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Saturday, August 5, 2023

Just A Regular Boy Book Review

by Catherine Ryan Hyde

I recently selected a book from a display of New Fiction by an author I was not familiar with. I chose the book because the story summary on the flap described one of the characters as being a small boy, which appealed to me. It turned out to be a wonderful, and quite unique, story.

Afterwards, reading about the author, I discovered why I liked her style so much. She is also the author of Pay It Forward, a book that has become a movie and enjoyed world-wide fame. I remember reading Pay it Forward several years ago. If you also read it and liked it, I think you would like her newest publication Just a Regular Boy. Let me tell you about it here.

Just a Regular Boy Characters

There are two main characters in the story

REMY – A little boy who's mother dies and his father becomes convinced that the collapse of society is eminent. To that end, the father sells their house, buys several acres of very isolated land in northern Idaho, lays in a year's supply of food and other necessities, and takes his five-year-old son from all he has ever known in Pocatello, Idaho to live 'off the grid' in the woods. In effect, the father becomes a survivalist and tells Remy that this is their new life.

Remy can't believe that everything he has known – TV, electricity, indoor plumbing, his best friend Lester – is now gone. Over time, Remy learns to fish to supplement their meager food supply while his dad does the hunting for food. If the fishing and hunting were not successful, you went hungry. A hard lesson for a small boy. The isolation is also very hard, even though his father tries to teach him that 'freedom' is most important when you can no longer trust civilization.

Two or so years go by in this manner, and then the unthinkable happens: Remy's dad dies of a heart attack. Remy, not even eight-years-old yet, fends for himself until he realizes he is going to have to find some help. Loading some supplies into his dad's old truck, he tries to drive out, maybe hoping to find his friend again in Pocatello. But he is too little to both see out the windshield and reach the pedals. Thus he crashes the truck and breaks his leg. He manages to last until the leg heals, but now his supplies have run out.

Desperate, Remy sets out on foot to find help, but is uncertain what he will find because he has been taught that civilization may now be a terrible thing. He is very fearful, but knows he will die if he doesn't do something.

ANNE – A nurturing mother who has fostered several unwanted children and adopted two of them, now teenagers, learns that a near feral, silent, and terrified child has been found.

She immediately takes him in, even though he has severe medical issues suffered while trying to walk to civilization and will need constant care for several months. And even though he won't speak and they have no idea who he is or where he came from. But, Anne knows in her heart he is not a lost cause as everyone else seems to think; just a challenging one.

Summary

As the story continues, Remy slowly adapts to his new foster home, but doesn't trust the world. Anne is still dealing with her own childhood rejections, as are the two adopted teenagers.

Remy's journey into the real world begins as the whole family learns how to navigate the path. Because, all Remy really wanted was to be 'just a regular boy'.

A special story of compassion and understanding I truly enjoyed.

Just a Regular Boy by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Available Right Here

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*Just a Regular Boy Book Review written by Wednesday Elf

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

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Friday, August 4, 2023

Review of a Microwave Omelet Maker That Makes Perfect Omelets

Making Omelets in the Nordic Ware Omelet Maker

I recently reviewed the Nordic Ware Microwave Egg Poacher which we loved so much that I immediately ordered two Nordic Ware Omelet Makers.

I would be the first to admit that I am not really crazy about breakfast. I don't wake up hungry. It is usually lunchtime before I start to feel the desire to eat anything. However, my husband loves breakfast and traditional breakfast food. As often as not, he will either eat breakfast with Merlin or I will sit at the table with him and nibble on toast with coffee.

The egg muffins we made with the egg poacher were so delicious that I decided breakfast might be something I could enjoy, especially since they are so easy to make. The promise of a homemade omelet was enticing. Omelets are something I usually only eat when we travel. Some of the hotels were we have stayed had chefs that made them to order and I always enjoyed them, but never really got into making them at home. Now, with the Nordic Ware Omelet Maker, that has changed and we can have easy to make homemade omelets with ingredients that we individually prefer.

