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Showing posts with label Margaret Schindel. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Marble Patterned Self-Adhesive Vinyl Quickly Elevates Product Photos

If you're a content creator, beauty blogger, or small business owner, you know how important beautiful visuals are on social media. A clean, elegant backdrop can make your products look more polished and professional—but that doesn’t mean you need to invest in pricey marble slabs, expensive portable flat lay backdrop systems or custom studio setups.

Instead, I use marble-patterned self-adhesive vinyl over large foam boards to create easy, affordable, and incredibly photogenic backdrops. It's an elegant and budget-friendly way to get that high-end marble look, and it's a quick and easy DIY project.

Since our house is old and our bathrooms are dated, I can replicate the look of a marble countertop and backsplash inexpensively for my skincare and beauty product photos for social media.

DIY Marble Photography Backdrops for Elegant Product Photos

Why Marble Patterned Vinyl Is a Game-Changer for Flat Lays and Product Photos

A marble pattern adds a soft, clean, and sophisticated feel to photos without overwhelming the subject. Whether I’m shooting a serum bottle, a compact, or a jar of collagen peptides, the subtle veining of marble vinyl gives just enough visual interest while keeping the focus where it belongs: on the product.

Plus, unlike fabric backdrops or poster board, vinyl is durable, easy to clean, and reusable—perfect for skincare or beauty photography where spills or smudges can happen.

Faux marble photography backdrop with food products

How I Use DIY Faux Marble Backdrops to Elevate My Product Photography

I use my marble patterned self-adhesive vinyl to cover foam board panels. Here’s why that works so well:

Lightweight & Portable – I can move them around for the best natural light.
Versatile – One board can be used flat for a flat lay or propped up for a clean vertical background.
Reversible – Cover each side with a different pattern to maximize options in minimal space.

Some brands have a grid-lined backing that makes it easy to measure and cut the vinyl to size. It’s repositionable during application, which helps prevent air bubbles or misalignment. Once it’s smoothed out, the finish looks seamless on camera.

Covering foam boards with marble-patterned self-stick vinyl isn't difficult and the resulting backdrops are lightweight and easy to store. They can be used individually as flat lays or in pairs to simulate a countertop and backsplash or similar background. And they give my product photos of skincare and beauty products for social media a more elegant, upscale look.

Other Creative Uses

This type of marble-patterned vinyl isn’t just for photography. It’s also great for:

Giving countertops or tabletops a refresh
Lining shelves or drawers
Creating DIY wall panels or art
Covering old furniture for a stylish upgrade

Basically, any flat, smooth surface is fair game.

Skincare products against white and gold faux marble photography backdrop

My Favorite Marble Self-Stick Vinyl Rolls

There are many marble-patterned self-adhesive vinyl options out there, but my favorites have the following characteristics:

Realistic Look: I prefer a marble pattern with subtle, soft veining that looks like real marble and photographs beautifully, with no harsh lines or fake plastic shine.
Smooth Application: I want the adhesive backing to stay where I put it without being overly aggressive. I want it to be forgiving during setup, but once applied, stay in place with no peeling edges.
Durable Finish: I look for thick, good-quality, patterned self-stick vinyl that doesn’t wrinkle or bubble easily and wipes clean with a damp cloth.

My husband drove me to several large home improvement stores to look at their self-adhesive vinyl selections. Unfortunately, most of the patterns were unappealing and lacked the elegance and sophistication I was looking for.

Fortunately, Amazon has a much broader selection and I was able to find quite a few beautiful marble patterned self-stick vinyl options that met my needs.

Here are the marble-patterned vinyl rolls I chose for my backdrops. I chose patterns and colors that I thought could work well together if I wanted to mix and match them for a contrasting "countertop" and "backsplash" effect.

My favorite is probably the Cohoo Home Marble Contact Paper, which is described as white and gold but actually looks like white and rose gold to my eye. But all four of them are beautiful.

