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Thursday, April 9, 2026

The Fatal Flotilla at Sea Oats Beach

This fun new cozy mystery by Karen Whalen is sure to delight all the cozy mystery fans out there. I have been a fan of Karen's mysteries for several years now, and I always look forward to her new releases. This latest book did not disappoint. In this book she brings back Breanna Hart and her interesting group of friends.

Book Summary

Breanna Hart is an interesting character who is a real animal lover and volunteers at the local animal shelter. As this book begins Breanna is at the Flotilla just before Christmas in Sea Oats Beach. All of the boats are brightly decorated with shimmering lights as the parade in front of the beach. Everyone comes out to watch the flotilla, and it is a delightful sight. Breanna too is enjoying the festivities until they see an abandoned boat floating nearby and she discovers a dead body on the boat. The victim is found to be killed by a gunshot. He was a big supporter of the animal shelter where Breanna volunteers

Breanna takes it upon herself to go on a fact-finding mission to discover who the murderer was. She gets the help of several of her friends and also a bloodhound from the shelter named Tracker. She has several threatening incidents that occur that put her in danger, and she is warned by the police to stay out of the investigation. Breanna cannot help herself though and continues to search for clues.

As the holiday approaches she is determined to discover the culprit.

Book on Amazon

You can find the book on Amazon at The Fatal Flotilla at Sea Oats Beach

Reviews of other Karen C Whalen Books

The author has written three different series of books. The Tow Truck Driver Mysteries, the Dinner Club Mysteries, and the Sea Oats Beach mysteries. I have reviewed several of the books and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. Here are some of my reviews.

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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Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Patio Dining Set - Reviewed

Well, it is finally springtime, but here in Western New York, the weather is still not cooperating. Soon, though, we will be getting out the deck furniture for some much-anticipated outdoor fun.

Fran bought this Sophia and William 7-Piece dining Set 5 years ago, and it has served us well. Every year before winter, I store the chairs in the basement and cover the table along with the rest of the deck furniture, and leave it outside on the deck.

Our set includes one large table and six matching chairs, providing ample seating for family and friends. I remember it arrived in two separate boxes. The table was easy to assemble; the chairs were a little more difficult but manageable.

We have enjoyed this set for the last 5 years. It has held up well, so I expect we will get many more years of outdoor enjoyment with our dining set.

Durability and Materials:

Weather-resistant frames designed to resist rust and corrosion.
Durable finishes that prevent fading from sun exposure.
Low-maintenance materials that are easy to clean and care for.

The set is a stylish modern design, and the chairs are comfortable. We believe this was a great value for a 7-piece set.

For more Outdoor living, check out my Amazon storefront:

Sam's Favorites - Outdoor Living

Sophia & William Patio Dining Set 9 Pieces, Patio Table and Chairs Set for 8, 83Buy Now

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Sunday, April 5, 2026

Dear 1975 – A Look Back Through the Years We’ll Never Forget

I sat down to write the lyrics and the song Dear 1975 as a tribute to us, to the older generation who lived through those times, and to the memories we carry.

When we look back, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we didn’t know how good we had it. But the truth be told, I did know. I was fifteen years old, safe and secure in my parents’ home, in the same room in the house my brother now owns.

I can still go back there if I want, but it’s never the same without my parents. Even so, I’m so grateful that my brother has the home.

1975 represents something bigger for us seniors. The world is moving so fast now, and it’s easy to look back through rose-colored glasses, but I think most of us who lived happy, healthy lives in the ‘70s will agree the decade was simply wonderful.

Life, The Music, and The Freedom in 1975

The culture in 1975 was amazing.

The music was unbeatable. The sitcoms, the variety shows, the freedom. It’s funny to even use the word freedom to describe it, but that’s exactly what it felt like.

On social media, so many of my peers who grew up in the ‘70s often reminisce about how free we were, and it’s true. I remember being on my bike from morning until night, riding to friends’ houses, calling my mom to say I wouldn’t be home for dinner because I was eating at Linda’s. Even when she moved across town, we biked there too, then on to the park, then to school, meeting our friends along the way.

