Reviewing Bob Ross Color Changing Mug

 

My husband is one of those people that is hard to find a gift for special occasions.  He is well into his retirement years and really has most everything he needs or wants.  My kids and I are always looking for something different that he would enjoy.  As his birthday approached this year, I was again challenged to find a gift for him, when I was browsing on Amazon and found this Bob Ross mug. 

 My husband thoroughly enjoys watching "The Joy of Painting".  On this program, Bob Ross, with his delightful sense of humor, instructs listeners on how to paint landscape paintings. Bob Ross has long passed on, but his program can be found in syndication on the television programming, and he has become a pop culture icon.

When I found the mug, I decided it would be perfect for my husband.  The mug depicts a photo of Bob Ross with a solid black background, as seen in the photo below.   When the cup is filled with hot liquids the black background becomes a beautiful landscape photo.

Here is the link to this unique mug on Amazon Bob Ross Mug

How Does the Color Changing Work

I checked online to find out how the color changing works.  To put it simply it is done by using the principal of thermochromism which involves heat sensitive paint.  In the case of the mug the landscape painting would be painted on the mug with heat sensitive paint.  It would appear to be solid black until the hot liquid in the mug turns the black into a landscape painting.

More Bob Ross Products on Amazon

If you have a Bob Ross fan you would like to get a gift for a special occasion, then Amazon is the place to go.  I found numerous different Bob Ross gifts on Amazon.  Here are just a few:

• A variety of different Bob Ross painting kits and painting supplies
• Prints of Bob Ross paintings
• TShirts
• Socks
• Bob Ross bobblehead
• calendars
• Books with step-by-step painting instructions

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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Self-Heating Mugs: A Wonderful Gift To Keep Coffee Or Tea Hot All Day

I received a self-heating mug as a thoughtful birthday gift from my husband, who knows that I always like to keep a hot beverage with me at all times. I like to have both ice water and hot water or tea within easy reach if I wake up during the night and when I wake up in the morning, before I get out of bed, since I have a hard time getting up. Even though I have been using insulated travel tumblers for a very long time for my hot beverages, the lids have multiple silicone gaskets that are a bit of a pain to remove, clean, and replace. More importantly, after several years of round-the-clock use, the gaskets no longer work as well as they once did and no longer keep the hot water or herbal tea by my bedside hot throughout the night and into the morning.

The sleek Kepwam 16-ounce Self-Heating Coffee Mug my husband gave me has quickly become one of my favorite daily comforts. It keeps my tea or hot water at the perfect temperature indefinitely and brings a small but constant, cozy joy to my daily life. In fact, my husband, who is a coffee drinker, likes mine so much he requested one in a different color for his upcoming birthday!

Here's my product review after putting this heated coffee mug through its paces for the past three weeks.

Why It’s a Daily Essential

With three temperature settings—113°F, 131°F, and 149°F—the Kepwam 16-ounce Self-Heating Coffee Mug lets me sip slowly throughout the day without losing any warmth. The Very Hot (149°F) setting keeps my tea or hot water quite hot, just the way I like it. If I wake up in the middle of the night, I can reach for a comforting sip of the hot water or herbal tea I often drink at bedtime. 

Whether I’m reading, working, or relaxing, my tea or hot water stays delightfully hot from the first sip to the last. No more microwave trips and no lukewarm disappointments.

Less Expensive Than Better-Known Competitors

There aren't a lot of choices if you want a large-capacity self-heating one like this one. Others we looked at from better-known brands, such as the Ember Temperature-Controlled Smart Mug 2 and the Nextmug Temperature-Controlled Self-Heating Coffee Mug, have a smaller capacity and sometimes unnecessary features (like controlling the mug through an app). They also cost $100–$150, while my Kepwam self-heating coffee mug cost less than $60 on Amazon at the time of this review's publication.

