A Review of How to Make Homemade Olive Garden House Dressing and Salad

Olive Garden is one of my husband's favorite restaurants.  He especially loves the salad that comes with the meals.  He always raves about the salad dressing.  Italian is his favorite, but he claims that the Olive Garden salad dressing is especially good, so I made a copy cat recipe so he could enjoy delicious salads at home.  He says he cannot tell the difference......much!  Here's how I make it:

How to Make the Green Salad:

• 2 Romaine lettuce hearts, chopped how you prefer your salads
• 1/4 cup of red onion, sliced fairly thin, keep individual pieces 1 to 2 inches long
• 2 medium tomatoes chopped
• 4 pepperoncini, the pickled type
• 6 to 8 pitted black olives 

and just before serving add:

• large croutons
• shredded Parmesan cheese 

• How to Make Olive Garden Dressing and Salad

Don't cut the lettuce until close to the time you plan to serve it, it is more crispy.  I usually serve the dressing on the side, so people can put the amount they want.  

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup water
• 6 tablespoons of white vinegar
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of light olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of grated Romano cheese (can substitute Parmesan)
• 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt

• 
  

I think this dressing tastes almost identical to what they serve at Olive Garden.  If you want to tweak the flavor, try adjusting the amount of sugar or the amount of lemon juice, I think these have the biggest impact on the taste.  Put your dressing in a pretty glass carafe and don't forget to shake well before serving.

How To Store Your Homemade Dressing

Because it is made from scratch, with no preservatives, this dressing will not keep nearly as long as what you buy in the store.  However, it will be fine in your refrigerator, in an air tight container, for a week or a bit more.  The flavors blend together and it is even more delicious after a day or two, so if you can, make it at least a day before you plan to use it.

Other Uses For Your Homemade Dressing

• Dressing macaroni salad
• Marinating chicken for broiling or baking
• Brushing on steaks or chops while grilling
• Vegetable dip - you may want to add a bit more mayo to thicken it
• Stir it into plain cooked pasta and vegetables to make it a tasty side dish

I hope you enjoy this salad dressing as much as I do, I use it a lot. The ingredients are usually always around and it is easy to make, though sometimes if I am out of Romano, I substitute Parmesan cheese in the dressing.  Below you will find my favorite shaker carafe that I use to store my dressing.  I love that it has a pour spout and a top.

Enjoy!

My favorite shaker carafe:

Kitchentoolz Salad Dressing Shaker Bottle

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Reviewing Arbonne's GreenSynergy Elixir

 

Arbonne's GreenSynergy Elixir is a drinkable smart nutrition + skincare routine that features your greens, collagen builder and happy gut formula all in one delicious shot. Let's review why I love it and highly recommend it to all my friends.

I have been drinking some form of greens drink for about 10 years and have reviewed the two previous 'versions' here on ReviewThisReviews. For the last year, I have replaced my Green Gut Glow drink with this GreenSynergy Elixir and I haven't looked back!

The GreenSynergy Elixir is a three-in-one formula that combines all of the ingredients from my previous Green Gut Glow drink; however, in my opinion, this tastes so much nicer - it's a citrus flavour which I really enjoy. The convenience of having just one sachet to mix with water makes my life so much easier - but is it just as good?

Let's break down the three components of this drink - greens, collagen builder and digestive enzymes.

First, let's look at the Greens component. The Green Gut Glow drink featured the BeWell Superfood Greens supplement, which contains a blend of 36 different fruits and vegetables per serving. The GreenSynergy Elixi still contains a serving of fruit and vegetables, but the blend only includes 12 different fruit and vegetables in their blend. I have a reasonably good diet and it works for me. If you need more nutrients, I recommend the Green Gut Glow bundle.

Secondly, we have the collagen builder. I have reviewed the Skin Elixir supplement previously and explained that I started taking this because I thought it might help with my Rheumatoid Arthritis (this has not been tested for this, it was only anecdotal evidence that collagen could help). I was concerned as I wasn't sure if there would be the same amount of collagen builder in this product.

