I have gotten my cats various treat toys over the years. The one before the current one, that is pictured above, was a plastic round ball, that had a hole in it where the treats could fall out of as the ball was rolled. The one that we had, had a hole size that could be adjusted to make it easier or harder for the treats to fall out of. Our cat did seem to enjoy it to an extent, but it did not seem to be a favorite toy. I did not find the particular cat ball treat dispenser that we had, on Amazon.
Last Christmas, I came across the ladybugs and leaves design cat treat toy. With this toy, the treats seemed to be more directly retrieved from the toy. It's been over eight months now, and it is still a hit with our cat. There was a little bit of a learning curve at the very beginning, but it did not take long for her to figure it out. The way to get treats from this toy was a lot more straight forward. It was and is still a winner; it has two paws up from our cat. She comes to get me when it's treat time, without me having to call her.
This last toy is a home made treat toy made from a toilet paper roll. The toilet paper roll is folded in half, with both ends meeting, and then cutting slits, stopping around a half inch or so from the ends. Unfold the toilet paper tube, then push the middle part of the tube out a bit and add some treats. Our cat was immediately intrigued with this, once I put the treats in it! This is a nice way to add some extra fun for your cat, in a quick and easy way.
Why provide treat toys for your cat(s).
It offers some fun, play, and an intriguing way to play on their hunter instincts.
Another reason, is it is a way to help slow down a cat's eating habits. If they were used to eating fast, as in perhaps they came from an open room type shelter, they may have had to eat fast to make sure they got to the food when it was out. We had two cats where that was the case. Providing a mechanism that helped slow the cat's eating down, was a big help in getting their weight under control.
Which cat treat toy would I recommend?
My choice would be the ladybugs and leaves cat treat toy. My cat seems happier with this treat toy more so than she did with the dispensing ball toy. She looks forward to using it and I don't have to encourage her to use it.
Ladybugs and Leaves Cat Treat Toy; Catstages Buggin' Out Puzzle: Check price.
My second recommendation, is to try the toilet paper roll option; it's a good way to see if you want to invest in a treat toy that is more long lasting. However, they are relatively easy to make and toilet paper rolls can be in easy supply.
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.”
Just to let you know, there is snow on my roof (grey hair) and I thought I knew a lot about many different things. But just recently I learned something totally new to me and wondered why, oh why, it took me so long to find out about this.
What is "this"? Well let's just say that I consider it to be a little bit of Joy in a Jar.
This bit of heavenly joy comes from Honey Butter! Yes, you heard me right! Honey Butter!
Have you ever had this treat in your life? If not, you are missing out on something that I feel is out of this world. Just thinking about the first time I put some of this on hubby's fresh baked bread makes my face break out in a big and I mean really big smile.
It's not for everyone, especially those who are busy watching all the carbs and keeping track of everything they eat. But even if you fall into that category, you could let yourself "slip" just once and try this out!
Honey Butter is so easy to make! Once you have it made up, you can keep it in the refrigerator for a few weeks (but I'm guessing it won't last that long)!
Honey Butter Recipe
Start with unsalted butter softened to room temperature. 1 cup
Honey, clover, raw, wildflower - any one will work quite nicely 1/3cup
Confectioner's Sugar just makes it ultra-creamy and will keep the sweetness to an acceptable level. 3 Tablespoons
Flaky sea salt 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon
That is the whole ingredient list, pretty easy don't you think?
Start by creaming the butter and then add all the other ingredients creaming them into the butter mixture. If you have softened the butter ahead of time, this whole operation will only take a few minutes.
But......and this is a BIG BUT, you don't have to stop there! If you want to add a little more flavor you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon and you would have Cinnamon Honey Butter!
Another option is to add a little spice to your honey butter by adding just a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Hot and Sweet! What's not to like in that combination?
As I said earlier, this treat is something that is totally new to me and I've been around for quite a long time. I don't know what took me so long to find out about this but I do call it my Joy in a Jar for good reason.
I hope that I have tickled your taste buds just a little so that you can join me in a great little indulgence that will put a smile on your face too!
