Friday, March 20, 2026

National Puppy Day Reviewed - March 23

National Puppy Day Review
I don't review national holidays very often.  I normally leave those special day reviews to Wednesday Elf, who loves celebrating individual days set aside for unique events.  However, when I noted that March 23 is National Puppy Day, I could not resist!  After all, we brought home a sweet puppy a few months ago and discovered the true meaning of unconditional love once again.

Watson, our baby dog, loves everyone in the household.  He doesn't know how to withhold affection.  Even when he teethes on our hands or wrists, he does so lovingly.  Of course, we immediately seek out a nonliving object for him to transfer that particular show of love.  He really can't help it.  He is a teething baby and those little bites are just a big part of his puppy day and play.  Almost daily, someone in our home will remark that one day we will miss the teething terror.

Our baby Watson loves company in the backyard.  He runs, and jumps, leaps and runs some more.  His favorite games are fetching the balls his daddy tosses for him and chasing the birds.  He has never harmed a bird, he just likes making them fly.  

 

Fun Times with a Puppy 

puppy dog
The buffalo was a Christmas gift from his 
sister & brother-in-law in Buffalo, NY
There is nothing more beautiful than opening the back door and watching Watson run as fast as the wind toward his daddy.  Our baby dog doesn't realize that at 5 months old, his is no longer the 15 lb baby we brought home.  Actually, neither Watson, nor his daddy, realize that he weighs almost 70 lbs now.  I don't know the exact calculation (since I have never gauged his running speed), but I do know 70 lbs flying straight at you has increased force when it hits.  Definitely enough to knock an unprepared recipient to the ground.  Fortunately, his daddy is always prepared for his greetings of love.

It really doesn't matter how long one of us is away, whether it is 5 minutes or 5 hours, Watson is there with a welcoming jump, lick, nip, and game-time call.  If he could speak, I have no doubt his favorite words would be "play ball!"  

Dinnertime is also a great joy for Watson.  That baby loves to eat!  He is the perfect addition to our household.  We all love to eat and we all enjoy giving him treats.  

We chose to adopt a Labrador Retriever because we have had such great success with them in the past.  The are almost completely housebroken by the time they are weaned from their mothers.  Wetting accidents are extremely rare for Labs.  Those accidents can be attributed to the humans slow response time because the puppy lets you know the minute he needs out.  Too bad if you need time to dress before you throw open your back door.  

The key to having a happy puppy, even a very active Labrador Retriever, is to be active and loving yourself.  Any puppy of any breed requires patience and love, but they are always worth it!

Remember, puppy = baby.  They are learning at that stage, but they will grow up to be a fabulous companion.

 

Celebrate National Puppy Day on March 23!

The end of March is the perfect time to adopt a puppy.  You have the entire spring, summer, and fall ahead to work with them outdoors.  By the following winter, you and your puppy will be almost fully trained to behave properly. 

 

The picture in the introduction is a picture of Watson when he was 11 weeks old.  This is his picture at 5 months old.  What a difference a few months makes!  In our opinion, he is still the most adorable, lovable puppy ever!

 

Happy National Puppy Day, Baby Dog! 

Labrador Retriever

 




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, March 19, 2026

Imagine Love; what would you imagine

painting


Sometimes we have hot air balloon days where we'll see hot air balloons flying overhead through various parts of town. I have always admired them and one day got the idea to paint a special balloon, with Imagine Love written on it. I also included a large eye. Some people use their third eye, the space in the center slightly above the eyebrows, to imagine their desires.

That is why I included the third eye, though one does not have to use the third eye in order to imagine.

But onward. When I originally created this painting, I imagined just the general feeling of love. But this morning when I pondered what to write about, I began thinking about various ways to imagine Love. I was watching fun pet videos on YouTube and thought that Love could be a basket of adorable puppies. It could be a momma dog nursing her pups along with a kitten in the lineup.

It could be a bright golden light filled with loving energy, coming from above.

As I was taking my shower, I thought of the water coming down from the shower, as being a shower of blessings.

