Wednesday, June 20, 2018
The Best Way to Get Ready, Party Time is Here
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
July 4th Ladies Tank Top Reviewed
Apparel For July 4th Celebration
To Celebrate Our Nation's Birthday |
Chances are whether you plan to attend a local parade, a picnic, cookout or the fireworks display the temperature will be warm. A tank top offers a perfect option for the weather and the celebration you plan to attend.
Actually, the option that I am going to show you will work beyond the July 4th holiday. It can be worn any time during the warm months of the year to show your patriotism or just as a really cool top.
4th of July Tank Top
The great thing about this tank top for ladies is that it is quite casual and can be worn with your favorite shorts, pair of jeans or even slacks. I particularly like that it is extra long and could even be worn as a cover-up for the pool or beach. So, there is a lot of versatility for this particular choice for your celebration of our nation's birthday.
I also noticed that if you do not like this particular design you have the option to choose a different pattern. One has mostly stars on a blue background while the other is sort of a reverse of the design above. There is also a great selection of sizes available for this tank top.
So, how about it? Have you thought about what you will be wearing for the July 4th celebration that is just around the corner?
Saturday, May 26, 2018
National Hamburger Day Review
Image Source: Pixabay |
Date Celebrated: May 28
Memorial Day and the 4th of July wouldn't be the same without a juicy hamburger, so it is appropriate that a national day has been set aside to celebrate this favorite picnic food. There is no official origin for 'hamburger day', but we are glad someone picked out a day to celebrate it.
Cook your burgers on an outdoor grill or fry them up inside. Add your favorite fixings and enjoy! If you add cheese, you suddenly have the popular cheeseburger, which has it's own day (National Cheeseburger Day ~ September 18).
(c) Wednesday Elf |
If you don't want to cook your own, or are out-and-about on “Hamburger Day”, then stop by a local Five Guys Restaurant for a tasty burger fixed in a homemade style.
A Few Hamburger Facts
- The hamburger was originally created in Hamburg, Germany (thus the name), but eating a hamburger on a bun is an American idea.
- The hamburger was originally made from ground up meat scraps from cutting up other meats. First it was made with beef, but today it can be found in other forms, such as ground chicken and ground turkey for those who prefer a non-meat burger. Other meats, such as Buffalo Burgers, have also become popular.
- Seymour, Wisconsin has a 'Burger Fest' each year and in 2001 they made the largest hamburger ever – weighing 8,200 pounds. Burger Fest is held each August and includes a parade, a hot air balloon rally, and, of course, lots of hamburgers to eat. Check out their website Home of the Hamburger for details.
- Americans eat about 50 billion burgers every year, which equals approximately three burgers a week for every person in the U.S.
Handmade Hamburgers
The title of this paragraph indicates that here I will give you a lesson in making the perfect hamburger patty – so I will.
Image courtesy of Pixabay |
Press the meat into a patty, pressing down in the middle and patting in from the sides as you turn the burger around in your hand. Continue until the patty is even and uniform. It needs to be a solid disk of meat that is compacted tightly
A tip I read online at EATS – How to Make Hamburger Patties said to prevent the cracks around the edges as the burger cooks (caused by shrinking due to the cooking process), slightly depress the center of the patty when you are finished shaping it to make it thinner in the middle than it is around the edges. The depression tends to push a little extra meat towards the edges, making an even patty once it is cooked.
More Handmade Hamburgers
Now, since I am a craftsman of handmade items, I shall continue a bit with my 'Handmade Hamburger' theme and show you a few clever handmade items representing this favorite food.
Hamburger Cookies
Homemade Hamburger Cookies |
They are a made with a Shortbread cookie recipe, a rich buttery cookie that melts in your mouth.
The ingredients list is in the listing in her Etsy Shop called Merci Bakery. Each cookie is individually decorated.
Hamburger Apron
Handmade Hamburger Design Apron - Etsy |
Hamburger Playfood Crochet Toy
Crochet Amigurumi Hamburger/Cheeseburger Play Food |
Kimberlie of Redlands, California created this cute hamburger/cheeseburger play food 7-piece toy for kids who love to play in a pretend kitchen. The set contains 7 separate play-pieces to stack the perfect burger. They include the Top bun, Tomato, Lettuce, Onion, Cheese, Patty, and Bottom bun.
All the pieces are soft and squishy, especially the top bun, which has been stuffed with polyester stuffing.
The entire stacked burger measures about 3.5" tall, and about 3.5" wide.
