Monday, June 30, 2025

Stonewall Kitchen Cornbread Mix - Reviewed

 

Stonewall Kitchen Cornbread Mix
We found some home-baked goodness with this box of Stonewall Kitchen Cornbread Mix.

We prefer to make cornbread from scratch, but sometimes a quick fix is necessary.

While on one of Fran and Jamie's Buffalo shopping trips, Fran picked up this box of cornbread mix, along with many other things. 

Stonewall Kitchen Cornbread is inspired by classic New England recipes, baking up with a soft, fluffy texture and sweet corn flavor that pairs perfectly with barbecued meats, baked beans, spicy chili, or just as a snack.

A few weeks ago, Jamie made a big pot of her Award Winning Chili. Fran remembered she had bought this cornbread mix, and we gave it a try.

You will find the instructions on the box very easy, and it bakes up in about 25 minutes, making 8 to 12 servings. 

The Stonewall Kitchen Cornbread mix did not disappoint; it was a perfect match with the chili. So, if you're looking for homemade goodness from a box, give this one a try.

If you like making cornbread from scratch, try my Cheddar Cheese Cornbread made in my cast iron skillet.

Stonewall Kitchen Cornbread Mix, 16 OuncesStonewall Kitchen Cornbread Mix, 16 OuncesBuy Now

 




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, June 29, 2025

How to Create Free Picture-in-Picture Walkthrough Videos

How to Create Free Picture-in-Picture Walkthrough Videos


Growing a YouTube channel comes with a learning curve. I'm sharing what I've figured out so far in case it helps make your journey a little easier. Last week, I discussed YouTube Playlists, and the week before, I covered how the YouTube Algorithm has changed.

Today's Lesson is about Simultaneous Screen and Camera Recording

Have you ever wanted to show your YouTube channel, walk someone through a tutorial, or create a quick how-to video, with your face in the corner—all without buying expensive software?

That was me just a few days ago. I wanted to create a basic video showing how people can use my YouTube riddle compilations as a free party or family game. 

I didn't want anything fancy—just a simple way to screen record my laptop while I talked and scrolled, with my camera on so I could be in the corner of the video explaining everything.

That's when I discovered Microsoft Clipchamp, and the best part is that it's free and already on many Windows computers.


Why I Chose Microsoft Clipchamp

I conducted a basic search on my laptop for "screen and camera recording" tools, and Clipchamp appeared as a result. It was already installed, and it didn't require any sign-up hoops. That was a win.

Clipchamp allowed me to record my screen while showing my face in the corner, so I could explain how viewers could use my YouTube riddle playlist and compilation video as a fun, interactive game streamed on a big screen.

I wanted to walk people through my channel, show them the layout of my playlists, and highlight the video that features 70 riddles in a row—perfect for get-togethers.


Step-by-Step: How to Use Microsoft Clipchamp for Screen and Camera Recording

Here's the super simple, no-fuss tutorial for beginners (like me!).


1. Search and Open Clipchamp

  • On your Windows laptop, click the Start menu or use the search bar.

  • Type in "Clipchamp" and click to open it.

  • If it's not installed, search for it on the Microsoft Store—it's free.


2. Start a New Project

  • Click "Create a new video."

  • It will open a blank video editing workspace.


3. Get Your Screen Ready FIRST

Important lesson I learned the hard way:
Before you start recording, make sure the webpage, app, or YouTube channel you want to show is already open in a browser window in the background.

I had to scroll through my YouTube channel to showcase my riddle compilations, and I realized after the fact that setting everything up first makes things go much smoother.


4. Click Record & Create

  • On the left sidebar, click "Record & Create."

  • Then select "Screen and camera."

  • You'll see options pop up. Choose your microphone and camera source.


5. Choose the Right Screen Window

  • After hitting "Record" (the big red round button at the bottom center), you'll be asked to choose what to share.

  • Important: Click "Window" instead of "Entire Screen."

    “Entire Screen” didn’t work for me—nothing recorded properly when I used that option.

  • Select the specific window you want to show. In my case, I chose the YouTube window that was already open with my riddle playlist.

  • Ensure that you only have the one window open that you want to demonstrate—this keeps things clean and avoids distractions or showing stuff you didn't intend to.


