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Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Purple Blue Monogram Design - Product Review

This is a purple and blue abstract leaf design on a blended yellow background. I designed it so that all of the leaves are pointing towards the center opening of yellow.

I love how this design turned out. I started out by making various leaf designs, trying different techniques. The other designs were out different shades of lavender and purple backgrounds. They didn't quite fit what I was after so I moved on. Then I decided to play around with my paints and squirted some purple on my printing area, and my eye caught sight of the bold vivid blue. Voila. Perfect!

"And they go with yellow," I thought. I painted a yellow background. At first, I had the leaves come off from one side, kind of flowing towards the center. And then I just kept going. "That's right, pointing towards the center, towards the area of importance," I thought. Then I kept filling in the outer edges, making the border look full and lush. That's it!

This design is perfect for anything of importance; i.e. monograms, name, address, letter writing - whatever the case shall be.

The first product I designed with this was business cards. All of the main information is on the front of the card. I made the back of the card, solid yellow. It coordinates with the front of the business card, and can also easily be located if the card is mixed in with other cards, by it's bold and vibrant back.

All of the text areas on any of these products can be easily customized on the provided template forms.

Abstract Purple Blue Leaves Custom Business Cards
by CherylsArt

I always purchase my business cards from Zazzle. Early on, there was a mess up on one of my business cards order, but Zazzle readily replaced them. Everything has worked out great since then.

You can choose from matte and glossy finishes for the various card typs on Zazzle, and also from various card stocks which come in an assortment of colors, textures, and finishes.

On the note cards, I enclosed the border design tighter around the center, making it perfect for a short name or monogram. The border design on the back of the note card is spread out to allow an open writing area.

Purple Blue Leaves Monogram on Yellow Note Cards
by CherylsArt

I have purchased a variety of cards from Zazzle, and they have all turned out lovely. The colors are crisp and the card stock has always been great.

I used the same idea with the border being spread out on the lined stationery. The design is the same on both sides here.

Purple and Blue Leaves on Yellow, Lined Stationery
by CherylsArt

I used the same mindset when designing the luggage tags, as I did for the note cards. One side is for the monogram, and the other side is for the contact info.

Abstract Purple Blue Leaves on Yellow Luggage Tags
by CherylsArt

Do you have a favorite or a request? Let me know in a comment below.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Monday, June 1, 2026

Coldest Brand Spill Proof Tumbler

I usually stay away from trendy items but I jumped on this popular item because I thought it might be a really good choice for me. I was right! The Coldest Limitless Bottle is advertised for the crazy length of time that it keeps cold drinks cold as well as being spillproof. Those two reasons are more than enough to purchase a Coldest Limitless Bottle. But I was betting this tumbler would be a great choice to help with the adaptations I sometimes need due to my difficluty with weak hands. I was right! My Coldest tumbler keeps my ice coffee cold all day and prevents my accidents (spilling, leaking, or breaking) I have with other mugs or bottles.

My Opinion - My Coldest Bottle is an adaptive tool that Makes My life easier

Adaptive tools, or assistive devices, are technologies or items that can make every day activities easier for folks to do. Folks who often have physical difficulties. Assistive needs are as varied as each individual.

I have physical difficulties. Mostly with my hand strength, hand pain, and lack of coordination. I use scissors, knives, and small everyday pry tools to open things that most people do not need help to open. Over the decades, my favorite way to carry water, juice, and ice coffee has been either with steel Bubba brand tumblers or with Mason jars with iLids. Honestly, glass is my favorite for ice coffee and a quart sized Mason jar has been my daily home made ice coffee for years.

But the more often I fall or drop things, the more I have worried about carrying that Mason glass jar to work. Or anywhere outside of the house actually. And my other tumblers don't break but the lid pops off when dropped and makes quite a splash (of coffee). Of course, I was seeing review after review for the currently trendy Coldest brand. I ordered my first Coldest Tumbler because of the thick handle, the ability for it to fit into my truck's cupholder, and the leakproof lids. Specifically, the spill proof straw lid. How can that be? All of my tumblers with straws leak if turned upside down, or dropped on it's side.

How could this lid and straw be leak proof?

