Latest news with #Wand
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Ice cream maker thats £100 cheaper than Ninja Creami hailed 'best decision for summer'
'It's super easy to use and makes the most delicious ice cream with the perfect texture in seconds.' With Scotland being hit with a spell of warm weather this week, many of us are looking for a way to keep cool. Undoubtedly, the most enjoyable way to do that is with a sweet treat, such as an ice cream or an ice lolly. While many of us can easily head to their nearest supermarket to buy their favourite branded dessert, there is something a bit more fun about being able to make your own at home. This gives you the freedom to make your favourite flavours and add a variety of tasty toppings. Now while the Ninja Creami may be the most well known at-home ice cream maker on the market, it does come with a rather hefty price tag. For shoppers who are on a budget, we have found a popular device which is currently £100 cheaper than its big-name rival. Normally retailing for £99.99, shoppers can now buy the Cuisinart Freeze Wand Ice Cream Maker for £69.99 from Amazon. Able to whip up three frozen treats one after the other, this device is perfect for busy households who love delicious, creamy desserts. Equipped with five presets - ice cream, slushie, milkshake, sorbet and mix-ins - this Freeze Wand will create a variety of tasty treats to enjoy in five minutes. However, it should be noted that the base ingredients need to be frozen in the dessert cup for 24 hours before using the wand. Cuisinart Freeze Wand Ice Cream Maker £99.99 £69.99 Amazon Buy Now Product Description Many shoppers have raved over the compact size of this ice cream maker. Due to its handheld design and being accompanied with three stackable dessert cups, this device can be easily stored away even in the smallest of kitchens. Additionally, clean up is a breeze as the cups and lids are dishwasher-safe. However, for those wanting to treat themselves to the Ninja Creami, Amazon has currently knocked down the price to £169. Or, if you want to go direct to the source, it's £199.99 on the Ninja website. Equipped with seven preset programmes, this device allows users to make up to 1.4L of ice cream, which is perfect for a hot summer's day or an after dinner treat. Alternatively, shoppers can buy the Magimix 1.1 Le Glacier Ice Cream Maker for £60 on Argos. Able to make 1.5 pints of delicious ice cream, shoppers can get inspiration for the next tasty treat by using the free Magimix app. Back to the Cuisinart Freeze Wand, it currently has a 4.4 star rating from over 1,500 Amazon shoppers. Many reviewers shared that they bought the device to help beat the warm summer heat and are now recommending others to do the same. One pleased shopper said: "Saw this on Instagram on a hot Saturday and, given the price, decided to go for it. I can honestly say it was a great decision. Started safe with a basic vanilla recipe and it came out delicious and creamy! Can't wait to start experimenting. And hardly takes up any room at all in the cupboard as it's about the same size as my hand blender." With another five-star reviewer adding: "Bought on a whim to help battle the hot weather, best decision of the summer. It's super easy to use and makes the most delicious ice cream with the perfect texture in seconds. "So far I've tried ice cream with cookies, and a sorbet, I can't wait to play with the other features. Unlike other ice cream makers, it tidies away nicely so is great for my smaller kitchen." However, one shopper did grumble: "A bit limited in its execution; having to freeze the mix 24hrs ahead of time takes away a bit of the spontaneity of having a little treat for dessert." Despite this, a top reviewer gushed: "Absolutely love my new ice cream machine! I can finally make all my healthier, protein-packed ice creams at home, and they taste amazing. One of the best features is its compact size! It fits easily in the cupboard, which is a huge plus for saving space. "It's also incredibly easy to use, making it a perfect choice for anyone who wants a hassle-free, healthier dessert option. Definitely a better and more convenient size compared to other machines on the market. Highly recommend!" For those looking for a budget alternative to the Ninja Creami, the Cuisinart Freeze Wand Ice Cream Maker is the perfect option. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. 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Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- Buzz Feed
37 Budget Travel Essentials Under $20 For Stress-Free Trips