I haven't had any adverse reactions with switching from the Skin Elixir (as part of the Green Gut Glow bundle) to the GreenSynergy Elixir, as far as my reasons for taking a collagen builder.

Thirdly, we need to look at the gut health component and this is where I have found a difference. The GreenSynergy Elixir contains a blend of 13 full-spectrum digestive enzymes to help support digestion. I have found that on a daily basis this supplement works really well for me, however, if I am sick, need to take medication, am stressed, or on holiday (where my diet changes), then I need to take a probiotic supplement if I want to avoid indigestion. When I was taking the Green Gut Glow bundle, this wasn't the case.

I basically keep some Biotic Sticks on hand for times when I need a little extra help. If you are looking to improve your gut health you may want to take the Green Gut Glow bundle, but I am still choosing to stick with the GreenSynergy Elixir.

At the end of the day Arbonne's GreenSynergy Elixir wins in both taste and convenience in my opinion, however, there is definitely room for both the GreenSynergy Elixir and the Green Gut Glow bundle - which do you want to try?

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Moist and Delicious Carrot Cake Recipe Review

Not all carrot cakes are created equal!

Many times I have heard people say they did not like carrot cake.  They tried a layered carrot cake from a grocery store or in a coffee shop that, while beautifully decorated, tasted dry and yucky.  Let me encourage all of you to try again, but make the cake yourself.  This recipe will change your opinion of carrot cake and totally rock your world of desserts.  You will never think of carrot cake the same way again.  

For many years, I have been making this carrot cake recipe.  Everyone loves it.  Even I, who normally hate nuts in anything, love this cake and the nuts don't bother me one bit.  Of course, I chop them up very fine with my nut chopper.  Therefore, we get the nut flavor without having to contend with chomping or choking on larger nuts. 

As for the "dry cake" issue, this single layer carrot cake is quite moist and delicious.  Plus, it has a glaze icing that soaks into the cake, as well as a cream cheese frosting.  We like to heat each individual slice in the microwave for 20 seconds before serving so the cream cheese icing melts slightly.  If it has been refrigerated for more than a day, the microwave heating takes about 5 seconds longer.  

 

Moist Carrot Cake Recipe 

This cake recipe takes longer to make than most cake recipes that I bake, but it is worth it!  The cake is baked, of course, but the glaze icing is cooked on the stove top.  The cream cheese frosting is spread on top of the cake after it is refrigerated for 2 hours or more.  So, it isn't quick, but as I said, it is well worth the extra time and attention.

One big tip I like to share, when using a hand mixer, I set my mixing bowl in my kitchen sink to eliminate the splatter across my counter tops.  It definitely makes for a faster clean-up.

 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups & 4 Tablespoons Swans Down Cake Flour (or all purpose flour: 2 cups)
• 1 Tablespoon baking soda
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup canola oil (plus more for pan)
• ¾ cup buttermilk 
• 3 large eggs  
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained  
• 1 cup shredded coconut (I use Angel Flake shredded coconut)
• 1 cup finely chopped pecan pieces
• 2 cups grated carrots (4-6 carrots needed)
_____
• Ingredients for the Cake syrup (made separately - see recipe below)
  ½ cup buttermilk
  1½ sticks Unsalted butter  (6 ounces)
  1 cup sugar
  1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ingredients for the Cream cheese frosting (made separately - see recipe below)
  8 oz cream cheese
  1½ sticks Unsalted butter 
  2 cups confectioners sugar

 

Directions

 

1. Set out 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter to heat to room temperature even though it won't be needed until you make the syrup recipe
 
2.  Generously grease a 9x13-inch cake pan 
3.  Preheat oven to 325°  (Convection Bake 300°) 
4.  Grate Carrots & Chop pecans
5.  Combine cake flour, baking soda, sugar, salt and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl & stir together 
6.  In a separate bowl & using a mixer, mix canola oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, chopped pecans and grated carrots
7.  Combine the wet ingredients with the flour mixture, mixing well 
8.  Pour batter into oiled pan 
9.  Bake approximately 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean  

