I just finished another delightful book by Karen Whalen. This one is part of her Dinner Club series of mysteries. It features Jane Marsh and a cast of interesting characters.This book had me guessing who the murderer was till almost the end of the book. It was a great page-turner.
Book Synopsis
This book begins when Jane Marsh and some of her fellow dinner club members went for a weekend to enjoy the Peach Festival in a small Colorado town and look to finalize preparations for Jane's upcoming wedding. In the beginning we find the characters at a Murder Mystery game at the B&B where they are staying. Each of the attendees is in costume for their character in the "Murder Mystery Game" and they all have notes about their characters. Jane messes up early on by mistakenly revealing that she is the killer. This pretty much brings the mystery to a halt and the participants end up calling it an early evening. Now the real mystery will begin when Jane comes across a dead body in the B&B.
The police are called and everyone that has attended or worked at the B&B, including the members of the Diner Club, become suspects. The book continues with Jane trying to figure out the killer. There is much at stake including the reputation of the B&B and the small town election for mayor. This is a small town where everyone knows everyone, and everyone seems to have an opinion.
If you are looking for a cozy mystery with lots of characters and possible suspects this is the book for you. I didn't guess the killer till almost the end and it was fun to follow Jane's logic on who might be the culprit.
Karen has written three different series of cozy mysteries. The are: A Tow Truck Murder Mystery, A Dinner Club Murder Mystery and A Sea Oaks Beach Murder Mystery. I have written reviews on several of the books. Here are links to 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.”
The
self-heating mug I reviewed recently isn’t the only thoughtful gift my husband got me
for my birthday last month. He also gave me a wonderful shiatsu-style electric
back massager with heat to help with my chronic stiff neck and back
pain. It really helps work out the knots in minutes!
I haven't stopped using this heated back massager since I received it, so I am
anxious to share my product review with others who might benefit from it or
who might want to give one as a gift.
The Boriwat Back Massager with Heat
The Boriwat Back Massager with Heat is a versatile, affordable aid designed to
deliver relief from muscle tension, pain, and stress. Combining deep-tissue
shiatsu-like kneading with soothing heat and customizable settings, this
massager offers a convenient solution for anyone seeking relaxation at home,
at work, or on the go. I love that it can be used to massage not only my upper and lower back (depending on which way I orient it) but also my neck, where I also carry a lot of tension, by lying down on it.
I use my back massager with heat in bed, at my desk, in my living room, and in the car. I can lay against it or on top of it, depending on the position that best suits my needs.
Key Features & Specifications
Dual Heating Zones and Heat Levels: This device features two built-in heating zones
for warmth on both the back and the neck (the two places I carry my stress). It also offers two adjustable heat
levels, low (104°F) and high (113°F), to help loosen tight muscles and improve
blood circulation.
Heat Can Be Turned Off: While I love the heat for soothing sore muscles and knots, it's nice that it can be turned off during warmer weather.
3D Shiatsu Massage Nodes: Four rotating, bi-directional massage
nodes mimic the sensation of a real massage therapist’s hands, delivering a
deep-kneading experience that targets tight or sore areas.
Helpful tip: The nodes are quite firm, and if my muscles are really tight and sore, I sometimes put a sheet of 1/2-inch open cell upholstery foam (I bought mine at a fabric store) in between my back or neck and the massager.
Adjustable Intensity: With three levels of intensity (low, medium,
and high), you can tailor the massage to match your individual comfort and pain
relief needs.
Ergonomic Design: Larger than most standard massage pillows, this
massager measures approximately 15" x 13", providing better coverage and a
more ergonomic fit for the back, neck, shoulders, and even thighs.
Remote Control Operation: A simple wired remote lets you switch the heat and massage settings easily just by pressing each button repeatedly to rotate through the settings without having to reposition the
massager.
Safety Features: It includes a 15-minute auto shut-off timer.
Portable and Travel-Friendly: Comes with both an AC wall adapter
and a car adapter, making it ideal for use while commuting or traveling.
