Gel Press Plate Review

The Gel Press is a gel like plate. It is approximately 1/2 inch thick and comes in various sizes. I purchased an 8 by 10 inch one. It is used to make art prints.

The common use is to brayer on acrylic paint, and then you can press your paper onto the paint which then transfers the paint to the paper, making a print. A brayer is a roller that you can use to roll the paint onto the gel plate.

There are various techniques one can use to make a variety of transfer images. One can partially cover an area on the Gel Press, which is called a mask. Then the person add paint and then lift the mask before pressing the receiving paper onto the paint, which will then leave an area where no paint was transferred.

One could also press other objects into the wet paint on the Gel Press, and then lift them off before making the print. This will provide a textured look of whatever object or objects were placed into the wet paint.

Another option is to use stencils that one can lay on the Gel Press, before they brayer on the paint on the Gel Press. Then the person lifts the stencil, providing a painting that is now in the shape of the stencil.

One can also paint a textured look of an object onto the Gel Press, and let that dry. Then they can paint a new layer of paint over the dried paint. Then they can press the receiving paper onto the two layered painting that is on the Gel Press. Doing this method requires the artist to give the pressing process a longer wait time before lifting the receiving paper, to allow the dry paint to be received into the wet paint, and then both layers of paint can show up on the receiving paper. Many people also do more than two layers.

This is a section of a print that I made by pressing stones into the wet paint on the painted Gel Press. The paint was still wet, so I could go ahead and press my receiving paper onto the painting.

As you can see, there can be many types of scenarios in these printing creations.

When I first got my Gel Press, I was hesitant to try much of anything. I didn't want to ruin the Gel Press. But in actuality, it is quite durable.

I have watched numerous YouTube videos on using gel plates, and many like leaving old paint on their gel plates, giving their next creation more of a grunge look. Others wipe off the dried paint with water, and or baby wipes.

One tip is to store the Gel Press in it's package, in an upright position. The key is not to let something lay on it and press an indention into it, as that can show up in future prints. Another tip is to make the layers of paint, thin. If the paint is too thick, the print doesn't peel off the Gel Press as well. And yes, it is a peeling action, that was something I had to get accustomed to.

Overall, I love my Gel Press. I have used it a variety of times to make background designs in a variety of the scrapbook papers I have designed. There are still other techniques I want to try out, including painting on it with a paint brush, and then adding another background layer to it. If you are interested in scrapbook paper, check out the link below the Gel Press link.

Gel Press Plate on Amazon. Check for price.

Find scrapbook paper in paperbacks, by Cheryl Paton, on my blog: https://artonproducts.blogspot.com/2024/03/cheryl-paton-scrapbook-paper.html

Check out another way that I am learning to make prints using a Speedball Carver, on this blog. https://www.reviewthisreviews.com/2025/05/speedball-carver-review.html

Cheryl Paton

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Marble Patterned Self-Adhesive Vinyl Quickly Elevates Product Photos

If you're a content creator, beauty blogger, or small business owner, you know how important beautiful visuals are on social media. A clean, elegant backdrop can make your products look more polished and professional—but that doesn’t mean you need to invest in pricey marble slabs, expensive portable flat lay backdrop systems or custom studio setups.

Instead, I use marble-patterned self-adhesive vinyl over large foam boards to create easy, affordable, and incredibly photogenic backdrops. It's an elegant and budget-friendly way to get that high-end marble look, and it's a quick and easy DIY project.

Since our house is old and our bathrooms are dated, I can replicate the look of a marble countertop and backsplash inexpensively for my skincare and beauty product photos for social media.

Why Marble Patterned Vinyl Is a Game-Changer for Flat Lays and Product Photos

A marble pattern adds a soft, clean, and sophisticated feel to photos without overwhelming the subject. Whether I’m shooting a serum bottle, a compact, or a jar of collagen peptides, the subtle veining of marble vinyl gives just enough visual interest while keeping the focus where it belongs: on the product.

Plus, unlike fabric backdrops or poster board, vinyl is durable, easy to clean, and reusable—perfect for skincare or beauty photography where spills or smudges can happen.

How I Use DIY Faux Marble Backdrops to Elevate My Product Photography

I use my marble patterned self-adhesive vinyl to cover foam board panels. Here’s why that works so well:

• Lightweight & Portable – I can move them around for the best natural light.
• Versatile – One board can be used flat for a flat lay or propped up for a clean vertical background.
• Reversible – Cover each side with a different pattern to maximize options in minimal space.