_________ 

Start the syrup recipe (see below) 10 minutes BEFORE cake is out of oven so it will be ready when the cake is removed from the oven

 

Cake Syrup Recipe

• 1 cup sugar 
• ½ cup buttermilk 
• 1½ sticks unsalted butter, room temperature 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Using a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine ingredients. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved. – Takes about 5 min. in my *Magnalite pan

1. While the cake is still hot, poke holes all over the top with a large fork
2. Pour the cake syrup over the top, allowing cake to soak up the syrup.  Use a spoon if needed to redistribute the syrup that gathers at the sides 
3. Refrigerate cake until completely cool (minimum of 2 hrs)
4. Set out 1½  sticks unsalted butter & Cream Cheese to heat to room temperature for frosting recipe below  

 

Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

• 1½ sticks unsalted butter, room temperature 
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 
• 2 cups confectioners sugar 

Combine ingredients - Using an electric mixer on medium speed, mix until smooth and free of lumps.  

Then frost the cooled cake

 

In the directions above, I mentioned using my *Magnalite pan to cook the syrup.  Wagnerware Sidney Magnalite (produced in the 1930's and only available through secondary markets like eBay or antique stores) is my preferred pan for cooking candy & glazes.  It is heavy and has superior heat conductivity.  Current day Magnalite is not the same as the Wagnerware Magnalite of the past that was made in Sidney, Ohio.  While I highly recommend Wagnerware Magnalite, any heavy stainless steel saucepan should work fine to make this simple glaze.  

 

 

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Carrot Cake Recipe Written by:

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Copycat Tate's Cookie Recipe Review

 If you are a Tate's cookie fan than you can spot the infamous green bag of Tate's from a distance at your favorite market (or white bag if gluten free). My local market first started carrying Tate's, the original Chocolate Chip flavor, known for its' crispy buttery flavor; the market now carries the entire line of cookies including gluten free. 

If you like your chocolate chip cookies on the crispy side then you will enjoy Tates! I came across a copycat recipe for Tate's Chocolate Chip Cookies which I have tried quite a few times and found very enjoyable. Not exactly the same of course as the original Tate's but still yummy on its' own.

CopyCat Tate's Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup salted butter
• 3/4 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 tsp water
•  1 tsp vanilla
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Serving size is a medium to large cookie. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. 

1. Combine dry ingredients and set aside.
2. Cream softened butter and the two sugars in another bowl.
3. Then add vanilla and water to the sugar creamed mixture.
4. Add eggs, mix together. 
5. Stir flour mixture into bowl. 
6. Fold in chocolate chips.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-16 minutes depending on your oven and how large you make the cookies.

Medium-Large cookie size is 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Adjust up or down to your preference and don't forget to adjust baking time.

History of Tate's

The idea and recipe behind Tate's is from Kathleen King from the Hamptons.  She has been creating desserts since 1980 and has two cookbooks: Baking For Friends and the Tate’s Bake Shop Cookbook still available on Amazon or used online book sites. As Tate's grew through the years with the inevitable ups and lulls business' encounter, Tate's rise and success of it's products was ultimately purchased in 2018 by Mondelez for a reported 500 million dollars.

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Easy Apple Cake Recipe

When we received a bushel of Honeycrisp apples for Christmas, I immediately thought of the apple cake recipe that my mother-in-law gave me many years ago. 

I've often made this cake during the holidays because we have so many out of town guests. Our family members come in from all across the United States, which means they hail from different time zones. Therefore, we have early risers who quietly start their mornings so others who are still sleeping can rest uninterrupted.

With the various sleep habits, we are not going to find a great time to have breakfast together. The apple cake is perfect for me to make in advance and have available for whatever time of the day our guests need breakfast. 

This apple cake is similar to a pineapple upside down cake.  The fruit goes on the bottom of the prepared pan which means it is on the top of the cake when it is turned out of the pan.

