Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Life is a Challenge Sometimes! A Product Review
Reviewing Why Plant Labels Matter In The Garden
If you love gardening like I do, or are just starting out you probably like plants and want to grow seeds and young plants. You will be keen for each plant to thrive and grow well so you can admire it or grow crops for your table.
Especially when you are starting out you may be wondering what are the essentials to buy. There are items that are more obvious and are fun to buy and then those which are important but less likely to attract attention.
One item that is often overlooked is the humble plant label.
Often in the array of gardening products we can buy, plant labels may be an afterthought or we feel that of course we will remember what we planted where and which seeds are in which containers! Well I learned my lesson there a long time ago !!
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My Wooden Plant Labels Ready For Seed Sowing. |
So Why Do Plant Labels Matter?
Plant labels are an essential tool for gardeners. We spend time carefully sowing flowers or vegetable seeds in a seed bed or container and cover with compost. If you are anything like me you think you will easily recall which seeds are in which area.
However time passes and the beautiful tiny shoots come up and suddenly you are not sure whether these are flower or vegetable seeds, or even which flowers or vegetables! They all look so similar and we have no idea. You have a bed or container full of tiny green seedlings, all looking very much the same! I have been there and it is no fun and can be very frustrating.
Labels can also be very useful for plants that die down completely in the winter. It is very easy to forget that a plant was ever there and we can be inadvertently digging or trampling the beautiful plant. A label in the ground helps us to notice and remember.
At the famous Kew gardens in London where they really know what they are doing with regards to plants and gardening, they also label just about everything. This is good for visitors who want to learn about the plants, trees and herbs but also helps the staff to care for the plants in the correct way.
Plant labels are such an easy tool to help us know what we planted and where and you can even put the date on so you can recall how far along they are in growing. If you know what plants they are you can provide the correct conditions and care.
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Plants and vegetables correctly labelled at Kew Gardens |
How to Label Plants Effectively
From my own trials and errors I have found the following tips to be useful.
- As a basic write the plant or seeds name and the date planted or sown.
- If you have room you can include care information and date of expected flowers or harvest.
- Use a Weatherproof Marker pen so that especially if its to be used outdoors it won't fade away before the end of the season.
- Ideally stick to the same format and information at least for your flowers and then for your vegetables and herbs. It just helps us to easily see the information and work the garden better.
- You can stick labels in the ground for seeds and young plants or tie them higher up a bigger plant.
- Use labels for your houseplants too. It is all too easy to forget the name and care required or when they bloom.
- Check and clean labels at the beginning or end of the gardening year, especially for outdoor plants.
- Check each year to see what worked and what didn't and improve your systems.
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Honesty Seeds In My Garden Ready to be Collected and Sown |
Types of Plant Label Materials
Plant labels are available in various materials, which have their different advantages and disadvantages.
Wooden/Bamboo Labels
These are usually my labels of choice. It is easy to write the plant name and date of sowing on. They are environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Fairly inexpensive, they also look natural and fit in with a wide range of garden schemes, themes and trends.
However I find if exposed to the elements they do not last as long as I would like. They are best for indoor sowing seeds or sowing /planting under glass or in a greenhouse or for indoor plants. They will then be more protected from the elements and last longer. However I do use them outside and just accept that they will not last as long if used in this way.
Metal Labels
These look attractive and elegant and are usually a quality product. As they are weather resistant they offer a more permanent label and can last many years. Some are also rust resistant and are worth looking out for. They can be available in beautiful metals like copper, stainless steel and aluminium which look really lovely in the garden. We can mix and match them or keep to one metal depending on the look you want.
They are usually more expensive though and this can be an issue if you are sowing lots of seeds or gardening on a budget. If you can buy enough to meet your sowing and labelling needs they are a very lovely addition to a garden.
Due to the price point, Metal labels are perhaps better suited to labelling more permanent larger plants like perennials or shrubs and trees, but if you can what a lovely way to label your seedlings and vegetable patch.
