National Onion Day - A Holiday Review

 

June 27 is the day selected to celebrate oodles of onions. The date was chosen by the National Onion Association(NOA) to document the creation of their organization in 1913. It’s definitely nothing to ‘cry’ over. LOL.

Culinary Versatility

Onions have countless culinary uses. You can take a raw onion and slice it, dice it or chop it to add to recipes. This can be either a condiment (such as a slice of onion on a burger) or diced or chopped as an ingredient to almost any recipe. 

Onions can be the featured star of a meal or appetizer, such as homemade onion rings or the delicious ‘blooming onion’. Onion Soup is a popular beginning to the main course in many restaurants. 

The Onion is Good for You

In addition to the flavor it adds to foods, onions are beneficial. They have very few calories, no added cholesterol, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, plus vitamin B5. It also gives you an increase to your dietary fiber. 

Funny Personal Onion Story

Years ago our daughter & son-in-law were in town visiting us. We had just acquired our very first gas grill and planned on burgers-on-the-grill for dinner. Instead of offering sliced onions as condiments, we decided to add chopped onions to the burger patties before cooking. 

Our son-in-law, Paul, does not like onions (can’t imagine life without onions, myself). So we made two burger patties plain for him.  

Well, somehow in the confusion of learning the new grill and turning the hamburgers, some of them must have gotten switched. When dinner was served, Bob took a bite of his burger and declared “I can’t even taste the onion in this”. Paul said “I can!” LOL. Seems Paul got Bob’s onion burgers and Bob got Paul’s Plain burgers! So, naturally, they simply switched.

The moral of the story (other than the impossible task of teaching Paul to like onions) is ‘never try a new recipe out on company’ (or, perhaps while learning a new appliance). :) 

A Related Holiday:

Close to Onion Day, we find National Onion Ring Day on June 22. So, while you are enjoying your onion dishes, add in a serving of fried onion rings made from scratch. My favorite is my friend’s tempura batter used to deep fry the onion rings. Paired with a burger or a steak, it would be a delicious meal to end both National Onion Day and Onion Ring Day.

So, enjoy the versatile onion in all its many forms! 

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*National Onion Day Holiday Review is written by Wednesday Elf

Onion Cookbooks and Handy Tools

Perfect Onion Cookbook: The Complete Guide to Cooking with OnionsCheck PriceOnion Holder for Slicing (2 Pack) - Stainless Steel Vegetable Slicer Guide, Tomato/Potato/Lemon/Meat Holder - Safe, Even Cuts Kitchen GadgetCheck PriceOnions: A Country Garden CookbookCheck PriceOnion Storage, Avocado Saver Keeper, Reusable Tomato Lemon Holder Storage Container (Onion Saver)Check Price

 

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T-Fal 5 Quart Nonstick Skillet with Glass Lid Reviewed

I have been cooking in T-Fal cookware most of my life.  I have always had a T-Fal 10.5" skillet in my kitchen for frying eggs, bacon, toasting sandwiches, sauteing vegetables, frying smaller amounts of meat, etc.  There really are too many uses to list them all.  

I also have used the T-Fal 5 quart Dutch Oven for many years.  I cook in it several days a week. 

A little over a year ago, I discovered the larger 5 quart T-Fal skillet while shopping at our local Target store.  I bought it immediately.  This skillet has changed the way I cook.  Previously, I made my spaghetti sauce in my taller T-Fal Dutch Oven, but I have found that I actually prefer making it in the shorter sided 5 quart skillet.  The skillet comes with a glass lid so I can see the sauce simmering and gauge when to stir it.  I also started using this skillet for making the sauce for Manicotti or Lasagna.  I can fry the pound of meat needed and adding the sauce & seasonings without having to transfer it to the dutch oven. 

T-Fal cookware has a non-stick coating which really does reduce burning and makes everything much easier to clean.  It pretty much wipes clean before I even start washing it.  

 

The T-Fal 5 Qt Skillet with Glass Lid 

 T-Fal Nonstick Saute Pan with Glass Lid 5 Quart, Oven Safe 350F, Deep Frying Pan with Handle, Skillet, Dishwasher SafeCheck Price T-Fal cookware is dishwasher safe, which is another reason why I love it.  The dishwasher does a better job of eliminating food bacteria than I can do washing by hand.

The non-stick coating reduces the amount of oil needed when cooking.

