Review This Reviews!

Monday, August 26, 2024

Lily's Toaster Grills Review

Admittedly I was skeptical. Lily's Toaster Grills removed my skepticism that a grilled cheese sandwich could be frozen successfully!

Taste

The Toaster Grill tasted very very close to the old school type of grilled cheese we find in area Deli's or Coney Islands. American Cheese and white bread where the cheese is melted (but not too much), the bread is toasted (but not too much) and the consistency is just perfect to dip into a cup of tomato soup.

This is not, repeat not, the gourmet grilled cheese on Artisan bread with three types of cheeses. Those are indeed wonderful as well, but the Toaster Grill is not in that lane nor does it advertise to be.

Convenient Comfort Food

So convenient and so incredibly easy to make. Simply put the Toaster Grill in the microwave for 30 seconds then into the toaster for one round of toasting. I understand the worry that the sandwich may leak cheese in the toaster; but I have not found that to happen.

But wait, how hard it is to cook a grilled cheese? That can be subjective indeed. The Toaster Grill is very convenient which is one of its' best features and in about one minute a consistent grilled cheese is delivered.

Where To Purchase?

The American Cheese Toaster Grills are available in my urban area at brand name grocery stores and Costco. The Costco packaging is in bulk and less costly than the grocery store.

Recommendation

I have not met a grilled cheese fan yet who does not agree the Toaster Grills are the closest frozen equivalent to a fresh grilled cheese sandwich.

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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Sunday, August 25, 2024

An Inspirational Movie With An Unexpected Magical Theme - Five Stars!

The Storyline

*The Healer*, a film released in 2017, is a beautiful and unexpected journey that intertwines the mystical with the mundane in the most heartwarming way.

The story follows Alec Bailey, a man struggling with his life's direction, who discovers he may have the power to heal others. What starts as a reluctant acceptance of this gift soon evolves into a deeper exploration of faith, redemption, and the power of kindness.

Though the storyline was unsurprising, it kept me engaged and added layers to the narrative I didn't expect.

The film's pacing and the gradual unfolding of its plot left me feeling good.

The Talented Cast

The cast of *The Healer* is genuinely talented, bringing authenticity and warmth to their roles.

Oliver Jackson-Cohen delivers a compelling performance as Alec, effortlessly capturing the character's initial cynicism and eventual transformation.

An excellent ensemble, including the legendary Jonathan Pryce, supports him, who adds depth and wisdom to the story as Alec's uncle.

The chemistry among the cast members is palpable, making the relationships on screen feel real and relatable. Their performances anchor the film, allowing the story's inspirational message to shine without feeling forced or overly sentimental.

Why I Love This Movie

What I love most about The Healer is its clean, character-driven story, which is both creative and inspirational.

In a world where movies often rely on shock value or complex plots, this film stands out for its simplicity and heart.

It's a movie that inspires without being preachy, and it's refreshing to watch something that is both uplifting and wholesome.

The beauty of the setting, the goodness of the characters, and the overall positive message make *The Healer* a film I'll return to whenever I need a reminder of the power of kindness, possibility, and redemption.

Without hesitation, and if you're looking for something based on the possibility of the human spirit, don't hesitate to dive into this movie with popcorn in hand.

Here's a Preview:

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The Camino Island Trilogy by John Grisham - Book Reviews

John Grisham, well-known author of stand-alone legal thrillers, takes a departure from his usual lawyers, law office and courtroom dramas to bring us a trilogy of suspense thrillers with continuing characters in his Camino Island series.

Palm Trees on the beach with the ocean in the background.

The trilogy takes place on Camino Island, a sleepy resort area off the coast of Florida. The main characters include Bruce Cable, who owns a popular bookstore in Santa Rosa, and Mercer Mann, a young novelist.

The Camino Island Trilogy

Camino Island - Book 1

In the first book, a group of thieves steal the priceless F. Scott Fitzgerald manuscripts owned by Princeton University. Since Princeton has insured the manuscripts for twenty-five million dollars, the thieves plan to hold them for ransom.

When investigators track the stolen manuscripts to Camino Island, and possibly to bookstore owner Bruce Cable who is suspected of sometimes dabbling in the black market of stolen books and manuscripts, they convince young novelist Mercer Mann to help them. Mercer spent many summers on Camino Island with her grandmother and knows the island well.

Mercer’s job is to infiltrate Bruce Cable’s circle of literary friends and hopefully get close enough to him to learn his secrets.

Eventually, though, Mercer learns too much and trouble comes to this paradise island.

