Four years ago we bought our first Bottlebrush. It is a plant I had
wanted for years so was very happy to bring one home. The first picture
shows it growing in a large pot in our garden.
However, when we first brought it home, at that time, I knew very
little about how to care for it.
Most of my plants were firmly outdoor garden plants but the bottle brush in
our climate always seems to me to be halfway between a houseplant and a
garden plant.
Learning About Bottlebrush
So I knew I needed to learn about how to grow and care for it. Ours is
the Callistemon citrinus or Crimson Bottlebrush. It is
fairly common and easy to find. It is quite hardy, but I find requires
winter shelter. It produces its stunning flowers mainly in high in
summer with another smaller flush in Autumn and has been forgiving about
my pruning to shape it.
There are several more cultivars including Alpine and Weeping varieties
which are lovely. There are even Lemon Bottlebrush with lemon coloured
flowers. So there are many to choose from for your needs.
Bottlebrush With Bee by Raintree Annie
The smaller dwarf varieties are especially useful for a small garden,
patio or even a balcony. If you do not have a garden as such, a dwarf
Bottlebrush would be lovely to bring some colour and style to a small
outdoor space or indoor conservatory.
The name Bottlebrush comes from the beautiful red flower spikes
that grow right at the end of the branches and simply look like a bottle
brush!
We knew it needed to grow in a very mid climate as the plant originates
in Australia. We have a temperate climate sometimes it is very
warm but most of the time it is mild or cool and in winter can be
very cold indeed sometimes freezing conditions with frost and snow.
So we decided it would be best to grow it in a large pot so that we
could move it into a sheltered area easily.
Bottlebrush also requires free draining soil preferably on the acidic
side and our soil is heavy clay. We did not think it would like the clay
soil as it gets very cold and sodden in winter and sometimes becomes
frozen and rock like. However, it is thriving in the free-draining
ericaceous compost with grit and sand I added to the pot.
I positioned it in full sun so it could take advantage of as much warmth
and sunshine as possible. Ideally, it needs to be placed in
a south-facing position or failing that a west facing position.
I have to admit for the first two years I was a little disappointed as
there were no flowers. It was bought as a small plant though so I knew
that as a gardener we do need a little patience. I also learned a lot the
first year about how to care for it and it was very forgiving. With a
little care and attention and doing the right things the plant was very
happy and I reaped the rewards.
The first year it flowered I was ecstatic!! The flowers were so
beautiful and so prolific!!
Bottlebrush Spike By Raintree Annie
Pruning And Care Of Bottlebrush
Especially in a pot it is necessary to water Bottlebrush regularly
and to feed at least once a year in Spring and after flowering. I give
an ericaceous feed and water when I feel the soil is dry. In the
ground you may only need to water if it is very dry for prolonged
periods of time.
I have rarely pruned our bottlebrush, only really to shape it. I prefer
to just prune back lightly and cut just behind the faded flower
spikes each year. Cutting back into the old wood is not advisable.
I have grown it like a shrub, but if you like you can prune it to make
it look more tree-like with a single longer trunk. The variety I
have can grow up to 15 feet tall so depending on where you are growing it,
you may need to do light pruning to keep it in check annually or every
other year. However, it can take 10 to 20 years to grow to its full height
so it is not a plant that will get out of control very quickly.
Of course with the dwarf varieties, the plant outgrowing its
available space will not be an issue and pruning is simply to remove dead
or damaged branches and clip to shape. If I got another one -which is very
likely- I will buy a dwarf variety.
I love the leaves, they are evergreen, aromatic, lance-shaped and
the older ones are quite thick and dark green while the young ones are
light green often just tinged with red and very soft and really lovely
to touch.
The flowers here tend to bloom in high to late summer though this year
ours still flowered in late November. In the winter I now keep it in our
porch area which is very sheltered. In late autumn I cover it in several
layers of thick garden fleece and so far it has been just fine throughout
winter. If I had a conservatory or orangery I would certainly keep it in
there all year round.
I have never known ours suffer from any pests or diseases.
However, it can be susceptible to red spider mite, scale insects and
mealybugs though these tend to be more prevalent when grown in a
greenhouse situation.
