A Review of Water Bottle Dog Toys

 

Dogs Love That Crinkle Crinkle!

I was visiting my niece this past weekend. We were drinking coffee at the kitchen table and I noticed her yellow lab was out in the yard tossing and pouncing on some kind of toy. He was having big fun! This went on for quite a while, so I asked her what the dog was playing that was keeping him so entertained.

She went to the patio door and called the dog inside. The dog grabbed his toy and came trotting into the kitchen. The toy was some kind of fuzzy stuffed animal, but when he dropped it and started biting it and pawing it, it made a crinkling noise. It was not the kind of noise I had ever heard coming from a dog toy, so I was intrigued. The noise seemed to egg the dog on to play.

I asked her what toy it was. She laughed and said, it was a good thing she had another, as she could never get the one he had away from him, he played with it all the time. I laughed as she went to the cupboard and pulled out a cute, plush, pink pig. She handed it to me and I looked at it and then squeezed it. It made no crinkling noise. I looked up at her, puzzled.  No noise?  She picked up an empty water bottle and opened the Velcro at the end of the toy and slipped in the bottle. She handed me the toy and said "squeeze it."  When I did, it made the familiar crinkling noise!

The dog heard the noise and came running over and dancing around, wanting to play. She said that she had seen her friend's dog playing with one at the dog park and her dog fell in love with it, so she bought a couple off Amazon.  From the time it had arrived her dog had not stopped playing with it.

I was pretty impressed. I don’t have any dogs, but I have several friends and relatives that did. They are like my foster dogs, so I always get them gifts for holidays.  I knew their dogs would love these toys!

Zippy Paws Otter Toy

Of all the ones I saw on Amazon, I like this cute otter the most, so I ordered it for my girlfriend's dog.  I liked the fact that it did not have eyes or a nose that could be torn off and swallowed. I was surprised at the thickness of the material and the fact it had two layers to help protect the bottle.  I also noticed it had a different type of closure with a loop instead of Velcro.  It came with a regular sized water bottle with a reusable cap that squeaked!  When you change the bottle, you just take off the cap and replace it with the squeaker cap and slide it in.  Your dog is ready for a squeaking, crinkling good time!

While browsing these toys on Amazon I ran across another one that I absolutely loved!  A toy shaped like a wine bottle that says "Paws Off My Wine!"  I have a friend that loves wine and I know she will get a kick out of this dog toy for her Husky.  They also come in beer bottles.

Prime Pets Wine Bottle Toy

I highly recommend these toys!  They encourage play not only between you and your pet, but also play by themselves, which helps them stay healthy and entertained.  They are also so many choices, you are sure to find something your family will love.....tacos, hippos, doughnuts, frogs, bones, the types of toys are almost endless!   Buy one for your pet, I am sure you or they will not be disappointed!

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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Reviewing Why Plant Labels Matter In The Garden

 

If you love gardening like I do, or are just starting out you probably like plants and want to grow seeds and young plants. You will be keen for each plant to thrive and grow well so you can admire it or grow crops for your table. 

Especially when you are starting out you may be wondering what are the essentials to buy. There are items that are more obvious and are fun to buy and then those which are important but less likely to attract attention. 

One item that is often overlooked is the humble plant label.

Often in the array of gardening products we can buy, plant labels may be an afterthought or we feel that of course we will remember what we planted where and which seeds are in which containers! Well I learned my lesson there a long time ago !! 

My Wooden Plant Labels Ready For Seed Sowing. 

So Why Do Plant Labels Matter?

Plant labels are an essential tool for gardeners. We spend time carefully sowing flowers  or vegetable seeds in a seed bed or container and cover with compost. If you are anything like me you think you will easily recall which seeds are in which area. 

However time passes and the beautiful tiny shoots come up and suddenly you are not sure whether these are flower or vegetable seeds, or even which flowers or vegetables!  They all look so similar and we have no idea. You have a bed or container full of tiny green seedlings, all looking very much the same! I have been there and it is no fun and can be very frustrating. 

Labels can also be very useful for plants that die down completely in the winter. It is very easy to forget that a plant was ever there and we can be inadvertently digging or trampling the beautiful plant. A label in the ground helps us to notice and remember.

At the famous Kew gardens in London where they really know what they are doing with regards to plants and gardening,  they also label just about everything. This is good for visitors who want to learn about the plants, trees and herbs but also helps the staff to care for the plants in the correct way.

 Plant labels are such an easy tool to help us know what we planted and where and you can even put the date on so you can recall how far along they are in growing. If you know what plants they are you can provide the correct conditions and care.