Camino Winds - Book 2

In Book 2, Grisham brings us back to Camino Island where you might enjoy a little sun, a little sand…. and find yourself instead with mystery and mayhem. How about murder in the midst of a hurricane.

Mercer Mann is now a best-selling author and she returns to Camino Island and Bruce’s Bay Books bookstore for an appearance on her current book tour. Then Hurricane Leo, which had been meandering all over for days with no solid land destination, suddenly heads straight for the island. There is a mandatory evacuation where most residents leave, but Bruce and a few others stay and ride out the storm. In the devastating aftermath, one of Bruce’s friends and resident author is found dead and his injuries appear suspicious instead of storm-related.

The key to who would want Nelson dead may be in his latest novel, which, when Bruce begins to investigate, is discovered to be more shocking – and far more dangerous – than anyone could have imagined.

Camino Ghosts - Book 3

Writer Mercer Mann returns to Camino Island to marry her boyfriend Thomas in a seaside ceremony on the beach. Island bookseller Bruce Cable performs the wedding. Afterward, knowing Mercer is looking for a storyline for her next novel, Bruce tells her an incredible story about Dark Isle, a tiny barrier island off the North Florida coast that had been settled by freed slaves 300 years ago.

This island’s elderly last descendant, Lovely Jackson, loves her birthplace and it’s wonderful history and feels the island rightfully belongs to her. But a ruthless corporate developer wants to build a resort and casino on the island. Mercer and Lovely begin an enormous fight over who owns Dark Isle, taking on the developer’s corporation and all its lawyers and lobbyists, plus powerful Florida politicians.

You would think that Mercer and Lovely would not have a chance against so many powerful people, but Lovely knows the reasons the island has been uninhabited for a long time ~ the island is cursed. The island's deep secrets of the past are about to collide with the ambitions of the present, placing Dark Isle - and also Camino Island - hanging in a fateful balance.

Summary

Bookseller Bruce Cable and novelist Mercer Mann always manage to find trouble in paradise in this trilogy of stories on Camino Island. They are a thrilling beach read for your summertime reading.

Camino Island: A Novel

Camino Winds

Camino Ghosts: A Novel

*The Camino Island Triology is reviewed by Wednesday Elf

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Friday, August 23, 2024

Eat, Drink and Be Buried - Episode 4 of Gourmet Detective Series Review

For the romantics who are watching, this may be your favorite movie in the series. Detective Maggie Price and the Gourmet Detective, Henry Ross, are actually dating now. In fact, it is rather funny to hear they are about to celebrate their 3rd month of dating as Maggie questions gift giving for the occasion.

For the mystery lovers, this episode has you covered too! It may also be your favorite episode in the series since it is really hard to figure out the identity of the murderer. The sibling issues created by a blended family makes almost everyone, except the father, a suspect.

Plus, a new character is added when Harry's father comes for a visit. Many of us already feel a connection to Jim Ross because the part is played by Bruce Boxleitner. We have watched this beloved veteran actor in several movies and popular TV series, which included Scarecrow and Mrs. King, where he played a spy. Therefore, it is not a far stretch to see him play the part of a retired police officer in the Gourmet Detective.

Eat, Drink and Be Buried Synopsis

Gourmet Detective: Eat, Drink and Be BuriedCheck Price

Henry is both a guest and menu consultant to create an authentic 1700's dinner for the event hosted by David Weston. Of course, he takes Maggie as his date for the party. What neither of them expect is to witness a murder and end up working as detectives.

During an authentic pistol duel reenactment between the brothers, one of them is really murdered because one of the pistols was loaded with real ammunition. The surviving brother seems upset by the unexpected murder even though the two brothers were already "dueling" for their father's favor. The dead brother's biological sister is also devastated. However, both siblings are suspects, along with their other sister. They are all employees of their father's company, as well as heirs. The inheritance has just multiplied for each remaining sibling, therefore, they each had an incentive to murder.

As with all families, there is a lot of history as well as rivalries, and blended families don't always make a great mix. But, murder is a bit extreme.

You may also enjoy reading my review of the pilot movie, Gourmet Detective, here Or my reviews of episode 2, A Healthy Place to Die, here and episode 3, Death Al Dente, here!

Check Out More Movie Reviews at
ReviewThisMovies.com

Eat, Drink and Be Buried - Episode 4 of Gourmet Detective Series Reviewed by:

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Thursday, August 22, 2024

Review of Fun Facts about Sunflowers

Sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers. Each year I look forward to the time when the sunflowers will be in full bloom. Not too far from where I live, there is an area near the Missouri river and the Katy trail where farmers plant fields of sunflowers each year.

