Meatloaf Recipe from a Meal Pioneer

 Review of a locally famous take-home meatloaf.

Earlier I reviewed the family owned Hen House Supermarkets located in the Kansas City area. They are part of the Balls Food Stores begun one hundred years ago (1923) by Sidney & Mollie Ball. These markets have been family owned all this time, first by Sidney & Mollie, then by their son, and now by their grandson.

Reading the story of Mollie Ball, I discovered that she was no doubt a pioneer in the field of take-home “Grab n' Go” meals. 

When World War II began, many mothers and wives began working in defense plants and found it difficult to find time to make dinner for their families. Mollie said “no problem, we'll make take-home dinners for you.” Her take-home meatloaf, in particular, became famous throughout the neighborhood. 

Today it is easy to find 'ready-made' or frozen meals at the supermarkets, ready to cook for a quick dinner. Not so in the 1940s, but Mollie made it happen. She was a true pioneer when it came to 'take-home' meals. Mollie Ball was known for her generosity and for caring about the larger community. 

Her original recipe for Mollie's Meat Loaf is shared below with permission from the Ball Food Stores.

Mollie's Meat Loaf

Ingredients:

2 cups bread crumbs

2 tbsp. Flour

1 ½ tsp. Salt

4 tbsp. onion, chopped fine

¼ tsp. Paprika

¼ tsp. Mustard

1/8 tsp. Sage

½ lb ground beef

½ lb ground veal

½ lb ground pork

1 egg

1 ½ cups milk

Instructions:

1. Mix together the bread crumbs, flour, salt, pepper, onion, paprika, mustard and sage.  Work this into the meat.
2. Add beaten egg to the milk and knead into the meat mixture gradually.
3. Mold into a loaf and place strips of bacon over top.

Cook at 375 degrees F for 2 hours

Makes 8 servings. 

Summary

The Hen House and other Balls Food Stores in Kansas City are well-known for their locally-sourced fruits, vegetables, bakery items and meats. Their website also has a selection of recipes for your cooking and eating pleasure. 

• Check out the dozens of wonderful recipes at the Hen House Recipes page. 
• For more Recipe Reviews here on ReviewThisReviews, click on ReviewThisRecipes.com

Happy Eating! 

*Mollie Ball's Meatloaf Recipe Review is 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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From Chicago With Love (2023) aka Lease on Love Movie Review

I had previously skipped over From Chicago With Love starring Rebecca Liddiard & Dan Jeannotte simply because the title did not pull me in.  It sounded like a byline for a radio station.  

In my opinion, the movie cover image didn't match the title, but it also didn't give any obvious clue about the plot of the movie, other than it features a cute couple.  I assumed they were co-workers, perhaps both anchors on a radio show.  

None of those things are true!

It turns out, this movie was originally released as "Lease on Love" in 2022.  I'm not sure I would have found that title any more appealing in a search. 

Title changes can be very confusing.  This isn't the first time I have seen a title change on a movie.  I recently reviewed "Friend Request" aka "Chance at Romance".  

Some title changes make sense.  For instance, The Avengers in the US was renamed Avengers Assemble in the UK to avoid confusing it with a TV series that carried the same name.  Others title names are changed due to copyrights. They may also change when the movie is released on DVD.  Regardless of the reason, I would personally prefer titles not being changed after they have been released.  Of course, I would understand why a title would change from trailer time to release time.

Either way, this was a great romantic movie that I would recommend for light entertainment.  Just be sure to search for both names along with the actors names.

From Chicago With Love Synopsis

From Chicago with Love

Poppy's life appears to be perfect.  She is engaged to be married soon to a nice guy she has been dating for a long time.  What viewers notice immediately is that Poppy is always giving in to what her fiance, Joel, prefers.  For example, even though she has a great apartment, they plan to live in his apartment once they are married.  He doesn't want her to bring anything to the apartment after they are married, except herself and her clothes.  Exclusions include a Gainsborough couch that she wants to keep.  He suggests they should pick out a new couch together.

She also has a good job as a marketing specialist, but she feels she is not appreciated by her boss, Ingrid Jordan.  She would love to be given free rein with an ad campaign, but Ingrid has her own creative, somewhat extravagant, ideas.  Ingrid is a phenomenally successful beauty therapist and influencer on social media and believes she is solely responsible for her success, even though Poppy has been with her all along.

