Archives for 2021

Where to buy heptane?

Heptane is an amazing substance you can find in various online shops such as Simple Solvents. The substance is rarely used by itself, and instead, we utilize it as an ingredient for other products. It is a liquid without color, and experts categorize it as a hydrocarbon.

                Companies get heptane by deriving it from oil substances like petroleum. It has a strong smell, like gas, and you can find it in gasoline. Before we give you some suggestions as to where to buy heptane, let’s go through some of its basic properties and uses.

What makes heptane so great?

            Heptane has lots of incredible chemical properties. For example, it isn’t soluble. That means that the substance will float on top of the water, like oil. You can easily separate these two if you need to use heptane for some other purposes.

                The substance has a very low density (which is why it floats on water). Due to its low boiling point, you don’t need much energy to heat it up. What’s even more important is that the substance is barely toxic. That means that humans can handle it without having to worry about potential health hazards.

                Lastly, the chemical evaporates very slowly, so you can keep a barrel of heptane open.

How do we use heptane?

            Heptane is a substance that people utilize in various ways. Besides industrial use, you can often see it in small laboratories. The chemical is a great solvent, reagent and can be utilized for organic synthesis.

                Here are some of its main applications:

  • Industrial use

The compound is mainly used by big industrial facilities. You can use it for creating different ink products, including stamp pad ink and printer ink. It is also very popular within the construction field. Companies use it to make cement. Heptane is also used for anesthetics and compounders.

  • As a solvent

In the last few years, the cannabis industry has experienced enormous growth. Businesses are racing to create CBD and THC oil, substances with amazing wellness benefits. To create these oils, you need a solvent that will allow botanic extraction. This is where heptane comes into play. Besides cannabis oil, you can also utilize it for any other type of vegetable oil.

  • Consumer products

Nowadays, companies use a chemical to create various consumer goods. Outdoor stove fuel, rubber cement, and paint coatings are some of the things that pop into mind. Basically, it can be used for various types of household chemicals, fuels, inks, and similar products.

How to handle heptane?

            As mentioned, the biggest advantage of heptane is that it isn’t as toxic as some other chemicals. For example, it is much safer than hexane or MEK. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when handling the substance:

  • Heptane is very flammable in every form
  • It can cause severe skin irritation or erosion
  • If you swallow it in large enough quantities, it might even lead to death
  • The product should be kept away from the mucous membrane
  • Make sure to have a separate space where you will store it
  • A user should read SDS before handling the chemical

Where to buy heptane?

There are lots of places in the US where you can buy heptane. However, that doesn’t mean you should buy from almost any provider. While heptane is a standardized substance, and you will get the same chemical every time, it is always better to buy from specialized chemical stores. Here is a list of reputable stores that sell this item:

  • Simple Solvents
  • Amazon
  • Walgreens
  • CVS
  • Ace Hardware

You can buy the product from almost any major reseller. It is also sold in major online shops, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find the right offer. Some of the things you need to consider when buying the product:

  • Reseller’s reputation
  • Speed of delivery
  • Necessary documentation
  • Refund policy
  • Ability to buy other chemical products

Given that heptane is an industrial substance, companies usually buy it from stores that have other compounds as well. That way, they can make all their purchases in one place. Although you might think that heptane is a hard-to-get product, you can buy it in almost any hardware or chemical store.

Conclusion

            Heptane is a substance that has a wide variety of application. It is used as an industrial product, for consumer goods, and as a solvent. You can find it almost anywhere, especially in big wholesale stores. Heptane has lots of cool features, which makes it a preferable substance for various industries.

Writer’s bio: Nikolay Stoyanov is the owner of the CBD blog Hemptasy.com – the only science-backed CBD blog in the United States.

Sunshine, Oct. 21st Pet of the Week!

In the autumn of her life, Sunshine needs a soft, forever lap to warm and a home that fits her name and personality. She’s 15 years old and, although she was surrendered to a shelter, volunteers say that she hasn’t had a single mean thought. She beckons you with her call from the kennel, gives you sweet little paw taps, and is tolerant of other cats. Sunshine had some dental problems but they’ve all been attended to. She’s a survivor through and through, fit enough for any TV reality series, but she’d be so much better off in the privacy of a forever home. Shelter adoptions are conducted through appointment, so contact PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Sunshine. Ask for ID#A664212.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

5 Non-Toxic Cleaning Products That Will Keep Your House Germ-Free

Cleaning doesn’t have to mean using harsh chemicals throughout the home. There are plenty of ways to make sure the home is clean and disinfected without having to use a bottle of bleach or other chemical products. Non-chemical products are non-toxic, are easily accessible, and are eco-friendly, so it’s easy to feel good about the products being used. Whether you’re worried about the amount of chemicals in your home, you’re trying to go green, or you just want a less expensive way to clean the home, check out the following non-toxic cleaning products to help clean and sanitize your home.

