Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Reviewing Over Fence Hanging Metal Pot Planters

metal hanging pot over fence with thyme

I love looking for ways to enhance our garden and to expand my areas for planting. Whether you have a small garden or a patio or balcony or a large garden with fences that look more bare than you would like a pot holder is a lovely idea to increase areas for planting and to brighten up the garden. 

These metal hanging over the fence pot holders are usually not very large, but not too small either and have a hole at the base to allow water to drain away.


Reasons To Buy a Hanging Over Fence Metal Pot Holder

Good Looking

They look lovely! Whether your garden is very modern contemporary or traditional, quirky or cottage garden these metal pot holders can fit into the scheme and compliment your garden design. They come in many different finishes from painted metal in many different colours dark or light, vibrant to pastel to natural colours,  to steel and copper. So there is a option that will be suitable for most people and most gardens.

Drainage

When planting into any container drainage is vital for the health of your plants. Without it they may suffer rot and just become waterlogged and die. As these pot holders have a decent drainage hole at the base excess water can flow away . I like to put a crock over the drainage hole or a layer of gravel to ensure that it doesn't become blocked by soil or compost. 


Metal over fence hanging pot heart design


Space Saving 

If you garden in a small space such as a balcony or patio it can be very helpful to make use of walls and vertical spaces. If you have several pot holders you can easily make a beautiful hanging display of flowers or foliage to cover the wall or fence. This can really make a significant impact in a small space. 

Even in a larger garden it is good to cover bare fences and lovely to have more space to fit those smaller plants to make a beautiful display. 

Longer Lasting

These metal planters are more durable than wood or even plastic and are more weather resistant. So we can safely leave them out in rain or snow or brilliant sunshine and they should  be alright.

Planting Options 

You can grow a wide variety of plants in these pot holders. Herbs do well as the drainage is so good. Flowers look amazing. Hanging or trailing plants add a lovely dimension. You could even try smaller vegetables or small salad plants.  As they are portable and easily moved you can move them to where the plants will be most happy for example in full sun or part shade. I like growing herbs in them, particularly sun loving herbs like Thyme that do not need too much water. So if I forget to water them it is not a disaster.

Metal over fence pot showing hook handle


Easy to fit.

Hanging pots are so easy to install in the garden. The ones we bought came already fixed with a hook and are not detachable so we simply planted them up then hung them over our fence with the hook. This took a few minutes and required no tools or knowledge. We had checked that the hook was large enough to fit over the fence.  If you do not have a fence it may mean installing a bracket or something they can hang over but that can be something very simple. If you buy pots that have detachable hooks or other fixings then they may require some assembly. 



 KINGLAKE Flower Pots,10 Pcs Metal Iron Hanging Flower Plant Pots 4'' Flower Holders with Detachable HookCheck Price Dahey 10 Pcs Hanging Flower Pots Metal Iron Bucket Planter Flower Holders with Detachable Hooks, Black, 4 InchesCheck Price


Aspects To Bear In Mind About Hanging Metal Pot Holders

As these pots are quite small you must only fill them with small plants. This might mean that you will need to move plants out of them if they get too big for the pot. You will notice this if you see the roots growing through the drainage hole or roots growing on the surface of the soil. 

In warm weather you will need to water quite often, possibly as often as once a day. This can be seen as a chore, or a lovely way to reconnect with your plants and check them over each day. The best thing to do is to check with a finger if the first inch of the soil is dry, if it is then water. 

It is better to use a gentle watering system like a long spouted watering can or a hosepipe on a very gentle spray. If you use  too forceful jet it will just displace the soil and be a bit harsh on the plant. 

If hanging over a fence in the garden then the drainage is no issue. However if you are hanging them on your balcony or patio you may find it beneficial to have something underneath them to catch the drained water. I feel it is a good idea to have another potted plant underneath, that way you catch the water and water the ground plant at the same time! 

