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Wednesday, July 5, 2023

The Best Quick & Easy Low Carb Sausage and Ricotta Calzones

Last month, I was watching an old episode of Chopped on The Food Network and my mouth started watering when I saw one of the chefs in the competition use the crazy basket ingredients for one of the courses to make delicious calzones. Then, my friend Sam Monaco published his easy homemade calzones recipe here on Review This Reviews. I guess I had calzones on the brain, because the next time I reached for my Scotty's Everyday Keto Pizza Crust Mix to make pizza, I decided to try using the zero carb pizza crust mix to make low carb calzones instead.

I decided to fill the dough with ricotta, mozzarella and Parmigiano Romano cheeses, precooked sausage and herbs and serve the calzones with a good quality jarred pizza sauce as a dipping sauce. They turned out to be a big hit with both my husband and me. They also reheat well and we discovered that the leftovers are even good cold, which is great for a quick and easy hot weather dinner without turning on the oven.

I've provided both the low carb sausage and ricotta calzones recipe and variations for those of you who either don't follow a low carb or keto diet or who may be watching your calories and fat intake. And you can easily use regular pizza dough with wheat flour, if you aren't watching your carbs.

Enjoy!

Low Carb & Keto-Friendly Sausage & Ricotta Calzones -- Quick & Easy

Using Scotty's Everyday Keto Pizza Crust Mix with 0 net carbs makes this low carb sausage and ricotta calzones recipe quick, easy and keto diet friendly!

Just because you're following a low carb or ketogenic diet doesn't mean you can't enjoy delicious pizza or calzones! Check out my product review of Scotty's Everyday Keto Pizza Crust Mix with 0 net carbs, which I use in this low carb calzones recipe.

The Best Quick & Easy Low Carb Sausage and Ricotta Calzones Recipe

Using my favorite 0 net carbs keto pizza crust mix makes this recipe quick and easy to prepare so you can get this yummy dinner on the table in less than 40 minutes. It's a real treat for carb lovers who are watching their carbs, and it's also easy to adapt to make it lower in calories and fat.
You can also substitute conventional store-bought pizza dough if you aren't counting carbs, so it's a great recipe for everyone at your table.
Buon appetito!
Serves: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Baking Time: 18–20 minutes

Tools, Supplies and Equipment

Rectangular pizza stone with pizza paddle
Rimless cookie sheet
9"x12" baking parchment paper
Stand mixer with paddle attachment and dough hook
Large silicone pastry mat*
Rolling pin
Heat-resistant 6-inch wide nonstick slotted turner spatula
Small ramekins

*When making low carb sausage and ricotta calzones, you can't use wheat or semolina flour (which is high in carbs and can spike insulin levels) to keep the dough from sticking as you roll it out. I have tried substituting almond flour or coconut flour, but it doesn't work well. A lightly oiled silicone pastry mat is the best rolling surface I have found for working with keto dough.

Ingredients

Filling:

12 links Applegate Naturals Classic Pork Breakfast Sausage (or other sausage of your choice)
1 cup whole milk (4% fat) ricotta cheese (I recommend Maplebrook Farms brand)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
4 ounces finely shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh or dried herbs to taste (I love Penzeys Greek or Italian Herbs for this recipe)
16 pitted black Greek olives (I use Divina organic kalamata olives), coarsely chopped

Crust:

1 package Scotty's Everyday Keto Pizza Crust Mix
3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Assembly:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Water

Dipping Sauce:

1 cup Primal Kitchen unsweetened pizza sauce (Rao's and Yo Mama's are also good low carb, keto friendly brands of pizza sauce)

Directions

Place the pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 425 ℉. Line the rimless cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
To make the filling, pan fry the sausage links according to directions in a nonstick pan, then halve each link lengthwise and slice. (Alternatively, crumble and brown bulk Italian sausage.) Add to a mixing bowl along with the ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano, finely shredded mozzarella, herbs and chopped olives and mix to combine. Cover and set aside.
To make the dough, add the keto pizza crust mix, water and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil to the bowl of a stand mixer. Use the paddle attachment to mix at low speed until the dough comes together. Scrape the bowl and the paddle attachment, replace the latter with the dough hook attachment and let the mixer knead the dough for about 3 minutes until it is uniform and smooth.
To assemble, use 1 tablespoon of the oil to grease the silicone pastry mat. Divide the large ball of dough into four pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball. Roll out each ball thinly. Place 1/4 of the filling mixture along the center of one half of the dough, leaving a margin of dough around the rim. Moisten the rim with water, fold the dough over the filling and press the moistened edges together firmly. Use the extra-wide turner to help you carefully lift and transfer the calzone onto the parchment-lined cookie sheet. Repeat with the three remaining balls of dough and the rest of the filling. Use your fingers to spread the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the tops of the calzones.
Open the hot oven and, using potholders to protect your hands, carefully slide the parchment paper with the calzones onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the bottoms are nicely browned and the tops are baked through.
Put 1/4 cup pizza sauce in each ramekin and serve with baked calzones.