Breakfast, here I come!

How to Make Omelets with the Nordic Ware Omelet Maker

It is fun to assemble an omelet made with ingredients you love. I prefer adding ham and cheese to mine, while my husband adds vegetables to his. Since we each have our own omelet maker, we assemble them separately while spending time together in the kitchen.

My first attempt to make a ham and cheese omelet turned out to be the best omelet I have ever eaten. By following the instructions that came with the omelet maker, my eggs were perfectly cooked and the cheese was completely melted. I used 2 eggs for my omelet.

My husband added ham, mini sweet peppers and fresh parsley to his omelet. He used 4 eggs to make his omelet, therefore his took a few minutes longer to cook. He also buttered his omelet pan before he started. I did not butter mine and I could not tell a difference when sliding the cooked omelets from the pans. However, as the pans age and go through many washes, butter may be necessary.

Here are the Cooking Instructions

Nordic Ware Microwave Omelet Pan Cooker, Set of 2Check Price

Lightly beat 2-4 eggs and 2 Tbsp of water or milk - We beat our eggs in a measuring cup and we both opted for milk.
Pour mixture into omelet pan, dividing equally between the 2 sides - The measuring cup made equal division easy!
Place open pan in microwave and cook for 1 to 2 minutes - I cooked my 2 eggs for 1 minute and my husband cooked his 4 eggs for 2 minutes
Remove the omelet maker from the microwave and stir the eggs from the outside to inside - the center was still liquid and the edges were firmly cooked so the firm section was blended with the liquid section.
Place desired toppings on each half - we also seasoned our eggs with salt and pepper
Cook until eggs are set; 60-90 seconds - I cooked my 2 eggs for 60 seconds & my husbands 4 egg omelet had to be cooked approximately 2 minutes
Remove from the microwave and fold pan in half so the 2 side form the whole omelet.
Open the pan and gently slide your cooked omelet onto the serving plate.

cooked omelets - one made with 2 eggs & one made with 4 eggs

These microwave pans are dishwasher safe on the top rack and I did initially wash ours in the dishwasher. However, in the future, I will most often hand wash them to ensure a longer life. Being able to put them in the dishwasher does make them more convenient to use!

If you like cookware that makes cooking easier, you may also like these related reviews.

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Easy Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Air fryers are a wonderful tool to have in your kitchen. If you don't have an air fryer consider making room on your kitchen counter for one. From main dishes, and side dishes to desserts, there isn't anything you can't do with an air fryer.

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob - Reviewed
Photo credit Sam Monaco

Our daughter got us a Ninja Foodi Grill for Christmas a few years ago. It is a combination grill and air fryer, and we use it all of the time to make so many easy meals.

Summertime is corn season and grilled corn is a favorite of ours. If you don't feel like firing up the grill just for corn or boiling water to heat up the kitchen try the air fryer.

It's so easy to make in the air fryer, in just 15 minutes you will enjoy that delicious toasted corn flavor with your favorite garnish for added flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Corn on the Cob:

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Photo Credit Sam Monaco

I started with five fresh ears of corn and brushed them with olive oil on all sides, or you could use melted butter.

Then, I coated them all around with Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning. I preheated the air fryer to 375 degrees and set the time for 15 minutes. We added melted butter and salt for a delicious side dish. My air fryer basket easily fits five ears of corn.

This works well for fresh or frozen corn, but I prefer fresh corn on the cob. If you have an air fryer give this a try, your family is going to love it.

Other Topping Ideas for Corn on the Cob:

Sour cream
Parmesan cheese
Cheddar cheese
Crumbled bacon
Chili powder
Paprika
Old Bay seasoning
Cajun seasoning

These are just a few more ideas for garnishing corn on the cob. I'm sure everybody has their favorite.