Always check the size of the pots as you want to make sure they are not too small for your needs. Some are round pots with one hook and some are oval shaped or oblong shaped usually with a double hook and more space. Check measurements carefully to ensure they and the hooks will fit your fence or brackets properly.  

Some of the pots have a fixed hook and others a detachable hook. Both are great for this purpose. However if you have a detachable hook then you can use the pot as a freestanding planter on a surface as well more easily. The ones with detachable hooks may need some assembly though, so read each option carefully. 



 LaLaGreen Rail Planter Outdoor Plants(5 Pack, 11.8 Inch) Black Metal Iron Hanging Flower PotsCheck Price 8 Pack Metal Hanging Planters for Railing Balcony 10.6" & 5.1"Multicolor Hanging Flower Pot with Detachable HooksCheck Price


I like to buy pots like these so that they are grouped together in some way so to buy 3 or 7 or more to have a fuller display always looks better to me than a single one. 

Over fence metal hanging pot planters are a lovely addition to any garden whatever your style. They are very useful as you can use the vertical space in your garden which is often underutilised. They are practical and beautiful and really optimise the space in your garden. 

 

Read More Gardening Reviews on ReviewThisGardening.com

Read Diary Of A Wild Country Garden Blog

Visit Raintree Earth Designs for gifts and cards designed with nature photography


Reviewing Over Fence Hanging Metal Pot Planters 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, April 14, 2025

Prandom Foldable Storage Bins Reviewed

Certain times of the year signal the traditional seasonal time to reorganize: the New Year, Spring and snow days in my area. The Prandom foldable storage bins are a stylish and practical storage solution to home or office organization.

storage bins


Easy To Assemble

The bins arrive flat with the bottom boards separate. Simply pop up the sides and insert the stabilizing bottom board. So quick, so easy. The bins are lightweight when empty but are stable. The outside of the bins are covered with durable fabric with handles on the side to carry easily.

Colors And Size

The bins come in seven color combos to complement your decor. They also come in three sizes: medium. large and jumbo in three or five packs. The size of the bins also easily fit wire shelving systems in the closet to turn a shelf of "stuff" into a neat and tidy shelf of bins.

Discount

Checking amazon online there is an additional 5% off coupon to make the bins even more affordable. Click Here to see the Prandom Foldable Storage Bins on Amazon.






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Sunday, April 13, 2025

War Dogs, A Movie Based on True Events That Had Me Saying “No Way This Happened!"

War Dogs, A Movie Based on True Events That Had Me Saying “No Way This Happened!"


My Personal Review of War Dogs - A Wild Ride of a Movie I Couldn't Look Away From!

I watched War Dogs, and it completely surprised me in the best way possible. 

Starring Jonah Hill, Miles Teller, Bradley Cooper, and Kevin Pollak, this movie is based on true events that are almost too unbelievable to be real! Yet here it is, brought to life on screen in the most entertaining, jaw-dropping way.

I don't always gravitate toward this type of movie, but I could've watched this one twice in a row. 

That's how much I enjoyed it.


Based on True Events – Wait, This Really Happened?

What drew me in immediately was that War Dogs is based on a true story. 

That always adds an extra layer of fascination for me. As the story unfolded, I kept shaking my head in disbelief. Two young guys—barely out of their twenties—manage to land a $300 million arms deal with the U.S. government? It's crazy outrageous, reckless, and somehow, true. 

And despite all the antics, I found myself rooting for them a little! Even though I knew they were headed for disaster, I was hoping they could pull themselves out of the mess they ended up in!

The film makes you feel like you're right there with them—caught up in the adrenaline, the risk, and the denial of just how far over their heads they really are.


Outstanding Performances All Around

The acting in this movie is top-notch. Jonah Hill absolutely nails his role—he plays Efraim Diveroli with this mix of charm, manipulation, and just enough unhinged energy to keep you guessing. It's probably one of my favorite performances of his.

