Speedball Carver Review

I was becoming more and more intrigued to create prints from a carving. I had watched numerous videos on YouTube to learn about the techniques and methods that people used. I was hooked, and ordered my Speedball Linoleum Cutter.

I had some dense foam on hand that was used in some basic picture frames. It seemed that they were soon going to have a new purpose. My Speedball cutting tool arrived and I looked forward to cutting out my first print. Nope! Didn't work. The foam was a bit too dense. I had grown up with the adage of 'make do with what you got.' Well sometimes that works, and sometimes not. It was time to get something that I saw people have success with.

I placed another order for the Speedball print making blocks, called Speedy Carve. I figured since my first try didn't work, I wasn't going to go with a less expensive brand. I definitely wanted it to work. I ordered the Speedball Carving block.

The time came. I was going to make a real print. Something I actually dreamed about printing, and not just some little things to give it a try. I drew a picture of my cat, Tori, from a photo. She is gorgeous, no matter if I didn't draw every change in fur color!

The method I used was to first trace around my Speedy Carve block, so that I would have the appropriate dimension for my upcoming drawing.

With photo on my phone off to the side, I commenced to drawing, and shaded in the areas that I wanted to print, on my paper. The areas that you don't want to print, are the ones that get carved away.

I darkened my drawing with my pencil, and then laid it on the carving block, face side down. I used the smooth round side of a marker to rub over the back of my paper, to transfer the drawing to the block.

Cool, the image was easily transferred. As per tips from the videos that I watched, I went over my drawing on the block with a pen, as the pencil marks can easily get smeared away.

Then the carving began. I started with the smaller V shaped carving tool to carve right around the edges that I wanted to make my prints from. I used a larger V shape carving tool to carve out the larger areas. I even laid the large V carving tool on its side to cover more area. That worked pretty good.

Overall, the Speedball carving tool works really well, and glides smoothly along the surface of the Speedy Carve block. Per instructions from videos that I watched, I held the carving tool at an angle and with light pressure, pushed the tool along, away from my body, and my other hand.

I found that it helps to have good eyesight, good lighting, steady hands, and being able to see all the lines and areas that you want left intact. With a bit of a slip, part of what you want to print can easily go away. The black in one of the cat's eyes, was mistakenly made smaller, more like a slit when a cat is looking at a light. So guess what, the cat now has black slits instead of the wider eyed look. Oh well. She's still gorgeous!

I have since cut away the areas around the cat, and glued the carved block to a piece of wood. It gives me a solid piece to hold, and isn't wobbly or flexible.

I also found that I get a cleaner print when I press the carved block down into brayered paint that is smoothed out, rather than using the brayer to apply the paint directly to the carved block.

Hope you found some helpful tips here. If you want to try making prints yourself, I do recommend the Speedball Carving Took, along with the Speedball Speedy Carve.

Speedball Carving Tool Set Check for price.

Speedball Speedy Carve Check for price.

Thank you for visiting and for your comments. My plan now is to fine tune my print making of this cute cat, and then design some products with the prints in my CherylsArt store on Zazzle. Let me know if you have a cat color request and or product type that is available on Zazzle. I will be glad to oblige.

Cheryl Paton

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

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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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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

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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Peace of Mind, my Review

Many times in the last few months, I have purposefully made time for Peace of Mind. Usually people think of piece of mind, when they hear this phrase. But I decided to give it an update.

I have given my "piece of mind" through the ethers, to names that I won't mention, and it may have helped to get bottled up stuff out. Even though I might have used positive words in my 'giving' I ultimately realized that I needed to give more time to Peace of Mind.

How might I do this, you may ask. Usually, I listen to a guided affirmation video on YouTube. I pick one that I find feels good to me in that moment, and also has soothing music that I like listening to. If that criteria doesn't seem to fit after a minute or so of listening, I go back and select another one. It is very important to me that I meet my needs and desires in that moment. It's important that I simply say no to what I don't want, for whatever reason, and to say Yes to my do wants.

I find that the more I say yes to me, the better my life and feelings actually go.

Sometimes I find that I really just want a female's voice to listen to, and other times it doesn't matter. Recently I listened to an affirmation video that had a lovely image of a young woman, and a soft voice from a man. I was intrigued and rather enjoyed it. It's on my save list to watch again later.

One of my regular voices that I listen to is a man's voice that is in the medium register. It's not always my favorite, but he does have some pretty good videos.