You may also like some of my other Air Fryer Recipes:

Fried Dough

Baked Potatoes

Italian Roasted Potatoes

Apple Hand Pies

Crispy Chicken Wings

Sugar Cinnamon Biscuit Bites

Homemade Frech Fries

Ninja Foodi Grill Review

Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill with Integrated Smart Probe, 3.9 L (4 qt.) Air Fryer

Find more recipes on Review This Here:

ReviewThisRecipes.com

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Wednesday, August 2, 2023

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

Couldn't you go for a chilly, refreshing, nonalcoholic beverage to help keep you cool and hydrated during the dog days of summer (or any time)? This quick and easy Italian vanilla soda recipe reminds me of the lovely, lightly sparkling cold drinks we enjoyed many years ago during our honeymoon in Italy. It can be made with regular or sugar-free vanilla syrup and with or without a splash of heavy cream (Italian Vanilla Cream Soda) and takes less than a minute to prepare. The sugar-free version of this recipe is also low carb and keto friendly.

This post includes not only the Italian Vanilla Soda recipe, including the Italian Vanilla Cream Soda variation, but also a product review of the delicious ChocZero sugar-free vanilla syrup I prefer to use when preparing this delightful cold drink recipe.

Homemade Vanilla Italian Soda Regular or Sugar-Free

This delicious Italian soda is light, refreshing, and can be made with regular or sugar-free vanilla syrup and with or without a splash of heavy cream.

Choosing Your Ingredients

Vanilla Syrup Options

You can make this delightful cold drink with a conventional commercial vanilla syrup, such as Torani Puremade Vanilla Syrup, DaVinci Gourmet Classic Vanilla Syrup or Monin Vanilla Premium Gourmet Syrup, if you aren't avoiding sugar.

Sugar-free vanilla flavoring syrups are also an option, and the one I prefer. While there are several widely available brands of sugar-free flavoring syrups on the market, most include questionable ingredients that can be detrimental to your health. For example, Jordan's Skinny Syrups vanilla syrup contains cellulose gum, sucralose and acesulfame potassium; Starbucks Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup contains maltodextrin, cellulose gum and sucralose; and Torani Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup contains acesulfame potassium and sucralose.

That's why I love using the new ChocZero Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup. See my product review just after the recipe to find out why it's far superior to the other options on the market.

Italian Sparkling Mineral Water

When my order of the new ChocZero sugar-free vanilla syrup arrived, the first thing I did was to add it to some club soda, since I had some in the fridge.

It was tasty, but definitely not similar to the lovely cold drinks we remembered from our trip to Italy. Also, my husband isn't crazy about most carbonated beverages (or, at least, about his body's reaction to them) and he had asked me to suggest non-carbonated, sugar-free cold drinks he could enjoy during the summer other than lemonade.

So, thinking about the Italian sodas we had enjoyed during our honeymoon, which were far less carbonated than conventional sodas, I decided to try to recreate one by mixing the ChocZero Vanilla Syrup into some chilled Italian sparkling mineral water. What a difference! My husband loved it and didn't have a bad reaction to it, as he does to conventional carbonated drinks. Success!

You can use any genuine Italian sparkling mineral water, such as S. Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water or Whole Foods Market Italian Sparkling Mineral Water for the authentic Italian flavor and carbonation level.

Optional Cream

I find this cold drink much more refreshing during the summer without the optional addition of a splash of heavy cream, but I enjoy the added richness of the cream during the colder months. Try this recipe both ways and see which way you prefer. With the addition of the cream, this drink is often called an Italian Vanilla Cream Soda.

Extra-Tall Pilsner Glasses for Serving

Libbey Giant Wheat Beer Glasses, 23-ounce, Set of 6

During the hot weather, it's important to stay hydrated. This Italian vanilla soda recipe is a delicious way to get in extra water! So, I like to make a large, 16-ounce serving and serve it in an extra-tall Pilsner glass.

I find that the curved shape and narrower bottom of these Pilsner glasses make it much easier to hold a very tall drink much more comfortably and securely versus tall, large-capacity cooler drinking glasses with straight sides.