Miles Teller brings a grounded, relatable quality to his character, David Packouz, who helps balance out the chaos. You can feel his inner conflict as things spiral out of control. And Bradley Cooper, in his brief but impactful role, adds that mysterious power-player vibe that always enhances a film.

Even Kevin Pollak as the dry, slightly confused but ultimately helpful investor brought a quiet layer of humor to the mix. Every performance felt authentic and engaging, which is probably part of the reason the film held me from start to finish.


The Tone: Dark Humor Done Right

I especially appreciated the film's tone—it had just the right touch of dark and dry humor—the kind where you're laughing but also slightly horrified at the absurdity of what you're seeing. It's not slapstick or overdone; the humor comes from the situation itself, the ridiculousness of it all, and the characters' overconfidence and greed.

It reminded me a bit of The Wolf of Wall Street or American Hustle, in that you're watching this rollercoaster of bad decisions, but you can't look away—and somehow, you're still entertained the whole way through.


A Story That Keeps You Hooked

From the very beginning, the pacing is solid. It's one of those movies where you're never left wondering, "When will this pick up?" It is picked up. Right from the start. The narration works well, too—it helps to walk you through the chaos, especially when you're sitting there stunned by what's happening.

Every twist and turn just pulls you in deeper. I didn't find myself checking the time once, which says a lot. It's the kind of movie that fully immerses you—and even when it's over, you're still thinking about it.


Just a Heads-Up: Not Everything Actually Happened

As much as I loved War Dogs and was blown away by its true-to-life basis, it's worth mentioning that the movie definitely took some creative liberties. 

Not everything played out exactly the way it's shown on screen. For example, that intense and crazy road trip through Iraq's "Triangle of Death"? Yeah, that never actually happened. It made for great suspense, but in real life, the guys never did that themselves—they hired someone else for the job. 

While the core of the story is true, quite a few dramatic moments were added to give it that Hollywood punch. 

Still, knowing that doesn't diminish how entertaining and wild the whole thing is—it just adds another layer of "Can you believe this?" to the experience.




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, April 12, 2025

Major League Baseball Designates Special Days

A Sports Review of Major League Baseball's Annual Tribute to honor Three Outstanding Baseball Players


Image of a baseball


In recent years, Major League Baseball has set aside special days to honor the contribution particular players have made to the world of professional baseball. Each of these players are now celebrated on their special day every baseball season.


Jackie Robinson Day


Jackie Robinson
Begun on April 15, 2004, Jackie Robinson Day is now an annual event each season on April 15th. The event commemorates and honors the day Jackie Robinson made his major league debut. The April 15 date was selected, as it was Opening Day of Robinson’s first season in 1947. 


On April 15, MLB ballparks throughout baseball, including all teams and the umpires, celebrate this day by wearing Robinson’s number 42, his  uniform number. His debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers (today's Los Angeles Dodgers) ended approximately 80 years of baseball segregation and breaking forever what was known as the baseball color line. Additionally, Robinson's number has been retired throughout baseball and no one else will ever again wear #42.


Lou Gehrig Day


Lou Gehrig
Lou Gehrig Day, held annually by MLB on June 2nd, marks the day Gehrig became the starting first baseman for the New York Yankees. 

Lou Gehrig Day, an annual event since June 2, 2021, honors the legacy of the legendary "Iron Horse" and raises awareness for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. 


Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is commonly known as "Lou Gehrig's disease," because his high-profile battle with the disease helped raise public awareness and recognition of the condition. 

Gehrig was diagnosed with ALS in June of 1939, forcing him to retire from baseball.  At the “Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day" at Yankee Stadium set up to honor Gehrig for his sportsman-like behavior and dedication to the game, Lou gave his famous speech where he called himself “the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”


Roberto Clemente Day


Roberto Clemente
In 2002, MLB proclaimed September 15th to be “Roberto Clemente Day"


Roberto Clemente played outfield for the Pittsburgh Pirates for 18 seasons. He is remembered for his power on the field, but, more importantly, for his humanitarian work. Clemente died in a plane crash on New Year's Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. 