Some brands have a grid-lined backing that makes it easy to measure and cut the vinyl to size. It’s repositionable during application, which helps prevent air bubbles or misalignment. Once it’s smoothed out, the finish looks seamless on camera.

Covering foam boards with marble-patterned self-stick vinyl isn't difficult and the resulting backdrops are lightweight and easy to store. They can be used individually as flat lays or in pairs to simulate a countertop and backsplash or similar background. And they give my product photos of skincare and beauty products for social media a more elegant, upscale look.

Other Creative Uses

This type of marble-patterned vinyl isn’t just for photography. It’s also great for:

• Giving countertops or tabletops a refresh
• Lining shelves or drawers
• Creating DIY wall panels or art
• Covering old furniture for a stylish upgrade

Basically, any flat, smooth surface is fair game.

My Favorite Marble Self-Stick Vinyl Rolls

There are many marble-patterned self-adhesive vinyl options out there, but my favorites have the following characteristics:

• Realistic Look: I prefer a marble pattern with subtle, soft veining that looks like real marble and photographs beautifully, with no harsh lines or fake plastic shine.
• Smooth Application: I want the adhesive backing to stay where I put it without being overly aggressive. I want it to be forgiving during setup, but once applied, stay in place with no peeling edges.
• Durable Finish: I look for thick, good-quality, patterned self-stick vinyl that doesn’t wrinkle or bubble easily and wipes clean with a damp cloth.

My husband drove me to several large home improvement stores to look at their self-adhesive vinyl selections. Unfortunately, most of the patterns were unappealing and lacked the elegance and sophistication I was looking for.

Fortunately, Amazon has a much broader selection and I was able to find quite a few beautiful marble patterned self-stick vinyl options that met my needs.

Here are the marble-patterned vinyl rolls I chose for my backdrops. I chose patterns and colors that I thought could work well together if I wanted to mix and match them for a contrasting "countertop" and "backsplash" effect.

My favorite is probably the Cohoo Home Marble Contact Paper, which is described as white and gold but actually looks like white and rose gold to my eye. But all four of them are beautiful.

Cohoo Home Marble Contact Paper for Countertops Marble Peel and Stick Wallpaper Removable Self Adhesive Wallpaper Matte Peel and Stick Countertops Kitchen Cabinet Waterproof 15.7inW 197inL White/Gold

VEELIKE 15.7''x118'' Beige Gold Liquid Marble Contact Paper for Countertops Peel and Stick Waterproof Granite Countertop Paper Self Adhesive Marble Wallpaper Vinyl Roll for Kitchen Bathroom Table Wall

Gray and Gold Marble Fancy Wallpaper 16" x 78.7'' Thicken Granite Peel and Stick Contact Paper Vintage Texture Glossy Self-Adhesive Waterproof Vinyl Removable for Living Room Countertop Kitchen Garage

Decotalk Grey White Marble Contact Paper Peel and Stick Countertops for Kitchen 17.7 x 120 inch Stick on Bathroom Counter Cabinets Waterproof Removable Self Adhesive Wall Paper for Table Top Covers

Although I chose marble patterned self-adhesive vinyl for my initial product photography backdrops, I plan to expand my collection with other patterns and colors, such as wood and possibly floral patterns. The vinyl and foam boards are inexpensive enough to let me create a variety of looks for not a lot of money.

Foam Boards

For my trial run I used 3/16"-thick 20" x 30" foam boards. When those were successful and I tested them out with some product shots, I decided to buy some larger 3/8"-thick 30" x 40" foam boards that I am hoping to be able to use as a background for my skincare and makeup tutorial videos. (The ones I found on Amazon don't say how thick they are but have good reviews.) The thicker foam board is sturdier and less prone to warping, yet still extremely lightweight.

Creating the Faux Marble Photography Backdrops

The first step is to cover the foam board with the marble patterned self-adhesive vinyl. I found that this is really best done as a two-person job, with one person slowly peeling back about one inch of the vinyl backing sheet at a time as the other person uses an 18-inch ruler to smooth down that narrow section of vinyl down onto the foam board without creating air pockets or bubbles. Peel back another inch of the backing sheet, smooth down the vinyl against the foam board, and repeat until you get to the far edge of the foam board. Use a craft knife and a straight edge to trim the edges of the vinyl flush with the edge of the foam board, if necessary. Repeat the process to cover the remaining exposed foam board, aligning the marble patterns in a visually pleasing manner.