It can be found in Kimberlie's Etsy Shop she calls ShopKimberlie.
Related Links:
Handmade Crochet Hamburger/Cheeseburger Potholders Tutorial
And for my fellow crafters, here is a free tutorial to crochet a set of potholders which look like a hamburger or cheeseburger when stacked together.
Hamburger Month
In addition to May 28th being a DAY to celebrate the humble hamburger, The entire month of May is is known as National Hamburger Month.
So get those burgers grilling, pile on the condiments, and enjoy National Hamburger Day and Month with a tasty hamburger!
(c) National Hamburger Day Review by Wednesday Elf
Friday, July 14, 2017
Repel Sportsmen 30-Percent Deet Mosquito Repellent Wipes Reviewed
I hate mosquitoes. Well, truthfully, I hate mosquito bites. I can't say that the little buggers themselves would affect me in any way if they didn't bite me. I have heard all of the tips for wearing black, wearing socks, avoiding perfumes or scented anything, etc., but until we tried the mosquito wipes, nothing worked for me. Those pesky creatures seemed to find a way to my skin no matter what I previously tried. However, this past 4th of July, I stood in our normal open field taking photos of the fireworks without being eaten up by mosquitoes.
Right before went outside, we wiped our feet, ankles, legs, arms and the backs of our hands with the wipes. That simple application worked miracles. I only got 3 mosquito bites this year and they were on the tops of my fingers. You see, I didn't use the wipes on my fingers simply because I didn't want to accidentally touch my eyes, so I didn't apply the wipes to my fingers.
Repel Insect Mosquito Repellent Wipes
Repel 94100 Sportsmen 30-Percent Deet Mosquito Repellent Wipes, 15 CountWhen my husband suggested we try the Repel Mosquito Repellent wipes, I admit, I expected it to be an exercise in futility. After all, nothing else had ever keep those buggers from biting me and leaving me with ugly welts, itching and scratching for days.
In addition to the discomfort of the bites, the increased concerns for the diseases mosquitoes carry and transmit, we really needed to find some solutions. We previously purchased the Flowtron Bug Zapper that Bev Owens recommended here on Review This and it works great in our backyard. However, we can't carry it with us when we go hiking in the woods or stand in open, damp fields to take photos.
I'm just one great big tasty target for all the mosquitoes in our county when I go outside. Mosquitoes really steal a portion of my joy when I venture into the great outdoors. At least they used to have the affect on me. Now, I won't go out without my Repel Mosquito Repellent Wipes!
I prefer the wipes to a spray. The wipes are so much easier to use. Plus, the resealable package allows me to carry the wipes in my camera bag and pull them out as needed before I get out of the car. I do wear a nitrile glove when I use the wipes. As I previously stated, I don't want the repellent on my finger tips to be inadvertently rubbed in my eyes.
These awesome Repel Wipes also claim to protect against ticks, chiggers, gnats, and fleas. Now that is just fantastic! I hate ticks more than mosquitoes.
Repel Insect Repellent Mosquito Wipes, Repels Mosquitoes, Ticks, Gnats and Other Listed Pests, 30% DEET (15 Wipes) Travel SizedCheck Price Med PRIDE NitriPride Nitrile-Vinyl Blend Exam Gloves, Medium 100 - Powder Free, Latex Free & Rubber FreeCheck Price Repel 94100 Sportsmen 30-Percent Deet Mosquito Repellent Wipes, 2 Packs of 20 Count - 40 Total!Check Price
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Repel Sportsmen 30-Percent Deet Mosquito Repellent Wipes Reviewed by:
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Crochet Plaid Blanket Pattern Reviewed
A Perfect Gift For His Man Cave
Crochet A Blanket For Him Image courtesy of Pixabay.com |
The pattern and the video recommend that you use blanket yarn which is a thicker option of yarn. It is kind of bulky and works up pretty fast. You can choose any color combination that you want; it doesn't have to be in the red and black. Personally, I do not care to work with the bulkier yarns so when I start the one that I will make, I plan to substitute the yarn for a standard 4 ply yarn and use a smaller hook than is recommended in the pattern. That is the fun thing about crochet, you can usually adapt a pattern to suit your own tastes.
As you can see by the video this crochet plaid blanket will work up pretty quickly. It is just a matter of creating the mesh work and then doing the overlay crochet to finish it off. I love this pattern and I think that my son-in-law will love the blanket when I give it to him. If time allows, I may do one for my hubby, too.
