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Sunday, July 14, 2024

Why I Love the Movie The Lake House - 5 Star Review

The Lake House is a captivating romantic drama that weaves together the lives of its two main characters, Kate Forster (played by Sandra Bullock) and Alex Wyler (played by Keanu Reeves), through a unique and enchanting time travel narrative.

Directed by Alejandro Agresti, this 2006 film is a remake of the South Korean film Il Mare and brings a fresh twist to the romantic storytelling genre.

The Storyline

The story begins with Kate Forster, a doctor, moving out of a beautiful lake house in 2006 to pursue a new job in Chicago. As she leaves, she writes a letter to the next tenant apologizing for some paw prints by the door and leaving it in the mailbox. Alex Wyler, an architect, receives the letter—but he is living in 2004.

Initially confused by the letter’s references to events that haven’t happened yet, Alex replies, and the two start a correspondence through the mailbox, which mysteriously bridges their two time periods.

As their letters continue, Kate and Alex form a deep emotional connection, sharing their hopes, dreams, and challenges in their respective times. Despite being separated by two years, their bond grows stronger, and they fall in love. They also face the frustrations of their situation, yearning to meet in person but thwarted by the temporal divide.

Alex decides to renovate the lake house, making it a sanctuary for their love, and leaves clues for Kate to find in her present time. They try to set a date to meet in the future, but complications arise, including a tragic accident that threatens to derail their plans.

The suspense builds as they struggle to overcome the barriers of time, leading to a climactic and heartwarming resolution that reinforces the power of love to transcend all obstacles.

The Cast and Performances

Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves deliver heartfelt performances that anchor the film’s emotional core. Even though they share very few scenes, their chemistry is palpable through their written exchanges. Bullock portrays Kate’s vulnerability and resilience with grace, while Reeves brings depth and sincerity to Alex’s character. Their performances make the improbable premise believable and moving.

Cinematography and Setting

The lake house itself is a character in the film, with its serene, picturesque setting providing a perfect backdrop for the unfolding romance. The cinematography captures the beauty and tranquility of the lake, enhancing the film’s dreamlike quality. The contrast between the bustling city life and the peaceful solitude of the lake house underscores the characters’ desire for connection and escape.

Themes and Messages

At its heart, The Lake House explores themes of destiny, timing, and the enduring nature of true love. It raises questions about the role of fate in our lives and whether love can truly conquer all obstacles, including time itself. The film’s narrative invites viewers to ponder the idea that some connections are meant to be, regardless of the circumstances.

Why I Love The Lake House

The Lake House holds a special place in my heart because of its romantic time travel element. It reminds me of the 1980 movie Somewhere in Time, starring Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve. Coincidentally, Christopher Plummer is featured in both of these movies.

The idea of two people separated by time but united by love is magical and poignant. The film beautifully captures the longing and hope that come with waiting for the right moment and the belief that love can bridge even the most impossible gaps. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary love stories are written in the present and across the sands of time.

You Can Watch The Lake House on Prime

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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A Review of Blue Bunny Ice Cream

I am not a big dessert eater, and am particular about the desserts I DO eat. Growing up, dessert was not a regular part of our meals, usually reserved for special occasions such as birthdays and holidays.

I am not fond of cake, except for falling in love with the recently discovered Chantilly Cake. My dessert preference is for pies (mostly cream pies such as chocolate), and ice cream.

When it comes to ice cream, I really only like vanilla ice cream plain, in a hot fudge sundae, or for the topping on warm apple pie. Plus, any ice cream with some type of nuts in it.

My favorite ‘snack’ is an ice cream drumstick - vanilla ice cream in a sugar cone dipped in a chocolate coating and topped with peanuts.

Recently, I bought a brand I was not familiar with because it was on sale at my grocery store. It was the ‘best’ drumstick-style cone I have ever had. It is made by Blue Bunny, an ice cream brand I had seen in store freezers, but never tried.

Blue Bunny Caramel Butter Pecan Praline Ice Cream

This week I branched out and bought a tub of ice cream by Blue Bunny - the Caramel Butter Pecan Praline flavor. WOW! Unbelievably delicious!

Blue Bunny has become my new favorite ice cream. It is SO creamy and rich tasting and far surpasses any other ice cream I have ever had.

