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How to Increase Your Water Pressure | High Pressure Shower Head

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Though this shower head may not give the desired water pressure I would LOVE to have (the feeling of tiny beads raining on my skin like a gentle massage), it has significantly increased the flow compared to my old one. I can feel more comfortable getting into the shower and washing my hair now.

Have lower water pressure in your shower? This shower head just might help increase your water pressure.
Increase the water pressure in your shower.

In the past, for some reason I thought that changing out a shower head was something complicated, but it’s actually very easy.

“Leftie loosie,” turn the old one off the spout, then “rightie tightie” the new one on, preferably with a wrench. The box also includes sealant tape that you can wrap around the spout to ensure a snug fit. If you’re dealing with low water pressure issues in your bathroom, I would recommend this water pressure boosting shower head until you can get a handle on what might be causing the issue.

Chromecast Not Showing Up? Cast to Device Not Working?: Possible Causes

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I use my Chromecast so much that I barely even watch regular television anymore. So when my Chromecast isn’t showing up or my cast to screen icon is missing on my device, I will do what’s necessary to get it working again. Here are a few troubleshooting tips that have worked for me in the past:

Is the Chromecast Plugged In?

I know, I know, this is so obvious, but I can’t tell you how many times I realized my cast to screen icon was missing because I forgot to plug the Chromecast device in!

Do You Have the Latest Software on Your Phone or Other Casting Device?

Whether it’s an Android, iPhone, or iPad, you should have the latest software on your cellphone or similar device if you want the cast feature to show up consistently. Also, on Android devices, the Screen Mirroring feature won’t work unless you have the latest software updated on your phone.

Is Your Phone, Pad or Similar Device Connected to the Right Wifi Signal?

The cast screen feature only works when you’re on the same network as your Chromecast. It’s possible that your phone or pad dropped the signal and picked up another one. Double check.

Is the Wifi Signal Working Properly?

If you don’t see the cast screen icon AND the Chromecast screen saver isn’t showing up on your TV, there’s a problem with your Wifi connection. If it doesn’t come back online in a few minutes, try rebooting your modem.

Close the App Your Trying to Cast and then Reload It

In some cases, the cast screen icon doesn’t show up because the app you’re trying to play is misbehaving. Also, make sure you have the latest version of the app you want to cast. Sometimes the cast to Chromecast feature stops working on outdated versions of an app.

Reboot Your Phone/iPad/Laptop Device and then Also Reboot the Chromecast Device

Sometimes a simple reboot of all applicable devices will bring your cast to device icon back up. Taking the Chromecast out of the power source reboots it or you could go to Google Home and choose the option to reboot from there. In some cases you might have to do a Factory Data Reset of the Chromecast device (hold down the little button on the circular part of the Chromecast for about 25 seconds until the LED light turns white), but keep in mind that this wipes all data from the device. I’ve never had to do a factory reset to get my cast to device icon to work.

For Screen Mirroring Problems: Is Your Android Device on the List of Applicable Devices?

Visit this Google Page to see if your Android device is optimized for the “Mirror Screen” option. If it’s not on that list, you probably won’t be able to mirror your device. Consider getting an inexpensive, used unlocked Android device from that list (check Amazon or eBay) that you can connect to your WiFi signal and use to cast your screen.


Some Apps Simply Don’t Allow You to Cast to Your TV

There are a few apps out there that simply don’t have the cast screen option. In that case, your best bet is to try to log onto the app or television network using your laptop and cast from there (instructions for how to do that here). Another option is to use the mirror/cast screen option on an Android device (located under “Display” in “Settings”), which sometimes works fine and sometimes is wonky.

If after all of these steps nothing seems to work, it might just be time to get another Chromecast device. With gentle use, it should work for years, but after a very long time of heavy use it may just need to be replaced. I unplug mine sometimes when not in use, just in case.

Hope this helps, good luck!

 

Posted by Penelope

How to Use a Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, or Roku on an Old TV

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I’m sort of a sentimental type. I like to hold onto traditional things… like old TV sets that have been around for 10+ years. Well that’s not 100% true. I hold onto them because I haven’t figured out how to properly get rid of them yet! I have missed several electronic recycling days.