The cake does not need to be refrigerated, which is another plus for making this delicious cake and leaving it out for breakfast, or throughout the day as a snack. 

 

Apple Cake Recipe

To begin, set out the butter to soften.  Also, wash, core and thinly slice apples.  Each apple will be cut into sixteenths.

Ingredients  

• 3 large eggs 
• 2 cups sugar 
• ½ cup vegetable oil 
• ½ cup softened butter 
• 1 tsp. baking soda 
• 2 cups flour (I use 2-1/4 cups Swans Down cake flour) 
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract 
• 1 cup walnut pieces (if desired) 
• 4-6 large Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, cored and sliced  

​

Directions 

1. Preheat oven to 350 F 
2. Generously butter a 9 x 13 x 2 inch baking dish 
3. Combine all of the dry ingredients and set aside  (cake flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon) 
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, oil and butter (a little of each at a time). Beat until sugar has dissolved. 
5. Stir in the vanilla (with the mixer on low speed is fine) 
6. Add dry ingredients mixture to the egg mixture along with the walnuts (with the mixer on low speed is fine) 
7. Spread the apples over the bottom of the prepared baking pan and drizzle with a few pinches of sugar 
8. Pour the batter over them, smoothing to cover all the apples 

Bake for 1 hour 

Set aside to cool to room temperature. Turn upside down on serving plate. I use my cutting board as the serving tray for this cake. Not only is it the right size, but a knife will not harm it.

 PrepWorks Dishwasher Safe Apple Slicer and Corer – 16-Slice Thin Apple Cutter with Safety CoverCheck Price Swans Down, Cake Flour, 32oz Box - Pack of 6Check Price Thirteen Chefs Large Acrylic Cutting Board, 16x10 Inch with Rubber Feet, Clear - Dishwasher SafeCheck Price

 

If you happen to be the recipient of a bushel of apples, you may also wish to check out my Apple Cobbler recipe or my Chocolate Covered Apples.  They are both delicious! 

 Easy Apple Cobbler Recipe Chocolate Dipped or Covered Apples

 

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Reviewing Arbonne's Daily Core Complete Sets

 I fell in love with Arbonne because of their nutrition range and over 8 years later I still love their products. This month Arbonne has released their Daily Core Complete Bundles and I think they are a great way to customize your daily nutrition.

Image created by Lou16 on Canva

There are two different Daily Core Complete Sets available - check them out here - they are called Daily Core Complete with FeelFit Pea Protein Shake Simply1 and Daily Core Complete with EssentialMeal Replacement Protein Shake and there's only one difference between them - the protein component.

Which Set Should I Get?

Both of these sets are designed to help you feel great, look radiant and support your body to be the best version of itself that it can be (kind of like Captain America!).

If you struggle to grab breakfast or lunch during the day and want something quick and easy to help with that, then choose the EssentialMeal bundle. This supplement is designed as a meal replacement (I use this on the days when I'm travelling from one job to another with very little time to spare). You simply add it to water and you are good to go.

My favourite protein, however, is the Feelfit Pea Protein Shake Simply 1 - this is a protein powder that ticks the box if you're doing Keto. I like it because I use it to make my proats, overnight oats, pancakes and more. It is designed as a protein supplement, not a complete meal replacement. If you follow a Keto plan, you need an after-workout protein shake or you just like using protein powder to ensure you have a protein-rich breakfast then choose this option.

What Are The Other Core Products?

The core products you get (aside from a bag of protein as above) are:

• 2 x EnergyFizz Ginseng Fizz Sticks
• 2 x CleanTox Herbal Detox Tea
• 1 x GreenSynergy Elixir

I have reviewed the EnergyFizz Sticks on here before and I use one every day (sometimes I'll have two). Fizz Sticks give you energy from Ginseng, Guarana, B Vitamins and Chromium - I used to tell people it's what keeps the smile on my face.

I have also reviewed the CleanTox Herbal Detox Tea on this site before and I love it. I usually drink this tea first thing in the morning, but it is caffeine-free and I know some people take it at night because of this. The herbs in this tea help to support your liver and kidneys. 

