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Saturday, July 13, 2024

A Review of Blue Bunny Ice Cream

I am not a big dessert eater, and am particular about the desserts I DO eat. Growing up, dessert was not a regular part of our meals, usually reserved for special occasions such as birthdays and holidays.

I am not fond of cake, except for falling in love with the recently discovered Chantilly Cake. My dessert preference is for pies (mostly cream pies such as chocolate), and ice cream.

When it comes to ice cream, I really only like vanilla ice cream plain, in a hot fudge sundae, or for the topping on warm apple pie. Plus, any ice cream with some type of nuts in it.

My favorite ‘snack’ is an ice cream drumstick - vanilla ice cream in a sugar cone dipped in a chocolate coating and topped with peanuts.

Recently, I bought a brand I was not familiar with because it was on sale at my grocery store. It was the ‘best’ drumstick-style cone I have ever had. It is made by Blue Bunny, an ice cream brand I had seen in store freezers, but never tried.

Blue Bunny Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Ice Cream

This week I branched out and bought a tub of ice cream by Blue Bunny - the Caramel Butter Pecan Praline flavor. WOW! Unbelievably delicious!

Blue Bunny has become my new favorite ice cream. It is SO creamy and rich tasting and far surpasses any other ice cream I have ever had.

Blue Bunny Ice Cream by Wells Enterprises

Blue Bunny ice cream is made by Wells Enterprises of Le Mars, Iowa, just northeast of Sioux City. The company was begun in 1925 by Fred H. Wells Jr. and his sons and they delivered it to neighboring Iowa towns. In 1928, Fairmont Ice Cream purchased the ice cream distribution system in Sioux City, along with the Wells name.

Blue Bunny in Crochet
handmade by (c) Elf

In 1935, the Wells family decided to again sell their ice cream in Sioux City, but unable to sell their product under their own name, they decided to hold a “Name That Ice Cream” contest. The winning entry - Blue Bunny - was submitted by a Sioux City man who had noticed how much his son enjoyed the blue bunnies in a department store at Easter.

By 1954, Fred Wells' sons, Harold, Mike, Roy and Fay, and their cousin Fred D. Wells, began running the family business as a partnership. It has become the largest family-owned ice cream company in the country.

Summary

According to what I learned in my research, I think the secret to the fantastic taste is the fact that Blue Bunny uses only high-quality ingredients, such as their locally-sourced fresh milk in their delicious ice cream. I must disclose that I have discovered that this ice cream is quite high in calories (200 calories per serving), which is a lot to devote to just dessert. But, oh, what a decadently delicious treat! Definitely worth tasting, even if only for special occasions. Pick up a pint at your favorite store and see if you agree. :)

For more information about Blue Bunny Ice Cream Products, click here.

For an added incentive to try Blue Bunny ice cream, National Ice Cream Month is celebrated during the whole month of July, with National Ice Cream Day occurring on the third Sunday in July each year.

*Blue Bunny Ice Cream review written by Wednesday Elf

Ice Cream Essentials:

CUNSENR 7 inch Ice Cream Scoop - Professional Metal Ice Cream Scooper - Easy to Use & Clean - Non-Stick Aluminum Ice Cream Spoon - Lightweight Cookie Spoon - Scoop Ice Cream with Ease(Matt,Sliver)

Greenco Ice Cream Bowls and Spoons - Ice Cream Cups for Birthday Party Decorations, Ice Cream Party Favors, Ice Cream Party Decorations, Ice Cream Sundae Bar Supplies, Set of 12 Vibrant Colors

Cones for Ice Cream - Cones for Dessert – Classic Ice cream cone – Sweet, Crisp, Crunchy and Delicious – Ideal for Family Gatherings, Parties (36-Pack)

Smuckers Sundae Syrup Caramel, Butterscotch & Chocolate Ice Cream Topping Bundle 20 Oz (Variety Pack of 3)

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, July 12, 2024

Tall Domed Glass Cake Plate Reviewed

I bake a homemade 3 layer German Chocolate cake several times each year. It is my husband's favorite cake, so it is most often the cake of choice for special occasions, like his birthday or our anniversary.

For years, I have complained that my domed cake plate is not quite tall enough to cover the 3 tiered frosted cake. It easily covers 2 tier cakes, but not 3 tiers.