Serving Suggestion

I enjoy serving these low carb sausage and ricotta calzones with either a side salad of fresh greens or just some micro greens, as shown here. (Check out my Hamama microgreens seed quilts review. These microgreens are SO easy to grow, no green thumb required—just soak in water and let them do their thing!)

Nutrition Information

For those of you who are counting calories or carbs or tracking macros on a low carb or ketogenic diet, these generously-sized low carb sausage and ricotta calzones each have 691 calories, 54.3g of total carbs, 46.3g of fiber, 8g of net carbs, 35.1g of protein and 51.1g of fat.

Recipe nutrition data calculated by Carb Manager app

Variations for Conventional, Low Calorie or Low Fat Diets

If you're not worried about calories, carbs or fat, you can easily substitute homemade or ready-to-use pizza dough, your favorite sausages (Italian would be great) and your favorite pizza sauce. You could also roll out your dough on a board sprinkled with semolina and bake on a semolina-sprinkled pizza stone.

To reduce fat and calories, you could try substituting low fat ricotta (although the filling might be a bit watery) and substitute Applegate Naturals Chicken & Sage Breakfast Sausage links.

The Best Quick & Easy Low Carb Sausage and Ricotta Calzones by Margaret Schindel

Posts About My Keto Diet Journey

My First Year on The Keto Diet

Preparing to Succeed on the Keto Diet, Part One

Preparing to Succeed on the Keto Diet, Part Two

Low Carb Muffins & Cupcakes: Treats to Enjoy on a Keto Diet

Low Carb Keto Chocolate Yogurt Granola Chip Pudding Recipe

Good Dee’s Keto Cookie Low Carb Baking Mix Review

Hamama Microgreens Growing Kit Review & Success Tips

My Favorite Hamama Microgreens Seed Quilt Accessories

Keto Cheddar Cheese Biscuits With Chives Recipe

The Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe

The Best Low Carb Keto Gift Ideas: Keto Gift Guide

The Best Low Carb Keto Cinnamon Muffins

Wholesome Yum Keto Bread Mix and Yeast Bread Recipe

The Good Chocolate 100% Organic No Sugar Dark Chocolate Review

The Best Advice to Maintain Your Keto Diet Weight Loss

My New Irresistibly Delicious Keto Cheese Crackers Recipe

Luscious Low Carb Keto Triple Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Quick & Easy Livlo Blueberry Scones Keto Baking Mix Review

Snack Better With The Best Healthy Keto Cookie Dough Bites

The Best Quick and Easy Low Carb Keto Pizza Recipe

The Best Quick and Easy Low Carb Keto Shortcake Cupcakes Recipe

Comparing the Best Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spreads - No Added Sugars

The Best Low Carb Keto Sandwich and Burger Buns Mix

Blueberry Biscuit Scones — New, Easy, Low Carb Keto Recipe

The Best Keto Pizza Crust Mix With 0 Net Carbs

An Unusual, Delicious Strawberry Chocolate Tea With 0 Calories

Delicious Sugar-Free Keto Cookies That OREO Fans Will Love

Healthy Pistachio Cherry Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cereal Treats Recipe

Easy, Decadent, High Protein, Sugar-Free Rocky Road Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

The Best Quick & Easy Low Carb Sausage and Ricotta Calzones

How to Make Refreshing Vanilla Italian Soda (With or Without Cream)

Reviews of the Keto Diet by Barbara C. (aka Brite-Ideas)

My Personal Keto Testimonial

How I Stayed Committed to the Ketogenic Way of Eating

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Decorate a Room with Royal Blue

Blue is my favorite color. My mother always had some part of our home decorated with royal blue. It could be the pillows for the couch, the curtains, or throw rugs, somewhere in the house was the color royal blue. My mother was a master at color coordinating. I'm sure this is why blue is my favorite color.

