Book Review-10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure

 

In this latest book by Teri M Brown, she departs from her usual historical novels and gives us a very personal view into a major challenge in her life.  Can you imagine riding 3500 miles across the country on a tandem bike?  Well, that is exactly what Teri did and along the way she discovered some amazing things about herself.  Although this is about her personal adventure, it has so much to offer to each of us as we meet life's challenges and create adventures of our own.

Book Summary

The book gives us a look at the challenges and successes that the author had during her cross-country tandem cycle ride with her husband.  She accomplishes this through "10 Little Rules" that she feels helped her through the journey.  She leaves room at the end of each of the rules for the reader to reflect on how this rule could affect the readers life. 

I loved the book and found it very inspiring.  Here are just a few of the key points I took away from the book.

• 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.

There are many more insightful thoughts in the book, but I will leave them for you to discover as you read the book.  You can purchase it on Amazon at10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure .

Author Interview

I always like getting to know a bit about the author. Teri graciously agreed to answer my questions in an interview format.  Here are my questions and her answers.

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 14^th, 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

Here are reviews of other books by this author on Review This.

Daughters of Green Mountain Gap

An Enemy Like Me

Sunflowers Beneath the Snow

 

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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.

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.

Day 3 after shampoo — hair is flat near the crown

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.

N/A

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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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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Sunbeam Heated Throw - Reviewed

 My daughter and grandsons got me this Sunbeam Heated Throw for Christmas. I'm the one in the family that is always cold. Whenever I watch television in the cold months of the year you'll always find me wrapped in a blanket.

Currently, the weather in Western New York is cold, with snow and temperatures in the 20s. Even when it's in the 40s and raining, I get a chill. This was the perfect gift for me; now, you will find me wrapped up in my Sunbeam Heated Throw.

Sunbeam Royal Luxe Admiral Blue Heated Personal Throw / Blanket, Cozy-Warm, Adjustable Heat SettingsCheck the Price

You can find a variety of Sunbeam heated throws and blankets on Amazon.

My heated throw is 50 inches x 60 inches making it the perfect size for me to cover up and be comfortable. 

The material is lush and cozy Velvet Sherpa, and it is reversible. 

It has a removable cord and it is machine washable. You will find the complete list of the Care and Cleaning in the instructions.

My throw has four push-button heat settings with an auto four-hour shut-off. I'm most comfortable using the first or second heat setting.

The auto shut-off is a great feature in case I fall asleep. It's perfect for the couch or recliner to wrap up and stay warm.

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Valentine’s Day: Proof That Humans Have Always Been a Little Extra

Ah, Valentine's Day. 

That one day a year when lovebirds get all mushy, single people roll their eyes (or throw an anti-Valentine's party), and stores bombard us with pink and red everything. 

But have you ever stopped mid-chocolate binge to wonder how this whole love-fest even started? 

Buckle up because the history of Valentine's Day is way messier—and bloodier—than you'd expect. Let's review.

The Romans: Masters of Mixing Love and Chaos

Like most weird traditions, we can thank (or blame) the ancient Romans. 

Before Valentine's Day was about overpriced roses and candlelit dinners, the Romans celebrated Lupercalia, a festival held in mid-February. And by "festival," I mean a bizarre mix of fertility rites, matchmaking, and light public nudity. (Yes, really.)

Picture this: young men running through the streets, smacking women with strips of animal hide because someone, somewhere, decided that would increase fertility. And instead of swiping right, single ladies would toss their names into a jar, and men would randomly pick one. 

Ah, romance! Nothing says "everlasting love" like a lottery-based relationship system.

Saint Valentine: The Man, The Myth, The Martyr (Or Martyrs?)

Fast forward to the 3rd century, when Emperor Claudius II had a brilliant idea—ban marriages for young men so they'd focus on war instead of love. (Classic buzzkill move.) 

Enter Saint Valentine, a rebel priest who secretly performed weddings for love-struck couples. When Claudius finds out, he throws Valentine in jail, where legend says he fell for the jailer's daughter and sends her a note signed "From your Valentine."

Touching, right? Well, not for him because Claudius executed him on February 14th. 

And just like that, a martyr was born, and centuries later, we'd all be celebrating his tragic love story by eating too many chocolates.

