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Saturday, February 21, 2026

National Toast Day Review

Toast Day is held each year on the 4th Thursday of February. It was begun in 2014 by The Tiptree World Bread Awards to celebrate toast and all the breads we make it with. (Tiptree is a brand of fruit preserves, conserves, and marmalade made in England by Wilkin & Sons Limited, so it makes sense they have an interest in toast.)

Image of toast slices popping up from a toaster

The organization is in the UK, but the popularity of this day has found a following in the United States.

The Shades of Toast

Some people like their toast barely toasted (my mother, for one. I used to tell her that her version of toast was more like ‘warm bread’, LOL).

Vintage toaster from the 1920s and 1930s

Others like their toast almost burnt, which is a way I learned to eat it as a small child from my great-grandmother, Banny. At the time, the only toaster she had was a non-popup toaster used in the 1920s to 1930s. You lowered each side, inserted the bread, closed the doors and ‘watched’ it closely. Only one side was toasted at a time. One had to lower the doors, and flip the bread to toast the other side. And, yes, I do remember that toaster - it looked like the one pictured here. Banny, my GG, would wait until the smoke was coming out of the toaster (burnt), then toast the other side. Then she would lightly scrape the burnt part off.

It may sound weird to you today, but as a tiny child who adored her ‘Banny’, I thought it was great, and I loved the burnt flavor. The rest of the way we ate that toast was dipped in coffee (Banny) and cocoa (me). To this day, cocoa and toast is a favorite of mine. Although, I no longer eat my toast burnt! Most people prefer their toast toasted somewhere in between barely and burnt.

Toast Toppings

Now, the toppings for toast are endless, and depend on your preference. Butter is a standard topping, but favorites run anywhere from jam/jellies to peanut butter to avocados. Then there are standards like poached eggs on toast and toasted sandwiches.

Summary

So, if you like toast (and most of us do), mark the 4th Thursday of February on your calendar in order to celebrate this ‘toasty’ day!

Related Holidays:

National Cheese Toast Day - September 15
National Bread Day - November 17

For more Holiday Reviews, Click
on ReviewThisReviews: Holidays

*A review of National Toast Day was written by Wednesday Elf

*Images:

Vintage Toaster image from Rare Historical Photos/Vintage Toasters toasters/
Toast/toaster images from Pixabay

Hamilton Beach 2 Slice ToasterCheck Price Nature's Own Butterbread - Pack of 2 LoavesCheck Price Stonewall Kitchen, Jam Collection, 4-Piece Gift SetCheck Price Thomas' Plain Bagels, 6 ct, 20 ozCheck Price

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

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Friday, January 23, 2026

Crafts in the House of Sylvestermouse Reviewed

Have Fun and Craft On!

Let's Play, Create and Make A Lifetime of Treasures

I love handmade gifts and crafts! I guess I have been crafting all of my life. I honestly cannot remember a time that I did not have a hook or needle of some kind in my hand or a project in some phase of construction.

One of the most frustrating problems a crafter or needlework enthusiasts faces, is getting patterns, ideas, or instructions without spending a lot of money. The supplies alone will often deplete any crafting budget.

Because I understand the real desire to make original treasures, I am sharing some of my own personal ideas and instructions for making unique heirlooms. I have also written several articles that teach basic skills for beginners.

Cross Stitch Memories

My favorite needlework is cross stitch. It is certainly one of the easiest forms of needlework and there are tons of patterns and kits readily available.

I started cross stitching when I was in jr. high school (It is called middle school today). One of my earliest projects is still one of my favorites. I cross stitched the flowers in the photo for my grandmother. I made one for my mother as well. My mom helped me make them into pillows.

After my grandmother died, my step grandfather put a lot of her personal treasures in boxes. He later gave some of them to my mother. She discovered the pillow among those items and brought it back to me. The pillow was stained and the cross stitch cloth was "aged." I cut the cross stitch design off of the pillow and carefully cleaned it with Woolite in my kitchen sink. This cross stitch heirloom now resides in my bible. A world of memories right there in that one little square.

Tutorial: Visit How to Cross Stitch on Crafters Kingdom

Beaded Ornaments ~ A Gift to Cherish from Year to Year

Another one of my favorite craft projects is beaded ornaments. They are fairly easy and require very little talent. They do, however, demand patience since they entail working with small beads and pins.

Not only do I enjoy making these ornaments for our family tree, I like making them to give a gifts. The ornament in the photo was a gift I made for my son. I bet you can guess his favorite color.