GreenSynergy Elixir is a greens drink that I have every single days. I used to take a couple of different green drinks which I have reviewed on this site. GreenSynergy Elixir is a 3-in-1 supplement that brings together the ingredients from the Green Gut Glow drink that I used to enjoy. Now it's one stick in water and mix which makes it a lot more convenient for a busy lifestyle.

This bundle delivers you daily support for energy, digestion, gentle detox and radiant-looking skin. Take these core products and customize your add-ons based on your wellness needs.

Selectable Wellness Enhancements 

As part of this set you get to choose 2 products from this list (this list is based on the US, some markets have different products available)

• BeWell Daily Multivitamin & Mineral
• Daily Omega
• HerCore Essentials Meno Support
• HerCore Essentials Flora Complete
• HerCore Essentials Cycle Support
• BioticSticks Fast Melt Probiotic
• BeWell Superfood Greens
• MindHealth Focus Super Powder
• InnerCalm Adaptogenic De-Stress Powder
• CleanTox Gentle Cleanse
• GutHealth Prebiotic Fiber
• MushroomPowder Daily Defense

Which of these products you choose really depends on what your focus is whether it's digestive support or women's wellness or something completely different. Let's look at a few ideas:

Whole body wellness, please! If you don't have any specific issues that you want to improve, you just want a general wellness then I would consider adding the Multivitamin & Mineral along with the Omegas.

More Focus & Calm, please! I'm sure a lot of people could use some help with their focus especially at stressful times which is when I would suggest MindHealth along with the InnerCalm for releasing stress.

I want to support my digestive system, please! I would look at adding the Superfood Greens (although you're getting 12 different sources of fruit and veg in the GreenSynergy Elixir the Greens supplies 36 different sources. The diversity of this really helps with the digestive system) and the BioticSticks.

No, you misunderstood I meant I needed help with the elimination and detoxification side of things, please! I would suggest the CleanTox Gentle Cleanse coupled with the Gut Health Fibre. I will add a word of caution with our fibre product. Do not start with a full scoop, start with a 1/4 dose and gradually increase it to a full serving as your body adjusts. Personally, I never taken more than 3/4 scoop at a time as more than that upset my stomach - we are all different.

Support for Menopause, please! If you're going through peri-menopause or menopause then I would suggest the Flora Complete and the Meno Support.

General women's health, please, but I'm way too young for menopause! I would suggest Cycle Support and Flora Complete.

Let's Recap These Bundles

All of Arbonne's products are neutraceuticals, this means they are created with the best of plant-powered ingredients combined with emergent science to create products that support our overall wellness. The Daily Core Complete Sets are a great example of this as they offer a flexible daily system that works with your body and adapts as your goals evolve - supporting your whole body wellness in a way that's simple and sustainable over time.

This set is designed to last for 30 days, although the fizz and tea may last longer if you only have one a day. I use the core products every day and absolutely love them. I have tried all of the add-ons that are available in Australia so if you have any questions do not hesitate to leave a message.

If you would like to know more and you don't want to leave your question in a comment below feel free to leave your instagram handle (or email address) and I will reach out to you.

The link for the Daily Core Complete Sets is below, if you would like to buy them (delete the set you don't want). You'll also be asked to select a free gift with your order which is always nice.

Daily Core Complete Sets - Buy Here

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A Very Merry Murder Mystery-Review

 

Christmas Cozy Mystery

I really enjoy cozy mysteries, so as the Christmas season was approaching, I found several Christmas themed cozy mysteries that I downloaded to my Kindle. I found one set of books that contained three different cozy mysteries all about a woman named Meridith and called Merry.  In these mysteries you are introduced to Merry and her interesting cast of friends who live in a small town.