Cohoo Home Marble Contact Paper for Countertops Marble Peel and Stick Wallpaper Removable Self Adhesive Wallpaper Matte Peel and Stick Countertops Kitchen Cabinet Waterproof 15.7inW 197inL White/Gold

VEELIKE 15.7''x118'' Beige Gold Liquid Marble Contact Paper for Countertops Peel and Stick Waterproof Granite Countertop Paper Self Adhesive Marble Wallpaper Vinyl Roll for Kitchen Bathroom Table Wall

Gray and Gold Marble Fancy Wallpaper 16" x 78.7'' Thicken Granite Peel and Stick Contact Paper Vintage Texture Glossy Self-Adhesive Waterproof Vinyl Removable for Living Room Countertop Kitchen Garage

Decotalk Grey White Marble Contact Paper Peel and Stick Countertops for Kitchen 17.7 x 120 inch Stick on Bathroom Counter Cabinets Waterproof Removable Self Adhesive Wall Paper for Table Top Covers

Although I chose marble patterned self-adhesive vinyl for my initial product photography backdrops, I plan to expand my collection with other patterns and colors, such as wood and possibly floral patterns. The vinyl and foam boards are inexpensive enough to let me create a variety of looks for not a lot of money.

Foam Boards

For my trial run I used 3/16"-thick 20" x 30" foam boards. When those were successful and I tested them out with some product shots, I decided to buy some larger 3/8"-thick 30" x 40" foam boards that I am hoping to be able to use as a background for my skincare and makeup tutorial videos. (The ones I found on Amazon don't say how thick they are but have good reviews.) The thicker foam board is sturdier and less prone to warping, yet still extremely lightweight.

Creating the Faux Marble Photography Backdrops

The first step is to cover the foam board with the marble patterned self-adhesive vinyl. I found that this is really best done as a two-person job, with one person slowly peeling back about one inch of the vinyl backing sheet at a time as the other person uses an 18-inch ruler to smooth down that narrow section of vinyl down onto the foam board without creating air pockets or bubbles. Peel back another inch of the backing sheet, smooth down the vinyl against the foam board, and repeat until you get to the far edge of the foam board. Use a craft knife and a straight edge to trim the edges of the vinyl flush with the edge of the foam board, if necessary. Repeat the process to cover the remaining exposed foam board, aligning the marble patterns in a visually pleasing manner.

Tip: Press and smooth the self-adhesive vinyl against the foam board very firmly. If, despite your best efforts, you discover any air pockets or small bubbles, use the tip of a fine needle to prick a tiny hole at one edge of the bubble and smooth/press out the air to expel it through the hole.

I bought four marble patterns (let's call them A, B, C, and D) and chose to cover two foam boards identically with pattern A on one side and pattern B on the reverse side, and then covered two more foam boards with pattern C on one side and pattern D on the other side. This allows me to mix and match the marble patterns when assembling the boards at right angles to create my product photography backdrops.

My husband rigged up a stand for me, but you could just as easily use some heavy bookends (and maybe a couple of clips) to hold the vinyl-covered foam boards at right angles on a flat surface.

Final Thoughts

If you want to create high-quality content without spending a fortune on props or surfaces, making DIY photography backdrops with marble-patterned self-adhesive vinyl over foam boards is a smart, economical, and stylish solution.

Whether you're creating backdrops for skincare tutorials, websites, Instagram Reels, Stories or other social media, or for other product shots, a marble background adds a polished, editorial touch to your content.

Tip: Use natural light and experiment with shadows to highlight the marble texture. It adds beautiful depth without distracting from your product.

Marble Patterned Self-Adhesive Vinyl Quickly Elevates Product Photos by Margaret Schindel

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

A Prostaglandin-Free Lash Growth Serum for Longer, Stronger Eyelashes

If you’ve been longing for naturally longer, fuller lashes but want to avoid extensions or harsh formulas, Sweed Pro Eyelash Serum is well worth a look. I’ve been using it in my own routine and it’s quickly become a favorite because it’s clean, safe, prostaglandin-free, gentle on my sensitive eyes, and gives me noticeably longer, stronger eyelashes.

The Best Prostaglandin-Free Eyelash Growth Serum

I am not wearing eyeliner on my upper lids in this photo, just mascara

Do You Have Short, Sparse, or Weak Eyelashes?

I have never been blessed with great lashes. Mine have always been thin, pale, stick straight (similar to Asian lashes), and they point straight down. Long, upward curling lashes are especially important for those of us who have deeply hooded eyes. And, as we age, no matter how they started, our eyes tend to become more hooded and our lashes tend to become more sparse. That's why in my late 60s and early 70s, finding an effective lash growth serum became a beauty priority.