Decorating with Royal Blue Reviewed

Some Royal Blue History:

This deep and vivid shade of blue is said to have come from Rode Somerset a small village in England, well known for its millwork. In the 18th century, one of the mills created a robe for Queen Charlotte using a deep blue dye named Royal Blue.

So, the next time you have a bedroom to makeover consider decorating with the color Royal Blue. Then you could have a room fit for a King and Queen.

Decorating a Room with Royal Blue:

Decorating a bedroom or any room in your house with royal blue can be challenging but satisfying. The rich majestic color is associated with power and luxury, making it an ideal choice for a bedroom.

Consider the mood and style that you want to create in the room. Royal blue will represent the sky and sea and is associated with open spaces to create a calming mood.

It is best to use royal blue as an accent color in contrast with neutral shades such as white, beige, or gray. This will create a sense of balance in the room and allow the royal blue to stand out.

As an example, our living room curtains are royal blue, the walls are painted antique white, and the furniture and carpet are beige, the television stand and table are dark mahogany. This creates a sense of balance and harmony in the room allowing the royal blue to stand out and make a statement.

I'm certainly not an expert at interior decorating, my mother was very good at matching colors and I have my wife Fran to thank for decorating our living room.

With these tips in mind, you can create a beautiful and sophisticated room with the color royal blue as its centerpiece.

Deconovo Solid Blackout Curtains - (42x84 Inch, Royal Blue, 2 Panels) Back Tab and Rod Pocket Light Blocking Curtains for Living RoomCheck the Price HOMEIDEAS 6 Piece Bed Sheets Set (King, Royal Blue), 1800 Bedding Soft Brushed Microfiber Luxury Sheets, Deep Pockets, Easy Care, Wrinkle & Fade FreeCheck the Price

For More Decorating Ideas from Review This click here:

ReviewThisDecor.com

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Monday, July 3, 2023

Reviewing the Vera Bradley Frannie Crescent Crossbody Bag

I hate carrying purses and dislike crossbody style bags but I'm so excited to share with you the Vera Bradley Frannie Crescent bag and tell you why it is the perfect purse for people who don't care for purses. The versatility and the size are perfect for me. The colors and prints offered make it appealing to a variety of tastes.

Vera Bradley makes quality bags with a large variety of colors, prints, and styles. I had carried the tote bags for many years for work - until I've outgrown them due to the amount of stuff I have to carry back and forth.

Personally, I stopped carry purses many years ago and only carry things in a wallet. That worked well for many years. I didn't have to carry extra items for my small children. And I no longer had to carry ladies' hygiene supplies. With my wallet in one pocket, cell phone in another, and truck key in yet another I was set. Perfect. No chance of me leaving my purse lay somewhere.

However, as I grow older, I find myself needing to carry a pair of reading glasses. While I don't use them often when out, labels are very hard to read when shopping. Or while dining in a low-light restaurant with small print menus. I recently left my purse and glasses behind when my son treated me to dinner. I had to ask him to read portions of the menu to me!

But enough about me... let's get on to why this Vera Bradley Frannie Crescent Crossbody Bag is so wonderful.

I do not like Crossbody style bags. I'm short and round that the strap just cuts across my body in an unflattering manner. I love shoulder carry bags but they are typically such large bags. I only need a small bag. This Frannie Crescent can be used as a crossbody style bag if you choose. But the long strap is removable and the short strap remains. The short strap is just long enough to go over your shoulder and the bag tucks under your arm.

Like all Vera Bradley bags, there are a variety of prints and colors to choose from. I choose "bees". I LOVE this print. Many Vera Bradley colors are very bright which I like but I don't necessarily want to wear every day. Vera Bradley bags are durable. And being they are made from cotton there is no chemical smell that accompanies some faux leather bags.

The Frannie Crescent bag has a quality zipper (I despite those cheap plastic zippers that pull apart easily). There are two interior pockets - one is zippered and one is not. The lining of the purse is slightly different than the cotton exterior. The interior feels more "wipable" than the exterior. The website boasts that this bag is made of "recyled cotton". Perhaps that is the difference I'm feeling. I like that the interior feels as though it will be easy to clean. And as always, Vera Bradely has made this cotton bag washable. I forgot to mention, the bag has a flat bottom. So it sits up where I place it.

Vera Bradly Bees Print Bag on Amazon

I am very excited to find a bag with a print I love and the size I need to carry my 4 or 5 necessary items with me. If you are looking for a smaller purse these might be just what you need also. I know I love mine and I thought I'd never want to carry a purse. While I ultimately chose the bees print, I had a hard time deciding between it, the black, and this adorable turtles print.