In just a few hours, I made a lovely treasure, a precious gift and a lasting tradition.

Tutorial: Visit How to Make Beaded Ornaments

Crochet With Love

When it comes to home décor, there is nothing prettier than the lacy effect of a crocheted doily or tablecloth.

I enjoy browsing in antique stores and it never fails to bring tears to my eyes when I see a beautiful crocheted afghan or tablecloth in one of the display cabinets. I know from experience how many hours are lovingly stitched in these beautiful heirlooms. I simply can not imagine selling one of these family treasures. I am always tempted to buy them, take them home and give back the love they deserve.

Tutorial: Visit Beginner Crochet

Beaded Easter Eggs

If you are really looking for something original, this craft project is for you!

Out of sheer determination to find a new, unique gift for my children one Easter, I dreamed up these eggs. They are really very easy and require a minimal investment for the supplies. I actually made the first few with beads and glue I already had in my craft supplies.

They make a great surprise or grand prize in the traditional Easter egg hunt.

Tutorial: Visit How to Make Beaded Easter Eggs

Let's Party ~ Mad Hatter Style

I made this Mad Hatter's Hat for my son right before the debut of the new Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland movie.

Yes, he actually wore it to the movie on opening day! Can you imagine how much fun he had with his group of college friends when they donned their "Alice" attire and stormed the theater doors? I wish I could have been there. I would have at least like to have had a picture, but you know kids, they don't worry about such things.

Tutorial: Visit How to Make a Mad Hatter's Hat
like Johnny Depp's in Tim Burtons Alice in Wonderland Movie

My Decoupaged Purse

One of my most treasured gifts is the decoupaged wooden purse that my grandmother decoupaged for me when I was a young girl.

I love all of the photos on the purse, but the photo on the right shows my favorite picture. I have always loved giraffes and I always had long, blonde hair.

I loved it when she originally gave it to me back in the 70's. I carried it everywhere I went and actually used it as my everyday purse. My grandmother died several years ago and I treasure the gifts she so lovingly and painstakingly made for me. I can't touch this purse without thinking of how her hands touched it so many times as she turned a wooded box into a beautiful work of art just for me.

Tutorial: Visit How to Make a Decoupaged Wooded Purse

A Very Special Valentine

I love the stories behind the original sailor's valentines!

I can assure you, the sailor's valentines that I have made reflects a greater depth of love than those 19th century sailors felt for their valentines.

In the tutorial linked below, I have told about the origin of the Sailor's Valentine and given instructions to make your own. There really isn't a prettier way to express your love.

Tutorial: Click here for - How to Make a Sailor's Valentine

Beaded Cross Stitch Pin

Embellishing cross stitch with shining beads is simply a joy!

I love adding beads to my cross stitch. The beads add another dimension to cross stitch.

I use the beads to highlight and accentuate focus areas of my cross stitch work. I love the way the little beads will pick up and reflect light and color.

I made the beaded cross stitch pin for my son for Halloween. As I was making it, I took the time to take lots of pictures to show in an article.

Here is my Tutorial: How to Make a Beaded Cross Stitch Pin

Halloween Ghost

I made the original ghost over a decade ago for my son who just loves ghosts and anything Halloween.

This is my own pattern with step by step instructions and photos, which I have shared exclusively on Crafters Kingdom.

I hope you enjoy my friendly ghost! I am certain he will enjoy being with you.

Tutorial: How to Make a Halloween Ghost with Fleece

A Unique and Impressive Holiday Centerpiece

During the holidays, we decorate our homes with glitter and sparkle that reflects the beauty of the lights on our trees and in our hearts.

I originally made this centerpiece with beaded fruit for autumn and Thanksgiving, but when it was time to decorate for Christmas, I changed the floral picks to gold and red berries.

Since I was changing it out anyway, I photographed the process and wrote an article describing the steps to make a sleigh centerpiece. Regardless of the holder or vase, the steps in the article below will show you exactly how to make you own original arrangement.

Tutorial: How to Make a Christmas Sleigh Centerpiece

Some Things Really Are Just Too Easy

These ornaments are probably the easiest crafting project I have ever made.

You will be surprised and thrilled to find out just had simple these ornaments are to assemble.

We had a bit of an unplanned craft party one year when our family was gathered during the holidays. I had just purchased some glass ornaments and I had a wild idea for all of us to make something and exchange them with each other.

These ornaments are the results of our afternoon of antics and fun. A wonderful memory!