When I was watching more of the current event type videos, I found myself in a place that didn't feel so good. I told myself I needed to keep up, to find out if there was something I could do, to help change what I saw. I found out that those videos didn't really offer anything in that regard. I would end up, after a time, searching out an affirmation video, to lift my mood back up. I knew it was better for me to get to a better feeling place, than to hang out where I was.

Through this process, I started writing some specific affirmations in regards to the current events I was learning about. I incorporated those affirmations with some of my personal affirmations that I wrote for myself. I also reminded myself that some of my bigger affirmations that I wrote years ago, did come true. So who knows. To me it is worth it. It helps me with my Peace of Mind.

A favorite affirmation of mine is one that actually came from Proverbs. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." It reminds me that words are important. And I also know that words have power.

Apples of gold in pictures of silver, stickers
by CherylsArt

If this affirmation gives you Peace of mind, you can find it, along with my artwork, on various products in my CherylsArt store on Zazzle. https://www.zazzle.com/store/CherylsArt/proverbs

If you would like to know more about using affirmations, you can read Using Affirmations, Review, which is also on Review This Reviews.

Cheryl Paton

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

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A Review of Old Fashion Rice Pudding

After my Mom passed, I found a recipe book in her things that was unbelievably old.  The pages were not just yellowed, but the edges were downright brown.  The print on the pages was a bit hard to read, it looked like someone had typed them on an old manual typewriter.  There were uneven spaces between the lines and some of the letters were raised higher than others.  It was easy to see that this recipe book was VERY old.  Unfortunately, it didn't have a cover or any interior pages other than the pages with recipes.  No identifying marks of any kind to show where it had come from, or the date it was made.  The only clue I was able to derive from reading through it was the fact that each recipe had a name under it. I think this book may have come from my grandmother's church and each of the church ladies must have contributed recipes.

I was intrigued, but unfortunately there was nothing I could do about it.  All of my mother's siblings, aunts and cousins have already passed long ago.  There was simply no one left to talk to about this strange little book.  It looks like I will never know where it came from.  

Anyway!  Reading though the recipes, I could tell that these recipes were written long ago, like in the 1900s.  There are strange ingredients like "sour milk" and "fat" and "salt pork."  It made for some interesting reading!  One recipe that I saw I knew I wanted to make right away......rice pudding!  I have always loved it and I remember that my grandma made some really delicious rice pudding when I was little.  I am pretty sure this is the recipe she used.

Ingredients

1/2 cup uncooked rice

1 quart milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup raisins

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 275 degrees

Wash the rice, put in a mixing bowl and add milk, salt, brown sugar and nutmeg and mix thoroughly.

Grease a glass baking dish and pour in mixture.

Bake for 2  hours, stirring occasionally with a fork.

Add raisins and mix, then bake for an additional 30 minutes.

Serve hot or cold with heavy whipping cream.

I have made rice pudding before, but it never was exactly right.  It seemed too thick and had a custardy taste.  This rice pudding did not.  It was light, fluffy and tasted like rice and sugar and raisins.  It was yummy!  I compared the recipe to the one I had used previously and I found out the difference.  My recipe, like most recipes for rice pudding had eggs in it.  This is what gives it the heavy, custard like texture that i did not care for.  

I was elated!  I had not only found a great recipe for rice pudding, but I had a whole recipe book full of "lost in time" recipes for me to try out.  I will be sharing more of them on Review This Reviews so please come for another visit and more great old recipes!

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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My KDP Review

KDP is the book publishing arm of Amazon. KDP stands for Kindle Direct Publishing. This is where authors can publish their books as hardbacks, paperbacks, and or as a Kindle electronic version.

KDP has been evolving over the years. The first book that I wrote and published through KDP was written completely offline. It also wasn't KDP back then. Then I had to figure out what size to make my pages and which font they accepted (I had to change mine.)

Now people can look at charts and guidelines on KDP and find out what they need to get started.

First you need to know what kind of book you want to make; i.e. hardback, paperback, or electronic. You can only make one at a time, but then you can make it in another version afterwards. Sizes and margins can be different. Also with the electronic version, you can make clickable links for each chapter, etc.

At some point, you will have to decide on a title, and also a subtitle if you want one. Once a book is published on Amazon, the title cannot be changed.

With KDP, the minimum number of pages is 24. So if you're looking to write a 10-20 page pamphlet type book, this isn't for you. If you've got a minimum of 20 pages already, you can add other pages, such as book recommendations that are related to what you are writing, other books by you, a title page, this book belongs to, etc.

