Recipes to Share - From the Heart

Over the years I have come up with a variety of recipes, and some of them I have written down.

One of my favorite ones is one I made as I became more health conscious. It is a healthier way to enjoy one of my favorite ice cream flavors, butter pecan. I call my version Cheryl's Butterless Pecan Ice Cream. It only has five ingredients.

Cheryl's Butterless Pecan Ice Cream

3-4 bananas, peeled, sliced, and frozen. (Whenever you make plant based ice cream, at least one of your fruits need to be frozen.)
5 oz. of pecans
1/4 cup brown sugar
1-1/2 cup of nut milk (I used almond milk in my recipe.)
1 tsp vanilla

Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until smooth. This will have a soft serve type consistency. For a milkshake consistency, add more nut milk. For a more ice cream consistency, decrease the amount of milk.

For a pretty print out to share, you can order copies printed on postcards.

Cheryl's Butterless Pecan Ice Cream Recipe
by CherylsArt

One of my all time favorites is my Pesto. I especially love this when I have fresh basil to use from the garden. I have tried to go vegan, but I do have dairy based cheese from time to time.

Pesto

1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder

Place all ingredients in blender or food processor, and blend until smooth. Then stir into one pound of your favorite cooked pasta.

The recipe above is somewhat different than the one printed on the postcard. I have determined over time that I prefer less of the parsley. You too can adjust the amounts to your own taste.

Pesto Recipe Postcards
by CherylsArt

I am also a practitioner of affirmations, and try to add more smiles to my day. One simple way to add smiles is to consciously think about smiling. Here is my recipe for that. It's called Recipe for Joy.

Recipe for Joy

1. Raise your ears by lifting up the corners of your mouth. (Did you know that smiling raises your ears? - Did you try it? Place your fingers on the tops of your ears, and then smile. Did your ears raise?)
2. Foster the thought, appreciate.
3. Be willing to see with new eyes. (You do not have to have a preconceived idea of something to appreciate. Just do the smile part first, and see what comes when you think the words appreciate. Try it. Did you think of something to appreciate that you may not normally think of?)

Here is a fun postcard to share this recipe for Joy.

Recipe for Joy - colorful word postcards
by CherylsArt

Do you have a recipe to share that you haven't written down yet? Here is a special way that you can share it or them. House of Sylvestermouse on Zazzle has designed recipe cards for you to write down the recipe(s) that you would like to share.

Recipe Cards
by House of Sylvestermouse

And may you have a blessed and wonderful day.

Cheryl Paton

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Reviewing My Turned Wood Crochet Hook by A Couple 2 Tree

My son recently gave to me a handmade, beautiful and thoughtful gift. He had purchased a handmade wood crochet hook with a metal tip. Exactly the type of crochet hook I have grown to love.  This crochet hook was made by A Couple 2 Tree and my son found them at a booth during the Connecticut Renaissance Faire 2025.

Turned Wood Crochet Hooks

The crochet hook my son chose for me is a combination wood and epoxy handle with a commercial made metal tip.  The wood is light colored. The epoxy appeared only white to me initially. But I quickly discovered that it has a very subtle glimmer. A glimmer that reminds me of the Aurora Borealis or the Milky Way. All of you who know me, know that I do not gravitate  toward big bling or neon bright colors. But I love a subtle sparkle, like the sheen of a peacock's chest feathers and dragon fly wings. 

With this thicker epoxy and wooden handle, it is easier for me to use for longer periods of time. This would make a great gift for folks with grip difficulties such as arthritis.  The epoxy and wood are smooth and silky, but not slippery. I am currently using this hook for a project and find it to be very comfortable. 

In addition to wood-handled crochet hooks, A Couple 2 Tree also offers other great gift items:

• Bottle Openers
• Ice Cream Scoops
• Coffee Scoops
• Charcuterie boards
• Decorative Items and Fidgets: Eggs and Mushrooms
• Bowls 

The combinations of wood, metal, epoxy, and fractal burning make unique, one-of-a-kind items that are unique gifts.

Supporting Small Businesses

This small business, according to social media and website information, has been a small, part time hobby/passion for years and has just begun to turn toward full time. I celebrate that leap of faith and following a passion. A Couple 2 Tree appears to have offered the majority of their items during fairs and festivals. They do have a website and an Instagram page. If you don't see a large selection, or the item you would like, on the website I encourage you to leave a message.  When I had left a message, I received a response that same day (despite it being during the time they were at the Renaissance Faire)

One Wish - Maybe

There is only one thing that I might (or might not) like added to my next A couple 2 Tree crochet hook. Because of the handmade handle, the spot where the metal crochet hook size is usually displayed is covered. Perhaps, if the size of the hook (for example, a US hook size is "G") could somehow be stamped into the flat end of the handle, it would be useful and wouldn't mar the beautiful aesthetics of the rest of the handle.  But perhaps, it would mar the appearance of the handle.  Or make a roughness that would snag my yarn. I am not familiar with epoxy so I'm not sure if the size could be place there discreetly or not.  However, unlike very experienced crocheters I cannot determine the size of the hook by sight alone. I have to hold it up to other crochet hooks for comparison in order to remember which size this is.

Fortunately, my son reported that he spoke with the helpful folks with A Couple 2 Tree, who helped determine which sizes of yarn I most often use (worsted) and the size hook that I most use. 

For more information:

Check out the A Couple 2 Tree website for https://amzn.to/47wsiepmore information.