Features I Love Most

• Modern matte design with a stainless steel build
• Spill-resistant lid that is easy to put on and take off, keeps heat in, and slides open and closed with one finger
• One-button operation with color-coded lights to indicate temperature setting; just push the button repeatedly to cycle through the temperature settings
• Long-lasting 3000 mAh lithium battery allows the mug to maintain a temperature of 113°F up to 3 hours off the base with a full charge, and longer if you keep the lid on and closed, as I do. 
• Smart charging base that doubles as a warming coaster (although the base does not get warm)
• Easy to clean (hand-wash)
• The temperature of the hot beverage is true to the temperature setting (we used an instant-read thermometer to check the hot water in mine after the mug had been sitting on the charging base overnight and it registered exactly 149°F).

I keep my mug on the charging base overnight, then carry the mug with me to whichever room I want to be in. Whether it’s my second steep of herbal tea or just hot water, this mug keeps my drink piping hot and makes hydration feel like a comforting ritual.

Perfect for Tea and Hot Water Lovers

This mug isn’t just for coffee drinkers. Whether you enjoy:

– Hot coffee

– Hot tea (black, green, herbal—pick your pleasure)

– Hot cocoa

– Plain hot water

…then this is an everyday luxury you’ll truly appreciate, especially if you enjoy sipping hot beverages slowly throughout the day without having to reheat your drink.

Things to Know

• Although the stated capacity is 16 ounces, I have found that it holds only 14 ounces of liquid when using the lid.
• There’s no app to fuss with—just one intuitive button. 
• The mug is hand-wash only, but easy to clean.
• While not officially discouraged, it’s wise to avoid using milk-based drinks for extended periods to prevent buildup or spoilage.
• Additional charging bases are not sold separately.

A Gift That Keeps on Giving

Kepwam Self Heating Coffee Mug, 16oz Smart Heated Coffee Mug, 150 Min Battery Life - Hot up to 149℉ Temperature Control Coffee Mug Warmer, Gifts for Women and Men

The Kepwam Self-Heating Mug has truly changed the way I enjoy tea and hot water throughout the day. It’s more than just a gadget—it’s a thoughtful gift that brings comfort, convenience, and a little extra warmth into my life.

It comes in a range of colors including Graphite, Steel Blue, Black, Burgundy (which looks brown in the product images), Lilac, and Sage Green. My mug is Graphite (deep gray) and the one I purchased for my husband is Steel Blue.

If you or someone you know prefers sipping hot drinks slowly and hates reheating them repeatedly throughout the day, this mug is a simple joy and a daily pleasure.

Best for: Coffee, tea, cocoa, or hot water drinkers and anyone who wants to keep their hot beverages hot without a hassle.

Self-Heating Mugs: A Wonderful Gift To Keep Coffee Or Tea Hot All Day by Margaret Schindel

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A Review of HotPop Microwave Popcorn Maker

 

Last fall my husband and I started eating popcorn for a snack in the evening.  It was less calories than chips or cookies!  We started out buying microwave popcorn because we didn't have a popcorn popper.  Some brands were better than others, but one day I was going to make a bag and I took a look of the ingredients.  From there I went on the internet to investigate further.  What I found was not good:

A few reasons microwave popcorn is not healthy to eat:

1.  Oil.   Many microwave popcorns use hydrogenated oils, a type of trans fat that is bad for your heart and raises your cholesterol.

2.  Preservatives.  Most microwave popcorn use preservatives that prevent the ingredients from going rancid and to extend shelf life.  Some of these preservatives have been linked to vision, lung and behavioral problems, and while concrete proof has not been found yet, it is something to think about.

3.  The Bag.  Strangely enough one of the worst things about microwave popcorn is the bag that it comes in.  They have chemicals in them that prevent the grease from soaking through the paper.  Chemical like PFCs (perfluorinated compounds) that melt down into an acid that is a known carcinogen and has been linked to cancer according to the United Stated Environmental Protection Agency Report in 2017.

There are more reasons, why premade microwave popcorn is not good for you, but I think you get the idea.  I was very uncomfortable eating it after that, so I decided to find another way to make our popcorn that would be more natural.  I had decided to buy a free standing popcorn making machine because I thought it was the only way to go, other than cooking it on the stove, something I did not want to do.  I knew there was going to be a problem with finding counter space for the popper, as my counters were pretty full already, but I could not see any way around it.