6. Check Your Appearance (and Be Ready to Switch to Your Content Fast!)

🎥 Heads-up from my experience:
Once you hit record, the recording starts instantly. Your selected screen will take over and start showing. You won’t see yourself in the corner during the recording—only after it’s done.

So:

  • Be camera-ready: check your lighting, camera angle, and background before you hit record.

  • Have your content already open and ready to go in a browser window.

  • As soon as the recording starts, switch to your content. For me, that meant clicking over to my YouTube page immediately to start scrolling and explaining.

✅ Pro Tip: Keep all other tabs and windows closed to avoid distractions—and to protect your privacy (like open emails, bookmarks, or YouTube sidebar details).


7. Record Your Walkthrough

  • Start talking to your laptop like you're explaining it to a friend.

  • Scroll through your browser, demo what you're showing (in my case, my YouTube riddle playlist), and just keep it natural.


8. Finish & Review

  • When you're done, click "Stop recording."

  • Clipchamp will automatically insert the recording into your project timeline.


9. Basic Editing (What I Did)

You don't have to do major edits! But if you want to cut out a pause or mistake:

  • Use the "Split" function (scissors icon).

  • Click where you want to split, then trim out the part you don't need. There was a learning curve on that as well.

That's literally all I did.


10. Export Your Video

  • When you're ready, click the "Export" button at the top right.

  • Choose your video resolution (I picked 1080p).

  • It will save the video to your device.


Where I Used This Tool

I used this exact process to create a tutorial showing how people can stream my YouTube riddle compilations on their TV and use them for free family or party entertainment. No apps. No sign-ins. Just hit play and have fun together.


⬇️ Here's the Result of My FIRST Ever Screen and Camera Recording!




A Few Final Tips I Learned Along the Way

  • Clear your browser tabs at the top if you're recording a screen that shows them. It keeps things tidy (and private).

  • Close the sidebar on your YouTube channel if you don't want to display personal playlists, subscriptions, or navigation options.

  • Speak slowly and be yourself. You don't need to be perfect. Just helpful.


Want More Advanced Tools?

If Clipchamp isn't meeting your needs, there are more advanced programs available (such as OBS Studio, Camtasia, and ScreenFlow). Simply search for "advanced screen and camera recording software" to find the solution that best suits your needs.

However, if you're just starting out, Microsoft Clipchamp is more than enough for creating great, basic content.


Final Thoughts

It took me the better part of an afternoon to get my recording to a semi-decent state, and I still fumbled a bit. But I'm glad I stuck with it. Now I feel more confident using Clipchamp, and next time I'll likely be more natural and smooth on camera.

Hope this helps you get started. You've got this!





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, June 28, 2025

Life, Loss, and Puffins - Book Review


Review of a novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde


For two teenagers, their bucket list isn’t about dying. It’s about finally living.


Scene of the aurora borealis


Highlights of the Story


The two main characters in Life, Loss, and Puffins are teenagers Ru Evans and Gabriel.


Ru lives in California with her mother. She is freakishly smart. She taught herself euclidean geometry at age seven and has a photographic memory and total recall. As the story begins, Ru is about to enter college, and she is only thirteen years old. 


The college is 150 miles from Ru’s home, so her mother arranges for her to board with a family near the college campus. This family consists of a mother and her seventeen year old son, Gabriel.


Gabriel is very much an outsider like Ru. They both have trouble making friends; Ru due to her intelligence, Gabriel because he has his own way of ‘being’, which includes wearing makeup on his eyelashes and nail polish on his fingers.


Ru and Gabriel, perhaps because they recognize the ‘uniqueness’ in each other, form a deep sibling-like bond. Being able to relate to someone else in their world that they can talk to is a first for each of them. 

Originally, Ru’s mother planned to come pick up Ru each weekend, but the first few weeks she comes up with excuse after excuse why she cannot come. Finally Ru gets Gabriel (who drives her to the college campus every day and picks her up in the afternoons after his own college classes) to drive her home to see her mom. She discovers her mom’s sister is there and that her mother is terminally ill. She had tried to keep this from Ru. Quite soon, Ru’s mother dies and Ru is expected to go live in Kentucky with her miserable aunt, her only remaining relative and one she has never gotten along with. 