There are also maximum page number restrictions based on the type of book you're writing, i.e. paperback, hardback, or electronic. Page length can also be affected by paper selection, page size, and trim. You can check out the various requirements and restrictions by searching on your book type and the text, KDP size guidelines.

Once you are ready to start writing, you can be a brave and venturous soul and write it on your computer, like I did with my first venture. However, I recommend a book creation site that gives you the kind of flexibility you might be looking for. Do you know that you just want to create coloring books, for instance? Do you want to write text only books? Search for what works for you.

The site that I went with is Canva. Some love it and some don't. As mentioned, go for what is going to be most helpful to you.

With Canva, I can use a mix of my images along with a mix of images on the Canva site. In some books I have created, I used only my images, some have been a mix, and a couple have been Canva images only. With Canva, you are supposed to change up the images on their site some how, perhaps layer them with other images to make them look different than what is presented initially. However you do this, you want to make this be unique somehow. I use the professional version of Canva which gives me more images to choose from.

Another reason that I like Canva, is that I can easily adjust the page sizes with a couple of clicks, in case I didn't get it quite right in the beginning. Also, from Canva, I can easily download my book creation, and then upload it from my download files to Amazon. The interior of the book is downloaded and uploaded separate from the cover. The cover and the interior are two different creations on Canva, at least with physical paper books. They are also two different uploads on KDP.

With the forms on KDP, you can choose up to three categories for your book to be listed in. They used to give you up to ten options, and could then even add more. Those days have passed.

You can choose up to seven sets of keywords and or keyword phrases to help customers find your books.

You can also choose black and white only books, or ones with premium colored ink. Colored ink is more expensive to print and the price you set should allow for this additional upcharge for the printing of your book.

KDP gives a section to write a description that will get printed on its Amazon product page.

When writing on KDP, you can create a free author page on Amazon. Once your book is published and live on Amazon, you can create your author page. You can find it by searching for the phrase, Amazon Author Central.

When writing on KDP, you can also create and run ads for your book(s) on Amazon. These are paid ads and there are quite a few options to choose from. I recommend doing searches on YouTube for guidance and for how to videos there.

I have done some ads from time to time. For me, I prefer to do some blogs about the books instead. I also prefer shopping on Amazon when there are a lot less ads to maneuver through.

So would I recommend writing on KDP to self publish on Amazon? That depends on your goals. Authors that write on KDP are not suppose to publish those same books elsewhere. Amazon does have an option for certain types of books to be available through book stores. The main thing is that they must have text as part of their makeup. So no coloring books unless they also include words. These books can be included in a book store's web site offerings; but you may need to contact the individual book store if you would like them to carry it as an option on their shelves. Our local Barnes and Noble has a book stand dedicated to local authors.

For me, I am glad that I write through KDP. I went the old school way before the internet became available, and almost had an interested publisher for one of my children's books. It was a very long process. Also for me, although I have some text type books, I now prefer creating more artsy type books, and prefer to spend my time creating more designs, than writing cover letters, etc.

I hope that you have found some helpful information here. If you think of a question that I didn't cover, ask it in a comment below, and I will help you if I can.

Here is link for my author page on Amazon. Author page for Cheryl Paton on Amazon You can find all of my published books here.

Here is a link for my Scrapbook Paper options which is on my blog. Scrapbook Paper by Cheryl Paton. These are sorted by category.

Cheryl Paton

Using Affirmations - A Review

When I first started using affirmations, I was a novice. I had worked through a book and came up with ten affirmations that I would write down, and then read and recite daily.

I was floored when I noticed that some of them were coming true. I continued on a bit more, and became flabbergasted. I really started watching what I was saying; so much so, that I became very quiet. I didn't want to let words slip out that were not affirmative of what I wanted and or liked.

But then I also began to miss having conversations. I didn't know how to be discerning of what I watched on TV or listened to as background noise, etc.

Having been raised as a Christian, I also began to wonder if this what was God wanted me to do. I wrote about that in another blog, and will share a link to that at the bottom of this post.

My main point of writing about using affirmations, is that I have found and also developed some tips and tricks that have helped me out in my continuing journey.

As much as possible, I try to notice more of what I do like.

As much as possible, I try to see the good. If that didn't seem to be working, I would leave a certain situation, and continue to work on me.