 

Plants and vegetables correctly labelled at Kew Gardens

How to Label Plants Effectively

From my own trials and errors I have found the following tips to be useful.

• As a basic write the plant or seeds name and the date planted or sown.
• If you have room you can include care information and date of expected flowers or harvest. 
• Use a Weatherproof Marker pen so that especially if its to be used outdoors it won't fade away before the end of the season.
• Ideally stick to the same format and information at least for your flowers and then for your vegetables and herbs. It just helps us to easily see the information and work the garden better.
• You can stick labels in the ground for seeds and young plants or tie them higher up a bigger plant.
• Use labels for your houseplants too. It is all too easy to forget the name and care required or when they bloom. 
• Check and clean labels at the beginning or end of the gardening year, especially for outdoor plants.
• Check each year to see what worked and what didn't and improve your systems. 

Honesty Seeds In My Garden Ready to be Collected and Sown

Types of Plant Label Materials

Plant labels are available in various materials, which have their different advantages and disadvantages.

Wooden/Bamboo Labels

 These are usually my labels of choice. It is easy to write  the plant name and date of sowing on. They are environmentally friendly and  biodegradable. Fairly inexpensive, they also look natural and fit in with a wide range of garden schemes, themes and trends.

However I find if exposed to the elements they do not last as long as I would like. They are best for indoor sowing seeds or sowing /planting under glass or in a greenhouse or for indoor plants. They will then be more protected from the elements and last longer. However I do use them outside and just accept that they will not last as long if used in this way. 

 Bamboo Plant Stakes, 50pcs, Extra Long Plant Labels (2.25 inches) Bamboo Garden Signs, Identification Plant MarkersCheck Price

Metal Labels 

These look attractive and elegant and are usually a quality product. As they are weather resistant they offer a more permanent label and can last many years. Some are also rust resistant and are worth looking out for. They can be available in beautiful metals like copper, stainless steel and aluminium which look really lovely in the garden. We can mix and match them or keep to one metal depending on the look you want. 

They are usually more expensive though and this can be an issue if you are sowing lots of seeds or gardening on a budget. If you can buy enough to meet your sowing and labelling needs they are a very lovely addition to a garden. 

Due to the price point, Metal labels are perhaps better suited to labelling more permanent larger plants like perennials or shrubs and trees, but if you can what a  lovely way to label your seedlings and vegetable patch. 

 Cureder 30 Pack Metal Plant Labels for Outdoor Garden Waterproof Plant Markers, Labels Garden Markers for Seedlings Herbs Vegetable Greenhouse Gifts, with PenCheck Price

Plastic Labels

 These are good to use outdoors and can cope with the more inclement weather. Plastic is very durable and well suited to coping with rain. They are also often available in different colours which may be useful to differentiate flowers from vegetables or even different types or varieties and look cheerful. You are generally better using a permanent marker to write with which usually survives rain and snow. 

However they are not environmentally friendly to keep buying. I have plastic items in my garden I purchased years ago but I am trying to simply reuse rather than buy more plastic. So if that matters to you it could be a consideration. 

 Plant Labels Tags 200Pcs T-Type Plant Markers Plastic Plant Label Garden Labels for Outdoor Garden Waterproof Plant Label Identification Stakes with Permanent Marking Pen 5 ColorsCheck Price

Make Your own Labels

Getting creative with a project to make your own labels can be fun. Labels can be made from old lollipop sticks, stones with the names of plants written or painted on and even old cutlery like spoons or even wine corks! They will certainly be fun and unique to your garden. We can create or buy  magical and fun labels for a very individual look. 

Labels can be purely functional or they can be a creative addition to your garden and be an integral part of the garden style. You might want to introduce a certain colour or many bold colours, tie labels with fun facts or inspirational quotes around the garden or express your own garden theme or personality.

Buying creative labels can be more expensive, though they will without doubt add style and magic to your garden.

It is more time consuming to create your own labels than buy them and many gardeners are busy enough in the Spring. Perhaps something for a winter project !

 30 Pack Wooden Garden Plant Markers Garden Potted Plants Labels for Vegetable Flowers Funny Garden Stakes TagsCheck Price

Plant labels are a vital item for any gardener and especially if you sow seeds. While they can be an afterthought, they are important to keep your garden organised and so you can give the proper care to your seeds and plants. 

They can be basic and functional, beautiful, short or long lasting, expensive or affordable and even fun! So give some thought to the humble plant label and how they will work for you and influence your garden. 