Santa Slaughter

The first book in A Very Merry Murder Mystery series is set during a Christmas festival in a small town.  Meridith "Merry" is in between jobs and is working as an elf in the Santa hut.  Her friend Maggie has a booth by the Santa hut that sells hot chocolate.  On the first day of the festival Merry is working to set up the candy canes and her helpers are getting the children in line to see Santa.  The first two children enter the hut and start talking to Santa when he gets called away for a minute.  When Merry goes to take the photos she discovers that Santa is not there, the children show her how he went out the back door of the hut.  When Merry goes out to check on him she finds him on the ground and the mystery begins.  

First Date Disaster

In the second book, Merry's life his getting on a good track.  She now has a job running the cafe/coffee shop in her small town.  She also has a love interest in the town veterinarian.  When the book opens, they have yet to go on a date but that soon changes and things are looking up until they run into a dead body on their first date. Merry feels invested in solving the murder especially when a friend of hers becomes a suspect.  Rob, her date, is supportive and helpful but what a start to a relationship!  Will this work out? Will the murder be solved?  You will need to read the book to discover these answers.

The Body in the Bookstore

The third book in the series takes place when one of Merry's favorite authors, Aloysius Hunt comes to town to talk about his newest book at a local bookstore.  Merry's Aunt Cassie is also a big fan of the Mr. Hunt, so she comes to town to attend the event with Merry.  Before the event they are serving people in the cafe when a group of big fans of the Aloysius Hunt come in for some snacks and drinks before the big event.  They follow Mr. Hunt wherever he is speaking and they are very excited about his newest book.  

All is going well until they are at the bookstore, and a tragic accident occurs.  When it turns into a murder, it looks like they have another mystery to solve.

The Books on Amazon

The first three books in this series, along with the other six, can be purchased on Amazon in paperback or for Kindle.  Here is a link to the books A Very Merry Murder Mystery

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Thank you Stickers, Variety

Welcome to Thank you Stickers, Variety. Here you will find options for Thank you stickers for a variety of occasions. You can choose from floral, holiday themed, plain and simple designs, and more.

Thank you stickers are a great way to show extra appreciation for a gift, a job well done, for attendance at a wedding, performance, etc., and or for making a purchase from one's shoppe, and so much more.

I know that I like receiving appreciation and giving it as well. How about you?

Without further ado, here is a sample of one of the designs.

This two ferns design features two wispy ferns serving as the border, for the Thank you message. The text can be personalized if you like, as they can on many of these Thank you stickers.

Two Green Ferns Greenery Thank you Stickers
by CherylsArt

The stickers come in a choice of two sizes; 1-1/2 inch and 3 inch. You can buy them by the sheet and or by the roll. You can choose from glossy white and or the matte finish on both sheets and roll options. If purchasing by the sheet, you can also select from various shapes: star, oval, heart, rectangle, and triangle.

If purchasing by the roll, you can also choose from various finishes, including satin white and silver gloss. The ones with the extra finishes options are also tear resistant and may be water resistant. You can read more about these options here: Stickers-on-roll-review.

Any of the sticker designs can be ordered by the sheet and or roll options. I have found that when I clicked on a shape option other than square or circle, that the only way to purchase those stickers were by sheet only. Again, the sheet option only comes in the glossy or matte paper finish.

Here is a link to the collection of the various sticker designs. The Thank you is already there, and should be easily customized if you choose. Some can be used for a variety of occasions, such as birthday, wedding, for teachers, and more.

Custom Thank you Stickers
by CherylsArt

If you don't find a design that you're looking for, come back to this page and share your design request in a comment below. If I am around to do it, I will respond to your comment within 24 hours. I can do general colors, but no color matching. Do allow a couple of weeks for the design to be made, and also allow for the shipping time from Zazzle; so it will be best to have three to four weeks from the date of your request and when you need it.

Thank you.

Cheryl Paton

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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.

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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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.

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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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Lap Desk or Serving Tray with Detachable Cushion Reviewed

I prefer the comfort of my recliner to the straight back chairs at our dining tables or counter top, but I need a flat surface table top for paperwork and my smaller craft projects.  