Each year, teams across the league honor his memory by giving back to their communities.  His legacy continues to inspire both players and fans to make a positive impact in their communities. 


Summary


The baseball players presented here are recognized for their contributions on and off the playing field. Each year MLB honors these three legendary players with special days to commemorate their lives and contributions to both the game of baseball and to society.


Related Reviews:


For more Sports Reviews, click on


*MLB’s Special Days to honor three outstanding baseball players has been written by Wednesday Elf 


+Image sources in this article are from Pixabay and Wikipedia






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Friday, April 11, 2025

Love in Store Hallmark Movie Review

love in store
"Love in Store" starring Alexandra Breckenridge and Robert Buckley, is a feel-good movie for the forever hopeless romantic.  Of course, it is predictable, but sometimes predictability is what you desire.  No mystery solving "little grey cells" required.  No fear of a horrifying moment that will make your heart jump or your skin crawl.   Just a sweet romantic movie full of witty banter you can sit back, watch and enjoy.

The plot of the movie is based on an online shopping store reminiscent of The Home Shopping Network.  HSN preceded Amazon.com and other online stores by a decade.  You could, and still can, watch the entertaining hosts of HSN demonstrate products on TV and select the fabulous products you want from the comfort of your own home.  Most likely, we all know someone who had boxes filled with their purchases arriving at their home weekly long before daily deliveries became commonplace.  

In retrospect, it is rather funny to think back to those original "influencers" who seemed more like friends visiting us through our television.  As a matter of fact, we actually had one family member who chatted about the hosts by name in conversations as if we all knew them personally.  She completely trusted them to give her the best product recommendations.

 

Love in Store Movie Synopsis

 Love in Store
DVD or Prime Video
Check Price
Terrie Carpenter and David Crabtree are hosts on the "Shopping from Home" channel.  They each have their own separate segments, hosting style, and regular "shoppers". 

When the top selling host, Sharyn St. Clair, announces her retirement, the competition begins between Terrie and David to replace her in her prime-time spot.  Their rivalry is obvious as they openly trade barbs with each other.

Then, the unthinkable happens: they get thrown together to co-host a program when Terrie's regular co-host has to take unexpected leave.  Turns out, their witty exchanges are popular with the audience, which causes both of their ratings, viewership, and sales to go up.

There is "love in store" for these two, as sparks fly in more than one way between Terrie and David.  They both end up asking each other David's online catch phrase, "What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

 

 

 

More Great Movies Reviewed


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  Love in Store Hallmark Movie Review by:
House of 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, April 10, 2025

Book Review- Washed Up on Sea Oaks Beach

 

AI enhanced chocolate lab

Do you enjoy a good cozy mystery, that takes place on the beach and includes lots of dogs and fun characters?  If so, you will not want to miss Karen C Whalen's latest book Washed up at Sea Oaks Beach.

Book Summary

Anytime I am looking for a cozy mystery with lots of fun engaging characters, Karen C Whalen books just fit the bill!  I loved her latest book Washed up at Sea Oaks Beach.  

In this book she brings back all of the wonderful characters we met in the first book of the Sea Oaks Beach series. I really enjoyed following the latest adventures of Breanna, Roscoe, Ty and other friends and residents of the small beach town of Sea Oaks Beach.  They are a great group of characters that really pull you into the story.

Like the title implies, this book starts off with a body being washed up at the beach.  Roscoe and Breanna are walking along the beach when they see a woman laying on her side in a shallow tide pool.  She is in a black wetsuit and Roscoe immediately tries to revive her while Breanna calls for help.  It turns out she is dead, and they find her surfboard nearby.  As they are looking around Breanna sees something out in the ocean and wonders if it is another person.  Roscoe sees it too and goes out to get what turns out to be a dog on a surfboard.  The dog, a Chocolate Lab is rescued and brought to the animal shelter where Breanna volunteers.