Read More Gardening Reviews on ReviewThisGardening.com

Read Diary Of A Wild Country Garden Blog

Growing Vegetables In Outdoor Containers Reviewed.

Reviewing The Benefits Of Seed Storage Boxes

Read More Product Reviews on ReviewThisProducts.com

Reviewing Why Plant Labels Matter In The Garden By Raintree Annie 

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I Need to Introduce You to This Fruit Fly Solution

I recently encountered an epic fruit fly invasion. 

Whether the flies were fruit flies or gnats (I still don't know the difference—thanks, Google) didn't seem to matter. All I knew was that they were everywhere, and I needed to get rid of them. 

I did read somewhere that gnats might be hiding out in the soil of your plants, but honestly, that's about all the science I needed. 

I was less interested in understanding them and more focused on breaking their little mating cycle so they'd leave my life for good.

With a quick search on Amazon (because if Amazon doesn't have it, do we even need it?), I typed in something like "getting rid of fruit flies" and hit the jackpot: a product that was affordable, easy to use, and—bonus points—non-toxic.

The Yellow Butterfly is a Sticky Trap

Fruit Fly Sticky Traps for Indoor and Outdoor Use

These sticky traps are about as simple as it gets. 

Just peel off the protective cover and stick them wherever you need them. 

They even have a pointy end that easily slips into a planter, but you can cut that off and stick them anywhere—versatile, right?

They're decorative too, with shapes like butterflies and sunbursts, because why shouldn't bug traps add a little flair?

The Yellow Butterfly is a Sticky Trap

My Secret Weapon: The Wine Bottle Trap

In addition to these sticky traps, I always use my trusty wine bottle trick. 

I leave a little bit of wine in the bottom of a bottle, place it next to my fruit bowl, and let the flies find their way in. 

Usually, this works like a charm. But this time, the flies seemed to multiply faster than the wine could lure them in. So, I went all out with the sticky traps. I put four around the wine bottle—two at the mouth and two just below. 

The next morning, I found what looked like an entire fruit fly city had taken up residence. Success! That was the end of them.

And now, for good measure, I keep a couple of sticky traps tucked into my plants in case any stragglers try to make a comeback.

These Traps are Really Sticky!

These traps are not joking around when it comes to stickiness. They'll cling to your fingers, so handle them as little as possible to avoid frustration.

If you're ready to say goodbye to your fruit fly (or gnat?) problem, you can find these traps on Amazon.

Here's What the Product Package Looks Like on Amazon

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

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The Authenticity Project - Book Review

The story of a solitary green notebook that brings together six strangers and leads to unexpected friendship, and even love

Cast of Characters

• Julian Jessop
• Monica
• Hazard
• Alice
• Riley 
• Lizzie

Location: London, England

Synopsis of The Authenticity Project

The Authenticity Project: A Novel

Julian Jessop is a rather eccentric, though quite lonely, artist in his late 70s.  He believes that most people aren’t really honest with each other. He begins to wonder what would happen if people actually told the truth about themselves. 

Julian decides to tell the truth about his own life ~ writing in a plain green journal. He ends his story with:

How well do you know the people who live near you? How well do they know you?

Everyone lies about their lives. What would happen if you shared the truth instead? The one thing that defines you, that makes everything else about you fall into place? 

….maybe telling that story would change your life, or the life of someone you’ve not yet met.

Then he leaves the journal in a local cafe. 

The cafe is Monica's Café, owned by the incredibly tidy and efficient Monica. Monica reads the journal entry, finds Julian’s story and his philosophy about truth intriguing, and eventually adds her own entry. She then leaves the book in the wine bar across the street. 

Before long, the other characters in this charming story find the green notebook, add the truths about their own deepest selves, and, amazingly somehow find each other In Real Life. 

The Authenticity Project's cast of characters--including Hazard, the charming addict who makes a vow to get sober; Alice, the fabulous mommy Instagrammer whose real life is a lot less perfect than it looks online; Riley, the vacationing gardener from Perth, Australia, and Lizzie - who brings the ‘authentic’ to The Authenticity Project - are quirky, funny, sometimes heartbreakingly sad, and very true-to-life. 

The Authenticity Project is a story about being brave and putting your real self forward. The new friends discover this is not as scary as it seems. In fact, it appears to look a lot like happiness. 

A heartfelt story you will read with deep pleasure. 