Plastic Labels
These are good to use outdoors and can cope with the more inclement weather. Plastic is very durable and well suited to coping with rain. They are also often available in different colours which may be useful to differentiate flowers from vegetables or even different types or varieties and look cheerful. You are generally better using a permanent marker to write with which usually survives rain and snow.
However they are not environmentally friendly to keep buying. I have plastic items in my garden I purchased years ago but I am trying to simply reuse rather than buy more plastic. So if that matters to you it could be a consideration.
Make Your own Labels
Getting creative with a project to make your own labels can be fun. Labels can be made from old lollipop sticks, stones with the names of plants written or painted on and even old cutlery like spoons or even wine corks! They will certainly be fun and unique to your garden. We can create or buy magical and fun labels for a very individual look.
Labels can be purely functional or they can be a creative addition to your garden and be an integral part of the garden style. You might want to introduce a certain colour or many bold colours, tie labels with fun facts or inspirational quotes around the garden or express your own garden theme or personality.
Buying creative labels can be more expensive, though they will without doubt add style and magic to your garden.
It is more time consuming to create your own labels than buy them and many gardeners are busy enough in the Spring. Perhaps something for a winter project !
Plant labels are a vital item for any gardener and especially if you sow seeds. While they can be an afterthought, they are important to keep your garden organised and so you can give the proper care to your seeds and plants.
They can be basic and functional, beautiful, short or long lasting, expensive or affordable and even fun! So give some thought to the humble plant label and how they will work for you and influence your garden.
Read More Gardening Reviews on ReviewThisGardening.com
Read Diary Of A Wild Country Garden Blog
Growing Vegetables In Outdoor Containers Reviewed.
Reviewing The Benefits Of Seed Storage Boxes
Read More Product Reviews on ReviewThisProducts.com
Reviewing Why Plant Labels Matter In The Garden By Raintree Annie
Monday, February 17, 2025
Reviewing Bernat Baby Sport Weight Yarn
I am using Bernat Baby Sport yarn for the first time to crochet a small baby blanket. I have fallen in love with Bernat baby yarn. In the past, I had always associated Bernat with chunky and super bulky yarns. So I am very surprised at how much I like this baby yarn.
This Bernat Baby Sport yarn is a multi-color yarn. I am using the "Tiny Tulips" color (pinks, whites, and a small bit of green). I guess that it would be called a variegated yarn. The pops of color are small sections and are all separated by white. The color changes are subtle and do not leave one color ending mid-row with the next color beginning.
Specifications:
- Light Weight, 3 weight
- 100% Acrylic
- 8.5 oz/240 g
- 718 yds/656 m
- Recommended US 6/4 mm knitting needles
- Recommended US G/6/4mm crochet hook
Personal Thoughts about Bernat Baby Sport Yarn
I knew I wanted to crochet a small gift for a friend's new grandbaby girl. But I hadn't bought the yarn yet. I knew what pattern I wanted to use (a mitered corner granny square), that I wanted to make a small baby afghan (car seat or strollers cover size), and I wanted subtle pink. Caron Simply Soft is one of my very favorite yarns because, in my opinion, it is a very light 4 weight. It is very soft and comes in a large variety of colors. But I had been working with pink Simply Soft on a large project and wanted a change.
While wandering through a local Wal-Mart for my monthly shopping I went through the yarn aisle, as I always do, just being nosey. And I saw this Bernat Baby sport in this very light pink. I scooped up 3 skeins (only needing one skein for my small project) and here I am now, telling you about this fantastic yarn.
Working with the Bernat baby Sport yarn has been a pleasure. This yarn does not split while working with it. The colors are subtle and sweet. An additional bonus was there was NO YARN BARF! The starting tails on each of the 3 skeins were easily found, barely hidden inside of the skein.
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Left: I pulled the tail out a bit Right: there the tail is... barely tucked inside and so easy to find! |
I've taken photos of my granny square stitch pattern to show how the colorway works in the granny square clusters.