A couple of years ago, I used a fantastic lash growth serum from Obagi. It made a huge difference in the length and fullness of my lashes, although it tended to make them brittle. But the real problem was that it contained a prostaglandin analog. So, while I continue to use (and love) their excellent brow serum, I didn't want to keep using their lash serum because I didn't want to use a prostaglandin analog so close to my eyes.

I tried several well reviewed and highly recommended prostaglandin-free lash growth serums with disappointing results. I used at least one entire tube of each brand's eyelash serum to give it a fair trial. But it wasn't until I tried Sweed Beauty's Pro Eyelash Serum that I found a winner.

An Effective, Clean Beauty Lash Growth Serum With No Prostaglandins

One of the first things that drew me to this serum is its commitment to clean, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty. It’s free from prostaglandin analogues (found in many lash serums), as well as sulfates, parabens, gluten, and synthetic fragrance. That’s a rare and welcome combination, especially for those of us with mature or sensitive eyes.

Unlike many lash growth serums that rely on prostaglandins or prostaglandin analogs — hormone-like ingredients originally used in glaucoma treatments — Sweed Pro Eyelash Serum is completely free from these compounds. That matters because prostaglandin-based formulas have been linked to unwanted side effects such as darkening of the eyelid skin and iris, periorbital fat loss (which can create a sunken-eye look), eye irritation, and even eyelid drooping or unwanted facial hair growth where the product migrates.

Sweed takes a gentler approach, using nourishing, non-irritating peptides and botanicals to support healthier-looking, longer lashes—without the hormone disruption or high-risk side effects.

Created by a Makeup Artist Who Understands Real Results

Sweed’s founder, Gabriella Elio, is a professional makeup artist with over two decades of experience. She designed her line to reflect the clean, performance-driven simplicity of Scandinavian beauty, and that’s exactly what this serum delivers. It's surprisingly effective, especially compared to the other prostaglandin-free lash serums I have tried.

It's a bit hard to tell with my stick-straight lashes and deeply hooded eyes, but my eyelashes are so much longer and fuller and don't break as easily after using the Sweed Pro Eyelash Serum for 2 months

What I Noticed

After about three weeks of consistent nightly use, I began noticing a difference in my lashes. They looked a bit fuller and I noticed fewer lashes falling out. By the four-week mark, I could see a real improvement in overall density and health. After six weeks, I was really impressed with how long, full, and strong my lashes were becoming.

There was no redness, no irritation, no stinging—and that’s saying something, because my eyes can be quite sensitive.

Although my mascara didn't cooperate when I took these photos, you can see how long and full my normally short, sparse lashes have become after using Sweed Pro Eyelash Serum nightly for two months

What’s Inside

The Sweed Pro Eyelash Serum formula is packed with thoughtful, lash-loving ingredients:

Peptides to support healthy lash growth
Biotin to strengthen and help prevent breakage
Pumpkin seed extract to nourish and add shine
Vegan keratin to reinforce and protect
Hyaluronic acid for deep hydration
Panthenol (Vitamin B5) to improve flexibility and softness

Each ingredient plays a supportive role in extending the growth phase of your lashes while conditioning and protecting them along the way.

How to Use Sweed Pro Eyelash Serum

It’s very easy to use. After cleansing at night, just apply a thin line of the serum right along the upper lash line, as if it were liquid eyeliner. This eyelash serum dries quickly, and after a couple of minutes you can apply the rest of your evening skincare routine.

After achieving noticeable results, you can scale back to using it two to three times a week for maintenance. And if you’re like me and have a few sparse spots in your brows, you can apply the serum there too, although Sweed also makes a great brow serum.

Packaging & Price

I love the pretty turquoise packaging of this lash growth serum, which is available in a choice of two sizes:

3 ml for $55
5 ml for $80

The 3 ml size should last about 3 months and the 5 ml size should last about 5 months. That averages $16–$18 a month for fuller, longer, stronger lashes.

Final Thoughts

SWEED - Eyelash Growth Serum | Lengthens with Peptides, Biotin, Pumpkin Seed Oil + Keratin | Prostaglandin-Free | Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Clean Beauty (0.17 fl oz | 5 ml)

Sweed Pro Eyelash Serum strikes that rare balance of being gentle enough for daily use while actually delivering results. It’s a clean, vegan lash enhancer created by a professional who understands performance and simplicity.