Blue Bunny Ice Cream by Wells Enterprises

Blue Bunny ice cream is made by Wells Enterprises of Le Mars, Iowa, just northeast of Sioux City. The company was begun in 1925 by Fred H. Wells Jr. and his sons and they delivered it to neighboring Iowa towns. In 1928, Fairmont Ice Cream purchased the ice cream distribution system in Sioux City, along with the Wells name.

Blue Bunny in Crochet
handmade by (c) Elf

In 1935, the Wells family decided to again sell their ice cream in Sioux City, but unable to sell their product under their own name, they decided to hold a “Name That Ice Cream” contest. The winning entry - Blue Bunny - was submitted by a Sioux City man who had noticed how much his son enjoyed the blue bunnies in a department store at Easter.

By 1954, Fred Wells' sons, Harold, Mike, Roy and Fay, and their cousin Fred D. Wells, began running the family business as a partnership. It has become the largest family-owned ice cream company in the country.

Summary

According to what I learned in my research, I think the secret to the fantastic taste is the fact that Blue Bunny uses only high-quality ingredients, such as their locally-sourced fresh milk in their delicious ice cream. I must disclose that I have discovered that this ice cream is quite high in calories (200 calories per serving), which is a lot to devote to just dessert. But, oh, what a decadently delicious treat! Definitely worth tasting, even if only for special occasions. Pick up a pint at your favorite store and see if you agree. :)

For more information about Blue Bunny Ice Cream Products, click here.

For an added incentive to try Blue Bunny ice cream, National Ice Cream Month is celebrated during the whole month of July, with National Ice Cream Day occurring on the third Sunday in July each year.

*Blue Bunny Ice Cream review written by Wednesday Elf

Ice Cream Essentials:

CUNSENR 7 inch Ice Cream Scoop - Professional Metal Ice Cream Scooper - Easy to Use & Clean - Non-Stick Aluminum Ice Cream Spoon - Lightweight Cookie Spoon - Scoop Ice Cream with Ease(Matt,Sliver)

Greenco Ice Cream Bowls and Spoons - Ice Cream Cups for Birthday Party Decorations, Ice Cream Party Favors, Ice Cream Party Decorations, Ice Cream Sundae Bar Supplies, Set of 12 Vibrant Colors

Cones for Ice Cream - Cones for Dessert – Classic Ice cream cone – Sweet, Crisp, Crunchy and Delicious – Ideal for Family Gatherings, Parties (36-Pack)

Smuckers Sundae Syrup Caramel, Butterscotch & Chocolate Ice Cream Topping Bundle 20 Oz (Variety Pack of 3)

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Friday, July 12, 2024

Tall Domed Glass Cake Plate Reviewed

I bake a homemade 3 layer German Chocolate cake several times each year. It is my husband's favorite cake, so it is most often the cake of choice for special occasions, like his birthday or our anniversary.

For years, I have complained that my domed cake plate is not quite tall enough to cover the 3 tiered frosted cake. It easily covers 2 tier cakes, but not 3 tiers.

I have casually looked around for a taller domed cake plate. I have found a few at antique stores, but until recently I had not found one that was inexpensive. Surprisingly enough, I found it on Amazon.com. I used the tall domed cake plate on his birthday for the first time this year and I am thrilled with the height of the dome. What I did not anticipate is that the dome is more narrow and will not accommodate the removable separate cake plate that I normally use. Until I can find a smaller removable cake plate, I will simply put the cake directly on the pedestal cake plate under the dome.

As you can see in the photo, the taller dome is perfect for the taller cake.

My 2 Cake Plates Together -
The Shorter Original Beside the New Taller Dome Cake Plate

Glass Cake Stand with Dome Lid

Libbey Selene Glass Cake Stand with Dome LidCheck Price

The cake stand and dome are sold together. I really love the ball grip on the top of the dome that matches the ball on the base of the pedestal. They make a very elegant display and presentation for a delicious dessert without being overpowering.

Because it is glass, it is heavier than my acrylic cake plate, but that weight also gives it more stability when sitting on a table. It isn't as likely to slide if someone bumps the table.