Vera Bradley Frannie Crescent Turtles Print Bag on Amazon

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Sunday, July 2, 2023

15 Things to Do With Family on a Summer Day

Summer is a wonderful time to create lasting memories with your family through exciting and engaging activities. As a family, we used to do many of these outings when our kids were little.

Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or educational experiences, countless opportunities exist to make the most of the season. To help you plan a fantastic summer day out, here's an expanded list of fifteen unique and enjoyable activities that will entertain the whole family.

15 Family Outings for a Summer Day

Visit an Outdoor Water Park: Dive into a day of splashing fun at a local outdoor water park. Enjoy thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools that keep everyone cool and entertained.
Explore a Wildlife Sanctuary: Take a trip to a nearby wildlife sanctuary and discover the wonders of nature. Learn about various animal species, observe birds, and spot a few elusive creatures in their natural habitats. This is especially fun when the weather is pretty cool.
Go Fruit Picking: Visit a nearby farm and indulge in summer's sweet and juicy bounty. Spend the day picking fresh berries, cherries, or peaches, and enjoy a delicious picnic surrounded by picturesque orchards.
Plan a Beach Day: Pack your beach essentials and head to the nearest sandy shore. Build sandcastles, play beach volleyball, swim in the refreshing ocean, and soak up the sun while creating unforgettable memories.
Attend an Outdoor Concert: Check your local events calendar for open-air concerts or music festivals happening in your area. Enjoy live music, dance to your favorite tunes, and let the rhythm bring the family together. What's nice about this activity is that as the day rolls into the evening, if the kids are little, they can sleep while mom and dad enjoy a nice night out, all together as a family.
Organize a Scavenger Hunt: Create an exciting scavenger hunt in a local park or even in your own backyard. Prepare clues, set up challenges, and watch as your family members work together to solve the mystery and claim the prize.
Plan a Family Bike Ride: Explore your town or city on a family bike ride. Pick a scenic route, pack some snacks, and enjoy the fresh air as you pedal through parks, along bike trails, or along the waterfront.
Visit a Science Museum: Stimulate your mind and feed your curiosity by visiting a science museum. Engage in hands-on experiments, marvel at interactive exhibits, and delve into the world of science and technology together.
Have a Picnic in the Park: Pack a delicious picnic basket filled with sandwiches, fruits, and snacks, and head to a nearby park. Find a cozy spot under a shady tree, lay out a blanket, and enjoy quality time together surrounded by nature.
Take a Nature Hike: Explore the great outdoors by taking a family hike. Find a scenic trail suitable for all skill levels, observe wildlife, breathe in the fresh air, and revel in the beauty of nature.
Enjoy a Movie Under the Stars: Look for local outdoor movie screenings in parks or drive-in theaters. Bring blankets, popcorn, and cozy up as you watch a family-friendly film beneath the starry sky. This is the only thing my family hasn't done on this list!
Visit a Local Farmers Market: Explore the vibrant atmosphere of a farmers market and indulge in fresh produce, homemade goodies, and artisanal crafts. Teach your children about healthy eating while supporting local businesses.
Plan a Camping Trip: Disconnect from the digital world and immerse yourselves in nature on a family camping trip. Pitch tents, build a campfire, roast marshmallows, and bond over stories and stargazing.
Explore a Botanical Garden: Take a leisurely stroll through a botanical garden, and admire the stunning displays of colorful flowers, unique plants, and serene landscapes. Some gardens even offer educational workshops and activities for children.
Visit a Theme Park or Amusement Park: Experience an adrenaline-filled day of roller coasters, games, and attractions at a nearby theme park. Enjoy thrilling rides, indulge in tasty treats, and make unforgettable memories together.

In conclusion, these fifteen activities provide a diverse range of options for family fun during the summer. From water parks and wildlife sanctuaries to picnics in the park and camping adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So gather your loved ones, seize the sunny days, and make the most of this delightful season by engaging in these exciting and memorable experiences.

Happy Independence Day Week, and Happy Canada Day! Get busy making memories.

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Saturday, July 1, 2023

Grace Under Fire by Julie Garwood

Book review of the latest Buchanan Family romantic suspense novel.

The six brothers and two sisters in the Buchanan Family are all involved in either the technology field or law enforcement, most particularly the FBI. Julie Garwood's books in this series revolve around one or more members of the family and their extended families of the Renards and the MacKennas.

Grace Under Fire features Grace Isabel MacKenna and the Buchanan brother we have not heard much about to date – Michael.

