Stop, You're Killing Me! Website Review

As the site administrators state in their banner, 

Stop, You're Killing Me! is a website to die for...if you love mysteries!

It is a resource for lovers of mystery, crime, thriller, spy, and suspense books.

A Mystery Book Website

The Stop, You're Killing Me! name is perfect for fans of the mystery/suspense genre.  It is a list filled with over 5,500 authors, each with a page having a chronological list of their books.  Over 66,000 titles are listed on this site, both series (6,600) and non-series. 

There are two sets of the alphabet at the top of the page – one for authors and one for characters – each with a clickable link.  Say you are interested in books by John Sandford (one of my favorite authors!). Click on the 'S' in the authors alphabet and it brings up all the authors whose last name begins with 'S'. Scroll down that page to find 'John Sandford', then click on that link.  Now you have a page of all the books written by Sandford, divided by series and then non-series.

Each section in a series is preceded by a description of the main character. (Ex: Lucas Davenport, police detective and war games designer in Minneapolis, Minnesota) 

Under the character description, you will find a list of every book in that series ~ the title followed by the date published, should you wish to begin with book one in the series and read them in order.  Each title has a clickable link which takes you to an Amazon page where you can read a description of the story (and/or purchase the book). The administrators of the site use these links to Amazon as a way of financing their website and because just about any book on the list is available there. 

Conversely, say you know the name of a story character (Lucas Davenport), but you cannot remember the name of the author. Use the 'character alphabet', click on 'D' for Davenport, again scroll down the list, click on the name and it will take you to the same page with a list of books starring Lucas Davenport. 

At the top of each author page is also the name of the author, DOB, and link to his/her Author Website. Interesting facts are also included at times; for instance under John Sandford's name at the top of his page is the name John Camp, which is Sandford's real name. 

Image Source: Pixabay

Mystery lovers who are searching for a new or favorite author or character have several other ways they can search this website. Down the left-hand side of the page is a box with more links for searches. Do you really love stories that take place in Australia? There is a Location Index by country which denotes the location of the stories' character's home base.  

Ex: Jean Bedford (author)

  • Anna Southwood: private enquiry agent in Sydney, Australia

Then, should you want even more information, you can click on the character's link and it will take you to the author's page and list all the books starring that character. 

Another fascinating way to search, depending upon your interest in this genre, is by the Genre Index. What! You say! It's a mystery book site; isn't THAT the Genre?

Actually, there are various forms to this genre. Under the Genre Index you can find books in the Cozy Mysteries field. There are stories based around Holidays. There are books listed from Humorous Mysteries to Romantic Suspense to Psychological Suspense to Police Procedural to Thrillers. You can even find books in the Science Fiction & Fantasy area and also True Crime stories. There is a field and a subject for just about anyone. 

And that is just a few of the many categories in the mystery field on this website.  Look here for the Stop, You're Killing Me website and check out all the information it offers. 

History of SYKM

The site was originally begun by Bonny Brown in 1998. She wanted to create a resource for anyone who loves a good mystery.  When Bonny had to leave due to illness, the website was taken over in 2006 – and is maintained to this day – by Mystery lovers and readers Lucinda Surber and Stan Ulrich. They put out two newsletters each month – on the first and on the fifteenth - with the latest updates to new books released in hardcover, paperback, e-books, audio books and Large Print.  One newsletter per month will also list books selected for one of the many awards this genre gives out. Another feature of a newsletter lists some new books Lucinda and Stan are currently reading, with a synopsis of each book. 

*Note: I enjoy the way each newsletter ends with a note from the website administrators: 

You made it to the end — go find a book to read! 

Summary

I absolutely LOVE this website and use it several times a month. I also look forward with great anticipation to the bi-monthly newsletters to keep track of new books coming out by my favorite authors. Sometimes I use the site simply to look up a mystery author I've recently discovered to see a list of other books by the same author or about the same character I've enjoyed getting to know. (I DO love mystery series). 