As you can see, one can imagine Love in a variety of ways. How might you imagine Love?

Anyone can do this at any time. It can help lift one's mood. It can help change one's perspective for their next thought to being more of a feel good thought. One can do this with just the intention of doing so. If you have trouble imagining, an option is to find an image the depicts what you would like to imagine. YouTube can be a great resource for this.

If anyone would like a reminder to imagine what they love on a more regular basis, I have made a collection of Imagine Love products that you can view in my CherylsArt store on Zazzle. I have placed this design on nine products so far, and will be glad to accommodate your request for it to be placed on any other product that Zazzle offers.



May you have a feel good, Imagine Love, day.


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.”


Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Preparing For That Trip of a Lifetime ~ From the Heart

In 2025 we decided that we would finally go on a trip that we both were thinking about!  We are going on a River Cruise!  Yes, you heard me right, a River Cruise.  Now you might not think that is too exciting, but, I tell you, I'm worried.  

I get very sea sick and the thought of being on water for 2 weeks just doesn't thrill me! I do want to go and see all the spots where we will be stopping along the way.  So what should I do about my worry?

 I've been told by many people who have done this that because it's a river cruise, I won't have to worry about sea sickness.  There is nothing to cruising on a river compared to cruising on the open seas.  Rivers apparently don't have quite the same kind of movement.  My problem is that once I'm on board, if I do get seasick, I need to be prepared!

cruise ship

 After all once you are on-board, you can't just run out to the store for the Gravol/Dramamine or Patches that will prevent that feeling. So I will be preparing myself for the worst possible scenario and hope for the best.

What is amazing to me is that there are so many ways to help people with travel sickness.  Even if you do happen to get sick, you can be prepared for that with disposable Barf Bags.

Personally, for myself, I am planning on both the patches and the Dramamine.  The only problem with the patches is that I have really short hair and the patches go behind your ear, so they will be somewhat visible.  But the alternative is not acceptable, so I will make due with people knowing that I have a very sensitive stomach.

I have tried the motion sickness bands on this page for car sickness and for me they did not work very well, so I will pass on that method. They are one of the cheapest aids if you are willing to give them a try.

I don't think I will purchase the Electronic wristband as it is rather pricey and I don't travel that much to make it affordable.  But for those of you who do travel a lot, this might also be an option you would consider.  

All the customer reviews on Amazon, rate all of these methods of motion sickness as over 4.5 stars to 5 stars!  So I know that they have been tested and found to be worthwhile by many users.

Deep down I'm hoping that all my friends that promise me I won't get sick on the river, will be right and I will have prepared for nothing.  But I would rather be ready and able to cope than take my chances on being one very sick passenger.  

It's Bon Voyage for me and I'll be back in a few weeks to let you know how everything went!  Till then Toodle-Loo!


**I am not a doctor, so if you have great concerns please seek medical assisstance.  

  





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.”


Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Reviewing How Coconut Oil Helps My Sensitive Skin

bottle of coconut oil

 


For most of my life, I had used standard skincare brands to look after my face and body. That changed quickly when I developed a sudden severe allergic reaction to a suncream i had used for years and it turned out i was allergic to several common skincare chemicals. My skin blistered, burned and itched, it was agony. It also took ages to be diagnosed. 

My allergic reaction was eventually diagnosed as contact dermatitis triggered by perfumes, balsam of Peru, and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone. These ingredients can be found in  many skincare and everyday household products so i have to be very careful.

Once diagnosed I had to immediately stop using any products that contained these ingredients. In the short term i was given steroid cream and Dr prescribed creams to use along with a directive to cease using pretty much all the products i had been used to using. 

I realised that i would no longer be able to use my moisturisers, shampoos, make up, or really most of my products. In addition because i was also allergic to them on other people if there was any skin contact, my husband was advised to not use his usual skincare products. I was left wondering what I was going to use...

After a lot of research, writing to companies, checking ingredients and frustration, I discovered something very simple, that I could use which was  pure organic coconut oil. The cold pressed, unrefined, food grade oils turned out to be gentle and effective for my skin. I would like to share how it helped me and its uses. 