I measured the interior side of the tall dome and it is 5.25" tall. The width of the dome is 10.25". By comparison, my original dome is 4.25" tall and 11" wide. It is amazing how much difference an inch can make for cake top clearance, especially if the cake is decorated.

Libbey Selene Glass Cake Stand with Dome Lid
Elegant Curved Footed, Covered Cake StandCheck Price

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Review of The Riverlands

Just north of St. Louis, Missouri the Mississippi and Missouri rivers combine. This confluence is fun to see and on a warm summer day, I took a trip there with my granddaughters who were visiting from New Hampshire. The photo above shows a barge waiting on the Mississippi to get through the lock and dams.

The Riverlands

The Riverlands is a 3700 acre migratory bird sanctuary that is located in West Alton. This area is home to prairie land, wetland and forest habitats where both resident and migratory birds find refuge.

More than 300 different species of birds have been seen in this area. Many species make their homes there and other stop for feed and rest as the migrate down the "Mississippi River Flyway" spring and fall. It is said that over 60% of all North American migratory birds use this flyway.

The Riverlands is open to the public from sunrise to sunset each day. It is a fantastic place to observe and/or photograph birds. The area offers 8 miles of walking and hiking trails and also offers bicycle trails.

Audubon Center at the Riverlands

Our first stop when we entered the Riverlands was the Audubon Center. Here you can find lots of information and displays about both the birds and the Missouri and Mississippi confluence and how it affects the ecosystem. This center offers educational opportunities, as well as information on conservation. It has several platforms for public viewing and scopes that take you into the middle of the Mississippi flyway to observe migratory birds. The wall facing the Mississippi is made of glass and gives you a wonderful way to view birds all year round in all types of weather.

When we visited it was mid June, so of course there was not much to see in the way of migratory birds, but a very helpful volunteer took the girls out to the side of the center to tell them all about the "Purple Martins" that lived there. Here are a couple of photos.

The volunteer pointed out how the birds were feeding their babies. It was very interesting.

Confluence

The volunteers at the center suggested we drive up the road a bit and stop at the path that takes you to the confluence of the Missouri and the Mississippi rivers. We decided to do that and took the path which was about 1/3 of a mile long.

The Mississippi River is called the "Father of Waters". On it's path north from the Gulf of Mexico, it drains 32 US states and two Canadian Provinces.

The Missouri River is the longest river in the US. It starts in southwestern Montana where the Rocky Mountains are and then flows east and south for 241 miles before it enters the Mississippi just north of St. Louis.

Here is a photo I took of the confluence.

Story from our Visit

While we were there, we took photos on a platform that faced the two rivers. It was my brother and his wife, my two granddaughters and myself. After the photo my 15-year-old granddaughter, Kate, decided to take a closer look at the Mississippi and found herself stuck in mud almost to her knees. A nearby fisherman ended up pulling her out, but her shoes did not come with her. My brother took some big sticks and was able to get the shoes out, so we had Kate sit on a platform by the confluence and wash out her shoes.

It would be good if that was the end of the story, but you can see by this photo how muddy it was and when Kate finished washing her shoes, she put them back on and in two steps they had sunk in the mud again. This time my brother could not get them out, so Kate lost her shoes to the "Muddy Mississippi". She walked back to the car barefoot and we took bottles of water to try to get some of the mud off her feet. So now we have a story to tell from our adventure.

Here is a link to an Amazon Book if you'd like to learn more about the Mississippi. https://amzn.to/3RNqkyd

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Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Summertime and the Feet are Happy! ~ A Product Review

When summertime comes around I know that my feet are going to be happy. Why? Well let me explain! Both my father and I suffer from hot feet! Not just in summer time but all year long. So the first thing that happens is the shoes or boots (especially in the winter) come off the minute we are in the front door.

But summertime is another story. With the warm weather, my sandals must be open and toes must stick out!

Now that is no problem in the summertime, but shoes are still an essential part of dressing for the day. My days can be full of all kinds of activities.

Gardening, walking, swimming and more fill my days. Now with sandals in the garden, quite often I find that my feet get quite dirty. I love playing in the garden and I don't stop if a little dirt gets on my feet. When I'm finished then I just get out the garden hose and give the feet a good rinse off.

That would not be possible with a "nice" pair of leather sandals. They would be ruined in no time at all! But I have my CROCS! Yes, I love my CROCS!