(Oh, and fun fact: there might have been multiple Saint Valentines. Being named Valentine and getting executed was a trend back then. Who knew?)

Chaucer, Shakespeare, and the Birth of Lovey-Dovey Poetry

For a long time, February 14th was just another day on the calendar.

But then along came Geoffrey Chaucer, a medieval poet who decided to write about birds choosing their mates on Saint Valentine's Day. (This is scientifically inaccurate, but let's not fact-check 14th-century poets.)

Shakespeare took it from there, mentioning Valentine's Day in Hamlet, and before you knew it, the idea of February 14th as a day for romance started catching on. 

By the 1700s, people were writing love letters, and by the 1800s, mass-produced Valentine's cards hit the scene. Because nothing says true love like a pre-written poem on fancy cardstock.

Modern Valentine's Day: Love, Capitalism, and Sugar Overload

Today, Valentine's Day is a full-blown industry. We're talking billions of dollars spent on chocolates, flowers, jewelry, and awkward dinner reservations at packed restaurants. 

And while some people love grand romantic gestures, others see it as a corporate money grab. Either way, the pressure is real. 

Forgot to plan something? Good luck explaining that. 

Single? Congratulations, you'll be getting targeted ads for dating apps all month.

So, What's the Takeaway?

At its core, Valentine's Day is just another excuse to celebrate love.

Whether you're spoiling your partner, your best friend, or yourself (hello, self-care shopping spree), the day is what you make of it. 

And if history teaches us anything, it's that we've come a long way from whipping people with goat skins.

Happy Valentine's Day! Now go eat some chocolate.

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Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life - Book Review

A Review of a Young Readers book by Wendy Mass

I have a deep love of reading and never pass up an opportunity to read. I usually carry a book with me when I go out just in case there are free minutes to fill. Waiting with nothing to do is not an option when I could be filling that time with reading. 

Recently I was at my son’s house waiting for the family to be ready to go out. Not realizing there would be a ‘wait time’, I neglected to bring along a book. Therefore, I looked around for something to read. My  grandson had a new book in the Young Readers genre and the title (Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life) looked intriguing. I began to read this book written for the 12- 14 year old age range, not planning on doing more than filling a few minutes of time with no intention of reading the entire book. I was wrong. Within two pages I was hooked.  The story turned out to be delightful and the writing captured my attention.  Thus, I ended up taking the book home with me to finish.  This is my review of the book and why I ended up reading a book written for Young Readers.

Synopsis of Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life

Jeremy Fink lives in a New York City apartment with his mom; his dad having died 5 years ago. Jeremy’s best friend, Lizzie, lives in the apartment next door with her dad. Being the same age and both being raised by single parents has brought them close.

As summer vacation begins, Jeramy plans on sleeping late, having a lazy summertime of leisure, going to the state fair, and anticipating his long-awaited thirteenth birthday in one month. 

Then, a box arrives in the mail that changes everything. 

First, we need to go back over everything that happened in that one month leading up to Jeremy’s birthday. There is the Big Mistake, the old man, the book, the lamp, the telescope, and this box, which started it all. 

The mysterious wooden box is beautifully made and has keyholes on four sides. The top has engraved words: 

The Meaning of Life: For Jeremy Fink to Open on his 13th Birthday.

The main problem is, the keys to the box are missing and the box is made so that only the keys will open it without destroying what’s inside. Jeremy and Lizzy set off to find the keys…. And thus their summer adventure begins. 

Summary

The story is filled with delightful, though rather quirky, characters; a coming-of-age story with surprising twists and thought-provoking ideas. It has a tweens-oriented mystery theme plus many subtle positive messages for youngsters. A really good story especially for those eager to officially become a teenager. 

Link to more reviews of YA books on ReviewThisReviews

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*Review of the YA book “Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of  Life."

~by Wednesday Elf. 

 

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Downton Abbey Series and Movies Reviewed

In 2011, I watched each episode of Downton Abbey as it aired weekly with my daughter.  No matter what else was going on in our days, we were in front of the TV 5 minutes before the show started.  We didn't want to miss a thing, including the opening theme music.  We were both completely captivated by the drama, the decor, the clothes and the family.  It really was like taking a peek into the lives of nobility in 1912.

