Book Review of Bad Liar

A Crime Thriller by Tami Hoag

Bad Liar is Book #3 in the Broussard and Fourcade Series.

Series Location: The fictional town of Bayou Breaux located in the Bayou country of Partout Parish in the French Triangle of Louisiana. 

Main Characters: Annie Broussard and Nick Fourcade

Annie Broussard, a Sheriff’s deputy, and Nick Fourcade, a detective with the Sheriff’s department, met each other in Book #1 of the series (A Thin Dark Line) while working on a case together.  By Book #2 (The Boy), Nick & Annie are married and parents to a little boy.  

In Book #3, Bad Liar, Annie is now a detective with the Sheriff’s department, while husband Nick has become the lieutenant in charge.  They end up working two separate missing persons cases, plus, a  murder. 

Synopsis of Bad Liar

Bad Liar: A Novel

Annie is searching for Robbie Fontenot, whose mother is desperate to find her grown son, a recovering drug addict. The local police have no interest in the case, stating an adult has the right to disappear.  Annie agrees to help the mother search for her son.

Meanwhile, Nick Fourcade investigates the seemingly sudden disappearance of Marc Mercier, a local hometown hero. 

It soon becomes apparent that nothing is as it seems in the lives of either man. And it’s unclear whether either - or neither - might be the unidentified murder victim. 

Mix in old  jealousies, new deceits, family loyalties gone wrong and love turned sour and Nick & Annie end up with a complicated trail to follow. 

Summary

This riveting new police procedural/crime thriller by author Tami Hoag takes you down a path that leads deep into the Louisiana swamp, endangering all who cross the path of a bad liar. 

~The Broussard and Fourcade Three-Book Series by Tami Hoag

A Thin Dark Line

The Boy: A Novel

Bad Liar: A Novel

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*Review of the Tami Hoag crime novel ‘Bad Liar’ written by Wednesday Elf

 

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Snoopy and His Sopwith Camel Atlantis Toy & Hobby Plastic Model Kit Review

Imagine coming across a beloved childhood toy that is still being made, or is being made again, exactly like the original.  That happened to my husband recently when he came across the Snoopy and His Sopwith Camel Airplane model kit.  

As a child, he loved his model airplane and has happy memories of "flying" Snoopy and his Sopwith Camel around his home.  It was a pretty cool snap-together model that even a child could make, and he did.  Once it was made, the little propeller would turn with the help of a battery.  Unfortunately, he has no idea what happened to his plane.  His family moved often during his childhood.  Many of his possessions were either lost or discarded for him.

When he showed me the kit on Amazon, I promptly ordered it for him.  Little did I know that Snoopy, with the help of my husband, would literally be flying around my head in his Sopwith Camel plane when I went to bed on Valentine's Day.  Oh, and as with the original, the battery operated propeller does turn giving the model the appearance of flying. 

 

Snoopy Searching for the Red Baron!

Snoopy and His Sopwith Camel
Atlantis Toy & Hobby Plastic Model Kit  

 ATLANTIS TOY & HOBBY Plastic Model Kit-Snoopy and His Sopwith Camel, RedCheck PriceThis model is truly awesome!  I was amazed by how easy it was to put together.  Since no painting is required, Snoopy and his Sopwith Camel were ready to fly again in an hour or so.  My husband did decide to paint Snoopy's eyes so they would show up better, but otherwise the detailing on the plane was done with the included stickers.

 

What comes in the kit:

• 38 colored molded plastic parts
• Battery operated engine with spinning propeller - battery not included
• Snoopy
• Dog House Display Stand
• Decals 
• Instructions

 

Detailed and Easy to Follow Instructions

 

A Few Additional Notes About the Model

 

I don't know why the Amazon listing says "red" in the description.  The plane is yellow with a red engine cover.

 

Also, the battery has to be inserted in the opposite direction shown in the instructions for the propeller to turn correctly.

 

Snoopy's eyes are raised in the while molded plastic, but they are not colored.  If you want Snoopy to have black eyes and brows, you will need to paint them on.  My husband used a black paint pen.

Placing Snoopy in the Pilot Seat

 

ATLANTIS TOY & HOBBY Plastic Model Kit-Snoopy and His Sopwith Camel, Red

Uchida 200-C-1 Marvy Deco Color Fine Point Paint Marker, Black

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Reviewing My Favorite Cat Mug

I had originally purchased this mug for my daughter; but when she moved, she figured I would use it more than she would. We're both cat lovers, but I'm the one who is more apt to drink a hot or warm beverage. So she regifted it to me.

I'm glad she did. It has become my favorite mug. Not only do I love it because I designed it and it's got cats on it, but because it is smooth, and the print quality is great. The bottom round edge of the mug does have a somewhat rough surface, which probably helps it to stay in place, like most mugs do.

The mug is also a good weight, not super heavy like some mugs, and definitely heavier than a coffee cup that one might get in a set of dishes.

Other great things about this mug:

* It is dishwasher safe.

* It is microwave save.

* It is made of strong ceramic.

* It meets the food and beverage safety requirements of the FDA, (Food and Drug Administration.)

* The blue color behind the cat drawing can be customized to a color that coordinates with your kitchen. Once you're on the product page, click on Edit this design to get started.

