Hallmark Christmas In July Review

Enjoy the air conditioning and summer treats as Hallmark unveils its' Christmas in July programming. Hallmark fans will love a peek at what will be coming their way when Hallmark premieres its' Christmas programming in October.

New Series!

Hallmark Christmas At Sea premieres July 7th.  Monday will be the night to view the new episodes of your favorite Hallmark stars and fans at sea. The very familiar and beloved Hallmark stars are cruising!

According to Hallmark : Merry Cruisemas  with its' stars: "Benjamin Ayres, Jonathan Bennett, Wes Brown, Erin Cahill, Paul Campbell, Taylor Cole, Nikki DeLoach, Sarah Drew, Tyler Hynes, Kimberley Sustad and Andrew Walker".

Unwrapping Series 

The Unwrapping series of Christmas movies first premiered last year on Hallmark plus. This year Hallmark is continuing their July theme of introducing new Christmas movies in July. The Unwrapping Christmas store is a gift wrapping store where four friends work and will take you on your next holiday adventure.

This year four new movies will air:

Unwrapping Christmas: Tina's Miracle

Starring Natalie Hall, Alec Santos on Saturday, July 5th. It's the battle of the Christmas gala for a gift wrapping store owner and a grumpy estate estate owner.

Unwrapping Christmas: Mia's Prince

Starring Nathan Witte and Kathryn Davis on Saturday, July 12th. 

Heirs, wealthy, fairy tales and of course romance intertwine.

Unwrapping Christmas: Lily's Destiny 

Saturday, July 19th.  Is the true match destiny? Come along this Hallmark journey of chemistry with a dash of destiny.

Unwrapping Christmas: Olivia's Reunion

Hallmark favorite Cindy Busby and Jake Epstein star on Saturday, July 26th in a very Hallmark storyline of past loves reuniting or not? under Hallmark circumstances. 

The Do Not Miss List of Hallmark Christmas Movies 

These are the Christmas movies that are tried and true Hallmark Christmas with the OG stars fans love so much! A few movies not to miss whether it be Christmas in July, October, November or December.

Three Wise Men And A Baby And Its' Sequel Three Wiser Men And A Baby

Fans adore this series with the A list actors: Paul Walker, Tyler Hynes and Paul Campbell.

Always a huge fan favorite! Great chemistry, fun storyline, A team actors and a plot which does have some similarities to Three Men And A Baby. 

Christmas Under Wraps And Sequel A Cozy Christmas Inn

Garland? No not that kind of garland, the city Garland. Oh yes! The secrets of Garland just might include Santa, elves, workshop and a very busy schedule in December. David O'Donnell and Candace Burr started in Christmas Under Wraps and years later a sequel A Cozy Christmas Inn was made with David O'Donnell and Jodie Sweetin plus the most of the original cast.

Very charming Christmas movies which will warm your heart and always worth watching and re watching.

Christmas At Pemberley Manor

Jessica Lowndes and Michael Rady star in holiday movie where the family estate (and maybe) its' heir could use a little Christmas magic. Lovely backdrop, comedy, chemistry and romance star.

Crown For Christmas

Always be on the lookout for a Crown For Christmas with Danica McKellar and Rupert Penry-Jones. This is one of the best Hallmark Christmas movies of all time in many Hallmarkies opinion. This royal palace romance is always include on best Hallmark movies list. 

A Gift To Remember

The holiday is a backdrop versus major played in this delightful and sometimes overlooked Hallmark movie. Bookstore fans can relate as the bookstore employee collides - literally- with a customer and amnesia begin the chase for his identity. Great chemistry and don't forget the sequel Cherished Memories.

Christmas Waltz

Starring Will Kemp and Lacey Chabert. Dancing, more dancing, chemistry, more chemistry with a little romance after one of the pair has an unexpected pre wedding split.

More Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviewed

Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviewed 2024 by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2023 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

A Cozy Christmas Inn Reviewed 2022  by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2022 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2021 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

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5 Smart Tips for Using YouTube Playlists to Grow Your Channel

 

Why Creating Playlists Has Made a Big Difference for My YouTube Channel

I'm not a YouTube guru, and I'm definitely not one of the big-time experts with millions of followers—but I do have a YouTube channel called Stumped Riddles, and I've spent countless hours researching ways to improve it.

Along with learning about YouTube's new Algorithm, one of the best pieces of advice I picked up—and something I've personally found incredibly valuable—is the power of creating playlists.

If you're new to YouTube or haven't tapped into the playlist feature much, let me walk you through the reasons why it's something you shouldn't overlook.

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1. End Screens + Playlists = More Watch Time

This is the biggest benefit I've found so far.

When uploading long-form videos, YouTube allows you to add an end screen at the end of your video. One of the options you can add to that screen is—you guessed it—a playlist.

Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, so what? It's just a playlist." But here's why it matters: you control what goes in that playlist. If you've several videos on a particular topic (in my case, riddles), you can link viewers directly to related videos using the playlist feature.

And here's where it gets better:

• On desktop, the full playlist shows up on the right-hand side of the screen. That means even if someone doesn't click the box on your end screen, they might glance over and click another video in the list. Your list occupies that real estate!

• On mobile, that playlist appears below the video, making it easy for viewers to continue watching your content.

This increases your watch time, and that's something YouTube loves.

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2. The Master Playlist: One Place for All Your Videos

If your videos all fall under one broad theme, like mine do, it's a good idea to create a master playlist, along with other category playlists.

The master playlist will contain every video you've published that fits within your channel's overall theme. 

As you keep creating, that master list keeps growing—and that's a good thing. People can easily binge on your content, which again boosts your channel's watch time.

This master playlist can also be used on end screens or discovered in searches (more on that below). And just like before, people on desktop see it to the right, and mobile users see it below the video.

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3. Break It Down: Organize Your Content into Logical Categories

Besides having a master list, organizing your videos into specific topic-based playlists helps your audience find exactly what they're looking for.

Here are some of the playlists I've created on my channel:

• Christmas Riddles

• Halloween Riddles

• Riddles for Teens, Adults, and Seniors

• Emotion & Virtue Riddles

• Food Riddles

• Nature Riddles

• What Am I Riddles

• And a special one for the Riddle Sisters, a new series I've started

• and more....

You can even put one video in multiple playlists if it fits into more than one category. This gives your content more chances to be discovered through different search paths.

Here’s One of My Playlists (Featuring the Custom Cover I Designed):

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4. Give Each Playlist a Unique Cover Image

This may seem like a minor detail, but I've found it extremely helpful for visual organization.

You can upload a custom image for each playlist, so that when people visit your YouTube channel homepage, they can instantly spot the difference between categories. I've done this for all of mine—it gives your channel a more polished look and helps guide viewers more easily.

If you're new to it, you'll need to research how to do this, but it's relatively straightforward once you've learned the basics.

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5. Write Descriptions for Your Playlists (They Matter!)

This is one thing that's easy to skip, but it's essential: make sure you write a solid description for each of your playlists.

YouTube treats playlist descriptions as part of your searchable content. So, if someone types "Christmas riddles" into the search bar, your "Christmas Riddles" playlist (with the right keywords in the description) might show up, not just your individual videos.

In other words, your playlists can be searchable assets. That's extra real estate on YouTube to help people find your content.

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Final Thoughts: Don't Get Overwhelmed—Just Keep Building

If you're just getting started with YouTube, it can seem overwhelming. I've been there—and truthfully, I'm still learning every single day.

My best advice? Don't try to figure everything out at once. Focus on one piece at a time. Playlists were one of those "a-ha" moments for me, and once I got the hang of them, I saw how much they helped, not only with organization but also with growth.

So take it step by step. Learn a little more each time you post a video. And when it comes to playlists, trust me—they're worth the effort.

Time to Solve a Riddle!

Take a breather and try to crack this fun riddle from Wild Roxy of the "famed" Riddle Sisters! It's a YouTube Short—and I'll be sharing tips on Shorts along the way too!