As the story progresses, Breanna fosters the dog and is determined to try to find out who his people are and to try to get justice for the woman who was found murdered.  I won't spoil it by telling you more, but I highly recommend this book.  It is one I couldn't put down.

Amazon Link

Washed up at Sea Oaks Beach and all of Karen C Whalen's books can be found on Amazon.  Here is a link Washed up at Sea Oaks Beach


More Reviews of Karen C Whalen Books

Karen has written three different cozy mystery series.  They are the Dinner Club series, the Tow Truck Driver mysteries, and the Sea Oaks Beach series.  Here are some links to other reviews I have done on her books.











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, April 9, 2025

Evie Woods' New Novel of Self-Discovery, Secrets and Second Chances

Recently I had the opportunity to read an advance review copy (ARC) of author Evie Woods' newest novel, The Mysterious Bakery on the Rue de Paris, which was just published yesterday on April 8, 2025. I enjoyed it so much that I couldn't wait to share my book review here on Review This Reviews.

The Mysterious Bakery on the Rue de Paris
Image made with AI on Canva

A Life in Transition

Evie Woods’ The Mysterious Bakery on the Rue de Paris is a delicious blend of hope, heartbreak, and intrigue. It's the story of Edith, an Irishwoman seeking a fresh start after her world is upended by the loss of her mother to cystic fibrosis. Having spent years as her sick mother’s caregiver, Edith is left feeling lost and unsure of what comes next. Working as a waitress and trying to comfort her grieving father feels unfulfilling and she is desperate for a change.

Not the (Rue de) Paris She Was Expecting

In an uncharacteristic burst of spontaneity, Edith impulsively applies for an assistant manager position at a French bakery on the Rue de Paris. She is swept up in dreams of a glamorous new life in the romantic City of Lights, but reality has other plans.

Instead of the bustling metropolis, Edith discovers too late that the bakery is located on the Rue de Paris in Compiègne, a sleepy, picturesque village an hour's train ride outside the city. Definitely not the "Paris" she thought she had signed up for.

Cold Shoulders and Mysterious Rules

The bakery is beloved by locals for its mouthwatering breads, pastries and sandwiches, but Edith quickly senses that all is not as it seems. Her new living quarters are tiny and shabby. The bakery's proprietress, elderly but spunky Madame Moreau, is gregarious with customers but curt and chilly with Edith. The locked basement where the actual baking happens is strictly off-limits, and Edith is forbidden to see or meet the mysterious, nameless baker. A teenage boy named Manu, the bakery's only other employee, won't say much to her, either.

Struggling with these unwelcoming co-workers and strange rules, as well as her limited grasp of the French language, makes Edith feel lonely, isolated and out of place. She wonders whether her impulsive move to France was a terrible mistake.

Finding Connection in Unexpected Places

Despite her loneliness, however, Edith is determined to try to build a life in Compiègne. She decides to get a sassy French haircut and forms a close friendship with Nicole, the daughter of the hair salon owner. She also gradually befriends a few of the bakery’s regulars, including Geoff who gives fascinating tours of the village and the historic Forest of Compiègne, where in 1940 the French signed a humiliating armistice with Nazi Germany.

Nicole invites Edith to hear her husband Johnny play jazz at the local club. Edith is attracted to a handsome Englishman at the bar but is too shy to strike up a conversation, so Nicole does it instead and then introduces Edith to him. Hugo is charismatic and well-spoken and he and Edith feel an immediate spark, but he is a photographer who lives and works in Paris. Fortunately, he comes to Compiègne frequently to visit his mother, who has Alzheimer’s and is in a nearby care facility.