Easy. Genius. The straw fits fairly tightly into the lid to begin with. The bunker assembly is a much softer material than the lid and straw. With the bunker placed on the straw, the straw is pressed down, and the little ridge presses down into the lid creating a seal. Like magic, I can't spill anything (nor can I drink from the straw in this position). Exciting. I thought that, with my weak and sore hands, I wouldn't be able to click the straw bunker into the closed position. I was so happy to find that everything is big enough, and soft enough, that I can open and close this straw into leakproof position.

There likely will come a time that I won't be able to operate it. But for now, it is an amazing assistive tool that keeps my coffee icy all day.

The thick handle is easy for me to grip. And the paracord handle accessory (sold separately) is perfect for me. When walking, I don't carry the tumbler by the handle. I loop the paracord handle over my wrist. I have a difficult time carrying any cups in my hand as others normally do. This paracord is such a relief.

A big perk is that these tumblers come in a variety of sizes. And they come in a variety of decorations/colors. There are some designs that are in stock and some designs that are new releases in limited quantities.

Information from the Coldest Website

While there are a variety of different sizes on Coldest.com, I bought a 24 oz Limitless Bottle in The Persian color. The information for this style and size is:

24 oz
100% leakproof
stainless steel; triple insulated
rubber bottom
includes 3 lids: coffee lid, chug lid, and sip lid with bunker
Infuser included
keeps cold liquids cold for at least 36 hours (keeps hot liquids hot for 13+ hours)
Fits 99% of cupholders
thick, easy-to-grip handle
lifetime warranty (register on the website)
hand wash with soap and water

Two Very Minor Cautions (that may apply just to me)

On the website, in addition to a variety of sizes and colors, there are older versions and new versions of these tumblers. I advise that you read each tumbler page to ensure you order the item that you want. I felt there were so many choices that I was a bit confused at times. However, I'm easily confused. You probably will navigate the site easily.

I do find that the chug lid is difficult for me to click open due to my very weak fingers. The sip/straw lid was the version I wanted and the other two lids are bonus. And I may use them around the house when I am not transporting my ice coffee. You may not have any difficulty with the chug lid button.

Visit Coldest.com to learn more and to see the many sizes and colors.

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Sunday, May 31, 2026

A Daughter's Journey: The Reality of Caregiving for Your Mom

This piece is incredibly personal to me, capturing the fading chapter of my mother's life as we navigated the grueling journey of caregiving.

While it was a time of immense challenge and heartache, I would do it all over again just to be with her. I miss her so much; if I could give my breath to see her for even a minute, I would. These lyrics were written specifically from what occurred during that time in my life, yet I know this is not just my story. It is a description of the reality for millions of mothers and daughters who have walked this difficult path.

Here's The Lyric Storyboard I Wrote & Produced To Tell This Story:

Because this is a four-minute song, every line carries a specific purpose and meaning. While I cannot detail the entire narrative here, I want to highlight the core moments that defined this journey.

In the first verse, I write, "I watched you in the kitchen trying to lift that small plate; it hurt to see you struggle to do the basic things each day." While it sounds simple, this was a daily, painful occurrence. Whether it was opening a jar or managing the simple act of lifting, her hands would shake, and we had to find tools to assist her. It was a constant reminder of how life had shifted into something far more fragile.

I also wrote, "To me, you were the bravest with everything you had to face, you'd always say 'I'm fine' knowing that wasn't the case." My mother was from the "I'm fine" generation. Even when the doctors looked at her test results and then turned to me with concern, she would insist, "I'm fine, Barb, don't worry." As I get older, I've come to understand that she didn't want anyone to reiterate her ailments; she already knew them. But at the time, it was frustrating to watch her try to hold her struggle back to protect us. It was a valiant effort, and I didn't want to break her strength, but we saw the truth behind the words.

The chorus asks, "Mama, I can't fix it, I can't make this go away. I can only hold your hand now while you whisper I'm okay." When I wrote this, I kept thinking about what I would do if I had magic powers. I couldn't "fix" the aging process, but I realized what I truly wanted: to step back in time and live just one day when she was in her prime.

There are other realities referenced in the song, like the challenge of getting in and out of her lift chair, and the terrifying process of the stairs. I remember walking directly behind her, leaning against her for support as she held the railing; this was the same woman who once ran the world and bossed us all around. Watching that shift requires a kind of strength you never knew you possessed.

Finally, I believe a song needs to reach for the light. I don't provide a perfect ending, but I do create something uplifting. I end the song with the image of my father coming for her when she passed. I'm standing there, feeling a sense of relief knowing he had her hand, that he was holding her when she crossed over, and that I will be with them again when it is my time.