I am very hopeful that you will support this small business owner with his wood shop business. However, I realize that some folks prefer using Amazon.  In that case, there are many Wood Crochet Hooks to choose from.

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Spiced Tea and Honey Nut Bread - The Perfect Snack

If you read the post I made on March 25, 2025, for Old Fashioned Rice Pudding, I explained about a very old recipe book that I had found in my mother's things after she passed.  To call it a book, is being kind, as it was just a collection of hand typed (on a manual typewriter!) recipes folded in the middle and stapled together.  No front or back cover, no information of where it came from.  The pages are so ancient they are dark tan in color.  

Anyway, the recipes in this old gem are from a time before I was cooking.  Some of them are recipes for foods I have never heard of like Strawberry Fool or Fruitinays.  I love reading through the pages and some times I find a recipe that I want to try.  This is how I came across the recipes for the perfect afternoon snack:  Spiced Tea and Honey Nut Bread.

This first time I made the bread, I found it delicious, but it seemed to be lacking something to go with it.  I tried coffee, but it didn't fit, I tried iced tea and it was completely not a match.  I was stumped.  So I went back to the recipe book and looked under "Drinks."  When I saw the spiced tea recipe, I knew I had hit the jackpot.  Cinnamon and fruit juices sounded like a great combination!  I got up and made some right then and there.  It was exquisite!  The flavors blended together perfectly and they were just right with the honey nut bread.  It really is the perfect snack!

Spiced Tea

Ingredients

Juice of one lemon

Juice of two oranges

2 Plain teabags (more if you like it stronger)

1 teaspoon all spice

1/4 teaspoon cloves (optional, if you like clove flavor)

1 and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 and 1/2 cups sugar

6 cups water

Instructions

1. Put spices in a small bag
2. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add the bag of spices.
3. Boil for 10 minutes and remove the spice bag and turn off the stove.
4. Add teabags to the spiced water and steep for 10 minutes.  Remove teabags.
5. Boil the remaining 2 cups of water and add sugar. Stir until sugar melts.
6. Pour the sweetened water into the tea and stir until mixed.
7. Add the fruit juices and mix well.

If you want it drink your tea cold, chill the mixture in the refrigerator and serve over ice.  If you are like me and prefer it hot, place it back on the stove and boil.  I put mine in a carafe so it stays hot to enjoy with our next recipe:  Honey Nut Bread.

Honey Nut Bread

Ingredients

1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts (whichever type you like)

1 cup flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1/2 cup of honey

1/2 cup of milk

2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Sift dry ingredients and stir in nuts.
3. In a bowl beat the egg and add honey, milk and melted butter and mix.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until the ingredients are  moistened and mixed.
5. Grease a bread pan and pour in the mixture.
6. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.

Honey nut bread is also great with toppings like:

Apple Butter

Fruit Jam

Honey Butter 

Flavored Cream Cheese (like strawberry)

Lemon Sauce

I have even made French Toast with honey nut bread.  I trade in the syrup for some hot honey and it is really delicious.

I really love this old cookbook, it has so many unusual recipes in it and it also has a 'Hints and Tips' section that is pretty funny.  Maybe I will share some tips in my next post, I think you all would find it pretty entertaining!

Enjoy your snack!

  

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The Protein Advantage Cookbook — A Delicious, Healthy New Cookbook

The Protein Advantage Cookbook is a collection of 100 high-protein, low-carb recipes and tips from bestselling author Carolyn Ketchum, the deservedly popular recipe developer and blogger behind All Day I Dream About Food. Ketchum’s newest cookbook blends quick weeknight meals with make-ahead basics and treats, wrapped in her pragmatic, low-carb approach, this time with a focus on high-protein recipes.

Its official launch date was yesterday, August 12, 2025, but I was lucky enough to get an advance review copy courtesy of the author and the publisher, Fair Winds Press (an imprint of Quarto). It’s a terrific cookbook for anyone interested in increasing their protein intake, and I’m delighted to share my review.

Who It's For

This low carb, high protein cookbook is for anyone looking to improve their health through “weight loss, blood sugar management, building lean muscle mass, or simply having more energy for daily life” while eating delicious, easy to prepare, wholesome food.

Ketchum’s stance of prioritizing protein aligns with the current science: increasing protein intake can improve satiety and support lean mass, especially alongside resistance training. And for adults 40+, adequate protein becomes increasingly important.

What's Inside

Ketchum opens with a concise science and strategy overview, including what “protein-forward, low-carb” means, why prioritizing protein matters from a health perspective, and how to stock a high-protein, low-carb pantry with healthy, tasty ingredients.

True to its name, of course, the majority of The Protein Advantage Cookbook is devoted to the recipes. I was delighted to see Ketchum's signature format: clear, easy to follow, step-by-step instructions, lots of full-color photos (although not every recipe has a photo), and practical tips, such as for swapping ingredients or scaling portions.

The 100 recipes are organized into chapters with straightforward labels:

• Breakfast
• Breads and Muffins
• Appetizers and Snacks
• Soups and Salads
• Main Dishes
• Desserts

The Breakfast chapter includes 22 tasty recipes, such as Loaded Breakfast Casserole (29.5g of protein), Chocolate Protein Pancakes (19.7g of protein), Hot Maple Cereal (29.7g of protein), and Everything Bagel Smoked Salmon Toast (26.5g of protein).

The Breads and Muffins chapter has 10 yummy high-protein recipes including Easy Protein Bagels (13.3g of protein), Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread (11g protein), Cheddar Jalapeño Biscuits (12.9g protein), and even Chocolate-Glazed Donuts (10g protein)!