If you're thinking of purchasing a mug from Zazzle, there are a variety of choice to choose from. The 11 ounce and 15 ounce sizes come in a choice of a basic white background, a color in the inside of the mug, a color in the inside and on the handle, or a color just on the handle. Ten and 16 ounce sizes come in a basic white background. The picture can also be ordered on a couple of color options as steins and or travel mugs.

This link will take you to my CherylsArt page on Zazzle, where you can pick and choose your color options.

Keep Calm and Pet Cats Custom Mugs
by CherylsArt

Visit more mugs by CherylsArt to see more CherylsArt designs on mugs.

Cheryl Paton

As a Zazzle associate, Cheryl Paton earns income on qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to the customer. Zazzle is a print on demand company, and the associates include designers and artists that submit their artwork on various products that Zazzle sells, to Zazzle. Zazzle does the printing and shipping.

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Life is a Challenge Sometimes! A Product Review

Aging they say is not for the faint of heart!  And as I get older I think I have to agree with this statement.  The wonderful thing about getting older with a grateful heart, is that you can see the humour in some of the most challenging times!  I'm laughing now, but I wasn't when it was happening....

So let me tell you the story that brings on this review! 

Hubby and I are now apartment dwellers!  We have our house, but our son lives in it and takes care of it and we live our lives comfortably in a high-rise with elevators and all our needs are close at hand.

So far the story is a fairy tale.  

Now, we like to go for walks in the neighborhood, grocery shopping is right across the street and the drug store (when you get older this is a necessity) and everything else we could want are just a hop, skip and a jump away.

The story is still a fairy tale!

Now comes the hard part!  Hubby went for his walk to the grocery store and drug store, taking his new "Cadillac" with him for the jaunt. (Cadillac, also better known as a Rollator) So far, so good!  He gets home and realizes that somewhere along his trip he has lost his keys.......start the music, very dramatic and sad music please!

He can't get into the apartment without his keys as there is a security tag that needs to be scanned.  So, he walks back the same route that he just finished and is looking for keys that should have been somewhere along this path.  No keys were found, he even stopped into the pharmacy and grocery to see if anyone had turned over some lost keys!  Alas, this was to no avail.  Please enter a very sad face here!  

Well, we have "War Amps Key Tags" on our keys in the hopes that if they are ever lost, they will be returned using this wonderful service.  After waiting a few weeks, we realized that this was not going to happen.  Sadly, someone found the keys and instead of dropping them in a mailbox, probably threw them away.

Sad for us, as it taught us a very expensive lesson.  Car keys (we have an old 2008 car) and the fob that opens and locks the car are very expensive to replace.  I've been told it could be between 300 to 600 dollars for the key and another 100- 200 for the fob.  Pricey replacements for sure, not to mention the apartment key and fob to get into the building at another 50 to 60 dollars.

Well after putting out these amounts, we are determined that this will not happen to our keys again.  Hubby got online to find a solution.  The solution was simple, inexpensive and seems to work really great so far.

What is it?  Let me tell you.....How about a tracker that you use with your phone to alert you to the location of your keys!  These tracker tags are most often used for tracking luggage, but the bonus is you can really track anything that will hold a key ring!  They are small, the size of a 50 cent piece and come with a lithium battery that should last a good year or more.  Add them to your key ring and you can see exactly where your keys are.  I have been able to follow my hubby's keys to the grocery store, pharmacy and back home again on my phone.  If he drops them along the way, my phone will know where they are. 

 

These Luggage/Key trackers are under 40 dollars for 4 of them and we think they will prove to be the item that should help us in the event of loosing our keys again.  There is a great list of all the "features" of these tags if you follow this link https://amzn.to/4hOxyNh.

Getting older is wonderful and offers us many opportunities because our time is our own to do what we want, but it also comes with challenges, like forgetfulness.  These tags would be a great  help to anyone you love who might be finding themselves in our position.  They will appreciate your thoughtfulness and be grateful should they ever need to find what they lost!  This is a Perfect Gift for aging parents and something that they will truly appreciate!

Happy Days are here again!

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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 !! 

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.

 

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. 

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. 

 Bamboo Plant Stakes, 50pcs, Extra Long Plant Labels (2.25 inches) Bamboo Garden Signs, Identification Plant MarkersCheck Price

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. 

 Cureder 30 Pack Metal Plant Labels for Outdoor Garden Waterproof Plant Markers, Labels Garden Markers for Seedlings Herbs Vegetable Greenhouse Gifts, with PenCheck Price

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. 

 Plant Labels Tags 200Pcs T-Type Plant Markers Plastic Plant Label Garden Labels for Outdoor Garden Waterproof Plant Label Identification Stakes with Permanent Marking Pen 5 ColorsCheck Price

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 !

 30 Pack Wooden Garden Plant Markers Garden Potted Plants Labels for Vegetable Flowers Funny Garden Stakes TagsCheck Price

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 

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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. 

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.

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. 

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.

Side Note: The three "local" Wal-Mart stores have the most pitifully small yarn section which seems strange since I buy a lot of yarn by impulse, and in several skeins at a time. I am very aware that I am not the only yarn lover who is puzzled by the small selection of yarn they carry. If anyone in the Wal-Mart administration happens to be reading this... I (we) wish you would carry a larger section of yarn.

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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! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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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! 

The Complete Salad Cookbook: A Fresh Guide to 200+ Vibrant Dishes Using Greens, Vegetables, Grains, Proteins, and More (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)

The Salad Bowl: Vibrant, healthy recipes for light meals, lunches, simple sides & dressings

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*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. 

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