I must stress that I am not a healthcare professional and If you have skin conditions or allergies, it’s always wise and recommended to discuss with a healthcare professional first.

Choosing Coconut Oil

Coconut oil varies a lot in quality. For sensitive, allergic skin the safest approach is to choose the simplest form. I find with sensitive skin the less ingredients is often the better.  It is generally better to go for organic, cold pressed, unrefined ,non deodorised and food grade coconut oil.

Some coconut oils have a strong coconut scent, others are very mild. Although i do like the scent of coconut oil, i prefer the milder versions on my skin.


Coconut Oil As A Body Moisturiser

For months I had to use only Dr prescribed creams and lotions on my skin. As time went on and with  approval from my Doctor I was able to try coconut oil. 

My skin was so sore and delicate. It took a little while but my skin became softer and more supple, more hydrated and smoother. It is rich in fatty acids and Lauric acid  can help support the skin barrier and the oil helps lock moisture into the skin. 

You do not need much and I learned that warming it between  hands turns the solid white oil block into a silky liquid. You can see in the photo below how the solid white block is turning into a colourless liquid and this took literally a few seconds.


coconut oil melting in hand


Tips For Using Coconut Oil

  • Start with a tiny amount in your hands and warm it first. You can always add more but if you get too much to start with it can be far too much and hard to get rid of! 
  • Let it sink in for about 10 minutes before getting dressed. If you don't do this the oil will transfer to clothing. Rather than rubbing it off with a towel, it is better to gently pat it with a towel if you need to get dressed and it still hasn't sunk in.  
  • I like to apply it at night after a bath or shower and then let it sink in and then wear Pjs. 
  • At first when my skin was very dry and sore i used it every night. Now, several years on my skin is so much better i use it every few days  and if i use it too much my skin can get a bit too oily, so it will be a personal preference. 
  • I do also use it in specific areas if they feel too dry like elbows, knees, and heels. It is nice to apply to feet and then wear  a lovely soft sock over. That to me feels indulgent. I wouldn't recommend walking around in bare feet after applying as it is far too slipperly! 
  • Used like this my skin is nicely moisturised and i get no irritation or soreness. Personally  i only use on my body as it is a little too much for my face, but if you have dry skin everywhere it may work for you  on your face as well, but do keep away from your eyes. 


Coconut Oil For Haircare

Coconut oil can also be a lovely hair treatment. I have very fine hair, so I use it only once a month or even less, as a deep conditioner. If i use it more often it just makes my hair too oily and flat.  My husband, who has coarser, short, dry hair, can use it about once a week.

To use warm a tiny amount in your hands, smooth it through the hair, leave it for several hours or overnight, then wash out.

You may well want to wear a hair covering if you leave it in overnight to protect pillows from becoming too oily. It leaves hair shiny, nourished, and healthy looking.


Shaving With Coconut Oil

It is surprisingly good for shaving underarms and legs. I became unable to use any waxing or creams as my skin was too sore and some of the chemicals were irritating to me. My husband also had to stop using commercial shaving creams because of my allergies so he uses it for shaving his beard.

Coconut oil turned out to be really good for shaving purposes as it goes on very easily and leaves the skin feeling soft and well moisturised. It is also less expensive than most shaving creams and lotions. 

However a warning note be very careful using it in the bath or shower as it can make those surfaces very slippery and oily and difficult to clean. So i would suggest using it outside of the bath or shower for safety. 


bottle of coconut oil


Coconut Oil For Hands, Nails and Cuticles.

I love it for my hands especially after gardening and decorating It is very good for dry hands. Just make sure that you can rest and allow it to sink in for a while before you need to do anything. I also use it on my nails and cuticles to condition them.  

Important Patch Testing

Even natural products can cause reactions to some peoples skin, so before using any new products it is advisable to do a patch test. A simple patch test at home can help you stay safe. This is something i do with all new products now. 