The Appetizers and Snacks chapter caters to both savory and sweet cravings, including 17 recipes such as Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms (12.8g protein), Taco Bites (18.7g protein), Frozen Hot Chocolate (17.6g protein) and Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (9.8g protein).

The Soups and Salads chapter features 13 simple yet satisfying recipes such as Asian Chicken Noodle Soup (31.1g protein), Chicken Chile Verde (35.3g protein), Turkey Club Salad (29.1g protein) and Old Bay Shrimp Salad (23.3g protein).

The Main Dishes chapter contains 22 terrific recipes to suit a wide range of tastes, such as Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs (33.3g protein), Easy Steak Fajitas (25.2g protein), Pork Tenderloin with Dijon Cream Sauce (33.4g protein), and Teriyaki Salmon (30.2g protein).

If you have a sweet tooth, never fear! Carolyn Ketchum is also the author of The Ultimate Guide to Keto Baking, and The Protein Advantage Cookbook includes 16 luscious desserts with a high-protein twist, such as Deep Dish Brownies (16g of protein), Lemon Cheesecake Bars (12.3g of protein), Coconut Candy Bars reminiscent of Mounds bars (10.4g of protein), and Strawberry Lemonade Ice Pops (10.1g of protein).

There's also a chapter called "A Day in the Life" which chronicles what Ketchum ate over the course of a few typical days, along with the workouts she did on those days. As a very active, extremely fit woman, her calorie limits are much higher than mine, but it was still helpful to see how she incorporates the cookbook recipes into her daily meal plans.

Why It Deserves a Place in Your Kitchen

The Protein Advantage Cookbook delivers exactly what it promises: approachable, protein-centric low-carb recipes anchored in sensible nutrition guidance. For those of us who want to feel more satiated, lift heavier weights, or simply be stronger as we age, while eating delicious, nutritious food and without spending all day in the kitchen, this book will be an excellent, much-used addition to our cookbook collections.

The Protein Advantage Cookbook: High-Protein, Low-Carb Recipes That Burn Fat, Build Muscle, and Restore Metabolism

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What is Summerween?

 

I have long known that Halloween is the biggest selling holiday in America. With all the costumes, candy and decorations that people buy, that comes as no surprise. But I have just discovered a trend known as Summerween that I will review here.

The stores have long put their Halloween merchandise out during the late summer. However, Good Morning America says that stores launched their Halloween items extra early this year at least in part hoping to catch a piece of this trend. People are not just buying their Halloween supplies early but they are actually celebrating the holiday twice. That is, in October and in June or July and hence the term Summerween.

According to the magazine Real Simple, the holiday may have originated from the Season 1, Episode 12, Disney Channel episode of Gravity Falls, in which the residents celebrated Halloween with jack-o-melons and trick-or-treating in the summer on June 22nd or the second to last Friday of the month. The Pioneer Woman points out that if this is the origin, it took more than a decade for the trend to translate from the screen to reality, which it has done in 2025.

Summerween is enjoying succes at least in part because of the nostalgia surrounding Halloween though  Summerween-themed merchandise tends to include our favorite themes with some brighter, summery colors like those shown in the photo at the top of this page. You will find an endless variety of items like these for your Summerween celebration here on eBay.

The new ‘holiday’ is I suppose whatever you make it but it tends to be a blend of summer and Halloween with both non-traditional Halloween items like the aforementioned melon jack-o-lantern, icy drinks and flamingoes to traditional items like Frankenstein, skeletons and ghosts. You can have a pool party and a BBQ. You can read fireside stories at the campfire. You can watch spooky movies outdoors!

What a great way to get double the value out of your Halloween collection. If once a year is not enough for you and you want to do Halloween twice, you’ll find lots of ideas for celebrating a traditionally non-traditional Summerween in your social media feed but let me take this opportunity to share a few great ideas here:

MORE SUMMERWEEN CELEBRATION IDEAS

Harley Quinn Costume 

A Harley Quinn costume might even be better in the summer than in the winter because you don't have to worry about being warm!

A Barbie-Themed Apron

How about a Barbie-themed apron? I think it would make a perfect part of your costume in the summertime especially if you are serving up some pink cocktails.

Here's How to Celebrate Summerween

A Summerween party with recipes from Delish that seem appropriate to the original holiday hosted in summer. Mummy hot dogs, pumpkin s'mores cookies and a black widow cocktail are just a few.

Creepypasta

Perfect for your Halloween-themed storytelling, fall or summer, creepypasta is definitely not edible.

Wait Until Dark

Audrey Hepburn's Wait Until Dark is a perfect psychological thriller considered "one of the most intensely frightening movies in movie history."

Halloween Treats Jigsaw Puzzle

Puzzles aren't just for wintertime. If you find you have more time on your hands in the summer or you just enjoy puzzling all year long, you will enjoy this Halloween Treats puzzle.

SOUND UNNATURAL?

"Summerween?" says the Gravity Falls character played by Kristen Schall. "Sounds unnatural." What do you say?

Happy Summerween!

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

SUMMERWEEN MERCHANDISE

Find the Summerween-themed pieces shown at the top of the page -- including Frankenstein's bust (and his bride, not shown here), a pumpkin flamingo, assorted skull ice cream cones and the female Scream movie character and so much more -- here, on eBay.