They smell good too!

Tutorial: How to Make Quick & Easy Glass Ornaments

Just Playing Around - Making a Pincushion

As a seamstress, I can really appreciate a large pincushion. If it is pretty, that makes it even better.

I was inspired by a pattern book that gave some basic instructions on how to construct a felt pincushion.

Intrigued, I gathered my supplies, called my mother and we went to work creating our own pincushions. I also created the article below. I have given step by step instructions with lots of photos so you, too, can create a felt pincushion.

This really is a very easy project. The hardest part is choosing the supplies.

I will never again look at my pincushion without thinking of the day my mother and I were just playing around!

Tutorial: How to Make Felt Cupcake Pincushions

Mosaic Picture

Mosaic pictures are rather impressive when complete, but they don't have to be hard to make.

Several years ago, I made the raccoon mosaic picture for my father for his birthday and he loves it.

Making the mosaic was not hard since I used a kit, but I do have several tips and suggestions for making the craft easier.

This is a craft that does take a good bit of time, so organization and taking your time is key to successfully creating a beautiful mosaic picture.

Tutorial: How to Make a Mosaic Picture

__________________

This tutorial directory page was originally published on a website that is not longer in existence and All Photos are the Exclusive Property of Sylvestermouse.

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Reviewing The Benefits Of Seed Container Storage Boxes

In my experience, seed container storage boxes are an essential tool for gardeners. Previously, my seeds for flowers and vegetables and salads were stored in draws in the kitchen or open storage boxes and it was not really adequate. They often seemed to gain moisture or go bad quickly and if I opened a packet and put it back inevitably the seeds would spill out all over ! I also worried about mice and insects being attracted by them.

I often buy seeds whenever I visit a garden centre especially if they have any on sale. So I often keep seeds from one year to the next. A garden magazine I subscribe to monthly usually include free seeds as well. In addition I gather seeds from my own flowers. So it is often the case that I have a lot of seeds needing storage at any one time.

I enjoy growing from seed and watching the tiny seeds grow into a young plant then mature and flower is a wonder of nature and always enchanting to me. In addition it often works out significantly cheaper than buying larger plug plants later on in the year. If you grow from seed you can grow many times more flowers and crops for the same or less price.

So I now have two seed storage boxes, I keep one for flower seeds and one for vegetable and salad seeds.

Variety of vegetable and herb seed packets

Benefits Of Using Seed Container Storage Boxes:

Organisation

Seed container storage boxes often come with cardboard or plastic compartments or dividers that allow us to organise seeds. Organising seeds is a personal thing. Some people might organise the seeds alphabetically, some by flower type or by month to plant. It does not matter as long as it suits you. Sorting seeds in these ways can make it easier to check dates by which seeds must be sown.

It can also keeps seeds of one type for example salad crops, cress, poppies or sweet peas together so that you don't go out and buy more stock of seeds when you already have plenty.

I also have these blank seed container packets so that I can store any of the seeds I collect from my own plants.

So there are many benefits from a little time spent organising.

Variety of seed packets and blank seed envelopes

Keeps Seeds Dry

Seed container storage boxes keep seeds dry. This is very important to keep seeds viable and able to germinate. Too much moisture can lead to mould growth and ultimately the seeds just rot before you get a chance to sow them.

It avoids the disappointment of finding your lovely seeds with all the promise of flowers and crops only to have to discard them. These seed storage boxes help preserve seed quality and ensure they remain good for sowing for longer.

Protection From Mice.

Seeds are a magnet for mice for whom it is a food source. So it is important not to leave seed packets loose in a draw, cupboard or outdoor storage where mice can find them. We do not want a mice infestation in our homes so a sturdy seed container keeps the seeds secure and unavailable as a food source. These containers are usually metal with sturdy fastening clips and so not easily accessed by rodents. I have had no issues with mice getting into my seeds since using these containers.

Easy To Carry

The seed containers I have and the ones I am talking about here are smaller and easily carried. This is important to me so that I can carry the whole box into the garden, use the seeds from the packets I need and put them back.

I can keep the box in the garden with me all the time I am gardening so no need to go back and forth to the house. Then I simply carry it back into the house when I have finished.

I hope to get an allotment one day and they will be invaluable in that case so that I can simply take them back and forth to the allotment easily.

A sturdy, portable box means no seeds spills all over the garden or home and I have all the packets of seeds available to me as I work.