Tip: Press and smooth the self-adhesive vinyl against the foam board very firmly. If, despite your best efforts, you discover any air pockets or small bubbles, use the tip of a fine needle to prick a tiny hole at one edge of the bubble and  smooth/press out the air to expel it through the hole.

I bought four marble patterns (let's call them A, B, C, and D) and chose to cover two foam boards identically with pattern A on one side and pattern B on the reverse side, and then covered two more foam boards with pattern C on one side and pattern D on the other side. This allows me to mix and match the marble patterns when assembling the boards at right angles to create my product photography backdrops.

My husband rigged up a stand for me, but you could just as easily use some heavy bookends (and maybe a couple of clips) to hold the vinyl-covered foam boards at right angles on a flat surface.

Final Thoughts

If you want to create high-quality content without spending a fortune on props or surfaces, making DIY photography backdrops with marble-patterned self-adhesive vinyl over foam boards is a smart, economical, and stylish solution.

Whether you're creating backdrops for skincare tutorials, websites, Instagram Reels, Stories or other social media, or for other product shots, a marble background adds a polished, editorial touch to your content.

Tip: Use natural light and experiment with shadows to highlight the marble texture. It adds beautiful depth without distracting from your product.

Marble Patterned Self-Adhesive Vinyl Quickly Elevates Product Photos by Margaret Schindel

Read More Product Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

Read More Photography Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

Read More DIY Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

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The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder, A Book Review

I picked up The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder because the title intrigued me, and as an eBay seller fascinated by vintage finds, I was instantly drawn in. It turned out that author C.L. Miller’s novel is enjoyable as a murder mystery story as well as a look into the world of high-end antiques.

THE STORY

Freya, a former antique hunter, is pulled back into the world of antiques after the mysterious death of her friend and mentor, Arthur. With the help of her odd but interesting Aunt Carole, she deciphers clues Arthur left behind—his way of ensuring that, should anything suspicious happen to him, someone would investigate. Their search finds them at an antiques retreat in a grand manor, where the furnishings are actually replicas rather than originals, and the guests seem to have questionable motives.

REVIEWS

Goodreads reviewers give the book 3 1/2 stars calling it a mixed bag with good marks for the look into the world of antiques but lower marks for writing style. 

Bookshelf Soliloquies calls it a cozy mystery. Like me, writer Phoebe appreciated the glimpse into the world of antiques and, as she put it, the quirky characters. However, she, too had some discomfort with the writing style.

Amazon readers are a bit more generous, granting 4 stars and calling it ‘a very good read.’

Consensus amongst the many reviews that I read seems to be that the writing was a bit distracting, with some finding it a bit hard to get used to. I agree though I will add that I did get used to it and I did find the book more engaging as I went along.

RECOMMENDED

Who will enjoy this book? I recommend it for someone looking for a cozy mystery that is a bit more complex or for someone who is interested in antiques and the antique underworld. I will be reading the second book in the series, The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea.

Another strong pick? If you are also interested in a similar look into art and the art world, Jeffrey Archer’s False Impression is a riveting must-read. A real page turner. Read my full review of First Impression here.

If you haven't read The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder, find it here on Amazon. If you have read it and you enjoyed The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder, you’ll be pleased to know there’s more to read. The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea is next in the series, and with luck, both it and any future installments will be stronger and more captivating. 

See you
At the bookstore!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

More Reading:

Death Takes a Spin, An Upcycling Mystery  

Irish Village Mystery Series by Carlene O'Connor

Ian Rankin's Knots and Crosses Book Review

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Reviewing Fisherman's Wool Yarn by Lion Brand

I recently had a request for a crocheted, warm blanket for camping so I dug through my stash of yarn in order to come up with a yarn and pattern idea. I found two skeins of the Fisherman's Wool by Lion Brand that I had purchased some time ago with the idea of making a warm sweater for myself. This yarn is a pleasure to work with and is creating a beautiful blanket with a super easy, and quick, stitch. I am enjoying this yarn and project so much that I may end up making a warm blanket for myself!

Fisherman's Wool by Lion Brand

This Fisherman's Wool by Lion Brand is currently offered in 6 colors; varying shades of brown and white/oatmeal, with one "tweed" color. These colors lend themselves to rustic or cabin decor perfectly. They are also the perfect colors for sweaters, scarves, and hats.