I was shopping around on Amazon, surprised at how much the poppers cost.  Most were between $35 and $50, some as high as $70.  I had made my choice and was getting ready to order it when I saw a silicone popcorn popper that you put in the microwave, at the bottom of the page.  I remember thinking, that would be so much easier.  It even folded down so it was easy to store!.  I clicked on it and went straight for the comments.  That's where you find out the real info on anything you buy on Amazon.  

First of all, it got 4.6 our of 5 stars from 33,562 reviews, which is excellent.  Reading though the comments, I was pretty impressed, there were almost no bad reviews!  Most people highly recommended it!  The best part was it was only $12!  I was sold, and I ordered it. 

HotPop Popcorn Maker

 

When it arrived, we tried it out.  There are circles on the inside that show you how much popcorn to put in it for half a bowl or a full bowl.  It had a lid that you put on (make sure it is not fitted air tight as it needs air to pop) and easily folds down to about 3 inches tall, so it is easy to store.  You can use oil, butter or nothing when you are making your popcorn.  We use a little oil or butter because it helps the salt to stick to the kernels more easily.  So we put it in the microwave and hoped for the best......

The popcorn was delicious!

 

We were amazed at how good it was.  It was buttery, lightly salted and crispy.  I felt like we had hit the jackpot!  There were no burned pieces and at the bottom there were very few uncooked kernels.  

We have used it most evenings since then, for about two months and it has never failed to perform perfectly.  After experimenting with different oils and popcorn brands, we have found that these are the ingredients that we love best:

Pop Secret Jumbo Popcorn

Orville Redenbacher's Butter Flavor Popcorn Oil

Kernel Season's Popcorn Seasoning Variety - Pack of 8

I really cannot recommend this popcorn popper highly enough.  It's awesome!  If you fill it to the top, it makes 15 cups and that's enough for you and some friends.  It's dishwater safe, and unbreakable.  It really is a wonderful item and also makes a great gift, perfect for parents looking for a healthy snack to make for the kids!  You really can't beat it for the price!

If you would like to see this popper in action, below is a how to video you may want to watch:

 

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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Book Reviews: The Complete America's Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook 2001 - 2024

I finally ordered The Complete America's Test Kitchen cookbook. I am glad I waited because I ended up being able to order the most recent edition. This HUGE cookbook is full of amazing recipes, all of the extra tips and information they include in the show, and many photos of the finished dishes. I highly recommend this 1,200+ page cookbook.

The Complete America's Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook 2001 - 2024: Every Recipe and Product Rating From the Most Watched Cooking Show on Public TV

America's Test Kitchen has been a popular food show on the PBS channel for many years. They've been described as using "culinary science" and familiar cooking techniques to create delicious recipes. While I don't understand culinary science, I can agree that this is what they do. I just watched an episode this morning where they discussed the benefits of overcooking certain vegetables (eggplant, beans, and broccoli) to release certain properties and to bring out certain flavors. Each of those vegetables were releasing different ingredients. I don't understand that. But I love that they explain it briefly, while giving a delicious recipe that even I could make.

The Complete America's Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook 2001 - 2024: Every Recipe and Product Rating From the Most Watched Cooking Show on Public TV is a HUGE cookbook. It is advertised as:

• nearly 2,000 recipes from 24 seasons
• updated shopping guide for equipment and ingrediants
• notes and tips from the Test Kitchen Chefs
• 1280 pages
• Weighs 8 lbs and measures 8.63 x 2.38 x 11.25
• approximately 4.6/4.7 out of 5 stars review on Amazon/Goodreads (at the time I am writing this). It seems that deductions were related to damage during shipping and those who do not like the size of the book.

Did I mention that this book is HUGE? Some of the reviews on Amazon state that they don't like the size and weight of the book. I don't mind that. I love that all of the recipes from 24 TV seasons are included.  I like the print size (not too small), the paper quality (glossy and thick), and that there are photos on almost every page (either of the recipe or the instructional, how-to photos). 