If it is a situation I want to stay in and make the best of, I have tried to state more of what it is I want, and only sticking to that. Sometimes I might rephrase something in a more positive way. I have found that to be helpful.

When it comes to reading, I take the time to transform the word I, used by others to refer to themselves, to they, he, she, etc. I have become more conscientious of when I use the word I, so I don't want to take on that word when I am reading in regards to someone else's I. So yes, I book has to really sound good for me to want to read it. Or, if the writer is coming from a place that I would like to be, then I can be okay with reading their I as also my I. Hope that makes sense.

When it comes to singing, I have found that singing words, has actually created more energy for those words as I sing them. So when my favorite tunes come on and I want to sing, I either replace the words with more positive words that I can align to, or just think my replacement words in my head, or just repeat a string of syllables to go along with the tune. Like lots of la la la, do rah do, etc.

Yes, these are all things that I have done to help me in my journey of using affirmations, without having to resort to a very quiet life. I don't like the idea of becoming a monk or be monk like. Did you notice what I just did, I used the word like with a derivative of not. I read about someone else doing that, to get out of the habit of using less positive descriptions.

I have also done quiet self talk. Early on in my affirmation journey, when I was out in a restaurant and the person across from me had said something I didn't like and I wanted things to go better, I cupped my hand up over my mouth and would quietly say the affirmation that I was trying to foster. I knew that what they were saying was triggering my old beliefs, so it was nothing I had to try and get them to change in that moment. This was my own personal way of working on me. I learned later that I could also say to myself, I dissolve this energy, and would mentally just think it to the area that I was feeling it in my body.

Another thing I have decided to do, is when I am with others who may not be talking very affirmatively, I have asked them, "What is it that you do want to happen?" Sometimes I have responded with what I may like to have happen, to give them an idea of what I mean. Sometimes, this has proven helpful.

I have found that I like various ways of doing affirmations. Sometimes I just like to chill and listen to them as background. Other times I follow along and repeat what I am listening to. If there is enough time, I repeat each one out loud and then again silently to myself.

I also like saying affirmations while doing physical activity. An example is saying that "I am strong," while exercising. I can find that quite invigorating. Physical activity can also be beneficial by itself.

You may not equate massage with affirmations, however our bodies can store energy of our beliefs. Massage from another or even one's self can help to release that stored energy through massage. It doesn't have to be a whole body massage, it can be as simple as massaging one's hands or feet. When I do that, sometimes I feel like I just need to take a deeper breath and let it go. I find it very helpful. Physical exercise can also loosen up stored energy.

Those are some of the things that I have done to improve my self well-being. I am glad that I pursued this journey of affirmations. I hope that you have found some help here, either with new tools that you may find helpful, and also that if you are going through anything similar, that you know you are with others who are on a path of transformation as well.

If you would like to read more about my transitioning went as far as me wondering what God wanted to me do, you can check that out here. It's my blog on Proverbs as Affirmations.

If you'd like some books that foster a more affirmative life, check these out. They are on Amazon.

Proverbs as Affirmations: An Affirmation Journal for Self Transformation This is especially good for those who want to experience the lessons in Proverbs said in a kind manner.

Positive Affirmation Coloring Book Coloring while focusing on an affirmation can be a relaxing and calm way to incorporate affirmations.

Proverbs as Affirmations Coloring Book: Words to Live By

May you have a great and blessed day.

Do you have an affirmation tip to share? Please do.

Cheryl Paton

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

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A Review of Water Bottle Dog Toys

 

Dogs Love That Crinkle Crinkle!

I was visiting my niece this past weekend. We were drinking coffee at the kitchen table and I noticed her yellow lab was out in the yard tossing and pouncing on some kind of toy. He was having big fun! This went on for quite a while, so I asked her what the dog was playing that was keeping him so entertained.

She went to the patio door and called the dog inside. The dog grabbed his toy and came trotting into the kitchen. The toy was some kind of fuzzy stuffed animal, but when he dropped it and started biting it and pawing it, it made a crinkling noise. It was not the kind of noise I had ever heard coming from a dog toy, so I was intrigued. The noise seemed to egg the dog on to play.

I asked her what toy it was. She laughed and said, it was a good thing she had another, as she could never get the one he had away from him, he played with it all the time. I laughed as she went to the cupboard and pulled out a cute, plush, pink pig. She handed it to me and I looked at it and then squeezed it. It made no crinkling noise. I looked up at her, puzzled.  No noise?  She picked up an empty water bottle and opened the Velcro at the end of the toy and slipped in the bottle. She handed me the toy and said "squeeze it."  When I did, it made the familiar crinkling noise!