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Holiday Review of National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

On August 2nd we celebrate the fun food holiday, National Ice Cream Sandwich Day. It is the perfect cool treat for a hot summer day. It is a delicious summertime follow-up to July’s National Ice Cream Month. 

Some Fun Tasty History of National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

On National Ice Cream Sandwich Day, we celebrate a delicious delight that is over a century old. We know this to be true because of an article published in the New York Mail and Express (a daily New York City newspaper) in 1899 to verify that there were ice cream sandwiches for sale by street vendors in New York at that time. For one penny! 

The article said the following:

There are ham sandwiches and salmon sandwiches and cheese sandwiches and several other kinds of sandwiches, but the latest is the ice-cream sandwich.

How to Celebrate National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

In my day, the ice cream sandwich I remember (and enjoyed) the most as a child was the traditional brick of vanilla ice cream placed between two soft chocolate wafers. Ice cream and cookies - always a child-favorite!

Over time, many variations of the ice cream sandwich have come about and many can even be created in your own kitchen.

• There is the creation invented by an ice cream vendor in 1928 in San Francisco who used two oatmeal cookies instead of chocolate wafers.  He even had a version of this that he dipped into chocolate before he served it.

• Maybe you could add some chocolate chips around the edges of the ice cream. Or use chocolate chip cookies with chocolate chip cookie ice cream! :) 

• How about chocolate ice cream between vanilla wafers?  

• Making ice cream sandwiches can be as simple or as difficult as you choose them to be. Just select your favorite flavor of ice cream and the cookies/biscuits/wafers you like best and come up with your favorite version.

If you want a challenge and enjoy ‘fun in the kitchen’, try making your own cookies and your own ice cream for a tasty homemade impressive creation!

Summary

This wonderfully simple frozen dessert is an extremely tasty and delicious ice cream treat. So be sure to be ready with your favorites on National Ice Cream Sandwich Day on August 2.

More Holiday Reviews

Review This Reviews: Holidays

More Ice Cream Reviews

Review This Reviews: Ice Cream

*Holiday Review of National Ice Cream Sandwich Day is written by Wednesday Elf

 

HOME NEATLY Ice Cream Sandwich Scoop, Easy Release Sandwich Cookie Scoops for Evenly Sized Gelato Scoops, Ice Cream Scoop with Trigger for Effortless Serving, Stainless Steel Food Scoopers for Kitchen

Chef'n Sweet Spot Ice Cream Sandwich Maker - Set of 2, Brown | Craft Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches with Ease | Gift for Family Fun and Parties

Jellybean Foods Ice Cream Sandwich Wafers - Crispy Chocolate Wafers For Ice Cream Sandwiches - Rectangular Sandwich Wafers - Chocolate Cookies - Rectangular Wafers Without Cream or Ice Cream(1 lb)

Nestle, Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches, 6 Count (Frozen)

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Clevr Blends Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte: Delightful Hot or Cold

I’ve never been a big fan of matcha. The distinctive grassy flavor reminds me a little too much of freshly mown lawn clippings. So, when I tried Clevr Blends’ Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte after it was highly recommended by a friend, it was more out of curiosity than optimistic expectation. But this blend surprised me—in the best way.

Smooth, subtly nutty, and lightly sweet, it’s easily the most enjoyable matcha I’ve tried. In fact, I liked it so much I’ve started keeping a pouch on hand for both cozy mornings and refreshing cold pick-me-ups.

Here’s my honest review, including how I like to prepare it as both hot and iced matcha lattes.

A Delicious, Indulgent-Tasting Treat

The taste of this matcha latte is surprisingly delicious. The matcha is smooth and mellow, not grassy or bitter. The honey and pistachio notes shine through, adding warmth and a slightly nutty sweetness. The added honey and milk make it even more comforting and balanced. It feels like an indulgent treat. The added superfoods and antioxidants are a bonus!

The iced version is light, smooth, and refreshing, with just the right amount of sweetness. The pistachio flavor seems to come forward more when iced, which I love, and the honey note lingers without being too sweet. It’s the kind of drink I could sip all summer long: satisfying but not heavy.

The bright green color was a bit startling at first, but it's much prettier in person than on the screen!

The Superfoods Bonus

The Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte from Clevr Blends isn’t your typical matcha drink. It’s a creamy, plant-based latte mix that blends:

• Organic Japanese matcha (ceremonial grade, but without the overpowering grassy bite)
• Oat and pistachio milk powders for creaminess
• Real honey for natural sweetness
• Ashwagandha, lion’s mane, and reishi for focus and calm
• L-theanine to smooth out energy without jitters (this honey pistachio matcha latte with superfoods has 45 mg of caffeine, about half the amount you would find in a cup of coffee)

It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, with functional ingredients that support focus, mood, and a sense of balance. And while it's definitely not keto, it's fairly low carb.

But you don't have to drink it for the superfoods benefits. You can just drink it because it's flat-out delicious!

Making Hot Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte

I add 3 tablespoons of the powder to 6–8 ounces of hot water (not boiling). Then I stir in a small squirt of honey (I use monk fruit-sweetened sugar-free honey), add a splash of unsweetened macadamia or almond milk, and froth it all together until smooth and frothy.

Making Iced Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte

I use an electric frother to dissolve 3 tablespoons of the powder in 4 ounces of warm water with a squirt of honey (or monk fruit honey) and a splash of unsweetened macadamia or almond milk until the mixture is very frothy. Then I pour it over a tall (16-ounce) glass filled with ice cubes.