There were no cell phones, and our parents were okay with it. We were just on the move, living and breathing that kind of independence that seems almost impossible to imagine today.

Here's the lyric song video tribute I wrote for us who are of the generation of 1975:

Do You Know Where Your Kids Are?

And then, of course, there was the nightly reminder on TV: Do you know where your kids are? I think back to that now, and I can’t help but laugh.

Ten o’clock at night, flashing across the screen were the words and commentary, "Do you know where your kids are?" I was always home by then, thinking, who actually loses track of their kids? But it was the ‘70s, and we had that notice, that little nudge from the world, as if to remind parents that yes, the kids were out exploring the world, and yes, that was okay, but time to come home!

Thinking About Mom and Dad in the 1970s

Some of my most vivid memories involve Mom and me watching movies together, or Dad coming home from long work trips. His briefcase would be filled with coins, which my brother and I would happily dump on the floor and divvy up.

Dad would be sprawled on the floor in the living room with the eight-track playing country songs, the kind that I can still almost hear in my mind.

Our vehicles had eight-track cassette tapes, and I begged for my first tape recorder for Christmas just so I could hear my own voice, and promptly discovered I didn’t like it.

Our house was always full of people. Neighbors dropping in, friends hanging out, the laughter and chatter filling every corner. That, to me, was the ‘70s. Family, friends, security, and an unspoken understanding that life, in those moments, was exactly as it should be.

Writing Dear 1975 was my way of capturing that warmth, that freedom, and that sense of rootedness we sometimes forget to appreciate when we’re young.

It’s a reminder of the simplicity we sometimes take for granted, the moments that feel small at the time but last a lifetime. It’s a diary entry to my younger self, and to anyone who remembers 1975 the way I do: full of music, laughter, love, and the kind of freedom that can only come from feeling safe in the world.

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Saturday, April 4, 2026

Clutter Cornucopia Review

CORNUCOPIA:

One of the dictionary definitions for the word ‘Cornucopia’ describes it as “an abundant supply of good things of a specified kind.” In this review, you will find a compiled list of several helpful books on how to conquer clutter and/or organize your home and your life. All have been reviewed by the contributors here on ReviewThisReviews.com.

A Collection of Books on Clutter (and what to do about it)

Clut`ter To fill with scattered or disordered things that restrict movement or efficiency. A collection of things lying about in an untidy mass.

For simple ways to take back control of your stuff, author Stephanie Culp’s book “How to Conquer Clutter” will give you some advice on the subject in an informative, but also humorous, way.

Paper Clutter

MY clutter, in general, is mostly under control. I like things orderly, and almost everything in my domain stays pretty much under control. EXCEPT, when it comes to paper. For whatever reason, I do not deal well with paper ~ sorting, filing or disposing! I begin with good intentions, then become overwhelmed and just turn around and go do something else!

Thus, Barbara Hemphill’s “Taming the Paper Tiger” has been a lifesaver for me, and perhaps it will for you.

More De-Clutter Book Reviews

Our RTR Contributor Brite-Ideas gives us "Three Ways to Hide Clutter."

Between screens with lovely scenes and furniture with storage places, your clutter can quickly be tucked away if unexpected company arrives, or if you simply have gotten tired of ‘looking’ at the clutter' which you have not had time to put away.

Personal Thoughts on ‘Tidying Up’

collage of the book: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

This Japanese ‘art of decluttering and organizing’ found in the book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” written by Marie Kondo, does more than simply aid you in putting your house (and your life) in some semblance of order. It basically puts your past in order, revealing that you are now surrounded only by the things you love.

Summary

Since this is the Spring-Cleaning time of year, having just celebrated the first day of Spring, this list of helpful de-clutter books seems appropriate. There also just happens to be a National Cleaning Week beginning the 4th Sunday of March each year.

*This reviewed group of How-To books for learning how to declutter your home and life, is brought to you by Wednesday Elf.

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Friday, April 3, 2026

Moist and Delicious Carrot Cake Recipe Review

Not all carrot cakes are created equal!