Enjoy!

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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Rolling Toward Clear Skies by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Book Review of a novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde, a favorite author who combines relatable dilemmas and interesting characters who often tug at your heartstrings. This is a heartfelt novel of hope and second chances.

A Synopsis of Rolling Toward Clear Skies

Rolling Toward Clear Skies: A Novel

Maggie Blount is a California GP and divorced mother of two teenage girls. In addition to her private practice with 3 other physicians, she also works with Alex, her professional (and romantic) partner, running Doctors on Wheels.   Their mobile non-profit vans provide free medical care in the aftermath of disasters.

The story begins as Maggie & Alex get ready to head to Louisiana where a hurricane is about to make landfall. Maggie’s daughters, Willa and Gemma, go to stay with their father for the duration, complaining all the way, as they have grown up to be very entitled, spoiled girls. 

During their time in Louisiana, Maggie and Alex treat 2 loving teenage sisters whose parents were killed in the storm that destroyed their home.  There is also a terrified puppy who becomes as attached to the girls as the girls do to him. 

When it is found that these sisters' only remaining relatives are very elderly grandparents who are unable to care for them, Maggie decides to foster Jean and Rose. After some preliminary paperwork and home visits by social services, Jean & Rose come to live with Maggie and her family. 

It is an emotional story that eventually finds Maggie’s new blended family in chaos. The foster sisters, Jean and Rose, are polite and appreciative and feel blessed to have found a safe new home. Maggie’s own daughters are self-involved teenagers who have grown up always having everything they wanted and who resist this intrusion by strangers into their privileged lives. Maggie knows she has made some mistakes in parenting her daughters, giving them too much to make up for her long work hours and the divorce. 

Maggie seeks help through a therapist to admit her role in Willa & Gemma’s entitled upbringing, and to learn how to teach her daughters about gratitude and empathy. She begins to learn to undo the damage and anticipate the needs of all four girls, Alex, and the puppy. 

Summary

Wise words and insightful observations combine to bring about a satisfying conclusion to this topical, thought-provoking, and appealing story. 

Related Reviews:

For more reviews of Catherine Ryan Hyde books, click here.

For a review of author Catherine Ryan Hyde, click here.

For more book reviews on ReviewThisReviews, check out ReviewThisBooks.com

*Review of the book “Rolling Toward Clear Skies” was written by Wednesday Elf

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Coconut-Pecan Frosting Recipe for German Chocolate Cake or Cupcakes

I've been making homemade German chocolate cake for decades and it is the most requested cake for any occasion in our home, probably because they are not commonly available.  If you try to eat a store-bought German chocolate cake you would probably swear off of ever eating them again.  Store-bought does not compare to homemade!

I personally make both my cake and my frosting from scratch.  This is one cake and frosting that you are not likely to find in a box or can.  As a matter of fact, the one time I tasted coconut-pecan frosting in a can, I hated the heavy lard taste.  The word "gross" comes to mind.

Unfortunately, store bought cakes or pre-made frosting in a can will make you think you don't like German chocolate cake.  But, if you have never tried a homemade German chocolate cake, then you have never tried a real German chocolate cake.  

 

Coconut Pecan Frosting Recipe
Sylvestermouse - ReviewThisReviews.com

You actually make coconut pecan frosting by cooking it on the stove top, like candy.  The pan matters.  You need a heavy pan that will hold heat.  I still use my grandmother's 4 quart Wagner Ware Sydney-O Magnalite pan (4684-P).  Do not use a pan with non-stick coating. 

 

INGREDIENTS

• 4 egg yolks
• 1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk (shake well before opening)
• 1½ tsp. vanilla
• 1½ cups sugar
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 pkg. (7 oz.) Baker's Angel Flake Coconut (2-2/3 cups)
• 1½ cups chopped pecans

 

DIRECTIONS 

1) Finely chop the pecans 

2) Beat egg yolks, milk and vanilla in heavy saucepan with whisk until blended 

3) Add sugar and butter; cook on medium heat 20 - 25 min. or until thickened and golden brown, stirring constantly 

Remove from heat 

4) Add coconut and pecans.  Mix well 

Cool to spreading consistency. 