The dog heard the noise and came running over and dancing around, wanting to play. She said that she had seen her friend's dog playing with one at the dog park and her dog fell in love with it, so she bought a couple off Amazon.  From the time it had arrived her dog had not stopped playing with it.

I was pretty impressed. I don’t have any dogs, but I have several friends and relatives that did. They are like my foster dogs, so I always get them gifts for holidays.  I knew their dogs would love these toys!

Zippy Paws Otter Toy

Of all the ones I saw on Amazon, I like this cute otter the most, so I ordered it for my girlfriend's dog.  I liked the fact that it did not have eyes or a nose that could be torn off and swallowed. I was surprised at the thickness of the material and the fact it had two layers to help protect the bottle.  I also noticed it had a different type of closure with a loop instead of Velcro.  It came with a regular sized water bottle with a reusable cap that squeaked!  When you change the bottle, you just take off the cap and replace it with the squeaker cap and slide it in.  Your dog is ready for a squeaking, crinkling good time!

While browsing these toys on Amazon I ran across another one that I absolutely loved!  A toy shaped like a wine bottle that says "Paws Off My Wine!"  I have a friend that loves wine and I know she will get a kick out of this dog toy for her Husky.  They also come in beer bottles.

Prime Pets Wine Bottle Toy

I highly recommend these toys!  They encourage play not only between you and your pet, but also play by themselves, which helps them stay healthy and entertained.  They are also so many choices, you are sure to find something your family will love.....tacos, hippos, doughnuts, frogs, bones, the types of toys are almost endless!   Buy one for your pet, I am sure you or they will not be disappointed!

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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Decorative Window Film Review

I purchased a DIY decorative window film for my sliding glass door. This is my review and experience with it.

Years ago, I had installed a tinted window film to reduce the affect of the sun's rays. It served it's purpose and did a pretty decent job. Although on very bright sunny days, I still had to close the curtain to make the space more comfortable.

Spring forward to me getting a new computer desk and deciding to have it face the window instead of the wall. I wanted to see something more decorative, other than a tinted view of my neighbor's shed. I wanted something that was colorful.

I decided on the one with the grapevine design. (This is the view from below my desk.)

I love that I now have colors to look at. I can glance to the other glass panel to see what the weather and the birds are doing. So far, when the sun is bright, it gets scattered a bit and works as long as I don't look directly at the brightest spots.

I am happy with my purchase.

Installation Supplies:

The brand that I purchased is by Gila, and they recommend buying a separate installation kit. It comes with a liquid solution that gets applied to both sides of the film, and the glass that you are applying the film to. It also includes a spreader, cutter for spreading out the bubbles, and to do a final cut of the film around the edges.

I didn't go with an installation kit and instead did some searches on YouTube. I found out I could use distilled water with a couple of drops of dish detergent mixed in. (I didn't have distilled water on hand, and instead used some of my purchased drinking water.) As for the spreader, I used a 12 inch plastic ruler that has smooth edges and is see through. Here is a link for one if you need a ruler. https://amzn.to/3BGdr4d

I also used a utility knife and scissors.

Trim first:

I purchased the 3' by 6.5' size for the window film. The sliding door was two to three inches smaller than the film. Gila recommends cutting off excess film, leaving only around an inch of extra film before applying it to the window, glass. It is quite awkward to apply the film, so I do recommend trimming the film as well. I laid it down on my lightly carpeted floor to do the trimming.

Apply tape and separate top corners from backing:

The window film comes with an attached adhesive layer to keep the film from sticking to itself. This layer will need to be removed before applying the film to the glass. Gila recommends applying tape to the two upper corners on both outer sides of these corners. This is a big help to separate the film from its' backing. See diagram.

The upper ends of the tape are to be kept separated. The holder will then pull the two pieces of tape apart and watch for the film to separate from the backing. Separate a small section, then repeat on the other corner.

Spray on solution:

Spray on solution; either from kit or homemade mix of distilled water and a couple drops of dish detergent. I sprayed the top side of the film, the part that was facing up once I removed the backing. I kept spraying it in sections as I continued pulling the backing from the film.