I have casually looked around for a taller domed cake plate. I have found a few at antique stores, but until recently I had not found one that was inexpensive. Surprisingly enough, I found it on Amazon.com. I used the tall domed cake plate on his birthday for the first time this year and I am thrilled with the height of the dome. What I did not anticipate is that the dome is more narrow and will not accommodate the removable separate cake plate that I normally use. Until I can find a smaller removable cake plate, I will simply put the cake directly on the pedestal cake plate under the dome.

As you can see in the photo, the taller dome is perfect for the taller cake.

My 2 Cake Plates Together -
The Shorter Original Beside the New Taller Dome Cake Plate

Glass Cake Stand with Dome Lid

Libbey Selene Glass Cake Stand with Dome Lid, Elegant Curved Footed Glass Cake Holder, Covered Cake Stand, Versatile Glass Dome

The cake stand and dome are sold together. I really love the ball grip on the top of the dome that matches the ball on the base of the pedestal. They make a very elegant display and presentation for a delicious dessert without being overpowering.

Because it is glass, it is heavier than my acrylic cake plate, but that weight also gives it more stability when sitting on a table. It isn't as likely to slide if someone bumps the table.

I measured the interior side of the tall dome and it is 5.25" tall. The width of the dome is 10.25". By comparison, my original dome is 4.25" tall and 11" wide. It is amazing how much difference an inch can make for cake top clearance, especially if the cake is decorated.

Libbey Selene Glass Cake Stand with Dome Lid, Elegant Curved Footed Glass Cake Holder, Covered Cake Stand, Versatile Glass Dome

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Review of The Riverlands

Just north of St. Louis, Missouri the Mississippi and Missouri rivers combine. This confluence is fun to see and on a warm summer day, I took a trip there with my granddaughters who were visiting from New Hampshire. The photo above shows a barge waiting on the Mississippi to get through the lock and dams.

The Riverlands

The Riverlands is a 3700 acre migratory bird sanctuary that is located in West Alton. This area is home to prairie land, wetland and forest habitats where both resident and migratory birds find refuge.

More than 300 different species of birds have been seen in this area. Many species make their homes there and other stop for feed and rest as the migrate down the "Mississippi River Flyway" spring and fall. It is said that over 60% of all North American migratory birds use this flyway.

The Riverlands is open to the public from sunrise to sunset each day. It is a fantastic place to observe and/or photograph birds. The area offers 8 miles of walking and hiking trails and also offers bicycle trails.

Audubon Center at the Riverlands

Our first stop when we entered the Riverlands was the Audubon Center. Here you can find lots of information and displays about both the birds and the Missouri and Mississippi confluence and how it affects the ecosystem. This center offers educational opportunities, as well as information on conservation. It has several platforms for public viewing and scopes that take you into the middle of the Mississippi flyway to observe migratory birds. The wall facing the Mississippi is made of glass and gives you a wonderful way to view birds all year round in all types of weather.

When we visited it was mid June, so of course there was not much to see in the way of migratory birds, but a very helpful volunteer took the girls out to the side of the center to tell them all about the "Purple Martins" that lived there. Here are a couple of photos.

The volunteer pointed out how the birds were feeding their babies. It was very interesting.

Confluence

The volunteers at the center suggested we drive up the road a bit and stop at the path that takes you to the confluence of the Missouri and the Mississippi rivers. We decided to do that and took the path which was about 1/3 of a mile long.

The Mississippi River is called the "Father of Waters". On it's path north from the Gulf of Mexico, it drains 32 US states and two Canadian Provinces.

The Missouri River is the longest river in the US. It starts in southwestern Montana where the Rocky Mountains are and then flows east and south for 241 miles before it enters the Mississippi just north of St. Louis.

Here is a photo I took of the confluence.

Story from our Visit

While we were there, we took photos on a platform that faced the two rivers. It was my brother and his wife, my two granddaughters and myself. After the photo my 15-year-old granddaughter, Kate, decided to take a closer look at the Mississippi and found herself stuck in mud almost to her knees. A nearby fisherman ended up pulling her out, but her shoes did not come with her. My brother took some big sticks and was able to get the shoes out, so we had Kate sit on a platform by the confluence and wash out her shoes.