I've been a fan of the SYKM website for more than 15 years. I even keep a notebook of author's pages I print off from the site, listing all the books by my favorite authors (filed alphabetically) which I add to regularly and mark 'own' or 'read' after each title.  I would miss so many good 'Reads' in mysteries without this wonderful website. 

Source: Pixabay

So if you love mysteries like I do and are looking for a new book to read, or want a list of all books by a favorite author, Stop You're Killing Me! (SYKM) is the site for you! 

For Reviews of many mystery books read by our contributors, check out: ReviewThisReviews:Mystery Books

*Stop, You're Killing Me Website Review written by Wednesday Elf, who reads mysteries all the time! 

Links:

• Stop, You're Killing Me!
• ReviewThisReviews: Books

*For Your Reading Pleasure, here is a Selection of the Most Recent Best Sellers in Mystery Books on Amazon

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.”

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Reacher TV Series Reviewed (Season 1 - 2022)

My husband and I spent the last two nights watching the new TV series, "Reacher", based on the character in the books by Lee Child. Obviously, it was a spellbinding series since we watched all 8 episodes in 2 nights. We probably would have watched them all the first night if we had started them earlier in the evening.

I'll start this review by telling you what I liked best about this series, then I will share what I didn't like about the series. Normally, if I am recommending a movie or book, I don't talk about my personal negative opinions. However, in the case of this Amazon Original series, I do think anyone considering watching the shows should be prepared.

What I liked best: the actor that played Jack Reacher. Alan Ritchson is the perfect choice! Totally believable as a former US Army major in the military police with a history of handling difficult cases and standing in harms way.

Something else I liked: the story. It is a captivating suspense. It was not easy to guess who was a good guy and who was a bad guy. That shocking element is always appreciated in a suspense story.

What I don't like: the nudity, the gory images, and one other main character that was not believable as the character she played. I watch a variety of movies with my husband, son, father & brothers. I am hardened to a lot of scenes and images, but this series takes them to an unnecessary extreme level. 

I do recommend this series for adults only.  Just be prepared to close your eyes at times.

Reacher Series Synopsis

 Reacher: Season One
Available to Stream or on DVD or Blu=RayCheck Price Jack Reacher shows up in Margrave, Georgia at the worst possible time for himself, but at the best time for Margrave.  As the new stranger in town, he is immediately suspected as the murderer when 2 bodies are found.  

He is arrested for the murders, sent to jail, "accidentally" placed in the "lifers" section of the prison, and forced to defend himself and others. However, as soon as he is released, he starts working with the police to find the real killers because one of the victims is someone very special to him.

Current events, memories, past decisions & actions, lifestyle, friends and family are all recounted and questioned throughout the series. We learn a lot about Jack Reacher, past & present, and find he is someone we would all like to know and have around when needed.

Not only is this a suspenseful series, but it will tug at your heartstrings and perhaps, even pull a tear (or two) from your eyes.

More Great Movies Reviewed

Check Out More Movie Reviews at
ReviewThisMovies.com

Reacher TV Series Reviewed (Season 1 - 2022) by:

 

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.”

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The Best Low Carb Keto Sandwich and Burger Buns Mix

One of the hardest things about sticking to a keto diet or low carb lifestyle is finding good, grain-free alternatives to conventional wheat bread, rolls, buns, etc. The same is true for people with food allergies or other medical conditions that require following a dairy-free, sugar-free, grain-free (or wheat-free) or gluten-free diet.

While a burger wrapped in lettuce or sandwiched between pieces of low carb, keto-friendly bread (or whatever wrapper meets your dietary restrictions) is fine, sometimes you just want to eat a burger inside a real hamburger bun. The challenge is finding one with a good enough taste and texture that also fits within your preferred (or medically necessary) healthy eating lifestyle.

Today, I'll share my product review of KetoBakes Best EVER Sandwich Buns Keto Bake Mix, the best low carb keto sandwich and burger buns mix I have found since 2019, when I started my keto weight loss diet that helped me lose nearly 60 pounds and then continued to follow a healthy low carb lifestyle.