The Trip of a Lifetime


Not able to bear the thought of life with her aunt without ever really having a normal life (wanting to go from being a smart person to just being a ‘person’), Ru tells Gabriel what she would like to do. Gabriel agrees to help her fulfil her ultimate dream. They set off from California and head for Canada. Ru’s bucket list includes seeing the aurora borealis and the Atlantic puffins in the wild. 


Summary


Atlantic Puffin
Atlantic Puffin (Source: Pixabay)

Ru & Gabriel know that they will be in trouble when caught, but their special friendship, combined with help in unexpected places, combine to help them both see what it feels like to really ‘live’ as a normal person as they take life one beautiful and spontaneous day at a time. 


This is a delightful feel-good, coming of age story about two young people you will really enjoy getting to know. 




*Book Review of Life, Loss, and Puffins written by Wednesday Elf


 




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Friday, June 27, 2025

Homemade German Chocolate Cake Recipe Reviewed

German chocolate cake recipe
German chocolate cake is a unique and delicious cake.  A German chocolate cake is often easily recognized by the way it is frosted.  Traditionally, the sides of a German chocolate cake are not frosted.  The coconut-pecan frosting is only on the top and between layers.   However, when I make this cake for our family, I elect to put the frosting between layers, on the top and sides.  We like the extra frosting.  If I made the cake for a party, I would opt for the more traditional, recognizable method and leave the frosting off the sides.  

Baking any cake from scratch does take more time to prepare than a boxed cake mix.  Plus, you need more ingredients on hand.  Those ingredients often have a short expiration date and are likely to spoil before you use the full bottle, bag or can.  This alone may be why so many people choose to make cakes with a cake mix instead of from scratch.

When you have the time and inclination, a homemade cake from scratch truly is a gift, as well as a special treat.  My homemade German chocolate cake is the most requested cake out of all of my homemade cakes.     


German Chocolate Cake Recipe
Sylvestermouse - ReviewThisReviews.com

Set out your butter to soften about an hour before you are ready to start mixing the cake together.  I would also recommend lining your cake pans with parchment paper or pre-cut cake pan liners to keep your cake from sticking to the pan. 

Because there are several parts of this recipe made in separate bowls and later combined into one large mixing bowl, I use mixing bowls with spouts for easy pouring.   

I do use my stand mixer for this cake in order to free up both hands to hold bowls and/or spatulas when adding ingredients to the batter. 
  

Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. (4 oz.) BAKER'S GERMAN'S Sweet Chocolate
  • ½ cup water
  • 4 eggs, separated
  • 2 cups & 4 Tablespoons cake flour or 2 cups of all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 cup Prairie Farms Bulgarian style buttermilk or whole buttermilk
 

Directions    

Cover bottoms of 3 (9-inch) round pans with parchment or pre-cut dry wax cake liners for pans; Coat bottom & sides with Crisco shortening. 

Heat oven to 350°F   (325°F – Convection) 

  1.  Microwave chocolate and water in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 min. or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after 1 min. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. 
  2.  Separate Eggs (Egg whites in the medium glass mixing bowl)
  3.  Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl 
  4.  Beat butter and sugar in large mixing bowl with mixer until light and fluffy    
  5.  Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each.    
  6.  Blend in melted chocolate and vanilla with the low setting on the mixer    
  7.  Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating until well blended after each addition 
  8.  Beat egg whites in glass bowl with a hand mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form 
  9.  Add egg whites to batter by gently stirring them in with a spatula until well blended 
  10.  Pour batter into prepared cake pans     
  11.  Bake 25 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean 
  12.  Immediately run small spatula around cakes in pans and cool cakes in pans 15 min. 
  13.  Remove from pans to wire racks; cool completely.
  14.  Be sure to remove the pan liner parchment paper from the bottom of the cake layers before frosting.   
Prepare Coconut-Pecan Filling and Frosting; spread between cake layers and onto top of cake.

 

Top with Homemade Coconut-Pecan Frosting (click here for the recipe!) 