This was my first jar of honey butter purchased at the St. Jacob's Market in Waterloo Ontario. And now that I know how easy it is to make, you can be sure that I will make my own from now on!
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.”
I made a recent purchase that I'm thrilled about. I purchased a set of wooden, circular knitting needles and I couldn't be more thrilled. There are many different brands of this style of needles available and I chose the Knit Picks brand based on reviews from others. I also liked the variety of colors available. I know that it sounds unbelievable but these wooden needles have allowed me to knit successfully after a lifetime of failed attempts to learn this skill even at a beginning level.
My first successful knitting project!
I have crocheted for decades. I learned how to crochet as a child. I was also taught how to knit at that time. While I love to crochet, I personally think knit stitches are gorgeous, that knitted items are prettier, and I always dreamt of being able to knit. However, I have tried multiple times throughout my life to learn this skill and always gave up very quickly. My left hand would not communicate with my right, the loops of yarn would fall off during the stitch, and sometimes part of an entire project would slide right off the needles. If this sounds like you, I hope you continue reading.
I have finally learned to knit! I have completed several swatches (small sections of a project to test size and to practice a stitch) and I am currently knitting a scarf. It is hard to believe that I have finally been able to successful knit. The secret for me seems to be circular, wooden knitting needles.
A friend at work was knitting and listening to my complaints of never having been able to learn to knit, despite all of my attempts over years. She asked what type of needles I had used. I had always used straight, aluminum knitting needles. She suggested that I try wooden needles. Her opinion is that they are not as smooth as aluminum needles and she believed that the stitches don't fall off as easily when using wooden knitting needles.
I ordered the Knit Picks wooden, circular knitting needle set that night. And with her reminders of how to cast on and do the stocking stitch, I was knitting the very day after they were delivered.
9 pairs of 4.75" long wood needle tips; US sizes 4-11 (3.5mm - 8mm)
4 black cables: 2 each in 24", 1 in 32", and 1 in 40" length (length refers to total length when needles are attached to the cables)
8 black end caps
1 cable connector and 2 metal tightening keys
flexible, vinyl 9" x 5.5" case with snap closure and two accessory pockets
a variety of colors to choose from
a rating of 4.5 stars in over 2,800 reviews on Amazon, on this date
With crochet hooks, I prefer aluminum hooks by far. I had noticed the "drag" or "friction" that occurs when I have used plastic, acrylic, or wooden crochet hooks. I prefer to fly along when crocheting with a easy-slide metal hook. I had never imagined that the "friction" with wooden knitting needles may prevent the loops from slipping from the needle, and may be the solution for me. Like magic, I have suddenly learned how to knit with these wooden knitting needles.
I have also found that the circular needles, with the attached cables, help me to manage my project and keep it from slipping from the needles. I highly recommend the Knit Picks Options Wooden Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set that I purchased. But there are many similar sets to choose from; a variety of sizes, accessories, and cases. If knitting has eluded you due to frequent dropped stitches, and difficulty holding onto the needles, wooden needles may be the solution for you too.
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.”
Cooling Pillowcases: A Thoughtful Gift That Actually Made a Difference
A few years ago, for my friend's birthday, I gave her a cooling blanket. She has trouble with temperature regulation while sleeping, and I thought, maybe this could help. Well—it did more than help. She absolutely loves it. She has mentioned more than once how it has been a game changer for her sleep.
So when her birthday came around this year, I was back at it, thinking about what else might bring her comfort.
I'm at that age now where I try to give health-related gifts—things people will actually use and benefit from. The novelty stuff doesn't do it for me anymore. So, I decided to go with cooling pillowcases this time. And let me tell you… she was thrilled again.
Here's why cooling pillowcases are a surprisingly awesome gift—and why I think more people should try them.
1.Hot Sleepers Know the Struggle
If you (or someone you love) wakes up in the middle of the night feeling too hot, drenched in sweat, or constantly flipping the pillow to find the "cool side," cooling pillowcases are made for that. My friend has been dealing with this issue for years, and she told me that these pillowcases are precisely what she needed to help her stay more regulated at night.