This year my husband and I drove to the area in the spring to see how the sunflowers were coming along. To my dismay there didn't appear to be any sunflowers in the fields. In fact, it didn't even look like anything was planted. In early August I started seeing posts online about the sunflower fields and wondered where they might be planted. As it turns out it was in the same area, the farmer had just rotated the fields and last year's field had corn and soybeans and just a bit further down the road there were several fields of sunflowers. I was delighted and made several trips down there to photograph the sunflowers at various times of the day. The photos on this page are from an early morning trip when the sunflowers were in great light.

Fun Facts about Sunflowers

Young sunflowers track the sun from sunrise to sunset. This is called heliotropism. Once the flowers are mature they all face east.
Sunflowers are valuable for growers, both commercially and ornamentally.
Sunflower oil has an anti-inflammatory effect.
There are two types of sunflower seed products. The oilseed type are good for birds and they are the most commonly farmed. The non-oilseed are good for human consumption.
The oils in sunflowers can reduce cholesterol levels.
Sunflowers are native to the United States but are now planted worldwide.

More Fun Fact about Sunflowers

To be healthy sunflowers require at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
There are thousands of tiny flowers that compose a sunflowers head.
The tallest sunflower grown was over 30 feet tall.
Sunflowers started out being grown as a food source.
Sunflowers can be made into sunbutter.
Sunflowers are not just yellow. They can be red, brown, and even purple.

In the photo below you can see a bee working on the sunflower and see up close the structure of the sunflower head.

Zazzle Products from my Photos

Sunflower Field Mug
by mbgphoto

Sunflower Beauty Thank You Card
by mbgphoto

References and More Sunflower Reviews

Here is the website where I got the information for the sunflower fun facts. www.proflowers.com

Sunflowers are a popular topic on Review This. Here are a few more you may want to check out.

This is one I wrote in 2018. It gives you tips on photographing Sunflowers.

Photographing Sunflowers

In this review that I wrote in 2021 I share the stages of a sunflower and my photos from that season.

Sunflower Facts

Fellow reviewer, Olivia, shares this review on sunflowers being the flower for the year in 2021.

Hope for the New Year

Missouri River

A bonus to our early morning outing was to catch the sun rising above the Missouri River.

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Wednesday, August 21, 2024

When You Can't Remember, What Do You Do? ~ A Product Review

When you Can't Remember, What Do You Do?

No I'm not talking about just a little forgetfulness! Everyone has those moments and they are perfectly normal! They happen to everyone at some point in their day. What I'm talking about is a process of the aging population and something that may affect more people now than ever before.

We are living longer and we are staying in better health for the most part.

But and here is the BIG BUT, even if we look after ourselves physically, there are changes that happen in our bodies whether we like them or not.

Many of you know that I have an elderly mom (93) and that up until this past year, she has been fairly healthy and strong. That changed quite dramatically this past winter when she fell ill with a bacterial infection. Once she was in hospital, it didn't take long before she also had the flu and pneumonia!

This started a quick downward spiral that she has not been able to shake off. Fast Forward to today and we are now in a situation where she is in a Long Term Care Facility and no longer able to look after herself. Her mind is no longer all "there". She sometimes lives in the present, but more often lives in the past. Alzheimer's is the name and it's not pretty!

But, we make and take our moments while we can. Last week we celebrated her birthday and thankfully my family was able to make it out to enjoy an afternoon with her.

She was having a "good" day, meaning that she was in the present and when she saw all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she remained with us for the whole afternoon.

What a joy it was to have everyone make her feel so special! She was able to talk with everyone and they all had some fond memories to share with her. A blessing for me as I was concerned that she might not be having a good day.

Now we are going to build on that memory so that she has something wonderful to fixate on, rather than some memories of days gone by that are not so nice. She has gone through much in her life and some of it was not pleasant. With her mind, the way it is now, we have to change what she sees as memories and the best way to do that is to have those new beautiful memories right there in front of her on a daily basis.

No she cannot handle new technology, so we use the tools that we have. Pictures in picture frames that she can hold. If need be right up to her nose. Then she stares at the faces smiling back at her and she does remember. Oh she might not remember everything that happened during her party, but she does remember that they are family and they came out just for her! After all she's in the center of the picture.