The remote control is simple and intuitive
Pros
Effective Pain Relief: I have found that this heated massager provides significant relief from
chronic back and neck pain thanks to the combination of strong kneading pressure
and heat therapy.
Multi-Purpose: Its shape and flexibility make it suitable not
just for the back, but also for the neck, shoulders, thighs, and calves.
Easy to Use: The intuitive controls and included adapters make it
easy to use and incorporate into a daily routine, if desired.
Affordable: Compared to other massage devices with similar features,
the Boriwat massager is competitively priced. At the time of this review's publication, it was on a terrific limited-time deal that brought the price down from $89.99 to just $39.99 — a 56% savings! A fantastic time to buy one.
Cons
Potential Longevity Issues: As with many electronic devices, there
are occasional reports of the unit wearing out or malfunctioning after
several months of frequent use. I have not owned mine long enough yet to comment on its longevity, but the many 5-star reviews suggest that this is not a common issue.
Makes a Great Gift
Boriwat Back Massager with HeatCheck PriceThe Boriwat Back Massager with Heat can be a worthwhile addition to your
wellness routine, whether you're dealing with tension after a long day or
managing chronic discomfort. It's an excellent value for the price and
provides effective relief for sore, tight muscles. It is easy to use, and can
be taken almost anywhere, thanks to its included car travel adapter that fits
into your car's cigarette lighter socket. It would make a much appreciated
gift for anyone looking to relax and relieve pain from the comfort of their
home or while traveling. If you can grab one for just $39.99 during the limited-time deal, you'll be getting a terrific bargain!
This Back Massager With Heat Makes a Fantastic Gift by Margaret Schindel
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I'm been using Comvita Propolis Extract for over 30 years now, let me tell you how and why I use it.
I first came across Comvita propolis products when I was living in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand (Comvita's home was about 45 minutes away from my home). I managed one of the largest health stores in New Zealand for approximately 10 years and as well as Comvita being a great brand (they now are a certified B Corporation which is hardly surprising as they have worked in harmony with nature since they began in the mid 1970s) they were also local so, of course we supported them.
Their most popular products back then were their propolis lozenges, which we had in bulk bins and had problems keeping stocked up especially in winter, and their mauka honey which is what they received international recognition for. My favourite product, however, was their propolis extract.
Propolis is what the bees use to protect the hive and keep it healthy as it helps to resist bacteria and I remember being in a training seminar and having someone tell us how amazing it was for sore throats.
What I was told to do was to put 2-3 drops of propolis extract into a little warm water, swirl it around and then gargle and swallow. The use of the warm water and the gargling were to help with the sore throat and the swallowing helped to make sure it didn't develop into anything worse.
I brought some and tried it out and it worked! I continued to use it up until a couple of years ago when I ran out and for some reason I didn't get anymore (pre-Covid I had stocked up when I went to New Zealand, but I hadn't been back since 2019). I decided to look online last month with a view to buying some online and found a local pharmacy stocked it so now I'm just waiting for a sore throat!
Why Does Propolis Work on Sore Throats?
Although propolis can be used for a lot more than just sore throats, this is the traditional use for it. It works because:
Propolis is antibacterial and antiviral so will help to fight infections (a very good reason for swallowing!).
Propolis is anti-inflammatory - it reduces swelling and this is also why it was recommended to use warm (NOT hot water) as it was supposed to also help with the inflammation.
Propolis has a slight anesthetic property which is probably why it's recommended to gargle with it in order to numb the irritation slightly.
You can use it twice a day for sore throats, but I've never used it more than once a day - I actually have never needed to as it's always worked the first time.
What Else Can Propolis Do?
When I brought my recent bottle of propolis extract here in Australia, the packaging was slightly different and there was no mention of sore throats instead it only mentioned mouth ulcers, general well being and topical use. This sent me to look at what it's recommended for elsewhere around the globe.