2. They Feel Instantly Cool to the Touch
These aren't just regular pillowcases with fancy packaging. As soon as your skin touches them, you feel the coolness. It's hard to explain, but the sensation is real—and it lasts. The material is designed to pull heat away from the body, making it easier to fall asleep.
3. It's Better Sleep Without All the Fuss
No extra fans, no awkward cooling pads that slide around—just a regular pillowcase that feels fresh and light. It's such a simple swap to make, but it really makes sleep more restful, especially for those of us dealing with night sweats or heat sensitivity.
4.Gentle on Hair and Skin
One unexpected perk? The fabric is smooth and silky, so your hair and skin glide over it instead of rubbing against it. That means fewer tangles in the morning and less chance of waking up with those creased sleep lines on your face. A small thing, but a nice bonus.
5. Low Maintenance—Just Toss in the Wash
I like practical gifts, and this one's as low-fuss as they come. You don't need any special washing instructions. Just toss them in the machine, hang to dry or tumble low, and they're good to go. No fading, no pilling—just easy comfort.
The Pillowcases I Chose
The ones I picked have a lovely gradient design—very soft and modern. They use special cooling fibers (made with Japanese Arc-Chill technology, if you're into the details), which help draw heat away from the skin.
They're OEKO-TEX certified too, so no worrying about weird chemicals. There's a hidden zipper, which I appreciate because it keeps the pillow secure without anything poking out. All in all, they look good, feel cool, and are easy to care for.
Final Thought
If you're looking for a gift that's both unique and useful—especially for someone who struggles with sleep temperature issues—don't hesitate to try cooling pillowcases. My friend really appreciated hers, and I feel good knowing it's something she'll use every night.
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.”
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:
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.
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.
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?
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.”
Spoiler Alert: This post contains spoilers from the Yellowstone universe, especially 1883 and 1923. If you haven't watched and want to go in blind, I suggest stopping here, because I can't help but talk about what I just saw!
A Quick Look Back: The Yellowstone Timeline
If you're like me, and you started with Kevin Costner in modern-day Yellowstone (the original series), then you might have been surprised to learn there's a full backstory behind the Dutton family, spanning generations. It starts with 1883, then moves to 1923, and finally lands in the present-day ranching saga we all know from the original show.
1883 tells the brutal, emotional journey of how the Dutton family made it west.
1923 picks up 40 years later, focusing on the next generation trying to hold onto what was built.
Yellowstone brings us to modern day, with John Dutton III (Costner) doing everything he can to protect the family's legacy.
The Lineage: Connecting 1883 to 1923
Let's sort this out, because the family tree can be a little tangled! Although I've seen both 1883 and 1923, I had to do some research to tie a few characters together.
In 1883, James Dutton (played by Tim McGraw) and his wife Margaret (Faith Hill) lose their daughter Elsa during the journey west. Elsa is also the narrator for both 1883 and 1923.
The Duttons settle in Montana after the events of 1883, but by the time we get to 1923, things have shifted. James and Margaret Dutton (from 1883) have passed away, and their two sons—John Jr. and Spencer—are being raised by James's brother, Jacob Dutton (played by Harrison Ford), and his wife, Cara (played by Helen Mirren).
Jacob has stepped in as the family patriarch, and together, he and Cara are doing everything they can to protect the land, the legacy, and the next generation of Duttons.
The Acting: What Makes 1923 So Gripping
The acting in this series is outstanding. Every character feels real, weathered by life, love, grief, and duty.
Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren absolutely carry the show with grit and grace. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the quiet strength they bring to the Dutton legacy just pulls you in.
But it's not just them. The entire cast delivers. Every scene feels lived-in, and honestly, the show would not hit the same way without such powerful performances across the board.
The Storyline: Drama on the Ranch... and in Africa?
You read that right—Africa! One of the biggest surprises for me in 1923 was the side storyline involving Spencer Dutton, who is Jacob's nephew (and James Dutton's son). He's off in Africa dealing with wild animals, personal demons, and eventually, the long journey home to help save the family.
Meanwhile, back in Montana, everything is unraveling. The Duttons are facing massive challenges—economic hardship, land disputes, and brutal violence.