Personal Thoughts:

I love watching America's Test Kitchen. I am not good in the kitchen so I appreciate how they explain what they are doing and why. I appreciate that many of their recipes are made with ingredients that I can find versus more exotic or hard to find ingredients.  

America's Test Kitchen does use many gadgets at times: food processors, certain pots or pans, etc. And I don't have those things. But, there are many, many recipes that utilize the things that I already have in my kitchen. 

I finally ordered this book, the newest edition, after watching a show with the Vegetable Bibimbap recipe. This is an "iconic Korean dish". Or, in my thoughts, a rice dish with good flavor and lots of vegetable options; vegetables I hope to grow in my garden this year. In the cookbook (page 572), the paragraph "why this recipe works" talks about the origin of the recipe and substituting a cast-iron dutch oven for the traditional stone bowl. I can hardly wait to try this recipe! I enjoy rice and vegetables, one-pot meals, and I like to try easy - but different - flavors. 

I am so thrilled that I finally purchased this cookbook. And that by the time I purchased it, the newest edition was available. I am not bothered by the weight and size of the book. I am very happy that the tips, notes, and substitutions discussed on the show episodes are included in the book.

I hope to use this book to do more garden-to-table cooking and become more successful in the kitchen. I highly recommend this cookbook.

Related Links:

The Complete America's Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook 2001 - 2024: Every Recipe and Product Rating From the Most Watched Cooking Show on Public TV on Amazon 

The official America's Test Kitchen website which includes information about joining and what their membership includes. 

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Ladies, This Is the Garden Hose You’ve Been Waiting For

Still the Best Garden Hose I've Ever Used - Here's Why

Back in 2020, I first reviewed one of those retractable, expandable lightweight garden hoses—and let me tell you, it was love at first spray. 

Fast-forward to today, and it's still the only type of hose I'll use. Once you experience the freedom of not dragging a heavy, stiff, tangled mess around the yard, there's no going back.

This year, I picked up another one for the backyard, and the moment I hooked it up, I was reminded why I fell for it in the first place. 

If the marketing teams behind these things aren't focusing on women, especially women who enjoy yard work, they're seriously missing a golden opportunity.

Here's why this hose continues to be a garden essential for me:

1. It's featherlight

Dragging around a traditional hose used to be a full-on workout. This one? I can carry it with one hand while sipping my coffee with the other. It's that light—and yes, that matters.

2. It stores like a dream

When you're done, it shrinks right up and hangs easily over the hose holder. There is no fighting with coils, no awkward loops falling off, and no grumbling required.

3. It saves space

Our 50-foot hose for the backyard takes up a third of the space the old one did. It practically disappears when it's not in use, which is great if you're tired of looking at a messy hose heap.

4. It looks tidy

I never thought I'd describe a hose as "not ugly," but here we are. It's sleek and minimal and doesn't distract from the garden or patio like those bulky green beasts we used to have.

5. No need for bulky wind-up holders

We've got one of those old-school hose boxes in the garage for the front yard, but we didn't want that eyesore cluttering up the backyard. With this hose, you just drape it over a hook or holder and call it a day.

6. Mornings are more leisurely now

One of my favorite parts of the day is watering the plants first thing in the morning. With the old hose, it felt like a chore before I even had my coffee. Now? I pop outside, grab the lightweight hose, water everything in minutes, and actually enjoy the moment.

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There are plenty of lightweight expandable hoses out there, and they come in a range of lengths to suit your yard or patio size. 

⭐If you’re looking for something simple and compact, here’s a popular 25ft lightweight hose you can check out⭐

It's a great option for smaller spaces or quick watering jobs—and trust me, once you try one of these types of hoses, you won't want to go back.

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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National Jelly Bean Day Review

National Jelly Bean Day is a Food Awareness Day celebrated each year on April 22. 

