The growing popularity of Pickleball fascinates me! My mom loved playing this! Mom and Dad were Snowbirds; they spent winters in the southern USA. The community they stayed in played Pickleball, and Mom was really into it. Whenever I hear the word Pickleball I think of mom talking about it.
When I read that Pickleball is now going mainstream, I sort of giggled, thinking it was more of a senior sport. But guess what? It's growing amongst young people.
Being a lover of statistics, I had to research this! Below are some of the fascinating growth stats.
Why Is Pickleball So Popular?
It's easy to learn and inexpensive. Pickleball's accessibility is a key factor in its popularity. Unlike some sports that require years of practice, Pickleball is easy to pick up.
The rules are straightforward, and beginners can quickly get into the swing of things. Plus, it doesn't break the bank – you only need a paddle, a ball, and a court.
Celebrity Endorsements
Pickleball has indeed caught the attention of celebrities from various walks of life. From actors and musicians to athletes and influencers, the pickleball craze has spread like wildfire and become the latest trend in the celebrity world.
Some notable celebrity Pickleball team owners include Selena Gomez, Ellen DeGeneres, and Jim Berkus. It's popular! Here's an article that features some additional notable celebrities connected to the sport.
Pickleball by the Numbers Explosive Growth:
(A) 36.5 Million Players: From August 2021 to August 2022, over 36.5 million Americans played Pickleball.
(B) 158.6% Growth: The number of players increased by a staggering 85.7% in 2022 alone, with a three-year growth rate of 158.6% (2020-22).
Fastest-Growing Sport:
For three consecutive years (2020-2022), Pickleball has held the title of America's fastest-growing sport.
Average Age: Between 2020 and 2021, the average age of pickleball players dropped from 41 to 38.1, indicating a surge of interest among younger players.
Core Players: Those who play Pickleball more than eight times a year fall into the "core player" category. Their average age is 47.5 years.
Casual Players: Casual players who play at least once a year have an average age of 33.6 years.
Youth Appeal: The 18-34 age group constitutes 27.8% of players, with the highest participation rate. However, they also have the most casual players.
The Popularity of Pickleball: A Sport on the Rise
Senior Players: Remarkably, 33% of core players are over 65, emphasizing Pickleball's appeal across generations.
How to Play Pickleball
Court and Equipment: Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a net. Players use a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball.
Serving: The serving team starts the game by serving diagonally. The ball must bounce once before being returned.
Volley Zone: The non-volley zone (or "kitchen") near the net is crucial. Players cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing inside this zone.
Scoring: Points are scored only by the serving team. Games are typically played to 11 or 15 points, with a two-point lead.
Dinking and Smashing: Dinking involves soft shots close to the net while smashing is a powerful overhead shot.
Pickleball's rise from retirement communities to mainstream courts is a testament to its universal appeal. Whether you're a seasoned player or a curious beginner, grab a paddle and join the pickleball revolution! 🏓🥒
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The original oven baked beans of our childhoods were always SO good; cooked with lots of bacon and sweet molasses. Only problem is, they take a long time to prepare and cook.
As our children were growing up, we did a lot of camping, and cooked on a Coleman Stove and the camp's grill. We always enjoyed having baked beans with our grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. But, without an oven, and having a time constraint out in the campgrounds, oven baked beans was not an option. Therefore, my hubby, Bob, came up with his own version of camper baked beans, which he named Bob's Top-of-the-Stove baked beans.
After our children grew up, they began to make this recipe both in camp and at home. Quite quick to prepare and always tasty, it has become a standard favorite in our family.
Cut up bacon slices into one or two inch squares. Chop the onion.
Begin by sauteing the bacon and onion together. When done to your preference, pour off excess bacon grease (leaving a small bit for flavor).
Add the can of Pork & Beans.
Add all the other ingredients.
Simmer for 15-20 minutes to heat through and blend all the ingredients.
As the beans simmer, add more ketchup and/or brown sugar to your tasting preference. This is an extremely variable recipe, so exact amounts are not given in the ingredients. Personally, I prefer lots of ketchup and enough brown sugar for that 'sweet' taste. Taste and adjust amounts to your own satisfaction as the beans simmer.
