National Pretzel Day Review

National Pretzel Day is celebrated each year on April 26.

Pretzels and Their History

Founded in 2003 by Governor Ed Rendell, this food holiday honors Pennsylvania’s long-standing pretzel heritage, a cultural staple that remains a vibrant part of the state today.  Pennsylvania, and especially Philadelphia, is home to 80% of the country’s production of pretzels. 

In the late 18th century, immigrants from southern Germany and Switzerland introduced the pretzel to North America. These immigrants became known as the Pennsylvania Dutch, and became known for their handmade pretzel bakeries throughout Pennsylvania. Southeastern Pennsylvania is considered the birthplace of the American pretzel industry, and many pretzel bakers are still located in the area.

Created by monks as 'little rewards' (pretiola) for children learning prayers, the pretzel’s signature shape mimics arms folded in prayer. Its three holes represent the Holy Trinity.

Two Kinds of Pretzels

• Crunchy and Salty - Crunchy, salty pretzels are baked snacks, often knot-shaped, but also popular in a variety of shapes. These shapes include the traditional knot, along with mini twists, bites and nuggets, rings and pretzel sticks, plus several ‘fillable’ shapes of pretzels. These pretzels have a satisfying crunch with a savory burst of salt and a slightly nutty wheat flavor.

• Soft - Soft pretzels are fresh-baked pastries with a warm, chewy interior and a distinctively shiny, golden-brown crust. This type of pretzel is perishable and best eaten soon after baking.  Soft pretzels became very popular in areas such as Philadelphia, Chicago, and New York. You can frequently find them available from street vendors in these cities.  Philadelphians on average consume five times more soft pretzels than anyone else in the country.

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Summary

Your choice of pretzel comes down to two things: the setting and your snacking style.

Soft pretzels are wonderful on cold days when you crave something warm and tasty.  Hard pretzels are a convenient, crunchy snack. 

For the perfect pretzel taste, why not choose both on April 26 to celebrate this tasty food holiday known as National Pretzel Day! 

For more holiday reviews, check out 

ReviewThisReviews: Holidays

*This National Pretzel Day Review was written by Wednesday Elf

Pretzels Galore:

The Ultimate Pretzel Recipe Book: Delicious Pretzel Recipes for You to Make at Home!Check PriceAmazon Grocery, Mini Twist Pretzels, 40 OzCheck PriceUltimate Guide: Homemade Soft Pretzel Recipe: Delicious and Easy Pretzel Meals to Make at HomeCheck Price

 

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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Handmade Clocks by Clever Crafters

For truly unique, you can't beat 'handmade'. Etsy has some very talented clock-makers. Below are a few from my favorite Shops.

You can also browse throughout Etsy to search for your own unique ideas. Click here to get to Etsy

Owl Wall Clock | Decoylab on Etsy

DECOYLAB is a designer/illustrator in Kansas City, Missouri who makes very unique timepieces using wood and paper.

Pictured here is an Owl Wall Clock, from her collection for the nursery/kids room that are simple, modern and fun! 

This clock is made with laser cut, ¼ thick 3 ply bamboo and clock parts .The clock measures Size: 6" w x 8” h x .75” d. Made with sturdy 3ply bamboo (¼” thickness)

Clock for your Craft Room

If your 'hobby' is in the field of fiber arts, like me, time spent in your craft room would be fun with a clock that represents your favorite craft, like this one about Knitting! 

Funny Knitting Time Clock

This very amusing clock design fits a crafters' thoughts exactly. When you are engaged in working with your favorite craft, time tends to either 'stand still' or be ignored because of the pleasure it gives you. Thus, this delightful hobby clock will fit in your craft room perfectly! 

Knitting clock is created using solid oak or maple in several sizes, and the wood is laser cut with a laser engraved design.

Sports Clock

Sports Clock on Etsy

There are a variety of sports-related handmade clocks on Etsy. Since MY favorite sport is BASEBALL, I chose to display a clock with my favorite MLB team - the New York Yankees. 

Handcrafted out of wood, these sports clocks with your favorite team are Laser-cut out of fine wood and hand painted. They measure an average of 14 x 14 inches.

Created by a Vero Beach, Florida designer for their TimeOutPaintedDesign Etsy Store, here’s what they say about **Why You'll Love It:**

These clocks are not just about telling time; it’s about celebrating our love for sports with style. Whether you're a fan of football, basketball, soccer, or any other sport, this handcrafted piece adds a personalized touch to your decor. It also makes a thoughtful gift for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions for the sports enthusiasts in your life. --- Add this charming sports clock to your collection today and enjoy a perfect blend of elegance and enthusiasm in your home!