Note: Personally I have only taken this for sore throats and I believe it has kept some colds and flus away as well.
Oral Health - apparently it's very good at fighting the bacteria that causes plaque, gingivitis and bad breath. As I mentioned in Australia it's recommended for mouth ulcers. For these things it's recommended to use as a mouth wash.
Immune Support - As it also contains flavonoids and phenolic acids that stimulate the immune system it's believed to reduce the duration and severity of colds and flue. Some people also use it preventatively, especially during seasonal changes. In this case it is recommended to use 1/2 tsp in 30 ml warm water once a day.
Wound Healing - topically it is supposed to promote skin regeneration and reduce the risk of infection and is recommended on minor cuts, burns and cold sores. In this case they recommend apply 1/2 tsp to the dressing and cover the wound.
I have also seen that there has been some early research to suggest it may protect the gut lining and help with digestive health. There is also some talk about it helping to reduce oxidative stress and mentions it being very useful for people with inflammatory conditions.
A Consideration
If you are allergic to bees, pollen or honey then propolis could cause an allergic reaction. I personally would not recommend trying it in this instance as there are other products you could try which wouldn't put you at risk of a reaction.
Have you heard of propolis extract? Is it something you'd think of keeping on hand? Once I open a bottle of the extract I actually keep mind in the box (so that it's dark) and in the fridge (as it should be stored below 30 C which isn't always possible in my house!). It lasts for a few years and in my opinion is a great investment.
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.”
I have added another tool to my indoor plant garden that has been very helpful. I have a small home and limited space for the amount of plants and seed-starting that I would love to grow. I need a few tools that work very well rather than large or mediocre systems. My newest addition, a gooseneck, table lamp style grow light is good-looking, adjustable to fit in a variety of spaces, and my pepper starts are growing great with it.
In 2023, I wrote a review about LED light bulbs that were very helpful for starting and growing plants in my window garden. They are effective. I use an open shelf for the plants and hang the bulbs from the top racks. I can choose the strength and color of the bulbs to suit the plants and I can adjust the height by loosening or tightening the cords. Imagine a pendant light that hangs from the ceiling and you can choose the height above your work space. These bulbs and cords are very effective but not very pretty to look at.
I have added another light to aid my plants inside. It is the gooseneck, table lamp style. I like that I can set it on a flat surface then move the four light arms, in any direction, to light a specific plant. I ordered the four light, SYEIORAOM brand light. They also have a 6-light version. And there many different brands to choose from; including versions that have a shelf clamp rather than a table lamp base.
LED grow light with full spectrum, Red White light
72 LED light beads
Telescopic pole; adjusts height
flexible goose neck that can bend and adjust 360 degrees
59" long power cord with a convenient on/off toggle switch
attractive modern style
This table-top lamp is more attractive than my hanging bulbs. It would be attractive on someone's desk at work, in a dorm room, or on a countertop herb garden. I have used this for 3 solid months and I have a planter of pepper plants are that healthy, and happy soaking up the light.
Previous Reviews:
Single Bulb LED Lights: I wrote about the hanging grow bulbs. I continue to use them due to their effectiveness. You can see that reviewhere.
Hydroponics for Small Spaces: I also wrote about my recent first experience with a small hydroponics system. I am sorry that I waited so long to try this growing system in my small space. I had fresh salad greens during cold months and now I'm using it to start seeds that will be transplanted outside. You can read my reviews of that hydroponics system here:
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.”
Today is another flash fiction story about Gracie, who is eight years old. Long before those 82 years of life experience kicked in.
This flash fiction is about the early signs of who Gracie would become, and the first quiet stirrings of the peace she would one day find within herself—peace that would stay with her all the way to that rocking chair at 82.
______________________________
Gracie Always Knew - A Doll's Lesson
Gracie
held her favorite doll, its painted smile forever unchanged.
She
studied it closely, realizing that while she had learned to run
faster, dream bigger, and feel deeper, the doll had stayed exactly
the same. Time moved through her like the changing seasons—shaping her in quiet, steady ways—while the doll stayed exactly the same.