The Jelly Bean

There are dozens of companies who make Jelly beans. Just one company makes the Jelly Belly jelly bean. It was first just a brand of the Herman Goelitz Candy Company. Today, it is its own company ~ the Jelly Belly Company. 

The Jelly Belly Company makes over 50 flavors of beans. The difference between Jelly Beans and Jelly Belly beans is the taste. The standard jelly beans have no flavoring or coloring in the center, whereas Jelly Belly flavors both the centers and the shells.  Jelly Belly beans are smaller, but have a more intense flavor and are made in exotic flavors.

Fun Facts About Jelly Beans

Although no one knows who started National Jelly Bean Day, the first mention of the jelly bean can be traced back to an 1861 ad by William Schrafft, a confectioner in Boston, which promoted sending jelly beans to soldiers in the Union Army during the Civil War. 

• Candymakers have always made candy into novelty shapes, which seems to be the main reason this egg-shaped candy ended up being called jelly beans

• Being egg-shaped, the Jelly Bean became popular starting in the 1930s as the perfect candy for Easter Baskets. By the way, if you lined up all the jelly beans eaten by folks during the Easter holidays, they could circle the Earth three times! In fact, about 5 billion Jelly beans are eaten at Easter. 

• There are 4 calories in each Jelly Bean.

• And the ‘funnest’ facts of all….. 

Jelly Beans were President Reagan’s favorite candies. He used them to quit smoking when he was governor of California. 

About 3 tons of red, white, and blue jelly beans were used during Reagan’s inauguration as the 40th President of the United States

Jelly Belly beans were the first jelly beans in space, sent on the 1983 Challenger mission by President Reagan as a surprise for the astronauts.

Reagan’s favorite flavor was licorice! 

SUMMARY

National Jelly Bean Day is a fun holiday often associated with Easter traditions because the egg-like shape of the jelly bean reminds us of the Easter Bunny delivering eggs as a sign of Spring. 

National Jelly Bean Day
April 22

For More Holiday Reviews, Click on

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*National Jelly Bean Day holiday review was written by Wednesday Elf

JELLY BEANS:  

ClassicBrach Jelly Beans Bulk, Assorted Flavors, 2 Pound Bulk Pack - Delicious Traditional Jelly bean Candy for Easter Egg Hunts, and Baskets

The Jelly Bean Planet, Gourmet Jelly Beans Gift 42.5 Oz Jar - 36 Huge Natural Fruit Flavors, Seasonal, Birthday, Easter Candy, Plant Based Colors - Gluten Free, Fun Bulk Sweets Assortment

Jelly Belly 49 Assorted Flavors Jelly Beans - 1 Pound (16 Ounces) Resealable Bag - Genuine, Official, Straight from the Source

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Easter Treats for Cats Reviewed

This year I included my grandkitty in a family tradition and sent her an Easter treat.  I'm not sure why I have not done so in the past since I have adored all of my grandkitties.  Of course, I have sent them Christmas gifts each year, but just didn't think about the Easter treat.

Every year I buy a chocolate Easter bunny for our children as their special treat for Easter.  They are both grown adults now, but I still buy them a chocolate Easter bunny.  When my daughter got married, I started including our son-in-law in that tradition.  Even now that they are vegans, I sought out a vegan chocolate bunny (which they love) for them and shipped it directly to their home for delivery.

I wanted to send my grandkitty a chocolate bunny kitty treat, but could not find one, so I settled for a bunny carrot filled with cap nip.  I guess we can just say the carrot is a related or corresponding gift to the chocolate bunnies.  

I've already decided what I will send my grandkitty next year, now that the Peeps catnip toys have been daughter approved.  I can hardly wait!  I like the looks of Peeps cat nip toys better than the carrot, but I am quite sure my grandkitty will love fighting and "kicking" the carrot.  

Update:  While writing this article, I thought "why wait?" so I promptly ordered the Peeps catnip toys for my grandkitty!  They will arrive after Easter, but she won't mind.

 

Catnip Filled Carrot Cat Toy

 OurPets 100-Percent North American Catnip Filled Carrot Cat Toy 24 KaratCheck Price

Reduce your kitties boredom or stress by giving them a cat toy to play with. The carrot is filled with catnip which will entice the kitty to play with it. 