For some additional ideas for things to create in crochet for the men in your lives, you might enjoy this set of patterns.
I know it is only July but if you plan to craft some gifts for the holidays; it is time to look for the patterns, get your supplies and start working on them. I love making things for gifts for my family. How about you? Do you craft items for gifts?
Saturday, February 18, 2017
A Review of Greeting Cards for Pet Lovers
Unique Greeting Cards for People Who Love Their Pets
Baron, our Golden Retriever (c) |
Christmas cards have been a traditional way of expressing the sentiments of the holiday season for many years. In fact, the first Christmas Card can be traced back to 1843. But greeting cards for Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day and more continue to be very popular. It's estimated that the average person sends 55 cards per year. I send cards throughout the year to my smallest grandsons just because they love to get mail.
This page is filled with card designs that have a unique appeal for pet lovers. From humorous cats to sweet photos of darling puppies, all animal lovers and pet owners will enjoy receiving one of these. Browse through these selections that I found to be particularly special and see which is your favorite.
The Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever Dog Card Set |
Because I once owned a Golden Retriever (Baron, shown in the introduction photo), I am naturally drawn to images of Goldens. This one of Murphy owned by professional pet photographer Karen Hoglund especially appealed to me. And knowing how much most dogs love to chase squirrels, this scene of Murphy 'reading' a book about squirrels is most adorable.
This photograph of Murphy is featured on a set of 4 birthday cards created by Karen. The inside of the card says:
"Squirrel! May all your birthday dreams and wishes come true."
The set is available in her Etsy Shop known as Karen Hoglund Photography.
Karen says that "Being a pet photographer has brought together my interests and talents in a way I never imagined. As a fine art major in college, I learned about color and composition. I mastered design as an art director for advertising agencies. It was a happy day when I realized it was possible to combine my artistic side with my love of dogs!"
In addition to featuring her pet photographs on greeting cards in her Etsy Shop, Karen also works as a pet photographer in the metro Denver area. Check out more pictures of "Murphy" and other dogs she has photographed at her Karen Hoglund Photography blog.
The Boston Terrier
Chocolate Boston Greeting Card |
This image of a beautiful Boston Terrier created by Whitney of Tulsa, OK is on a precious greeting card perfect for any occasion! The card features a black-and-white Boston Terrier pup holding a heart-shaped chocolate in her paws. Cute phrase "I love you more than chocolate!" floats above. It's on a pretty mocha background.
Whitney on Etsy has a shop called African Grey Designs. She carries a line of paper goods which feature beautiful colors and whimsical designs. Her illustrations are not Photo-shopped or filtered photographs - each one is hand-drawn by her with 100% love. Whitney's favorite subjects are dogs, cats, otters...basically anything cute and cuddly!
Abbi, a Boston Terrier Rescue Pup |
This is the perfect greeting card for me to use for my brother & sister-in-law who are the owners of Abbi, the Boston Terrier shown here. My sister-in-law has a birthday on the 4th of July and now I know what card she would absolutely love. Her Abbi-girl is a joy to her.
Send a Card for Holidays, Special Events, Birthdays...
Greeting cards with pictures of dogs are perfect for friends and family who love their pets. Whether you are sending Christmas cards that reflect your favorite dog or finding a birthday card or other holiday card for that special someone, cards with darling puppies and dogs will be a big hit. Check out boxed sets and single cards of your favorite breed of dog on Amazon.
From Dogs to Cats...
Mama Cat & her Kitten (c) Kimberly Austin Daly* |
*Cat drawing by my artist daughter Kimberly Austin Daly made as a personal greeting card for me.
Cards for Cat Owners...
A collection of cats (Bennie, Bacchus and Jack) enjoying a bit of catnip. Abbi, the household's Boston Terrier, is trying to figure out what the cats already know! :-) |
Cats AND Dogs
Cute puppies or kittens in a set of 8 with two different designs in each set of eight (8) cards. Blank inside for your own message, these cards are perfect for thank you notes, birthdays or for just keeping in touch. Perfect cards to send to your friends who have both a cat and a dog.
I like these for notes to my brother who has a Boston Terrier puppy and three cats (as shown in the picture above).
Black Cat All Occasion Card on Zazzle
This image of a black cat is a particular favorite of mine because it reminds me of my favorite black cat Spooky!
We Love Our Pets!
Yukari on Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0) |
Whether you own a dog, or have a cat that owns you, these pet related greeting cards are fun to give and receive.