  • Test only one new product at a time on clean dry skin.
  • Start by applying a tiny amount to a small area of skin that you can monitor easily , for example your wrist and then wash it off immediately.
  • Watch for any reaction, if there is anything including a rash, soreness, spots, swelling or any reaction you do not like do not use the product again. Wash thoroughly with a gentle known product.
  • If there is no reaction that time then on another day apply the product again and leave for a little longer. Again watch for reactions , if none wash off again. Try the following day and  gradually increase the time  the product is on the skin.
  • Stop immediately if you notice spots, redness, blisters, itching, or swelling.
  • Consult a healthcare professional if you get a reaction.


**Professional patch testing gives more accurate and detailed results and is more involved.


**If you are currently experiencing any skin issues it is best to consult a Dr before trying to change products without knowing exactly what you are allergic to.


**Consult a healthcare professional if you are at all unsure if a product is safe for you.  


So Coconut oil became a key part of my skincare. I never expected to find it so useful, neither did my husband but now we both really like it. With my very sensitive, allergic skin it, along with a few other products has become a core part of my skincare routine. 


Read More Product Reviews on ReviewThisProducts.com


Reviewing How Coconut Oil Helps My Sensitive Skin by Raintree Annie




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.”


Monday, March 16, 2026

Reviewing the Everlasting Treat BentoBall for My Puppy and other Heavy Chewers

Puppies and active adult dogs require physical and mental exercise in order to help avoid developing bad habits; such as chewing your furniture, shoes, and other items. The type of chew toy depends on your dog and their needs. My current pup is the heaviest chewer and most destructive pup I've ever had despite being a total of 3 pounds. Part of the problem is that my lifestyle isn't as active as it had been when puppies had previously come into the home. Another part of the problem is that some of my go-to and preferred brands of dog toys aren't working as well for this pup.  However, the Everlasting Treat BentoBall seems to be a big hit.

photo and text about BENTOBALL dog treat toy

BentoBall by Starmark

The Everlasting Treat BentoBall is both a dispenser of whatever kibble or small treats that you have on hand as well a holder of a BentoBall brand treat that fits into the ball. For this to happen, the ball has two different compartments. One cutout that holds the large chew treat that is made specifically for the BentoBall. The other cutout has a smaller opening, in which kibble can be inserted. 

Everlasting Treat Bento Ball Packaging Information:

  • provides hours of interactive chewing challenge
  • virtually indestructible
  • chewing action helps clean teeth
  • dishwasher safe
  • "Helps Prevent Destructive Boredom Behaviors"

Treat Refill Packaging Information:

  • "Delicious, Edible, Dental Chews"
  • "chews like a real bone"  - unique shape of the treat that dogs can lick, chew, or gnaw
  • special ridges helps to clean teeth and remove tarter
  • refills fit into 6 different BentoBall toys; Treat Ball, Wheeler, Sprocket, Donut, Everlasting Ball, and Groovy Ball.
  • flavors include chicken, bacon, liver

I was skeptical when purchasing the Everlasting Treat BentoBall. I assumed the treat that was made for the ball would last less than an hour or two. But I made the purchase, choosing the medium size, since I could still use the ball for kibble. However, all three of my dogs loved the BentoBall unique treat so much that I have purchased a 2nd ball and BentoBall treat refills

I was astounded when the first BentoBall and treat kept the puppy entertained for days

My only complaint is more of a personal, operator error problem than a problem with the item. I have very weak hand strength. That makes refilling the BentoBall with the original brand treat difficult for me. It takes a bit of time, and a flat head screwdriver to help pull the sides of the ball up around the edges of the treat since I do not have the strength to push the treat down properly. But it is likely that many dog owners will not struggle with this issue. 

 

Related Links

I have always leaned toward Kong and JW dog toy brands. This pup cannot destroy those toys. Rather, he somehow empties the treats from them very quickly then goes on to chew my belongings. I believe he uses his paws as hands and can very quickly learn how to empty the treats. 