By the way, the best frother I have ever tried is the one in these photos, the Nahida Coffee Milk Frother Wand, which is powerful, has three speeds, dedicated buttons for each speed, and holds a charge longer than any other frother my husband and I have tried.

Why I Keep Reaching for It

As someone who’s never cared for matcha, Clevr Blends Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte really changed my mind. It gives me a gentle, steady lift without the crash I sometimes get from coffee. And I love that it includes adaptogens like ashwagandha and lion’s mane for added stress support and focus. It feels like a small act of self-care, easy to make, enjoyable to sip, and supportive from the inside out.

Pros & Considerations

Pros:

• Smooth, mellow matcha flavor (even for matcha skeptics!)
• Honey and pistachio notes are well-balanced and comforting
• Easy to prepare hot or iced
• Adaptogens and L-theanine support focus and calm
• Dairy-free and refined sugar-free

Considerations:

• A bit pricey per serving (but worth it for the quality)
• Some may want to add extra sweetener or milk to customize the flavor, as I do

Final Thoughts

If you’ve avoided matcha because of its grassy flavor, this SuperLatte might just change your mind. The Honey Pistachio Matcha from Clevr Blends is smooth, lightly sweet, and surprisingly crave-worthy. With its clean ingredients and nourishing benefits, it’s become a go-to in my kitchen.

Not a matcha lover? Neither was I. But this superfoods-infused Clevr Blends matcha latte made me a believer.

Clevr Blends Organic Matcha Green Tea Latte, Instant Ceremonial Grade Matcha, Superfood Powder Blend with Oat Milk, Lions Mane, Reishi Mushroom, Coconut Cream, Ashwagandha, Serve Hot or Iced, 12 oz

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Reviewing the Whirley Pop Popcorn Maker

I recently purchased the Whirley Pop Popcorn Maker and I have been enjoying fresh popped popcorn since. The Whirley Pop is a stove-top popper that helps me pop nearly all of the kernels without burning. I despise the smell of burnt popcorn. With the Whirley Pop I am again enjoying making great popcorn at home. 

Whirley Pop 6 qt Aluminum Popcorn Popper

The Whirley Pop is a stove-top popcorn pan. The wood handle remains cool and the popper pops the corn evenly due to the crank handle that comes through the wooden handle and out of the end farthest from the heat. After you add the oil and popcorn to the inside of the pan, you spin the crank non-stop. That crank is attached to a stir wire that keeps the popcorn kernels moving and prevents burning. In approximately 3 - 5 minutes, the popcorn is finished and ready to enjoy.

I ordered the Whirley Pop red aluminum 6 quart popper. There are other versions available: Stainless Steel, Copper Plated Stainless steel, black aluminum and pink aluminum. Of course, the stainless steel versions are more expensive. I purchased the red aluminum becaust I like red and because I wasn't sure I would like the popper so I didn't want to invest more initially.

The Whirley Pop lid latches onto the "bowl" portion of the pan. The lid is hinged on two halves, making it easy to pour the fresh-popped treat out of the pan.

Isn't Microwave Popcorn Easier?

Yes, microwave popcorn is much easier. We use microwave popcorn at work daily (as treats for the children). And I can't help but notice how much trash the microwave popcorn creates. Besides, at home with the Whirley Pop, I am able to:

• pop corn during a power outage
• adjust the amount - a small serving just for me or a large batch for guests or for later
• buy large jars or bags of popcorn rather than individual packaged servings
• buy different styles of popcorn kernel varieties - ladyfinger, mushroom, blue, white, yellow, extra large and more.
• I can keep a variety of salts and spices on hand and have a variety of flavored popcorn

I prefer stove-top popcorn for those reasons. But I am abysmal at using a pan with a lid and shaking it until the corn pops. With that style of stove-top popping, I always create a mess or burn the popcorn. I do not have a glasstop stove, but if I did I could still use the Whirley Pop safely as the pan sits still and the crank does all of the work.

Frankly, I think most of all, I like the retro appearance of the Whirley Pop. I think it reminds me of the ice cream makers of my childhood.

Whirleypopshop.com - Wabash Valley Farms, Indiana

On their website you can find page after page of Whirley Pop pans (including information on engraving handles), gift sets, popcorn kernel varieties, salts, oils, and fun popcorn bowls.

Whirley Pop also has a store on Amazon under Wabash Valley Farms. I ordered mine on Amazon to take advantage of the Amazon Prime free shipping. 

Related Reviews:

Our Sam wrote a review on why he does not use single package microwave popcorn (the chemicals) and instead used an air popper until recently. If you would prefer to pop your popcorn in the microwave but aren't sure what popper to use, you should take a peek at his Microwave Popcorn Popper Review.

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A Sweet Treat for Imaginative Play With a Tent Ice-Cream Truck

If you're looking for the perfect play tent for little ones, let me introduce you to this adorable Ice Cream Truck Play Tent. It has quickly become a favorite, delightful addition to our grandkids' playtime!

Portable, Lightweight & Easy to Store Playtime Ice-Cream Truck Tent

One of the best features of this tent is its portability. It's lightweight, folds up easily into a compact size, and can be stored away in seconds—ideal for those who appreciate keeping things tidy when playtime is over! No tools are needed for setup, and it pops open effortlessly.

"Scroll down to go directly to the link that takes you to the Ice-Cream Tent"

Creative & Interactive Play for Hours

The bright and colorful ice cream truck design instantly sparks creativity. With a fun pass-through window and two round openings, kids can pretend to take orders, serve sweet treats, or drive their own ice cream truck! 