Not only are they comfortable but because they are made of a really strong plastic, they are water proof and can take a really good rinse under the hose without losing their shape, color, and fit! That would never happen with a pair of "good leather" sandals!

I love my CROCS so much I just had to get two pair! This way I can use the light or the dark pair with whatever I happen to be wearing! But the great thing is you can get CROCS in almost any color! With lots of different styles to choose from as well.

These work for me in so many ways. Even in my building, when I go for a swim, I wear a pair down to the pool, get into the pool, take them off while swimming and put them back before exiting the pool afterwards. It doesn't matter if I GET THEM WET or drip all over them. I even take them into the shower. Being a public (in the building) pool, you don't want to walk around in bare feet! Who knows if there is a case of athlete's foot waiting on the tiles to grab your own foot. The only thing that makes them a little obvious is sometimes when they are wet they can squeak!

That doesn't bother me, but if it did a quick dry up with a towel and drying my feet solves that problem. So there you go!

I must tell you that CROCS are a little more expensive than the knock-offs that are out there, but I have purchased the knock-offs before and they just don't last the way my CROCS do. The soles are so much thicker and the treads are a lot better too! The knock-offs are really dangerous once the tread is worn away! In puddles, they can become very slick and be a fall hazard. At my age, really at any age, you don't want to be doing that!

If you have never tried a pair of these sandals/shoes, I really would suggest that you do! You just might like them as much as I do! Plus they come in all kinds of styles and sizes for the whole family. Baby CROCS are just so cute!

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Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Cooking Breakfast with Cast Iron Skillets on a Grill

There is something wonderful about cooking breakfast outdoors, especially when using cast iron skillets on a grill. This year for the 4th of July we had a house full so, it was a good idea to cook breakfast for everyone on the grill. Here is a review of my cooking experience.

I used my Char-Griller Smokin Champ Charcoal Grill, and a gas grill will also work. Preheating the grill to medium-high temperature was my goal (around 375-400 degrees F).

Here is my Menu:

Bacon

Sausage Links

Hash Browns

Pancakes

Scrambled Eggs

Over easy Eggs (made in the bacon grease)

Cast iron is perfect for grilling or cooking on any surface, it retains heat very well and provides an even cooking surface. Make sure your skillets are well-seasoned to prevent sticking.

I used every cast iron skillet I own to make this breakfast. I cooked the bacon in my 12-inch skillet and started the sausage in my 8-inch skillet. Reserving my 10-inch skillet for the scrambled eggs later. I almost forgot the hash browns and pancakes were cooked on my 17-inch x 9.5-inch griddle. As the food was cooked I moved it to foil pans that I placed on the upper rack to keep it warm.

The Verdict:

To prevent the scrambled eggs from sticking I used a generous amount of butter in the bottom of the skillet. The bacon cooked well in my 12-inch skillet, and I finished cooking the sausage and over-easy eggs in the bacon grease (not so healthy but so good).

The pancakes were a challenge as they cooked rather quickly on the griddle. Heat control is the key, the pancakes were the last thing I cooked so, the griddle was too hot at this point. Overall cooking breakfast with cast iron skillets on the grill is an adventure worth trying. I had so much fun cooking this breakfast and everyone really enjoyed the food.

Find more recipes on ReviewThis Here:

ReviewThisRecipes.com

I only use Lodge Cast Iron Cookware below is what I used for breakfast:

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet Set - Set Includes 8 Inch Skillet, 10.25 Inch Skillet, and 12 inch Skillet - 3 Piece

Lodge LDP3 Cast Iron Rectangular Reversible Grill/Griddle, 9.5-inch x 16.75-inch, Black

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Monday, July 8, 2024

Amazon Prime All Access Reviewed

Let there be music! Chances are you may be an Amazon Prime customer, but have you utilized the All Access features for music playlists? All Access is a music feature on Amazon Prime that lets you create custom playlists plus curated playlists by Amazon.

Amazon curates play lists based on your library, browsing history, song or artist choice. The names of the playlists from the phone app are self explanatory: My Mix, My Frequent Plays, My Recent Plays, My Discovery Mix, Trending For You are a few.

My Discovery Mix

This playlist curated by Amazon is one of my favorites. A great way to discover artists based on your preferences and can be added to your library easily.