• Non-Stick Coating
• 2.9 inch Depth 
• Stay-Cool Handle on each side for easy lifting/moving
• Tempered Glass Lid 
• Even Heat Base reduces hot spots
• Dishwasher Safe
• Oven Safe - up to 350° 

Even though I prefer the T-Fal non-stick coating, there are a few considerations when cooking in it. You can not cook on higher heat (500° or above) when using T-Fal cookware.  Also, I do not stir with metal utensils or use knives in my T-Fal pans because they will scratch or cut the non-stick coating.  Once the coating gets damaged, the pan must be replaced.    

 

 

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Review of Carolina Tides

 

If you are looking for some light summer reading while at the beach or perhaps just in a chair on your back deck take a look at these short stories.  They were written by seven different authors and celebrate all that there is about living on the coast.  As an added bonus all of the proceeds for this book will support women in need in Brunswick County North Carolina and Horry County in South Carolina.

About the Book

I really enjoyed reading the short stories in Carolina Tides.  Each story was just the right length to sit down and read all in one sitting.  The sub-title of the book is A Story a Day for a Week  Long Stay.  That was a very fitting title, and although I was at home when I read them, I can very well see this as a great book to take on vacation, when you want a bit of reading time, but not too much.

The book covers many topics of coastal living from the wonderful creatures that live on the coast, to romantic walks on the beach, porch-lit evenings in sleepy little fishing villages, the history of North and South Carolina and even some unexpected encounters.  Each of the short stories were written by a local author from the Carolina coastline.

Here is a link to the book on Amazon.  It can be purchased as a paperback or a Kindle version. Carolina Tides

Stories and Authors

Here is a list of the stories and authors that are included in Carolina Tides

    The Names Beneath the Tide by Teri M Brown

    Winds of Change by Jan Comfort

    Ark of Hope: A Pelican Story by Karen Prescot

    Brighter Days Ahead by Lisa M Pritchard

    Walk Back in Time on the Grand Strand by Lynda Stoy Stear

    Azeleas  by Carol Stigger

    

    The Beach Ball by Jennifer Tirrell

My Visits to the Carolinas in Photos

I love visiting the beach and particularly love photographing lighthouses.  We have made several trips to both North and South Carolina.  The photos below were ones I took while photographing lighthouses in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

More Reviews by Coastal Carolina Authors

Here are several reviews of have written on books by one of the authors in Carolina Tides, Teri M Brown.

Peg Unhinged

10 Little Rules

Daughters of Green Mountain Gap

An Enemy Like Me

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Toys ~ A James Patterson Novel ~ Book Review

Okay I will admit it, I have a few authors that I will gravitate to each and every time I see one of their books.  TOYS, by James Patterson and Neil McMahon was one that I had not yet read.  So when a friend offered the book to me, I grabbed it with both hands.

The genre of this book is a little to the left of where I normally go. It's dystopian and futuristic in some of the most disturbing ways.  Especially when all we seem to read about is "AI" and how robots will make our lives so much easier.

Patterson and McMahon take this to the next level.  Bringing about a "super" humanoid race that is trying to eradicate the last remaining humans on the face of the world.  Quite a scary concept in my humble opinion.

But, even though the humans that remain on the earth are not nearly as physically and mentally enhanced as the Elite (as they like to be known), they do have the gift of seeing things outside of the box.  Will that be their (the humans) salvation?

This novel will take you to places you may or may not have dreamt as our future is unfolding.  Hays and Lisbeth are the #1 "Super Couple" of the Elites.  They possess all the attributes that make them super human (ish) and they are intellectually and physically the most perfect couple ever made.

Hays has just completed a mission for the World Government that has him in the spotlight and winning adulations from all the other Elites in his company.  

During his return home, he is blindsided by the enemy, fighting the ultimate battle of his life.  While he wins this one, he is badly injured, taken to the Elite's version of a hospital and there his life takes an even more drastic turn.

Have I whetted your appetite to find out what happens next?  I hope so.  

This is a book that I found hard to put down because there are so many things happening in the pages that sound like some of the things that are happening right now or could be happening in the future.  When or where will all this take place?  Maybe in the next 50 years or so.  

We already have the self driving cars and bionic limbs............. what will come next?

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Yard Decorations, Rock and Cement Yard Decor

Many of you know that I create art that I add to online products that people can purchase. Some know that I also create art for my garden. This is my review of this activity.

My first creation was when I decided that the somewhat large rock, looked like it would make a perfect fun frog! I cleaned up the rock and coated it with an all purpose sealer that is weather resistant. The brand I used is Delta Ceramcoat, but couldn't locate the exact item on Amazon. I did however find Delta Ceramcoat Multi-Surface Paints that are good for a variety of surfaces. Amazon included a variety of paints from Ceramcoat, and I believe I saw one that was weather resistant. I would still use the undercoat sealer and final coat sealer though. I usually add 2-3 coats of the final sealant.