If you have someone you love that is struggling with their memory, might I suggest that a beautiful picture frame, filled with the loving faces of family, be one gift that will keep on giving pleasure for many months to come.

This is the frame that I will purchase. I like it because it is magnetic (pictures can be swapped out easily), It has a base that is wide enough to stand on it's own. There isn't a lot of "extras" to take her mind off the picture. And with the width of the frame, it stands up on it's own. It's also easy for her to handle if she wants a closer look. You can even make it double sided so you get twice the bang for your buck! What more could you ask for?

When you have to deal with a disease like Alzheimer's, you need to use all the tools possible to make every day a great day! I hope this helps anyone who is facing this diagnosis with their loved ones.

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Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Easy Zucchini Fritters

These easy-to-make zucchini fritters are a fantastic way to use up an abundance of zucchini, especially during the summer, when our gardens are at their peak.

They are so crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a great snack, appetizer, or even a nice light meal.

Easy Zucchini Fritters - Reviewed

Our daughter, Jamie came over last week with a huge zucchini. She set it on the counter, and I asked what we were making. She replied we are going to make zucchini fritters.

I've never had these before and am always ready to try a new recipe. I couldn't wait to get started.

Recipe for Zucchini Fritters:

Ingredients:

1 large or 3 medium-sized zucchini (peeled and shredded) about 1 1/2 to 2 lbs.
1 teaspoon salt
1 to 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup Panko seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
3 large eggs, beaten
3 tablespoons Mrs Dash seasoning
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup green onions minced
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Olive Oil for frying
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Peel and grate the zucchini with a hand grater or food processor.
Place the grated zucchini in a colander over the sink to drain. Tip: we placed a dish on top and pressed it to help drain.
After the zucchini is drained, mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. We used Jamie's Hamilton Beech Electric fryer for this.
Scoop out 3 to 4 tablespoons of the zucchini batter and flatten to form. Sort of the size of a thin burger.
Fry until they are golden brown on both sides.

This photo is of our grated zucchini in a colander with a bowl under it, Fran placed a dish on top to help drain the water out of the zucchini.

The measurements in this recipe are approximate. I watched Jamie mix the ingredients but, she didn't measure anything.

You'll want to make sure that the zucchini mixture is consistent and holds together when you're forming them. So, you may need to add more flour, bread crumbs, or parmesan cheese as needed.

We served the zucchini fritters with a Caprese Salad and a dill dip that Jamie made from plain yogurt, fresh dill, and lemon juice.

One of the best things about these zucchini fritters is how simple they are to make, and how absolutely delicious they are.

Find more Recipes on ReviewThis Here:

ReviewThisRecipes.com

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Monday, August 19, 2024

Reviewing Eddie Bauer Wool Paca Yarn

I've crocheted for decades and have usually used acrylic yarns. I have always wanted to use natural fiber yarns (wool or alpaca) but had been hesitant due to the high prices of the natural fiber yarns. And I don't like how some natural fibers yarns are more scratchy than soft. I didn't want to spend extra money for a yarn that I didn't want to touch. I have recently purchased and begun using Eddie Bauer Wool Paca yarn and couldn't be more thrilled. This yarn is super soft and works up wonderfully.

Eddie Bauer Wool Paca Yarn

Eddie Bauer Wool Paca Yarn is a blend of 80% extra fine Merino superwash and 20% Alpaca. It is a 3 weight yarn (thinner/lighter than worsteds weight yarn). The skeins are 277 yd and 3.5 oz (small/lighter than worsted weight yarn skeins).

At the time I ordered, there were 16 colors to choose from. And there were 9 5-star reviews.

The description of the yarn on the Joann site describes the yarn as:

soft, luxurious, and warm
machine-wash safe
perfect weight for baby items and women's garments
the merino base helps create accessories and garments with warmth and sophistication

My Project

I decided to give this Wool Paca Yarn a try when I found it on sale on the Joann site. I chose 2 different colors: Scarlet and Alaska Gold. I hope to learn how to crochet a cable-stitch with the Alaska Gold color. I completed a beanie with stitches that I'm familiar with as a test-run with the Scarlet color.

For this first hat, I used the Bag-O-Day Knotting Around Beanie video tutorial. As an intermediate crocheter, Crystal is SUPER easy to follow. I feel that she goes slowly enough, and had her camera set closely enough, that this is a great tutorial for beginners also.

