Monday, September 8, 2025

Two-Bite Cupcakes - Book Review

 The cupcakes may be small, but in Two-Bite Cupcakes by Viola Goren, they pack a big punch of flavor and creativity. This cookbook is dedicated entirely to the art of making bite-sized cupcakes.

Two-Bite Cupcakes by Viola Goren

Every summer, our granddaughters spend a week at our house before school starts. We always enjoy planning fun activities during the week. This year, our youngest granddaughter, Guiliana, brought her Two-Bite Cupcakes book with her. The book is filled with over 50 recipes for delicious bite-sized cupcakes, ranging from classics to imaginative creations.

Guiliana found the recipe on page 24 that she wanted to bake, Strawberry Surprise Cupcakes. So, Fran and Guiliana got busy making these for all of us to enjoy.

Making the cupcakes

Now, for the strawberry surprise. Add half of the batter to the cupcake tin, and then add a teaspoon of strawberry jam. Finish adding the batter and bake. Now you have strawberry-filled cupcakes.
Cupcakes

Here are the finished cupcakes, ready to enjoy. I have to say they didn't last long, and were delicious.

The photos in the book are bright and inviting, and make you want to head straight to the kitchen. The directions are clear and suitable for beginners and more experienced bakers.

Two-Bite Cupcakes by Viola Goren is a delightful addition to any baker's kitchen. These treats are perfect for parties, entertaining, or simply enjoying a sweet treat.

More book Reviews on ReviewThis Here:

You will find Two-Bite Cupcakes by Viola Goren on Amazon.

Two-Bite Cupcakes (Imagine Book)Two-Bite Cupcakes (Imagine Book)Two-Bite Cupcakes (Imagine Book)

 




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.”


Sunday, September 7, 2025

The Perfect Affordable Fanny Pack for Travel and Everyday Use

 

The Perfect Affordable Fanny Pack for Travel and Everyday Use

A Very Affordable Travel Fanny Pack – Check This Out!

When we planned our recent trip, I knew I needed a compact crossbody bag that could still hold all the essentials we tend to carry, and would also need direct access to on the airplane. 

After spending a considerable amount of time researching, comparing styles, and reading reviews, I finally settled on a fanny pack that ticked all the boxes for both my husband and me. The best feature was that it was very reasonably priced. I wasn't looking for something expensive!

We ended up buying two—one for each of us.


Why I Chose This Fanny Pack

The first thing that drew me in was the shape. Many fanny packs available are the typical triangle shape—bulky in the middle and then tapering off.

This one features a rectangular design, measuring approximately 4.7 inches tall by 8.7 inches wide, with a depth of around 1.7 inches. It feels sleeker against the body and more practical for our preferred travel style.

I also loved that it wasn't large. It still feels compact when you're using it, but it surprised me with how much I could actually fit inside.


What I Carry Inside

We used these for travel, so I had a little mental checklist of everything I needed to bring along on the airplane:

  • My passport

  • A small wallet

  • Headphones

  • Phone charger

  • Our Phone

  • Some over-the-counter meds

And guess what? Everything fit—neatly. 

Inside the main compartment, there are mesh pockets that help organize your essentials so you're not constantly fishing around. I loved that. 

My passport had its own spot. My headphones didn't tangle with other things. And there was still room to spare.

These are just the items I prioritized, but there's still space for quite a bit more if you need it.


How We Wore It

Another big plus: this fanny pack isn't just for the waist. It has a wide, adjustable strap that makes it easy to wear crossbody.

And it's not just for travel either. This is one of those bags you could use every day—for running errands, walking the dog, going for a casual hike, or even heading to a concert where you want your hands free.


The Look and Feel

The material is sturdy yet not stiff or floppy. It holds its shape nicely, which makes it look more polished than some of the casual nylon options. It's water-resistant, which comes in handy if you get caught in the rain!

The zippers are smooth, the buckle is strong, and the strap feels durable. All in all, it feels like a much more expensive bag than it actually is.


Color Options and Style

We chose the blue version and are happy with the look. 

They come in other colors—some bolder and some more neutral—but I noticed that some of the color options are slightly more expensive. Still, even at the higher end, it's reasonably affordable.

The overall style is simple and modern, so it doesn't clash with your outfit. Whether you're wearing jeans and a t-shirt or something a little more sporty, it blends right in.


Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely. Whether you're going out of town or just need something lightweight and convenient for everyday use, this fanny pack is a resounding yes for me. It checks all the boxes—affordable, practical, stylish, and roomy without being bulky.

I'm glad I found it—and even happier that it turned out to be as functional as I'd hoped. 

If you're looking for a crossbody or waist bag that actually holds what you need and keeps it organized, check this one out.