A playful luggage tag that'll make spotting your bag on the conveyor belt a cinch — it's oversized, vibrant, and will give you an excuse to shout, "HOWDYYYYY!" when you see your bag coming. A pack of towel bands that'll fit right in your carry-on bag and likely become your most-used item on your beach vacay — they'll hold your towel down so it doesn't blow away when you pop out of your chair to go grab a little drinky-drink. Reviewers say they do a much better job of holding down towels than the bulky clips of yesteryear. High-waisted leggings, because structured pants are *not* welcome to join in on your 2025 travels. Sorry, not sorry. These have over 68,000 5-star reviews and many reviewers have noted they're a go-to for travel days *and* travel activities. SweatBlock wipes that'll become your saving grace if you're stressing about being a sweaty mess on your trip to Aruba or while climbing mountains in Acadia National Park (or wherever your travels are taking you this year!). These babies are prescription strength and designed to take on hyperhidrosis, nervous sweating, and hormonal sweating. These wipes did NOT come to play! A reading light you can wrap around your neck and enjoy the vacation read you've been so excited to start, even if you're on a plane at night and the lights are low. Reviewers have also said it's great if you tend to fall asleep while reading, leaving your overhead lights on in the process. A pocket-size, refillable travel perfume atomizer you can fill with your signature scent without worrying that the TSA is going to snatch your full bottle (sigh). Reviewers also use it to pack their toners, hair oils, and facial oils. The Wand, a handheld filter designed to remove the histamines and sulfites in alcohol that may trigger headaches and hangovers. This lil' tool is travel-friendly and will help revive you for your long flight home after you've had one too many glasses of the resort's cheapest wine the day prior. There's nothing worse than flying hungover, yuck. A bendy travel pillow that'll become your BFF the next time you take a roadtrip — no need to rest your head against the passenger window to get some much-needed shut-eye. An airplane phone holder to clip onto the tray in front of you whenever you travel — never stress about only owning wireless headphones again! No need to *only* choose from the handful of meh movies the airline is showing. Gentle 2-in-1 travel flossing toothbrushes which will clean your teeth beautifully but also give you extra room in your bag for other essentials since they'll take up way less space than an electric toothbrush and packages of floss. A portable door lock you can attach to any door and transform any hotel, vacation rental, or room in a guest house into one with a properly functioning lock. It'll give you some much-needed peace of mind if you're the first to arrive on the girls' weekend trip after listening to a few too many true crime podcasts. A packing list pad that'll ensure you remember every last item you needed to bring with you on your vacay so you'll never again have that traumatic experience of flying all the way to your tropical destination only to realize you forgot to pack undies. A pair of compression socks to wear on that suuuuper long plane ride you've got coming up. Who wants swollen legs while trying to enjoy the view of the Atlantic Ocean? Certainly not you. A universal travel adapter you'll easily be able to fish out of your backpack after a long day of getting to your destination. Plug it in, charge up your phone, and unwind with an hour of quiet scrolling for some downtime. A pair of quick-dry water shoes that'll help you conquer even the rockiest of beaches — no one wants to stumble and hop around in pain in front of the cute lifeguard. A portable pack of soap sheets, because entering an airport bathroom (or the one on the plane, yikes) is grime-y enough without worrying, "Will there be soap left in the dispenser???" These will melt away in your hands and ensure they'll be squeaky clean. A solid Kitsch hair conditioner bar, because the TSA liquid-limits shouldn't be allowed to deprive you of having beautifully moisturized hair in your once-in-a-lifetime vacation photos. And a bar of natural, plastic-free solid shampoo that won't leak all over the outfits you carefully curated for your trip. A simple luggage strap that'll act as the extra hand you wish you had when trying to lug all of your belongings through the airport — clip it to your suitcase and watch in awe as it holds your travel pillow for you. You might even be able to grab a coffee *and* carry your bag at the same time! Imagine that! A two-pack of weighted sleep