UPDATE:  July, 2023 KetoBakes has announced that it is going out of business. I will try to find a good replacement for their wonderful keto sandwich and burger buns mix.

Low Carb, Keto Friendly Burger Buns With a Great Taste and Texture

I have tried quite a few commercial low carb burger buns that claimed to be keto friendly. My favorite from a taste and texture perspective are the Sola Golden Wheat Hamburger Buns, which have a taste and texture that resemble their high-carb counterparts more than most. They're soft, sturdy enough to hold up well as a "hamburger holder" or sandwich bun, and both the taste and texture are improved after a minute or two in a toaster oven. They are baked fresh weekly, are shipped frozen and defrost in transit, and the company recommends freezing them upon receipt and thawing them as needed. 

They contain 14g of protein, which is great, and 11g of dietary fiber. They also contain 19g total carbs and 6g net carbs after you subtract the 11g of fiber and 2g of sugar alcohol (erythritol), which can be a bit high for someone who is trying to lose weight on a ketogenic diet and has a low daily net carb limit. 

Even though they are marketed as "keto-friendly," they contain ingredients such as wheat that are fine for people who are doing so-called "dirty keto" or "lazy keto" but don't fit the requirements for a "clean keto" or strict keto diet. They also contain some ingredients that are food allergens and, therefore, make them off-limits to my friends and family members who need to eat gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, grain-free or even just wheat-free. So, while I really like the Sola Golden Wheat Hamburger Buns, I also wanted to find some low carb burger buns that had not only a satisfying taste and texture but also fewer net carbs and only "clean keto" ingredients. 

I have tried a couple of very good low carb recipes for keto burger buns for when I have the time, energy and inclination to bake from scratch, but since we eat burgers twice a week, I wanted low carb burger buns that were either ready-to-use or quick and easy to prepare, especially during the hot summer months. Ideally, they would also be wheat-free, grain-free, sugar-free, soy-free and gluten-free, so all my friends and family members could enjoy them, and a less expensive option than the Sola burger buns would be a bonus.   

I tried several keto baking mixes for burger and sandwich buns. Unfortunately, most were disappointing in their taste, texture, or both. Recently, however, I tried a mix from a company I had not heard of before but that had great product reviews: KetoBakes Best EVER Sandwich Buns Keto Bake Mix. My expectations weren't very high, based on my experiences with other keto sandwich bun mixes. Frankly, as someone with a professional background in product marketing, I also was skeptical of a product name that made such a bold marketing claim.

To my surprise (and delight), the KetoBakes Best EVER Sandwich Buns Keto Bake Mix really does live up to its name, based on my experience so far with burger bun mixes from competing keto baking mix brands. (I'm always trying new products that fit my low carb lifestyle, so if another challenger de-thrones the KetoBakes low carb sandwich buns mix, I'll update this product review.) 

Why KetoBakes Sandwich Buns Baking Mix Really Is the "Best EVER" Keto Burger Buns Mix

Why do I think KetoBakes Best EVER Sandwich Buns Keto Bake Mix lives up to its name?

This bun made with KetoBakesBest EVER Sandwich Buns Keto Bake Mix is large (and tall) enough for a burger. You can see how nicely the tops brown and the airy texture that keeps these low carb buns from being dense or heavy, like so many keto baked goods.

Superior Taste and Texture

This mix produces low carb sandwich buns that aren't overly dense, bland, tough or spongy, unlike many other keto-friendly buns. The dough contains yeast, so the buns are light and full of tiny air pockets, while being sturdy enough for a burger or sandwich that you can pick up and eat with your hands without worrying about it crumbling, tearing or sagging. 

I find them similar in texture to sandwich buns from a good artisan bakery!

High Protein, Moderate Fat, High Fiber, 0g Net Carbs

Dividing the prepared dough into 8 portions makes buns that are a good size for a burger or sandwich.