It would be good if that was the end of the story, but you can see by this photo how muddy it was and when Kate finished washing her shoes, she put them back on and in two steps they had sunk in the mud again. This time my brother could not get them out, so Kate lost her shoes to the "Muddy Mississippi". She walked back to the car barefoot and we took bottles of water to try to get some of the mud off her feet. So now we have a story to tell from our adventure.

Here is a link to an Amazon Book if you'd like to learn more about the Mississippi. https://amzn.to/3RNqkyd

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Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Summertime and the Feet are Happy! ~ A Product Review

When summertime comes around I know that my feet are going to be happy. Why? Well let me explain! Both my father and I suffer from hot feet! Not just in summer time but all year long. So the first thing that happens is the shoes or boots (especially in the winter) come off the minute we are in the front door.

But summertime is another story. With the warm weather, my sandals must be open and toes must stick out!

Now that is no problem in the summertime, but shoes are still an essential part of dressing for the day. My days can be full of all kinds of activities.

Gardening, walking, swimming and more fill my days. Now with sandals in the garden, quite often I find that my feet get quite dirty. I love playing in the garden and I don't stop if a little dirt gets on my feet. When I'm finished then I just get out the garden hose and give the feet a good rinse off.

That would not be possible with a "nice" pair of leather sandals. They would be ruined in no time at all! But I have my CROCS! Yes, I love my CROCS!

Not only are they comfortable but because they are made of a really strong plastic, they are water proof and can take a really good rinse under the hose without losing their shape, color, and fit! That would never happen with a pair of "good leather" sandals!

I love my CROCS so much I just had to get two pair! This way I can use the light or the dark pair with whatever I happen to be wearing! But the great thing is you can get CROCS in almost any color! With lots of different styles to choose from as well.

These work for me in so many ways. Even in my building, when I go for a swim, I wear a pair down to the pool, get into the pool, take them off while swimming and put them back before exiting the pool afterwards. It doesn't matter if I GET THEM WET or drip all over them. I even take them into the shower. Being a public (in the building) pool, you don't want to walk around in bare feet! Who knows if there is a case of athlete's foot waiting on the tiles to grab your own foot. The only thing that makes them a little obvious is sometimes when they are wet they can squeak!

That doesn't bother me, but if it did a quick dry up with a towel and drying my feet solves that problem. So there you go!

I must tell you that CROCS are a little more expensive than the knock-offs that are out there, but I have purchased the knock-offs before and they just don't last the way my CROCS do. The soles are so much thicker and the treads are a lot better too! The knock-offs are really dangerous once the tread is worn away! In puddles, they can become very slick and be a fall hazard. At my age, really at any age, you don't want to be doing that!

If you have never tried a pair of these sandals/shoes, I really would suggest that you do! You just might like them as much as I do! Plus they come in all kinds of styles and sizes for the whole family. Baby CROCS are just so cute!

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Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Cooking Breakfast with Cast Iron Skillets on a Grill

There is something wonderful about cooking breakfast outdoors, especially when using cast iron skillets on a grill. This year for the 4th of July we had a house full so, it was a good idea to cook breakfast for everyone on the grill. Here is a review of my cooking experience.

I used my Char-Griller Smokin Champ Charcoal Grill, and a gas grill will also work. Preheating the grill to medium-high temperature was my goal (around 375-400 degrees F).

Here is my Menu:

Bacon

Sausage Links

Hash Browns

Pancakes

Scrambled Eggs

Over easy Eggs (made in the bacon grease)

Cast iron is perfect for grilling or cooking on any surface, it retains heat very well and provides an even cooking surface. Make sure your skillets are well-seasoned to prevent sticking.

I used every cast iron skillet I own to make this breakfast. I cooked the bacon in my 12-inch skillet and started the sausage in my 8-inch skillet. Reserving my 10-inch skillet for the scrambled eggs later. I almost forgot the hash browns and pancakes were cooked on my 17-inch x 9.5-inch griddle. As the food was cooked I moved it to foil pans that I placed on the upper rack to keep it warm.

The Verdict:

To prevent the scrambled eggs from sticking I used a generous amount of butter in the bottom of the skillet. The bacon cooked well in my 12-inch skillet, and I finished cooking the sausage and over-easy eggs in the bacon grease (not so healthy but so good).