masks you'll thank your lucky stars you packed in your carry-on when you get stuck next to the one person who has big plans to keep the overhead light on to read the entire night flight. An airplane footrest that loops over the tray table to act as a lil' foot hammock so you can embrace Vacation Mode as soon as the cabin lights click off. A foldable traveling case to keep your jewelry in order, because no one likes the unpleasant surprise of discovering *all* of their necklaces have gotten tangled while jostling around on the way to their vacation destination. A digital luggage scale, so you can head off to the airport confidently knowing you won't get a surprise overweight luggage fee or, worse, have to toss a bunch of your bulkier items aside so your bag can get on the plane (I miss you, Oversize High School Sweatshirt). Toss it into your bag to ensure you're also good to go on the way home when your bag is chock-full of souvenirs. A luggage drink caddy to attach to your wheeled luggage — it'll become your saving grace when traveling. You can use it to hold your Starbies, phone, ID, etc. and prevent you from fumbling around for all those items while heading to the gate at the airport. Pedialyte powder packets because even adults can benefit from an electrolyte boost! Sip on one of these when you start to feel dehydrated or if you've had one too many adult beverages during your vacation. A lil' car trash can, so the next time you pick up fast food during a road trip you'll have a designated spot to toss your (likely) greasy bag instead of letting it live on the floor in front of your passenger seat. A 30-pack of waterproof zippered pouches you can use to organize everything and anything for your next vacation — they're transparent so you'll easily be able to spot the bag that's holding your most important travel item: your snacks (which you and I both know you're usually reaching for about two minutes into your travels). Tide sink packets complete with the *perfect* amount of detergent for washing your clothes in the sink — no need to overpack or fret over whether you'll have access to a washing machine. When you get to your hotel and strip out of your "plane outfit," you can wash it immediately so it's ready to go for your flight home (no need to pack two 'fits!) A set of homeopathic jet-lag pills designed to help you fight the good fight against time zone changes — which is no easy feat! Added bonus? They won't leave you drowsy and looking for a nap. A collapsible silicone water bottle that'll become your perfect travel companion — you can toss it in your bag knowing it won't take up *too* much of your precious space *and* save a bagillion dollars on a bottle of water in the airport (which is the going rate for those these days). I Dew Care's "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo — it's benzene-free, comes in five hair colors, and will be your savior on the long travel days where simply don't have the energy to wash your hair. It's small enough that you can keep in your bag and break it out as needed. A TSA-friendly toiletries set that'll make sure you don't have to ever go a day without your go-to products — these can be easily filled, cleaned, and re-filled as needed! You'll be especially glad you packed your products if your hotel ends up being less like a White Lotus resort and more like the Rosebud Motel. A clear TSA-approved toiletry bag you can pack to the brim with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hair ties, bobby pins, and, well, you get the point. Games on the Go, which includes 50 different activities to prevent your kids from constantly asking, "Are we there yet?" during your road trip. You'll all have a blast playing games creative games from the pack like "Tune Up" where you have to shuffle your playlist and try to guess the song after a few lines. Joke's on my fam when I *only* hit play on Taylor Swift. Hehehe. A cord organizer you'll be happy to have on hand when you're traveling and trying to pull your trusty wired headphones or phone charger out of your bag without tangling them. A waterproof pouch to toss your phone into before heading out on a water-filled expedition (or, you know, just a casual boat ride). It'll protect it from the elements and also provide you with a spot to keep your credit card, ID, and cash. And a set of Sea Bands that'll target the acupressure point on your wrists to, ideally, help reduce nausea. A must-pack for anyone prone to get car or seasick. Truly wish I had these when I set sail on a sunset dinner cruise and spent my entire journey nibbling on a piece of plain bread/ trying not to vomit.