If you’re looking to improve the fullness and health of your natural lashes without irritation or compromise, I truly believe this is one of the best clean formulas out there.

A Prostaglandin-Free Lash Growth Serum for Longer, Stronger Eyelashes by Margaret Schindel

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

This Back Massager With Heat Makes a Fantastic Gift

The self-heating mug I reviewed recently isn’t the only thoughtful gift my husband got me for my birthday last month. He also gave me a wonderful shiatsu-style electric back massager with heat to help with my chronic stiff neck and back pain. It really helps work out the knots in minutes!

I haven't stopped using this heated back massager since I received it, so I am anxious to share my product review with others who might benefit from it or who might want to give one as a gift.

The Boriwat Back Massager with Heat

The Boriwat Back Massager with Heat is a versatile, affordable aid designed to deliver relief from muscle tension, pain, and stress. Combining deep-tissue shiatsu-like kneading with soothing heat and customizable settings, this massager offers a convenient solution for anyone seeking relaxation at home, at work, or on the go. I love that it can be used to massage not only my upper and lower back (depending on which way I orient it) but also my neck, where I also carry a lot of tension, by lying down on it.

I use my back massager with heat in bed, at my desk, in my living room, and in the car. I can lay against it or on top of it, depending on the position that best suits my needs.

Key Features & Specifications

Dual Heating Zones and Heat Levels: This device features two built-in heating zones for warmth on both the back and the neck (the two places I carry my stress). It also offers two adjustable heat levels, low (104°F) and high (113°F), to help loosen tight muscles and improve blood circulation.
Heat Can Be Turned Off: While I love the heat for soothing sore muscles and knots, it's nice that it can be turned off during warmer weather.
3D Shiatsu Massage Nodes: Four rotating, bi-directional massage nodes mimic the sensation of a real massage therapist’s hands, delivering a deep-kneading experience that targets tight or sore areas.

Helpful tip: The nodes are quite firm, and if my muscles are really tight and sore, I sometimes put a sheet of 1/2-inch open cell upholstery foam (I bought mine at a fabric store) in between my back or neck and the massager.
Adjustable Intensity: With three levels of intensity (low, medium, and high), you can tailor the massage to match your individual comfort and pain relief needs.
Ergonomic Design: Larger than most standard massage pillows, this massager measures approximately 15" x 13", providing better coverage and a more ergonomic fit for the back, neck, shoulders, and even thighs.
Remote Control Operation: A simple wired remote lets you switch the heat and massage settings easily just by pressing each button repeatedly to rotate through the settings without having to reposition the massager.
Safety Features: It includes a 15-minute auto shut-off timer.
Portable and Travel-Friendly: Comes with both an AC wall adapter and a car adapter, making it ideal for use while commuting or traveling.

Boriwat back massager with heat remote control

The remote control is simple and intuitive

Pros

Effective Pain Relief: I have found that this heated massager provides significant relief from chronic back and neck pain thanks to the combination of strong kneading pressure and heat therapy.
Multi-Purpose: Its shape and flexibility make it suitable not just for the back, but also for the neck, shoulders, thighs, and calves.
Easy to Use: The intuitive controls and included adapters make it easy to use and incorporate into a daily routine, if desired.
Affordable: Compared to other massage devices with similar features, the Boriwat massager is competitively priced. At the time of this review's publication, it was on a terrific limited-time deal that brought the price down from $89.99 to just $39.99 — a 56% savings! A fantastic time to buy one.

Cons

Potential Longevity Issues: As with many electronic devices, there are occasional reports of the unit wearing out or malfunctioning after several months of frequent use. I have not owned mine long enough yet to comment on its longevity, but the many 5-star reviews suggest that this is not a common issue.

Makes a Great Gift

Boriwat Back Massager with Heat, Neck Massager for Pain Relief Deep Tissue, 3D Kneading Massage Pillow for Back, Neck, Shoulder, Legs, Gifts for Women Men Mom Dad

The Boriwat Back Massager with Heat can be a worthwhile addition to your wellness routine, whether you're dealing with tension after a long day or managing chronic discomfort. It's an excellent value for the price and provides effective relief for sore, tight muscles. It is easy to use, and can be taken almost anywhere, thanks to its included car travel adapter that fits into your car's cigarette lighter socket. It would make a much appreciated gift for anyone looking to relax and relieve pain from the comfort of their home or while traveling. If you can grab one for just $39.99 during the limited-time deal, you'll be getting a terrific bargain!