Synopsis

Grace Isabel MacKenna had a hundred things to do today. Killing someone wasn't one of them.

Isabel MacKenna is on her way to a Buchanan Anniversary Party in Boston before leaving for Scotland to collect an inheritance. After flying from California, where she just graduated college, to Boston, Isabel decides to take a brisk walk before checking into her hotel. But she gets lost and ends up with a wounded man in her arms and is forced to shoot his attacker.

The Buchanans send Michael, former Navy SEAL and now lawyer, to assist Isabel through the police questioning. Then, mysterious threats against Isabel surface and they appear to be related to the land in Scotland known as Glen MacKenna, which Isabel is due to inherit on her 21st Birthday.

After the Anniversary party, Isabel flies to Scotland to claim her inheritance. Michael Buchanan follows her and appoints himself as Isabel's bodyguard, even though she is determined not to need one. Isabel knows she should be grateful for Michael's help, except she has harbored an extreme dislike for him for years. Now she seems to be stuck with him despite their constant bickering and sizzling attraction.

Isabel and Michael may have to deal with their growing feelings for each other – but first Isabel must survive the threats from those who want to keep her from inheriting Glen MacKenna.

Summary

Grace Under Fire is a fun and fascinating read, as are all the books in Julie Garwood's Buchanan Family series.

For More Book Reviews, Check out ReviewThisBooks.com

*Book review of Grace Under Fire written by Wednesday Elf

Book number 14 of 14 in the Buchanan family series by Julie Garwood

Book 14 of 14 in the Buchanan Renard MacKenna Series by Julie Garwood

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Friday, June 30, 2023

Easy Sausage & Penne Pasta Bake Recipe

My family loves pasta! A few months ago, I was searching for a new pasta dinner recipe. When I came up empty handed, I decided to create my own pasta dish.

Admittedly, my ingredients are a combination of several of the ingredients used in the recipes I viewed. After all, they all start with a marinara sauce and pasta. My selection of meat is directly from my own manicotti recipe which I have cooked for decades and uses sausage.

After trying several different combinations over a few weeks, I finally came up with a new favorite. My son and I liked it so much that we made it for Mother's Day this year for my mother. She also loved it and raved over the new meal. Frankly, I hated to tell her how easy it is to make.

Now that this recipe is mother approved, I will start making it in larger batches for holiday meals when our extended family is here for a week. I love to cook, but I don't want to spend all of my time in the kitchen during family visits & reunions. This will be a great dish to serve everyone along with a salad for dinner one night. Now, I just need 6 or 7 more crowd pleasing, easy family size dinner recipes to cook for a dozen or more people.

For the vegans in our family, I plan to make this recipe using a vegan pasta sauce, vegan cheese & vegan sausage crumbles so we are all basically eating the same meal together.

Easy Sausage & Penne Pasta Bake Recipe by Sylvestermouse
ReviewThisReviews.com

Prep Time	Cook Time	Ready In	Yields
20 min.	30 min.	1 hr	12 servings

1 lb Pork Sausage (Jimmy Dean Regular or Mild)
1 package (16 oz) Penne Pasta
1 can (24 oz) Hunts Traditional Pasta Sauce
4 cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese
2 Tablespoons Italian Seasoning
2 Tablespoons Parsley
2 Tablespoons Basil

Directions:

In a large skillet, cook sausage, then drain
Add parsley, basil, Italian seasoning & marinara sauce. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain pasta well
Gently stir cooked pasta into sausage mixture
Gently stir in 1 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese
Transfer to an ungreased 13x9 baking dish
Sprinkle with 2 1/4 cups Mozzarella cheese

Bake 25-30 minutes

Easy Pasta Bake - Sausage and Penne Pasta Recipe

Check Out More Recipe Reviews at
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Easy Sausage & Penne Pasta Bake Recipe Written by:

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Thursday, June 29, 2023

Reviewing Homemade Immunity Cubes

Stay healthy by keeping these immunity cubes in your freezer

I have recently caught a pretty bad cold/flu virus that has been going around which although annoying was a great chance to try out my immunity cubes that I had made a couple of weeks prior.

I got the recipe for these cubes on Instagram and I'll be honest I've found quite a few quick and healthy recipes on Instagram. The immunity cubes were created by the user @feelgoodfoodie and they are made as follows.