And then there's Teonna, a Native American girl in a Catholic boarding school who's facing her own horrifying challenges. Her storyline is raw, powerful, and deeply emotional. This part of the story is gripping and quite upsetting.
There's never a dull moment. Every episode left me thinking, "I need to know what happens next!"
The Ending: Are You Kidding Me?!
Let me just say—I was NOT ready for the way Season One ended.
No resolution, no bow tied neatly at the top. Just a big, emotional cliffhanger that left me staring at the screen, whispering "That's it?!" I immediately looked it up, and thank goodness, 1923 has been renewed for a second season.
Streaming Update: What I Learned
🕵️♀️ After reading Sam's comment below, I went down the streaming rabbit hole to figure out where and when the Yellowstone series—including 1923—is available.
1923 – Season 1
✅ I was able to watch Season 1 of 1923 on Netflix in Canada with my regular subscription. Unfortunately Season 1 of 1923 is only available via a Paramount Subscription, which you can get through Amazon Prime.
❌ Unfortunately, 1923 is not available on Netflix in the USA at the time of writing this. Again, you need a Paramount subscription.
1923 – Season 2
📅 Season 2 of 1923 was released in February 2025.
💳 It’s available through a paid Paramount+ subscription via Amazon Prime Video.
What's Next
🚫 There will be no Season 3 of 1923.
🔜 Instead, the Yellowstone Universe is continuing with a new series titled 1944.
🔍 Want to Know Where to Watch?
📌 To see where you can stream Yellowstone in Canada, the USA, and internationally, scroll down to the section near the bottom for a full breakdown.
What About Kevin Costner's Character's (John Dutton III) Direct Lineage in Current Day Yellowstone?
One thing I kept wondering while watching 1923 is how exactly this all connects to John Dutton III in Yellowstone. Who's his direct ancestor? Is it Spencer? One of the other brothers?
They haven't made it totally clear yet, and I think they're saving that for Season Two—especially once a few babies arrive (which seems to be where things are heading).
There are tons of theories online, and trust me, I've read more than a few. But for now, we're still piecing it all together.
Final Thoughts
1923 is one of those shows that sticks with you.
It's not just a Western—it's a family saga, a love story, a survival tale, and a sweeping look at a brutal and beautiful time in American history. If you're already a fan of the Yellowstone universe, I'd say 1923 is a must-watch.
Just be warned—you're probably going to fall in love with it like I did. And then you'll be counting the days until Season 2, just like the rest of us.
Let me know in the comments—have you watched 1923? What did you think? Are you Team Spencer? Team Cara? Or just in awe of how good the writing and acting are?
Oh, and so far, my fave character is the son, Spencer!
Here's the trailer:
How to Stream the Yellowstone Series: Canada, USA, and International:
1. Canada / International
As mentioned above, I went down the rabbit hole trying to figure out where the Yellowstone universe is available internationally, and it’s surprisingly complicated.
As of July 9, 2025, season 1 of 1923 is available on Netflix in Canada and many other international countries with a regular Netflix subscription. That’s where I watched it.
In Canada, the original Yellowstone series starring Kevin Costner (seasons 1 through 4) is also available on Netflix, along with part of season 5. The final half of season 5 requires a Paramount+ subscription via Amazon Prime Video.
For viewers in Australia, the original Yellowstone series is available on Stan.
That said, streaming rights vary widely by region, so it’s always best to check your local services for the most up-to-date information.
2. USA
In the United States, the Yellowstone universe is split across different platforms:
Yellowstone (original series) – Available only on Peacock
1923 and 1883 prequels – Available only on Paramount+ via Amazon Prime Video
1923 is not available on Netflix USA, even though it is in many other countries.
Final Tip
Streaming availability changes frequently and can vary by country. Be sure to check your own country’s streaming platforms directly to see what’s currently offered where you live.
**As per my opinion, viewer discretion is advised: The show includes significant violence and some distressing scenes.
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.”