This Back Massager With Heat Makes a Fantastic Gift by Margaret Schindel

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

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.

Kepwam self-heating mug temperature indicator lights

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.

Kepwam self-heating mug power and temperature setting button

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

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Evie Woods' New Novel of Self-Discovery, Secrets and Second Chances

Recently I had the opportunity to read an advance review copy (ARC) of author Evie Woods' newest novel, The Mysterious Bakery on the Rue de Paris, which was just published yesterday on April 8, 2025. I enjoyed it so much that I couldn't wait to share my book review here on Review This Reviews.

Image made with AI on Canva

A Life in Transition

Evie Woods’ The Mysterious Bakery on the Rue de Paris is a delicious blend of hope, heartbreak, and intrigue. It's the story of Edith, an Irishwoman seeking a fresh start after her world is upended by the loss of her mother to cystic fibrosis. Having spent years as her sick mother’s caregiver, Edith is left feeling lost and unsure of what comes next. Working as a waitress and trying to comfort her grieving father feels unfulfilling and she is desperate for a change.

Not the (Rue de) Paris She Was Expecting

In an uncharacteristic burst of spontaneity, Edith impulsively applies for an assistant manager position at a French bakery on the Rue de Paris. She is swept up in dreams of a glamorous new life in the romantic City of Lights, but reality has other plans.

Instead of the bustling metropolis, Edith discovers too late that the bakery is located on the Rue de Paris in Compiègne, a sleepy, picturesque village an hour's train ride outside the city. Definitely not the "Paris" she thought she had signed up for.

Cold Shoulders and Mysterious Rules

The bakery is beloved by locals for its mouthwatering breads, pastries and sandwiches, but Edith quickly senses that all is not as it seems. Her new living quarters are tiny and shabby. The bakery's proprietress, elderly but spunky Madame Moreau, is gregarious with customers but curt and chilly with Edith. The locked basement where the actual baking happens is strictly off-limits, and Edith is forbidden to see or meet the mysterious, nameless baker. A teenage boy named Manu, the bakery's only other employee, won't say much to her, either.

Struggling with these unwelcoming co-workers and strange rules, as well as her limited grasp of the French language, makes Edith feel lonely, isolated and out of place. She wonders whether her impulsive move to France was a terrible mistake.

Finding Connection in Unexpected Places

Despite her loneliness, however, Edith is determined to try to build a life in Compiègne. She decides to get a sassy French haircut and forms a close friendship with Nicole, the daughter of the hair salon owner. She also gradually befriends a few of the bakery’s regulars, including Geoff who gives fascinating tours of the village and the historic Forest of Compiègne, where in 1940 the French signed a humiliating armistice with Nazi Germany.

Nicole invites Edith to hear her husband Johnny play jazz at the local club. Edith is attracted to a handsome Englishman at the bar but is too shy to strike up a conversation, so Nicole does it instead and then introduces Edith to him. Hugo is charismatic and well-spoken and he and Edith feel an immediate spark, but he is a photographer who lives and works in Paris. Fortunately, he comes to Compiègne frequently to visit his mother, who has Alzheimer’s and is in a nearby care facility.

Hugo's and Edith's burgeoning long-distance relationship is kept alive through his periodic, brief visits interspersed with sweet postcards. Meanwhile, Edith spends much of her precious (and scarce) spare time with Nicole, Johnny and their family, who "adopt" the foreigner and try to make her feel at home in her new hometown.

Just as Edith starts to feel as though she might belong in Compiègne after all, however, everything threatens to unravel.

Secrets, Betrayal, and a Family Legacy at Risk

As her French improves and she becomes more involved in the day-to-day operations of the bakery, Edith's curiosity about its mysterious past grows. When she finally uncovers the truth about the bakery’s secretive history, operations and financial struggles thanks to Manu's eventual confidences, she’s faced with a new heartache: discovering that the man she’s falling for is one of the people trying to force Madame Moreau to sell the bakery, her family’s precious multigenerational legacy.