 

 Lot of 2 Baker's 4 oz. German's Sweet Chocolate BarCheck Price Swans Down Regular Cake Flour, 32oz BoxCheck Price 100Pcs 9 IN Round Non Stick Parchment Paper for BakingCheck Price



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Homemade German Chocolate Cake Recipe Written by:
House of Sylvestermouse





© 2025 Cynthia Sylvestermouse
 




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Thursday, June 26, 2025

Reviewing -The Glassmaker

 

Book by Adriana Trigani
The Glassmaker by Tracy Chavalier
I love reading historical fiction and Tracy Chavalier is one of my favorite authors.  This book takes place in Venice and the areas around it and since I've been to Venice it made this book extra special for me.  As they were describing various places in Venice I could picture just where they were talking about.  The author makes the characters come alive in this book which makes it a very compelling book to read.

Story Summary

The author takes an interesting take on the timelessness of Venice in this book.  In the first paragraph of each chapter she takes on a timeline of Venice through the years starting in 1486 and ending in present day.  In the rest of each chapter we follow Orsola Rosso, a woman who has grown up in a glassmaking family in Murano, just a gondolier ride away from Venice.

In Orsola's time woman were meant to be helpers in the business, but never actual glassmakers.  In order to help her family in a time of need Orsola learns to make glass beads in secret.

Venice in 1486 is a very wealthy and an opulent center for trade. As time flows through the years Venice suffers through plagues and wars and eventually turns in to more of a tourist destination than a trade center.

In this book we follow the Rosso family through good times and bad.  We see life through the eyes of Orsola and view her pains and triumphs as she deals with deaths, births, and changes in the glassmaking business.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Book on Amazon

The Glassmaker is available on Amazon in Hardback, Paperback, Audiobook or eBook.  The Glassmaker

 Reviews of Andriana Trigiani Books

If you enjoy historical fiction you may enjoy this book. Here is a book I reviewed by Adriana Trigiani.





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Summer Heat and Babies Be Prepared ~ A Product Review

Everyone has been waiting for summer so patiently and now it is here.  In the last two days we have had almost 100 degrees F through the day and that is a lot of warmth!

Adults know how to handle the heat (while complaining loudly), but when it comes to the littlest of our families, we are somewhat stymied as how to help them keep their cool.

Well, if you know someone who is expecting a little one this summer I have a great gift idea for you! Little Bum Coolers are here!   We have lots of laws in place to keep our babies safe while in the car, but no one ever mentions the heat!  Most cars have air conditioning but does it reach the back seat where baby's car seat is located?  Driver and passenger are comfortable, but the back seat is sometimes less so.  

Babies only know how to cry when they are uncomfortable, so if taking your little one out becomes a crying fest, maybe there is something that is bothering them.

Now I know how hot those car seats can get when you've been out shopping and the car is sitting in a sunny spot getting baked.  Touch that car seat and you know what I'm talking about.  Many malls don't have covered or shaded areas in which to park, so you are left with an interior car temperature that can cook an egg!  Not fun for anyone.  This is where the Little Bum Coolers come into play!  Take the Little Bum Coolers out and place it into the car seat after you have your little one out!  


https://amzn.to/4njFPvK

Baby car seats get really hot!  The buckles can burn your child's skin.  With Little Bum Coolers you can keep your child car seat cool and the buckles as well. The Ice Packs will keep the seat cool and the buckles from becoming a burn hazard!  When coming back to the car, open up the windows and let all that standing heat out, then if you can, start your car to get that air conditioning going.  Take your Little Bum Coolers off of the car seat, add your child to the cool seat and off you go!

Now everyone is cool and comfortable with no HOT SEATS for anyone.


https://littlebumcoolers.com/?aff=129


These Ice Pack Cooling Pads are great for long trips in the car.  Shaped to fit the car seats, these Pads work the same way that ice packs work for sore muscles, bruises and sprains.  You refrigerate or freeze these ice packs until you are ready to use them and then you put them inside the car seat before baby gets on board. 

Just a word of advice, bring along an insulated bag with frozen gel packs inside, so that when baby comes out of the cool car seat, you can place the Ice packs inside the insulated bag.  If you don't put them inside an insulated bag they will become warm too.  In the insulated bag the Little Bum Coolers will will remain cool and useful for the drive back home again.

This is a great gift idea and something that not everyone will think of.  I'm sure it will be a welcome addition to anyone who has that summer baby!  