Immunity Cubes - Ingredients

12 oz fresh lemon juice

2 thumbs fresh ginger

2 inches fresh turmeric root

Directions for Making Immunity Cubes

Juice the lemons until you made the required amount of lemon juice (I used 5 medium-large lemons) and put the juice into a blender cup. Peel both the ginger and turmeric and add them both to the cup. Next, blitz them all together in your blender.

Strain the liquid into a jug and then grab an ice cube tray.

Now as a note I decided to purchase a new ice cube tray for this as I wanted to make sure I could easily remove one cube at a time (also this includes turmeric so I had to be prepared for staining, which you can see in the photo is a real concern!). I choose to go with a silicone-bottomed pop-out ice cube tray (like the one I've linked to). This worked really well for removing said cubes when needed.

Pour the liquid into the ice cube tray and pop into the freezer.

Once frozen your immunity cubes are made and ready for when they are needed.

How to Use Immunity Cubes

When you are feeling sick simply take the ice cube tray out of the freezer, pop one of the cubes into a mug and add boiling water.

You can add honey or not, it's entirely up to you. On days when my sinuses were blocked, I didn't bother with the honey, but when I had a sore throat I added some raw honey. Honestly, I think it tastes a lot better WITH the honey!

I found that they definitely seemed to help me and in my opinion were a lot better than the Lemsip sachets I used to have when I was younger. The hot drink is always nice when you have a cold and it's also a great way of getting fluids into you and that's all without counting the health benefits of all three of the ingredients.

Ginger, tumeric and lemon cubes to help boost your immunity

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Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Calling all Bibliophiles! A Fantastic App Review!

Bibliophiles Unite! This is a song that many of my fellow reviewers are sure to get on board with. Why, well, let's just say that in the world of the "Written Word" , books are one of the favorite topics here at Review This Reviews.com.

And why not? After all there are just so many ways that you can get lost in another world or find yourself in this one. It's all up to you and what you set before your eyes and mind.

I love reading and have been fortunate to be a part of a few different reading groups! What I love about some of these is that they also have their own "apps" (short for applications). These apps can be used on all your devices, phones, tablets and desktop computers to download books that are not yet published.

These books are known as ARC's (short for Advanced Reader's Copy) and you must belong to the group in order to get these books.

All of these books are FREE! Yes, you read that correctly, FREE!

So if you love to read, there is no greater happiness than to read a book by an author you may or may not have heard of before, and help them to become better known.

The whole idea behind these free reading apps, is that in exchange for the privilege of reading a not yet published work, you will give it an honest review! This way the author will gain some valuable feedback on their "story". It will not only help them with a reaction to their work, but may also contain some much needed constructive criticism, so they can work even better at their craft.

So what are these free reading apps and how do you become a member? It's really quite easy.

The first app I like is Netgalley!

When you join this group, you will be asked to complete a profile. This will include you name, email address and what types of books you like to read. They will also ask you for a place (website) where you will share your reviews. This could be your own website or another social media channel. The important part is sharing the titles that you have read and enjoyed. It's s small price to pay for the pleasure of reading some great books.

The next app I like is BookSirens!

While this app seems to focus more on Romance, it doesn't always have romance as it's only subject. Let the app know what you like and they will send you titles to choose from. Whether you choose one or not, it's entirely up to you. No one makes you read anything that you don't want to read and if you ask for a book but really don't like it, you can send in a DNF (DID NOT FINISH) review.

Voracious Readers Only is another app that can fill your mind with lots of stories. Four easy steps will get you started on being part of this group of readers.

I am a reader not a writer, so for me these services are free, but you can also use them if you are a writer. For that there will be some costs involved and you would have to get in touch with each platform to see what you are willing to spend as an author.

All of these services are very happy if you post a review to Amazon, BookBub, Goodreads etc. They are also happy if you are talking about books that you have read with friends and family. There is even help available if you want to organize a Book Club, so that more eyes can read and discuss the stories. Everything is done to help the authors get their names into the public eye.

Authors work very hard to get their stories written and can use all the help they can get to make sure their work is enjoyed by a good crowd. By writing reviews, you not only help yourself to some great stories, you help struggling authors hone their work and get their names out there. One of the best books I read as an ARC was "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus! I reviewed her book right here!

I think this is a WIN-WIN situation. I get all kinds of books to read (free of charge), I don't have to wait for my next great book and it's always fresh and new! The author gets, my honest opinion of their work and possibly some constructive criticism to help them better hone their skills.

This summer I will be busy with my Kindle, my Tablet, and my phone, so that wherever I am I will always have a book on hand!