Can the bakery—and Edith's and Hugo's relationship—survive? You'll have to read this intriguing novel to find out.

Layers of History and Humanity

Author Evie Woods adds depth to the story with historical themes, including the Nazi occupation of France and the impact of racial discrimination. These elements tie into the bakery’s mysterious past and add emotional resonance to what might otherwise be a lighthearted narrative.

She paints the story with rich, sensory details: the scent of buttery croissants wafting through the air, the hum of jazz spilling from a smoky club, the warmth of fresh friendships blossoming in unexpected corners. She also doesn’t shy away from weightier themes, like loss, betrayal, and the courage it takes to rebuild a life. Edith’s journey isn’t just about solving the mystery of the bakery—it’s about rediscovering herself and finding the strength to fight for what matters.

Final Thoughts

The Mysterious Bakery on the Rue de Paris is a heartfelt and satisfying novel that blends personal growth, romance, and historical intrigue. With vivid setting details, believable characters, and a steady unfolding of mystery, it’s a story about healing, second chances, and the power of community. If you enjoy novels that balance charm with depth, this one is well worth the read.

I read an advance copy of the Kindle edition courtesy of the author and NetGalley, but I enjoyed it so much that I plan to purchase The Mysterious Bakery on the Rue de Paris audiobook as well. It is also available in paperback.

I'm looking forward to reading more of Evie Woods' books.

N/A

Evie Woods' New Novel of Self-Discovery, Secrets and Second Chances, a book review by Margaret Schindel

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

The Best PTFE-, PFOA-, and Cadmium-free Nonstick Fry Pans

One of the things about nonstick cookware is that, for safety reasons, it needs to be replaced as soon as you see signs of scratches in the nonstick coating, usually every few years. For that reason, I don' like to spend a lot of money on nonstick fry pans. On the other hand, cheap nonstick cookware needs to be replaced even more frequently. So, when our favorite 8-inch nonstick pan was due to be replaced, I did some research to see whether anything better had become available on the market since we purchased that one. Here's my review of the Ninja Neverstick Ceramic Pro 8-inch nonstick fry pan we chose to replace it.

We're trying to move away from PFAS "forever chemicals," so one of the products I looked at was a frying pan from the widely advertised Caraway ceramic nonstick cookware line. However, my research uncovered that reviews were very mixed, especially when it came to durability, longevity, and nonstick performance, and I found the pans to be extremely overpriced. The 8-inch "mini" fry pan cost $90–$125, depending on whether the handle was the standard silver metal or gold-toned. Definitely not in my budget, especially for a pan that didn't have universally glowing product reviews from customers!

So, when I discovered that Ninja, the manufacturer of the fry pan we were replacing, now had its Ninja NeverStick Ceramic Pro cookware line that competes head-to-head with Caraway and had excellent reviews, I decided to try it out.

If you’re in the market for high-quality, nonstick fry pans that are both durable and non-toxic, I encourage you to consider the Ninja NeverStick Ceramic Pro Fry Pans. With Ninja’s reputation for high-performance cookware, these pans promise superior nonstick performance, high heat resistance, and long-lasting durability. And, although we haven't owned our new Ninja NeverStick Ceramic Pro 8-inch Fry Pan long enough to attest to the durability of the nonstick coating, so far we are extremely pleased. Whether you're in the market for a small 8-inch ceramic nonstick fry pan like ours, an everyday workhorse 10.25-inch nonstick fry pan, or a big 12-inch nonstick fry pan, this line of titanium-infused ceramic nonstick cookware is well worth considering.

In this review, I'll break down the key features, performance, and overall value of these fry pans to help you decide if they’re worth the investment.

Key Features

1. NeverStick Ceramic Coating

One of the biggest concerns with ceramic nonstick cookware is longevity—many ceramic coatings wear out quickly. However, Ninja claims that their titanium-infused NeverStick Ceramic Pro coating is built to last, resisting sticking even at high temperatures and offering an easy-release surface for effortless cooking. Plus, it’s PTFE, PFOA, and cadmium-free, making it a safer alternative for health-conscious cooks.