Perhaps you don't have a cat or a dog, but instead have a bird, a horse, a gerbil or some other kind of pet animal. Or you are not a pet owner at all, but are a pet lover. No one can resist such cute images of animals.
*PS: February 20 is "Love Your Pet Day"
April 11 is National Pet Day!
More Greeting Card Suggestions
Susan Deppner has written a review about a wonderful source for printable greeting cards. These cards are available on Etsy. Quick downloadable files that you can print at home, ready to be delivered or mailed.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year to show your appreciation and thankfulness to people who are special to you. Reviewed by Mary Beth Granger.
Recycle your pretty greeting cards from Christmas or other times of the year into another greeting card. Cut off the front and paste it onto card stock or blank greeting cards. Make gift tags the same way. Tips & hints by Mickie_G.
Remember your far-away friends and family at Easter with a beautiful Easter card. Choose from cute or whimsical, or vintage cards that take us back in time. Or a special religious greeting card meant to remind us of the real meaning of Easter. Shared by Sylvestermouse.
© 2012 Wednesday-Elf. Updated 4/4/2024
Monday, July 4, 2016
Happy 4th of July!
Photo credit: Cynthia Sylvestermouse |
This is the day we have been preparing for and looking forward to for some time. Many of us are celebrating with friends and family. Some of us carry on traditions from one July 4th to the next. Regardless of how you are spending this day, the Contributors of Review This want to take a moment to wish you and yours a happy and safe 4th of July!
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Celebrate July 4th with Lighted USA Wall or Window Signs
Lighted USA Sign Via Amazon More Letters & Sign Choices Here |
- Valentines Day, spell out 'LOVE'
- How about 'EASTER'
- For someone's birthday, spell out their name in lights
- For Halloween, spell out 'BOO' in lights
- Of course, there's 'Merry Christmas'
- Use them for weddings, 'Bride & Groom' or spell out the couple's names
- How about 'The Bride Rocks'
- Or 'BrideZilla"
- or just get funny, and spell out something sarcastic and feature it in your front window!
Saturday, July 2, 2016
Reviewing July 4th Appetizers - Part III of Our 4th of July Menu
A Tasty Dip Appetizer
Deb Lindsey for the Washington Post |
Although I've not enjoyed hot and spicy food, I did enjoy this take on a south-of-the-border favorite. is a tasty dip appetizer that combines pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and a flavorful variation on tomatoes (tomatillos). It's simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time. That's a big help for busy folks who still want to have a great gathering for July 4th.
Pepita-Tomatillo Dip
The Washington Post newspaper published this recipe with it's variation from Food editor Joe Yonan. Be sure to check out his delightful addition of a touch of honey to make this a great addition for your July 4th celebration.
Refreshing July 4th Appetizer
I was delighted to find one of my favorite chefs, Jacques Pepin, has created a delicious and refreshing appetizer to enjoy for any July 4th celebration. His Watermelon with Feta Cheese and Mint adds a bright spot of color to your table. It doubles nicely as a salad, too. And who doesn't love double duty recipes?
This is a simple to make dish. But, fair warning - make on the day of your celebration for the best presentation. Watermelon tends to lose its crispness when stored for very long. The good news is that it takes very little time to make Watermelon with Feta Cheese and Mint. So enjoy this refreshing appetizer.
And Speaking of Watermelon Appetizers
Deb Lindsey for the Washington Post |
This is one simple recipe. (Hmm, I guess you might be noticing a theme in these appetizers - simple, easy.) Literally just run everything through a blender and serve. Tilak adds a topping if you want to do that. Frankly, I was just delighted with how delicious the base recipe was. But, you can make a nicer presentation with her basil, avocado, and red onion topping. And yes, this recipe works nicely to make ahead and store in the fridge.
More July 4th Menus from Review This
Be sure to check out more of Review This July 4th menus. Start with main dishes reviewed by Susan Depner. She offers up some fun, interesting and unique options for your celebration.
Then get all the patriotic dessert ideas you want from Sylvestermouse. She presents some of the most beautiful looking and delicious desserts.
Enjoy your 4th of July celebration and keep it safe.
Posted by: BuckHawk
About This Contributor
BuckHawk decribes herself as "Basically a lazy person who prefers the easy things in life." So that's what she writes about. Easy home decorating, easy recipes, easy entertaining. But, she is also a lover of animals, gardening and crafting. You'll find her writing all over the Web, but with Review This Reviews! she has the opportunity to write about all of her loves.
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