Our glasses were purchased many years ago and are no longer available, but these attractive Libbey Giant Wheat Beer Glasses with a 23-ounce capacity are very similar to ours and have enough room to add ice to your beverage, if desired.

Vanilla Italian Soda Recipe

Italian Vanilla Soda with bottles of ChocZero vanilla syrup and Italian sparkling mineral water

Prep Time: 1 minute

Total Time: 1 minute

Servings: 1 serving

Ingredients

16 ounces Italian sparkling mineral water, thoroughly chilled

3–4 tablespoons regular or sugar-free vanilla syrup for flavoring beverages, such as ChocZero Vanilla Syrup

3–4 tablespoons heavy cream, chilled (optional, for Vanilla Italian Cream Soda)

Instructions

To make Vanilla Italian Soda, pour the chilled Italian sparkling mineral water into an extra-tall Pilsner glass or cooler glass. Stir in the vanilla syrup to taste.
To make the Vanilla Italian Cream Soda variation, follow the instructions for Italian Vanilla Soda, then pour the heavy cream over the prepared soda. You can stir in the cream or just leave it at the top, whichever you prefer.

Enjoy!

ChocZero Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup Product Review

Bottle of ChocZero Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup

ChocZero Vanilla Flavoring Syrup is sugar-free, contains no sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners, blends easily into cold or hot drinks, and tastes delicious!

ChocZero sugar-free vanilla syrup is made by one of my favorite brands of yummy keto-friendly, low carb products with no added sugars. Their vanilla syrup is sweetened with monk fruit, which doesnt spike blood sugar levels, instead of artificial sweeteners and contains 8 grams of functional fiber per two-tablespoon serving (great for gut health).

It also isn't thickened, so it mixes instantly and effortlessly into cold drinks as well as hot beverages. (It's a delicious addition to hot or iced coffee or hot cocoa.)

I love having a healthy alternative to the big-name sugar-free vanilla syrups with questionable ingredients!

How to Make Refreshing Vanilla Italian Soda (With or Without Cream) 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, August 1, 2023

The Roots Canada Story: A Brief History

Roots Canada was founded in Toronto on August 15, 1973 by Michael Budman and Don Green. They decided to create a company with a Canadian feel based on a summer camp that they had attended as children in Ontario's Algonquin Park. The first item that they sold from their first store in Toronto was a shoe. It was commonly known as the Earth Shoe and officially called the Roots Negative Heel Shoe.

The company was successful right from that very first day when they sold seven pair of the shoe. Intended as a part-time business, they were so successful that they opened more than thirty stores in the first year. Dan Ackroyd and Gilda Radner were there helping in the store from the very beginning. The venture was meant to be, according to a CBC video, "a celebration of what makes us Canadian" although the founders were American.

From CBC News, comes this fascinating 8-minute look at the story of Roots Canada. The 2014 video does a fine job of documenting the story but it is noteworthy that since then, the iconic Canadian company has been sold and is now a publicly held brand.

ROOTS COMPANY AND POLICIES

Not all of Roots merchandise is manufactured in Canada but Roots does demand that its merchandise be excellent. It has a well-respected reputation to maintain and strives to uphold that reputation. Roots built this reputation in the past by creating extremely successful Olympic collections and merchandise for celebrities, concerts, cultural events and movies.

Roots created the Canadian Olympic Team's outfits from 1998 to 2004 and has also done so for Great Britain, the United States and Barbados. Remember the 1998 poor boy or newsboy-style hats worn by the Canadian Olympic team in 1998? Roots sold 500,000 of them that year and those Olympic pieces are still sought after today.

The picture shown above is of the Roots' poorboy or beret-style hat from the Olympics in Nagano, Japan in 1998. The picture is used here with permission and currently available in the eBay store of Jav Treasures by clicking right here.

If it is no longer available in Jav's store, you can click here to see the selection of Roots' Olympic-themed Poorboy hats that are available now.