2. Premium Construction & Design

Material: Body is made from 100% recycled forged aluminum, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing hot spots.
Thickness: A heavy-gauge design provides superior heat retention and durability.
Handle: The stainless steel handle stays cool on the stovetop and is securely double-riveted for extra strength.
Compatibility: These pans work on gas, electric, glass, and induction cooktops.
Oven-Safe: Withstand temperatures up to 660°F, making them ideal for stovetop-to-oven cooking.

3. Superior Nonstick Performance

The NeverStick Ceramic Pro coating promises effortless food release—meaning you can cook eggs, pancakes, and delicate fish without worrying about sticking or tearing. Unlike many ceramic pans that require oil to function properly, this pan performs exceptionally well even without oil, making it a great option for low-fat cooking.

Performance Breakdown

1. Cooking Results

Eggs & Pancakes: John loves his breakfast and has been using this 8-inch nonstick ceramic fry pan every morning to cook a couple of eggs or pancakes. (I don't eat until lunchtime.) He says the eggs slide right off the surface with minimal oil, proving its nonstick effectiveness. Pancakes also cook evenly in this pan.

Meat: We often cook a large batch of burgers in advance and then reheat one or two of them. This pan is the perfect size for that and recreates the yummy Maillard reaction on the surface of the burgers while reheating them.

Tomato-based Sauces: We found when reheating individual portions of leftover pasta that acidic, red, tomato-based sauces don't stain the surface.

2. Heat Distribution

The forged aluminum base provides consistent heat across the surface, preventing hot spots and ensuring even cooking.

3. Durability & Scratch Resistance

Unlike many ceramic pans that scratch easily, this one holds up well against wooden and silicone utensils. Even though the manufacturer says you can use metal utensils, we avoid them to prolong the lifespan of the nonstick coating.

The manufacturer claims that Ninja NeverStick Ceramic Pro nonstick cookware is 5x more scratch-resistant and 3x more scrub-resistant than Caraway ceramic coated cookware.

Best of all, this Ninja NeverStick Ceramic Pro cookware comes with a 10-year manufacturer's warranty!

Ease of Use & Maintenance

Cleaning: The pan is incredibly easy to clean—a quick wipe with a sponge and mild soap is usually enough.

Dishwasher-Safe: While it is labeled as dishwasher-safe, handwashing is recommended to preserve the nonstick coating.

Weight: It is lighter than cast iron but has a sturdy feel, making it easy to handle.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Truly nonstick, requiring very little oil (the manufacturer recommends preheating the pan with a small amount of oil or butter before adding food)
An excellent value — less than half the cost of a comparable Caraway 8-inch nonstick ceramic pan
Non-toxic PTFE-, PFOA-, lead- and cadmium-free ceramic coating
10-year warranty
Induction-compatible
Oven-safe up to 660°F (the comparable Caraway ceramic cookware is oven-safe to only 550°F)
Durable forged aluminum body for even heat distribution
Sturdy stainless steel handle
Easy to clean and resistant to staining
Metal utensil-safe, although wooden or silicone utensils are recommended
Dishwasher-safe in theory, although to prolong the life of the nonstick coating we would never put ours in the dishwasher (and it simply isn't necessary, because it's so easy to clean)

Cons:

I can't yet vouch for the long-term durability because we haven't owned our pan long enough to judge.

Another bonus for us is that the 8-inch tempered glass lid from our original Ninja NeverStick Professional 8-inch fry pan fits perfectly on our new Neverstick Ceramic Pro pan.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Ninja NeverStick Fry Pans

The Ninja NeverStick Ceramic Pro Fry Pans are an excellent choice for home cooks looking for a high-performance, non-toxic, and long-lasting nonstick pan. They outperform many standard ceramic pans in durability, heat resistance, and food release, making them a great investment for everyday cooking.

Who Should Buy It?

Health-conscious cooks looking for a PTFE-free, PFOA-free, cadmium-free nonstick pan
Home chefs who need a high heat tolerance pan for searing and oven cooking
Anyone who values easy cleanup and long-lasting nonstick performance

The Ninja NeverStick Ceramic Pro Fry Pans deliver exceptional nonstick performance, durability, and ease of use, making them one of the best ceramic fry pans available today. If you’re looking for premium nonstick cookware that lasts, this is definitely a pan worth considering!

Have You Tried It?

Have you used the Ninja NeverStick Ceramic Pro Fry Pan? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! If you found this review helpful, share it with your fellow home cooks and kitchen enthusiasts!