I chose the carrot cat toy because of the excellent reviews, as well as the awesome videos showing cats really enjoying their playtime with this specific cat toy.  Since it is only 4½ inches long, without the feathers, I was concerned it might not be long enough.  However, after watching several cats grasp the top in the mouth and kick the carrot with their hind paws, I knew it would be perfect.

Hopefully, the canvas fabric will make it more durable and hold up longer to the kitty chewing.  After having grandkitties for 17 years now, I know how important durable fabric is around them.

Now, let's all go play "kick the carrot"!

  

Catnip Filled Peeps Bunnies for Cats

 Peeps for Pets Peeps Bunnies Plush Catnip Cat Toys in Pink and Blue, 4" - 2 countCheck Price

Aren't these Peeps catnip toys just the cutest cat toys you have ever seen? And, the perfect Easter treat for my grandkitty, and your kitty too!  

There are 2 Peep catnip toys in the package.  

Like the carrot, they are only 4" long, but they also received excellent reviews, although one reviewer said she opened the stitching on the toy, added more catnip and stitched it back up for her cat.  That sounds like a great way to make an adorable cat toy more enticing for play.

These Peeps for Pets are officially licensed by Peeps and even have the Peeps trademark tag. 

   

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Our Adoption Story, Book Review

Our Adoption Story: The Story of How We Met Our Baby, is a book for adoptive parents to fill out, so that each one can tell the story of how they met their baby.

This book has guided prompts to help the adoptive parents fill in the blanks, so that they can write their own adoption story, and also share information about their baby, such as how meeting their baby came about, things they did the day that they brought their baby home, things they did to prepare ahead of time for bringing their baby home, etc.

Some pages also include little images to help out with the written prompts, as a fun way for the parents to personalize their story.

There are also pages that include a simple picture frame to add a picture to help depict what that page is about.

The inspiration behind this book:

My husband and I became adoptive parents decades ago. It was before the internet, so most exchanges of information were done locally, and or reading magazines, finding a group, etc.

When a couple becomes adoptive parents, things can happen rather quickly. Adoptive parents can find out that they are 'expecting' their baby anywhere from a day, to weeks, or months, before their baby is ready for adoption. It can be a whirlwind to prepare and get things ready for the day, for this new bundle of life to enter their lives. Some perspective adoptive parents can also be on a waiting list that can take even longer.

We actually found out about our potential baby around a couple of weeks before the baby was to be born. We didn't know for sure which gender we were 'expecting', but we at least had an idea. We purchased baby clothes, a crib, a dresser that included a changing table on the top. We waited to see what formula the hospital was feeding our baby, before purchasing baby formula. We also purchased diapers, both cloth and disposables.

The day came and we were both excited and nervous. But all of that changed once our baby was handed to us.

We had already made an appointment with a local pediatrician; our first stop before arriving home was with with the pediatrician. There, the doctor showed us how to change the baby's diaper, take her temperature, and gave us other new parent information.

Some time after that, I joined a parenting group, where I could take our baby. The new parents could learn about being parents. That was a great learning experience; it was very helpful. I also noticed that the new moms also talked a lot about their pregnancy and birthing stories. There was no one in the group on that particular day of the week, that I could relate to. But I did hear about another adoptive mom that went to that parenting group on a different day of the week, that wanted to start a play group for adoptive parents. Yay!

There ended up being five of us adoptive moms and five babies in our adoption play group. We all had different adoption stories. And we all had a learning curve; there were many similarities to new moms of any type, learning how to be a mom, but also things that were unique to us, as adoptive moms.

After all of this, I decided to write a story, just for our child, for her to be able to read and know some basic background about our adoption experience and information about her.

I wrote our story on index cards, and included pictures from magazines to help explain whatever, and pictures of us and her as well. I wrote answers to questions that might arise, using simple words. It became a favorite book for us to read together.

After many years, the idea came to me to make something that other adoptive parents could easily fill in and personalize, so that they could share their story with their baby.