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Bernat Tiny Tulips colorway in granny clusters |
I had chosen the granny square pattern so that the blanket would be more breathable. But my next projects using this yarn will be in single stitch or half-double because I am loving how the color falls with those two stitches.
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Color swatch: half double crochet on top single crochet on bottom |
I think this yarn will make wonderful infant and children's hats. I'm looking forward to beginning those projects.
Additional Information:
I am having difficulty finding this exact skein of yarn (8.5 oz skein size and Tiny Tulips color) while shopping online but I am very please to find other colorways available; solids, ombres, and variegated on Amazon and the Yarnspirations website.
Yarnspirations offers Bernat Sport Weight yarns.
Amazon offers Bernat Sport Weight yarns as well as many other brands of yarns.
Sunday, February 16, 2025
A Sweet Treat for Imaginative Play With a Tent Ice-Cream Truck
If you're looking for the perfect play tent for little ones, let me introduce you to this adorable Ice Cream Truck Play Tent. It has quickly become a favorite, delightful addition to our grandkids' playtime!
Portable, Lightweight & Easy to Store Playtime Ice-Cream Truck Tent
One of the best features of this tent is its portability. It's lightweight, folds up easily into a compact size, and can be stored away in seconds—ideal for those who appreciate keeping things tidy when playtime is over! No tools are needed for setup, and it pops open effortlessly.
"Scroll down to go directly to the link that takes you to the Ice-Cream Tent"
Creative & Interactive Play for Hours
The bright and colorful ice cream truck design instantly sparks creativity. With a fun pass-through window and two round openings, kids can pretend to take orders, serve sweet treats, or drive their own ice cream truck!
The interactive play possibilities are endless, making it perfect for siblings, cousins, and friends to enjoy together.
The Perfect Size for Any Space
Measuring just over three and a half feet long and a little over two feet high, it's large enough for fun yet compact enough not to dominate the room. This tent is just right if you want to give your little ones a special play space without blocking your entire living area.
A Cozy Spot for Reading & Resting
Beyond the imaginative fun, this tent has become a quiet retreat for reading, relaxing, and occasional naps. The door opens easily, offering a cozy hideaway for downtime.
Durable & Kid-Friendly Design
Made with sturdy polyester fabric and a built-in steel frame, this tent holds its shape well while remaining soft and safe for little ones. There is no need to mess with inserting poles—the frame is already in place!
Final Thoughts: A Must-Have for Playtime!
If you're looking for a fun, engaging, and easy-to-store play tent that encourages creativity and active play, this Ice Cream Truck Tent is a fantastic choice. Our grandkids absolutely love it, and we love the joy it brings them.
Five stars all the way! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Waldorf Salad Food Review
Waldorf Salad ~ a delicious appetizer course.
Waldorf salad was first created on March 13, 1886 for a charity ball held at the famed Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. It is one of several signature dishes created or developed by the hotel’s maitre d’hotel, Oscar Tschirky.
Originally, the recipe for the salad was just apples, celery and mayonnaise. Later, in 1928, nuts were added. Today, a more modern version includes grapes. Other modern variations are listed in this article on Wikipedia, but my favorite variation is the original recipe, as my mother used to make it for me, of simply apples, celery and walnuts, all dressed with mayonnaise and served well-chilled on a lettuce leaf. This fruit salad is listed as an appetizer course, but my favorite way of eating it is as part of my main meal with a grilled pork chop.
Recipe Summary
The basic recipe I use for Waldorf Salad is simply one cup of diced apple (peeled or unpeeled), one-half cup of diced celery and about one-fourth to one-half cup of broken walnuts. Toss ingredients together with 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, chill for several hours and serve on a lettuce leaf.
*Note: You can sprinkle the cut up apples with lemon juice, if desired. I also sometimes substitute a spoonful of the mayonnaise with sour cream for a creamier taste.