That's when she understood:
time only changes the living.
She gave the doll a pretend
life, imagining it full of thoughts and adventures. But sometimes,
late at night, another thought crept in—what if someone imagined me into being, giving me my lines, feelings, and story?
Church was as much a part
of her life as brushing her teeth or saying goodnight. And with
church came God, expected, unquestioned, and ever-present.
But the older
she got, the more she wondered: Where
is God? Why is God? Her questions had grown more detailed now, shaped by the things she
was starting to notice about the world and about herself. Those questions were
still too big to hold, but she carried them anyway.
She thought often about who
she was becoming.
There was one thing she wanted to be more than
anything—kind. Really kind. The type of kind that came from the
inside, not just because someone was watching. At eight years old, she failed at that many times. But it remained ever-present in her spirit.
Most of the time, she
was kind. But not always. Sometimes, she snapped at her little brother and was mean to her little brother!
Sometimes, envy crept in like a thief. She felt that and knew jealousy was not something to cling to. Still, deep down, she understood those moments didn't define her. They
were passing clouds, not her sky.
Something inside her—some
glowing ember she couldn't name—kept telling her that kindness
mattered more than almost anything else. It was what made people
beautiful. Not their clothes, or their hair, or even their words.
She felt kindness was like sunlight through a window—gentle, warm, and easy to miss if you weren't paying attention, but everything felt better there.
However, the world didn't
always agree.
Gracie had started to
notice contradictions.
Adults talked about love, forgiveness, and
doing what was right. They sang about it in church, prayed about it
at dinner, and nodded solemnly as Church leaders spoke.
But then the same
people would gossip, lose their tempers, or ignore someone who needed
help. It confused her. How
could they forget so quickly?
She wanted to believe
people meant well—that they were just trying, like she was. But part
of her couldn't shake the feeling that some were only
pretending—that they wore kindness like a costume and took it off
when it no longer served them.
And then, with a quiet
sigh, she admitted it—Sometimes,
I do that too.
The realization didn't
crush her, but settled into her chest with weight. Maybe being
good wasn't about getting it right every time. Perhaps it was about
not giving up when you got it wrong.
Gracie didn't like the idea of perfection—something about it always felt impossible, like a game no one could win. And yet, she couldn't help but chase it.
Even at eight, she felt the pressure to be the one who got it right, who made things better, who didn't let anyone down. Somewhere along the way, without meaning to, she'd written herself a silent set of rules: Be better. Fix it. Don't disappoint.
She didn't know it then, but that quiet urge to rescue and make things right would shape much of her life—until years later, when she finally began to see its weight and learn a different way of being.
You see, Gracie was, by nature, a
rescuer. But she didn't know that
yet.
For now, at eight years old, she knew only this: being a doll would be so much easier. Dolls didn't have to
ask questions, feel pain, or wrestle with what was right. Dolls
didn't worry about being enough.
It was the first time she
realized how heavy it could be to be real—and maybe the first clue
that she was beginning to understand more than most eight-year-olds.
That's when Gracie wrote her first poem, at 8 years old. She called it "Thanksgiving."
_____________________
Am I Gracie?
You can safely presume that I'm Gracie, and yes, that first poem called Thanksgiving is included in my published poetry book below. I penned it when I was in grade 3; it is childlike and reflects the idealistic mind of an 8-year-old.
_____________________
I hope you've enjoyed the story of Gracie's life lesson at eight years old. 🕮
If you're into a longer story, I've penned this short story, The Gift of Knowing (can you sense a theme here?).
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.”
Karin Slaughter’s latest Will Trent thriller is filled with twists, turns, shocks and surprises. The story includes one very toxic family who run a lodge in the gorgeous northern Georgia mountains, 8 suspicious guests, and one killer. But since everyone appears to be guilty of something, who killed Mercy McAlpine?