Ingrid sets up a meeting with a top executive from Aspire Ad Agency to help her launch Jordan eye shadow. Aspire happens to be the ad agency where Poppy has dreamed of working.  

The executive, Milo Asher, turns out to be a gentleman Poppy met at her apartment building earlier that morning.  He wanted to rent the penthouse, but the manager is extremely selective about who rents there. Tony will only lease to someone who is "stable".  

Poppy would love to get a job at Aspire Ad Agency, which Milo can give her.  Milo would love to get the penthouse in The Gregory apartment building, but he needs a fiance to appear more settled.  A plan is hatched between them that Poppy will pretend to be his fiance, which surprisingly her real fiance approves. 

As you can imagine, things don't go exactly as planned.  

---

This story line makes for a unique and entertaining romantic movie.  You will not be surprised by the ending, but it is still a delightful movie experience.

Check Out More Movie Reviews at
ReviewThisMovies.com

From Chicago With Love (2023) Movie Review by:

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One of the Girls by Lucy Clarke, A Book Review

I chose Lucy Clarke's One of the Girls simply because it is set in Greece, a country I’d love to visit. I honestly paid little attention to what it was about and when it was set. I was looking for a novel that would offer a peek into Greece and the cover design surely emphasized the beautiful white and blues of that country. The text added interest with comments like:

“Full of suspense and unexpected thrills, it is hard to put this book down as you try to figure out the whodunit.” – USA Today

“…a masterclass in simmering tension and shocking revelations.” – Rosie Walsh

It will “keep you guessing which friend is behind the murderous plot.” – PopSugar

Be warned, this book is light. My copy had big text and short chapters and was, therefore, a fast read. I zoomed through it with each chapter making me wonder which one of the women commits the crime and what exactly the crime would be though I definitely was waiting for someone to be murdered.

The chapters are read from the viewpoint of each of the characters. One minute you are hearing from Lexi, the next from Bella, the next from Eleanor and so on. The women are a varied bunch with differing connections to the bride. And, of course, secrets. 

The story tells the tale of six women at a hen party in Greece. A hen party, for those who might not know, is when a bride-to-be gets together with a few or many friends to celebrate her upcoming marriage. Like a stereotypical bachelor’s party, it can include alcohol and outlandish behavior. This story does.

RECOMMENDED

Is One of the Girls recommended by me? Yes, if you are looking for a simple thriller set in the sun. In the end, you will be guessing who did it. In the meantime, you can enjoy the fresh food and sunshine of Greece served up with a shot of Ouzo. As Zachary Houle, who clearly did not enjoy the lightweight nature of the book says, “it requires no brain cells to enjoy.” I don’t have a problem with that especially if you are aware of that fact when you pick the book up. Escapism and armchair travel via a book is not a bad thing in my mind.

Readers on Goodreads gave the book an average of 3.98 stars and those on Amazon an average of 4.1. Both platforms clearly had people who liked the book and who did not, with lots of comments like it’s good for “fans of twisty thrillers with a beautiful setting.” I was willing and glad to be a one of those fans. 

Find your copy and read the reviews of One of the Girls by Lucy Clarke on Amazon by clicking right here. When you read the book, be sure to come back and let us know what you think.

See you
At the book store!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

MORE ARMCHAIR TRAVEL:

Another book set in Greece: Jeffrey Siger's The Mykonos Mob (Island of Secrets) Reviewed

Jeffrey Archer's False Impression, A Book Review

Where the Crawdads Sing, A Book Review

Michael Crichton's Travels, A Book Review

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Best Silicone Face Cleansing Brushes for Better Skin and Smoother Lips

I recently reviewed two of my favorite products for washing the face, reusable microfiber facial cleansing sponges and microfiber face washing wristbands.

Today's health and beauty product review is about another favorite tool in my skincare routine: silicone face scrubbers that I use a few times a week to help gently yet effectively deep clean pores around the oilier T-zone and to gently exfoliate and plump the lips.

These inexpensive silicone facial scrubbers are also hygienic and can't harbor bacteria like face towels, so they're great for anyone who deals with acne or blemishes.

Proper Cleansing Is Key to a Clearer, Smoother, Brighter Complexion

As I mentioned in previous reviews, the most important steps for achieving and maintaining your best complexion are 1) cleansing your face properly both morning and night (and after exercising), 2) using good skincare products targeted to your skin type and skin concerns, and 3) applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen that will provide UVA, UVB, and blue light protection 365 days a year, rain, snow or shine.