The interactive play possibilities are endless, making it perfect for siblings, cousins, and friends to enjoy together.

The Perfect Size for Any Space

Measuring just over three and a half feet long and a little over two feet high, it's large enough for fun yet compact enough not to dominate the room. This tent is just right if you want to give your little ones a special play space without blocking your entire living area.

A Cozy Spot for Reading & Resting

Beyond the imaginative fun, this tent has become a quiet retreat for reading, relaxing, and occasional naps. The door opens easily, offering a cozy hideaway for downtime.

Durable & Kid-Friendly Design

Made with sturdy polyester fabric and a built-in steel frame, this tent holds its shape well while remaining soft and safe for little ones. There is no need to mess with inserting poles—the frame is already in place!

Final Thoughts: A Must-Have for Playtime!

If you're looking for a fun, engaging, and easy-to-store play tent that encourages creativity and active play, this Ice Cream Truck Tent is a fantastic choice. Our grandkids absolutely love it, and we love the joy it brings them. 

Five stars all the way! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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 Best Beauty Gifts for Last Minute Gift Giving

Who doesn't like to be pampered with a special gift they wouldn't normally buy for themselves, especially during the holidays or for another special occasion?

Whether you have nearly finished your holiday shopping or are just getting started, you can order these these beauty gifts and have them delivered quickly. I've included gifts at a variety of price ranges in this review, from stocking stuffers to splurges.

Happy gift-giving!

Beauty Gifts Under $25

These inexpensive gifts pack a big punch for their low price tags. They're perfect stocking stuffers for the beauty lovers on your list or anyone who could use a bit of pampering.

NISHEL Travel Toiletry Bag for Women Large Capacity, Travel Essentials Organizer, Hanging Makeup Case for Accessories, Cosmetics, Toiletries, Pink

The Nishel Travel Toiletry Bag is far and away the best bag of its kind I have ever owned, and I have tried a lot of different brands and models over the years. It holds a LOT of products, from shampoo, soap, conditioner, deodorant, body lotion, razor, etc., to sunscreen, skincare and makeup — enough for quite a long trip, if desired — while keeping everything neatly organized and easily accessible throughout your stay. 

Despite how much it holds, it folds and zips up into a compact size with convenient carrying handles. 

I wrote an in-depth product review of the Nishel Travel Toiletry Bag last year that includes photos of how I pack mine so you can see just how much it holds and how you might want to organize yours. Also, although it is marketed as a women's travel toiletry bag, it would also be great for men who like to travel with more toiletries than can comfortably fit in a traditional Dopp Kit style bag.

NISHEL Large Double Layer Travel Makeup Bag Women, Large Cosmetic Case, Organizer for Travel-Size Accessories Bottles, Brushes, Conditioner, and Skin Care Products, Pink

The NISHEL Large Double Layer Travel Makeup Bag is for women who travel with a lot of makeup and prefer a train case style bag.

This large-capacity makeup bag measures 10.5 x 7.5 x 7 inches and has both top and bottom makeup storage compartments with a capacious center section with elastic straps that can accommodate even large fluffy makeup brushes easily. 

The large main section can hold bottles, tubes, compacts, palettes, etc., and includes a removable divider that you can position as desired (or omit). The top section, inside the lid, is a shallow zippered compartment that's perfect for a larger makeup palette. 

Like the travel toiletry bag, the outer shell is a soft, smooth, quilted microfiber material that is both attractive and easy to clean.

Eli with Love Ice Globes for Facials - 360 Rotating Unbreakable Steel Ice Globes with Carry Case - Professional Esthetician Supplies - Ice Roller for Face and Eyes - Ideal Skincare Tool (White)

These 360-Degree Rotating Ice Globes are an extremely inexpensive alternative to the professional quality ice globes often used by estheticians when giving facial treatments. The difference is that those cost hundreds of dollars, while this set costs less than $20 and comes with its own fitted storage case to keep the ice globes clean when in the refrigerator in between uses.

One of the advantages of these rotating, gel-filled stainless steel globes over the professional model I looked at initially is that they can be used either cold or warm.

I recently wrote a product review of The Best Affordable Ice Globes that goes into more detail about the many ways these inexpensive, high-quality ice globes can be used for things like facial depuffing, lifting and firming, lymphatic drainage, enhancing skincare product absorption, and calming inflammation, as well as for soothing sore muscles, depending on whether you use them cold or warm.

Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette Makeup, 12 Pigmented Matte & Shimmer Shades, Blendable Powder, 1 Count

This Maybelline The Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette is absolutely stunning and is an incredible bargain for less than $12. It contains 12 extremely wearable, neutral eyeshadow shades in both matte and shimmer finishes that would be flattering on any eye color or skin tone.

The matte shadows could be used alone for an extremely subtle, conservative look, or can be paired with the metallic shimmer shades for a fancier evening or special occasion makeup look.

Maybelline is known for high-quality, highly pigmented makeup at very affordable prices. This would be great for anyone from a teen to a senior who enjoys "putting on a face."

Note: Although this eyeshadow palette comes with two double-ended sponge applicators, I would highly recommend giving your gift recipient a set of good makeup brushes if they don't already own some.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP, Ultimate Shadow Palette, Eyeshadow Palette - Warm Neutrals

This NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Ultimate Warm Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette is another terrific choice with 16 high-quality eyeshadow shades to suit any eye color or complexion. The highly pigmented shadows include a mix of safari-inspired neutral browns in a range of finishes, from matte and satin to shimmery and metallic shades. 