In terms of usefulness to wildlife, our bees love it in summer and can
often be found happily feeding upon it!
Bottlebrush is a beautiful evergreen plant requiring minimal care and
attention once you understand its needs. It looks great all year round
and especially gorgeous in summer and autumn with its vibrant
flower spikes. It is a beautiful plant to grow and lovely to give
as a gift for anyone who appreciates plants.
As long as you have one of a garden, conservatory, greenhouse,
orangery, a sheltered sunny spot, suitable soil conditions, or a large
pot and a means of keeping it safe and sheltered in colder conditions I
would recommend growing it.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I stopped carrying a purse decades ago. For many years, I simply carried my wallet & keys in my jeans pockets. However, during the last year or so, I have enjoyed keeping my iPad with me so I would hear Ring camera notifications, could check maps, or simply read articles on the internet. It is really nice to have my iPad with me in the car or when I visit friends or family.
I also like to keep my Propel water with me at all times. Plus, my car now has a fob instead of a key. A fob is more bulky in pockets than a key. Sometimes I hook the fob on my jeans belt loop, but that is not very attractive and I don't always wear pants with loops.
Unfortunately, now that I carry my iPad, my key fob & water everywhere I go, I need something to carry it all in instead of trying to carry them in my hands. I tried a tote, but I really prefer having my hands free. So, I went in search of a backpack.
I found exactly what I wanted and my parents gave it to me for my birthday! Now that I have carried my backpack for a few months, I love it and can recommend it for many reasons.
My Westbronco Anti-Theft Backback - A Great Gift
It is hard to know where to start when reviewing this backpack. Not only is it attractive, but it has a lot of wonderful features that recommend it over other backpacks. Here is a list of the features that really matter to me.
Anti-Theft - the zipper opens in the back instead of the front
Attractive & Soft PU Leather
Water Resistant
3 Pockets Inside (1 is a zipper pocket)
2 Side Pockets (perfect for my water bottle)
2 Exterior Zipper Pockets (on front side under the fold)
Top Attached Handle for Grab & Carry
Backpack Straps, plus a separate Detachable Shoulder Strap
The backpack came in a dust cover which is an awesome storage bag when I am not using it. It truly does keep the dust off of the backpack while waiting for our next adventure.
I highly recommend this backpack for anyone who needs to carry several small items and doesn't like carrying a purse. The problems I have had with backpacks in the past are eliminated by having the entry zipper against my back instead of accessible to anyone standing behind me. I also prefer this smaller size that is big enough to hold an iPad, wallet (in the interior zippered pocket), key fobs, cellphone, water bottle and more. I can even add my Kindle Fire so I can play my games when I am away from home.
This backpack would also make a great overnight bag!
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.”
In this delightful historical novel by David Biro, a young boy from a small
town in Italy is discovered to have leukemia and can only be helped by a
bone marrow transplant. The search for a donor brings up secrets from
the past and stretches across the ocean to a rabbi in the USA. I found
this to be another one of those novels that I couldn't put down and wanted
to keep reading. It is also one where the characters come alive to the
reader and linger long after you have put down the book.
Characters from the Book
Luca- A fascinating young boy who comes down with a dreaded
disease. Luca has a wonderful imagination and a "friend" he talks
to that only he can see. His parents were killed when he was very
young and he lives with his grandparents in a small Italian
village.
Giovanni- Luca's grandfather who loves his grandson dearly, but is
haunted by a decision he made years ago during the war when he found his
son Paolo (Luca's father) and brought him home to raise him as his
own.
Nina- A young nurse who is very dedicated and helps to lead the search
to find a donor for Luca. This search turns into a life changing
event for her.
Rabbi Joseph Neiman- A rabbi in Brooklyn, New York who is struggling
with his faith. When he works to help a young girl in his
community find a bone marrow donor, he has his own marrow tested and
finds he is a match for a young boy in Italy. What secrets
will be revealed to show how a young Catholic boy can have Jewish
genes?
Sarah- The wife of the rabbi who has very bad feelings toward anyone
from Italy, where her grandparents were captured and sent to a
concentration camp during the war.
Samuel- The son of the rabbi. Samuel makes friends with the young
boy from Italy.