Summary

So browse through the handmade clocks on Etsy and find just the clock design that suits your needs.  Perfect for various rooms throughout your home, hand-crafted clocks also make lovely gifts for friends and family. 

Take a lesson from the clock;

it passes the time by keeping its hands busy.

                                                ~Evan Esar

For more reviews of ‘clocks’ on ReviewThisReviews, click here

*This guide to “Handmade Clocks by Clever Crafters, was originally published on November 12, 2014. While the original site is no longer active, Wednesday Elf has brought the best of that content here for you.

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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The Baseball Diamond Review

 

How the "Baseball Diamond" Got Its Name

The playing field of most sports are rectangles, including a football field, a soccer field, a basketball court and tennis courts.  So how come the playing field of baseball is a Diamond?

The basic definition for the Baseball Diamond describes the surface on which the game of baseball is played. It is the infield square formed by home, first, second and third bases.

A baseball diamond is actually a square. It only looks like a diamond if you look at it from behind home plate or any of the bases. The distance between each base is equal, with four 90-degree angles and having 90 feet between each base. 

A baseball “Diamond” is really a square turned on its side! 

Baseball’s Playing Field

Baseball is unique in the world of sports. In addition to having a different shaped playing area, it is the only sport with no time limit. Whereas, football has four 15-minute quarters, soccer has two 45-minute halves, basketball has four 12-minute quarters (NBA), and hockey has three 20-minute periods (plus two 17-minute intermissions), baseball, on the other hand, has 9 innings with no set time limit. Each inning continues until  the team at bat incurs three outs, however long it takes.  And, if the game is tied after the end of the ninth inning, an unlimited number of innings is played until a winner is declared. 

More ‘Diamond’ Terms in Baseball

In addition to baseball’s playing field being called a ‘Diamond’, the term is attached to a couple other areas of the game.  

During the 1930s, ballplayers were called diamond artists or diamondeers. The fans were known as diamond bugs. 

Summary

So, the next time you go to a stadium to watch a baseball game (or view it on television), take the time to notice how the playing field appears from the stands or from the angle of the TV camera  as the batter looks out toward the pitcher. You will see how it looks like a ‘Diamond”.   

For more Baseball Reviews, check out
ReviewThisReviews: Baseball

For more Sports Reviews, check out

ReviewThisReviews: Sports

*This Baseball Diamond review was written by Wednesday Elf, the Baseball Contributor on ReviewThisReviews.com. 

The Language of Baseball or How to Speak Baseball

How to Speak Baseball: An Illustrated Guide to Ballpark BanterCheck PriceBaseball as a Second LanguageCheck Price

 

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Clutter Cornucopia Review

 CORNUCOPIA:

One of the dictionary definitions for the word ‘Cornucopia’ describes it as “an abundant supply of good things of a specified kind.” In this review, you will find a compiled list of several helpful books on how to conquer clutter and/or organize your home and your life. All have been reviewed by the contributors here on ReviewThisReviews.com.

A Collection of Books on Clutter (and what to do about it)

Clut`ter To fill with scattered or disordered things that restrict movement or efficiency.  A collection of things lying about in an untidy mass.

For simple ways to take back control of your stuff, author Stephanie Culp’s book “How to Conquer Clutter” will give you some advice on the subject in an informative, but also humorous,  way. 

Paper Clutter

MY clutter, in general, is mostly under control. I like things orderly, and almost everything in my domain stays pretty much under control.  EXCEPT, when it comes to paper. For whatever reason, I do not deal well with paper  ~ sorting, filing or disposing! I begin with good intentions, then become overwhelmed and just turn around and go do something else! 

Thus, Barbara Hemphill’s “Taming the Paper Tiger” has been a lifesaver for me, and perhaps it will for you. 

More De-Clutter Book Reviews

Our RTR Contributor Brite-Ideas gives us "Three Ways to Hide Clutter."

Between screens with lovely scenes and furniture with storage places, your clutter can quickly be tucked away if unexpected company arrives, or if you simply have gotten tired of ‘looking’ at the clutter' which you have not had time to put away.

Personal Thoughts on ‘Tidying Up’

This Japanese ‘art of decluttering and organizing’ found in the book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” written by Marie Kondo, does more than simply aid you in putting your house (and your life) in some semblance of order. It basically puts your past in order, revealing that you are now surrounded only by the things you love. 

Summary

Since this is the Spring-Cleaning time of year, having just celebrated the first day of Spring, this list of helpful de-clutter books seems appropriate.  There also just happens to be a National Cleaning Week beginning the 4th Sunday of March each year. 