Washing your face properly means cleansing gently and thoroughly with lukewarm water and a good facial cleanser, lathering and massaging your face for 30-60 seconds, either once (single cleanse) or twice (double cleanse), either with the same cleanser or with two different cleansers, usually an oil-based cleanser for the first cleanse to break down sunscreen and/or makeup and a water-based cleanser for the second cleanse to break down excess oil and sebum.

The Right Tools Help Cleanse Your Face Thoroughly and Gently

I like to wear a terrycloth headband to hold my hair back away from my face and microfiber face-washing wristbands to keep my arms dry when I am cleansing my face. I also use soft microfiber facial cleansing sponges rather than a washcloth as part of my facial cleansing routine, for reasons I explained in my recent microfiber facial cleansing sponges product review.

At age 69, my former peaches-and-cream complexion with virtually invisible pores is no longer. Inevitably, the pores in my T-zone have enlarged with age. And, despite never having had so much as a blemish or a blackhead through my teens and twenties, I now have to deal with periodic, random blemishes.

That's why I have also started using silicone face cleansing brushes to gently but thoroughly clean the pores in my T-zone.

I have two kinds of silicone facial scrubbers, as they are often called (although I caution against using them to aggressively scrub your skin): a silicone facial brush and a silicone lip scrubber.

How to Use Silicone Face Cleansing Brushes and Lip Scrubber Brushes

Here is how I recommend using these types of brushes for cleansing the skin effectively, applying skincare products after cleansing, and exfoliating and massaging the lips before applying lip balm, gloss, or lipstick.

Silicone Face Cleansing Brushes AKA Silicone Facial Scrubbers

The facial cleansing brush is an oval pad with small, fine silicone bristles covering most of it and a smaller section at one edge with larger, round nubs.

The small, fine brush bristles deep-clean pores around your nose and the rest of your T-zone more deeply than by using cleanser and water with your hands or the microfiber face washing sponges I recommend. If you have oily or combination skin or are blemish- or acne-prone, adding these silicone facial cleansing brushes will help keep your pores clear and avoid spreading bacteria from your hands or a cleansing cloth.

The small silicone brush bristles are also great for applying your skincare products after washing your face. It allows you to cover more surface area with the same amount of product by spreading it without absorbing it (like your fingers and palms do), which makes your investment in your skincare products go further. It's also a more hygienic way of applying these products to your face.

The section with the larger nubs is great for giving yourself a gentle facial massage, either with cleanser and water immediately after you have used the fine silicone brush bristles to cleanse your pores or with a facial oil, serum, lotion, or cream when you are applying your skincare. A facial massage will increase circulation, giving your skin a more youthful glow.

Silicone Lip Scrubbers / Lip Brushes

One side of the silicone lip scrubber has small, fine brush bristles. The other side has larger, round nubs.

The small, fine silicone brush bristles can be used with your facial cleanser to gently and lightly exfoliate lips and remove dead skin. You can also use them to gently dry brush your lips before applying lip balm.

Keep in mind that the skin covering your lips is extremely thin and delicate. Don't rub hard and don't over-exfoliate!

I also like using this side of the lip brush to deep clean the pores around my nostrils.

The side of the lip brush with the larger, round nubs can be used to massage lips, increasing circulation that will temporarily give you plumper, fuller-looking lips.

Note: Although there is an oval hole in the handle of the lip scrubber for extracting blackheads, I strongly recommend against using it for that purpose. Using a combination of gentle but effective chemical and physical exfoliants is much safer and less likely to damage your skin!

Benefits of Silicone Face and Lip Brushes Recap

• Helps to cleanse pores gently yet effectively.
• Hygienic and antibacterial.
• Perfect for oily, combination, blemish- or acne-prone skin.
• Improves circulation for a more glowing complexion.
• Bonus: Can be used to apply facial oils, serums, lotions, or creams to make your skincare products go further.

A 5-Piece Silicone Face and Lip Brush Set at a Great Price

3PCS Silicone Exfoliating Lip Brush 2 in 1 Double-Sided Soft Silicone Lip Brush & and 2PCS Silicone Facial Cleaning Brushes Pad for Smoother and Fuller Lip Appearance Cleanning Blackhead

I bought my silicone face and lip scrubbers on Sephora a while back. The ones I bought, which are hot pink in color, are no longer available (although Sephora does carry other versions). However, I found almost identical ones on Amazon in a 5-piece set that costs less than either the single face brush or lip brush I purchased on Sephora!