Hugo's and Edith's burgeoning long-distance relationship is kept alive through his periodic, brief visits interspersed with sweet postcards. Meanwhile, Edith spends much of her precious (and scarce) spare time with Nicole, Johnny and their family, who "adopt" the foreigner and try to make her feel at home in her new hometown.

Just as Edith starts to feel as though she might belong in Compiègne after all, however, everything threatens to unravel.

Secrets, Betrayal, and a Family Legacy at Risk

As her French improves and she becomes more involved in the day-to-day operations of the bakery, Edith's  curiosity about its mysterious past grows. When she finally uncovers the truth about the bakery’s secretive history, operations and financial struggles thanks to Manu's eventual confidences, she’s faced with a new heartache: discovering that the man she’s falling for is one of the people trying to force Madame Moreau to sell the bakery, her family’s precious multigenerational legacy.

Can the bakery—and Edith's and Hugo's relationship—survive? You'll have to read this intriguing novel to find out.

Layers of History and Humanity

Author Evie Woods adds depth to the story with historical themes, including the Nazi occupation of France and the impact of racial discrimination. These elements tie into the bakery’s mysterious past and add emotional resonance to what might otherwise be a lighthearted narrative.

She paints the story with rich, sensory details: the scent of buttery croissants wafting through the air, the hum of jazz spilling from a smoky club, the warmth of fresh friendships blossoming in unexpected corners. She also doesn’t shy away from weightier themes, like loss, betrayal, and the courage it takes to rebuild a life. Edith’s journey isn’t just about solving the mystery of the bakery—it’s about rediscovering herself and finding the strength to fight for what matters.

Final Thoughts

The Mysterious Bakery on the Rue de Paris is a heartfelt and satisfying novel that blends personal growth, romance, and historical intrigue. With vivid setting details, believable characters, and a steady unfolding of mystery, it’s a story about healing, second chances, and the power of community. If you enjoy novels that balance charm with depth, this one is well worth the read.

I read an advance copy of the Kindle edition courtesy of the author and NetGalley, but I enjoyed it so much that I plan to purchase The Mysterious Bakery on the Rue de Paris audiobook as well. It is also available in paperback.

I'm looking forward to reading more of Evie Woods' books.


Evie Woods' New Novel of Self-Discovery, Secrets and Second Chances, a book review by Margaret Schindel

Read More Book Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors






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, April 8, 2025

The Hudson's Bay Company Stripes Collection

Discover The Hudson's Bay Company Stripes Collection.
The Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) was a long-established Canadian retail company with fans in Canada, the United States and around the world. Founded in 1670, it opened its first retail store in Manitoba in 1881 and dominated the Canadian retail scene until 2025, when its operations ground to a full stop. Needless to say, it has been around longer than we have been alive.

Initially known as The Hudson's Bay Company, it rebranded as The Bay in 1965 and as Hudson's Bay in 2013. I am not sure when or why people started calling it HBC, whether that was an official change or just an acronym.

The Canadian Press said, "The affinity Canadians have for Hudson’s Bay is only on par with Tim Hortons." If you are one of those fans of the department store, you probably love the quality merchandise they carried as well as the items that feature the iconic stripes of green, red, yellow and indigo that first appeared on a Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket near the end of the 18th century. The stripes eventually became an emblem for the company adorning an endless assortment of merchandise. 

Here's a short news article sharing the story of one lady who has been collecting the striped merchandise for a long time. I love that she even greets the reporter in a striped HBC coat. My mother, though not a collector, is sad that her favorite department store is closing.


Once the store announced that it would be closing, the striped merchandise sold out seemingly overnight. Shoppers visited in mass trying to find something, anything, with those famous stripes. On this page, discover some of the merchandise produced over the decades that is now available from sellers on eBay.