This salad is mentioned in the 1934 Cole Porter song “You’re The Top"
You're the top
You're a Waldorf salad
You're the top
You're a Berlin ballad
But if, baby, I'm the bottom
You're the top
It was also mentioned in a 1979 episode of the British television sitcom Fawlty Towers when an American guest demands a Waldorf salad!
Waldorf Salad has also made the List of Regional Dishes, a list of regional or local dishes associated with specific regions of the United States. This dish is associated with New York City (Manhattan) where the original famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel was located from 1893 to 1929.
My all-time favorite salad!
For more recipe reviews, click onReview This Reviews: Recipes
*Waldorf Salad food review written by Wednesday Elf
+Images in this article were taken by Wednesday Elf. The intro image is from Pixabay, created by GetStencil.
Friday, February 14, 2025
Timeless Love (2019) - Hallmark Movie Review
The "Timeless Love" movie plot did not disappoint.
Many of us know how it feels to meet someone and become instant friends because we feel an immediate connection. However, it would be rare to meet someone for the first time and know our future together because we have already "lived" it.
This movie is not based on a victim with amnesia, as one might think. The main character is not a seer, psychic, fortune teller or "predictor" of any kind. And, she is not mentally unstable. She is simply an accident victim that is in a coma for two months and lives a different life while unconscious. More like a prolonged dream that feels very real. So real, that when she wakes from the coma, she is looking for her missing loved ones that don't exist in reality. We can almost feel her pain as she grieves the loss of the family she mentally had during her comatose state.
It doesn't help when those around her think she might need psychiatric help when she shares her experience.
Timeless Love Movie Synopsis
Timeless LoveCheck PriceAfter being in a car accident, Megan is in a coma for 2 months. While in her comatose state, she sees her husband, Thomas and two children. She is extremely happy with her life and doesn't even realize she is not "living" her life.
When she wakes from her coma, the hospital calls her parents and she can't help but wonder why her husband and children are not there to see her. When her parents tell her that she is single, has never been married or had children, she is devastated by the loss of her sweet family.
In addition to having to come to terms with reality, she also lost her job. Because of the length of time she was in a coma, they had to replace her. The temporary employment agency sends her to work at a photography studio and she is stunned to discover she knows everything about the owner. After all, she was/is married to him. Of course, she is a total stranger to him.
The Hallmark movie, "Timeless Love" starring Rachel Skarsten and Brant
Daugherty is one of several movies that claims that name. It would be very
easy to search for the title and end up watching the wrong movie, or at
least not the movie you intended to watch.
Check Out More Movie Reviews at
ReviewThisMovies.com
Timeless Love - Hallmark Movie Review by:
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Book Review-10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure
Book Summary
- Open Your Mind--don't always look for differences but rather look for common ground.
- Setbacks--in any challenge you will have setbacks, you need to persevere and realize life is not in a straight line.
- Enjoy the Downhills--sometimes we need to relax and enjoy the good times instead of always looking for the next challenge ahead.
- Focus on the Now-stay in the present and it is much easier to get through.
- Never Quit on a Bad Day--things will look up if you just give it time.
- Continue to Dream--Hope and Dreams make your challenges come true.
Author Interview
1. First of all, would you tell our readers a bit about your background.
I didn’t begin writing fiction manuscripts until 2017, and my first book, Sunflowers Beneath the Snow, launched in January 2022. However, I was not completely new to writing. I started my own business in 2000 helping small companies with their online presence by writing website copy, newsletters, and even email campaigns.
Although I wanted to write fiction, I was too afraid. At the time, I was living in an emotionally abusive relationship, and I couldn’t handle more rejection. However, when I finally left that relationship in 2017, the words started flowing from me and haven’t stopped.
Since the first book, I’ve also written An Enemy Like Me (Jan 2023) and Daughters of Green Mountain Gap (Jan 2024). As of February 14th, 2025, my fourth book, 10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure, launched.