Summary

The Authenticity Project is a delightful, feel-good, novel by Clare Pooley, a British author, speaker and blogger who has written a half-dozen novels to date. More reviews of this author’s interesting books will be coming soon.

*Book review of ‘The Authenticity Project’ written by Wednesday Elf

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A Review of Oktoberfest

A Cultural Folk Festival Holiday Review

What is Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a festival held each year in Munich, Germany. The origin of the festival began on October 12, 1810, to celebrate the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria (later known as King Louis I) to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

Why is it called Oktoberfest when it is in September?

Because the weather in October in Germany is already getting colder, with the days being shorter, the festival coordinators elected to have the festival begin on the first Saturday after September 15 and last until the first Sunday in October. Thus, for this year, 2024, Oktoberfest begins Saturday, September 21 and ends on Sunday, October 6. 

This two centuries long event has become best known for featuring beer, pretzels, and German food. The fest includes a parade, music, and a traveling carnival. 

Costumes

The traditional costumes for Oktoberfest are:

• For men - Lederhosen with suspenders. The lederhosen are the part-pants, part-shorts combination that are held up by suspenders.

• For women - the costumes include the Trachtenblouse - a distinct blouse style due to the lace trim on the sleeves and neckline and a Dirndl skirt, which is characterized by its laced straps and circular cut, which starts at the waist and falls below the knee. A matching pinafore (or apron) is worn over the dirndl. 

*Important Note: The knot on the pinafore indicates your relationship status. If the knot is on your right side, that means you are taken. If you tie the knot on the left side, it means you are single. 

Oktoberfest Around the World

A number of U.S. cities, particularly those with large German American populations, hold Oktoberfests modeled on the original Munich festival. These popular celebrations, which feature beer and German food, are an attempt to reproduce the Bavarian sense of gemütlichkeit—cordiality.

Many of the U.S. Oktoberfests are shorter in length than the two weeks normally set aside for the Munich festival. For instance, the Kansas City Oktoberfest in 2024 is just a two-day event held on the final weekend of October 4-5, 2024. 

The German town of Hermann, Missouri celebrates the town’s German heritage every weekend in October by hosting Oktoberfest. The backdrop of Missouri fall colors this time of year also pays tribute to the Autumn season. What better way to celebrate than with good food, wine, beer and music. 

Summary

Whether you dress up in traditional costume or wear just regular clothes, the fun and happiness of this Fall Celebration will be a fun time of traditioning into the holiday season. 

Find an Oktoberfest near you ~ and enjoy. 

*Oktoberfest Holiday is review by Wednesday Elf

 

Dirndl Oktoberfest Outfit Women Dress Bavarian Fancy Costume Halloween 3 Pieces Set Carnival Traditional

BAVARIA TRACHTEN Oktoberfest Lederhosen Men - Real Leather - The Original Men's Lederhosen from Germany - Authentic German Octoberfest Outfit Dark Brown - Short

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The Best Low Carb, High Protein, Gluten-Free Pasta

Kaizen Low Carb Pasta made with lupin flour is a health-conscious alternative to traditional pasta made with wheat flour and semolina. It is the best pasta I have found for those of us who follow a low-carb diet, such as keto enthusiasts, diabetics, or anyone looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake. It is also a great option for people who follow a gluten-free diet.

This product review will cover Kaizen pasta’s taste, texture, nutritional value, preparation, and overall value. As a bonus, I will also share a simple recipe I developed that uses Kaizen fusilli.

Taste and Texture

One of the most critical aspects of any pasta product is its taste and texture. Kaizen low carb pasta aims to mimic the familiar experience of traditional pasta, and it does a commendable job.

Taste

The pasta has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of sauces. It reminds me of chickpea pasta. 

While it doesn't have the same taste as pasta made from wheat flour and semolina, it is quite enjoyable when combined with robust sauces like marinara or Alfredo. 

Texture

The texture is pleasantly firm, though slightly different from traditional pasta. It is a bit chewier, which can take some getting used to, but it holds up well in both hot and cold dishes. 

Nutritional Value

Kaizen low carb pasta shines in its nutritional profile, making it an attractive option for health-conscious consumers.

Low in Carbohydrates

This pasta is significantly lower in carbs compared to regular pasta, making it suitable for low-carb and keto diets. Each serving contains only 6 grams of net carbs, depending on the specific variety. 

The company has also come out with an even lower-carb pasta line, which I have ordered and will review after I have tried it.

High in Protein

With 20 grams of protein per serving, this pasta helps in meeting daily protein requirements, which is beneficial for muscle maintenance and overall health. 