Why Creating Playlists Has Made a Big Difference for My YouTube Channel
I'm not a YouTube guru, and I'm definitely not one of the big-time experts with millions of followers—but I do have a YouTube channel called Stumped Riddles, and I've spent countless hours researching ways to improve it.
Along with learning about YouTube's new Algorithm, one of the best pieces of advice I picked up—and something I've personally found incredibly valuable—is the power of creating playlists.
If you're new to YouTube or haven't tapped into the playlist feature much, let me walk you through the reasons why it's something you shouldn't overlook.
1. End Screens + Playlists = More Watch Time
This is the biggest benefit I've found so far.
When uploading long-form videos, YouTube allows you to add an end screen at the end of your video. One of the options you can add to that screen is—you guessed it—a playlist.
Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, so what? It's just a playlist." But here's why it matters: you control what goes in that playlist. If you've several videos on a particular topic (in my case, riddles), you can link viewers directly to related videos using the playlist feature.
And here's where it gets better:
On desktop, the full playlist shows up on the right-hand side of the screen. That means even if someone doesn't click the box on your end screen, they might glance over and click another video in the list. Your list occupies that real estate!
On mobile, that playlist appears below the video, making it easy for viewers to continue watching your content.
This increases your watch time, and that's something YouTube loves.
2. The Master Playlist: One Place for All Your Videos
If your videos all fall under one broad theme, like mine do, it's a good idea to create a master playlist, along with other category playlists.
The master playlist will contain every video you've published that fits within your channel's overall theme.
As you keep creating, that master list keeps growing—and that's a good thing. People can easily binge on your content, which again boosts your channel's watch time.
This master playlist can also be used on end screens or discovered in searches (more on that below). And just like before, people on desktop see it to the right, and mobile users see it below the video.
3. Break It Down: Organize Your Content into Logical Categories
Besides having a master list, organizing your videos into specific topic-based playlists helps your audience find exactly what they're looking for.
Here are some of the playlists I've created on my channel:
Christmas Riddles
Halloween Riddles
Riddles for Teens, Adults, and Seniors
Emotion & Virtue Riddles
Food Riddles
Nature Riddles
What Am I Riddles
And a special one for the Riddle Sisters, a new series I've started
and more....
You can even put one video in multiple playlists if it fits into more than one category. This gives your content more chances to be discovered through different search paths.
Here’s One of My Playlists (Featuring the Custom Cover I Designed):
4. Give Each Playlist a Unique Cover Image
This may seem like a minor detail, but I've found it extremely helpful for visual organization.
You can upload a custom image for each playlist, so that when people visit your YouTube channel homepage, they can instantly spot the difference between categories. I've done this for all of mine—it gives your channel a more polished look and helps guide viewers more easily.
If you're new to it, you'll need to research how to do this, but it's relatively straightforward once you've learned the basics.
5. Write Descriptions for Your Playlists (They Matter!)
This is one thing that's easy to skip, but it's essential: make sure you write a solid description for each of your playlists.
YouTube treats playlist descriptions as part of your searchable content. So, if someone types "Christmas riddles" into the search bar, your "Christmas Riddles" playlist (with the right keywords in the description) might show up, not just your individual videos.
In other words, your playlists can be searchable assets. That's extra real estate on YouTube to help people find your content.
Final Thoughts: Don't Get Overwhelmed—Just Keep Building
If you're just getting started with YouTube, it can seem overwhelming. I've been there—and truthfully, I'm still learning every single day.
My best advice? Don't try to figure everything out at once. Focus on one piece at a time. Playlists were one of those "a-ha" moments for me, and once I got the hang of them, I saw how much they helped, not only with organization but also with growth.
So take it step by step. Learn a little more each time you post a video. And when it comes to playlists, trust me—they're worth the effort.
Time to Solve a Riddle!
Take a breather and try to crack this fun riddle from Wild Roxy of the "famed" Riddle Sisters! It's a YouTube Short—and I'll be sharing tips on Shorts along the way too!
Enjoy!
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.”
Time to plant grass! Along with the topsoil and fresh seed is what I have termed my secret weapon to ensure the grass seed does not wander and to help the grass seeds thrive. EZ Straw Seeding With Tack is a necessity in this yard to give grass seeds the best chance at sprouting!