Many times I have heard people say they did not like carrot cake. They tried a layered carrot cake from a grocery store or in a coffee shop that, while beautifully decorated, tasted dry and yucky. Let me encourage all of you to try again, but make the cake yourself. This recipe will change your opinion of carrot cake and totally rock your world of desserts. You will never think of carrot cake the same way again.

For many years, I have been making this carrot cake recipe. Everyone loves it. Even I, who normally hate nuts in anything, love this cake and the nuts don't bother me one bit. Of course, I chop them up very fine with my nut chopper. Therefore, we get the nut flavor without having to contend with chomping or choking on larger nuts.

As for the "dry cake" issue, this single layer carrot cake is quite moist and delicious. Plus, it has a glaze icing that soaks into the cake, as well as a cream cheese frosting. We like to heat each individual slice in the microwave for 20 seconds before serving so the cream cheese icing melts slightly. If it has been refrigerated for more than a day, the microwave heating takes about 5 seconds longer.

Moist Carrot Cake Recipe

This cake recipe takes longer to make than most cake recipes that I bake, but it is worth it! The cake is baked, of course, but the glaze icing is cooked on the stove top. The cream cheese frosting is spread on top of the cake after it is refrigerated for 2 hours or more. So, it isn't quick, but as I said, it is well worth the extra time and attention.

One big tip I like to share, when using a hand mixer, I set my mixing bowl in my kitchen sink to eliminate the splatter across my counter tops. It definitely makes for a faster clean-up.

Ingredients:

2 cups & 4 Tablespoons Swans Down Cake Flour (or all purpose flour: 2 cups)

1 Tablespoon baking soda

2 cups sugar

1 Tablespoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

¾ cup canola oil (plus more for pan)

¾ cup buttermilk

3 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

1 cup shredded coconut (I use Angel Flake shredded coconut)

1 cup finely chopped pecan pieces

2 cups grated carrots (4-6 carrots needed)

_____

Ingredients for the Cake syrup (made separately - see recipe below)
½ cup buttermilk
1½ sticks Unsalted butter (6 ounces)
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients for the Cream cheese frosting (made separately - see recipe below)
8 oz cream cheese
1½ sticks Unsalted butter
2 cups confectioners sugar

Directions

Set out 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter to heat to room temperature even though it won't be needed until you make the syrup recipe

Generously grease a 9x13-inch cake pan
Preheat oven to 325° (Convection Bake 300°)
Grate Carrots & Chop pecans
Combine cake flour, baking soda, sugar, salt and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl & stir together
In a separate bowl & using a mixer, mix canola oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, chopped pecans and grated carrots
Combine the wet ingredients with the flour mixture, mixing well
Pour batter into oiled pan
Bake approximately 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean

_________

Start the syrup recipe (see below) 10 minutes BEFORE cake is out of oven so it will be ready when the cake is removed from the oven

Cake Syrup Recipe

1 cup sugar

½ cup buttermilk

1½ sticks unsalted butter, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Using a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine ingredients. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved. – Takes about 5 min. in my *Magnalite pan

While the cake is still hot, poke holes all over the top with a large fork
Pour the cake syrup over the top, allowing cake to soak up the syrup. Use a spoon if needed to redistribute the syrup that gathers at the sides
Refrigerate cake until completely cool (minimum of 2 hrs)
Set out 1½ sticks unsalted butter & Cream Cheese to heat to room temperature for frosting recipe below

Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

1½ sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 cups confectioners sugar

Combine ingredients - Using an electric mixer on medium speed, mix until smooth and free of lumps.

Then frost the cooled cake

In the directions above, I mentioned using my *Magnalite pan to cook the syrup. Wagnerware Sidney Magnalite (produced in the 1930's and only available through secondary markets like eBay or antique stores) is my preferred pan for cooking candy & glazes. It is heavy and has superior heat conductivity. Current day Magnalite is not the same as the Wagnerware Magnalite of the past that was made in Sidney, Ohio. While I highly recommend Wagnerware Magnalite, any heavy stainless steel saucepan should work fine to make this simple glaze.