Nutrition Facts

8 servings per container
Serving size: 1/8 (31g)

	Per 1/8 dry mix	Per baked bun (1/8 prepared dough)
Calories	130	140
Total Fat	10g	10g
Sat. Fat	1g	1g
Trans Fat	0g	0g
Cholesterol	0mg	0mg
Sodium	360mg	410mg
Total Carbohydrate	9g	9g
Dietary Fiber	8g	8g
Total Sugars	<1g	1g
Added Sugars	0g	0g
Sugar Alcohol (Erythritol)	1g	1g
Protein	5g	8g
Net Carbs 9g total carbs-8g dietary fiber-1g sugar alcohols = 0 net carbs	0g net carbs	0g net carbs

Non-GMO, Wholesome, Clean Keto Ingredients

KetoBakes Best EVER Sandwich Buns Keto Bake Mix contains the same wholesome, "clean" ingredients I use when I bake low carb, grain-free sandwich buns from scratch: 

• Non-GMO blanched almond flour
• Organic psyllium husk
• Certified gluten-free oat fiber
• Non-GMO erythritol
• Himalayan pink salt
• Baking yeast
• Aluminum-free baking powder
• Xanthan gum
• Pure stevia extract powder

There's nothing that I can't pronounce or am not familiar with from baking keto recipes and no chemical preservatives.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

Just mix 1 cup of egg whites, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water in a mixing bowl, add in the mix and stir by hand or with an electric mixer for 1 minute (batter will be thick and have a "porridge-like" consistency). Let it rest for 5 minutes to thicken further, then portion the dough with a measuring scoop into 8 portions, either on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a mesh silicone hamburger bun mold. (Note: If baking the buns in this type of mold, increase the egg whites to 1.5 cups.)

Bake in a preheated 350 ℉ oven for approximately 55 minutes (covering with foil after 35–40 minutes if the tops are browning too quickly). Allow the baked buns to cool for 10 minutes before slicing or freezing.

I love that, even though this baking mix contains yeast, you don't have to wait for the prepared dough to rise!

Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free, Grain-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free

The mix is manufactured in a dedicated gluten-free facility, and both the mix and the prepared buns can accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences and food allergy restrictions. 

The Baked Buns Freeze Beautifully and Thaw Quickly

Since the mix contains no chemical preservatives, KetoBakes says the baked buns will keep at room temperature for one day, in the refrigerator for one week, or in zippered food storage bags in the freezer for up to four weeks. However, I have stored them successfully in the freezer for significantly longer inside my favorite Stasher Stand-Up Mega Sized Silicone Reusable Storage Bag, which has an innovative air-tight, PINCH-LOC seal that's a cinch to zip and unzip (unlike most zippered food storage bags).

The frozen buns thaw quickly and taste even better lightly toasted!

Less Expensive Than My Favorite Ready-to-Eat Low Carb Sandwich and Burger Buns

High quality keto and low carb baked goods and baking mixes are, of necessity more expensive to produce than their conventional, big brand name counterparts, thanks to the higher cost of cleaner, more nutritious ingredients (e.g., almond flour and natural sweeteners vs. wheat flour and cane sugar). The best quality mixes made with wholesome, less processed, healthier ingredients are also often made by smaller companies. Both these factors contribute to the higher retail price of good quality of high quality, healthy, low carb, keto-friendly baked goods and baking mixes.

The Sola Golden Wheat Hamburger Buns are already baked and ready to eat. Naturally, that convenience costs more. I always order six packages of four, since the price per bun for a single package of four is cost-prohibitive. As of this post's publication date, a two-pack of 4 Sola hamburger buns (8 buns) costs $13.99, or $3.50 per bun(!), whereas a six-pack (24 buns) costs $32.10, or $1.33 per bun.

A single bag of KetoBakes Best EVER Sandwich Buns Keto Bake Mix makes 8 large buns and sells on Amazon for $9.99 as of this writing, or $1.25 per bun plus the cost of the added egg whites and apple cider vinegar. The price for a 3-pack of the mix (24 buns) is $29.99, which comes out to the same price per bun as the single bag of mix. You can also buy a 6-pack of the mix (48 buns) for $55.23, bringing down the cost to $1.15 per bun (plus the cost of the egg whites and vinegar).