• Yarn Weight: 4 medium/worsted
• Length: 465 yds in solids, 348 yds in prints
• Fiber: 100% Pure Virgin Wool in all colors except Birch Tweed
• Birch Tweed Fiber: 90% wool, 7% acrylic, 3% rayon
• Care: Hand wash, lay flat to dry (do not dry in a dryer, do not use bleach)

More details about the Fisherman's Wool can be found on the Lion Brand Yarn website.

With a prime membership, you can currently order the Fisherman's Yarn on Amazon and save the shipping cost. 

Personal backstory

My son and I had a conversation recently about camping and warm blankets. He wanted me to make a blanket for his dog, similar to the wool blanket that I used to keep my dog warm years ago.  We had a difficult time narrowing down which dog, which camping area, and other assorted details. We finally realized that he was remembering a Peruvian wool poncho that we had purchased from vendors at a craft fair. While that poncho was woven, I thought that I could probably make a blanket for my son and his dog.

In my yarn stash, I found 2 skeins of Fisherman's Wool. I love the natural colors of the yarn and I had planned to learn how to make cable stitches that are often found on Celtic Irish sweater designs. As usual, my crochet project dreams were bigger than my amount of free time and skill. But that turned out to be a good thing as this yarn is creating a beautiful blanket. I am surprised about the softness of this wool yarn - I had expected it to be scratchy. The yarn is relatively soft, but allows for good stitch definition. And best of all, the yarn doesn't split or snag. I am so surprised at how easy it is to work with.

Personally, in addition to sweaters and blankets, I think this wool yarn would make wonderful, old-fashioned teddy bears! 

Moss Stitch 

For this blanket project, I'm using the Moss Stitch. It is also called the Linen, Granite, and Woven stitch. It is a stitch with much smaller spaces between stitches, that add to the warmth of the finished item, but not so tight that the blanket is stiff. The Moss Stitch creates a design that adds interest when the colors change, but does not require any counting or multiple row pattern changes to create that design. The Moss Stitch is a popular stitch for good reason and patterns and tutorials can easily be found in books, blogs, and in videos.

Cable Crochet Patterns

The Lion Brand website also has a large variety of free crochet and knit patterns. If you look on the site, you can find a good number of crochet cable patterns including this gorgeous Heirloom Crochet Cabled Throw kit (includes the pattern and the yarn). 

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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Meet the New Star of Riddle Fun: Pink-Haired Patsy!

 

🎀 Meet Pink-Haired Patsy: She's Got Sass, Smarts & A Riddle or Two

Alright, I admit it—I've gone down a new rabbit hole of fun.

Some people garden, some people golf. 

Me? I create virtual characters to read riddles. (Don't judge—it's a vibe.)

If you've ever landed on my StumpedRiddles YouTube Channel, you might've seen my growing collection of short and longer videos—riddles delivered with a twist, a wink, and now… a splash of pink.

Because ladies and gents and everyone in between, it's time you met my newest obsession:

✨ Pink-Haired Patsy! ✨

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💁‍♀️ Patsy: The Pink Parade You Didn't Know You Needed

Patsy is 21, pocket-sized, and punches way above her weight class when it comes to personality. She's not the kind to wait her turn—or ask for permission.

She dyed her hair pink last week and hasn't looked back. Why? Because it makes her feel like herself. That's it. No deep symbolism. Just pink = joy.

She's bold, she's direct, and she's on a mission to make life feel a little less like a Monday morning. If you're too serious for silliness, Patsy's not your girl. But if you're up for a brain twist with a side of attitude? Pull up a chair.

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🧠 Why Patsy Reads Riddles

Honestly, she's doing it for you. (And maybe a little for her acting reel.)

Patsy gets it—life can be heavy. But riddles? Riddles are little puzzles wrapped in playtime. She figures if she can get you to smile and think in under a minute, that's a win.

So, created from my overly active mind, she's jumped in to read one of my riddles. Just one—for now. She has that "see how this goes" energy, but I've a feeling we haven't heard the last from her.

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👩‍👩‍👧‍👧 The Sisters: A Wild Bunch With Opinions

Let me tell you—Patsy's not an only child. Oh no. She's got three sisters, and family dinner with this bunch? Let's just say you wouldn't be bored.