NOTE: We always used a Corning Ware pan (as shown in the accompanying pictures), so everything can be cooked in one pan. Otherwise, you might wish to saute the bacon and onion in a frying pan, then add them and the other ingredients together in a sauce pan.
*Explanation for the *starred items in the recipe: the number of bacon strips and the amount of onion used are negotiable! Personally, we like LOTS of bacon and plenty of onion. Adjust each to your own personal preference.
Summary
Bob's Top-of-the-Stove Baked Beans Recipe is easy & quick, and definitely delicious. And it's one of those recipes that works equally as well cooked on the stove-top in your kitchen or on a camp stove at a campsite.
It is most definitely a favorite in our family.
*All images are the personal photos of (c) Wednesday Elf
*Bob's Top-of-the-Stove Baked Beans Recipe is brought to you by Wednesday Elf
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If you looking for an easy and healthy appetizer to serve at your next gathering, look no further than these easy spinach ball appetizers. These bite-sized delights are packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor. Whether hosting a party or craving a tasty snack, these spinach balls are the perfect choice.
This is one of those recipes we had packed away and had not made for some time. This past Holiday season, Fran was going through some old recipes and found our spinach ball recipe.
We both thought wow we haven't made these in a long time. So, we decided to make them and we're so glad we did.
Spinach Ball Ingredients:
2 cups( 2-10 boxes) frozen chopped spinach
3 large eggs
2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Thaw and pat dry the spinach.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll into bite-sized balls.
Place them on a greased cookie sheet or lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
Cool for a few minutes before serving.
These spinach balls are a great way to incorporate healthy greens into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Spinach balls are a perfect appetizer for any party or just as a snack.
If we have any leftovers we freeze them. You can take them out of the freezer and pop them in the oven to warm them up for a snack. I like them plain, but you can experiment with different dipping sauces if you like.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
National Drink Wine Day is held on February 18 each year. No one knows who chose this day to specifically drink wine, but it is nice to know that there is a special day of the year set aside to enjoy it (assuming you are over 21, of course).
The origin of Drink Wine Day is unknown, but it was probably created by either a winemaker or a wine connoisseur.
Benefits of Drinking Wine
Photo Credit: Pixabay
Drinking wine has benefits beyond the fact that it tastes good.
Wine in moderation has health benefits for your heart and in lowering the risk of certain kinds of cancers, diabetes and liver disease.
Other benefits include enhancing the flavors of spices, fruits and sauces when paired with the right meal.
A glass of wine helps us relax and learning about wines keeps our minds sharp.
How to Celebrate National Drink Wine Day
Have a memorable evening by sharing wine with friends or that someone special.
Attend a wine-tasting event and try out different kinds of wine.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
Go on a winery tour. Two wineries reviewed here on this Review This Reviews! site include:
Happily, there is more than one day of the year set aside to enjoy wine. They include:
Open That Bottle Night – Dorothy Gaither and John Becher created this day to encourage people to reconnect with each other over a good bottle of wine or champagne. It is held on the last Saturday in February each year.
National Wine and Cheese Day - A day to celebrate pairing wine and cheese, providing an opportunity to sample some of our favorites. This holiday is held on July 25th.
Drink Local Wine Week - The second full week in October brings us this annual event that hopefully encourages bloggers and wine columnists to write about their local wines.
International Merlot Day – On November 7th we can celebrate one of the world's most popular red wines. It is also a day to encourage those who have never tried Merlot to give it a try.
Wine Tourism Day – This day, held on the second Saturday in November, features wineries and wine-related events all over the world.
Summery
If you enjoy drinking wine, pop the cork on your favorite bottle of wine and celebrate National Drink Wine Day this February 18th.