Contributors review their recommendations as follows:

The Savvy Age reviews the JW HOLee Roller Ball.  I agree. I have multiple JW Roller Balls and they are excellent dog toys (for everyone except my "Mr. MonkeyPaws"). 

Cynthia reviews the Best Gifts for Puppies. She includes some of our favorites: the Kong Wubba and Milk Bones. 

The Starmark Amazon store has a variety of toys, treats and training aids for dogs. 





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, March 15, 2026

How I Wrote the Lyrics for “You Stood Me Up”

How I Wrote the Lyrics for “You Stood Me Up”

I wrote these lyrics on March 8th, 2026, as part of a compilation of couples' love songs I'm putting together. 

Writing couples' lyrics has always been a challenge for me — not because I don't believe in love or feel it, but because it's so easy for the love words to slip into greeting-card territory and sound cheesy.

Last Week's Song Lyric Debut

As I mentioned last week in my article about Marry Me Fool, I try to tell a story in every lyric I write. That's how it feels real to me. 

I've been writing since I was eight years old, and for me, everything has always come from a real and human perspective.

Sure, I can write more roundabout lyrics — the kind that are less on the nose, more metaphorical or flowery, and make you think. I do that sometimes, too. But when I'm telling a story, it has to hit my spirit first. That's the only way I can put it down on paper and eventually shape it into music.

I still question myself sometimes about whether I should write differently. Every writer has their own approach, and many styles work beautifully. But I'm old enough now to know who I am and how I write best.

Even if I haven't lived the exact experience I'm writing about, I need to find the realness inside it. Once I feel that connection, the words start to come to life.

How You Stood Me Up Came to Life

So, back to You Stood Me Up

This is a story lyric. The only way I could write it was to imagine the story and place myself inside it.

That's when the words begin to take shape for me.

They don't always come easily. Some people have lyrics pour out of them, but for me, it's work, the best, most fulfilling work! 

I'm always trying to tie everything together from beginning to end — making sure the verses lead somewhere and that the chorus carries the heart of the story.

With these lyrics, I worked on it carefully from verse one through to the outro, ensuring everything connected.

The story itself came to me as a simple moment between two people.

They had planned a date. She was sitting in a restaurant by the window, quietly sipping her tea and waiting for him.

When he arrived and saw her, he suddenly felt like he wasn't good enough. His nerves got the best of him, and instead of going inside, he convinced himself he should just leave. In his mind, it would be easier to stand her up than risk disappointing her.

So he turned and walked away.

But as he was leaving, he tripped over the curb just as she was coming out of the restaurant.

She reached down, grabbed his hand, and helped him up.

That tiny moment — awkward and unexpected — became the beginning of a lifelong relationship. And that simple story is what became the heart of these lyrics.

Writing lyrics like this is always a balance between storytelling and honesty. But when a story feels alive, when it flows the way you hoped it would, it's one of the best feelings there is.

Listen to How I Put This Song Together:

Resonance and the Joy of Writing

My husband genuinely relates to the personal stories in my lyrics, especially those about my parents. He looks forward to every new lyric I write.

He was especially proud of my poetry and lyrics book — a compilation of over 50 years of my writing, dating back to 1968, that's available on Amazon. Of course, he's biased, but his opinion carries weight because he knows our life story and many of the experiences that shape what I write.

For me, though, I try to best myself.

I'm not interested in competing with other writers. I just can't. I'm simply not built that way.

I have always competed with myself.

Almost every time I finish a lyric, he'll say, "How did you write one better than the last one?" When he says that, I sometimes think, well… maybe I achieved my goal again.

But I don't write for compliments. However, validation from him means a lot because he knows our life and my heart, and that matters.

I'll Write Until My Last Breath No Matter Who Reads It or Doesn't Read It - I Have To.

I write lyrics because I love writing about the human emotional experience. I'll keep writing until my last breath because it's a part of my soul.

I have to write lyrics — stories about life. Or poems — stories about life.

If I were stranded on a desert island and someone somehow left me with a pad of paper and a pen, I’d write until the ink ran out. And when the ink was gone, I’d write the words in the sand.