You can find this Fanny Pack on Amazon, where available.





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.”


Saturday, September 6, 2025

Book Reviews of the Three-Book Instinct Series by James Patterson

James Patterson has created a suspenseful trilogy of novels in the Instinct Series, which inspired the hit CBS TV series starring Alan Cumming. This series of novels begins with Murder Games (now called ‘Instinct’); continues on in Killer Instinct, and concludes in Steal.  Following is a brief synopsis of each. 


The three-book 'Instinct' series by  James Patterson


There are two main characters in this 3-book series.


  • Dr. Dylan Reinhart, a psychology professor at Yale, who wrote what has become a definitive book on criminal behavior. 
  • Elizabeth Needham, a brilliant NYPD Detective.


Instinct (Murder Games)


As Book One begins, we learn that a copy of Dylan’s book has turned up at the scene of a gruesome murder, along with a threatening message from the killer. Detective Needham recruits Dr. Reinhart to help with the investigation, as well as helping to interpret another souvenir left at the scene: a playing card. This is followed by another murder…. and another card.


Dylan begins to suspect that the cards are not the killer’s signature, but actually a deadly hint pointing toward the next victim.


Can a criminal behavior expert and an NYPD detective track down a criminal the media is calling “The Dealer” before New York City completely descends into panic?  A shocking novel of suspense.


Killer Instinct


Dr. Dylan Reinhart reunites with Detective Elizabeth Needham to find a killer when an Ivy League professor is murdered. 

As the duo begin their investigation, suddenly there is a terrifying attack at Times Square in New York, sending the city into chaos. A name on the casualty list rocks Dylan’s world as it brings back a long-buried secret from his past that could possibly threaten his current life.

Then, Elizabeth performs a courageous act that makes her a reluctant hero. The resultant attention also makes her a prime target for the ruthless murderer behind the attack. 

Dylan, who wrote the book on the psychology of murder, and Elizabeth have solved cases that have baffled conventional detectives. But now they face a sociopath unlike any other. With threats of another attack looming, failure is not an option.

 

STEAL


A student in Dr. Dylan Reinhart’s Abnormal Psychology class, who happens to be the son of the extremely wealthy hedge fund CEO, posts on Instagram he plans to kill himself. When his sailboat returns without him, a massive search begins. Did Carter really kill himself, or is something else going on? 


Carter’s father doesn’t believe his son is dead. There is also the matter of an extremely valuable painting that represents a dangerous secret and has gone missing at the same time that Carter disappeared. He cannot go to the police without revealing the secret, so he convinces Dylan to look for him.


Wrapped up in multi-million-dollar secrets and danger, Dylan is going to need every bit of his wit and the help of his headstrong and brilliant friend, NYPC Detective Elizabeth Needham, to stay ahead of both his enemy … and his employer.


Summary


A trio of thrillers introduces two fascinating new characters to James Patterson’s  suspense novels. The first book in the series (Instinct ~ formerly Murder Games) also became the basis for a hit TV series starring Alan Cummings as Dr. Dylan Reinhart. It ran for two seasons and is now available on DVD. I truly enjoyed this trilogy of novels by James Patterson.


*Book Reviews of the Instinct Series by James Patterson, written by Wednesday Elf


The 'Instinct' Triology and the "Instinct" TV Series: 




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.”


Friday, September 5, 2025

To Hunt an Heiress by Martha Keyes - Book Reviewed

to hunt for an heiress
I have recently been reading the Bachelors of Blackstone's book series.  The series is a collaboration between several of my favorite authors and each book has been great.  I just finished the book, "To Hunt an Heiress" by Martha Keyes, and found it quite humorous and entertaining.  Therefore, I definitely wanted to review and recommend it to anyone who enjoys clean historical romance with a touch of humor.

It is not necessary to read every book in the series and it is not necessary to read them in a specific order.  The series does have a few characters, like Sir William Blackstone, shared by all of them, but the the books don't have a timeline that must be rigidly followed. 

To Hunt an Heiress was actually unique and funny enough that it had me telling my husband, who does not read romantic fiction, some of the mischievous antics of one of the characters in the book.  It's makes me grateful that the only pets we have ever entertained in our home were dogs and cats.

Aside from the borrowed pet in the story, the plot was still unique enough and the banter between the main characters was still funny enough, to recommend the book.  

 

To Hunt an Heiress Book Synopsis

 To Hunt an HeiressCheck PriceSebastian Drake needs money quick in order to get custody of his half-brothers and sister.  They are currently living with their uncle who has a hot temper, especially when he has been drinking, which is most often.  Sebastian could not originally get the custody because he was not 21.  Now that he is old enough, he must find a way to show the courts that he is financially capable of providing for his siblings.  Unfortunately, his own father's wealth was "assumed" and spent by his step-father.  Plus, the family estate has been left to him in deep debt.