High in Fiber

The pasta has 15 grams of dietary fiber per serving, contributing to better digestive health and helping to keep you full for longer.

Gluten-Free

Kaizen pasta has been reformulated with a gluten-free recipe, so more people can enjoy it.

No Artificial Ingredients

Kaizen prides itself on using natural ingredients, which is a big plus for those avoiding artificial additives and preservatives. 

Preparation

Preparing Kaizen Low Carb Pasta is straightforward and similar to traditional pasta. Just bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook the pasta for about 5–6 minutes (to the desired texture), drain, and use as desired, with a sauce or in recipes. 

Although the texture is different than traditional pasta made from wheat and semolina flours and cannot be cooked al dente, it's crucial to monitor the pasta closely to avoid overcooking so it does not become mushy.

Versatility

Kaizen Low Carb Pasta is versatile and, at the time of this post's publication, is available in four shapes: Fusilli, ziti, radiatore, and cavatappi. This makes it suitable for a variety of dishes.

It works well in classic hot pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese, carbonara, lasagna, and baked casseroles.

I used it to make a low-carb, high-protein, high-fiber version of a traditional Jewish sweet noodle kugel (a sweet egg, cottage cheese, and noodle casserole) and it was absolutely delicious!

It also holds up well in cold pasta salads, providing a hearty base for a variety of fresh ingredients. 

Overall Value

Considering its health benefits, Kaizen low carb pasta offers good value for money. Although it is more expensive than conventional pasta made with wheat flour and semolina, the added nutritional benefits will justify the higher price point for many consumers.

It's particularly valuable for those who need to manage their carbohydrate intake, follow a gluten-free diet, or want a higher protein alternative to standard pasta.

Kaizen low carb pasta is an excellent product for anyone seeking a healthier alternative to traditional pasta without compromising on taste and texture. Its high protein and fiber content, combined with its low carbohydrate profile, make it a standout option for low-carb dieters and health-conscious individuals. While it may require a slight adjustment in cooking and texture expectations, its versatility and nutritional benefits make it a worthwhile addition to your pantry.

Kaizen Low Carb Keto Pasta Fusilli - High Protein (20g), Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly (6g Net), Plant-Based Lupini Noodles made w/High Fiber Lupin Flour - 8 ounces (Pack of 3)

Kaizen Low Carb Keto Pasta Ziti - High Protein (20g), Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly (6g Net), Plant-Based Lupini Noodles made w/High Fiber Lupin Flour - 8 ounces (Pack of 3)

Kaizen Low Carb Keto Pasta Radiatori - High Protein (20g), Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly (6g Net), Plant-Based Lupini Noodles made w/High Fiber Lupin Flour - 8 ounces (Pack of 3)

Kaizen Low Carb Keto Pasta Cavatappi - High Protein (20g), Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly (6g Net), Plant-Based Lupini Noodles made w/High Fiber Lupin Flour - 8 ounces (Pack of 3)

Low Carb Fusilli With Pork and Mushroom Ragu

I whip up this delicious, low carb pasta dish often because it's quick and easy to make and my husband and I both enjoy it.

I usually serve it with a side salad and, sometimes, with garlic bread made with Hero bread (expensive but 0 net carbs and exceptional taste and texture for a keto-friendly bread).

I hope you and your family enjoy it.

Buon appetito!

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Boiling water

Salt

1 pound ground pork

8 oz. portabello mushrooms

1/4 cup wine (red is traditional but white is good, too)

Chopped fresh or dried Italian herbs (optional)

15.5 oz. jar Rao's Homemade Marinara sauce

8 oz. box Kaizen Fusilli low carb pasta

Freshly grated Parmigiano-Romano cheese

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil while you make the pork and mushroom ragu (meat sauce).
2. In a large nonstick skillet, crumble and lightly brown the ground pork over medium-high heat.
3. Slice the mushrooms and add them to the browned pork. Stir occasionally until the mushrooms are soft.
4. Stir in the wine and the optional seasonings and cook until the wine is reduced by about half.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce and turn the heat to a low simmer.
6. Stir the fusilli into the boiling salted water (some foaming is normal) and boil for 5 minutes.
7. Drain and stir the cooked pasta into the pork and mushroom ragu. Turn the heat down to low and let the pasta "marry" with the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes.
8. Divide into four portions and grate some Parmigiano-Romano cheese over the top just before serving.

The Best Low Carb, High Protein, Gluten-Free Pasta by Margaret Schindel

Read More Low Carb & Keto Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

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