If you are going through this, or have walked this road, I totally understand your agony. I know the absolute struggle of this experience. My heart is with you, and I truly hope this song brings you a little bit of empathetic peace.

🎵 I write and produce story-driven lyrics. Vocals and music are digitally produced (I am not the singer). I digitally direct and arrange the video and recording.🎵 ©2026 DragedaPoemsLyrics (B.T.C) - All Rights Reserved - Original Lyrics Authored | Sound Recording: Produced With Digital Assistance (Vocals and Instrumental) 2026. Licensed Digital Composition (Commercial Rights Held).

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Saturday, May 30, 2026

National Creativity Day Holiday Review

National Creativity Day (May 30) is set aside to celebrate all creative endeavors.

This includes artists, writers, musicians, bloggers, photographers, or any of 100 other creative pursuits.

National Creativity Day

THis holiday was founded in 2018 by Hal Croasmun and ScreenwritingU because they wanted a way to celebrate the imaginative spirit in everyone and encourage them to keep creating.

Those with abilities in the musical or artistic fields are already compelled to pursue that creativity daily. Others enjoy working on their favorite hobby, whether it be in the field of fiber arts, writing anything from a poem to a blog to a book, using a camera to capture images that interest them, or using their culinary skills to make a unique, personal creation.

Ideas to Celebrate Creativity

One special way to celebrate this creative holiday is to revive a dream project you may have long had. Use the day to finally start that novel or song or art piece you always wanted to do.

Another way to celebrate the day is by supporting local artists. Visit their studios and perhaps purchase their art. Or simply share the work of creators you admire.

Summary

Everyone has some type of talent in a creative arena, whether they have discovered it yet or not. If not, then National Creativity Day is the day to begin by starting a new project, trying a new hobby, or just supporting artists you admire in their respective fields.

Related Review:

A Review of Creativity on Review This!

Happy National Creativity Day
May 30

*Check out the reviews on ReviewThisReviews.com to locate the creative pursuits that interest you. Many reviews are How-To articles which will get you started on a creative interest of your own.

*This review of the holiday “National Creativity Day” was written by Wednesday Elf

The Artist's Way: 30th Anniversary EditionCheck Price The Magic Words: Simple Poetry Prompts That Unlock the Creativity in EveryoneCheck Price Writing Creativity and SoulCheck Price 365 Days of Creativity: Inspire Your Imagination with Art Every DayCheck Price

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Friday, May 29, 2026

Porch Goose and Porch Goose Outfits Reviewed

My daughter called me a few weeks ago and said she was going to paint a concrete porch goose in a craft class. I asked her if she remembered having a plastic porch goose that she dressed for special occasions and seasons when she was a very little girl. Unfortunately, she didn't have an actual memory of it, but I couldn't help but wonder if she was drawn to that class because of her old beloved porch goose. Her grandmother and I both remember well how she liked dressing her first porch goose.

She has now finished painting her concrete porch goose and is ready for porch goose outfits. With her birthday only a few week away, she added porch goose outfits to her gift wish list.

You probably know what I am about to say! Between her grandmother, brother, father and I, we purchased 14 new goose outfits for her upcoming birthday. I can hardly wait to see the pictures as she changes her goose's clothes each month, occasion or season.

It is hard to choose a favorite porch goose outfit, but I am personally fond of the yellow raincoat and umbrella. It reminds me of the outfit her plastic porch goose had when she was a little girl. I only remember her dressing her original porch goose in her own baby clothes or baby doll clothes, but I think it is totally awesome that there are so many outfits made specifically for a porch goose now.

Awesome Seasonal Outfits for a Porch Goose

My daughter plans to change her porch goose outfits each month, according to the weather or season. Of course, there are costume outfits for Halloween, but there are also special outfits for all of the holidays. You can even select a bundle package of costumes to get started. Buying a bundle is less expensive than purchasing them individually.

12 Set Porch Goose Outfits for 23" Porch GooseCheck Price

How to Get Your Own Porch Goose

My daughter painted a concrete porch goose, but most of us don't have a concrete figure store close to us. Plus, the 23" concrete porch goose weights over 40 lbs. If you plan to set your porch goose on your recessed or enclosed porch, you may well prefer one made of resin that is easier to move. These options also have a place to fill the base with sand or gravel to keep it from toppling in bad weather. Then, you can simply enjoy changing your porch goose outfits seasonally too.