 

Click Here for the German Chocolate Cake Recipe published separately

 

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One note, please don't give up if the frosting is not perfect the first time you make it.  Like so many things in cooking, sometimes you need to make it a few times to perfect it with your cookware and stove.  

 

The Brands I Use

I prefer to stick to specific brands, unless a company changes their recipe or goes out of business.  I still use the brands that my mother and grandmother used when baking.

 

 Pet Whole Evaporated Milk, 12 ounceCheck Price McCormick Vanilla ExtractCheck Price Baker's Angel Flake Coconut Sweetened 7 OunceCheck Price Fisher Chef's Naturals Unsalted Chopped Pecans - ResealableCheck Price Prepworks by Progressive (Red)Check Price

If you want a Magnalite saucepan like mine, you will need to purchase it in an antique store or secondary market like Ebay. Current day Magnalite is not the same vintage Wagner Ware brand made in Sydney, Ohio. The current pans are made in China of a lighterweight material and is not the Magnalite I recommend. Magnalite Saucepan - 4 quart - 4684-M or 4684-P (-P or -M doesn't matter. They represent the mold used when making)

 

 

Check Out More Recipe Reviews at
ReviewThisRecipes.com

Coconut-Pecan Frosting Recipe for German Chocolate Cake or Cupcakes Written by:

© 2025 Cynthia Sylvestermouse
 

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Sea Sponges for Painting Review

One of the early painting tools that I came across, when I first started persuing painting as more than a hobby, was the sea sponge.

They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and make a variety of affects. Depending on the side of the sponge that one uses, at any specific time and place, the affect will be different.

A sea sponge can be used to paint the look of distant leaves, textures that resemble rust, and so much more.

Sea sponges can be used for more close up leaves and provide layers of varying shades of highlights. You can press them down onto wet paint for one look, and a different look if you press them onto paint that has already dried.

You can swipe them across the sky to help create wispy clouds. Or in front of waterfalls to resemble a spray and splash of water. Again, the look here will vary depending on whether you are swiping the sponge across wet or dry paint.

Just like the shapes of the sponges themselves, the creative options are endless.

For this design, I went for a tile look.

For any sea sponge that one paints with, I recommend that the sponge is first wet and squeezed out, to make the sponge more flexible, and also easier to rinse and or clean the paint out.

In between color changes is an opportune time to do a quick rinsing. At the end of a painting round, I will usually add a diluted laundry detergent. I save my almost empty laundry detergent bottles, add some water and shake it up. Then I have a quick and easy way to help clear the paint out.

However, as you can see from my sea sponges, pictured above, that all the paint doesn't necessarily always come out.

Anyway, the sea sponges are re-usable for numerous times. I still have all of my sea sponges from decades ago, however, all of any one sea sponge, may not still be present. As edges became worn and loose, it was more efficient to remove the dangling piece and just work with what was left.

I leave them out to air dry, and may drop them into a wide open container, so that they remain dry, in between uses.

One of my most recent recent ventures for using sea sponges, was using them on my Gel Press Plate. The look turned out awesome.

Speaking of the surface that one uses them on, will also affect how the look will turn out. For instance, paper is more absorbent than canvas. You can also make designs on wax paper or foil, which aren't so absorbent, and then make a press print from there. The opportunities are as endless as anyone's imagination.

Here is my tile print look printed on pet dishes in my CherylsArt store on Zazzle.

Rustic Texture Slate Painting Pet Bowls
by CherylsArt

Hope you enjoyed learning about painting with sea sponges. Happy creating.

I have purchased a variety of brands of sea sponges over the years, and do not really have a brand to recommend. You can check out a variety of options on Amazon. I just recommend getting a variety of shapes that inspire you. Here's the link. Sea Sponges for Painting

Cheryl Paton

You can read my review of the Gel Press Plate here: https://www.reviewthisreviews.com/2025/06/gel-press-plate-review.html

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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