Happy Reading to all my book reading friends, come and join me on one or all of these platforms and enjoy some really good new authors at the same time.

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Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Reviewing Choisya Or Mexican Orange Blossom Shrub

Choisya or Mexican Orange Blossom is a gorgeous shrub for the garden and one I would highly recommend. It is an evergreen shrub with fragrant white star shaped flowers and lovely sunny aromatic yellow foliage.

It is related to oranges and other citrus plants and its leaves release a beautiful scent when crushed. It gained its common name Mexican Orange Blossom from its scented flowers

One of the most sought after varieties and the one we have is the Choisya Sundance. It has bright yellow leaves that add a gorgeous splash of colour to the garden shining out against darker foliage or a dark fence.

There are other varieties of Choisya some with darker or narrower leaves you may wish to consider. Regarding size they vary between about five to eight feet in height and spread, though will take pruning.

Choisya Sundance has white scented flowers borne mainly in May and June and yellow-green leaves are very aromatic. It is hard to describe the scent but it is perhaps a little like basil or orange blossom and very gorgeous. I love brushing the leaves and flowers and pruning is a joy!

Growing Conditions For Choisya or Mexican Orange Blossom

It is always important to know the native growing conditions of any plant so we can try to give it similar conditions in our own gardens. Choisya or Mexican Orange Blossom is native to North America and Mexico where it grows in sunny locations in well drained soil.

So it is a wonderful shrub to have in any sunny border. This is not a shrub that will thrive in deep shade, it must have sunshine for at least a significant part of the day, though will cope with light shade.

It does best in a sheltered position so near a wall or fence or in the company of other shrubs or in a garden with a good hedge or shrubs all around.

As an evergreen flowering shrub it has beautiful colourful yellow foliage all year round and can be planted in the garden, on patios in a large pot or planted as a stand alone specimen shrub. It pairs very well with spring flowering bulbs like daffodils and tulips and early perennials.

Choisya or Mexican Orange Blossom prefers a south facing location in order to get as much sunshine as possible all day. So for most people a south facing position in the garden is ideal.

The exception to this is if you live somewhere with exceptionally hot summers in which case a west facing location may be better as that gives the plant respite in part of the day from hot burning sun which may scorch its leaves. We certainly do not live in an exceptionally hot climate but I did notice last year during our prolonged heatwave that some leaves did turn brown but I simply pruned them off in August and the plant recovered.

Soil Conditions For Choisya

Choisya thrives in well drained soil, that is rich in organic matter. It dislikes sitting in wet or damp soil so drainage is very important. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types from clay to sandy soil but it does prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil. It may not thrive quite so well if you have very alkaline soil in which case you would be better growing in a large pot filled with ericaceous (or acid) soil compost.

If you are unsure of your soil type you can buy an inexpensive kit to easily test your soil, which is useful to do in any case then you know your soil conditions for all future planting. One like this Soil Tester Kit is not difficult to use and can give you a decent information about your soil.

Planting Choisya or Mexican Orange Blossom Shrub

It is usually best to plant shrubs in Autumn/Fall or failing that in early Spring. When planting it is essential to incorporate lots of organic matter such as rich compost. Dig a very large planting hole about twice as wide and deep as you need in order to add all the organic matter.

Very few of us have perfect soil conditions, so this helps to improve the drainage especially on clay soil and to retain moisture if in a very light sandy soil. It is vital to water deeply after planting and to give it a good watering at least once a week until it establishes itself.

I would always plant Choisya or Mexican Orange Blossom shrub where you are going to brush against it regularly. Although many shrubs are planted at the back of the border, this one deserves to be where you can touch it and smell it every day! So you may like to plant it as a specimen shrub or at a corner or place where you walk past and can brush against it.

If you do not have a garden or if your soil is very alkaline you can also plant Choisya in a large pot or container. Perhaps choose a variety that is on the smaller side. For container planting it is best to pot and repot in Spring only. I have one in a very large pot and it is doing very well. I planted it first with crocks and good drainage in the bottom to prevent drainage holes getting blocked with soil, then added a mix of high quality ericaceous (acidic) and loam based compost.

It does require much more deep watering more often than it would if grown in the ground and I need to pay more attention to it to check if it looks stressed or having any issues.

In winter container grown plants are more vulnerable, so I wrap her in fleece and keep by a sheltered wall.

I also do keep it much smaller at around three foot so it does not outgrow the container too quickly. However, it is worth it as I wanted one in this particular location and it is very happy.