That's just how essential writing the human experience is to me.

This particular lyric video, Echoes of a Quiet Room, meant something special because this is the lyric I wrote about my parents' passing. I cried from beginning to end just writing it.

It comes from a real place, so deep and painful that when my hubby and my brother heard it, they cried.

There's something beautiful about sharing this depth of love with someone else. A love and loss they feel along with you. You look into their eyes, and you both know the pain and the gratefulness.

So in my mind, that was the one to beat — and the only person I compete with is myself.

When I finished You Stood Me Up, I called hubby in and said, "Oh my God, you have to listen to this."

He listened, and his mouth literally dropped open.

He said, "Wow! That's the best one."

Of course, he says that every time I write something, but hearing it this time felt different. The story flowed exactly the way I had imagined it — the meeting of two people and the quiet suggestion of a lifetime together.

The Music and Creative Side

The music creation isn't easy either. 

Even with digitally produced music, composition takes structure, input, and attention to every nuance. However, if you want to hit a button and go with "whatever," anyone can do that. I can't do that since I'm bringing my own words to life.

For me, the message is everything. The words have to be paired with the right sound and emotional tone.

Sometimes I get lucky, and it comes together in five attempts. Other times it takes 18 or even 24 hours of adjusting and rebuilding until it finally feels right.

It can be frustrating. In fact, it's more frustrating than writing! Because it must reflect my personal intention on the meaning of the words I've written.

But when it finally clicks — like it did with You Stood Me Up — it feels like a gift.

****************

Follow Me - Drageda - Lyrics About Life:

Facebook: Lyrics About Life on Facebook

YouTube:  Follow Me on YouTube - @dragedapoemslyrics

Spotify:    Stream Drageda Lyrics on Spotify

Amazon: Drageda Lyrics on Amazon Music

iTunes:   Drageda Lyrics on iTunes

******************* 




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, March 14, 2026

Wall Clocks Kids Like

A Gift Guide for Choosing Wall Clocks Your Kids Will Like


Image of multiple wall clocks


Children need clocks as much as grownups! School age children need to check a clock to know when the important segments of their day are happening -- time for breakfast, dinnertime, school time, homework time, bedtime. And what about 'playtime'... a most important part of a child's day!


Toddlers and pre-schoolers will enjoy colorful clocks or clocks that look like a favorite character they know about. Wall clocks for kids can be a fun décor on their bedroom wall even before they are old enough to 'tell time'.


Since kids need clocks, why not pick one that fits the theme of their bedroom or represents their favorite cartoon character, playtime buddy, hobby or animal. They will be more likely to 'keep track of time' if their clock represents something they can relate to.


This page has a selection of clocks that kids will really like. Browse through and find your child's favorite theme.


Superhero Wall Clocks


Spiderman Wall Clock

Superhero Spider Man... - A Clock for Kids Who Like SuperHeros!


This Spiderman Disney Marvel Red Wall Clock features a printed Spiderman face with two hand dial and a red casing. Your youngsters who like Superheros will enjoy having a clock on their bedroom wall that reminds them of their favorite superhero.

 

Cute Clocks for Girly Girls...


Ballerina Girl Wall Clock

For your budding ballerina...

What little girl wouldn't love a cute wall clock featuring ballerina designs. This will look so sweet on a bedroom wall of your future ballerina!

This decorative “Ballerina Girl” wall clock has a wood-like colorful design of a ballerina girl. It measures 10 inches in diameter with easy-to-read large black Arabic numerals and hands. 


Wall Clocks Boys Like


Image of a football themed wall clock


Football Wall Clock for your Sports Fan

This is an America Football Themed Wall Clock with a 12” black dial and a sporty football motif. The clock has bold white printed numbers and a crystal-clear clock cover. In addition to being perfect for a young lad who likes football, this clock would also go well in that ‘man cave’ for the football fanatic dad! 


If your boy loves a different sport....