Birds and wind are the enemies when attempting to grow grass! I will add torrential downpours to the list as well. There is nothing more frustrating to put down grass seed only to see a flock of birds descend for fresh treats! Or a gale force wind descends to blow around the seed! And my favorite is when the weather forecast is incorrect and the sprinkles of rain are actually a downpour and watch your grass seed turn into mud puddles.
The above scenarios are where the EZ Straw Seeding excels to help your grass seed stay put! The straw with the tack adds a layer of protection over the seed as well as helping protect the seed and keep the seed moist under the straw.
Spring And Fall Grass Growing
In the north we have two short windows to grow grass or actually three (see below.) The easiest months to grow grass are in Spring And Fall. Summer is possible of course, but high temps and sun require much more frequent watering and maintenance. I usually use one layer of EZ Straw after the initial grass seed planting and then a second lighter layer of of seed and straw about 10 days later. to refresh areas where hay has degraded or grass seed has failed. If all has gone well after a week to 10 days I will see grass sprouting!
Dormant Seeding
I will add this method of growing grass as the third window of opportunity; however, the actual timing of putting down the seed varies per locale. In my area this time tends to be mid to late October which is before the ground is frozen and before the first snow.
Seed and hay are laid right before the first snow as in the weather is watched and if snow is predicted the time is the day prior to lay the seed and hay. If all goes well you are rewarded with early grass sprouts the next Spring! I have succeeded with this method which gives the area a nice head start come Spring before the weather cooperates to lay new seed and hay.
Delivers As Promised
Always nice to have a product deliver as promised. The packaging of the hay is in a compressed square is not reflective of the amount in the square once the package is opened. Chances are for overseeding and spot repair there will be more than enough to last for two seasons.
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.”
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.
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:
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:
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Noah is a small town police officer whose wife disappeared five years ago. He is spending a father-son day on the slopes with young Milo when the ski lifts just stop. Expecting to be rescued, the group of people on that section of the lift wait until they can wait no longer. If they are able to return to Fall Creek the struggle for survival will continue.
Author Kyla Stone had me hooked with Book 1 of in the Edge of Collapse series. A woman named Hannah had been held hostage in a remote cabin for years and is suddenly released when an attack on the United States causes the collapse of the power grid. The door pops open. Traumatized and permenately injured, Hannah is determined to find her way home despite the winter blizzard. She is fighting for her life and her freedom and is determined to return to her husband and son.
Edge of Madness: A Post -Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller (Edge of Collapse Book 2)
Noah and his young son Milo survived being trapped and forgotten on the ski lift when the nation's power grid goes down and the snowstorm begins. Noah finds a way to get them and others down from the lift and the three of them are able to return to Fall Creek.
The town is in chaos. With no way to communicate with the outside world, the little town hunkers down and tries to find the best way through this disaster. Many of the residents are without sufficient food, medicines, water, and heat and they depend on the town council to provide for them. The battle for limited resources begins.
Quinn is a 16 year old girl that was also stranded on the ski lift when the grid went down. Quinn is a bristling, snarky teen who really doesn't care for many people outside of Gramps and Gran. She recognizes the cop. And she remembers his wife, the lady who went missing all those years ago. The lady seemed nice when Quinn saw her in the neighborhood. Quinn warms up to, and begins to trust and love, Noah and Milo.
My thoughts
The story is told from Noah and Quinn's alternating point of view. Author Kyla Stone does this beautifully. More of my thoughts about Author Kyla Stone's writing in my Book Review: Edge of Collapse: A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller. I binge-read the entire 7 book series and have found a new favorite author.
Some who reviewed this series complain of the sudden ending of Book 1. While it was a little jarring, I now think it was brilliant. Hannah is still battling for her life and trying to get home. Noah, Milo and the other residents of Fall Creek are trying to survive this sudden and complete power grid shut down. Everyone is suddenly and completely cut off from anyone outside of their physical location. I was engrossed in the immediate battle for survival happening in Fall Creek with Hannah still in the back of my mind.