Versatile Keto-Friendly Baking Mix for Sandwich Buns, Burger Buns, Dinner Rolls or Baguettes

In addition to making delicious sandwich buns, the prepared KetoBakes Best EVER Sandwich Buns Keto Bake Mix dough can be portioned out with a 1/3-cup scoop to make 10–11 dinner rolls or shaped into baguettes no wider than 3" in diameter. The package directions provide the adjusted baking times for these variations.

Family-Owned Small Business

I love to find great products from small, family-owned businesses, especially when the quality is superior to what is available from the big-name brands and huge, multinational corporations that dominate the food industry and sacrifice quality for profits.

I also trust small, family-owned companies like KetoJoy and its KetoBakes brand low carb baking mixes, whose owners put their faces, names, personal stories and passion for their mission on their products and marketing.

If you've been looking for great-tasting, healthy, low carb, keto-friendly sandwich and burger buns with wholesome, non-GMO, clean ingredients, I'm confident that you'll love KetoBakes Best EVER Sandwich Buns Keto Bake Mix as much as I do!

The Best Low Carb Keto Sandwich and Burger Buns Mix by Margaret Schindel

Posts About My Keto Diet Journey

My First Year on The Keto Diet

Preparing to Succeed on the Keto Diet, Part One

Preparing to Succeed on the Keto Diet, Part Two

Low Carb Muffins & Cupcakes: Treats to Enjoy on a Keto Diet

Low Carb Keto Chocolate Yogurt Granola Chip Pudding Recipe

Good Dee’s Keto Cookie Low Carb Baking Mix Review

Hamama Microgreens Growing Kit Review & Success Tips

My Favorite Hamama Microgreens Seed Quilt Accessories

Keto Cheddar Cheese Biscuits With Chives Recipe

The Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe

The Best Low Carb Keto Gift Ideas: Keto Gift Guide

The Best Low Carb Keto Cinnamon Muffins

Wholesome Yum Keto Bread Mix and Yeast Bread Recipe

The Good Chocolate 100% Organic No Sugar Dark Chocolate Review

The Best Advice to Maintain Your Keto Diet Weight Loss

My New Irresistibly Delicious Keto Cheese Crackers Recipe

Luscious Low Carb Keto Triple Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Quick & Easy Livlo Blueberry Scones Keto Baking Mix Review

Snack Better With The Best Healthy Keto Cookie Dough Bites

The Best Quick and Easy Low Carb Keto Pizza Recipe

The Best Quick and Easy Low Carb Keto Shortcake Cupcakes Recipe

Comparing the Best Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spreads - No Added Sugars

The Best Low Carb Keto Sandwich and Burger Buns Mix

Blueberry Biscuit Scones — New, Easy, Low Carb Keto Recipe

The Best Keto Pizza Crust Mix With 0 Net Carbs

An Unusual, Delicious Strawberry Chocolate Tea With 0 Calories

Delicious Sugar-Free Keto Cookies That OREO Fans Will Love

Healthy Pistachio Cherry Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cereal Treats Recipe

Easy, Decadent, High Protein, Sugar-Free Rocky Road Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

The Best Quick & Easy Low Carb Sausage and Ricotta Calzones

How to Make Refreshing Vanilla Italian Soda (With or Without Cream)

Reviews of the Keto Diet by Barbara C. (aka Brite-Ideas)

My Personal Keto Testimonial

How I Stayed Committed to the Ketogenic Way of Eating

Read More Food Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

Read More Product Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

Read More Reviews About Health and Wellness by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

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.”

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Erin Napier The Lantern House Book Review

Erin Napier’s The Lantern House is exactly what you would expect from a mother who also happens to be the designer of a hugely popular HGTV decorating show like Home Town. It’s a children’s picture book, which tells the story of a house as it becomes a home, effectively sharing the life cycle of a house. 

Napier’s simple, sweet pose combine to take us on the house’s journey. The story starts with a new 1940s-era house and follows as the house grows and develops when a family moves in, when children are born, when they grow up and leave and when the couple grows old until just one of them remains and finally, the family’s ownership or stewardship of the house comes to an end. The house waits until a new family arrives and it starts the process again. There's a lot to think about here. The book shares as a house does both life's happy and life's sad moments.