Storage

I do have a lot of seeds and rarely use all the seeds in every packet every year. Seed container storage boxes are designed for longer term storage, thus allowing seeds to remain viable for longer periods of time. I really like this as it means I can keep seeds for longer, often year to year and as long as I sow them by the use by date on the packet they are still good viable seeds.

There is also plenty of room for my seed labels. Labelling seed trays is in my experience vital. No matter what I think I do forget which seeds I have sown in which seed tray! So labelling is important , yet labels can often go astray. So keeping them in with the seeds in a seed storage box is perfect !

Variety of seed packets and wooden plant labels

Having one or more seed container storage boxes is sensible if you gather or buy seeds. Seed container storage boxes offer some good benefits that help us gardeners maintain the quality and viability of flower, vegetable and salad seeds.

It can also be cost-effective. By keeping seeds protected and dry, away from rodents and organised we keep the seeds fresher for longer. We also can easily see what seeds we already have so no need to buy more of seeds we already own. We also can be more organised so sow the seeds we want to have, whether flowers or vegetables, at the correct time.

Gardening Gift Idea

These Seed Storage boxes can make a lovely thoughtful gift for just about every gardener and really anyone who you know loves sowing their own seeds. So you may like to bear in mind for Birthdays and Christmas gifts especially, though as a keen gardener, I would be very happy with one as a Valentines gift too!

In my experience, these container seed boxes are a valuable addition to help make seed sowing a pleasurable and organised gardening activity.

Seed Storage Box – Metal Seed Packet Organizer with Garden String and Bamboo Plant LabelsCheck Price Xbopetda Seed Saving Box, Metal Seed Bin, Seed Storage Organizer Box, Seed Packet Container with Lid and 4 DividersCheck Price Burgon & Ball Seed Packet Storage Box Container Tin Stone Cream with Inside Dividers for Organization with Lid, Side Handles and LatchesCheck Price

Read More Gardening Reviews on ReviewThisGardening.com

Read Diary Of A Wild Country Garden Blog

Growing Vegetables In Outdoor Containers Reviewed.

Read More Product Reviews on ReviewThisProducts.com

Reviewing The Benefits Of Seed Container Storage Boxes by Raintree Annie

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Wednesday, July 19, 2023

The Best Travel Toiletry Bag for Women Is a Bargain!

I've purchased a lot of travel toiletry bags over the years to accommodate my makeup, makeup brushes, skin care, shampoo, hair styling products (such as heat protectant), deodorant, face and body sunscreen, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc. None of them worked well for me until I tried the NISHEL travel toiletry bag for women.

I'm delighted to share this excellent find. Here's my product review of this lightweight and large capacity toiletry organizer that folds down compactly when not in use.

NISHEL Travel Toiletry Bag Organizer - Spacious, Lightweight, Compact

I've purchased quite a few travel toiletry bags in my quest for one that met my needs. Unfortunately, they were either too large, too heavy, or not configurable to fit the variety of sizes and shapes of travel toiletries, makeup, brushes, etc., I like to take with me on trips.

Finally, I discovered this bag while watching a product review video (or maybe Instagram Live) from a well known beauty influencer whom I would gladly credit if I could remember which one.

It has quickly become one of my favorite travel accessories. Here's why I love it.

Well Thought-Out Design Holds a Lot of Toiletries, Keeps Them Organized and Easily Accessible

The NISHEL Travel Toiletry Bag for Women Large Capacity, Travel Essentials Organizer, Hanging Makeup Case for Accessories, Cosmetics, Toiletries is designed for optimal toiletry organization.

Two handles make this lightweight travel toiletry organizer bag easy to carry.

A large outer zipper compartment on the front provides easy access without opening the organizer.

The bag is slim and compact for storage when not in use and has a front zipper compartment.

The bag unzips fully to lie or hang flat.

When unzipped, it lies flat or hangs straight. The top and bottom flaps fold out for extra storage.

Once unzipped and with the flaps unfolded, there are four interior zippered sections with see-through, clear plastic fronts.

NISHEL travel toiletry organizer, fully opened

When unzipped with the flaps folded out, there are four generously sized, zippered compartments with clear plastic fronts to keep all your makeup, skincare, shampoo and other travel toiletries organized and easily accessible.

Keeps Limited Sink and Counter Space Clear

In many hotels and vacation rentals, bathroom counter space is at a premium. The NISHEL travel toiletry bag can hang on the shower rod, towel rack or door hook to keep from cluttering up the limited sink and counter space. And it's easy to see where all your toiletries are, even mini travel sizes, and access them easily throughout your stay.