This paperback booklet measures 6 by 9 inches and is 24 pages long. It is simple to fill out, and add photographs to. It will be a lovely, informative book for when the child is young, and also a wonderful keepsake for years to come.

Our Adoption Story - to be filled in by the adoptive parents. Check price.

Let me know in a comment below, if you think a similar booklet would be a good idea for adoptive parents that adopt a toddler or an older child. Thank you.

Update: Thank you for your comments. I will be designing three more adoption story books; one for toddlers, grade school children, and teens., each of which will include sections for the child to have some input.

Cheryl Paton

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Smuggler's Cove ~ A Book Review

Who doesn't like a book title that just kind of grabs your attention?  Add an author that has so many books under her belt that have been best sellers and you have my attention.  

I was in a funk with my reading preferences and needed a change of pace!  

While I love reading, lately my personal life has made sitting and reading a wish that was not going to come true.  But, and here's the truth, I needed something to lift me out of the dark places that I was in.

A good story with characters that have grown and changed with all the curve balls life can sometimes throw at you, was what I needed!

Fern Michaels hit all of these points for me with her first book in the Twin Lights Series, Smuggler's Cove!

Madison and Lincoln are living a good life filled with every good thing you could think of.  Their mother has sheltered them most of their lives even though they are privileged, they are not your typical spoiled rich kids.  This works in their favor when their father is arrested and jailed for insider trading and fraud.  Madison uses her keen sense of style to carve out a path in the fashion world as an editor for La Femme magazine.  Her younger brother Lincoln goes into wealth management with a keen eye to doing the "right" things with money!  Especially after witnessing the mayhem and hatred people had after his father's arrest and conviction.

Madison and Linc have left the past behind and worked hard to shed themselves of their father's image.  Both change their names and go on to be very successful in their new reality.  It wasn't easy, but both of them are happy with the work ethics and their lives as they work hard to be anything opposite to what their father was.

They now learn that their uncle (their dad's brother) has passed away and left them the marina at Smuggler's Cove. 

Madison and Linc are hoping for a beautiful place that they can quickly sell and divest themselves of this marina.  Neither one of them knows anything about fishing, clamming or anything else to do with boats.  This is out of their scope of knowledge and selling it seems to be the right thing to do.  That was until they arrived at the marina to find a dilapidated dock, some fishing boats and not much else.

Now I've set the background for you and it's time for you to get the book and read what happens next!  Let's just say that all their plans are turned upside down and with it their lives will take a whole new direction.  You will enjoy finding out all the ins and outs that Madison and Linc navigate as they make decisions that will have some lasting effects.

Smuggler's Cove is a great story that will have you turning pages to find out all the comings and goings in a little place on the Navesink River!  

You have to mark your calendars for Smuggler's Cove as it will be released in August of this year. I was given the pleasure of a sneak preview of this book through my NetGalley membership!  

If you like reading books before they are published you can join NetGalley or any of the other sites for keen readers!  You would find more information about that in one of my earlier reviews right here!  Calling all Bibliophiles!

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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Reviewing Over Fence Hanging Metal Pot Planters

I love looking for ways to enhance our garden and to expand my areas for planting. Whether you have a small garden or a patio or balcony or a large garden with fences that look more bare than you would like a pot holder is a lovely idea to increase areas for planting and to brighten up the garden. 

These metal hanging over the fence pot holders are usually not very large, but not too small either and have a hole at the base to allow water to drain away.

Reasons To Buy a Hanging Over Fence Metal Pot Holder

Good Looking

They look lovely! Whether your garden is very modern contemporary or traditional, quirky or cottage garden these metal pot holders can fit into the scheme and compliment your garden design. They come in many different finishes from painted metal in many different colours dark or light, vibrant to pastel to natural colours,  to steel and copper. So there is a option that will be suitable for most people and most gardens.