Several years ago, I purchased a long, flat finished board that lays across the arms of my recliner to create a table top.  Unfortunately, it has no sides which limits its uses.  I recently went in search of a lap desk with sides and came across a serving tray that offers exactly what I need for paying bills, processing paperwork, and working on my small craft projects.  It even has an indention to keep a cup from sliding around on the table.  I use that recessed indentation in the top for holding pins and beads when crafting & my coffee cup when working on my paperwork.  It has proven to be perfect for my needs.

The lap tray I selected has a detachable cushion on the bottom of the tray which takes the full weight off my legs and serves to raise the height of the tray to a better position for writing.

 

Bamboo Lap Tray with Detachable Cushion

 Pickmesh Bamboo Lap Tray with Detachable Cushion Wood Bed Serving Tray - 16.9 x 13 Inch Wood Lap DeskCheck PriceI have several trays throughout my home, but none have been suitable for my lap writing desk needs until I found this lap tray with a cushion.  I hadn't previously considered how a cushion under the tray could make such a big difference.  The fabric on the cushion keeps the smooth tray from sliding around, plus it lifts the tray high enough to work on. 

The side handles allow me to easily pick up and carry the tray without disturbing whatever is laying on it.  Since it is so lightweight, I can grab the handles and stand straight up from a sitting position without straining under the weight to maintain balance.  

At 16.9 inches wide, it sits perfectly on my lap between the arms of my recliner.  Plus, the raised edges keep pens, craft supplies, silverware, plates, etc. from sliding off the tray.

I don't personally use it for "breakfast in bed", but I can see how it would be ideal for that use too.  Just as the cushion's fabric keeps the tray in place on my lap, I am sure it would keep the tray in place on top of sheets or bedspreads.

The cushion cover does have a zipper and the cover can be hand-washed.  I have not needed to wash my cover yet, but it is nice to know that I can when needed.

Of course, the cushion can be removed so the tray can be used for serving, if desired.  When we have company, I like being able to carry coffee and desserts to our guests without making several trips back and forth to the kitchen.  

 

 

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Premier Protein Drink Review

 Do you consume enough protein in your diet? I know that I don't get enough throughout the day. I use Premier Protein Drink as a supplement.

How Much Protein Should You Have Per Day?

The amount of protein depends on your activity and body weight. 

Below is what I found from the Mayo Clinic Health System

If you're an average adult.
The recommended dietary allowance to prevent deficiency for an average sedentary adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. For example, a person who weighs 165 pounds, or 75 kilograms, should consume 60 grams of protein per day.

The Healthiest Protein Options Include:

• Egg Whites
• Fish and seafood
• Lean meats (skinless, white-meat chicken or turkey)
• Low-fat dairy
• Soy, nuts, seeds, beans, and lentils

According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, you should always try to meet your daily requirements with these whole foods instead of supplements.

After checking with my doctor and getting his okay to use a protein supplement, we found Premier Protein Drink at our local grocery store.

Premier Protein drinks come in a variety of flavors like Chocolate, Vanilla, Caramel, Cookies & Cream, and other limited edition flavors. Each bottle is compact, easy to carry, and requires no refrigeration until it is opened.

Here are the Nutritional Stats:

• 30g of protein per serving
• Only 160 calories
• Just 1g of sugar
• Low fat
• Includes 24 vitamins and minerals

I don't use these to replace a meal, I drink 3 or 4 per week after a light lunch.

If you want to use a protein supplement, the Mayo Clinic recommends:

• 2 grams or less of saturated fat
• 5 grams of sugar or less
• 200 or fewer calories
• No trans fat or partially hydrogenated oils

The Premier Protein Drinks checks all of the above boxes.

Unlike other protein drinks that can taste chalky or artificial, I like the smooth and creamy taste of Premier Protein. I have tried several different flavors, but I always go back to my favorite, chocolate.

Always check with your doctor before using a protein supplement to ensure it's right for you.

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You can find a large selection on Amazon if you can't find Premier Protein Drinks in your local grocery store.

Premier Protein High Protein Shakes Variety Sampler Pack Vanilla 11 Fl. Oz Each (18pk)Check the 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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