It can be difficult to keep up with all the features Amazon Prime offers and the All Access Playlist is a feature I recently found when exploring the phone app.

One Week On Demand of All Access

One of the best features of the All Access playlists is the ability to stream the playlist on demand and in the order of songs you desire. Ten playlist changes are allowed per day. I suggest taking the time to add your favorite songs to a playlist and then designate the playlist as All Access for easy access to your favorites.

As part of your membership one playlist can be All Access for a week. If you desire to further access the All Access playlists on demand then a monthly subscription is required.

Easy Playlists

The curated lists are great for music play and go when exercising. With a push of a "button" on your phone and you have quick access to your favorite tunes. Amazon leaves it up to you as to how much work you want to put into creating playlists.

A heavier effort will lend itself to a very personal playlist with songs from the music library or songs previously purchased and downloaded. Less effort is accessing the Amazon curated playlists.

However, similar when browsing the interent, the search history can sometimes give incorrect preferences due to tracking You may have a curiousity about an artist, search the artist, listen to a few songs, then decide you do care for the artist. Result? The artist will probably start showing up in the curated lists.

The Amazon Music App is a wonderful convenience for easy music play, curated music play or personally selected music play. Take advantage of the version included with your Amazon Prime membership!

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Sunday, July 7, 2024

Why I Loved The Movie, An Unfinished Life - A Five Star Review

"An Unfinished Life" follows the story of Einar Gilkyson, a Wyoming rancher portrayed by Robert Redford, whose life is shadowed by grief and guilt following the death of his son.

Estranged from his daughter-in-law, Jean (played by Jennifer Lopez), and his granddaughter, Griff (Becca Gardner), Einar lives a solitary existence until Jean unexpectedly arrives seeking refuge.

As Jean and Griff settle into Einar's home, old wounds resurface, forcing all three to confront their painful pasts and find a way to heal their fractured family bonds.

Set against the majestic backdrop of rural Wyoming, the film unfolds as a poignant narrative that can resonate deeply.

Setting the Scene of An Unfinished Life: Wyoming's Landscape

The rugged beauty of Wyoming serves not only as a picturesque setting but also as a metaphor for the characters' emotional landscapes. Hallström's direction captures the vast expanse and raw beauty of the countryside, enhancing the film's exploration of inner turmoil and external resilience.

Characters and Relationships

At the heart of "An Unfinished Life" are its compelling characters: Einar (played by Robert Redford), a stoic rancher haunted by past tragedies; Jean (Jennifer Lopez), his estranged daughter-in-law seeking refuge; Griff (Becca Gardner), Jean's daughter caught in the aftermath; and Mitch (Morgan Freeman), Einar's loyal friend and moral compass.

Their intertwined lives unfold with layers of unresolved conflicts and deeply rooted emotions. These complex feelings resonate with all of us in one way or another.

Themes Explored

The film navigates through themes of forgiveness and redemption with grace and nuance. Einar's journey towards reconciliation with Jean and Griff serves as a focal point, highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness in healing old wounds.

The narrative also delves into the complexities of family bonds, portraying love, loss, and resilience amidst adversity.

Gorgeous Cinematography

Lasse Hallström's directorial prowess shines through in his portrayal of emotional depth and character development. The use of sweeping cinematography not only captures the grandeur of Wyoming's landscapes but also underscores the characters' internal struggles and personal growth. Each frame seems crafted to evoke empathy and contemplation— for me, especially contemplation.

Impact and Reflection

"An Unfinished Life" leaves a lasting impact on viewers, prompting introspection on themes of forgiveness and the unfinished aspects of life. It encourages audiences to reflect on their own experiences of healing and renewal, resonating long after the credits roll. The film's narrative poignantly reminds us that life's unfinished moments offer opportunities for growth, redemption, and the forging of deeper connections.

Why I Loved This Movie

In conclusion, "An Unfinished Life" transcends the boundaries of a conventional drama, offering a profound meditation on the human spirit's capacity for forgiveness and starting over.

Through its richly drawn characters and evocative storytelling, the film reminds us that while life may present us with unfinished chapters, it also allows us to rewrite our stories with courage and compassion.

A healing movie, for a time that needs much healing (in my opinion).

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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