🌸 Violet (aka The Whisperer)

Soft-spoken, emotionally tuned, and always the last to speak—but usually the one who says something that sticks. Violet's idea of fun is journaling in a café window seat. Her riddles are gentle, but deep. Don't sleep on her.

🔥 Roxy (aka The Firecracker)

Rules? Never heard of them. Roxy's the kind of girl who'd sneak a whoopee cushion into a book club meeting. She's wild, unpredictable, and somehow still lovable. Her riddles often involve a little mischief and a lot of fun.

📚 Ellie (aka The Brain)

Ellie is one podcast away from starting her sixth side project. She lives in learning mode. If there's a random fact to know, she already knows it. Her riddles tend to have trivia vibes or clever twists that make you say, "Ohhhh, clever."

And then there's Patsy.

A little bit of all three. But louder. And pinker.

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🎬 Dreaming in Spotlight: Patsy's Big Plan

Here's the thing—Patsy wants to act. Yep, she's heading to acting school. Her parents? Not thrilled. But Patsy? She's doing it anyway.

Because that's who she is. She's not here to follow the script. She's here to rewrite it—in pink ink.

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🎥 Patsy's Debut: Let's Go!

And now, for her first-ever public performance: a riddle reading that's equal parts sass and smarts. You can check it out right here:

🎬 Watch Pink-Haired Patsy's First Riddle Performance on YouTube

Oh, the answer to the riddle is here!

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🗯 Final Thought (Straight From Patsy Herself)

“Look, life’s weird. If you're not laughing at least once a day, you're probably not doing it right.”

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Ready for more riddles, laughs, and pink-powered fun? Patsy and the crew have only just begun.

Did You Enjoy Patsy- Created From My Wild Brain!

If I had to pick one of the sisters who best resembled my personality, it's probably Ellie! But I'm full-blown pink at heart! In fact, I've wanted to dye my hair pink for a very long time. Maybe one day!

Which sister best describes you? 

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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Nobody’s Fool by Harlan Coben

Book Review of a new thriller by Harlan Coben, the #1 New York Times bestselling author and world renowned storyteller. This is Book #2 of the 2 book series with Detective Sami Kierce whom we first met in Fool Me Once. 

Synopsis of Nobody’s Fool

Nobody's Fool

As Nobody’s Fool begins, it has been a year since we met Sami Kierce in Fool Me Once, and Sami’s life circumstances have changed. He has been forced to leave the police department in disgrace and wants nothing more than to put his past behind him.  But, somehow the past just isn’t done with him yet! 

When Sami Kierce was a young college grad, he and some classmates took the summer to backpack in Spain. While there, he met a girl, Anna, and, when his friends moved on to the next stop on their itinerary, Sami stayed. Several days later, he wakes up covered in blood with a knife in his hand and his girlfriend dead. Panicked, he runs. 

Now, twenty-two years later, with Kierce no longer a detective, we find him working as a private investigator. He is now married and has a baby. To make ends meet, he also teaches a class for wannabe sleuths at a night school in New York City. Suddenly one night he spots a familiar face in the back of the room. It is unmistakably Anna. When he begins to approach her, she runs. 

Kierce knows he has no choice but to find this woman and solve the mystery that has haunted his thoughts every moment since that terrible day in Spain.

With the help of his students, Sami begins to investigate, because the facts simply don’t add up. It is difficult for him to face the past, but Kierce needs to finally find the truth, and to prove once and for all that he’s nobody’s fool. 

Summary

This twisty and stunning thriller is book #2 in the two-book series featuring Sami Kierce. 

Netflix has adapted many of Harlan Coben’s novels into TV series. Fool Me Once (reviewed by Sylvestermouse) has already been made into a TV series. It seems safe to say that this novel, Nobody’s Fool, will soon join the series. 

For More Reviews of Harlan Coben Books, Click Here

For More Book Reviews, Click on ReviewThisBooks.com

*Nobody’s Fool Book Review written by Wednesday Elf

Books 1 &  2 of Harlan Coben’s two-book Detective Sami Kierce series 

Fool Me Once

Nobody's Fool

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Cooking Steaks on an Indoor Grill

I previously reviewed how we cook our hamburgers on our indoor grill.  Today, I will review cooking delicious steaks on the same indoor grill.  