For just $6.99 with free Amazon Prime Delivery (at the time of this post's publication), you can get a set of three silicone lip scrubber brushes and two silicone facial cleansing brushes. It's a fantastic deal that lets you keep one set in the bathroom, one set at your skincare or makeup dressing table (if you have one), and an extra lip brush for your purse (to massage and plump your lips before reapplying lip balm, lip gloss or lipstick during the day).

Thoughtful, Affordable Gifts for Beauty and Skincare Lovers

If there is a woman you know who enjoys skincare products and taking good care of her skin, she would probably love to receive a gift set of these silicone face cleansing brushes and lip scrubbers, along with the plush microfiber face-washing puffs and microfiber spa wristbands I reviewed previously and a pair of cushioned terrycloth headbands.

3 Silicone Exfoliating Lip Brushes and 2 Silicone Facial Cleaning Brushes

Vtrem 4 Colors Reusable Soft Facial Cleaning Puffs

8 Pcs Microfiber Face Washing Spa Wristbands

Set of 2 Terry Cloth Spa Headbands for Washing Face

The Best Silicone Face Cleansing Brushes for Better Skin and Smoother Lips by Margaret Schindel

Read More Beauty Reviews From Our Contributors

Read More Product Reviews From Our Contributors

Read More Gift Reviews From Our Contributors

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Essentials For a Safety Kit to Keep With You

A Review by Tracey Boyer 

Everyday life is very busy for most people.  It is common for most people to visit at least six different places every day; some people visit many more than six...

Work, cleaners, grocery store, pick up kids, piano lesson, gas station, shoe store

or

Drop kids at school, clothing store, fruit market, take cat to the vet, go to son's soccer game, restaurant pick up for dinner, PTA meeting, stop for coffee

With all the places that people go every day, it's smart to carry some essential items with you that would help in difficult or even extreme situations.  It is easier than you think, and also take up much less room that you would believe.  Safety items that will help in most any situation can be stored in a ladies makeup bag to carry in a purse or backpack, or to keep in a car's glove compartment.  I have been carrying one in my purse for years.

What Can You Carry in a Bag That Small, 

That Would Be So Important?

Contents of my Safety Kit

This is a general list of what I carry. The red pouch is where I keep my first aid items.  You will need to think about your own life and what items you may need to add to take care of situations that are specific to your life.  

First Aid Items - alcohol wipes, band aids, aspirin.  (May include prescriptions if there are some that must be taken at specific times)

Solar Powered Phone Charger - If your car battery is dead and so is your phone battery, this charger will save the day.

Swiss Army Knife - many tools in one small package

Ponytail Holder with Bobby Pins - great for hair use or for wrapping something together or picking locks!

Dental Floss - Very strong for tying things together in a pinch and there is a lot of it, in a very small container. 

Travel Size Hand Lotion - good for everything from burns to removing rings that are stuck on a finger.

Chapstick - great for your lips as well as greasing things like screws that don't want to go in their proper place.

Safety Pins - the uses for these are too numerous to mention.  Carry at least a dozen!

Lighter - This is something no one should be without. It can not only start fires, it can also heat metal so it can be bent, melt plastic or burn through strapping that can't be cut.  Make sure to have one in your bag.

Small Flashlight - You do not want to run down your phone's battery using it for a light, so have a small flashlight in your bag in case you are ever stuck in the dark.

Pen and Small Pad of Post It Notes - You never know when you will need to leave a note, or give someone important information.

Pepper Spray - I usually have two small pepper sprays.  I keep one in the outside zipped compartment of my purse and one in my safety bag.

What Kind of Bag is Best?

I bought a fairly large make up bag (7" x 8") with three zippered compartments.  It has been a while, so I don't remember where I bought it but it looks like this:

My Safety Kit

It fits well in all my purses and I also bought one to put in my husband's truck.  It fits without a problem in his glove box and still leaves lots of room for the rest of the junk that he has in there!

I know that many of my readers are probably thinking....is this really necessary?  My answer to that is no one knows.  If it isn't necessary and you have it on hand, what's the harm?  However, if it is needed and you don't have it, the results could be terrible.  I have used my bag for things as mundane as pinning together a shirt when I lost a button to as scary a thing as pepper spraying a creepy guy at a gas station that kept insisting he needed a hug.   So I would say.....

It is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it!

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

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