Over the course of the last few weeks, I watched the entire series and both subsequent movies again, but this time I watched them with my husband.  Because of his job, he had never seen any of the episodes.  Of course, he had heard of Downton Abbey, but didn't have the time to watch a series as it aired.  Now, with the entire series available on Amazon Prime, we were able to watch the episodes back to back each night at whatever time we settled in to begin watching after dinner.  Some nights, we would watch 2 episodes or part of the next episode just to see what happened next.  I was surprised by how much I did not remember.  

Being able to watch all 6 seasons at our convenience instead of being ruled by a specific airing date and time, was fabulous.  It was also really nice to be able to replay a scene of the show to hear something that we didn't quite understand, or pause it as needed. 

Currently, all 6 seasons of Downton Abbey are available free for Amazon Prime members.  The two subsequent movies, Downton Abbey: The Motion Picture and Downton Abbey: A New Era are both available to rent.  Since I owned the DVDs it wasn't necessary for us to rent them, but it is really nice to know we could have rented them if I had not been able to easily lay hands on the DVDs.

It is amazing how cohesive the series and movies are to each other.  None of the actors were replaced or changed as is necessary in some series.  The house seemed to stay exactly the same too, as if the family and servants continuously live there.  That alone gives Downton Abbey a "real" feel, but the actors do such a great job of playing their roles, you actually believe they are real people and not just characters in a dramatization.   

Downton Abbey fans await the release of the next movie, Downton Abbey 3,  in Sept. 2025 and we have already been told our favorite characters will be played by the original actors.  If you start watching the series now, you will be all caught up and familiar with the characters before the new movie is released.

Downton Abbey Series & Movies

 Downton Abbey -On Amazon Prime VideoCheck PriceThis British historical TV drama started as a mini-series, but clearly fans could not get enough of Downton Abbey.  The mini-series has been followed by 2 movies already and another is on the way.  

The series revolves around the family of the Earl of Grantham, Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville).  We meet the family, as well as the staff of Downton Abbey, in the first episode of 'season one' when a new heir is named after the sinking of the Titanic.  

Robert Crawley knew the intended heir, his first cousin, James, all of his life but when James and his son, Patrick, died on the Titanic, an unknown third cousin once removed is next in line.  No one ever expected both the heir and his son to die before Downton Abbey was passed to one of them.  Viewers had never met either of those men, so it was easy for us to embrace Matthew Crawley as the heir apparent upon his arrival.  He is such a unassuming individual and so easy to like that we rejoiced that he would be the next Earl of Grantham.  

It seems unfair that all three of Robert Crawley's children would be passed over and displaced for a third cousin's son, but Robert's children are all females and the estate, as well as the title of Earl, are entailed to the next male heir.

The series does such a good job of developing each of the characters in the household, including the staff, that before the end of the first season, we feel they are part of our own family.  There are some we don't especially like, but we love them regardless and realize the "family" would not be complete without them.

___________

If you have already watched the series, I would love to hear who you would name as your favorite character.  If you have not watched it yet, please return and share you opinions after you watch the series.

Masterpiece Classic: Downton Abbey Seasons 1-6 Complete Series Collection (Original U.K. Edition) [Blu-ray]

Downton Abbey (Movie, 2019) [DVD]

Downton Abbey: A New Era Digital 2 disc

 

 

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Blue Diamond Frying Pan, Review

I was browsing the cookware isle in our local grocery store, just to see what might be new. One of the things that caught my attention were the words on a package of a Blue Diamond Frying Pan. PFAS and PFOA-Free. They had my attention. The package also said, Toxin-Free coating - free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. I was sold!

I had been working on using more environmentally friendly items. I did a quick lookup on Amazon, and most customers were pretty happy with their purchase. I bought an 10" one on that very shopping trip.

The company says that this metal utensil safe surface with diamond-infused ceramic nonstick cooks food faster than those made with copper. They are most definitely right!

On my first use of the Blue Diamond frying pan, I set the heater knob on the setting that I had used for my previous frying pan. Pretty quickly I heard the sizzling. Whoa. I quickly turned it down to around two, and that is the setting that I have used since. With my previous frying pan, I usually put the heat setting around 4. So in about half the time and around half the heat, I had my breakfast cooked rather quickly. I was and am still very impressed.