ROOTS CODE OF CONDUCT

Roots products are made in Canada, the United States, South Asia, Asia and South America only using reputable companies and suppliers who adhere to the Roots Code of Conduct. Factories must provide working conditions meeting health, safety and labor standards; respect for all workers, not use child or forced labor, minimize the impact on the environment and avoid too much packaging in shipping, have inspections by independent auditors and not have any discrimination based on gender, race, nationality and religion.

ROOTS PRODUCTS

Roots makes wonderful clothing and fabulous leather products. They now sell a wonderful range of items including but not limited to genuine leather shoes, jackets, bags, belts and luggage; sports and yoga wear including t-shirts and sweatshirts for men, women and children; watches; and home items that have included furniture, linen, towels and accessories.

I do not mind paying a little more for a quality Canadian style that lasts. How about you?

See you next time

on Review This Reviews!

Brenda

Monday, July 31, 2023

Book Review - Lethal Range (A Matthew Redd Thriller Book 2)

Matthew Redd is a former elite Marine Raider, a fighting machine with special skills, whose current mission is to locate one specific bad guy. Anton Gage is an obscenely rich biotechnology celebrity whose idea of saving the world's population and of ending world hunger is through reducing the amount of humans who need fed. Gage is not alone in his quest. He has the technology and the support to pull this off. Unless Matthew Redd and small group of men can locate and stop him.

Note: I received a copy of this book to review. I rarely accept books or products for review because I am not comfortable with the commitment of having to review something I may not like. Fortunately, I really enjoyed this story! So much so that I'm going to read the series.

Lethal Range (A Matthew Redd Thriller Book 2) by Ryan Steck

Fifteen months prior, the FBI counterterrorism division was closing in on a bioweapons scientist who was a primary person in this plot to reduce the world population. The Marine Raiders, inlcuding Matthew Redd, were sent to capture this scientist but they were ambushed and all but Redd were killed. Leaving Redd as the only "good guy" to know what Anton Gage looked and sounded like.

The chase has brought Redd and the US FBI counterterrorism fly team to the Isle of Majorca, Spain. They are surveiling a Villa perched in the island's hills and with all of the modern technology available they are spying on the occupants in an attempt to give Redd a chance to ID Anton Gage.

While no one is killed during this mission, it again goes terribly wrong. Gavin Kline, sends Redd home to Montana. To his wife and infant son.

While he was away, Emily, Matthew Redd's wife, is harrassed on the highway while trying to take her son to the hospital. Their son has been ill with an unexplained fever so she makes the 90 minute drive to Bozeman hospital. En route, a grotequely huge and terrifying biker began to follow her and taunt her. When he was joined by two handfuls of gang members they surrounded her and beat on her truck.

The Redd family has muliple issues to deal with at the same time. Their son is ill. Matthew has failed the mission, again, which endangers the world. The local bikers are targeting them. Gavin Kline is Matthew's biological father but not the man who raised him. The man who raised him, B.J, has passed away and left the ranch to Matthew. Matthew tries to handle these things alone and Emily is not going to allow that to happen.

I received a copy of this book to review. I rarely accept books or products for review because I am not comfortable with the commitment of having to review something I may not like. Fortunately, I loved this story! So much so that I'm going to read the series.

I'm in love with Matthew Redd. He is an elite marine who is very protective of his country and his family. He's a killing machine and would sacrifice himself for others. However, he is neither perfect nor a superhero. Redd gets his butt kicked. And his relationship with his father, and quite frankly with others, can be fraught with conflict. But it's easy to imagine this handsome Marine cowboy riding his horse on his ranch in Montana in between biker bar brawls. I'm in love with his wife Emily. She's a strong woman, a nurse, who takes care of others and who responds calmly during crisis. She tells Matthew repeatedly that he doesn't have to do these things alone. And she means it.