LarpGears Premium Adjustable Large Porch Goose Statue – 23” Realistic Hollow Plastic Garden Goose with Removable Cowboy Hat & Bandana, Stone Base with Sand-Fillable Design for Outdoor StabilityCheck Price Porch Goose Statue Large White Porch Goose Big Resin Garden Lawn Yard 20 inches High Check Price

There are lots of different styles and designs in the Porch Goose Outfits. Click Here to see more!

Celltestria 4th of July Goose Outfits for 2323Check Price 2 Set Porch Goose Outfits with Wings Ladybug & BeeCheck Price Fishing Porch Goose Outfits for 23 Inch Lawn Statue, Fisherman CostumeCheck Price Gaggleville Football Goose Outfit, Fits Large 23Check Price

Thursday, May 28, 2026

HYBYCOZO at Missouri Botanical Garden

In this review I will be reviewing my visit to the HYBYCOZO exhibit at Missouri Botanical Garden.

Missouri Botanical Garden has hosted works from some very talented artists over the years. This year from April through August they are home to works by HYBYCOZO. This exhibit called Patterns in Nature, allows you to explore 21 intricately designed installations throughout the garden.

In early May I visited the garden to photograph some of these beautiful works. I went during the daytime, and they were stunning among all the beautiful blooming flowers in May. The garden will also be open several evenings for special viewings of the sculptures called LightForm.

About the Artists

The following information on the artists were copied from the brochure handed out at the garden.

"Artists Serge Beaulieu and Yelena Filipchuk began HYBCOZO in 2014, drawing inspiration from the inherent beauty found in mathematics, science, and natural phenomena.

Originally from Ukraine, Filipchuk attended the University of California, Berkeley and studied Conservation and Resource studies, concentrating on patterns in the natural world, biomimicry, and environmental science. Beaulieu attended Carleton University in his native Canada and studied Industrial Design.

Together, their large-scale geometric artworks push the boundaries of technology, lighting, and fabrication. HYBYCOZO has been featured in cities from San Francisco to London and from the galleries of the Smithsonian to the deserts of Burning Man. The artists created six new custom pieces for St. Louis, inspired by the living collections and conservation mission of the Garden."

My Photographs of the HYBYCOZO Works

The sculptures were all so very different and with the theme of Patterns in Nature they all worked so well into the garden. Here are a few of my favorites.

Here is the sculpture that is at the entrance to the gardens.

This photograph was taken by reaching into one of the works and photographing the tops of the sculpture from the inside.

I love how this one sits between the columns.

These bright pink sculptures sit in the reflecting pool in front of the Climatron.

There are several sculptures in the gardens that are reflective. They mirror the surrounding garden features.

The Iris were in Bloom

One of my favorite flowers to photograph at the Gardens are their beautiful Iris. They have a huge area with lots of Iris in a multitude of colors. They were in full bloom when we visited so I was able to take lots of photos. Here are a few of them.

Many if my photographs are sold on Zazzle. Here is a link to one of my Iris cards.

Iris Delight Card

More Reviews of Missouri Botanical Garden

I have written several reviews on Missouri Botanical Garden over the years. Here are links to a view of those reviews.

Missouri Botanical Garden in the Winter

Japanese Garden

Review of Missouri Botanical Garden

Origami in the Garden

Garden Photography Tips

Learn More about Missouri Botanical Garden

If you would like to learn more about the garden, here is an Amazon book that you will find interesting and informative. Missouri Botanical Garden

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Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Stainless Steel Baking Rings ~ A Product Review and Recipe

Well, I know that everyone has their favorite baking accessories in their kitchen and that many of them end up in junk drawers after a while, but, there are some that remain favorites all the time.

Confession time, I don't bake as much as I would like to, but I have a hubby that does an amazing job at baking cookies, breads and all manner of goodies that could come from a kitchen.

We just finished travelling to Europe and one of our favorite spots was Nuremberg in Germany. It is a famous spot for the Nazi Trials that were held in the courts. But, it is also famous for it's Lebkuchen cookies. The are a type of gingerbread, so if you like gingerbread, this might just take you to a new level of cookie baking.