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.”
Let's be honest—finding a useful and meaningful gift isn't always easy. Last year, for my friend's birthday, I knew exactly what she needed: a wedge pillow.
She still raves about this handy bedtime item, so it's legitimately earned a positive review!
She's been dealing with acid reflux for a long time, especially at night. I've heard her struggles with stacking pillows to sleep more upright, only to have them slide around or fall over in the middle of the night.
It seemed uncomfortable and frustrating.
So I decided to get her something that could make a real difference—something she probably wouldn't have bought for herself, but that I knew she'd appreciate every night.
No More Stacking Pillows With a Wedge Pillow
I chose the 7.5-inch wedge pillow (there's also a taller 12-inch version, but I figured a more moderate incline would be easier to get used to). It's about 24 x 24 inches in size, which is a nice, generous surface—plenty wide to comfortably rest your upper body.
The point is that it gives her the incline she needs without the hassle of arranging multiple pillows that slip and slide. It stays put and gives her consistent support all night.
A Stylish Touch (Yes, Even for a Wedge Pillow)
One of the things I liked about this pillow was that it doesn't look like something out of a hospital room. It looks nice, but there is nothing clinical about it.
The cover is made of soft jacquard material, which not only feels good but also gives it a more stylish look. The cover is also removable and washable, so my friend can keep it clean without much effort.
Not Just for Acid Reflux
While I bought this wedge pillow to help with her acid reflux, it turns out it's also useful for many other things.
Whether it's snoring, back pain, neck strain, or even recovery after surgery, this pillow helps by gently elevating your upper body and removing some pressure.
You can also flip it around and use it to elevate your legs or feet if you need to. I didn't even think about that when I bought it, but it's a nice bonus feature.
She Sleeps Better—And That Makes Me Happy
The best part? My friend actually thanked me several times for this pillow. She said it made her nights so much more comfortable and gave her the kind of support she didn't realize she was missing.
Honestly, I feel good knowing I gave her something that makes a difference in her everyday life. That's what a good gift should do, right?
Would I Recommend It? Absolutely.
If you or someone you care about deals with acid reflux, snoring, back pain, or just has trouble getting comfy in bed, this wedge pillow is totally worth checking out. It's one of those little things that can make a big difference.
Sometimes, the best gifts aren't flashy—they're just thoughtful and helpful.
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.”
Our lawn gets heavy traffic as we are often walking on it, putting garden
furniture on it and our late dog and other friends dogs play on it. We
nurture our plants, vegetables and flowers and we also need to look after
our lawns so that they are also healthy. So every few years we feel the need
to revitalise it and overseed.
We usually have good success with Canada Green grass seeds which is a tough
mix, but there are many other grass seeds available. It is important we choose the grass seed that best meets our lawn needs, whether in sun or shade and how the lawn will be used for example light or heavy use. As we are on heavy clay soil, part of our garden
is mostly in shade and the other part mostly in sun and our lawn is much
used most of the year, we want a tough grass mix that can stand up to our
activities.
I have never sown a new lawn from scratch but we do overseeding of our
existing lawn and sow over smaller bare patches as well as needed.If the lawn looks like this photo below, with bare patches we could do with considering reseeding or overseeding.
Sowing grass seed onto an existing lawn can help improve its density,
health and overall look. We like a grass seed that is tough, fast growing
and one that looks nice and green once grown.
Here's how to do it in steps so that it is most effective. You will need to
check the instructions on your grass seed packet as each grass type may be a
little different. This article covers the general steps we take when
overseeding our lawn.
As usual preparation is key. The best times of year to over sow a lawn are
in Spring and in Autumn/Fall. You will need to stay off the lawn for a few
weeks after sowing seed so timing is important.
What You Will Need
Grass seed appropriate to your lawns needs and use
A Lawnmower
A rake to rake the compost
A fork or spikes to aerate the soil
Multipurpose compost
A garden sieve - to sieve the compost into a fine tilth
Watering can or hosepipe, both with a fine gentle spray attachment.