The Book on Amazon
Lessons from the Book
The book is a work of historical fiction, which contains lessons for us
all. The book challenges our identities and shows how as humans, we
are really more alike than we are different. This is a wonderful novel
which I highly recommend.
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.”
This year I will learn a new Hobby! I will share it with the world and my granddaughter!
If we have learned anything this year, it's that our hobbies will keep us from climbing up the walls when we can't do the things that we are used to doing. Pandemics and the need to keep ourselves isolated from harm, can do some strange things to people's psyches. Don't fall into that trap or let the isolation rule you. Learn to do something new and interesting to keep the depression/isolation at bay.
Crafting has long been a way to fill in "spare time" or do something that we enjoy. It could be knitting, crocheting, baking or a host of other activities that will keep our minds and hands busy. Photography, painting, leather crafts and paper crafts all fit that bill. You will find a host of "Hobbies" on Review This Review right here!
Today I'd like to offer another way to do that and it could be a way to connect with our children and grandchildren. Time spent together is always time well spent.
Getting ready for the holidays is another way that we connect with each other. This year though we may not be able to do quite as much of that as we would like to do. But don't despair, there are other ways of connecting that will give you just as much pleasure. You might even find in years ahead, that this was one of the best ways to connect with our loved ones.
So let's get on with it, shall we?
One of my Granddaughters this year has made a request that I really like. Not only because she asked for this, but it will let her creativity and imagination come out in something physical!
Using her hands to create something that is in her mind, will help her and us to appreciate what a crazy imagination and vision she has. There is no right or wrong with creating what is in your mind's eye. Purple Polka Dotted Cats or Dogs are acceptable! It is a place where everyone can let loose and show the rest of the world what is happening in your own personal space. So what is it that will let her do this?
Well, it's not new, although it is much improved from the last time I looked at this product, and I like it much better than Play Doh (sorry playdoh)! It allows you to create and oven dry your creation, so that it is a finished product!
I love this oven dry clay, that comes in so many different colors (that's one of the improvements)! This starter kit has 46 different colors of Oven Bake clay! It is neatly organized in a container that keeps the clay and tools all in one place! It has a whole range of tools and findings (earrings, necklaces and brooches) so that her creative side can be "showcased" in something she has made for someone special in her life. Mom, Grandma or friends can be "gifted" with one of a kind creations made by yours truly. Or she can make something for herself!
But here's the twist! I'm ordering two of these sets. Why? Well, one will be for my granddaughter and the other one for me! When she and I are ready we will Facetime or Zoom and I will create something for her and hopefully she will create something for me! I know she will enjoy this exercise in creativity and I will wear whatever she makes with the pride!
You can bet that every time we are together (media wise) I will don my granddaughters gift so that she knows how much I enjoy her talents. Hopefully the feeling will be mutual when she sees what I make for her.
These are the gifts that make hearts sing and add to memories that just can't be exchanged for "things" that you can buy. I imagine that we will spend a great amount of time sharing our creativity and the joy of making something that no one will be able to copy! One of a kind gifts that provide something to do and teach a new talent to young and old minds alike are winners in my book!
When all of the pandemic is over (hopefully soon) and we are able to come together again, I'm sure we will laugh about our "seeing" each other in all our creative glory!
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.”
Today, I'm delighted to share my review of my luscious new hot chocolate
recipe, just in time for Christmas and other winter holiday celebrations and
the long, chilly weather during the months that follow them.
Once you taste this decadent cold-weather treat, you'll never want to settle
for ordinary hot cocoa again! It's so rich, thick, intensely chocolaty, and
indulgent, no one who tastes it will ever guess—or even believe—that this
fabulous beverage is also sugar-free and very low in carbohydrates. That means
you can enjoy it with your family and friends, even if some of are following a
low carb or ketogenic diet.
My carb-loving husband and I, both serious hot chocolate snobs, agree that
it's The Ultimate Hot Chocolate Recipe, keto or not!
Gourmet Hot Chocolate Any Chocolate Connoisseur Will Love (Just Don't Tell
Them It's Keto!)