Calgary Herald
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
L.A. Witch, Wand, FREYA and Babe Haven electrifying Purple City year four Sept. 5-7
Article content Purple City Music Festival has announced its first wave, full of hot and heavy talent from across the continent on its way to downtown Dirt City Sept. 5-7. Article content Article content Holding the top spots (so far) are two delightfully sludgy indie KEXP-style legends, the surf-gothy L.A. Witch and L.A.'s psych-rock Wand. Article content Legendary punk pioneers D.O.A. will bring their familiar crusty antics to the Purple lineup. And, more from California, dreamy Nuggets-compilation-vibing The Mystery Lights counter the wolverine-in-sheep's clothing metalcore punk of Babe Haven out of North Carolina — curated by year-round all-ages promoter Project 23. Article content Article content Article content 'When I first heard Mystery Lights,' says executive director Ryan Rathjen, 'I thought, it's produced so retro it literally sounds like it was made in the '60s. And Babe Haven are dressed up Chappelle Roan or whatever, but they're one of the heaviest bands going.' Article content Article content 'She's a super amazing, boiler-room DJ. She kind of plays her show, sings, and then goes behind her decks and DJ and does all this crazy mixing stuff. Then she comes back out and plays — it's a really entertaining show.' Article content Also in the first wave — 70 more of the 90-plus bands being announced in July — are metal scorchers FREYA, Seattle garage band Acid Tongue, darkwave return act Kontravoid, eletro-punk UNIITY, L.A. shoegazer Taleen Kali, New York's NUXX and Texas post-punk act Night Ritualz. Article content Way more to come, but so far the locals include rare appearances by Faunts and the mighty James T. Kirks — both must-sees. Article content Article content Article content Over 530 bands submitted from all over North America, up 100 from last year, Rathjen notes. 'We're starting to get traction in Austin, definitely New York, Seattle, Toronto. Article content 'We could easily have two Purple Cities, and it's been quite the task for the juries to get through it all.' Article content This brings up the collective curatorial nature of the fest, now in its fourth year. Article content 'Purple City's ethos is collaborative in nature,' says Rathjen. 'We're trying to build community and just kind of signal boost what others are doing and trying to have more opinions to build something greater.'
Global News
12-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Global News
Tackling outdoor cleaning jobs for spring is easier than you think!
Ah, spring. The birds are singing, the sun is (finally) out, and we Canadians are crawling out of hibernation to reclaim our patios, decks and backyards. But as you step outside, coffee in hand, and take a long look around… yikes. There's grime on the siding, dirt under the patio and your once-proud BBQ is looking more like a junkyard gem. Don't panic—you can easily turn that mess into a sparkling outdoor oasis. Let's break down the essential outdoor cleaning jobs to tackle this spring, along with the products, tools and techniques I personally swear by. BBQ Cleanup: Because Carbonized Grease Isn't a Seasoning Look, we all love a good grill session, whether you're tossing on burgers, tofu, or a foil pack of veggies. But nothing kills the vibe faster than uneven cooking, weird off-flavours, tons of smoke emerging from the q, or your guests wondering, 'Is that black crust part of the meal or…?' Story continues below advertisement Here's your plan: Vacmaster VBVB611PF 1101 6 Gallon 5 Peak HP Wet Dry Shop Vacuum Start by vacuuming out ash and debris from the grill base using your trusty shop vac (if you don't have one, may I gently suggest adding it to your arsenal?). Empty and replace the grease trap if needed, too. $119.99 on Amazon Next, crank your BBQ to high for about 10-15 minutes to burn off any caramelization from leftover food on the grill grates. Once done, turn off the bbq, open the lid and let the grill cool to about 300. Caron & Doucet BBQ Grill Cleaner Oil Spray on some BBQ grill cleaner oil–a food-safe cleaning spray on the grill and the exterior (bonus: this one's Canadian-made!). $19.99 on Amazon Story continues below advertisement Grill Brush and Scraper Spray, let it absorb, scrub grill grates with a grill brush, and bask in the glory of a grill that's ready for action. $29.95 on Amazon (was $34.95) This maintenance keeps your food looking and tasting great, cooking evenly, and your BBQ being party (or dinner for one) ready at all times. You may also like: Heavy Duty Food Tongs – $16.99 ALCAN Aluminum Foil Classic – $20.99 Wireless Meat Thermometer – $89.99 Dust Off the Pressure Washer: Lazy