I usually fry my eggs only in a little bit of olive oil. When I include some fresh spinach, I use less oil, with a little bit of water, and sauté the spinach first and then add the eggs. It comes out great every time. When I cooked the fresh asparagus in it, I even had to turn the temperature knob down to below two. I also covered the pan with a 10 inch lid that I had on hand; it cooked in under 10 minutes.

Other pluses listed on the web page include warp control, oven and broiler safe up to 600 degrees F, dishwasher safe, and has an ergonomic handle. It works on most stove tops, but is not compatible with the induction stove top.

You can purchase this skillet to match your kitchen decor. The color choices include, blue, black, gray, pink, turquoise, red, and white.

Pan size choices are 8", 10", 12", and 14". The twelve inch pan apparently comes with a choice of no lid or no lid, with a price difference for with lid. Customers for the most part weren't as impressed with the 14 inch pan size. For one, it is very large; it's quite a bit bigger than the burner. And one was missing part of the coating.

I use an Oxo nylon flexible pancake turner when using the pan, and the finish of the pan continues to look as good as when I first used it. Here is a link for the pancake turner. https://amzn.to/4gutPCV

Overall I am very pleased with mine. I can't comment on the pan's versatility; I haven't used it in the oven, nor have I used any other pan in the oven. However I am happy with my purchase and with how I use it.

If this sounds like a good fit for you, they are available on Amazon.

Blue Diamond Cookware - Check price.

Cheryl Paton

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Homemade Buttermilk Biscuit Recipe

 Store-bought biscuits may be convenient, but they will never match the flavor and texture of fresh, homemade biscuits. Plus making your own homemade biscuits is surprisingly easy and quick.

Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits-Reviewed

Last week, Fran and I made delicious beef stew. This hearty beef stew was perfect for a cold day. I love having something to dip into my beef stew so, I decided to make some homemade buttermilk biscuits. 

By the way, you can find our beef stew recipe here: Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe.

The beef stew is fast and easy to make in the Instant Pot. It is the perfect comfort food on a cold winter day.

These buttermilk biscuits were a perfect addition to the beef stew, but are also great with butter or jam.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter (I used salted butter) cold. If you use unsalted butter add a teaspoon of salt to dry ingredients.
• 1/2 cup Crisco vegetable shortening cold
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk cold

Instructions:

1. Combine the flour and baking powder in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the cold butter and Crisco and cut in using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the cold buttermilk and mix it with a spatula until the dough comes together.
4. Now, work the dough with your hands on a lightly floured surface. The dough will be a bit sticky.
5. I rolled the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick. You can make them thicker if you like or get nice flakey layers by rolling them out thin and folding them over.
6. I don't have a 3-inch biscuit cutter, so I used a 3-inch drinking glass to cut them out.
7. Place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Or a greased cookie sheet.
8. Bake on the center rack at 475 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes until the biscuits are golden brown.

Here are my buttermilk biscuits, ready for the oven. They were so easy to make and perfect for our beef stew.

This is a great kitchen tool for cutting cold ingredients into dry ingredients, it makes to work so much easier.

Urbanstrive Large Pastry Cutter Tool, Top Professional Pastry Blender Stainless Steel, Heavy Duty Dough Blender, Dishwasher Safe Baking Supplies Baking Tools, BlackCheck the Price

 

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Reviewing The Benefits Of Seed Container Storage Boxes

In my experience, seed container storage boxes are an essential tool for gardeners. Previously, my seeds for flowers and vegetables and salads were stored in draws in the kitchen or open storage boxes and it  was not really adequate. They often seemed to gain moisture or go bad quickly and if I opened a packet and put it back inevitably the seeds would spill out all over ! I also worried about mice and insects being attracted by them.

I often buy seeds whenever I visit a garden centre especially if they have any on sale. So I often keep seeds from one year to the next. A garden magazine I subscribe to monthly usually include free seeds as well. In addition I gather seeds from my own flowers. So it is often the case that I have a lot of seeds needing storage at any one time. 