*This reviewed group of How-To books for learning how to declutter your home and life, is brought to you by Wednesday Elf. 

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 Clock Gift Guide

 A review of a Gift Guide for clocks!

Everyone needs to know the hour, minute or second sometime or other, making clocks a necessity. So why not find an interesting-looking timepiece to give as a gift or buy for yourself when there are so many choices available? They can be found to suit any theme or motif in any room in your house, and the interests of many family members or friends on your shopping list.

When you need to shop for a gift, think CLOCKS

Shopping for a Unique Clock

This page compiles a group of unusual and unique Clocks - and websites where they can be found - to save you shopping time. The ones featured here will fit into your space and budget easier than London's BIG BEN pictured here! :-)

Clocks~In Every Shape and Form

There are clocks for your wall and mantel, for your desk and more. There are alarms and radios that wake you up at the correct time. There are some to fit your home décor, to suit your personality or reflect your favorite hobby. There are some for Sports Fans and lots for kids. They come in analog and digital versions. They come with big numbers and NO numbers! Whatever color or style or feature you want or need, you'll find one that is uniquely YOU!

Uniquely Yours ... Wake up in the Morning to More than Just the Hour!

Coby Picture ClockCheck Price

 

The Coby digital photo frame displays JPEG photo files and plays MP3 and WMA music files. It has a photo slideshow mode. It is also digital with an alarm, a calendar and displays the current temperature.

This would make a perfect gift for a student away at college, a soldier stationed overseas, or the grandparents. A practical clock, plus a digital photo viewer filled with your favorite photo images for that special someone. .

  

"We're Gonna Rock Around the Clock Tonight!"

Being a teenager in the 1950s, Bill Haley & His Comets sang to us about 'clocks' in a way we'll never forget. Dancing to this tune was a time we loved. Listen to this favorite 'clock' song while you browse through the clocks on this page.

"Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley

Songs About Time…

Singers and song writers have given us the time in many ways through song titles. A few are listed below. I'll bet you have some favorites too.

• "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley
• "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper.
• "Time in a Bottle" by Jim Croce
• "The Last Time" by the Rolling Stones
• "Any Time At All" by the Beatles

Clocks for Kids

Hickory, dickory, dock,

The mouse ran up the clock.

The clock struck one,

The mouse ran down,

Hickory, dickory, dock - Clocks for Kids

Paladone R2D2 Alarm Clock - Perfect Decor for Star Wars Fans - USB Cable Included - 13 cm (5Check Price

 

 

Two favorite themes kids relate to these days -- Star Wars and Legos. My grandson is crazy about both.... and his favorite is R2D2!

Decorate your child's room in a fun favorite and help them keep track of time in this delightful way!

Lego Star Wars from Darth Vader to a Storm Trooper to R2D2 and more.... Star Wars Lego figures make fun clocks for kids!

Even a clock that does not work is right twice a day.

~Polish Proverb

Movies, Books & TV Shows with Clock Titles

Clocks and time itself play a major role in life, so it isn't surprising that book authors and producers of movies and television shows base their stories around the passage of time. Some of the most famous movies and books of the past reflect this. See how many you recognize in the list below:

• 12 O'Clock High
• Clockwork Orange
• Rock Around the Clock
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
• High Noon
• 48 Hours

Favorite Hobby

3D DIY Wall Clock, Kitchen Coffee Decor Wall Clocks Frameless Large DIY Wall Clock Wall Sticker Home Decor for Living Room Bedroom Decoration (Black)Check Price

 

If your 'hobby' is in the field of fiber arts, like me, time spent in your craft room would be fun with a clock that represents your favorite craft, like this 'crafty' one! You can also search Amazon for a clock with the design of your favorite hobby!

Time to Vote

What's Your Favorite Way to Track the Passage of Time?

1. I look at the clock on the wall.
2. I use my computer.
3. My cell phone is the handiest way.
4. I wear a watch.
5. I'm retired! Who cares what time it is? :-)

*Leave me your favorite choice  (by number) in the comments. 

A Timely collection for any occasion or room décor

Whether you like modern or old-fashioned, funny or funky, streamlined, ornate or simple, there is a special CLOCK made just for you and your interests. I hope you have enjoyed browsing the choices I've presented here.

Check out more Clock reviews on
ReviewThisReviews: Clocks

*This Clocks Gift Guide was originally written on November 12, 2014. While the original site is no longer active, Wednesday Elf has brought the best of that content here for you.

*Some images in this gift guide are from Pixabay.

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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