Botanical Cleaners

Botanical cleaners are created from plants, so they aren’t toxic and do not include harsh chemicals that other cleaners contain. They can be used as disinfectants and can help sanitize the home or eliminate allergens in the house. Depending on the botanical cleaner chosen, it’s possible the cleaner can replace a number of different chemical cleaners typically used in the home. Ones like Clean Boss offer a fast clean compared to some of the other natural cleaners and are easily available to try out.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Vinegar and baking soda are often the first products people try out when they want to clean the home without using chemicals. Either one can be a great way to clean, but together they can be more powerful. Baking soda and vinegar are not harsh products, so they can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, and can help with removing grime, disinfecting various surfaces around the home, and more. Use more vinegar for a bubbly mixture to clean surfaces or, if scrubbing power is needed, use less vinegar to create a baking soda paste.

Lemon Juice

Looking for a bleach replacement? Lemon juice may be the answer. Fresh-squeezed lemon juice can help eliminate bacteria on the surfaces around the home and can be a natural bleach alternative. Lemons can be used in a variety of ways, and the peels can be used for cleaning, as well. Lemon juice can be added to vinegar to make it smell better and help it be more effective or added to water and used as a way to freshen the smell of the home.

Vodka

Due to the high alcohol level in vodka, it does make a great cleaning product. It can help with the same cleaning tasks that vinegar will, but it doesn’t have a harsh smell. Vodka is best used when it contains at least 50% alcohol per volume and should be left to sit on the surface for at least a few minutes to really work well. Use vodka to disinfect kitchen surfaces, to remove mold or mildew, or to help freshen the smell of fabrics around the home.

Steam

Steam cleaners are increasingly popular since they only use water to clean, yet work incredibly well. The heat of the water enables it to remove bacteria and germs from surfaces, but since the only ingredient used is water, it’s safe to use on anything that can handle the heat of the water. It does take time for the steam cleaner to start working and heat the water, but it can be used on both soft and hard surfaces to sanitize, so it’s well worth the wait.

If you’re looking for non-toxic cleaners to help keep your home clean and sanitized, try out these options today. All of them can be used throughout the home, allowing you to have a cleaner, germ-free home without the harsh chemicals most cleaners have.

Best Festive Canned Cocktails for Halloween

Halloween is almost here! Looking to plan a party for the adults? Here are a couple of canned cocktail options from Monaco® Cocktails, a leader in the RTD cocktail category. With 2 shots in every can and 9% ABV, Monaco is the perfect addition for all of your Halloween entertaining needs! I actually tried the Mango Peach and it is tasty!

The following two flavors are bound to be a hit!

Monaco Cocktails Mango Peach – Another fun and festive option, this delicious canned cocktail combines vodka with sweet peach and mango. 

Monaco Cocktails Sun Crush – This perfectly premixed cocktail combines agave tequila with delicious orange soda for a bright and bubbly mashup of flavors.

Happy Halloween!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this holiday post. Images were also provided.

Don’t miss Boo at the L.A. Zoo!

Photo Credit: SoCal City Kids

The Los Angeles Zoo goes wild this October with the return of Boo at the L.A. Zoo, presented by 99 Cents Only Stores, featuring Halloween decor, a spooky stroll with photo ops, an extinct-animal graveyard, and other weird and wacky animal facts and educational opportunities. Weekends include special animal feedings, merry-not-scary entertainment, take-home crafts, and, during the last two weekends in October, trick-or-treat candy stations scattered throughout the Zoo grounds.

Daily fun through October 31, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Spooky Stroll – Make your way down a mysterious path of hauntingly festive décor for some hair-raising photo ops.

Extinct Animal Graveyard – Honor dearly departed species and learn how you can help save at-risk wildlife today. 

The LAIR – Come face-to-face with rare snakes, poisonous frogs, and venomous lizards. No decorations required for this goose bump-inducing excursion! My son and I had the opportunity to check out the Zoo today and loved the Spooky Stroll!