What started as a story for Erin and Ben Napier’s daughters is now available for all of us to enjoy. According to People magazine, Napier said, "The house is a watcher, a keeper and a guardian of the families that live there.” It starts as a shell but the occupants make it become more human, taking on life along with those who take up home within the walls.

Napier says it seemed natural for her to write a story about a house for her children because she has worked with and learned the story of so many houses. On one page of the book, the family’s daughter is married at the hearth, a story directly taken from the history of the author’s own home. See what the author has to say about the book in this short video:

FAST FACTS:

Author - Erin Napier
Illustrator - Adam Trest
Format - Hardcover picture book
Pages - 40 
Publication Date - May 2022
Publisher - Little Brown
Size - 9 inches x 9 inches x 0.4 inches
ISBN Number - 9780316379601
Age Recommendation - Preschool to Grade 3

The book is illustrated by American artist Adam Trest. He illustrates this particular story with a lively blue house, a red-headed family and a spirited dog that everyone will love.

The Lantern House is a lovely story book for any child, sharing the story of both family and home. However, besides being appropriate for children, I think it would also make an unusual but interesting gift choice for any book-loving young couple taking up residence in a house and beginning the process of growing their own home and family or even for anyone who simply loves houses. Find The Lantern House here on Amazon.

See you
at the bookstore!
Brenda

MORE CHILDREN'S BOOKS:

A Treasury of the World's Greatest Fairy Tales

Jamberry by Bruce Degan

Dr. Seuss' Horse Museum Book Review

Have You Met My Friend, Flat Stanley?

Christmas Pop Up Books by Robert Sabuda

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.”

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Reviewing the Fiskars Clearing Machete

Why on earth would I be reviewing a machete? There are many good reasons to own a machete. Personally, I live on a piece of land with difficult terrain. While I intentionally allow some of the lot to grow wild, hopefully as welcoming habitat for the birds, butterfly, and wildlife, these weeds quickly take over areas I do not want them in. Lawn mowers and weeders (both wired and manually operated blade) do not suffice. I am very pleased with the Fiskars Clearing Machete.

The Fiskars 15" Blade Clearing Machete

After watching many machete reviews, I chose the Fiskars. To be honest, I mostly chose the Fiskars due to price point and availability (it was available here locally and I purchased it on the day I wanted to use it for the first time). While I honestly wanted to purchase some of the other machetes that were recommended, I did not feel I could spend $100 at the time. For something that I didn't know whether or not I'd be able to use it productively. I am very pleased with my purchase.

The Fiskars Clearing Machete Official Information:

• 15" blade (24" total length)
• curved steel blade
• cushioned, composite, comfortable grip
• weighs 2 lbs
• Full lifetime guarantee
• Nylon sheath included

Additional things I have noted, the blade is steel and reportedly can rust, however, it comes new with what appears to me to be some heavy, protective paint. I have not yet chipped or worn down that paint and I am very pleased with the blade. I am aware that tools made of steel should be stored in a dry place and benefit from being cleaned with appropriate oils.

I purchased an axe sharpener in order to sharpen my blade. While a few online reviewers complain of a dull blade, I was aware that I'd need to do some sharpening (as you need to do with axes and such) and I have only good experience with the blade sharpening and retaining the edge while using this in my yard/woods.

I LOVE the handle. It is a longer handle so I can choke up near the blade or hold on near the very end of the handle (my usual choice due to wanting distance from the thistles I'm cutting).  The handle is comfortable and I feel protected from the blade with the shape of the handle and that "bumper" between the handle and the blade.  I like that the handle also has a hole where I can insert a rope handle.

This machete is heavier than some. Two pounds is quite a bit for a woman in her late 50s to be swinging around. Two pounds is quite a bit for a younger active person to swing for an all-day job. But.... I only use it in small bursts of time. And I believe that the weight adds power to my wimpy swings. 