While that was sitting, I sprayed the glass window that it was to get applied to. Then as best I could, I sprayed that back of the film that had been laying on the carpet, and then carried it to the sprayed window. You need to keep the film away from sticking to itself.

Apply the prepared film to the window:

I placed the smooth side of the film to the prepared window. It is quite slippery, which it is meant to be, so that you can slide it into position. I sprayed on more solution as needed. Since my desk was already in place, I had to work around and under it to get things in place. Oh well.

Once I got the film straightened out on the glass, I used the plastic ruler to squeegee the film to the glass, working from center areas out toward the edges. The goal is to work the bubbles out from under the film. Don't worry if the film starts to come down when you first doing this. I just pulled the film out and sprayed more solution on wherever it was needed.

Final trim:

After I got the bubbles all worked out, I did a final trim with the utility knife and scissors. The utility knife didn't always cut through the film, so I pulled it away from the glass, and used the scissors. I then applied more solution when needed and squeegeed again with the ruler.

Voila! I got it done. It took me longer than I thought, but would have went better had I decided to decorate my window before building my desk!

Anyway, I got it done and I am pleased with how it turned out.

Smaller windows should be a lot easier and also when nothing is as close as five inches in front of it; i.e. my desk. {grin}

Amazon did not show the grapevine scene that I purchased. If you want the grapevine scene, you can check with Menards. You can also peruse other designs on Amazon by visiting the link below.

If you're looking for an inspiring way to add more color to your life, and you're okay with DIY, I recommend a decorative window film.

Gila Glass Scenes Spiral Mosaic Decorative Window Film on Amazon.

Hope you enjoyed this project and that you learned some helpful tips.

Cheryl Paton

As an Amazon affiliate, Cheryl Paton earns income from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to the purchasers.

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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Cat Tunnel Bed Review

This donut shaped cat bed caught my attention the very first time that I saw it. Even I was intrigued by the circular donut shape, and then my cat was as well.

Well actually, my cat was intrigued by it the minute I started trying to put it together. For me, that presented the tricky part.

A simple tip, to tell which side is up, is to place the curved pieces on the floor and observe where the hanging balls are. If a hanging ball isn't hanging, flip it over so that it becomes hanging. Then try to do the zippers!

Another tip for the zipper, I found was when I held the outer zipper in a downward fashion and pushed it down onto the corresponding zipper, while holding the corresponding zipper stationary with my left hand. Once I did that maneuver, I easily zipped the zippers. Before that little maneuver, I was contemplating putting two half tunnels in two different locations!

And before I got those two half tunnels together, my cat was already enjoying laying in the end of one of them. I didn't even realize she was there until I went to move it. It had gotten heavier pretty quickly. It was a hit.

And then when it became whole, it was even more of a hit. She could go around the whole inside.

Our cat was more smitten with the round bed part that fits within the circle, when it wasn't yet attached. It took her a bit of time to reconsider laying on the round bed part, after she figured out getting over the the raised tunnel area. After that, she was okay with that too.

Once I got the tunnel with center round bed assembled, I placed it in my bedroom.

Here is our cat Tori venturing inside the assembled bed.

She has slept in it most nights since then, which is three weeks now. I think that she is in agreement that this is a winner.

This bed does take up quite a bit of space. The measurements given on Amazon are 47.2"L x 9"W x 9"H. Once I put it together as a round tunnel, the overall width is approximately 33-34 inches across. The height of the tunnel part is around 9 inches high. The tunnel part can be left open on two of the ends and shaped into an S shape or a C shape, so that will give cat parents more options on where to place it. The tunnel pieces are also collapsible if they need to be stored.

The fabric is soft and plush on the outside and feels more like a nylon on the interior (kind of like umbrella material). It has a bit of crackle noise to it when the cat is walking in it, touch it, etc.

There are stars designs on the exterior fabric that can glow in the dark for awhile, if you have light or sunlight on it for awhile first. It can be quite intriguing to look over after having gone to bed and seeing the glowing stars. Hmmm. Anyway, I don't seem to notice that much anymore.

If you're looking for a new cat bed for your purr-baby, that can also provide some extra play fun, I recommend the cat tunnel by Nasonet. The current one that shows up is pink with stars and moons. The one I got is gray with large and small stars.

Cat Tunnel Bed by Nasonet on Amazon

Cheryl Paton

As an Amazon affiliate, Cheryl Paton earns income from qualifying purchases made through links on this blog.

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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Save Money on Household Cleaners with Castile Soap!

