobbins are reusable metal so even after the thread is gone, you have something that will last. Some needles are supplied for hand sewing. A seam ripper helps if you need to open a seam.' —Chris Price: $19.49 A cleverly designed hair trap for your shower drain, because even if it's only your hair in danger of mucking up the works down there, it's still… hair. (Gross.) Stick this lil' Tub Shroom in your tub or shower's drain and it'll collect all those strands before they disappear down the drain, allowing for easy removal and cleaning before the problem ever begins. I've got one of these in my own shower, and friends, when I tell you that it has cut down dramatically on how frequently I need to auger my tub drain due to my household's incredibly thick hair situation, believe me when I say that the word 'dramatically' should be underlined approximately 80 times. This stainless steel version is particularly nice, too; I give it a scrub every time it's bathtub and shower cleaning day, and it's lasted literal years as a result. Love this thing. Promising review: 'Works perfectly! Finally broke down and bought this after trying several others. Now I'm kicking myself for not just getting this in the first place. I have cats who have this weird thing about lounging around in the tub whenever it's not in use. In spite of our weekly brushing sessions, they manage to leave a LOT of invisible hair — well, invisible until you try to take a bath and it heads for the drain. This little thing captures all of it and it's SO easy to clean it out and be done with it. Love the fact that it comes with different size rubber gaskets for different drain sizes.' —KARENPrice: $11.99 A motion-boost LED night light that'll make getting up in the middle of the night much less fraught. (The eeriness of a darkened home can be EXTRA freaky when you live alone!) This neat-o gadget's baseline is three lumens — but if it detects motion within 25 feet of itself, it automatically brightens to 25 lumens. Away with thee, shadows! Promising review: 'Works great! This is a great light. I love that it's not too bright unless it sees movement. It gives off enough light to see a small area but when it sees movement it lights up a bigger area. This is perfect for when my husband or I go to work and it's dark. We don't have to turn lights on and disturb the other.' —Valerie Price: $11.48+ (available individually and in a two-pack) A roll of stained glass–style window film, because if you live alone, you want to live alone — not with a ton of passersby and their beady little eyeballs all up in your private space all the time. This easy-to-apply film can fix any 'Ugh, whatever happened to privacy, does no one have any manners any more???' problems, fast — and it looks super pretty, too. Promising review: 'Stained glass without the price! I originally purchased this for a bit of privacy on our side porch. The sun is strong and I tried one window panel to diffuse the brightness, and it is not only functional, but absolutely gorgeous!' —satisfied Price: $19.97+ (available individually or in a pack of two rolls) A portable Bluetooth speaker that'll keep things from getting a little too quiet. I know, silence is golden, and the beauty of living on your own is that there's no one else around to make noise at weird hours — but sometimes, you need to fill that silence, right? This compact lil' guy lets you bring your music, podcasts, or what have you from room to room with you, so you can always have some background noise when you need it. Promising review: 'Jamming out! This speaker has a great sound and a long battery life. It has been great for my days working at home listening to music and also conference calls. Being Bluetooth, it easily connects to my phone or computer. Has a wonderful price point as well! Great value!' —Kyle Price: $14.88 And lastly, a big ol' body pillow, because even if you love living alone, sometimes, it's nice to have a cuddle, isn't it? With a comfy, corduroy-like cover, this soft and squishy pick offers four feet of coziness — perfect for anyone who likes to hang onto something substantial but non-human for comfort while they snooze. Promising review: 'I always wondered why people would buy body pillows, but after I received mine, I fell in love with it. I can prop my fistula arm, which is wonderful while I sleep. I'm going to order two more for my granddaughters.' —sharonPrice: $14.88 (available in three colors) Need ingredients for all your new recipes? Shop each recipe directly through the app, or check out Walmart's grocery selection to get veggies, meat, seafood, and more delivered right to your door. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Associated Press
15-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Honoring the Experience of Military Community Employees
Three of our employees share their unique experiences in both the military and corporate worlds: CJ as an active service member, Rhonda as a veteran, and Shelby as a military parent. One common theme: They feel their experience is supported and valued at Principal. CJProcess improvement consultant Captain, U.S. Air Force Military journey I joined the International Guard when I was 18, starting basic training three weeks after I graduated high school. I started out as a jet mechanic and now have transitioned to an officer position leading a team. At first, I was primarily focused on the educational and life experience benefits, but I quickly became passionate about serving my country. A family tradition My two older brothers are in the Air Force as well. And when it comes to my brothers, I'm fairly impressionable. I love and look up to them a lot. So, I joined for that reason as well. We deployed together in 2021 to Saudi Arabia, which was a very unique experience. From the military to Principal I joined Principal through the rotational program, which allowed me to explore different opportunities across the company, as I wasn't sure what I wanted to do after I graduated college. I realized the culture is amazing, and the products we sell really do help people. I felt supported to provide value quickly and progress in my military career at the same time. Ultimately, I landed in Corporate Accounting and have been focused on continuous improvement efforts for the past six years. Fulfilling dual responsibilities Principal has always allowed me to