Yard Care

My yard is on a small mountain ridge. The slope is steep and the ground is rocky shale - from a sandy texture to very large rocks scattered everywhere. Mowing is difficult to impossible.  I have been advised to use weed control chemicals to eradicate these weeds. I do intentionally allow the weeds to grow because the monarch butterflies love the thistle, the birds love the mullein flowers, the pollinators love the assorted wild flowers, and the deer use the cover to hide in.  The problem is that all of these invasive plants, thistle, and wildflowers grow up quickly and are a nuisance where I don't want them. 

For example, the thistle grew to 6 - 7' tall behind my house (where the meter-reader needs to walk). 

The first area I cleared with the machete (the meter is to the left)
I was impressed with being able to clear out a significant portion of that thistle patch

The thistle has also grown around the back and sides of the chicken coop (allowing more cover for predators and more scratches on me when trying to herd a naughty chicken to the coop).

A manual weed cutter is very helpful for the grass-like plants that grow up to around 6 - 10" tall in open areas.  But it does nothing for the mullein and thistle plants. And those plants got away from me.

The Fiskars machete is perfect for the larger weeds; especially the thistle. It cuts through them like cutting through warm butter.  

Outdoor Adventuring, Overlanding, and Off-Roading

When I had my Jeep and did ORV (off-road) trails and primitive camping, this machete would have been perfect! I regret not having purchased on during that time in my life.  I could have bush-whacked through brush on overgrown trails or areas where I needed to turn around but didn't have room.  I could have cleared the green brier thorny vines in areas where I needed to pass through on foot.

Hunting and Fishing

People who hunt and fish often use trails that become overgrown. In my opinion, this is a perfect tool to attach to a backpack and have along for clearing trails or sitting spots. I'm thinking of all the times I fought the thorny vines to get to my catfish spot at North Point. This machete would have been so helpful. 

Recreational Hiking Trails 

Whether trails are very remote or fairly well-used and maintained, the thorny vines often grow across very quickly. This machete is a good choice for people whose jobs it is to maintain these trails as well as people like me, back in the day, who preferred to strap on a back pack and walk the trails where others rarely walk. I am a short woman of only 5'4" so this machete hanging from my waist is not practical. But it would have been perfect tucked into the area of my Osprey pack between my back and the pack. 

Agricultural - Crop Harvesting and Brush Clearing

I cannot speak much to agricultural harvesting and machetes. I believe I have seen plenty of clips of pineapple harvesting with machetes but I may be mistaken.  I am sure that this machete would be an excellent choice for clearing fence rows of brush and plants.  I look forward to having an extra tool (non-chemical) to try to clear away some of my rampant poison ivy vines. 

I am quite sure that I am not covering most of the uses for a good machete in agriculture and forestry industries. 

Related Links:

Our Wednesday Elf previously reviewed the Fiskars Long-Handled Swivel Grass Shears. Those shears allowed her to remain in a standing position while trimming grass along sidewalks and around the mailbox post. They swivel to cut in a horizontal or vertical position. Great for folks with actual lawns and sidewalks!!  See her review here for more information.

And don't overlook that Review This has a Gardening section. You can find the tab at the top of the page or click here and start scrolling down to see the wonderful variety of reviews related to gardening. 

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.”

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A Decorative Safety Handrail for Front Porch Steps

We should have installed a handrail for our front porch steps decades ago!

When we were younger, we could manage the stairs without an issue, but as we've aged, not so much. Also, the handrail provides additional safety during those long winter months.

We noticed our neighbor installed a handrail; of course, we liked it and thought it would also match nicely with our home. They informed us they acquired it from Amazon and forwarded the purchase link.

7 Features That Make This Handrail Awesome

1. It is Anodized Aluminum which makes it more corrosion resistant than regular aluminum
2. The satin black color matches our existing black porch railing
3. It was a quick delivery from Amazon (for our home location)
4. It meets commercial strength building codes
5. My husband appreciated that the brackets pivoted to align with the studs, which according to him, made the installation a lot easier
6. There's an anti-slip vinyl insert that installs underneath the round top part of the railing giving the railing an excellent secure grip when holding on
7. We required the 4ft railing to extend down from the top of the porch to the bottom of the third step, and it did so perfectly!