I was concerned about ordering my first wool/alpaca blend online. I haven't always been a tactile shopper - wanting to touch everything before I purchase it. When I lived in a metro area, I was blessed to have several, very large and well-stocked, yarn and fiber stores near my apartment. Now that I live in a rural area, I do not have this luxury. I have to mail order most all of my yarns. I was extremely hesitant to order this new yarn and expected it to be scratchy and not pass my touch-test.

This Eddie Bauer is very soft! As I was crocheting the hat, I was already thinking about making scarves, sweaters, baby blankets and maybe stuffed animals. I'm already wondering if I can find a pattern for crocheted plush bunnies that I used years ago.

Related Links:

When brick and mortar stores are not an option, Joann.com is a great place to order your crochet supplies. Be sure to watch for their sales.

If you prefer to shop Amazon for your yarns, you can begin your search for wool alpaca yarns here.

I also used my Nelsonwood crochet hook with this hat. You can see my review of my first Nelsonwood hook here!

Our Review This contributor, Wednesday Elf, is a talented crochet artist. You can see her most recent article related to crafts and crochet here.

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Sunday, August 18, 2024

A Supernatural But Not Too Scary Time Shifting Ghost Movie - Five Star Review

The Storyline

From Time to Time is an intriguing blend of mystery, history, and the supernatural.

The movie follows a young boy named Tolly, who, during World War II, goes to live with his grandmother in a grand old English manor.

Soon, he discovers that the house holds secrets from the past, and through a unique connection, he can slip between the present and the early 19th century.

The story's clever and captivating weaving of two different timelines is a delight. As Tolly uncovers the mysteries surrounding his ancestors, he finds himself solving the puzzles of the past and coming to terms with his own family's history.

The intricate plot keeps you guessing, while the historical details add depth and texture to the narrative.

The Cast

The film boasts a fantastic cast, bringing the story to life.

Maggie Smith, as always, is a joy to watch. She portrays Tolly's grandmother with warmth and a hint of mystery, adding a sense of gravitas to the film and making her character both endearing and intriguing.

Alex Etel plays Tolly, and he does a wonderful job conveying the curiosity and bravery of a boy caught between two worlds.

The supporting cast, including Timothy Spall and Pauline Collins, adds depth and richness to the film, making it a truly engaging experience. Each actor brings something unique to their role, contributing to the movie's captivating ghost story.

Why I Enjoyed This Movie

From Time to Time captured my imagination with its time-shifting storyline and ghostly elements.

I've always been fascinated by movies that play with time, and this one did it in a captivating and intriguing way. The transitions between the present and the past were seamless, adding a layer of curiosity that kept me hooked from start to finish.

What I especially loved was that the movie wasn't overtly scary. While it is a ghost story, it's more mysterious than frightening, making the film feel like a period-piece adventure with twists and turns rather than a heart-jumping scary tale.

It's a movie that perfectly balances drama, mystery, and the supernatural all wrapped up in one.

5 Stars - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Check Out The Trailer:

You can watch "From Time to Time" on Prime, where available

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Saturday, August 17, 2024

The Calming Effects of Crafting

A Health Review

Crafting projects are good for your brain and helpful to your body. Positive benefits are found no matter the medium you use. Crafting can elevate your mood, improve your self-confidence and reduce stress. Mentally it can decrease cognitive decline. Physically, it improves both gross and fine motor movements and control.

Who would have thought that a fun hobby could have health benefits? That it could lower your blood pressure and reduce tension, giving you an overall sense of well-being.

Benefits of Yarn Crafting

All crafting is helpful, but yarn crafting is particularly beneficial.

Image Source: Pixabay

Knitting and crochet can reduce anxiety and relieve stress. The repetitive action of these crafts help release serotonin, your body’s feel-good hormone, which is a natural anti-depressant. What a fun way to feel happier.

Crocheting and knitting help improve fine motor skills and have been shown to be effective in maintaining dexterity.

Knitting in a social setting reduces loneliness and isolation.

The creative process of crochet, providing a creative outlet for self-expression, can boost self-esteem and instill a sense of accomplishment.

The calmness of these crafts can help reduce insomnia. By getting relaxed into a repetitive rhythm with your crochet hooks or your knitting needles, your mind is allowed to unwind.

Crochet can be a form of meditation. By allowing you to focus on the task at hand, concentrating on the stitches and following a pattern, your mind becomes present-moment focused - helping you to achieve a meditative state.

Summary

So, don’t forget to set aside a period of time each day for the health benefits of crafting. Get out your favorite craft project and enjoy a relaxing time.

If you don’t already have a craft hobby, consider the benefits of taking one up. Following are a few suggestions for How-To learning.