The secret to any good steak is the length of time it is cooked.  In our home, we have family members who like their steak medium rare and others who prefer their steak cooked medium well.  With such a wide range of doneness preferences, it is much easier to cook our steaks one at a time on our Cuisinart Griddler.  As each steak comes off the Griddler, we wrap it in aluminum foil to keep it hot if we all want to eat together.  However, the steak does seem to continue to cook a little more in the aluminum foil, so be sure you take that into consideration.  If you have someone who prefers medium well to well done, you will want to cook their steak first, leaving the medium rare to the last to cook.

I've realized that I am not personally fond of the taste of charcoal grilled meat, plus it can cause indigestion.  I certainly realize that is an individual preference, afterall I ate charcoal grilled steaks most of my life.  It turns out, I actually prefer the taste of steaks or hamburgers cooked on our indoor grill and my husband works hard to get each steak cooked to each person's preference. 

 

How to Cook Steaks on an Indoor Grill 
Cuisinart Griddler

One of the things that makes the Cuisinart Griddler unique is that it has cooking elements on both the top and the bottom of the unit. The grills are removable for cleaning. Therefore, it is the indoor grill I would recommend for cooking any meat, chicken breasts included.

As you can see in my photos, I do put towels down under the Griddler to keep from splattering my counter tops and wall.  The towels also make the clean up much easier since I simply toss them in the washing machine.

Preparing Steaks 

Prepare steaks by lightly rubbing each steak with olive oil.  Salt & pepper each steak.  

Heat the Griddler to "sear" temperature.  As I previously stated, the Cuisinart Griddler heats on both the top and the bottom, but the top element doesn’t seem to get quite as hot as the lower element.  Plus, a bone will hold the top grill slightly off of the meat, so my husband likes to turn the steaks to make sure they are evenly cooked throughout. 
 

Cook Time

• Depending on the steak thickness, cook 4 minutes on each side on sear for medium well  

• Cook 2½ minutes each side on sear for medium rare 
• Reduce cook time for thin steaks - Stated cook time is based on steaks shown. They are bone-in and approx. 1 inch thick 

We wrap each steak in aluminum foil to “rest” while we cook additional steaks. We wrap the last steak for at least 1 minute.

Clean Up

Cleaning the Cuisinart Griddler is easy.  I simply rinse and wipe the removable grills under hot water in the sink and put them in the dishwasher for thorough sanitizing and cleaning.

Baked Potatoes on the Side

I cook our baked potatoes while my husband is cooking the steaks. You can either cook them in the oven, which takes longer, or in the microwave. You can read how to cook in the oven or the microwave in my previously published recipe by clicking here.

Cuisinart Panini Press, Stainless Steel Griddler, Sandwich Maker & More, 5-IN-1, GR-4NP1

Griddler Plates Replacement for Cuisinart GR-4NP1 5-in-1 Grill & Panini Press - Griddle Accessories, BPA Free, 2Pcs

Check Out More Recipe Reviews at
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Cooking Steaks on an Indoor Grill Written by:

© 2025 Cynthia Sylvestermouse
 

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8 Minutes in the Morning, Book Review

8 Minutes in the Morning is a book about diet and weight training exercise. This isn't the first time that I have worked through this book, however, it is one that I have come back to multiple times.

8 Minutes in the Morning is by Jorge Cruise, who experienced his own health issues as well as watching his family members experience similar types of issues. He became inspired to make a change and he shares what he has learned, along with stories of the benefits that others have experienced using his methods.

The first part of the book talks about food choices, i.e. giving up the sugary stuff and or replacing it with less sugary stuff, and choosing healthy fats instead to help people feel more satiated. He provides food charts in the back part of the book along with recommendations on whether it is a limited food item or one that is unlimited - referring to how much one can have of said item, in a day.

He also provides a simple eating log that you can copy, and fill out for each day to help keep you on track.

Then he gets to the greater core of the book, at least in my opinion. That's the exercise part. There are two weight training exercises recommended, for six out of the seven days in a week. You get a day off. The key with this weight loss program is to build muscle; and in turn, muscle burns more fat. As one tones up, they will automatically burn more fat.

It's not just about the exercise though. The healthy fats are a key ingredient in building muscle, as well as doing the exercises. This approach counts on both parts.

The very first time that I used this book, I lost more pounds than I have since other times that I have done refreshers. I attribute that to my diet needing a lot more correction the first time around. However, although I haven't really loss much weight this time, my clothes are fitting better again.