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The Match – A Novel by Harlan Coben – Book Review

 

We first met Wilde in The Boy From the Woods, reviewed earlier here on ReviewThisReviews!

In The Match, Wilde returns in a new thriller by that 'Master of Suspense', Harlan Coben.

Synopsis

Available on Amazon

Readers of The Boy From the Woods may remember that more than thirty years ago Wilde was found as a boy living feral in the woods, with no memory of his past, not even his name. He was eventually rescued and raised in a wonderful foster home, but his past remained a mystery. The policeman who first found him named him Wilde because of the way he had been living alone in the woods. He then grew up in a normal household, going to school and making friends, and later serving in the military.  But, despite all this, he still feels he belongs on his own, living in the woods away from the comforts and constraints of modern life. His simplistic life style is lived in the Ramapo Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountains located in New Jersey and New York.  He is not completely isolated, as he keeps in touch with friends and the world via computer and cell phone.

But suddenly a DNA match on an online ancestry database brings his lost past closer than he ever dreamed when he finds a match to his father. Wilde tracks his father down only to find the man extremely hesitant to establish a relationship. So then Wilde reaches out to his last lead ~ a second cousin. Before they can connect, he discovers that the cousin has disappeared after experiencing a fall from grace that can only be described as a waking nightmare. This is connected to a Reality Show where the cousin was very famous and popular, only to have lies told about him and his wife that brought about his downfall. 

Summary

How Wilde discovers the circumstances surrounding his cousin's life and exposes a family's darkest secret, while also discovering the shocking truth of his own past, is a thrilling story that will keep you reading deep into the night. 

Another outstanding novel by Harlan Coben.

The Match - Wilde, Book 2

The Boy From the Woods, Wilde, Book 1

*Book review of The Match written by Wednesday Elf

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Pride and Peppermint NovelTeaTins on Etsy Reviewed

For Mother's Day last year, my daughter sent me a Pride and Peppermint Novel Tea Tin, which came with a Mr. Darcy bookmark. What an awesome gift for a Pride and Prejudice fan who loves tea. Plus, the peppermint tea is fabulous!

The Jane Austen books, Pride & Prejudice and Sense & Sensibility, have long been my favorites.  In fact, the two movies based on those books are my favorite movies. I have often thought the movies made me more fond of the two books because they brought the characters to life.  They provided faces to the fictional characters. 

My daughter and I spend many wonderful afternoons watching the two movies together when she was in high school. Those memories are another reason why I love the movies so much. Just hearing the opening theme songs beckoned us to the television. It was almost worth being sick just so we could take a day or two off to watch. Whenever I watch either of the movies, I think of my daughter and our precious time together.  

Sending a related gift that evoked those wonderful memories was the perfect Mother's Day gift from a beloved daughter who now lives in a different state. 

Pride & Peppermint Novel Tea Tin

NovelTeaTins on Etsy

The tea comes in a collectable tin. I love collectibles which is just one more reason this was the perfect gift for me. The tea tin keeps the tea fresh and dry. It could also be washed and reused if you are careful to not mess up the label while washing

The blend is a loose tea, so you either need a disposable tea bag, a separate tea infuser, or a mug that comes with an infuser.

Peppermint tea has several benefits for some tea drinkers. Those benefits include easing digestive issues, headaches and even sinus problems. Some claim it even improves their energy level.  These benefits are enough to recommend peppermint tea, but it is also delicious and smells wonderful.

The tea is a blend of rooibos, peppermint & camomile. It is caffeine free, therefore you can drink it anytime.   

Loose Tea refills are also available by clicking here! 

 Sense and SensibilityCheck Price Peter Rabbit Tea TinCheck Price Classic Literature Tea BundleCheck Price Anne of Green GablesCheck Price

See More Gift Suggestions Here or Tea Recommendations Here on Review This Reviews!

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