focus on my mission at hand. While working here, I've been deployed overseas once, activated twice—including during the COVID-19 pandemic—and have participated in multiple trainings that required time away. Throughout it all, I've felt nothing but support and gratitude from my Principal family. I've received heartfelt letters and generous gifts from my team. When I was deployed to Saudi Arabia, my peers were amazed by the care package sent by my Principal team; it was truly humbling and a powerful reminder of the support behind me. Advocating for others I think the biggest difficulty is the translation gap between how the military describes your responsibilities versus how corporate America would. I recommend finding a professional organization or a mentor who previously made that transition to help bridge that gap. I had my brothers and a mentor who coached me through the transition. Now, I advocate for and coach younger airmen to identify the responsibility they hold; there's a lot of weight and power to it that they probably don't recognize. Closing the skills translation gap: When you search for a job at Principal, you can enter your MOS code to find roles that match your military skills. Rhonda Advisor care specialistArmy veteran Military journey I entered the military right out of high school. I gained confidence and discipline through serving as a squad leader throughout basic training and as the designated class leader throughout extensive eight-month schooling. That experience earned me an opportunity to serve at the Pentagon for the Army Chief of Staff for Intelligence (and top-secret security clearance) at age 19. From the military to Principal My time in the military provided me with skillsets to successfully navigate university (a disciplined approach to studying and time management) as well as the confidence and organizational skills needed for every step in my career, including my time at Principal since 2001. Finding community In my early days at Principal, I joined the board of our Veteran Employee Resource Group (VERG), helping bring military community events and fundraisers to our satellite offices. There, I found camaraderie and community. Even though our experiences were different, it was fun to connect and see the passion that we all had for supporting veterans. A note for potential military employees I think Principal is among the top tier of employers with their support of veterans. They actively seek out veterans and military people for employment. They view military experience as a huge asset. They know that veterans bring a lot to the table with their experience, and there's a good chance there's a position that will fit you perfectly. Shelby Licensed senior client investment and expense associateMilitary mom and granddaughter A family tradition Both my grandfathers are veterans. One served in Japan and the other is a Korean War combat veteran. Listening to them talk about their experiences instilled a sense of respect and appreciation for the sacrifices they made. Sharing military stories has also helped bridge connections across generations, as my two stepdaughters currently serve in the Marines. Finding community at Principal Being a mom of military service members means experiencing a wide range of emotions at any given period, including pride, worry, and anxiety, which can all affect your career. I've been able to network with other employees through VERG who were going through similar situations with their own children, along with military veterans who offered support and guidance along the way. Leaning into flexibility One thing we've learned being a military family is that things can change quickly. It can be hard to schedule holidays and other family gatherings; sometimes we might only have a week's advance notice. Fortunately, my leaders are incredible about giving me the flexibility to take time off when opportunities for family time come. Learn more about our benefits, like flexibility and time away. Military to corporate values The work environment at Principal is based on integrity, respect, community, and trust—very similar to that of the military. I am proud to work for a company with these strong values. Everything has a trickle effect. If I instill these same values in my home and in my family, my hope is that my children will continue to instill these values in their lives, whether in the military or civilian world. A full circle moment After my grandpa passed, my grandmother wanted his clothes to go to another veteran. Through a VERG event, I had the opportunity to fulfill her wish at a local veteran's shelter. That was a humbling, full circle moment. Principal® is an equal opportunity employer and an E-Verify participant. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion or religious creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic partner status, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also prohibit harassment on these bases. Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal ( If at any stage of the employment application process you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 1-866-524-6947. Read our employment policies for more information. Recruitment fraud is a scheme that offers fictitious job opportunities to people. This type of fraud is normally done through online services such as bogus websites, social media, or through unsolicited emails/SMS texts claiming to be from Principal or Principal employees. Only applicants who have filled out an official application on our career site ( ) will be considered for employment opportunities. Principal will never ask for money during any stage of the employment application process. If you receive a communication (e.g., LinkedIn message, Facebook Messenger, SMS text, personal email, etc.) asking for money or personal financial information, don't engage or respond. Please contact our Human Resources team at [email protected] or 1-866-524-6947, and your local law enforcement. For more information, review our recruitment fraud information. You can review our U.S. workforce privacy notice (PDF). Insurance products and plan administrative services provided through Principal Life Insurance Company®, a member of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392. 4468340-052025 Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from The Principal Financial Group