Person's Magic Wand If you've never used a pressure washer, you're missing out on one of life's most satisfying cleaning tools. Story continues below advertisement Kärcher K1800PS Max 2250 PSI Electric Pressure Washer You'll watch years of grime, stains and build up melt off your driveway, patio, siding, deck, car, or fence in seconds, and you'll feel a wave of satisfaction–it's visceral, trust me. $250 on Amazon (was $300) You can level up by pairing your pressure washer with targeted cleaners, like: There are even specialized solutions for vinyl siding, your car, your boat, or your RV—basically, if it's dirty and lives outside, there's a cleaner for it. You may also like: Gap Cleaning Brush – $8.99 Absorbent Microfiber Car Wash Drying Mitts – $14.39 Story continues below advertisement Cleaning Caddy with Handle – $35.44 Patio Furniture Refresh: Stop Apologizing for It We've all got that one friend who says, 'Oh, don't mind the patio set, we haven't gotten around to cleaning it yet.' Don't be that friend. After months (or years) of exposure, outdoor furniture can look rough. Mold and mildew stains, dirt, bird deposits, you name it. To bring it back to life: Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner Mix up Sal Suds with warm water in a bucket (it's eco-friendly and effective). $18.82 on Amazon Story continues below advertisement Rubbermaid Commercial Utility Brush Scrub with a scrub brush and dry in the sun. $12.93 on Amazon The transformation will have you excited to invite people over—and sit anywhere they like! Story continues below advertisement You may also like: Large Picnic & Outdoor Blanket – $34.99 Black and Beige Outdoor Rug – $47.99 Landscape Lighting 6 Pack – $71.99 Sidewalk Chalk on Brick: That's Right, on Brick--not Sidewalk! Real talk: I love when my daughter gets creative with sidewalk chalk… except when she decides to decorate the brick walls. Brick is stubborn. It holds onto chalk like it's a family heirloom. Rain doesn't take care of this kind of chalk, no, you need to get physical for this job. Here's how I handle it: Dawn Platinum Dish Soap Wet the brick and spray with a dish soap and water mix. $10.99 on Amazon (was $12.99) Story continues below advertisement Scotch-Brite Household Scrubber Scrub with a stiff brush (or a cleaning toothbrush if it's a small area). $6.49 on Amazon Still there? Sprinkle baking soda on the stubborn spots and scrub again. Rinse thoroughly. You may also like: Microfiber Cleaning Cloth – $12.99 The Pink Stuff All Purpose Cleaning Paste – $12.73 Clorox Disinfecting Wipes – $12.97 You might need to hit this two or three times, but once it's done, it'll be back to normal and you can go back to 'reminding' the kids not to colour on the brick (good luck with that one). Story continues below advertisement Spring cleaning outside doesn't have to be a weekend-destroying chore—especially when you have the right tools and a little know-how. You don't need to buy everything, but the right brush, spray, or pressure washer can shave hours off your effort (and save your back). So go ahead: claim your patio, your deck, your grill. Let the neighbours wonder how you got it all done so fast.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
FDA approves first cervical cancer screening device that can be used at home, company says
To get screened for cervical cancer, patients in the United States may no longer need to put their feet in those awkward stirrups, brace for the uncomfortable speculum or even take the time off from work for an in-person doctor's appointment. Soon, they will have the option to collect their own vaginal samples for screening from home – instead of a health care provider doing it for them. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the first at-home self-collection device for cervical cancer screening in the United States, called the Teal Wand, according to the women's health company Teal Health. Last year, the FDA gave the company's Teal Wand 'breakthrough device' status, allowing the agency to review it on a faster timeline. Teal Wand, which will be provided in Teal Health's at-home self-collection kit, will require a prescription. Self-collected samples using the Wand are then mailed to a lab to be tested for HPV, the company announced Friday. Most cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus or HPV, and screening for HPV can help identify women who may be at risk of developing cervical cancer. Typically, when screening for cervical cancer, gynecologists collect samples for HPV testing, cervical cytology or both. Cervical cytology, also known as a Pap test or Pap smear, involves examining cervical cells for changes to detect precancerous or cancerous cells. The HPV test checks cells for infection with the high-risk