 

Castile soap, available in liquid or bar form, is a multi-purpose cleaner made from vegetable oils. It was originally made in the Castile region of Spain, but quickly spread to Europe and the rest of the world. Originally it was made of olive oil, but today it is made with a mixture of some or all of the following:

• coconut oil
• castor oil
• hemp oil
• avocado oil
• walnut oil
• almond oil
• palm oil

These oils are what give the soap it’s cleansing and lathering properties. It also adds a moisturizing component that most other soaps do not have naturally, unless from animal fats.

Benefits of Using Castile Soap

Good for the Environment:  Pure castile soap has a very small impact on the environment since it doesn't contain additives, preservatives, fragrances, artificial coloring, or other chemicals commonly found in other soaps. It is also biodegradable and non GMO.

Hypoallergenic: Pure castile soap is hypoallergenic, which means it's less likely to cause allergic reactions than other types of soap.

Animal-free: Many people who live a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle prefer not to use any products with ingredients that come from animal sources. Pure castile soap is vegan.

Low cost: Compared to other cleaners available in stores, a bottle of Castile soap is very inexpensive. Good sized bottles are only about $10.

This 16oz bottle of Castile Soap is less that $9 on Amazon

Save Money with Castile Soap!

Another great thing about this all natural soap is that it can be made into almost any kind of cleaner a person could need with just the addition of one or more other common ingredients. The following are some of the many things you can make with Castile soap:

All-purpose Cleaner: Combine 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid Castile soap, and (optional) 10 to 15 drops of essential oil.  Or you can use the scented versions of Castile Soap. This liquid can be used on a cloth or in a spray bottle.

Floor Cleaner: Combine 1/2 teaspoon liquid Castile soap, 2 gallons of warm water, and 1 cup of rubbing alcohol in a large mop bucket. Keep it stirred while using.

Dishwashing soap: Run a sink full of hot water and add 5 drops of Castile soap.

Dishwasher Detergent: Mix a ratio of 1/1 water and Castile soap and stir gently till mixed. Pour into your dishwasher soap compartment and close.

Laundry Detergent: Use Castile soap straight from the bottle. 1/3 to 1/2 cup per load, depending on how soiled the clothes are.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Combine 4 cups of warm water to 1 cup of Castile soap, and mix well. Pour into a spray bottle and spray in your toilet and scrub with a toilet brush. This may not clean mineral stains.

Fruit and vegetable cleaner: Combine 2 drops of liquid Castile soap to a sink of cool water and stir gently to mix. Dip veggies and fruits in the cleaner and scrub with a very soft brush and then run under the faucet in clear water.

Shampoo: Combine 1 tablespoon of castile soap in a cup of water. Use a small amount of this solution to wash your hair. Do not use on colored hair.

Face wash and Body Wash: Castile soap straight from the bottle can be used as a face and body wash. Simply rub a few drops of liquid or use a bar and wash your face and body normally. Castile soap is mild enough to use on your skin and strong enough to kill most infectious bacteria.

Hand soap: Save a lot of money by making your own liquid hand soap. Combine 2 tablespoons of liquid Castile soap and 12 oz. of water and fill your dispenser. If you would like a scent you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.

Shaving: Castile soap lathers so well you can rub it in your hands until it lathers and then apply to your face to use as shaving cream.

Pet wash: Combine 1 tablespoon unscented Castile soap with 1 quart of warm water. Stir to mix and rinse your pet before pouring a little at a time on them while softly lathering it in. Rinse with lots of clean water. Do you use essential oils as it can be toxic to pets.

Castile Soap Comes in Many Scents

A Few Things to Know Before Using Castile Soap

• Do not use vinegar or lemon juice with Castile soap because Castile soap is alkaline and vinegar and lemon juice are acid, they neutralize each other.
• Using hard water with Castile soap will leave a milky film behind when used for cleaning. The only way to stop this is to have a water softener which will soften hard water.
• Don’t use Castile soap as shampoo if you have colored hair, it may remove some of the color.
• When Castile soap is used as Shampoo, a good conditioner should always be applied after.
• Castile soap is not healthy for use on plants, do not use it to make insecticidal soap.

Castile soap is a useful item to keep around your house. With the inflated prices of commercial cleaners it is a great way to save money too. I have been using it for years and I have had very few complaints. Give it a try and see what you think. It also makes a great hostess gift for the holidays. Spread the word about this great soap!

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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