A Wine Chuckle
“I cook with wine. Sometimes I even add it to the food" :)
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Polish Pottery is a type of folk art stoneware that originated in the early 1800s and was believed to be inspired by a peacock feather. It is made of the clay that is unique to that region in Boleslawiec and hand-painted using brushes and sponges. The firing temperatures result in a stoneware that is durable and resistant to chipping, cracking, and fading. I absolutely love Polish Pottery.
my new soup bowl #C38
My desire to collect Polish Pottery began decades ago. I first saw the stoneware at a festival; I believe at the National Apple Harvest Festival in Pennsylvania. I fell in love with the bright colors instantly. The pieces are pricey (especially related to my budget back then) but I was able to purchase a small blue, white, and yellow bowl that I thought I would use for trinkets on my dresser top. I treated that little ceramic bowl with care as I did not yet understand how incredibly durable polish pottery is. Over the years that bowl has stored trinkets, served dipping sauces, and has been a water bowl for my little quail in the winter time when it is so cold that their regular water bottles have frozen and they need a drink while I'm defrosting their bottles. The shine and paint on this first bowl is as bright and beautiful as the day I purchased it all those years ago.
two of my small ice cream bowls
Previously, I thought the only way that I could buy my annual piece of Polish Pottery was to either attend festivals that included handcrafted items booths and Polish Pottery vendors. This past year at the National Apple Harvest Festival I sought out that booth, Gettysburg Polish Pottery, and was thrilled to be able to buy a large bowl. I believe it is listed as a cereal bowl but I feel that it is larger than what I usually think of as cereal bowls. To me, it is a large pasta bowl. Or a bowl for a large serving of chili on a cold winter day.
I was planning to buy another bowl of that size soon. So I reached out to Gettysburg Polish Pottery on their social media sites. I did not know how to determine the correct number or name of my bowl. I received an immediate answer and help finding the item number of my bowl. My bowl is a "C38". I was equipped to order another bowl that is the same size.
The wonderful thing about Polish Pottery is that you can order all of your items in the same paint style. You can build an entire serving set that matches. OR you can do as I do, and order single pieces in the colors and prints that appeal to you in any given moment.
I believe that Gettysburg Polish Pottery does mail orders. But I had planned to drive up to their store or mail order my next piece. Then one day, while randomly browsing Amazon, I found a Polish Pottery C38 bowl in the same design as that very first bowl I purchased.
Honestly, I was a bit concerned with ordering a popular, handcrafted item from Amazon. I once thought I was ordering two boxes of authentic Mason Jars and instead received two single jars, of thin glass, from China. But even with that adventure in the back of my mind, I ordered a Polish Pottery bowl from the Polish Pottery Gallery Amazon Store.
I am THRILLED with my purchase. The bowl was packed (stuffed with paper to pad it - not styrofoam) and boxed in a way that prevented breaking. It is (as far as I can tell) an authentic Polish Pottery item. They advertise their pieces as "certified Quality 1". And best of all, it is hand-painted in that design that I first fell in love with.
Searching the Polish Pottery Gallery on Amazon
If you know the number of the piece you are looking for, you can search for that on the Polish Pottery Gallery Amazon store. When I searched for my bowl, using just it's number "C38", this is the variety of my bowls they currently have available.
insert included with my order
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
One of the best things about holiday parties is the food and of the food, my favorite is the dips! We always have lots of different kinds of dip at our family party, but after 50+ years we were getting a bit tired of the same variety of dips and dippers. So one year I decided to find a new and unusual dip to bring to the family party. I looked through cook books and websites. I called friends. I even tried to make some dips from scratch. It was a failure of epic proportions.
Then one day I ran across a very old cook book that I got from my Mom when she passed. It is so old it looks like it was run off a Ditto Master. Remember those? The paper had gone yellow with age and the cover was gone. There was no sign of where it came from or who had put it together. Mysterious!
I began leafing through the small book and found lots of recipes I had never heard of and among them was exactly what I was looking for. Something I had never seen before, but sounded delicious!
Gingerbread Dip
Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
1 1/3 cups freshly whipped cream (I used Cool Whip)
Beat and stir the cream cheese until smooth. (I used an electric mixer for about a minute)
Slowly tap in the powdered and brown sugars and stir until completely combined. (I beat with my mixer for about a minute and a half)
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and molasses.
Add this mixture to the cream cheese and sugars and stir until thoroughly combined. (used my mixer for about a minute, scraping the sides)
Fold in whipped cream and stir gently till completely mixed. (I did this by hand, but you could use a mixer)
Now before you chill this dip, it is better to put it in its serving bowl because once chilled it is harder to smooth it into a serving container.