2. I found this book to be very inspiring. What motivated you to share this adventure with your readers.
My husband and I chose to ride across the United States on a tandem bicycle to raise money for Toys for Tots. But that was not my only reason. After getting out of that bad relationship, I didn’t feel like I had any worth, value, or anything to contribute. I decided I wanted some kind of adventure that would prove to the world that I wasn’t done living. It turns out that I was the one who needed that lesson!
As we rode mile after mile for 3102 miles, I began to heal. I also began to see life lessons in the journey we were on. Because I love to mentor others, especially women and teens struggling to find their worth, I felt my experiences could be helpful to others – and 10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure was born.
3. I have noted that this is your fourth book and the first three were written after the Double-Butted Adventure featured in this book. In what way did your adventure inspire you to write the books?
I’m so glad you asked this question because the answer is “in all ways!” Let me explain.
As we were finishing up the last half-mile of our journey, my husband pointed up a hill to a flag. He told me it was the flag to the Marine Corps Memorial where we would end our ride. I started to cry. Then laugh. Then cry again.
At that moment, I realized something staggering. I, Teri M Brown, non-athlete, had successfully ridden across the United States on a tandem bicycle. I could do anything I put my mind to. It wasn’t a matter of “if I could do something.” Instead, it was a matter of “what did I want to do?” I knew the answer. I wanted to be an author.
As soon as we got home, I got to work. Fourteen months later, I held my first novel in my hand.
4. What is the main thing you would like your readers to remember from this book?
You don’t have to be something special or extraordinary to do something big and bold and adventurous. Everything you need to succeed is already inside. All you have to do is want it and then start working toward the goal.
5. Do you have any plans in the works or future books?
I’m currently finishing up a children’s book called Little Lola and Her Big Dream with illustrations by Lorri D Perini. I hope to have this out by early summer. I’m also working on a humorous contemporary novel about a woman going through menopause. Finally, I have an idea for another historical fiction, though it seems to have a mystery or suspense flair to it!
6. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions for our Review This readers. Is there anything else you would like them to know about your books?
Although I cross genres – historical fiction, short stories, flash fiction, children’s books, creative non-fiction, and contemporary humor – all my books have one thing in common and that’s strong characters. I tell everyone I love to introduce readers to characters they’d love to invite to lunch.
If you enjoy character-driven fiction, I’d love to connect. Head on over to my website at www.terimbrown.com. There, you can connect with me on social media, join my twice-monthly newsletter, listen to my podcast Online for Authors and pick the next book on your TBR, purchase signed copies of my books, and/or reach out on my contact page.
Reviews of Other Books by Teri M Brown
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
The Best Affordable Hair Refreshing Overnight Dry Shampoo
I wear my hair quite long and, at age 70, it's thinning noticeably at the crown. My stylist recommends shampooing only twice a week to avoid drying it out further. However, by day three, it tends to start looking a bit limp at the crown. So, I usually use a dry shampoo to absorb the excess oil near the scalp.
Unfortunately, most dry shampoos leave my hair straw-like, and many have strong fragrances. Worse yet, many also feel heavy, weighing my hair down instead of giving it the lift I'm looking for. So, I was delighted to discover the Batiste Dry Shampoo Overnight Deep Cleanse that I'm reviewing today.
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Image courtesy of Canva |
Batiste Dry Shampoo Overnight Deep Cleanse
Batiste is a well-known brand in the world of dry shampoos, and their Overnight Deep Cleanse Dry Shampoo promises to refresh hair while you sleep, absorbing excess oil, impurities, and product buildup. As someone who understands the importance of keeping hair fresh and voluminous—especially for women over 50 who may struggle with thinning or dry hair—this product caught my attention.
Key Claims & Features
- Designed to work overnight, absorbing oil, dirt, and buildup while you sleep.
- Infused with charcoal and baking soda for deep cleansing.
- Lightweight, invisible formula that won’t leave a white residue.