As for another alternative, I would give this sealer from Americana a try. It is listed as weather resistant and is good for both indoor and outdoor.

After I applied the undercoat sealer and let it dry, I commenced with painting the froggy features. He is cool and fun! Then I finished with an outdoor sealer made for acrylic paints. I just use the sealers that you can find in the art section for acrylics. Americana is one of my favorites.

As you can see in the photo above, the frog is back in the corner, and looks pretty cool! He has been outside for years, as of this writing, and the paint hasn't chipped at all. He has sat out in full sun, full weather, and then more recently under the overhang from our roof. He has faired very well!

My next creation was Mr. Turtle. Poor Mr. Turtle. He was my first try at painting on cement, which wasn't the real issue. The problem was, I think, that Mr. Turtle was hollow inside. So although he was pretty easy to move around weight wise, his surface didn't hold up. I thought he was going to do as well as Mr. Frog. But oh well. I did apply the various coatings, and gave him a cool look.

He looked pretty good while he was still indoors. But the weather was too much for this hollow critter. I do plan to put some spackling on his back and maybe give him an abstract bandage. We'll see!

Onto Miss. Colorful Bird. This piece is also cement but is solid through. I did not have the issues with this that I had with Mr. Turtle. I don't know if different companies use different types of cement or not, or if it was just from not being solid. I believe I got Mr. Turtle from a garden center; it may have been Lowes. I purchased the bird from Target.

Anyway, Miss Colorful Bird still looks beautiful. Her painted feathers has been outdoors for months now, and she is still looking good. I have not sat her out in full weather like I did Mr. Frog. I hesitate after seeing what happened to Mr. Turtle. So everyone from now on is being placed under the overhang from the roof.

If you were to venture in to painting some outdoor decor for show, I would recommend to buy more solid pieces, or keep the piece indoors. As with all of them, I do recommend a sealer for porous surfaces that are meant for acrylic artistic paints. I have not used the paint meant for houses. And then finish with a final sealer of 2-3 coats. The main paint that I used is from Americana, which is a multi-surface paint, but doesn't not mention being weather resistant, so it will definitely need to be sealed.

If you are looking for concrete animals to paint, you can check out this page on Amazon. There are a variety of options there, including flat type stones. I did not have good luck with that and would recommend choosing something thicker and more solid. Customers have had a good experience with concrete items purchased from Stone Freedom on Amazon.

Happy painting.

Cheryl Paton

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Ororo Lightweight Heated Vest Review

It's summer and so of course it makes perfect sense for a Ororo Heated Vest review! This is the time to pick up great deals on winter clothing and I will be looking for my favorite purchase of last year on the summer sales.

It was an extremely long and cold winter in the northern United States, but then again, summer is very very short as well, so this is a vest which will bode you well through most of the year. The Ororo heated vest exceeded my expectations with every feature.

Heat Levels

Three heat levels easily controlled by a toggle button on the outside of the vest. The button turns colors for each heat level of red, white, blue. I found warming the vest on the high setting before putting the vest on would then allow a lower setting while wearing the vest. 

Weight

I was pleasantly surprised as to how light the vest is with the battery. A few years back I had tried a heated vest and the battery was so heavy all I could feel was the battery literally weighing one side of the vest down. The overall weight of the vest is similar to a higher end quilted down vest, but streamlined. 

Battery

The rectangle battery pack is installed in the rear of the vest on the bottom about right behind the hip. I honestly forgot the battery existed the majority of the time. The battery felt heavier when charging, but not installed in the vest. I did invest, when on sale, for a second battery just for ease when it became apparent this vest was going to be a winter fall staple in the wardrobe. 

Colors

The Ororo vest is available in a variety of colors, mostly the staple colors of vests. The usual black, blue, grey, cream and a pretty cobalt blue would be the brighter option.

Price

I recommend purchasing on sale! Whether it be a summer sale, or Black Friday sale or holiday sale as the vest is not inexpensive. I've also seen flash sales online for the holidays with a nice savings available.

Where To Purchase

Search Ororo Heated Lightweight Vest for online options to purchase. 