Steps to Overseed Your Lawn
Step One Mowing The Lawn
Mow your lawn but perhaps a little shorter that you usually do to about one
to one and a half inches tall. This is done to make sure the seeds have
better access and contact with the soil.
Step Two Raking The Lawn
It is important to rake the lawn removing all debris, bits of twigs, leaves
and so forth. Take this opportunity to rake out any thatch as well. This is
perhaps the most energetic step!
Step Three Aeration Of The Soil
This is the process of making small holes in the soil. It is helpful to do
this every year for drainage regardless, but also for the purposes of seed
sowing it helps the seeds get into the soil more easily. How you wish to do
this really depends on your size of your lawn, the time you have available,
how active you are and if you enjoy it.
We have a small lawn so we just take
it in turns to go over the whole lawn with a garden fork making holes at
short intervals probably a foots length. It take us a couple of hours but is
not too taxing. If your lawn is bigger you might want to hire a lawn aerator
or hire someone to do it with machinery.
Step Four Spreading The Grass Seed.
It is important to spread the seed as evenly as we can over the lawn. As we
have a small lawn we just broadcast the seed, this means taking a small
handful and casting the seed out over an area, then repeating. Again if your
lawn is larger or you wish to ensure it is perfectly spread a broadcast
spreader will do the job well. Check the seed packet you use for how much
you need to use.
Step Five Topdressing
I think this is worth doing for most lawns, which is to spread a thin layer
of compost or topsoil over the seeds. This protects them from being blown
away in the wind and from having too many eaten by birds. We usually use a
garden sieve to gently sieve the compost over the seeds so we get a light
even coverage.
Step Six Watering The Lawn
It is important to water the lawn straightaway after seeding and top
dressing. This is to moisten the soil and again to stop seeds flying
everywhere in the wind.
It is important to keep the seeds at least damp for up to two weeks after
sowing, until they germinate. I usually try to time garden grass reseeding
for a day when rain is forecast for several days after. This saves me a big
watering job and I like to think that rainwater is likely better at this
stage.
If watering myself it means I need to tread on the new seeded lawn so
it is best to put planks down to step on so as not to damage any new delicate roots.
Also you need to water lightly and evenly with a good rose gentle spray.
Avoid a harsh jet of water as this will only serve to clump seeds together, waterlog the ground and may drown them.
After about 2 weeks you can reduce the watering to two
or three times a week, unless it rains for a few hours two to three days in a
week.
We generally do step four spreading the seed and step five topdressing and
step six watering one after the other in rows then step backwards and repeat
the three steps for the next row. We find this prevents us trampling all
over the fresh seed on the lawn.
Step Seven Ongoing Grass Care
We need to keep off the grass as much as possible for about two to three
weeks. This can be a little frustrating but it is important to give the seed
a good chance at rooting. Once the grass has germinated and grown to
about three inches, we can reduce the frequency of watering. We just water
every other day or every few days depending on the weather, but we make sure
it is now a good drink at this stage, rather than a light spray.
It is important not to think of mowing the new seeded lawn until the grass
has grown to at least three inches. Depending on the lawn it can be good to
buy a lawn fertiliser and use that according to instructions to keep the
lawn in good condition through the year.
Protect the seed from being eaten. While I love birds it is important to
try at least to keep them off the seed, you can put up scarecrow like
features of poles with pots on top but in our garden no matter what I do
there are always mice and birds and especially wood pigeons who come down to
eat some of my seeds! I am relaxed about it though and always think of the
old adage.
So reseeding or overseeding a lawn is quite a big undertaking. However it
is not something most of us will need to do all that often. Once a year is
generally advised but we often let it go to once every two or even three
years. In between we simply address any bare patches that arise. Our lawn is
however not an immaculate showpiece but somewhere we use and live on when
outside.
If you want or need a really beautiful immaculate lawn then once a year
overseeding is advisable. However often you reseed, the results are so
worth it when you sit out on your lovely green, thick lawn in late Spring
and summer and can enjoy it.
A beautiful, healthy green lawn sets off all the flowers and plants
beautifully and is a thing of joy!
Reviewing Overseeding A Lawn With Grass Seed by Raintree Annie.
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