Drainage

When planting into any container drainage is vital for the health of your plants. Without it they may suffer rot and just become waterlogged and die. As these pot holders have a decent drainage hole at the base excess water can flow away . I like to put a crock over the drainage hole or a layer of gravel to ensure that it doesn't become blocked by soil or compost. 

Space Saving 

If you garden in a small space such as a balcony or patio it can be very helpful to make use of walls and vertical spaces. If you have several pot holders you can easily make a beautiful hanging display of flowers or foliage to cover the wall or fence. This can really make a significant impact in a small space. 

Even in a larger garden it is good to cover bare fences and lovely to have more space to fit those smaller plants to make a beautiful display. 

Longer Lasting

These metal planters are more durable than wood or even plastic and are more weather resistant. So we can safely leave them out in rain or snow or brilliant sunshine and they should  be alright.

Planting Options 

You can grow a wide variety of plants in these pot holders. Herbs do well as the drainage is so good. Flowers look amazing. Hanging or trailing plants add a lovely dimension. You could even try smaller vegetables or small salad plants.  As they are portable and easily moved you can move them to where the plants will be most happy for example in full sun or part shade. I like growing herbs in them, particularly sun loving herbs like Thyme that do not need too much water. So if I forget to water them it is not a disaster.

Easy to fit.

Hanging pots are so easy to install in the garden. The ones we bought came already fixed with a hook and are not detachable so we simply planted them up then hung them over our fence with the hook. This took a few minutes and required no tools or knowledge. We had checked that the hook was large enough to fit over the fence.  If you do not have a fence it may mean installing a bracket or something they can hang over but that can be something very simple. If you buy pots that have detachable hooks or other fixings then they may require some assembly. 

 KINGLAKE Flower Pots,10 Pcs Metal Iron Hanging Flower Plant Pots 4'' Flower Holders with Detachable HookCheck Price Dahey 10 Pcs Hanging Flower Pots Metal Iron Bucket Planter Flower Holders with Detachable Hooks, Black, 4 InchesCheck Price

Aspects To Bear In Mind About Hanging Metal Pot Holders

As these pots are quite small you must only fill them with small plants. This might mean that you will need to move plants out of them if they get too big for the pot. You will notice this if you see the roots growing through the drainage hole or roots growing on the surface of the soil. 

In warm weather you will need to water quite often, possibly as often as once a day. This can be seen as a chore, or a lovely way to reconnect with your plants and check them over each day. The best thing to do is to check with a finger if the first inch of the soil is dry, if it is then water. 

It is better to use a gentle watering system like a long spouted watering can or a hosepipe on a very gentle spray. If you use  too forceful jet it will just displace the soil and be a bit harsh on the plant. 

If hanging over a fence in the garden then the drainage is no issue. However if you are hanging them on your balcony or patio you may find it beneficial to have something underneath them to catch the drained water. I feel it is a good idea to have another potted plant underneath, that way you catch the water and water the ground plant at the same time! 

Always check the size of the pots as you want to make sure they are not too small for your needs. Some are round pots with one hook and some are oval shaped or oblong shaped usually with a double hook and more space. Check measurements carefully to ensure they and the hooks will fit your fence or brackets properly.  

Some of the pots have a fixed hook and others a detachable hook. Both are great for this purpose. However if you have a detachable hook then you can use the pot as a freestanding planter on a surface as well more easily. The ones with detachable hooks may need some assembly though, so read each option carefully. 

 LaLaGreen Rail Planter Outdoor Plants(5 Pack, 11.8 Inch) Black Metal Iron Hanging Flower PotsCheck Price 8 Pack Metal Hanging Planters for Railing Balcony 10.6" & 5.1"Multicolor Hanging Flower Pot with Detachable HooksCheck Price

I like to buy pots like these so that they are grouped together in some way so to buy 3 or 7 or more to have a fuller display always looks better to me than a single one. 

Over fence metal hanging pot planters are a lovely addition to any garden whatever your style. They are very useful as you can use the vertical space in your garden which is often underutilised. They are practical and beautiful and really optimise the space in your garden. 

 

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Reviewing Over Fence Hanging Metal Pot Planters by Raintree Annie

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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