With the help of two friends, he sets out to meet, court and marry an heiress quickly.  However, when he asks one heiress to marry him after courting her for a week, that heiress' uncle is quick to share with the all of society that Sebastian is an heiress hunter.  That shared knowledge makes Sebastian's plight much harder.

Upon hearing the gossip about the heiress hunter in their midst, Selina Lawrence sets out to teach the fortune hunter a lesson and employs some very interesting tactics.  Since she is a wealthy widow, society does not frown on her for not walking the proper line like they would a vulnerable debutante. 

The challenges between Sebastian and Selina make for a very entertaining game for readers to observe. 

 

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More Reviews of Books by Martha Keyes 

Review of Reputation at Risk: A Chronicle of Misadventures

A Suitable Arrangement  

Secrets of a Duke: A Chronicle of Misadventures  

The Widow and the Highlander (Tales from the Highlands Book1)  

The Enemy and Miss Innes (Tales from the Highlands Book 2)   

The Innkeeper and the Fugitive (Tales from the Highlands Book 3) 

A Reckless Courtship: A Chronicle of Misadventures 


 

More Great Books Reviewed




 
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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.”


Thursday, September 4, 2025

Reviewing My Steps Log Poster from Zazzle

log
I had been keeping tracks of my daily step count on a blank calendar printout. I did that method for approximately six weeks, starting at the end of one month, the next month, and a week into the next month. I didn't like having multiple sheets to look through to compare my progress and stopped keeping track.

Then recently I decided it would be better if all my steps were logged on one page for a whole year. I could see all days and more easily compare. I checked on Zazzle, and didn't find anything. I got to thinking how I would lay out the design and decided on months across the top and the 31 days downward, under each month.

I wanted something of thicker quality to hold up for a year, so I decided on poster paper. It gave me the option of matte value paper for posters. I figured that would be easier to write on and selected that. I made the poster design and added a pattern of feet across the top.




I ordered one for me and one for my daughter.

When I received the posters, I was surprised. It looked to be paper with a coating on it. I guess I should read more about the description on an actual product page for my selection. Down under product specs it said, Gallery quality Giclee prints. Just so you know, not all posters are made the same.

Anyway, although it wasn't what I had expected, I am satisfied with my purchase. I am able to write on it with my PaperMate pen. Some areas required a bit more pressure, where my hand had been resting, for the ink to stick. But it should definitely hold up throughout a year and even longer.

One one of the sheets that I received, the edges of two of the sides weren't cut smooth, but for it's purpose, it works. I gave my daughter the one with smooth edges. I know that Zazzle would have replaced it had I complained to them about it; Zazzle is good like that.


log


For now, I am wearing my pedometer on a daily basis and look forward to logging my step counts. I have a nice sturdy 'poster' with a nice finish on it. The front side has a bit more texture to it than the back side. I don't know if that is how Giclee prints are normally made; I have not purchased a Giclee print before from anywhere.

Since I found out that these particular posters are coated, I also designed one of these Step Log charts on letterhead, for those that only want paper. There are different types of paper to choose from for the letterhead, so one can choose something that is thicker if they like.

My daughter wanted a larger poster; she normally walks upwards of 10,000 steps in a day and wanted a larger space for her step counts. I couldn't find the same option for posters that I did when I made the first one. This larger one does not say anything about Giclee prints and instead describes it as quality glossy poster paper. I imagine that it will also handle ink. If anyone has any info on this, please let me know.

For this larger steps log sheet, I included a line for the year since there was extra space.




Both of the poster options are downloadable whereas the letterhead option is not.

Both the letterhead option and the original poster option are designed as 8.5 by 11 inches. This poster option, Giclee print, can be ordered on a variety of sizes; it says there are 60 size options to choose from.

The larger poster option, glossy poster paper, is made on the 20 by 25 inches and it says there are five more size options.

The title of the log sheet can be customized should you want to keep a daily log of anything else for the year.

Overall, I would recommend any of the options that you are most interested in. Having a daily log all on one sheet is an added convenience.

Update: Since I wrote this, I got the idea to highlight each Sunday. That way I could more easily see if there were any patterns, i.e. my most step days if they were on certain days of the week, etc. I find this to be a helpful addition. I have also since added symbols to include on days that I do certain exercises. It's nice to see my sheet getting filled in with my productivity.

Check out my favorite shoes for walking outdoors: Joomra barefoot shoes for women review.

Cheryl Paton



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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