'Tis the season for hot chocolate! During Christmas and other winter holidays,
and straight through the cold weather months, hot cocoa a welcome indulgence,
warming us from the inside out after we come in from the cold (and especially
after we've been playing outside in the snow...or shoveling it!).
Unfortunately, for those of us who follow a low carb or ketogenic diet, most
keto recipes for low carb hot chocolate just aren't all that tasty or
satisfying.
After trying and being disappointed by five or six different keto recipes for
hot cocoa and a couple of low carb hot chocolate mixes, I finally realized the
only way to find a keto hot chocolate recipe that would live up to my very
high expectations standards would be to develop one myself.
That's why I'm confident that my recipe truly is worthy of the title, The
Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe. In fact, second only to Angelina's iconic
L'Africain, I think this may well be The Ultimate Hot Chocolate Recipe,
period.
As my fellow Review This Reviews contributor Wednesday Elf explained in her
recent review of National Cocoa Day (which is just five days away, on December 13), although both terms for
this beloved beverage are often used interchangeably, the main difference is
whether they are made with real chocolate (often ground) or with cocoa
powder.
As I experimented with different combinations and proportions of ingredients
for my recipe, I found that mixing my favorite Dutched cocoa powder,
sugar-free chocolate chips, and Good Dee's Sipping Chocolate low carb hot
cocoa mix resulted in the perfect, intense, dark chocolate flavor I wanted.
Combining the cocoa and dark chocolate with macadamia milk (instead of the
more commonly used almond milk), heavy cream, and 1/8 teaspoon per serving of
xanthan gum, and then using a handheld immersion blender (aka stick blender)
to emulsify all the ingredients and thicken the mixture, worked
synergistically provided the rich, creamy taste and smooth, luxurious
consistency that other low carb hot chocolate recipes and mixes I had tried
lacked. Salt and pure vanilla extract to complement the dark chocolate flavor
that, together with the smoothness and creaminess rounded out the flavor
profile, smoothing out the intense, dark chocolate flavor with to create The
Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate.
Regular, Mint, and Salted Caramel Keto Hot Chocolate
Once I had perfected the recipe, I decided to take this challenge to the next
level, creating low carb versions of my husband's favorite hot cocoa flavors
that we could both could enjoy: keto mint hot chocolate and keto salted
caramel hot chocolate.
I hadn't thought this recipe could get any better, but I was mistaken. The
mint and salted caramel variations turned out to be even more delicious than
the original version!
Years ago, I developed a fabulous sugar, fat, and calorie-laden hot
chocolate recipe for my husband, and it spoiled us both for any other hot
cocoa. I never wrote down the recipe or measured the ingredients; it was
all in my head, and I just tasted and adjusted the amounts and proportions
as I went along each time I made it.
Unfortunately, after I made the decision for medical reasons to follow
a ketogenic diet, I stopped making my husband's favorite winter treat because I
could no longer taste and adjust the flavor during the process (because of
the sugar). And we both missed it a lot.
So, I challenged myself to come up with a new low carb hot chocolate
recipe that would taste as rich and decadent as my original recipe, and
could meet or exceed my husband's extremely high standards for his
favorite beverage.
I succeeded beyond either of our wildest dreams. Now, I'm sharing the
recipe so you and those you love can enjoy it, too, whether or not they
are watching their sugar or carbohydrate intake.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
20 minutes
Recipe Yield:
Four servings (approximately 6 fluid ounces per serving)
3/8 to 1/2 teaspoon salt (I used fine Himalayan pink crystal salt, which
contains beneficial amounts of 84 trace elements and iron, and is
less processed than regular table salt)
Measure the dry ingredients (Good Dee's Sipping Chocolate, Ghirardelli
Majestic Premium unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated BochaSweet sugar
replacement, xanthan gum, and salt) into a small bowl. Mix well
(pressing out any lumps of cocoa) and set aside.
Pour the Milkadamia unsweetened vanilla macadamia milk into a 2-cup
Pyrex glass measuring cup and microwave for 60 seconds or until hot.
Remove from microwave.
Place the sugar-free chocolate chips and ghee or butter into a 4-cup
Pyrex glass measuring cup. Microwave on high for 45–60 seconds,
depending on how powerful your microwave is. Stir the mixture well to
melt as much of the chocolate as possible, then repeat, stirring until
the chocolate is completely melted.