I believe people who are fans of the Taken movie series will love Matthew Redd and Lethal Range. This is not a carbon copy of that story but the similarities are the spy technology, the men with a special set of skills, and the imperfect men who deeply love their family.

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Sunday, July 30, 2023

Finding Love at Any Age: Don't Miss this Classic Rom Com

Don't miss this fantastic classic Rom-Com movie

Hey there, fellow movie enthusiasts and hopeless romantics!

Today, I'm excited to talk about one of my all-time favorite films that will make you believe in love again, regardless of age.

It's the heartwarming and side-splitting romantic comedy, "Something's Gotta Give."

Picture this: an aging playboy, a sophisticated playwright, a picturesque beach house, and a whole lot of hilarious encounters. Welcome to the whirlwind world of "Something's Gotta Give."

Side Note: The beach house in this movie, and the master suite where "Erica" writes, is my personal-manifestation-dream-writing-spot!

First things first, here's the star-studded cast. Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton, Frances McDormand, Keanu Reeves, and Amanda Peet.

When you have the legendary Jack Nicholson and the timeless beauty Diane Keaton in the lead roles, you can expect nothing less than magic on the screen. With their sparkling chemistry, the duo brought this heartwarming story to life and made us laugh, cry, and cheer them on throughout the movie.

Side Note: How many times do you watch a movie you love? I've watched this one more than 20 times!

So, what's the story all about? Well, brace yourself for an unexpected turn of events. The film starts with Harry Sanborn (played by Nicholson), a seasoned music mogul with a reputation for dating women half his age. While on a romantic getaway with his latest young girlfriend, Marin Barry (the daughter of Erica Barry played by Diane Keaton) things take a wild turn when he suffers a heart attack.

After Harry's health scare, Erica and Harry end up spending time together in Erica's beautiful beach house, and that's when the real fun begins.

Both Harry and Erica are strong-willed and fiercely independent individuals, each set in their ways. Sparks fly, witty banter ensues, and soon they find themselves caught in a love-hate relationship that has us on the edge of our seats.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. While "Something's Gotta Give" could have taken the typical route of a May-December romance, the movie beautifully delves into the complexities of relationships and self-discovery. Harry and Erica's dynamic is a rollercoaster of emotions, full of laughs and poignant moments that'll tug at your heartstrings.

The film's charm also lies in the supporting cast, including the quirky but endearing Marin's (Peet) pursuit of her own happiness and the charming doctor for Harry, played by the ever-charismatic Keanu Reeves.

Side Note: One of the many reasons I rewatch this movie is the amazing Keanu Reeves

Amid laughter and unexpected romance, "Something's Gotta Give" leaves us with a powerful message: that love doesn't always happen at the "right" time or the "right" age. It's unpredictable, messy, and beautiful in all its forms.

The movie reminds us that we should embrace the journey, cherish the moments, and never shy away from taking a chance on love, regardless of age or circumstance.

So, if you're in the mood for a delightful romantic comedy that'll make you laugh, cry, and believe in love again, "Something's Gotta Give" is the perfect pick for your movie night.

With its witty humor, fantastic performances, and a heartwarming story that transcends age barriers, it's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Remember, love, knows no age and can surprise us when we least expect it. Who knows, maybe you'll find your own "something" when you watch this excellent movie.

So grab some popcorn, cozy up on the couch, and let "Something's Gotta Give" work magic on your heart.

I watched it again the other night and plan to watch it again soon.

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Saturday, July 29, 2023

The Mary Willis Library in Washington, Georgia

Travel Review of an historic library landmark

In 2016, as Hurricane Matthew was approaching the coast of Georgia near where I lived just 10 miles from the ocean outside Savannah, GA, I evacuated to my friends' house in Washington, Georgia, a small town located 190 miles inland. If you live in a coastal area, hurricane evacuations are often mandatory and almost always a wise move.

Storm damage from Hurricane Matthew on the Georgia coast

As it turned out, my area was without electricity for five days and suffered severe tree and structural damage, along with flooding. So I was safe & sound for the duration in charming little Washington, Georgia.