Will Trent works as an investigator for the GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation). Throughout the series, he first met, then began dating, Sara Linton, an ER doctor in Atlanta. Sara eventually takes the position of Medical Examiner for the GBI.
Now in Book #12, we find that Will & Sara have married. They choose the McAlpine Lodge in the Georgia mountains as the ideal getaway to celebrate their honeymoon.
This family-owned off-the-grid mountaintop property appears to be the perfect place to unplug and reconnect. Until…. A bone-chilling scream disturbs the night.
Who killed Mercy McAlpine?
Will finds the manager of the Lodge, Mercy McAlpine, dead. A vicious storm is raging and the one access road to the property becomes washed out. Therefore, it becomes obvious that the murderer has to be someone on the mountain.
As Will and Sara begin to investigate both the very strange McAlpine family, as well as the other guests, they realize that everyone is lying. They are lying about their past and to their family and to themselves. Normal rules do not seem to apply at McAlpine Lodge.
Trapped on the mountain at the resort, Will and Sara are going to have to watch their step while they untangle a decades-old web of secrets and discover what happened to Mercy. The killer could strike again at any time, so the couple’s romantic honeymoon trip now becomes a race against the clock as they realize they have to return to their regular police duties to solve a murder!
Summary
In addition to 12 books in the Will Trent series of police procedurals, with continuing characters Will Trent and Sara Linton, along with Will’s partner Faith Mitchell and their no-nonsense boss Amanda, Will Trent is now a television series. The TV series is in its third season and can be viewed Tuesday nights on ABC or streamed on HULU.
*This is Why We Lied Book Review written by Wednesday Elf
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Last week, I published my review of the
first book in the Chronicle of Misadventures series
by Martha Keyes. This week, I will be reviewing the second book in the
series, "Secrets of a Duke" which is
based on a true story.
I must admit, if the author had not shared that the book is based on a true
story, I would have thought the plot far-fetched. Knowing that it actually
happened, makes me like the character, William Yorke, even more.
We meet William Yorke in the first book. He is the oldest brother of
4 and has already inherited his father's estate and holdings. The
novels are set in England during the 1800's where the first born son
inherits everything instead of dividing property and assets between
siblings. That way, the family name maintains the wealth, a higher
status in society and the original estate is not subdivided or transferred
outside of the patriarch's ancestral bloodline. If a man only has
daughters, his property is entailed to the closest male heir, which could
easily be a distant relative he may not even know personally. Ideally,
a Duke would raise his son to follow in his footsteps, teach him how to run
the estate, prepare his son to succeed him in parliament, and choose an
equally trained wife.
An entailment to a distant male relative is the basis of the plot of this
book. The Duke of Rockwood knew the Yorke family, but was not fond of
them. Therefore, the two families did not interact with each other,
which left William unprepared to be the Duke's successor.
At the end of the first book, "Reputation at Risk", we find out that William Yorke has unexpectedly become the Duke of
Rockwood. No one could have anticipated that the previous duke and his sons
would all die together in a tragic accident. Therefore, William is far from
prepared to step into the dukedom and assume the Duke's
responsibilities. William hires a friend from his Oxford days to advise him
and serve as his man of business. Since their time at Oxford, Edmund
had become a barrister (lawyer) and worked as the steward to an earl.
As a trusted friend, he was the perfect man to help William navigate the
world of the titled nobility. William did not wish to dishonor his
family by making avoidable missteps. There would be many watching and
waiting for the opportunity to criticize his actions.
After attending the funeral and completing additional business, William and
Edmund embark on their journey from London to his newly inherited
estate. When they stop at an inn for the night, William is surprised
to see a woman serving as the ostler and holding the horses while they step
out of the carriage. He is even more surprised when that same woman
knocks on his room door a bit later. He had not realized he had
dropped his signet ring in the entry of the inn. Thankfully, she found
it and returned it to him. He was amazed by her integrity, but when
she spoke, he was even more astonished by her refined manner of
speech.