types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. Last year, the FDA greenlit similar self-collection cervical cancer screening kits for use in a medical setting, such as at a doctor's office, an urgent care or even a mobile clinic. At the time, two health care businesses – biotechnology company Roche and medical technology firm Becton, Dickson and Company – said the FDA had approved the use of self-collected samples with their respective HPV tests. The Teal Health at-home kit allows a patient to collect their sample using the Teal Wand, which is then processed on Roche's HPV test, said Kara Egan, Teal Health's CEO. But a major difference is that the Teal Wand is approved to be used at home, so patients don't have to travel to or make time for in-person doctor appointments. To use Teal Health's new self-collection kit, 'you request a kit at the Teal website, meet with a provider who prescribes the kit, then comfortably and privately collect at home and mail to the lab to process on the Roche Cobas HPV test,' Egan said. 'The results are then reviewed by a clinician and shared back,' she said. 'If the results are positive, a provider will meet with you and refer you to any required follow-up.' Clinical trial data from Teal Health has found that self-collection with the Teal Wand has the same accuracy for cervical cancer screening as when a health care provider collects a sample, Egan said. 'It's the same test, same accuracy, but you can comfortably do it from home,' she said. 'It gives women more options, and with telehealth, we see more options to get access to care.' Teal Health plans to begin shipping its at-home self-collection kits in June, Egan said, starting in California before expanding nationwide. A waitlist is available at the company's website. Teal Health has been in talks with health insurance companies about having the self-collection kit covered, Egan added, and for people who don't have insurance, the cost of the kit will be announced within the next month. The American Cancer Society applauded the new FDA approval. 'Despite the benefits of cervical cancer screening, not all eligible are screened regularly,' Dr. William Dahut, the society's chief scientific officer, said in an email Friday. 'Most cervical cancers are found in people who have never had a cervical cancer screening test or who have not had one recently. That's why today's Food and Drug Administration's announcement approving the first at-home test to screen for cervical cancer as an additional cancer screening method for this potentially deadly disease will make a huge impact.' Some of the most important steps women can take to help reduce their risk for cervical cancer, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are to get vaccinated against HPV, avoid smoking, use condoms during sex, have regular screening tests and check with their doctor if their test results are not normal. It's estimated that about 1 in 4 adults are not up to date on cervical cancer screening recommendations, according to data from 2021. 'Some women are scared of a traditional pap smear or find the process uncomfortable, as a result they put off this vital test,' Dr. Ami Vaidya, co-chief of gynecologic oncology at Hackensack University Medical Center's John Theurer Cancer Center, said in a news release Friday. The newly approved at-home screening device 'could be an important tool in getting more women regularly screened, especially those that don't have access to a medical provider,' Vaidya said. 'Any type of test that helps detect cervical cancer is a win.' The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for cervical cancer with cervical cytology – also known as a Pap test or Pap smear – every three years for women ages 21 to 29. For women 30 to 65, the USPSTF recommends screening every three years with cervical cytology alone, every five years with high-risk HPV testing alone, or every five years with high-risk HPV testing in combination with cytology. It's estimated that about 80% of people will get an HPV infection in their lifetime. HPV, a group of more than 150 viruses, is spread primarily through sexual contact and includes low-risk strains, which most often cause warts, and high-risk strains, which have been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, such as cervical, anal, penile and oropharyngeal cancers. In most cases, HPV clears on its own within two years, but when the infection does not go away, health problems like cancer may occur. Screening for cervical cancer remains important because early cases often may not have signs or symptoms. Advanced cases may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge. Cervical cancer is treated in many ways, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