The town of Washington, located about 100 miles east of Atlanta, has a population of only a bit over 3500 people, yet it is a delightful town with much to offer visitors, even those who had to arrive, as I did, on an unplanned expedition.

Being a voracious reader, I told my friend I would love to be able to get a library book or two to read during my stay, so she took me to her town library. Turns out, Washington's library is more than just a public library; it is an historical site and a most charming place to visit.

The Mary Willis Library

The Mary Willis Library was opened in 1889 and became the very first free public library in the state of Georgia. It was founded by Dr. Francis T. Willis in memory of his daughter Mary and as a gift to the people of his hometown. It was designed by Atlanta architect Edmund Lind and constructed with bricks in the picturesque profile of the high-Victorian style of Queen Anne.

Mary Willis Library Stained Glass Windows

The interior has high beams and tall Tiffany stained-glass windows, with the central window commemorating Mary Willis. The original furnishings of the library are still in use.

In addition to the collection of current library materials, Mary Willis Library has an invaluable core collection of rare books on Wilkes County and Georgia history, books by local authors, family memorabilia and Washington newspapers

In 1972, the Mary Willis Library was listed with the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. A well-deserved recognition, as it is a most charming building and a delight to visit, not only for your reading pleasure, but for the history and beauty of this 100-plus year building.

Summary

In addition to a lovely visit with my friends, who were kind enough to shelter me during my hurricane evacuation, having access to this library and books to read helped fill the anxious hours until I was able to return home. Discovering the beautiful and historic Mary Willis Library was a delightful bonus.

Image by Jud McCranie, CC 4.0 on Wikipedia

*Travel Review by Wednesday Elf

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Friday, July 28, 2023

Microwave Egg Poacher Makes Perfect Eggs for Egg Muffins

I am delighted to be able to review and recommend the Nordic Ware 2 Cup Microwave Egg Poacher. It exceeds initial expectations.

When my husband said he wanted to buy an egg poacher and make a copycat egg muffin like the popular fast food restaurant, I was willing to be his taste-tester. He wanted something that would be fast and easy so we did a search for a microwavable egg poacher to start.

I was concerned about how flimsy so many of them were, but when we came across the Nordic Ware poacher, the search was over. I love Nordic Ware products.

I had not previously used one of their microwave cookware pieces, but I have been using their shaped bakeware pans for decades so I know they are a reliable, trustworthy and well-made brand. Their egg poacher is no exception!

I am quite impressed with the sturdy cup design of the Nordic Ware Egg Poacher. The hinges are my only concern, but only time and constant use will tell about them. However, I'm not overly concerned since the price is low enough that replacing it after a few years should not be too difficult.

Nordic Ware 64702 2 Cup Microwave Egg Poacher, WhiteCheck PriceHow to Make Poached Eggs with the Nordic Ware Egg Poacher

The poacher makes two poached eggs at one time.

To make the poached eggs, lightly butter each egg cup, add an egg in each cup, break the yolk if desired, and add 1 teaspoon of water per egg.

Snap the egg poacher shut and cook in the microwave for 80 seconds for firm, fully cooked eggs (microwave cooking time may vary). Then, let them set and continue to steam cook for 30 seconds before opening the poacher.

The cooked eggs easily slide out of the poacher cups.

I recommend handwashing the egg poacher to lengthen the life and maintain the quality of the microwavable dish.

Egg Muffin Recipe

My husband loves the Thomas English Muffins, so selecting the muffins was no problem for him. He also purchased Canadian bacon and of course, eggs. For my egg muffin, he added a slice of American cheese, but he prefers his without cheese.

He butters and toasts the muffins in the oven and heats the Canadian bacon in the microwave.

Simply layer the cheese, the Canadian bacon, and the poached eggs in the muffin. Add salt and pepper to season and you have created the perfect copycat egg muffin of the egg muffin served in your favorite fast food restaurant.