This old recipe did not say what to serve this dip with, but the suggestions really are endless. A few off the top of my head are small butter cookies, honey graham crackers, vanilla wafers and even pretzels for those that like the sweet/salty taste.
When I made a trial run of this dip, I used honey grahams to dip because it was all I had on hand. However, when I made it for the family party, I used grahams, butter cookies and apple slices. (make sure you don't forget to soak them in lemon water so they don't turn brown) and all were equally well received.
My old fashioned dip was a hit! It was pretty much cleaned out by the end of the night and I received many compliments on my new and unusual contribution. I was elated. In the car, on the way home, I wondered what other gems were hidden in that old, weathered cookbook. I intended to find out!
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
One of my favorite gifts to give or receive is genuine wax flameless candles
with a lovely, flickering "flame," a timer, and a remote control that lets me
"light" them or "blow them out" from across the room at the touch of a button.
When flameless wax candles first came out, the quality of the "flame" from
most manufacturers was pretty poor. Fortunately, the technology has improved
and prices have come down a bit over the years. Now you can buy nice ones that
are suitable for both gift-giving and home decor at moderate as well as
premium prices.
Whether you buy a single flameless pillar candle, a pair of tapers, or a set
of votives, they're sure to add beauty and timeless elegance to your home and
be a gift that keeps on giving.
Flameless wax candles are elegant and safe to leave unattended. My
favorites also include a timer and remote control that let you "light"
and "blow them out" from across the room.
Why Choose Flameless Candles?
Here are some of the qualities that make flameless candles appealing for both
gifts and home decor, during the holidays and year-round.
Long-Lasting Beauty
These flameless candles let you enjoy the timeless beauty of genuine wax
candles that never burn down. We have used ours frequently for many years with
no end to our enjoyment in sight (unless we run out of batteries).
Flickering LED "Flame"
The flame on these LED flameless candles moves randomly to simulate the
flicker of an open flame on a traditional wax candle. Close-up, of course, no
one will mistake it for a real flame. However, from farther away, the "dancing
flame" effect can be quite realistic.
No Drips
Unlike traditional candles with wicks, the wax body of these flameless candles
remains at room temperature and won't melt or drip (unless you subject them to
excessive heat). A grouping of pillars or some tapers make a lovely
centerpiece that can't set your tablecloth on fire if they're accidentally
knocked over while passing a serving dish. You could even use them on a finely
finished antique wood table without fear of marring the surface.
No Smoke
Another advantage is that flameless candles are smoke-free. You can "burn" as
many of these beautiful candles as your heart desires without worrying about
setting off the smoke alarm! I love the look of candles everywhere, especially
during the holidays.
Candlelight That's Safe for the Whole Family
Since there isn't an open flame, these flameless candles can be left
unattended, unlike traditional wax candles. They're safe to leave on in your
windows during the holidays. They provide a romantic glow in the bedroom, with
no worries if you happen to fall asleep before turning them off.
They're also safe to use around children and pets.
Perfect for the Dark Winter Months
Here in New England, the winter months can be brutally cold and the sun sets quite early. We have flameless LED candles in nearly every room of our house, and during the winter we set them to turn on at dusk, so we never have to walk into a completely dark room. The LEDs draw very little power, so a set of batteries usually lasts us the whole winter and beyond.
Two of our Luminara flameless pillar candles with our set of three
color-changing flameless pillars
Luminara Flameless Candles: Perfect for Gifting
There are many brands of flameless candles, and the quality can vary
significantly. We've tried a few inexpensive brands and have mostly been
disappointed. The brand we count on for consistently high quality is Luminara.
Luminara makes top-of-the-line flameless candles made of hand-poured paraffin
wax. Most styles have a timer and a remote, and all are boxed for easy
gift-giving.
The company offers a wide range of styles, from everyday essentials to
specialty items like real birch flameless candles filled with paraffin wax
(gorgeous for country or rustic home decor) and Christmas-themed styles.
Here are some of my favorites.