The pancakes were a challenge as they cooked rather quickly on the griddle. Heat control is the key, the pancakes were the last thing I cooked so, the griddle was too hot at this point. Overall cooking breakfast with cast iron skillets on the grill is an adventure worth trying. I had so much fun cooking this breakfast and everyone really enjoyed the food.

Find more recipes on ReviewThis Here:

ReviewThisRecipes.com

I only use Lodge Cast Iron Cookware below is what I used for breakfast:

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set - Set Includes 8 Inch Skillet, 10.25 Inch Skillet, and 12 inch Skillet - 3 Piece

Lodge LDP3 Cast Iron Rectangular Reversible Grill/Griddle, 9.5-inch x 16.75-inch, Black

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Monday, July 8, 2024

Amazon Prime All Access Reviewed

Let there be music! Chances are you may be an Amazon Prime customer, but have you utilized the All Access features for music playlists? All Access is a music feature on Amazon Prime that lets you create custom playlists plus curated playlists by Amazon.

Amazon curates play lists based on your library, browsing history, song or artist choice. The names of the playlists from the phone app are self explanatory: My Mix, My Frequent Plays, My Recent Plays, My Discovery Mix, Trending For You are a few.

My Discovery Mix

This playlist curated by Amazon is one of my favorites. A great way to discover artists based on your preferences and can be added to your library easily.

It can be difficult to keep up with all the features Amazon Prime offers and the All Access Playlist is a feature I recently found when exploring the phone app.

One Week On Demand of All Access

One of the best features of the All Access playlists is the ability to stream the playlist on demand and in the order of songs you desire. Ten playlist changes are allowed per day. I suggest taking the time to add your favorite songs to a playlist and then designate the playlist as All Access for easy access to your favorites.

As part of your membership one playlist can be All Access for a week. If you desire to further access the All Access playlists on demand then a monthly subscription is required.

Easy Playlists

The curated lists are great for music play and go when exercising. With a push of a "button" on your phone and you have quick access to your favorite tunes. Amazon leaves it up to you as to how much work you want to put into creating playlists.

A heavier effort will lend itself to a very personal playlist with songs from the music library or songs previously purchased and downloaded. Less effort is accessing the Amazon curated playlists.

However, similar when browsing the interent, the search history can sometimes give incorrect preferences due to tracking You may have a curiousity about an artist, search the artist, listen to a few songs, then decide you do care for the artist. Result? The artist will probably start showing up in the curated lists.

The Amazon Music App is a wonderful convenience for easy music play, curated music play or personally selected music play. Take advantage of the version included with your Amazon Prime membership!

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Sunday, July 7, 2024

Why I Loved The Movie, An Unfinished Life - A Five Star Review

"An Unfinished Life" follows the story of Einar Gilkyson, a Wyoming rancher portrayed by Robert Redford, whose life is shadowed by grief and guilt following the death of his son.

Estranged from his daughter-in-law, Jean (played by Jennifer Lopez), and his granddaughter, Griff (Becca Gardner), Einar lives a solitary existence until Jean unexpectedly arrives seeking refuge.

As Jean and Griff settle into Einar's home, old wounds resurface, forcing all three to confront their painful pasts and find a way to heal their fractured family bonds.

Set against the majestic backdrop of rural Wyoming, the film unfolds as a poignant narrative that can resonate deeply.

Setting the Scene of An Unfinished Life: Wyoming's Landscape

The rugged beauty of Wyoming serves not only as a picturesque setting but also as a metaphor for the characters' emotional landscapes. Hallström's direction captures the vast expanse and raw beauty of the countryside, enhancing the film's exploration of inner turmoil and external resilience.

Characters and Relationships

At the heart of "An Unfinished Life" are its compelling characters: Einar (played by Robert Redford), a stoic rancher haunted by past tragedies; Jean (Jennifer Lopez), his estranged daughter-in-law seeking refuge; Griff (Becca Gardner), Jean's daughter caught in the aftermath; and Mitch (Morgan Freeman), Einar's loyal friend and moral compass.

Their intertwined lives unfold with layers of unresolved conflicts and deeply rooted emotions. These complex feelings resonate with all of us in one way or another.