These Little Bum Coolers fit all car seats so it's useful for toddlers too!



Happy Summer and Stay Cool!




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Reviewing Uses, Benefits And Disadvantages Of Insulated Water Bottles

Two insulated water bottles, one blue, one silver

Before a recent trip to a major city  we went on we decided to buy a couple of insulated water bottles. We knew it would be warm and we had a lot of walking to do. We did not want to keep buying plastic water bottles, partly for environmental reasons and partly due to the expense. 

Although the water bottles we purchased were far more expensive than a single plastic water bottle, we knew the cost of single plastic bottles would mount up and we would use these insulated water bottles for many reasons not just this one trip. 

In addition we were fed up with plastic water bottles becoming a not very nice rather warm tepid drink within a short period of time and often leaking.

It is so important to keep hydrated in the summer heat we felt it was a worthwhile investment. Now I have experienced travel with one of these insulated water bottles I would never be without one and feel they are an everyday essential for just about everyone. 

For us they were a real game changer and helped us to feel much more comfortable and hydrated. We bought two of the 750 ml ones in different colours and it was one of our best purchases. 

The reason these insulated water bottles are so good is that they use double walled vacuum insulation to keep the drinks at the right temperature for many hours. Some models including the one we bought keep cold drinks cold and fresh for up to 24 hours, and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours. Different models will have different times for hot and cold liquids so do be careful to check that out.

They come in a range of sizes from small ones that can be carried easily to big one litre ones for a long trip and other in between options. We found the 75 litre size perfect for our days out. There was no strange taste or smell and it all was just fresh cold water and thirst quenching.

A tip is to fill with water then put in the fridge for a while to have really cold water for your trip or day out. However it is not advised to have freezing cold water as it can upset your stomach, just cold water is best. 


Two water bottles, blue one standing, silver on on its side.


Ideas How To Use Insulated Water Bottles.

These insulated water bottles are incredibly versatile and since we have owned them have far more uses than I initially thought. 

For City sightseeing trips like ours they are invaluable. Walking for miles and needing regular drinks, these water bottles were fantastic! We added rehydration sachets as well to maximise the benefits of the cool fresh water and sometimes lemon.  We saved a small fortune on city centre cafe visits and found many places to fill them up.

For more serious hiking, biking or camping trips and long nature reserve walks where hydration is important. The size to choose will depend on the length of time you are out, the weather,  and how comfortable you are carrying the size and weight of the bottle. 

Fill it with cool water for exercise in the gym, running, yoga, Pilates or spin class to rehydrate. It is useful to add rehydration sachets to the water to help you as well. 

On family trips out each family member can have their own individual drink in smaller sizes, maybe each person has a different colour. Alternatively, the family or couple can share a larger size bottle.

Keeping one with you when gardening to keep hydrated or have a lovely coffee, tea or hot chocolate just when you feel like it without having to go inside. This is great for me as an avid gardener I can now stay outside all the time and I do not need to go inside to make a drink! Also as it is sealed, unlike a glass or mug of water you wont get any stray insects in it!

Take hot tea, coffee or fresh cold water with you on your journey to work and for use while at work. For people who work outdoors, it would be a very handy way to hydrate and have good hot drinks available just when you need them.

Very good for keeping fresh cold  water or hot lemon drink by your bed when feeling poorly or post operation, as it is important to keep hydrated and also for taking medication. No need to keep getting up to make drinks when you don't feel like it, or bothering someone else.

Keep one bottle by your bed at night, filled with water,  in case you wake up thirsty, which I often do, when the weather is very hot or humid. The water is much fresher than when it is just in an open glass. 

Older people often do not drink enough water to keep hydrated. If they have one of these it is easier for them or carers to monitor how much they are drinking. It is easier to drink more when a bottle is by your side than having to keep getting up to get water or make a drink.  

Take one for long train, bus or car journeys and have your hot or cold drink just as fresh as you made it. I once ran out of water on a long train journey in the summer heat and I do not recommend it, I felt quite poorly as I was dehydrated and so since then always make sure I have more than enough water with me. 