Lebkuchen is a German favorite and I'm sure that it will become one of yours too. Not your typical gingerbread but a nutty, spicy and fragrant cookie that will have you wanting more and more after the first bite.

So here's the recipe:

2 eggs

7 oz sugar

4 1/4 oz ground almonds

3 1/2 oz ground hazelnuts

1 1/4 oz candied lemon peel, finely chopped

1 1/4 oz candied orange peel, finely chopped

1 teaspoon (tsp) vanilla extract

1 tablespoon dark rum

1/8 tsp. ground cloves

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/8 tsp, baking powder

7 oz powdered sugar

1/2 oz cocoa

1/2 tablespoon coconut oil

4 tablespoons hot water

I know, there are lots of really good things in this recipe and the secret is to really chop those candied lemons and oranges finely. A food processor will work the best for this step.

-Preheat the oven to 300 degrees and line your cookie sheet with a silicon mat, or grease the sheet well.

-Cream together the eggs and sugar until really thick and creamy

-mix in the spices rum, vanilla and candied peel, then fold in the nuts and baking powder

-bake at 300F for 25-35 minutes

Glaze half the cookies with a white paste made of icing sugar and warm water (just enough water to make it flow)

Glaze the other half with a dark glaze made as above but with cocoa powder added.

When they are glazed, cool completely and store in an airtight container in a cool place.

I BET YOU CAN'T EAT JUST ONE!

Now here is the kitchen gadget that my hubby loves to make these cookies uniform in size.

These rings are just over 3 inches in diameter, stainless steel and easy for baking all kinds of goodies. Easy to clean and useful in the kitchen for more than one purpose. Pancakes, English muffins, cookies and more.

Get yourself some baking rings and go to town with some really interesting recipes that your whole family will enjoy. Sweet or savory, they can be used both ways. Now don't get bent out of shape because these are also not easy to bend out either. Chill and enjoy this great kitchen gadget.

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Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Overview of TrendyFlipFlops on Zazzle

This is the seventh of a seven part series of my various stores on Zazzle.

This store is called TrendyFlipFlops and it is all about flipflops. The categories are all about the type of design.

The design categories are:

Abstract Flip Flops: You will find a selection of my abstract designs which includes both dark and bright options.

Animal Flip Flops: Flying pink pigs, and kaliedoscope cats are the options so far in this one.

Autumn Flip Flops: Here you will find an assortment of leaves and pumpkin designs.

Beach Flip Flops: When you browse beach flip flops, you will find beach scenes, and also colorful beach balls.

Colorful Beach Balls in Sand Flip Flops
by TrendyFlipFlops

Bride Flip Flops: There are a variety of designs that will work great for weddings; however there is no specific wedding category. There is a bride category though. These flip flops can be customized. Many brides are choosing comfort over style when it comes to their feet on their wedding day. I think that's pretty cool.

Lively Silver Stars Personalized Bride Flipflops
by TrendyFlipFlops

Butterfly Flip Flops: These butterflies might be considered more abstract, but I figured they'd be easier to find if I placed them in a Butterfly category.

Christmas Flip Flops: Flip flops are considered a warm weather shoe or sandal. For those who find themselves in a warm weather location over the Christmas and winter holidays, their flip flops can still fit the season.

Happy Snow Couple Waving Hi Holiday FlipFlops
by TrendyFlipFlops

Floral Flip Flops: Here you will find a mix of realistic, photo, and abstract designs.

Fruit Flip Flops: As of the writing of this blog, the current choices are lemons, realistic pineapples, and more artistic pineapples.

New Products: As mentioned in my earlier blogs about my various stores on Zazzle, the New Products category is automatically assigned by Zazzle. There are usually no products in this category, unless I happen to assign a category when designing a product.

Patriotic Flip Flops: Here you will find a couple of fireworks designs, and a star pattern design in red, white, and blue.

Patterns and Shapes: The Patterns and Shapes category was growing. Instead of making subcategories for this, I made two additional categories; one being Polka Dot Flip Flops, and the other one being Striped Flip Flops. The remaining designs in this category includes hearts, circles, weave patterns, and more.

Polka Dot Flip Flops: There are several colors to choose from here, and also a couple of black and white designs.

Striped Flip Flops: There are a variety of striped patterns and colors to choose from here. This is my favorite striped pattern. It reminds me of the straight swirled candies that you can find in places like Cracker Barrel.