The colors in this palette were curated by makeup professionals in Los Angeles. It is recommended to apply these shadows over an eyeshadow primer for the best color payoff.

NYX eyeshadows are now vegan, cruelty-free, and packaged with 30% recycled materials. 

Shower Steamers Aromatherapy - Christmas Gifts for Women, Gift Box of 6 Premium Shower Bombs with Essential Oils, Relaxing Home Spa, Stocking Stuffers for Family, Green

These Shower Steamers Aromatherapy Shower Bombs with Essential Oils are the perfect, affordable way to pamper someone who doesn't love makeup or skincare but loves a warm, relaxing shower. They will make the lucky recipient feel like they have escaped to a relaxing spa for a while, in the comfort of their own home.

This set of six shower steamers comes beautifully gift boxed for easy gift giving. The six scents, which come from fragrant essential oils, are eucalyptus, green tea, jasmine, rose, lemongrass, and lavender in the green box. If you choose the blue box, your giftee will receive eucalyptus, peppermint, green tea, lemongrass, salvia, and tea tree. The pink box contains rose, gardenia, lavender, chamomile, rosemary, and jasmine to make your recipient feel relaxed, restored, and well rested. The orange box contains orange, bergamot, pineapple, lemon, strawberry, and coconut — perfect for someone who enjoys the smells of the tropics.

These shower steamers are a cinch to use. Let your gift recipient know to unwrap one, place it in the corner of their shower away from the water stream, and allow the steam activate the fragrance from the essential oils.

Burt's Bees Christmas Gifts, 6 Skincare Stocking Stuffers Products, Tips & Toes Set - Pomegranate Lip Balm, Almond Milk & Honey Hand Creams, Coconut Foot Cream, Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream & Hand Salve

This Burt's Bees Tips & Toes Kit makes a wonderful, unisex stocking stuffer for less than $13. It's a nicely boxed set of five travel-size products and a sixth, full-size product that would also be great for a purse, gym bag or briefcase:

• Honey & Grapeseed Hand Cream (travel size)  
• Coconut Foot Cream with Vitamin E (travel size)
• A tin of Hand Salve (travel size)
• A tin of Burt's Bee's deservedly popular Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream (travel size)
• Almond & Milk Hand Cream (travel size)
• A tube of Pomegranate Lip Balm (full size)

This would make a great gift for anyone, especially during the cold winter months.

Beauty Gifts Under $50

These affordable gifts are sure to please.

Jenny Patinkin makes my absolute favorite makeup brush cleaners, and now she is offering a Jenny Patinkin Spray Away Instant Makeup Brush Cleaner and Luxury Vegan Makeup Brush Soap bundle at a discounted price. (Note: I love her products so much that I became an affiliate partner and this is an affiliate link.)

As I have explained in previous reviews about washing makeup brushes, keeping makeup brushes clean and sanitary is essential for many reasons, including optimal performance and avoiding cross-contamination of bacteria between your brushes, your makeup, and your skin.

I use the Spray Away Instant Makeup Brush Cleaner with a microfiber cloth to clean my makeup brushes in literally just seconds after each use. Then, either once a week (if I'm wearing makeup most days) or every other week, I wash them properly with the Luxury Vegan Makeup Brush Soap.

With these two products, I am able to care for even my most expensive makeup brushes effectively yet gently. The set of both products would make a fabulous gift for any makeup wearer!

Gift Baskets for Women, Body & Earth Gift Set with Jasmine & Honey Scent Includes Bubble Bath, Hand Cream, Christmas Gifts for Mom, Bath and Body Gift Sets for Women, Bath Sets for Women Gift

This Body & Earth Jasmine & Honey Spa Bath & Body Gift Set consists of a sleigh-shaped basked filled with 5 luxurious jasmine and honey-scented bath and body products:

• Hand Cream
• Shower Gel
• Bubble Bath
• Body Lotion
• Bar Soap

Your gift recipient will think of you fondly as they luxuriate in a bubble bath or fragrant shower, and their skin will be silky soft thanks to the body lotion and hand cream.

The contents are beautifully packaged in a white, gold, and silver pattern with a lovely winter scene. This gift looks much more expensive and luxe than its affordable price tag (less than $30)!

Gift Baskets for Women Body & Earth Bath and Body Gift Set for Women, Cherry Blossom & Jasmine Spa Gifts for Women Bath Gifts for Women, Regalos Para Mujer, Christmas Gifts for Women

A similar set that isn't winter holiday themed is the Body & Earth Cherry Blossom & Jasmine Bath and Body Gift Set. This 8-piece set includes cherry blossom and jasmine-scented bath and body products in a bathtub-shaped gift basket. The set consists of:

• Bath Salts
• Shower Gel
• Bubble Bath
• Body Lotion
• Rose-Shaped Soap Petals
• Shampoo Bar
• Soap
• Reusable Bathtub-Shaped Basket

Real Techniques Au Naturale Makeup Brush 9 Piece Set, For Liquid, Cream, & Powder Eyeshadow, Foundation, Blush, Bronzer & Contour, Travel Friendly, Stocking Stuffer, Gift Set, Cruelty-Free

For the woman (or girl) who doesn't have a good set of makeup brushes, the Real Techniques Au Naturale Makeup Brush 9 Piece Set would be a great starter set or a nice but inexpensive upgrade (if she's just using whatever cheap brushes or applicators come with her makeup). It would also make a great second set to keep in a gym bag.