 


 POWCAN 40 oz Insulated Water Bottle with 2-in-1 Straw and Spout Lid, Keep Cold 24H, Leak-Proof, BPA-Free, Double Wall StainlessCheck Price


Benefits Of Insulated Water Bottles

  • They keep drinks cold or hot for hours which is a major benefit and one of the main reasons I wanted buy one. I love this feature as I dislike lukewarm water or a just about cold coffee. It is a lovely thing to have a refreshing cold drink several hours after you have made it or a nice hot coffee or tea halfway through the day. So great for both warmer and colder months. 
  • A huge advantage is that many of them and the ones we bought are leakproof. This was my second reason for buying one. Ours have a guarantee against leaks which is a big plus for me. I once had a plastic water bottle that leaked all over on a bus which was embarrassing and then meant I had no water for my rather hot journey. I would certainly choose one that is leakproof. 
  • You can also  make your drink exactly how you like it. For example I like water with a hint of lemon. I like my coffee milky. Most coffee shops make it too strong for me. My husband likes coffee strong but not sweet. So we can now customise our drinks the way we want them and have a bottle each. 
  • They are perfect for rehydration for travel and days out, exercise and illness.
  • Insulated water bottles are better than constantly buying plastic water bottles then discarding them. Or filling a plastic bottle repeatedly and risking leaks as the plastic weakens or the top seal fails. Instead we can just refill these insulated water bottles helping to reduce plastic use overall and is in time cost effective.
  • In addition most insulated water bottles are made from stainless steel, which makes them strong, though do check individual models and makes for exact construction.
  • There are a variety of useful sizes to choose from. From small bottles perhaps for exercise use, medium sized for carrying around sightseeing all day, to large flasks for long hot days or sickness, we can choose the best for us and our needs.
  • While certainly more expensive than a plastic bottle or take away coffee initially,  over a short period of time you will more than recoup that cost by making your own drinks and using this flask.
  • These insulated water bottles are available in a good choice of colours and designs to suit most needs and styles. We found it useful to have one colour for water and one colour for coffee. Or one colour for each of our different coffee preferences. Ours came available in silver, blue, green, black or white and there are a wide range of colours to choose from in most brands. 
  • They are easy to clean. We just clean ours manually in the sink.


 Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw, BPA-Free Sports Water Bottle, Great for Travel, 24 Oz, Camo CoolCheck Price


Disadvantages Of Insulated Water Bottles

  • Insulated water bottles are significantly more expensive than plastic bottles. However we find the cost recouped really quite quickly once we no longer needed to buy plastic water bottles or so many cafe visits. On our one week trip with them we already saved most if not all of the cost than if we had bought the same volume of water in plastic bottles. 
  • They can be heavier and take up a bit more space in a bag or rucksack than a plastic bottle. However on our city break trip and nature walks we have not found this an issue.
  • The bottles are generally opaque so you cannot see from the outside how much of the drink you have left before opening them. We found that you can get an idea by the weight though quite quickly once you are used to them. 
  • If you are going to want to refill them often when out and about be careful which size you choose. With our 750ml bottles we found that we could refill them at most water filling points. However, there were some we could not fit the bottle underneath. So if that is a concern perhaps take one smaller bottle to use alongside a larger one in those circumstances or just the smaller bottles.  
  • It is important to clean thoroughly after containing tea or coffee.


However for us these insulated water bottles have been wonderful and made life so much easier! A few minor issues are not important compared to the major advantages and now I would absolutely never be without one or two. 

 TOURIT 32 oz Insulated Water Bottle, Stainless Steel Bottle With Straw, Double Wall Vacuum Insulation for Cold and Hot DrinksCheck Price


So in summary, we think these insulated water bottles are a great find for us and for many people. They look nice and stylish and have a good range of colours to choose from. The size choice is good from small to very large. Many carry a good guarantee against leaks  as well which was important to us. Once bought you will never need to buy plastic throw away water bottles anymore or take away coffees, so you will easily recoup the money spent. As always read the details about each brand carefully and choose based on your own needs and activities.


 BJPKPK Insulated Water Bottles, 18 oz Stainless Steel Metal Water Bottle with Strap, BPA Free Leak Proof ThermosCheck Price


Finally these would make a lovely thoughtful gift for just about anyone. Especially for a birthday or Christmas present and would also be a thoughtful gift for someone starting work who has a commute, exercising regularly,  someone going travelling, a gardener or an older person, to name a few.