I have this one television that is about 10 years old and still functioning perfectly. It’s been out of commission for a while, but I decided to figure out how I could use it with my Google Chromecast device. It’s actually quite simple thanks to a simple tool that’s available at Amazon called an AV to HDMI Converter.

Here’s the simple 3-step process:

  • Connect the converter to your TV using the AV cords (red, white, yellow). They aren’t included with the converter, so make sure you have your own.
  • Connect your HDMI compatible Chromecast or Fire TV Stick to the converter and plug it in.
  • Turn on your television and see what turns up on the screen. Hopefully your usual homescreen for the device you’re using. You may have to flip the small switch on the side to see the screen you want.

One caveat: after using this HDMI converter for a few months, I found that it started to heat up while using it and caused my Chromecast device to restart often while viewing. So you may have to replace it fairly often.

In any case, here is how you can watch your favorite programs using your Chromecast, Roku or Firestick device on an old TV using this simple AV to HDMI converter. Enjoy!

Posted by Louise

Review: Jack La Lane PJEB Power Juicer Express

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In the past year, I’ve dedicated more time and effort to exercising and eating healthy. I was researching the best ways to consume foods that provide me with natural energy and optimal health. The best way  to accomplish that was to begin juicing. I found the Jack La Lane PJEB Power Juicer Express to be a decent fit for my immediate needs.

Jack La Lane PJEB Power Juicer Express

Benefits
– affordable (can be purchased for under $100 — I got mine on sale for around $70)
– sleek design that fits in with the rest of your appliances
– claims to extract more juice than other juicers on market
– capable of handling a variety of fruits and vegetables very well, and no need to chop them very small

This juicer does a good job of getting most of the nutrients out of my fruits and veggies. It has a large mouth so that it’s not necessary to cut the veggies so small and a convenient spout that you can turn on and off when the cup gets full.

Since I have been using the Jack La Lane juicer on a consistent basis I feel great. Fresh juice gives me a boost on mornings when I’m dragging myself into my day. I’ve even started experimenting with different juicing recipes to break the monotony. However, I have to admit that making these juices are time consuming and messy. I wish that there was some type of self-cleaning mechanism or a more efficient way of delivering the pulp to the emptying cup on this juicer.

So while I encourage anyone who is searching for a decent juicer to give the Jack La Lane PJEB Power Juicer Express a try, I would give it about 3 stars out of 5. I am now researching cold press juicers, which are more expensive but also seem to offer an easier clean up process. Time for an upgrade!

Posted by Jade

 

Review: Magic Bullet NutriBullet 12 Piece High Speed Blender/ Mixer System

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I have been eating healthier for some time now. Yet, I wanted to add a protein drink/smoothie that I could consume in the morning that would give me energy to start my day. My old blender was subpar and couldn’t really process food down to a smooth consistency. I found the perfect replacement blender to accommodate all of my needs: the Magic Bullet NutriBullet High Speed Blender/ Mixer System. Now, I would not use any other blender, nor will I purchase an expensive smoothie from a juice bar again.

Benefits
– it’s very easy to use
– does not take up a lot of counter space
– dual uses chops nuts and grains & makes smoothies.
– pulverizes contents to enjoy a true smooth smoothie
– even capable of turning the seed or nut of your choice into a fine powder
– many accessories ex. lids, 2 different size containers
– not wasteful, utilizes the whole fruit and vegetable
– affordable (and worth the cost over time)
– available in 4 colors to help match your decor

Since this blender has many uses I’ve saved a lot of money. I buy my fruit and veggies in bulk and freeze them for smoothies, which equates to no food spoilage. Everyday I enjoy the versatility that the blender offers. It has also helped me control my weight because instead of a standard breakfast, I have a fruit-filled smoothie instead. I recommend the Magic Bullet NutriBullet to everyone who wants to enjoy a healthy & nutritious meal replacement.

Posted by Lorraine

Guide to Using Your Food Processor (Kitchen Tips)

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I never really understand how important a food processor is in the kitchen until the first Thanksgiving I made a pie crust from scratch. It is an essential item for someone like me who isn’t an expert at baking, mixing and creating recipes by hand. The staff at eReplacementParts.com has come up with a handy little infographic that teaches you about the various parts of a food processor and how to use it in your kitchen. Check it out:

Food Processor

Infographic reposted courtesy of eReplacementParts