BLANKETS

The Hudson's Bay Company Wool Blankets

The blankets have been made pretty consistently since that first one was made so long ago so you have a choice on eBay. You can buy a new, used, vintage or antique blanket. Be wary that with the demise of the company, these blankets have become very sought after, which translates directly into very expensive. As I write this article in April of 2025, I see a new blanket that sold for an astronomical sum, more than an antique one, which likely would not have been the case in previous years. Discover a collection of the Hudson's Bay Company wool blankets here, on eBay.

COFFEE MUGS

Striped Hudson's Bay Company Coffee Mugs!

As always, I think a coffee mug is a perfect and practical gift idea or souvenir. In this case, an HBC fan can use it everyday to be reminded of their favorite store and the history of the company.  Personally, I like the traditionally shaped mug, white with stripes as shown here, but there are a variety of mugs available on eBay. Discover the Hudson's Bay stripes mugs here, on eBay.

UMBRELLAS

Given the tough job that umbrellas are designed to handle, I don't know how long Hudson's Bay umbrellas will be available but I see three today. If you think you might like to own one of these weather defying tools, click here to see the HBC umbrellas available on eBay right now. That's an item that I could put to good use.

BARBIE DOLLS

Discover HBC's Iconic Stripes Barbie Dolls.
Here is a totally impractical item from the Stripes collection though it is definitely a fun way to celebrate the historic company. There have been a number of Barbies sold by the company but just three, to my knowledge, that are dressed in stripes. The first (not shown here) is the 1996 Barbie School Spirit doll, dressed in a striped coat and hat; the second is the 2016 Limited Edition Silver Label Barbie doll smartly dressed to walk her dog before she heads off to her job in the city; and finally, the 2020 Limited Edition Barbie Signature doll dressed for canoeing in the great Canadian outdoors. There have been other Barbies but these are the ones with stripes. Find your Hudson's Bay Stripes Barbie here on eBay.

MORE STRIPED ITEMS

Who would have thought these striped items would become so sought after? The most popular items are definitely the wool blankets that I mentioned earlier but I can't possibly share all of the other fabulous striped items that are available with you here on this page. If you haven't found exactly the Hudson's Bay item you want, try looking here on eBay where there are more than 532 items with the iconic Hudson's Bay Company stripes available today. Besides the items I have showcased here on this page, I also see jackets, coats, scarves, mittens, hats and socks; bags and jewelry, kitchenware including a Le Creuset Dutch oven; bedding including comforter sets, sheets, throw blankets and cushions, Christmas ornaments, stockings and nutcrackers. You name it, HBC has produced it over the past decades. What would you like to find with the stripes on it?

Oh, by the way, there's a chance the iconic and trademarked 'Stripes' brand could survive in one form or another but for now, if you want some stripes, you need to turn to the resale market. 

Happy Hunting!

Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

Quick Links:

Hudson's Bay Company items in my eBay store.







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, April 7, 2025

BOOK REVIEW Edge of Madness: A Post -Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller (Edge of Collapse Book 2)

Noah is a small town police officer whose wife disappeared five years ago. He is spending a father-son day on the slopes with young Milo when the ski lifts just stop. Expecting to be rescued, the group of people on that section of the lift wait until they can wait no longer. If they are able to return to Fall Creek the struggle for survival will continue.

Photo of the book cover Book 2 Edge of Collapse


Author Kyla Stone had me hooked with Book 1 of in the Edge of Collapse series. A woman named Hannah had been held hostage in a remote cabin for years and is suddenly released when an attack on the United States causes the collapse of the power grid. The door pops open. Traumatized and permenately injured, Hannah is determined to find her way home despite the winter blizzard. She is fighting for her life and her freedom and is determined to return to her husband and son.

Edge of Madness: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller (Edge of Collapse Book 2)

Edge of Madness: A Post -Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller (Edge of Collapse Book 2)

Noah and his young son Milo survived being trapped and forgotten on the ski lift when the nation's power grid goes down and the snowstorm begins. Noah finds a way to get them and others down from the lift and the three of them are able to return to Fall Creek.