This set of cruelty-free, vegan makeup brushes for face, cheeks and eyes includes:

• Ultimate Powder Brush
• Light Layers Complexion Brush
• Perfecting Prime Brush
• Blurring Concealer Brush
• Precision Fan Brush
• Full Coverage Brush
• Shading Brush
• Defining Crease Brush
• Flat Liner Brush

The brushes have sturdy aluminum ferrules and custom-cut UltraPlush synthetic bristles that apply and blend makeup beautifully.

Brush Babies Mini Makeup Brush Set

I have a lot of high-quality makeup brushes, but I still covet this Jenny Patinkin Brush Babies Mini Makeup Brush Set.

This tiny pink zippered pouch holds 6 mini makeup brushes that feature full-size vegan, synthetic bristle brush heads on palm-size weighted handles that give them the same balance as full-length brushes without the size. The brushes in this set are:

• Complexion
• Powder/Blush
• Concealer
• Eyeshadow
• Crease
• Smudge

Jenny Patinkin claims that her brushes have 2.5x the number of bristles as other brushes. I'm not sure which brushes she's comparing them to, but her brushes definitely have ultra-fine bristles and a luxurious feel and deliver an extremely smooth makeup application.

This mini but mighty set is perfect for an avid makeup lover who appreciates good quality brushes. Even if your gift recipient already has a good set of makeup brushes, she will love this one for her purse, car, desk, gym bag, or carry-on bag.

Note: This set retails for $58, but at the time of this review's publication, it's available on Amazon for less than $50.

DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Face Mask with Jojoba Beads. Gentle Exfoliating Pumpkin Facial Mask for Dullness, Uneven Skin Tone, Fine Lines and Wrinkles. 5.5 oz

The DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Face Mask with Jojoba Beads is one of my favorite treatment masks. It's a great way to get a spa-like facial-treatment affordably, in the comfort of your own home.

This mask uses a combination of enzymatic and physical exfoliants to brighten dull skin and leave it feeling soft and silky. It reduces the appearance of large pores, deeply hydrates the skin, cleanses impurities, and gently exfoliates the dead surface layer of the skin for a smoother, more radiant complexion.

Key skin-loving ingredients include pumpkin, jojoba oil beads, kaolin clay, vitamin E, peptides, ceramides, enzymes, and colloidal silver.

You can read more about this outstanding rejuvenating face mask in my detailed product review that explains why it's The Best Exfoliating Enzyme Mask for Brighter, Softer, Smoother Skin.

Beauty Gifts Over $50

BK BEAUTY - Nikki La Rose Pro Artist Makeup Brush Set (7PC)

By now you know that I feel strongly about the importance of good makeup brushes for a beautiful, professional-looking application. Although it took me many years to bite the bullet and invest in a really good set, I finally did. In fact, I have become a bit of a high-end makeup brush collector by now. I wish I had made the investment sooner, as the positive difference in my makeup application when using good brushes is really noticeable. Of course, it's also important to learn good application techniques, but with the right tools, it's so much easier.

My very favorite makeup brushes of all time are this set of BK Beauty x Nikki La Rose Pro Artist Makeup Brushes. Nikki is an incredibly talented makeup artist with a long list of celebrity clients and her work is amazing. The collab she did with one of my favorite brush companies, BK Beauty, to create this 7-piece set of professional makeup brushes is simply superb. The set includes:

The N14 Petite Precision Multitasker is ideal for small areas.

The tapered N15 Precision Medium Powder brush is perfect for blending, bronzer, and contouring.

The triangular tip of the N16 Pro Concealer brush allows for precise concealer application.

The N17 Multi-Pro Face brush is an ingenious, dual-sided brush with lighter bristles on one side for creams and liquids and darker bristles on the other side for powders.

The N11 Ultimate Angle brush lets you create a winged liner look effortlessly with a single stroke.

The N12 Ultimate Smudger is designed for blending pencil liner, smudging, and defining eyes and lips.

The N13 Precision Pro Blender, ideal for deep-set, mature, and small eyes (which I really appreciate).

All seven of the brushes are multitaskers that make them worth their weight in gold for anyone who loves a beautiful, professional-looking makeup application. In fact, pro makeup artists love this set!

Oribe Gold Lust Collection

Oribe is a luxury salon hair care brand, one that is out of reach for most people. The products are not only expensive but also really good. Since it's something that most people wouldn't buy for themselves, it makes a wonderfully indulgent gift.

Oribe has many different lines for different types of hair. My favorite, by far, is their Gold Lust line, designed to repair and restore damaged hair.

The Oribe Gold Lust Collection set includes the three most often-used products in the line in a limited-edition box featuring original artwork by award-winning Kenyan fine art photographer Thandiwe Muriu:

• Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo (Standard, 8.5 oz)
• Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner (Standard, 6.8 oz)
• Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil (Travel, 2.5 oz) 

In a 7-day consumer panel survey of 101 women using Oribe Gold Lust shampoo & conditioner, 91% saw an improvement in the appearance of their hair and 82% felt damaged ends were more reinforced and sealed.

In clinical tests conducted on human hair against a control group, hair treated with Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil was 2x softer and more manageable and was protected from frizz for up to 72 hours.

My own experience with this line makes me wish it were less expensive, because it's so darn good for my long, dry, frizz-prone, greying hair.

I hope this review of the best beauty gifts for last-minute gift giving helps you find the perfect gifts for people on your list!

The Best Beauty Gifts for Last Minute Gift Giving by Margaret Schindel

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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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