Stir the hot macadamia milk into the melted chocolate mixture in the
4-cup Pyrex measuring cup until well incorporated. Then, microwave for
another 60 seconds.
Stir in the dry ingredients, and then use an immersion blender (without
any attachments) to blend the contents of the measuring cup. (I find it
helpful to glide the immersion blender slowly over the bottom of the cup
and tilt it slightly in different directions.)
Add the heavy cream, then blend with the immersion blender for 20–30
seconds, until the mixture thickens slightly.
Microwave on high for 30–60 seconds, or until very hot, and stir in the
vanilla extract.
Divide evenly among four small mugs or two large mugs. Top with optional
whipped cream, if desired. Serve immediately.
Keto Mint Hot Chocolate Recipe Variation
For the best peppermint or mint hot chocolate you’ve ever tasted:
Replace the vanilla extract with 3/8 to 1/2 teaspoon (to taste) of pure
peppermint extract or pure mint extract.
I highly recommend using either Watkins Pure Peppermint Extract or
Watkins Pure Mint Extract (which contains a blend of spearmint and peppermint oils). Either
one will let you enjoy the fresh, minty flavor of a traditional candy can
stirrer in your hot cocoa, but without all the sugar, corn syrup, and
artificial flavoring and food coloring.
Keto Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Recipe Variation
Transform this beverage into a keto salted caramel hot chocolate so
divine, it will make you close your eyes and purr with pleasure when you
take your first sip! Just make these simple tweaks to my original recipe:
This sumptuous hot chocolate is even better topped with a dollop of
lightly sweetened whipped cream. Here's how to make a delicious low carb
version.
At least 30–60 minutes before you plan to make this Ultimate Keto Hot
Chocolate Recipe, put some heavy whipping cream in a mixing bowl, stir
in a few drops of vanilla, mint, or peppermint extract, and sweeten to
taste with your favorite keto-friendly, natural, powdered sweetener
(confectioner's sugar replacement), such as powdered BochaSweet,
powdered monkfruit allulose blend sweetener, or powdered allulose. Place
the mixing bowl with the flavored cream in the refrigerator to chill,
along with a wire balloon whisk or the whisk attachment of your electric
mixer.
After making the hot chocolate recipe through step 6 (before you heat
the hot chocolate mixture for the last time and stir in the extract),
whip the cold, flavored, lightly sweetened cream in the chilled bowl
with the chilled whisk.
Finish preparing the hot chocolate recipe (steps 7 and 8), topping each
mug with a cloud of freshly whipped cream. Finish the whipped cream
topping with a light dusting of unsweetened cocoa, if desired.
Recipe Notes
Good Dee’s Sipping Chocolate is a key ingredient in this recipe! You can
order it, as well as the Good Dee’s Dark Chocolate Chips, either on
Amazon or on the Good Dee’s website. Consider adding some of the
delicious Good Dee’s keto cookie mix flavors I’ve reviewed previously to
your cart while you’re at it. After all, what’s better than cookies and
hot cocoa on a chilly day, especially around the holidays?
Note: If you don't get Amazon Prime free shipping, or the
Good Dee's products you want are out of stock on Amazon, or you'd prefer
to shop the full selection of Good Dee's products, you can save 15% off your total purchase price any time you
use my Good Dee's website affiliate shopping link and enter my unique discount coupon code GOODDEES15MRS during
checkout.
Using Ghirardelli Majestic Premium Cocoa makes a big difference in the
taste of this decadent hot chocolate. The more expensive
nib-alkalization process gives it a richer, smoother, better flavor.
Even though the generous 2-pound (32-ounce) canister looks as though it
would be a lifetime supply, I use this extraordinary cocoa powder so
often in this and other recipes, such as my luscious low carb keto
chocolate yogurt chip pudding parfait recipe (my favorite quick and easy
breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, or snack when I’m in the mood for
something sweet), that I have to replenish my supply a few times a year.