Football is a favorite, but there's a Wall Clock to be found on Amazon for lots of Sports. Just do a search for sports wall clocks and you'll find lots of choices in a multitude of sports.

Sports clocks are available for fans of football, baseball, basketball, soccer, golf and more. Individual favorite NFL and MLB team clocks are listed. There are even clocks with the theme of particular college teams.

Whatever kind of sports fan you are, a clock can be found to show your team spirit.


Trains & Planes, Cars & Trucks


Steam Train Wall Clock

Little boys especially love 'Things that Go' - trains and planes, cars and trucks. Anything with wheels and an engine is of interest in the rough and tumble world of boys. A wall clock in a favorite transportation theme, will keep their attention long enough to see what 'time' it is. :)

This Steam Engine Train Wall Clock is 10" in diameter with a wooden MDF, UV printed design.


Summary


Teaching Time Clock by Learning Resources
Learning Resources Big Time Teaching Clock

Kid time is fun time... as far as children are concerned. So when it comes time to teach them to "Tell Time", making it a fun game works best. The website page "Learn to Tell Time" helps children to learn to tell time in a fun, interactive learning experience.


This Learning Resources Teaching Clock is a great way to help kids grasp time-telling skills. The clock has hidden gears to maintain the correct hour and minute relationships. It has easy-to-read hour and minute markings.


Wall Clocks Safety Notes:

These featured wall clocks for kids are all 'cordless'.  One AA battery required (not included, unless otherwise stated).


*This guide to the best wall clocks for kids was originally published on November 9, 2014. While the original site is no longer active, Wednesday Elf has brought the best of that content here for you.


 




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, March 13, 2026

An Unconventional Lady by Sarah E. Ladd - Book Review

an unconventional lady book cover
This book is not my normal Regency Romance to read.  It is more of a mystery than a romance, which was nice for a change.  

It took a few pages to grab my interest, mostly because I was not familiar with the term phrenology.  That pseudoscience was long ago debunked.  It claimed there was a way to determine ones intellect, morality, and personality traits by the shape of their head/skull.  I am sure there are many criminologists and detectives who would like for it to be a true science.  It certainly would be easier to determine who was likely to commit a crime, to lie, or to be unfaithful.

As always, the Regency Romance was set in the early 1800's when women were not given very much independence.  This book was also unique in that sense because the main character was encouraged by her parents to be educated, to think for herself, and to really consider a subject instead of just accepting it as presented. 

It also offered a unique setting by taking place at Keatley Hall School for Young Men, which was established by Ella Wilde's grandfather.  Her grandfather was the first headmaster.  He was succeeded by Ella's father even though her mother was her grandfather's daughter.  With this decision, it was established that the daughter's husband would be the next headmaster.  Selecting a headmaster was paramount to selecting Ella's husband, and Ella was not fond of her father's choice.  

 

Synopsis of An Unconventional Lady

 An Unconventional Lady: A Low-Spice Regency RomanceCheck PriceElla is faced with several issues all at once.  First, she wasn't keen on the man her father had chosen as her husband and the next headmaster for the school.  Second, she would soon be required to serve as hostess for the upcoming symposium on Phrenology, a theory she could not logically embrace.  And last, her mother had been "analyzed" and the results had been documented in an unflattering published pamphlet.  Unfortunately, her mother had died and was unable to defend herself.  Plus, how she died in a fire allowed a lot of speculation on the cause of the fire.  Some thought her mother must have been responsible.

When Ella encounters Gabriel Rowe, a previous Keatley Hall School student, she is immediately drawn to him.  The fact that he is loyal to Keatley Hall makes him even more attractive to her.  

Gabriel is a London solicitor who has been hired to investigate the speaker at the upcoming symposium.  Ella personally invites him to Keatley Hall and the symposium so he has a way to investigate Thomas Bauer, the phrenologist speaker and demonstrator, without drawing suspicion. 

The events that follow, as well as the discovery of past truths, make this an intriguing book to read.  The touch of mystery and suspense, coupled with the budding romance between Ella and Gabriel, make the perfect combination for a great book.         



 
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