Feeding Choisya

Choisya in the ground do not generally need feeding although they do benefit from an annual mulch in Spring. In containers top dress each year in spring with fresh compost. If the shrub is not flowering or has few flowers give it a feed in Spring of potassium or sulphate of potash like Bio Nova Liquid Potassium.

Pruning Choisya or Mexican Orange Blossom Shrub

Once established Choisya needs very little care and maintenance. The main task is to do annual pruning to the desired size and to shape the plant how you like it to look.

It is a fast growing shrub and can grow to be six foot wide and tall which looks amazing if you have the room. However it can easily be pruned to keep it smaller than this as required.

The best time to prune it is when it has finished flowering usually around July to late summer. Try to get all pruning done by August as the shrub needs time to recover before winter cold sets in. I usually prune with a pair of sharp secateurs like the Wolf Bypass Secateurs though you may need Loppers for thicker branches if it is a large shrub. It is simply a matter of shortening each branch to the desired length.

Watering Needs

For the first year after planting it is very important to water your Choisya or Mexican Orange Blossom regularly. This helps to establish a strong reliable root system for the health of the plant. It is vital to not skip this step.

As it grows older it can tolerate drought better and will rarely need watering if it is planted in the ground. However, it is advisable to water deeply and thoroughly perhaps once a week if you have a long period of drought. Do remember that it hates sitting in wet so check the soil first.

This basic level of care will help promote healthy growth and enable prolific flowering.

I would always find room for this gorgeous shrub, even in a packed garden I would have to have it!

Choisya or Mexican Orange Blossom is a joy in all seasons with fresh spring growth, gorgeous white scented flowers in May and June, evergreen and scented leaves all year round and providing much needed structure in winter.

Grow it tall and wide or prune to the desired smaller height. A beautiful evergreen, scented and well behaved shrub that I would not be without in the garden.

Monday, June 26, 2023

Hallmark Christmas In July Movies 2023 Reviewed

Yes, it is the summer event all Hallmarkies are eagerly awaiting. A perfect way to escape summer heat and humidity with Hallmark's Christmas In July 2023 movies. As usual your favorite Hallmark Christmas movies from years' past will pop up along with a few new Hallmark 2023 movies.

Here are a few favorite Hallmark Christmas movies showing this July.

The number one do not miss, do not pass go 2022 Christmas movie that was a huge hit and deservedly so! Three Wise Men And A Baby starring three A Team Hallmark male leads Andrew Walker, Tyler Hines and Paul Campbell. And written by Paul Campbell and Kimberely Sustad another Hallmark A team actress.

Reminiscent of Three Men And A Baby with its' chemistry, cute storyline and of course the Hallmark magic. This movie will make you smile, the actors will make you laugh and this movie is a reminder that when Hallmark is at its' best - it can be pure entertainment.

Another top must see for Hallmark Christmas In July is A Cozy Christmas Inn with David O'Donnell and Jodie Sweetin. This is a sequel to the hugely likeable Christmas Under Wraps in which O'Donnell was the lead. Many of your beloved characters return to "Garland" and if you loved Christmas Under Wraps you will at a minimum Hallmark like this sequel. Sweetin and O'Donnell make this sequel charming and worth putting on your July watch list.

All Time Favorites Coming Back For July:

Christmas Under Wraps - Candace Cameron Bure, David O'Donnell

The first Alaska movie which predates A Cozy Christmas Inn. The adorable town of Garland is introduced with its' town CEO who coincidentally looks very much like Santa, a visiting doctor stationed in rural Alaska and a handsome son whose Dad maybe the Santa CEO? Hmmm. Many Hallmark Christmas movies have arrived in the years since this debuted and this is a Hallmark classic that remains a fan favorite!

The first week in July is ending strong with another top ten Hallmark Movie Christmas favorite - A Christmas Detour with Candace Cameron Burr and Paul Greene. The chemistry, the storyline, the actors keeps this movie on the top ten list of all Hallmark movies for Christmas.

One to lookout for >> Crown for Christmas - Danica McKellar and Rupert Penry-Jones

Another top ten of all time Hallmark Christmas Movie. Keep your eyes peeled and hope Crown For Christmas makes its' annual July appearance. This movie is not only a Christmas favorite but a favorite for movies with a palace theme. Hallmarkies will watch again... and again.

New 2023 Christmas Movies

Hallmark fans will be delighted that Christmas In July this year will include brand new Christmas movies - albeit early.

A Royal Christmas Crush premiers July 8 - original new movie

The Christmas Reboot premieres July 15 - original new movie