If you are unable to get the Ghirardelli Majestic Premium
and need to substitute a different brand or formula, please make sure to
choose a high-quality,
unsweetened, alkalized or Dutch-processed cocoa
powder. Although your hot chocolate won't taste the same as my original
recipe, if you use a different brand of alkalized or Dutch-processed
(aka Dutched or "Dutch"), it should still be delicious!
Making this hot beverage in a large, flat-bottomed Pyrex glass 4-cup
measuring cup lets you can see what's at the bottom of the hot mixture,
so you know whether the chocolate chips have melted completely and, if
so, whether all the melted chocolate has been incorporated into the hot
macadamia milk and melted butter mixture.
Using an immersion blender on medium speed creates the perfect
consistency. If you don't own one, you can use a regular blender, and
use a slim silicone scraper to make sure you get all of your delicious
hot beverage out of the container. My decades-old stick blender was a
gift from someone who knew how much I enjoy cooking and baking, and that
model was discontinued long ago. However, if you're looking for a good
one, the powerful
Müeller Austria Ultra-Stick 500 Watt 9-Speed Stainless Steel
Immersion Blender
has more than 20,000 5-star ratings on Amazon.
Nutrition Facts
I entered this recipe and its variations into Carb Manager to help me
calculate and track the calories, macros, and other nutrition data, based
on the specific ingredients and brands I used. I usually drink one-quarter
of the recipe, while my husband prefers to indulge in a larger portion.
So, here are the nutrition facts for both the smaller, typical serving
size (6 fluid ounces) and a double-size serving (12 fluid ounces).
The Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe (Original, Mint, or Peppermint)
Nutrition Facts
One quarter of this recipe (6 fluid ounce serving) contains 1 net carb,
136 calories, 4.7 grams of dietary fiber, 2.8 grams of protein, and 13
grams of fat.
Half the recipe (12 fluid ounce serving)contains 2 net carbs, 272
calories, 9.4 grams of dietary fiber, 5.7 grams of protein, and 26.1 grams
of fat.
The Ultimate Keto Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Recipe Nutrition
Facts
One quarter of this recipe (6 fluid ounce serving) contains 1 net carb,
136 calories, 4.7 grams of dietary fiber, 2.8 grams of protein, and 13
grams of fat.
Half the recipe (12 fluid ounce serving) contains 2 net carbs, 272
calories, 9.4 grams of dietary fiber, 5.7 grams of protein, and 26.1 grams
of fat.
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.”
People who learn to crochet often get hooked (pun intended) and always desire more yarn, more supplies, and more time to crochet. We joke about our excessive hoards of yarn but would go shopping for more in the blink of an eye. My dream is to someday go on a Crochet cruise vacation (yes, those existed prior to social distancing limits) and if anyone would like to gift me a crochet cruise I'd happily accept. However, there are many great ideas for crochet gifts with smaller price tags.
Crochet Gifts
There are so many gifts that can be given to someone who crochets. From Tshirts and mugs with messages that make yarn lovers smile to items that make the process of crocheting easier there is something for every crocheter. I've compiled a few samples in this review.
Crochet sets. There are sets that include a little bit of everything. This set by BeCraftee is a good example: case, stitch markers, yarn needles, a set of hooks, and more. This is a great option and would be an appreciated gift.
Yarn Bowls. What are yarn bowls? They are wonderful "bowls" (usually made of wood or ceramic) that hold the balls of yarn that is currently being used. Why is this important? Because nothing is more irritating than knots in your yarn while you are crocheting or the balls of yarn rolling off the table or your lap while you are working. A yarn bowl holds the ball of yarn in one place while allowing it to spin freely while crocheting. A very functional item that is also a pretty gift.
Round Knitting Looms. Round looms aren't quite knitting or crocheting. With a bit of yarn, a hook, and a round loop almost anyone can make cute hats! I love my round knitting looms and use them when I want to add a bit of variety to my crafts or take a break from a large crochet item. I love my round looms so much that I wrote a separate review and you can see that here.
T-Shirts. This is a T-shirt that people who crochet will understand. There are others to chose from, with a variety of yarn and crochet messages. Some messages are funny, some a bit naughty, but this one fits me (and many people who crochet) perfectly!