Photo Credit: SoCal City Kids

Wild, Weird, and Wonderful Tour – Explore the Zoo to find wacky, creepy, or funny facts about some of your favorite animals and those that might be new to you.

                                                     Weekend Adventures

“Spooktacular Science” Show – Watch as a mad scientist conjures up spine-tingling experiments, bubbling potions, and other fun surprises in his spirited lab. Performances in Adventure Theater at 2:30 p.m.

“AbracaZoo!” – Magician Brandon Scott will present AbracaZoo! Take a step into the funny side of the twilight zone where prestidigitation and illusion will delight and amaze you. 

Green-Screen Photo Booth – Get a snap of yourself among some of our most Halloween-y critters. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Creepy Craft – EEK! Make a creepy crawly spider web at our craft station, or take the supplies with you to assemble at home.

Creature Treats – Watch as our animal residents enjoy seasonal treats all their own. 

Education Stations – Stop by to learn some frightful facts that will delight and amaze.

Photo Credit: SoCal City Kids
  • California Critters – Discover the hauntingly amazing native wildlife of California by examining their bones and listening for their calls.  Some of these animals may even live in your neighborhood!
  • All the Better to Bite With! – Learn about the sharp teeth and fangs of carnivores – they’re frighteningly functional and have been inspiring monsters and ghouls for centuries! 
  • Fact or Fiction? – Animals are so awesome it’s scary! Can you tell which adaptation belongs to a fantastical beast and which two are real facts?

Upcoming Animal Pumpkin Feedings

October 23
Hippos 11:30 a.m.
Aldabra tortoise in the South America section at 1:30 p.m.

October 24
Howler monkeys in Rainforest of the Americas at 11:30 a.m.
Red River hogs at 1:30 p.m.

October 30
Peccaries at 11:30 a.m.
Jaguars at 1:30 p.m.

October 31
Snow leopards at 11:30 a.m.
Elephants at 1:30 p.m.

To learn more about this spooktacular event, please visit www.lazoo.org/boo.

WHEN:  Oct. 1-31, 2021

WHERE:  Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, Ca. 90027 

COST:  Activities are included with the purchase of admission

Self Disclosure: I had the opportunity to visit the L.A. Zoo to facilitate this post. Information was also received for posting.

Looking for wholesome healthy food options? Urban Plates is the place to go!

I recently had the opportunity to review a place I had never been to before and I was pleasantly surprised at how amazing the food was! (The customer service was also wonderful and I have to give kudos to the General Manager, Dean!) Have you been to Urban Plates, yet? I had heard of it but had never been so I was very happy to check out the location in Torrance. They have a great variety of choices to choose from. It was actually tough to make a choice. But, I tried the Grilled Sustainable Salmon plate with Cauliflower & Vegetable Rice and the Roasted Brussels Sprouts. They are both delicious!

Salmon Plate

My friend who went with me even tried the Roasted Brussels Sprouts with turkey bacon and she does not like Brussels Sprouts but she liked them! If you aren’t into seafood, no worries because they have so many other choices. One of the steak plates was a hit with my friend.

The mission of Urban Plates is to have a profoundly positive impact on the way the world eats by making craveable, wholesome, and clean food accessible to all. I think that is a pretty good mission! But, back to the food…we also tried the Moroccan Chicken Braise which is only $10 and it was soooo good, especially with Mashed Potatoes. Urban Plates has $10 everyday meals which really is a great bargain.

This was delicious!

Another great thing is that they do have Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Vegan choices. And, you have to save room for dessert because they have the best desserts! My favorite is the Hummingbird Cake! So, if you are looking for a great place to meet up with a friend or even buy take-out for the family, I suggest Urban Plates. I had a great time there and even went back later in the week. Don’t forget that right now Urban Plates is giving away free Plate Pass subscriptions in honor of their 10 year anniversary. (See the details in my other post!) It’s a great deal and is free for the first month. Hurry though! The offer ends on October 31st, 2021.

Self Disclosure: I had the opportunity to review Urban Plates to facilitate this post. Photo Credit: SoCal City Kids.

Halloween Must-Haves for the Kids!

Candy may be big for Halloween but here are some great alternatives for the kids this Halloween! (Or you can give these and candy too!)

Groovy Glowing Candy Lab from Thames & Kosmos (this one makes candy!)