I enjoy growing from seed and watching the tiny seeds grow into a young plant then mature and flower is a wonder of nature and always enchanting to me. In addition it often works out significantly cheaper than buying larger plug plants later on in the year. If you grow from seed you can grow many times more flowers and crops for the same or less price. 

So I now have two seed storage boxes, I keep one for flower seeds and one for vegetable and salad seeds. 

Benefits Of Using Seed Container Storage Boxes:

Organisation

Seed container storage boxes often come with cardboard or plastic compartments or dividers that allow us to organise seeds. Organising seeds is a personal thing. Some people might organise the seeds alphabetically, some by flower type or by month to plant. It does not matter as long as it suits you. Sorting seeds in these ways can make it easier to check dates by which seeds must be sown.

It can also keeps seeds of one type for example salad crops, cress, poppies or sweet peas together so that you don't go out and buy more stock of seeds when you already have plenty.

I also have these blank seed container packets so that I can store any of the seeds I collect from my own plants.

 So there are many benefits from a little time spent organising.   

Keeps Seeds Dry

Seed container storage boxes keep seeds dry. This is very important to keep seeds viable and able to germinate. Too much moisture can lead to mould growth and ultimately the seeds just rot before you get a chance to sow them. 

It avoids the disappointment of finding your lovely seeds with all the promise of flowers and crops only to have to discard them. These seed storage boxes help preserve seed quality and ensure they remain good for sowing for longer.

Protection From Mice.

Seeds are a magnet for mice for whom it is a food source. So it is important not to leave seed packets loose in a draw, cupboard or outdoor storage where mice can find them. We do not want a mice infestation in our homes so a sturdy seed container keeps the seeds secure and unavailable as a food source. These containers are usually metal with sturdy fastening clips and so not easily accessed by rodents. I have had no issues with mice getting into my seeds since using these containers. 

Easy To Carry

The seed containers I have and the ones I am talking about here are smaller and easily carried. This is important to me so that I can carry the whole box into the garden, use the seeds from the packets I need and put them back. 

I can keep the box in the garden with me all the time I am gardening so no need to go back and forth to the house. Then I simply carry it  back into the house when I have finished.

I hope to get an allotment one day and they will be invaluable in that case so that I can simply take them back and forth to the allotment easily. 

A sturdy, portable box means no seeds spills all over the garden or home and I have all the packets of seeds available to me as I work.

Storage

I do have a lot of seeds and rarely use all the seeds in every packet every year. Seed container storage boxes are designed for longer term storage, thus allowing seeds to remain viable for longer periods of time. I really like this as it means I can keep seeds for longer, often year to year and as long as I sow them by the use by date on the packet they are still good viable seeds.

There is also plenty of room for my seed labels. Labelling seed trays is in my experience vital. No matter what I think I do forget which seeds I have sown in which seed tray! So labelling is important , yet labels can often go astray. So keeping them in with the seeds in a seed storage box is perfect !  

Having one or more seed container storage boxes is sensible if you gather or buy seeds. Seed container storage boxes offer some good benefits that help us gardeners maintain the quality and viability of flower, vegetable and salad seeds. 

It can also be cost-effective. By keeping seeds protected and dry, away from rodents and organised we keep the seeds fresher for longer. We also can easily see what seeds we already have so no need to buy more of seeds we already own. We also can be more organised so sow the seeds we want to have, whether flowers or vegetables, at the correct time.  

Gardening Gift Idea

These Seed Storage boxes can make a lovely thoughtful gift for just about every gardener and really anyone who you know loves sowing their own seeds. So you may like to bear in mind for Birthdays and Christmas gifts especially, though as a keen gardener, I would be very happy with one as a Valentines gift too! 

In my experience, these container seed boxes are a valuable addition to help make seed sowing a pleasurable and organised gardening activity.

 Seed Storage Box – Metal Seed Packet Organizer with Garden String and Bamboo Plant LabelsCheck Price Xbopetda Seed Saving Box, Metal Seed Bin, Seed Storage Organizer Box, Seed Packet Container with Lid and 4 DividersCheck Price Burgon & Ball Seed Packet Storage Box Container Tin Stone Cream with Inside Dividers for Organization with Lid, Side Handles and LatchesCheck Price

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Reviewing The Benefits Of Seed Container Storage Boxes by Raintree Annie 

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