Coffee Mugs. There are some really funny, and some really bawdy, coffee mugs with messages that suit crocheters perfectly - including a coffee mug that matches the T-shirt listed above. The message on this mug made me laugh and sums up 2020 perfectly.
There are many books about crochet; stitch and pattern books galore! One of the best crochet books ever isn't about the stitches or patterns, it is about a young crochet phenom named Jonah Larson. You may have seen him on social media or talk shows with celebrities. I had. Even so, I didn't fully know his story. This book about this young man is a wonderful story and would make a wonderful gift. You can read my full review here.
Does my list of options make your head spin? Are there too many options? If so, you can never go wrong with gift cards. Amazon offers many crochet and crafting items. Joann Fabrics and Michaels are two of my favorite crafting stores. All of these cards are available through Amazon - which is an convenient way to give long-distance gifts. I especially like (giving and receiving the Amazon gift cards in the holiday tins. Others prefer the digital/emailed gift cards.
Like many people who crochet, I feel that I could always use more hooks, stitch markers, measuring tapes, round counters, and other small items. These items make excellent stocking stuffers.
Dedicated Scissors or Yarn Cutter. There is nothing more annoying than crocheting and having to get up to look for scissors. I eventually bought a pair of dedicated scissors that are supposed to be used for crochet only. However, they still sometimes wander off. Also, I have found that pointed scissors in my project bag sometimes snag the yarn. So, my crochet scissors are currently blunted tipped scissors (like child's school scissors). I would very much like some of the ornamental "embroidery" scissors or this yarn cutter pendant by clover! Such a great idea. And ends the frustration of not being able to cut yarn when I need to.
Locking Stitch Markers. Stitch markers are such a little thing but such a huge help. They are small, plastic pieces that work very much like a safety pin. But because they are plastic they do not snag your yarn. I never knew how much I needed stitch markers until I bough some. Now I can't do without them. I like them so much that I wrote a review that you can read here.
Counters. Another little gadget that helps keep track of rows or rounds, that I'm not sure how I managed without for all of those decades of crochet, is a counter. No more misplaced slips of paper trying to track what row or round I'm on in the pattern. Such a helpful tool to have.
Cruises: Prior to 2020 and related pandemic restrictions, I was trying to determine how I could go on a crochet cruise. Mikey from the Crochet Crowd provides some of my favorite online video crochet tutorials. I was THRILLED when they began offering crochet cruises. Currently, of course, cruises are not being offered. But I am including this link for future reference.
Fiber Festivals: An internet search for "Fiber Festivals" provides a list of festivals where yarns and crafting supplies are the focus. During normal times (when travel and gatherings are not restricted), you could plan a day trip to a local festival or a full vacation that includes a festival in the area you are visiting.
Farm/Ranch/Fiber Mill Tours: Many people who love yarn crafts also want to know more about the fiber animals, spinning, dyeing: all of the steps in the process of creating natural yarns. Again, an internet search can locate Farms, Ranches, and Mills that are open for tours and sales of the fiber. In just a few moments, I located Mountain Meadow Mill (sheep/wool in Wyoming) and Mountain Hollow Farm Store and Studio (cashmere goats/yarn, classes, and more in Tennessee)
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I started writing riddles over a decade ago. It isn't until recently that I put this crazy writing ability into a collection of self-published books.
In the fall of 2019, I published my first riddle book, and to-date I've completed a total of six books in my riddle book series.
Why Riddle Books?
Besides the fact that I have this silly riddle-writing skill, I wanted to contribute something to the human fabric that was light and fun!
With the world in such a crazy state, my first thought was to write a book that would take people's minds off of life's day-to-day stresses.
My riddle book series is designed to be a distraction. We can't erase the world's problems altogether; however, we can take a break from them. There are more than enough riddles to keep your mind occupied for several hours! My book and website motto are, "Turn the World Off With a Smile."
"Hard Riddles" is my latest publication. As the title suggests, the riddles are harder than the previous five riddle books. Or, at least, I attempted to make them harder.
Yes, I write every single riddle on my own.
All the riddles in all my riddle books are authored by me. You won't ever find any regurgitated riddles from the internet in the #Stumped riddle book series. I'm the author of all my own riddles. While you may find some of the riddles on my website, I'm the author.
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.”