The town is in chaos. With no way to communicate with the outside world, the little town hunkers down and tries to find the best way through this disaster. Many of the residents are without sufficient food, medicines, water, and heat and they depend on the town council to provide for them. The battle for limited resources begins.

Quinn is a 16 year old girl that was also stranded on the ski lift when the grid went down. Quinn is a bristling, snarky teen who really doesn't care for many people outside of Gramps and Gran. She recognizes the cop. And she remembers his wife, the lady who went missing all those years ago. The lady seemed nice when Quinn saw her in the neighborhood. Quinn warms up to, and begins to trust and love, Noah and Milo.

My thoughts

The story is told from Noah and Quinn's alternating point of view. Author Kyla Stone does this beautifully. More of my thoughts about Author Kyla Stone's writing in my Book Review: Edge of Collapse: A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller. I binge-read the entire 7 book series and have found a new favorite author.

Some who reviewed this series complain of the sudden ending of Book 1. While it was a little jarring, I now think it was brilliant. Hannah is still battling for her life and trying to get home. Noah, Milo and the other residents of Fall Creek are trying to survive this sudden and complete power grid shut down. Everyone is suddenly and completely cut off from anyone outside of their physical location. I was engrossed in the immediate battle for survival happening in Fall Creek with Hannah still in the back of my mind. 

edge of collapse
on Amazon


edge of madness
on Amazon






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, April 6, 2025

A Review of a Simple Fix for a Better Sleep with Acid Reflux

A Simple Fix for Better Sleep with Acid Reflux

Let's be honest—finding a useful and meaningful gift isn't always easy. Last year, for my friend's birthday, I knew exactly what she needed: a wedge pillow.

She still raves about this handy bedtime item, so it's legitimately earned a positive review!

She's been dealing with acid reflux for a long time, especially at night. I've heard her struggles with stacking pillows to sleep more upright, only to have them slide around or fall over in the middle of the night. 

It seemed uncomfortable and frustrating. 

So I decided to get her something that could make a real difference—something she probably wouldn't have bought for herself, but that I knew she'd appreciate every night.


No More Stacking Pillows With a Wedge Pillow

I chose the 7.5-inch wedge pillow (there's also a taller 12-inch version, but I figured a more moderate incline would be easier to get used to). It's about 24 x 24 inches in size, which is a nice, generous surface—plenty wide to comfortably rest your upper body.

The point is that it gives her the incline she needs without the hassle of arranging multiple pillows that slip and slide. It stays put and gives her consistent support all night.


A Stylish Touch (Yes, Even for a Wedge Pillow)

One of the things I liked about this pillow was that it doesn't look like something out of a hospital room. It looks nice, but there is nothing clinical about it.

The cover is made of soft jacquard material, which not only feels good but also gives it a more stylish look. The cover is also removable and washable, so my friend can keep it clean without much effort.


Not Just for Acid Reflux

While I bought this wedge pillow to help with her acid reflux, it turns out it's also useful for many other things. 

Whether it's snoring, back pain, neck strain, or even recovery after surgery, this pillow helps by gently elevating your upper body and removing some pressure. 

You can also flip it around and use it to elevate your legs or feet if you need to. I didn't even think about that when I bought it, but it's a nice bonus feature.


She Sleeps Better—And That Makes Me Happy

The best part? My friend actually thanked me several times for this pillow. She said it made her nights so much more comfortable and gave her the kind of support she didn't realize she was missing.

Honestly, I feel good knowing I gave her something that makes a difference in her everyday life. That's what a good gift should do, right?


Would I Recommend It? Absolutely.

If you or someone you care about deals with acid reflux, snoring, back pain, or just has trouble getting comfy in bed, this wedge pillow is totally worth checking out. It's one of those little things that can make a big difference.

Sometimes, the best gifts aren't flashy—they're just thoughtful and helpful

You can find this wedge pillow on Amazon, where it is Available.




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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