The next day he observes that same maid being pulled to the market
square. Her cheek was cut, her hands were tied and a horse's halter
was around her neck. William was aghast! When he asked a passing
boy what was happening, he was informed that the men were selling her.
He simply could not stand by and let her be sold like livestock to the
highest bidder in the crowd, but that was exactly what was going to
happen. Even though Edmund advised him against it, William determined
to be the highest bidder. He would buy her freedom.
Clara couldn't believe what was happening. The embarrassment of being
sold, plus having the Duke observe the auction, was shameful. She had
no idea how to respond when he actually bought her. She was panic
stricken when she realized he planned to simply leave her there and
requested a job on his estate.
Once again, against Edmund's advice, William decided to help her and
hire her as a housemaid.
_____________
That is only the beginning of how William Yorke, the Duke of Rockwood, and
a lowly housemaid became friends, confidants, and allies in working toward
another loved ones freedom.
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.”
I was becoming more and more intrigued to create prints from a carving. I had watched numerous videos on YouTube to learn about the techniques and methods that people used. I was hooked, and ordered my Speedball Linoleum Cutter.
I had some dense foam on hand that was used in some basic picture frames. It seemed that they were soon going to have a new purpose. My Speedball cutting tool arrived and I looked forward to cutting out my first print. Nope! Didn't work. The foam was a bit too dense. I had grown up with the adage of 'make do with what you got.' Well sometimes that works, and sometimes not. It was time to get something that I saw people have success with.
I placed another order for the Speedball print making blocks, called Speedy Carve. I figured since my first try didn't work, I wasn't going to go with a less expensive brand. I definitely wanted it to work. I ordered the Speedball Carving block.
The time came. I was going to make a real print. Something I actually dreamed about printing, and not just some little things to give it a try. I drew a picture of my cat, Tori, from a photo. She is gorgeous, no matter if I didn't draw every change in fur color!
The method I used was to first trace around my Speedy Carve block, so that I would have the appropriate dimension for my upcoming drawing.
With photo on my phone off to the side, I commenced to drawing, and shaded in the areas that I wanted to print, on my paper. The areas that you don't want to print, are the ones that get carved away.
I darkened my drawing with my pencil, and then laid it on the carving block, face side down. I used the smooth round side of a marker to rub over the back of my paper, to transfer the drawing to the block.
Cool, the image was easily transferred. As per tips from the videos that I watched, I went over my drawing on the block with a pen, as the pencil marks can easily get smeared away.
Then the carving began. I started with the smaller V shaped carving tool to carve right around the edges that I wanted to make my prints from. I used a larger V shape carving tool to carve out the larger areas. I even laid the large V carving tool on its side to cover more area. That worked pretty good.
Overall, the Speedball carving tool works really well, and glides smoothly along the surface of the Speedy Carve block. Per instructions from videos that I watched, I held the carving tool at an angle and with light pressure, pushed the tool along, away from my body, and my other hand.
I found that it helps to have good eyesight, good lighting, steady hands, and being able to see all the lines and areas that you want left intact. With a bit of a slip, part of what you want to print can easily go away. The black in one of the cat's eyes, was mistakenly made smaller, more like a slit when a cat is looking at a light. So guess what, the cat now has black slits instead of the wider eyed look. Oh well. She's still gorgeous!
I have since cut away the areas around the cat, and glued the carved block to a piece of wood. It gives me a solid piece to hold, and isn't wobbly or flexible.
I also found that I get a cleaner print when I press the carved block down into brayered paint that is smoothed out, rather than using the brayer to apply the paint directly to the carved block.
Hope you found some helpful tips here. If you want to try making prints yourself, I do recommend the Speedball Carving Took, along with the Speedball Speedy Carve.
Thank you for visiting and for your comments. My plan now is to fine tune my print making of this cute cat, and then design some products with the prints in my CherylsArt store on Zazzle. Let me know if you have a cat color request and or product type that is available on Zazzle. I will be glad to oblige.
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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