Themes Explored

The film navigates through themes of forgiveness and redemption with grace and nuance. Einar's journey towards reconciliation with Jean and Griff serves as a focal point, highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness in healing old wounds.

The narrative also delves into the complexities of family bonds, portraying love, loss, and resilience amidst adversity.

Gorgeous Cinematography

Lasse Hallström's directorial prowess shines through in his portrayal of emotional depth and character development. The use of sweeping cinematography not only captures the grandeur of Wyoming's landscapes but also underscores the characters' internal struggles and personal growth. Each frame seems crafted to evoke empathy and contemplation— for me, especially contemplation.

Impact and Reflection

"An Unfinished Life" leaves a lasting impact on viewers, prompting introspection on themes of forgiveness and the unfinished aspects of life. It encourages audiences to reflect on their own experiences of healing and renewal, resonating long after the credits roll. The film's narrative poignantly reminds us that life's unfinished moments offer opportunities for growth, redemption, and the forging of deeper connections.

Why I Loved This Movie

In conclusion, "An Unfinished Life" transcends the boundaries of a conventional drama, offering a profound meditation on the human spirit's capacity for forgiveness and starting over.

Through its richly drawn characters and evocative storytelling, the film reminds us that while life may present us with unfinished chapters, it also allows us to rewrite our stories with courage and compassion.

A healing movie, for a time that needs much healing (in my opinion).

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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July is National Ice Cream Month

A Holiday Review

Ronald Reagan designated the month of July as Ice Cream Month in 1984 during his presidency. It has become a time to enjoy ice cream with family and friends and try new flavors.

Ice Cream month also includes Ice Cream Day, which is celebrated on the third Sunday of July.

Celebrating National Ice Cream Month

It is easy to celebrate Ice Cream Month during its designated month of July and all year long. There are so many flavors and forms of ice cream that you could do a different one for probably the whole month.

Ice cream is a frozen dessert made from dairy products (milk and cream), sometimes combined with fruits, nuts, and various flavors.

Image Source: Pixabay

Ice Cream can be enjoyed as a scoop in a cone, plain in a dish, as part of a Sundae, and in the form of specialty cones and bars (Drumsticks, Ice Cream Sandwich, etc.) and novelty bars like Snickers and Strawberry Shortcake.

There are many flavors of ice cream, and many brands to choose from. They range from a really creamy and delicious one made by Blue Bunny, which is very high in calories, but oh, so good, to brands for Keto diet plans and those with diabetes. Everyone, it seems, can enjoy ice cream, a very versatile dessert.

There is also homemade ice cream made using an ice cream maker. We had one when our children were small (many moons ago) that was not electric like today's machines, but used a hand-crank. More work, but fun. Our specialty in the summer was homemade Peach ice cream. Very yummy!

Some Ice Cream Fun Facts

Sunday is the day more ice cream is sold than any other day of the week. Maybe that’s where the word ‘Sundae’ comes from. 🙂
It takes about 50 licks to finish one scoop of ice cream in a cone.

Ice Cream Holidays

In addition to having a whole month dedicated to celebrating ice cream (July), there are individual days set aside to enjoy tasting particular flavors.

There is also National Ice Cream Day on the third Sunday of July each year.

July 1 - Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day
July 13 - National Nitrogen Ice Cream Day
July 17 - Peach Ice Cream Day
July 20 - Ice Cream Soda Day
July 23 - Vanilla Ice Cream Day
August 19 - Soft Ice Cream Day

Ice Cream Flavors

Image Source: Wikipedia

America’s top ten ice cream flavors include the traditional three, with Vanilla being #1, Chocolate listed at #2 and Strawberry coming in at #8. Then we have the classic Neapolitan, which is made of blocks of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry side by side in the same container. Neapolitan ice cream comes in at #10 on the list. For a whole list of flavors, click here: List of ice cream flavors - Wikipedia

Summary

Image Source: Pixabay

So, on National Ice Cream Day and the whole month of July, celebrate this holiday with a bowl, a cone, a Sundae and more. A sweet and cool treat for this summer month.

Which flavor of ice cream is YOUR favorite? Mine is first vanilla, then any flavor with nuts.

For more Holiday Reviews, check out

Review This: Holidays

For more Dessert Reviews, check out

Review This: Desserts

*National Ice Cream Month Holiday Review is written by Wednesday Elf