Having just worked through this book again, which covers a four week period, I note that I am stronger now than at other times. I am able to do all of the exercises as shown, instead of subbing selected ones with some other exercise in it's place. I have also noticed that the heavier duty gardening work has become easier.

I have done dumbbell exercises with videos from time to time, but I didn't stick with that as much. I like that this method is more structured; just two exercise routines for each day, 6 days out of the week. I like that different muscle groups are done on different days, giving the recently exercised muscles time to recover and you work on a different focused muscle area the next day.

I haven't followed along with all of Cruise's recommendations, but have utilized most of them, and am glad that I did.

If you want to try a different way to loose weight and to tone up, I do recommend 8 Minutes in the morning. Some of the routines might take a little longer than 8 minutes, especially if it is your first time doing any of them, but I have found that it became easier and quicker over time. As with any new physical venture, check in with your body and adjust to any limits you may have.

8 Minutes in the Morning book. Check price on Amazon.

Cheryl Paton

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The Boys From Biloxi ~ John Grisham ~ A Book Review

Sometimes we just need to get away from our daily lives and all the "drama" within and find a new place to call home for a while. 

The Boys from Biloxi allowed me to do just that! 

 Everyone who loves a good drama/mystery/whodunit will enjoy this book! The "Boys" in the title are two best friends who of course come from Biloxi.

Biloxi was known for its beaches and resorts and a bustling seafood industry. Their families are immigrants who are drawn to the area by work that is easy to come by! Of course their hope is to give their families a better life. Hard work in a bustling community is the motto for many of the immigrants that will call Biloxi home.

 

 But there is also a dark underside to the area! 

 All their dreams are coming true for the next generation of boys who learn to play baseball and hang out together. The next generation was given all of the opportunities that their parents and grandparents had worked so hard to provide. 

 As Hugh and Keith go through school and their own challenges and disappointments, their lives take a complete different trajectory. 

 Hugh can't wait to make some really easy money working the darker side of Biloxi. He starts by helping his father with the grocery stores, but his ambitions are bigger than that! Surely getting involved with the darker side and learning how it works will be his ultimate goal.

 

 Keith on the other hand decides that all the drinking, gambling and other nefarious activities are ruining Biloxi for those who really love the area. His father becomes a prosecutor determined to clean up the area and his son Keith is right behind him.

 So a long standing friendship becomes a long standing grievance that pits the boys against each other.

 The Boys from Biloxi is a great coming of age novel as well as an eye opener for those making choices in their own lives! 

 John Grisham does not disappoint in this novel! The action is fast paced and you can see how the undercover practices of life can cause many ripples in the fabric of Biloxi's society. 

 If you are looking for a great page turner of a book, I would recommend The Boys of Biloxi for you! Add it to your summer reading list! Or if you have an Amazon Audible Account you can get it for free!  It is an Amazon Best Seller, so you know it's a good story!

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Easy Grow at Home Mushroom Kits

 If you like mushrooms, these easy-to-grow kits are an excellent choice for fresh mushrooms. Fran belongs to our local Lakewood Village Women's Club, and last month, they had a guest speaker and demonstration from Barnett's Mushrooms, a local farm in Western New York. You can visit their Facebook page here: Barnett's Mushrooms

Grow at home mushroom kits - Reviewed

Fran was the lucky winner of this Blue Oyster grow-at-home mushroom kit. I was amazed because I've never seen these mushroom kits before. We opened the box and followed the instructions. It looks like a mini bale of hay wrapped in plastic.

It has an X on the front that you cut to open. Then, you place a small bowl in a larger bowl and fill the larger bowl halfway up the smaller one with water. Wrap a dish towel around three sides, not covering the X, and spray with water. The kit came with a spray bottle. Continue to spray the towel several times a day to keep it wet. In about 3 or 4 weeks, we had these beautiful Blue Oyster Mushrooms.

We picked and cut these, sautéed them with butter, onions, and garlic, and served them over a couple of strip steaks Fran picked up at our local grocery store. They were absolutely delicious.

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Find more Garden Reviews Here: ReviewThisGardening.com

You can buy these kits on Amazon; they have a variety of mushroom kits. These kits make great gifts for Holidays and gardeners.

Back to the Roots Organic Mini Mushroom Grow Kit, Harvest Gourmet Oyster Mushrooms In 10 days, Top Gardening Gift, Holiday Gift, & Unique GiftCheck the Price

 

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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