This set of three Luminara melted edge wax pillar candles is one of the company's best
sellers. The graduated-height, 3-inch wide pillars are 4.5", 5.5" and 6.5"
tall, respectively.
The included remote control operates all three candles. Even if you split them up and place them in three different locations, you can control each one with the same remote, which is very convenient.
These are unscented (although Luminara does make some scented styles), so they're ideal for someone who is sensitive to scents, has allergies, or prefers to use other home fragrance products such as potpourri or sprays.
These also come in a choice of colors. I think the burgundy is very festive for the holidays and would be great as an accent color in a mostly neutral decor palette, while ivory or white are more subtle and very elegant any time of year.
We own this set of three pillars in ivory as well as a tall pillar in a
discontinued color (blue sage) that coordinates with our living room color
scheme.
Another choice that will grace your or your gift recipient's dining table for
years to come is this set of Luminara ivory flameless wax tapers.
Elegant wax tapers are a classic, timeless style for good reason. Classic elegance with the safety and convenience of a flameless "flame" is a win-win!
Measuring 1" wide by 9.75" high, these flameless tapers can be used in any standard taper candle holder. Even reheated leftovers can become a festive meal with these flickering beauties on the dining table.
Although these do not come with a remote control, they do have a timer function that allows them to turn on for 5 hours and then shut off automatically for 19 hours.
These
flameless taper candles come in classic ivory as well as a variety of colors
for a more contemporary style.
As with all Luminara candles, they come nicely boxed for easy gift-giving.
Another of my favorite flameless candle styles is this hand-poured Luminara wax pillar wrapped in genuine birch bark.
Every time I see one in a store I am tempted to add one to our collection. We bought one as a gift for my mother-in-law this Christmas and she loves it!
This is available in a selection of sizes including 3.5" x 4.5", 3.5" x 6.5", 4" x 5" and 4" x 7".
Just one of these is striking enough to make a statement in any room. Investing in a group of them in different sizes would make a real conversation-piece display!
The on/off switch on the bottom also has a timer setting.
Although this beautiful birch pillar doesn't come with a remote, it is compatible with Luminara's on/off remote, sold separately, which is well worth the extra money, in my opinion. We use our Luminara remotes all the time.
Color-Changing Flameless Candles
One of the best gifts I ever gave my husband was a set of three color-changing
wax flameless candles. I prefer white Christmas lights and he prefers colored
ones, and it was a big concession for him to go with white icicle lights along
our roof and on our Christmas tree. So, one year I decided to give him a form
of colored lights we both could enjoy: color-changing flameless candles.
These turned out to be an even bigger hit than I had hoped. I took a video of
ours to show the color-changing effect, which was hard to capture on video and
is MUCH prettier in person. (If you can't see the YouTube video below, you can
access it via this link to my
color-changing flameless candles video.)
In real life, the color changes are smooth and seamless, and the unsightly
flickering of the image caused by the low-resolution video doesn't exist. I
wish I could show just how beautiful these are in person!
The candles have an on/off switch and a remote control that allows you not
only to turn the candles on and off but also to choose from a wide range of
different colors or rotate through the colors, as shown in the video.
There is also a timer feature, which we use to automatically turn on the
candles in our bedroom at dusk and turn off either 4 or 8 hours later,
depending on the time of year (and how late dusk arrives).
The brand I purchased a couple of years ago is no longer available. However, I
found a similar set with a subtle, elegant, tone-on-tone damask pattern in
the wax shell that makes them even prettier, in my opinion.
If you want to splurge, Luminara also makes lovely color-changing pillars.
Don't Forget Batteries!
Whether you're buying these for yourself or as a gift, make sure to also buy the appropriate batteries for your candles and, if applicable, the remote control.
The set of three Luminara pillar candles, the smaller Luminara birch pillars, and the Luminara tapers take AA batteries. The larger Luminara birch pillars take D batteries. The remote takes a CR2025 button battery.
The three candles in the set of color-changing pillars I featured all run on AA batteries.
Beauty, long life, safety, and convenience — just some of the reasons to treat yourself and those on your gift list to some genuine wax flameless candles!
Genuine Wax Flameless Candles — An Elegant Gift Everyone Will Love by Margaret Schindel
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Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