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Reviewing Uses, Benefits And Disadvantages Of Insulated Water Bottles by Raintree Annie





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Monday, June 23, 2025

Hallmark Christmas In July Review

Enjoy the air conditioning and summer treats as Hallmark unveils its' Christmas in July programming. Hallmark fans will love a peek at what will be coming their way when Hallmark premieres its' Christmas programming in October.

Hallmark Christmas

New Series!

Hallmark Christmas At Sea premieres July 7th.  Monday will be the night to view the new episodes of your favorite Hallmark stars and fans at sea. The very familiar and beloved Hallmark stars are cruising!

According to Hallmark : Merry Cruisemas  with its' stars: "Benjamin Ayres, Jonathan Bennett, Wes Brown, Erin Cahill, Paul Campbell, Taylor Cole, Nikki DeLoach, Sarah Drew, Tyler Hynes, Kimberley Sustad and Andrew Walker".

Unwrapping Series 

The Unwrapping series of Christmas movies first premiered last year on Hallmark plus. This year Hallmark is continuing their July theme of introducing new Christmas movies in July. The Unwrapping Christmas store is a gift wrapping store where four friends work and will take you on your next holiday adventure.

This year four new movies will air:

Unwrapping Christmas: Tina's Miracle

Starring Natalie Hall, Alec Santos on Saturday, July 5th. It's the battle of the Christmas gala for a gift wrapping store owner and a grumpy estate estate owner.

Unwrapping Christmas: Mia's Prince

Starring Nathan Witte and Kathryn Davis on Saturday, July 12th. 

Heirs, wealthy, fairy tales and of course romance intertwine.

Unwrapping Christmas: Lily's Destiny 

Saturday, July 19th.  Is the true match destiny? Come along this Hallmark journey of chemistry with a dash of destiny.

Unwrapping Christmas: Olivia's Reunion

Hallmark favorite Cindy Busby and Jake Epstein star on Saturday, July 26th in a very Hallmark storyline of past loves reuniting or not? under Hallmark circumstances. 



The Do Not Miss List of Hallmark Christmas Movies 

These are the Christmas movies that are tried and true Hallmark Christmas with the OG stars fans love so much! A few movies not to miss whether it be Christmas in July, October, November or December.

Three Wise Men And A Baby And Its' Sequel Three Wiser Men And A Baby

Fans adore this series with the A list actors: Paul Walker, Tyler Hynes and Paul Campbell.

Always a huge fan favorite! Great chemistry, fun storyline, A team actors and a plot which does have some similarities to Three Men And A Baby. 

Christmas Under Wraps And Sequel A Cozy Christmas Inn

Garland? No not that kind of garland, the city Garland. Oh yes! The secrets of Garland just might include Santa, elves, workshop and a very busy schedule in December. David O'Donnell and Candace Burr started in Christmas Under Wraps and years later a sequel A Cozy Christmas Inn was made with David O'Donnell and Jodie Sweetin plus the most of the original cast.

Very charming Christmas movies which will warm your heart and always worth watching and re watching.

Christmas At Pemberley Manor

Jessica Lowndes and Michael Rady star in holiday movie where the family estate (and maybe) its' heir could use a little Christmas magic. Lovely backdrop, comedy, chemistry and romance star.

Crown For Christmas

Always be on the lookout for a Crown For Christmas with Danica McKellar and Rupert Penry-Jones. This is one of the best Hallmark Christmas movies of all time in many Hallmarkies opinion. This royal palace romance is always include on best Hallmark movies list. 

A Gift To Remember

The holiday is a backdrop versus major played in this delightful and sometimes overlooked Hallmark movie. Bookstore fans can relate as the bookstore employee collides - literally- with a customer and amnesia begin the chase for his identity. Great chemistry and don't forget the sequel Cherished Memories.

Christmas Waltz

Starring Will Kemp and Lacey Chabert. Dancing, more dancing, chemistry, more chemistry with a little romance after one of the pair has an unexpected pre wedding split.

More Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviewed


A Cozy Christmas Inn Reviewed 2022  by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2021 Reviewed by The Savvy Age







Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, June 22, 2025

5 Smart Tips for Using YouTube Playlists to Grow Your Channel

 

5 Smart Tips for Using YouTube Playlists to Grow Your Channel

Why Creating Playlists Has Made a Big Difference for My YouTube Channel

I'm not a YouTube guru, and I'm definitely not one of the big-time experts with millions of followers—but I do have a YouTube channel called Stumped Riddles, and I've spent countless hours researching ways to improve it.

Along with learning about YouTube's new Algorithm, one of the best pieces of advice I picked up—and something I've personally found incredibly valuable—is the power of creating playlists.

If you're new to YouTube or haven't tapped into the playlist feature much, let me walk you through the reasons why it's something you shouldn't overlook.


1. End Screens + Playlists = More Watch Time

This is the biggest benefit I've found so far.

When uploading long-form videos, YouTube allows you to add an end screen at the end of your video. One of the options you can add to that screen is—you guessed it—a playlist.

Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, so what? It's just a playlist." But here's why it matters: you control what goes in that playlist. If you've several videos on a particular topic (in my case, riddles), you can link viewers directly to related videos using the playlist feature.

And here's where it gets better:

  • On desktop, the full playlist shows up on the right-hand side of the screen. That means even if someone doesn't click the box on your end screen, they might glance over and click another video in the list. Your list occupies that real estate!

  • On mobile, that playlist appears below the video, making it easy for viewers to continue watching your content.

This increases your watch time, and that's something YouTube loves.


2. The Master Playlist: One Place for All Your Videos

If your videos all fall under one broad theme, like mine do, it's a good idea to create a master playlist, along with other category playlists.

The master playlist will contain every video you've published that fits within your channel's overall theme. 

As you keep creating, that master list keeps growing—and that's a good thing. People can easily binge on your content, which again boosts your channel's watch time.

This master playlist can also be used on end screens or discovered in searches (more on that below). And just like before, people on desktop see it to the right, and mobile users see it below the video.


3. Break It Down: Organize Your Content into Logical Categories

Besides having a master list, organizing your videos into specific topic-based playlists helps your audience find exactly what they're looking for.

Here are some of the playlists I've created on my channel:

  • Christmas Riddles

  • Halloween Riddles

  • Riddles for Teens, Adults, and Seniors

  • Emotion & Virtue Riddles

  • Food Riddles

  • Nature Riddles

  • What Am I Riddles

  • And a special one for the Riddle Sisters, a new series I've started

  • and more....

You can even put one video in multiple playlists if it fits into more than one category. This gives your content more chances to be discovered through different search paths.

Here’s One of My Playlists (Featuring the Custom Cover I Designed):

What Am I Riddles Playlist From StumpedRiddles



4. Give Each Playlist a Unique Cover Image

This may seem like a minor detail, but I've found it extremely helpful for visual organization.

You can upload a custom image for each playlist, so that when people visit your YouTube channel homepage, they can instantly spot the difference between categories. I've done this for all of mine—it gives your channel a more polished look and helps guide viewers more easily.

If you're new to it, you'll need to research how to do this, but it's relatively straightforward once you've learned the basics.


5. Write Descriptions for Your Playlists (They Matter!)

This is one thing that's easy to skip, but it's essential: make sure you write a solid description for each of your playlists.

YouTube treats playlist descriptions as part of your searchable content. So, if someone types "Christmas riddles" into the search bar, your "Christmas Riddles" playlist (with the right keywords in the description) might show up, not just your individual videos.

In other words, your playlists can be searchable assets. That's extra real estate on YouTube to help people find your content.


Final Thoughts: Don't Get Overwhelmed—Just Keep Building

If you're just getting started with YouTube, it can seem overwhelming. I've been there—and truthfully, I'm still learning every single day.

My best advice? Don't try to figure everything out at once. Focus on one piece at a time. Playlists were one of those "a-ha" moments for me, and once I got the hang of them, I saw how much they helped, not only with organization but also with growth.

So take it step by step. Learn a little more each time you post a video. And when it comes to playlists, trust me—they're worth the effort.

Time to Solve a Riddle!

Take a breather and try to crack this fun riddle from Wild Roxy of the "famed" Riddle Sisters! It's a YouTube Short—and I'll be sharing tips on Shorts along the way too!

Enjoy!







Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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