A Place for Everything and Everything in Its Place

That was one of my grandmother’s favorite sayings and one that definitely applies to this hanging toiletries organizer.

Here is a close-up look at each of the four interior zippered compartment sections, along with a peek at what I put into each section when I did a trial run of this organizer in anticipation of our next vacation.

Top Flap Section

The top flap is a zippered compartment with a sturdy hanger hook. It folds out to let you hang the organizer in a closet or in the bathroom.

Top flap compartment of NISHEL travel toiletry bag

I packed two eyeshadow palettes in the top flap zippered compartment. You can see the attached hanger hook that lets you hang this travel toiletry bag in a closet or on a door hook.

Top Center Section

The top center section is a very generously sized, zippered compartment with a clear plastic front and elastic-top nylon mesh pockets.

Upper middle compartment of NISHEL travel toiletry bag

I put a bunch of makeup brushes, eye pencils, mascara, lip glosses and a blush compact into the upper center zippered compartment with the elastic-top divided mesh bag. As you can see, I could have easily fit quite a bit more into this section!

Lower Center Section

The lower center section is another generously sized, zippered compartment with a clear plastic front. This one has two rows of wide, elastic strips across the center, stitched down in staggered sections, to securely hold products in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

Lower middle section of NISHEL travel toiletry bag

I put two bottles of facial mineral sunscreen, a large can of mineral sunscreen spray, an eye treatment and concealer with SPF, toothpaste, floss and deodorant into this section with elastic loops and still had room to spare.

Bottom Flap Section

The bottom flap is another zippered compartment similar to the top flap, but without the hanger hook.

Bottom flap compartment of NISHEL travel toiletry bag

In the bottom flap zippered compartment, I put travel size shampoo, conditioner, styling products, and my Dnsly electric toothbrush in its hard travel case.

Note that this doesn't even include the exterior front pocket, which can fit additional toiletry or other travel items!

This travel toiletry bag has a large capacity that holds everything I want to bring with me and keeps it accessible and organized during my trip. Despite its large capacity, it's also extraordinarily lightweight, which I love!

Either of the two main center compartments can be used to hold makeup brushes securely, if desired.

A Choice of Colors

This travel toiletry organizer comes in the following colors (I've provided descriptions because some of the color names are a bit misleading): Pink (dusty rose-beige), Aegean Blue (soft navy), Lake Blue (dusty dark teal), Purple (dusty medium lilac), Rosewood-Pink (dusty chestnut brown) and Black.

I purchased the Pink, which looks more like a beige to me.

NISHEL Travel Toiletry Bag Pink

NISHEL Travel Toiletry Bag Aegean Blue

NISHEL Travel Toiletry Bag Lake Blue

NISHEL Travel Toiletry Bag Purple

NISHEL Travel Toiletry Bag Rosewood Pink

NISHEL Travel Toiletry Bag Black

An Affordable Travel Gift

The list price of the NISHEL travel toiletry bag is $29.99. However, at the time of this product review's publication, the Amazon price was only $23.99.

The Matching Travel Accessories Also Are Great, Affordable Gifts

I love that this brand also makes coordinating travel accessories (not all of them are available in all the colors).

The NISHEL Travel Jewelry Organizer for Necklaces, Earrings, Rings, Bracelets, Watch is 9.5" long × 5.5" wide ×1.5" deep. Its slim profile belies its generous capacity, thanks to its four buckled straps to hold necklaces or bracelets, five zippered pouches, earrings panel that can hold 14 pairs of earrings, and a long buckled band to hold multiple rings securely.

It has a list price of $23.99; the Amazon price at the time of this product review’s publication was $16.99.

The NISHEL Double Layer Travel Makeup Bag Women, Large Cosmetic Case, Organizer for Travel-Size Accessories Bottles, Brushes, Conditioner, and Skin Care Products is a large train case style makeup travel bag that a deep bottom section that holds a lot of makeup and skin care products, as well as a large, separate zippered compartment on top that can accommodate a very large number of makeup brushes.

It would be great for a makeup artist to carry to client appointments or for anyone who has a large makeup collection.

It has a list price of $29.99; the Amazon price at the time of publication was $22.99.

I think the NISHEL travel toiletry bag, travel jewelry organizer and cosmetics train case would all make wonderful, affordable gifts for women, especially those who love makeup, skin care, hair care or jewelry.