Set the world aglow with peace, happiness, and good times! Make yummy candies that actually glow in the dark. Mold fun, glowing gummies and sweet, glowing ice cubes in groovy shapes. Then make a batch of hard candy and watch it glow. A small amount of a safe, natural ingredient — riboflavin, or vitamin B2 — causes these candies to glow under the included blacklight flashlight. Learn about the chemistry of glowing materials and pigments, the physics of light and electromagnetic waves, and more science behind these delicious treats. This kit includes all the food ingredients needed for a groovy good time! Made in the USA. For ages 6+ | MSRP $19.95. I really like this one because it’s creative and a lot of fun!

These next two items are sure to be a hit with the kids!

Land Of Dough Vampland  7oz Luxe Dough Cup  from Crazy Aaron’s

Go batty with this FANG-tastic Vampire Dough. Make fangs, bats, a cape, or a coffin, but always, creep it real.  Land of Dough is the most eco-friendly dough on the planet. From plant-based colors and compostable glitters to our paper packaging, we strive to minimize the environmental impact of our product.  All of our Luxe Dough Cups feature multi-layered designs for amazing play value. Each cup is an experience all its own. Land of Dough is made in the USA right here in our own wind-powered facility using reclaimed landfill gas as a heat source. Each batch is carefully handcrafted with the finest natural ingredients and our signature wood play tools are sourced using sustainable forestry practices. https://www.landofdough.com/  Price: $15.00.

2” Mini Monster from Crazy Aaron’s  

It’s alive! MINI Monster Thinking Putty comes to life with a spooky metallic green sheen, just like that of his preternatural flesh. Hit the lights and you’ll get a shock—it glows an eerie electric blue in the dark, too.  Ages: 3+ Price: $3.00 Avail at crazyaarons.com .

I really like this next one!

Hallodanglers from Wild Republic

Frankenstein, Werewolf, Witch, Vampire, Scarecrow (Vampire is pictured)

The Hallodanglers are ready to ‘hang out’ on their favorite night of the year. With 100% recycled water bottle fill, hook and loop velcro hands, and cute (not-so-scary!) faces, Hallodanglers will make the spooky season more fun for your little ones. MSRP: $16.99. Find them at https://shop.wildrepublic.com/

I love this cute new kit from Pottery Awesomeness! This one is Halloween-themed but they do have other themes. It’s a fun crafty item for the kids this Halloween! These are the perfect project for kids and families to enjoy together.  The kids will be excited to receive these boxes that come with everything they need to create their masterpiece! Each box includes three cute figurines, acrylic paint, paintbrushes, a glossy sealer, and an instruction card with QR codes that will direct painters to painting tutorials and instructions. For every kit purchased, Pottery Awesomeness donates a painting kit to sick children in hospitals. They work directly with the lead art therapist at each hospital to determine what supplies are needed. Now, how cool is that?! More information: www.potteryawesomeness.com.

Self Disclosure: I received samples of the above items to facilitate this holiday post. Images were also provided.

Halloween Book of the month!

This Cookbook Will Put a Spell on You: THE UNOFFICIAL HOCUS POCUS COOKBOOK

Love the Hocus Pocus Movie? It is definitely one that I love to watch every Halloween! How about watching Hocus Pocus and making some wonderful treats from  The Unofficial Hocus Pocus Cookbook: Bewitchingly Delicious Recipes for Fans of the Halloween Classic by Bridget Thoreson [ISBN: 9781646042418; $19.95; Ulysses Press; September 2021]? This is a marvelously spooky cookbook featuring delicious recipes based on your favorite cult classic film from 1993.

I received a copy and am amazed at all the wonderful recipes! I can’t wait to make the French Onion Soup on page 30 or the Ginger-Dead Men on page 81.

Whether you’re attending a surprise rave in town or just spending “a quiet evening at home,” you’ll enchant anyone who tastes these frightfully appetizing recipes, including Baked Witch Casserole; Mischief Night Pasta; Bones of 100 Chickens; Mother’s Scorpion Pie; Life Potion Soup; William’s Wormy Bed Dirt Cake; Dead Man’s Toes, Dead Man’s Toes; Brown Butter Booooook Blondies; Burning Rain of Death Punch; Airhead Virgin Mocktail; and much more!

The Unofficial Hocus Pocus Cookbook is the ultimate must-have for fans of all ages! You can find it on Amazon.com.

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book to facilitate this post. A cover image was also provided.