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Happy Father's Day! All You Did Didn't Go Unseen

I wrote the lyrics and created the production for Dad, You're the Quiet Hero on June 1, 2026. With Father's Day celebrated during June in Canada, the United States, and many other countries, it felt like the right time to reflect on the role fathers play in our lives. Yet this song was never meant for just one day on the calendar. It is for any moment when someone wants to acknowledge a father who has quietly carried the weight of responsibility, love, and devotion through the years.

"DAD, All You Did Didn't Go Unseen"

As I worked on this piece, I found myself thinking about the countless ways fathers show up for their families without expecting recognition. 

Their contributions are often woven so deeply into everyday life that they can be easy to overlook. They work, worry, sacrifice, protect, and provide, frequently without applause or fanfare. Much of what they do happens behind the scenes, forming the foundation that holds a family together.

This song was written as a reminder that those efforts are seen. Behind every steady presence is a person who has faced challenges, carried burdens, and kept moving forward because others depended on him. Sometimes, the people who love him most do not always find the words to express their gratitude, but that gratitude exists nonetheless.

The story told through the lyrics follows a father whose life has been devoted to his family. He helped build a home, created security, and stood as a constant source of support through changing seasons of life. In the end, the song arrives at a simple truth: while he may never have received public recognition for everything he gave, the greatest reward was always the love, respect, and appreciation of the family he helped shape.

This piece was inspired by the experiences and perspectives of many fathers. It was also written with my own father, my husband, and my sons in mind. I wanted the song to remain open enough for listeners to see their own stories in it, whether they are thinking of a father who is still here, remembering one who has passed away, or celebrating a father who is currently raising his family. 

At its heart, this is a tribute to the quiet heroes whose impact is often measured not by recognition but by the lives they touch.

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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). I wrote, created, and produced this piece on June 1st, 2026 - Member of SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada).

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My Friends by Fredrik Backman - Book Review

This is a book review of the story of a group of teenagers whose friendship during the summer they were 14-years-old creates a bond so powerful that it changes the life of another teenager twenty-five years later. The book is called “My Friends” by Fredrik Backman. 

Synopsis of My Friends

Fredrik Backman My Friends (A Novel)Check Price

Eighteen-year-old Louisa is an aspiring artist raised in foster care who lacks a plan for her future, having never been provided with a stable foundation to build upon. As the story begins, Louisa’s immediate thoughts involve sneaking into an art exhibit and auction to take a close look at a famous painting she has always admired. For many years she has had a postcard picturing this painting and longs to see the work in person.

Most people think the painting is just a depiction of the sea. But Louisa, as an artist herself, knows otherwise. She has observed three tiny figures sitting at the end of a long pier and would dearly love to learn the story behind it. 

As she approaches the painting for a close look, the beautifully dressed rich people attending the auction notice her shabby clothes and know she doesn’t belong. She is chased out and finds herself around at the back of the building where she meets a man who has been standing there. Unbeknown to Louisa, the man is the artist of that famous painting she has just been viewing. They end up talking about art and then start drawing artwork on the side of the building. The artist (who is dying) is soon taken off by a friend who came to find him, and Louisa leaves. 

A few weeks later, the friend who escorted the artist back inside the art auction locates Louisa and gives her the painting left to her by the artist when he died. The artist told his friend why he wanted her to have the painting ~ “because she’s one of us”. 

Louisa soon begins a journey cross-country that becomes full of surprises as she learns how the painting came to be. As she arrives at the site of the painting’s beginnings, she discovers how a complete stranger’s life 25 years ago has now changed her life forever. 

The 'Before"....

The beginning those 25 years ago involved four teenagers who spent the summer of their 14th year in a distant seaside town taking refuge from their unhappy home lives. They spend the long summer days on an abandoned pier telling silly jokes, sharing secrets and finding reasons to dream, love and even get up each morning. The painting is born from the desire to find something better in their lives. 

Summary 

The story of the painting from its beginning 25 years ago to the end of its journey depicts the timeless power of friendship and art.

An unforgettable, funny, and deeply moving tale told by an author whose words continue to amaze anyone who has read any of his previous works.  Fredrik Backman was already well known for his works of “The Man Called Ove” and “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry”. 

My Friends is a testament to cherished memories, hope, and the quiet miracle of how far a young person can go when fueled by the unwavering belief of another. This is a ‘Friendship Fiction' and 'Coming-of-Age' heartwarming story focusing on the bonds of friendship.

 “The world is full of miracles, but none greater than how far a young person can be carried by someone else’s belief in them.” 

~Fredrik Backman quote from ‘My Friends’

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by Fredrik Backman, click here.

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*Book Review of “My Friends” was written by Wednesday Elf

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