- Features a calming, relaxing fragrance that isn't overpowering like that of many other brands and formulas.
First Impressions
The scent is fresh and slightly powdery, with a hint of lavender—pleasant without being overpowering.
Application & Texture
- The spray is fine and evenly distributed, making application easy.
- Section the hair (I did sections about an inch apart) and, holding the can 12 inches away from your scalp, spray the dry shampoo at the roots along each section.
- When you have finished applying, massage it in.
- Unlike some dry shampoos that leave behind a chalky residue, this one absorbed quickly and felt weightless.
- Apply at bedtime and, in the morning, massage again to see fresher, fuller-looking hair!
Results in the Morning
- My hair felt noticeably fresher, with less oil and buildup.
- It didn’t add as much volume as some daytime dry shampoos, but the hair felt soft and manageable and noticeably fuller (see my before and after photos).
- No white cast or stickiness, making it great for dark-haired users.
Bonus: Great for a Daytime Refresh
- Although Batiste makes regular dry shampoo formulas for daytime use, I actually prefer this one for that purpose as well when my hair is looking a bit limp and could use some extra body.
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Day 3 after shampoo — hair is flat near the crown |
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Day 4, after using Batiste Dry Shampoo Overnight Deep Cleanse the night before — hair is fuller at the crown |
Who Is It Best For?
- Great for women with oily roots or who want to extend the time between washes.
- Ideal for fine or thinning hair, as it won’t weigh hair down.
- Best for nighttime users who prefer a fresh start in the morning or who prefer to shampoo in the evening.
Potential Downsides
- The scent, while pleasant, could bother you if you’re sensitive to fragrances, although I found it quite mild.
Where to Buy
Batiste Dry Shampoo Overnight Deep Cleanse (affiliate link) is available at Ulta.com, which is where I bought mine, or in Ulta stores as well as some other retailers. You can also order Batiste Dry Shampoo Overnight Deep Cleanse on Amazon.
Final Verdict
Batiste Dry Shampoo Overnight Deep Cleanse is a fantastic overnight refresh for those with oily or thinning hair or who shampoo less frequently. It’s a lightweight, residue-free formula that absorbs grease without the stiffness of traditional dry shampoos. While it won’t provide dramatic volume, it definitely provides a lift and is a perfect low-maintenance solution for waking up with cleaner, fresher hair.
Would I recommend it? Yes, especially for women over 50 who want a no-fuss way to keep their hair looking fresh without frequent washing!
The Best Affordable Hair Refreshing Overnight Dry Shampoo by Margaret Schindel
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Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Finger Puppet Board Books for Babies & Toddlers
My grandson absolutely loves his board books, but especially his finger puppet board book - let's review it here.
We found the Baby Bear Finger Puppet Book at a local shop and thought that our grandson might enjoy it, we couldn't have anticipated how much he would love the book. Firstly board books are always a favourite as he can turn the pages himself and can also fit them in his mouth for a quick taste test! Having a finger puppet as well just turns into a lot more fun.
The finger puppet has to have a hole to pop through and this hole is also really handy for little hands to hold on to when they are treating their book as a toy.
Putting your finger inside the bear puppet as you're reading and suddenly have Baby Bear popping up causes lots of giggles, although be warned sometimes your fingers can be gripped and squeezed really tightly!
When our grandson picks up the book by himself he is often pulling the puppet out and examining it with a frown - I'm sure he's wondering why it's not moving by itself unless Nanny or Pappy is reading it to him!
This was the only finger puppet book we could find locally and for some reason I hadn't thought about looking online for them (not really sure why when I'm always online!), this week I had a look on Amazon and there are so many different Finger Puppet Board Books available that he is getting a couple of other ones for his birthday.
I honestly believe that if you can make books fun when they are babies and toddlers you'll encourage a future bookworm and as a bookworm myself from a family of bookworms I do think that's a great thing.
Grandson and Grandparent approved.
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