Downton Abbey Series and Movies Reviewed

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

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

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

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

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

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

Downton Abbey Series & Movies

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

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

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

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

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

___________

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

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

Downton Abbey (Movie, 2019) [DVD]

Downton Abbey: A New Era Digital 2 disc

 

 

More Great Movies Reviewed

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  Downton Abbey Series and Movies Reviewed by:

 

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Blue Diamond Frying Pan, Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blue Diamond Cookware - Check price.

Cheryl Paton

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Homemade Buttermilk Biscuit Recipe

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

Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits-Reviewed

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

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

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

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

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

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

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

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

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

 

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Reviewing The Benefits Of Seed Container Storage Boxes

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

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

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

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

Benefits Of Using Seed Container Storage Boxes:

Organisation

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

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

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

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

Keeps Seeds Dry

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

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

Protection From Mice.

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

Easy To Carry

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

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

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

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

Storage

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

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

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

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

Gardening Gift Idea

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

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

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

Read More Gardening Reviews on ReviewThisGardening.com

Read Diary Of A Wild Country Garden Blog

Growing Vegetables In Outdoor Containers Reviewed.

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Reviewing The Benefits Of Seed Container Storage Boxes by Raintree Annie 

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Update - Indoor Hydroponics Garden Review - One Month Later

I have only just learned how rewarding indoor gardening can be with an indoor hydroponics growing system. While a frigid, windy winter swirls outside, I am am having home grown lettuces and kale for dinner. Indoor Hydroponics gardening systems are a great way to grow herbs or vegetables indoors, no matter the season, and my only regret with this purchase is that I didn't try this sooner. 

In the beginning of January I started my first indoor hydroponics garden. I started my 12 pod Mufga system with lettuce mixes and kale. The only pod that didn't grow was the pod with two, "expired" bunch onion seeds that I hadn't really expected to germinate anyway. 

I was very surprised at how quickly the seeds germinated and how quickly they grew. The Mufga system adjustable grow light are perfect. I have been able to move the light panel so that remains just above the plants as they grow.

Very quickly, I had enough lettuce to harvest. With a pair of scissors, I carefully cut the largest leaves when harvesting. That leaves that remain on the plant continue to grow. 

During my first harvest, I attempted to pinch off the leaves with my fingers and that tended to wiggle the grow pods around. I was worried that I'd move that pod out of the range of the watering system that I switched to scissors. For me, cutting works much better than pinching.

Soft Taco with Home-Grown Lettuce

In a very short period of time, I had grown lettuce leaves that were large enough to add to toppings on a hamburger. I didn't have ground beef at home, but I did have all of the ingredients for a delicious soft taco. Including, an impulse purchase of Mango Peach salsa! The soft tacos with my home-grown lettuce were delicious.

Small Salad with Salmon, Olives, Eggs, and Olive Oil

I have been craving smoked fish so I have tried various brands of tinned salmon and smoked salmon from the store for snacks. I have found that I like King Oscar Premium Salmon.      

The Mediterranean style of tinned salmon inspired me to try it on a bed of lettuce with eggs, olives, and olive oil. This lunch salad was a delicious change of pace from my very routine meal choices. This brand of salmon also comes lemon, if you don't care for the Mediterranean style.

Extra Large Chef Salad; Eggs, Bacon, Cheese, Sunflower Seeds, and Dressing

Chef salads are my favorite. And it wasn't long until I had enough salad mix for a very large bowl of lettuce. I harvest lettuce in my livingroom and added the other ingredients in a matter of minutes. 

With very little effort, just adding water so the level doesn't become too low and adding plant food weekly so the plants have the proper nutrients, I have fresh greens through this frigid winter. I am planning on buy a second system for a supply of fresh herbs.

For more information:

My first review of my new Mufga Indoor Hydroponics Garden system in early January - here

This follow-up video includes a photo of the taco with my home-grown lettuce. Feel free to skip ahead in the video to 2:41 as the beginning of the video is a rambling thank you to Mike's Chaotic Gardening (YouTube) for helping me choose my grow system. The photo of the taco is near the end of this short video.

Many styles and sizes of indoor hydroponic growing systems can be found on Amazon.

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Ankle Boots For Bunions - A Review

I have been on the hunt for something as painless as possible for my poor bunion-feet!

Scroll down for a link to the suggested ankle boots

Finding the proper winter ankle boots for bunions can be a challenge. I needed something soft on the top portion that wouldn't press on my bunions, easy to slip on for quick errands, and affordable. 

These boots checked most of those boxes, and overall, I'm happy with my purchase.

These boots ARE NOT made explicitly for bunions. I choose them for the reasons I outline here, primarily for their soft shoe material so as not to crush my bunions, aggravate them, and cause pain.

What I Like About These Ankle Boots For My Bunions:

• Soft and Warm Lining – The fur lining is cozy and keeps my feet warm, even on the coldest days.

• Waterproof Upper – Made from oxford fabric, these boots help keep my feet dry in wet conditions.

• Easy to Slip On and Off – Elastic bands on both sides make them quick and hassle-free to put on.

• Non-Slip Soles – The polyurethane soles have a three-dimensional non-slip design, providing good traction.

• Great for Everyday Use – They're basic, comfortable, and practical for running errands in winter.

• Affordable—This budget-friendly option offers good value for the price. I wasn't interested in an elaborate orthopedic boot, just something that would allow me to head out of the house quickly and with a good grip for those snowy days.

The One Drawback

Even though I ordered a size up to accommodate my bunions, my toes still feel a bit crushed, especially when walking for long periods. 

It's not unbearable, and I won't be returning them, but I do notice it. If you're buying these boots specifically for bunions, I'd recommend carefully considering your sizing—perhaps even going up two sizes instead of just one. 

If I had considered it, I would have ordered two different sizes and returned the one that didn't fit.

Ankle Boot Specs

• Lining – Thick fur for warmth and comfort.

• Upper Material – Oxford fabric with waterproof protection.

• Closure – Elastic bands for easy slip-on and removal.

• Sole – Polyurethane with a non-slip grip.

• Style Options – Available in various colors to match different outfits.

• Best For – Walking, shopping, errands, and winter activities.

Final Thoughts

Overall, these boots are an excellent value for the price. They keep my feet warm and dry, and they're easy to slip on and off. 

While the toe space could be more generous, they still work well for winter wear and short errands. 

If you have bunions, just be extra careful with sizing to ensure a comfortable fit.

You can find these Ankle Boots I chose for my bunion issue here on Amazon.

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National Catchers Day Review

February 2nd is National Catchers Day.

In 2019,  Xan Barksdale created National Catchers Day. A minor league catcher for the Atlanta Braves, Xan went on to become a well-known catching coach and author of the best-selling book Catching-101. Xan’s aim in creating National Catchers Day was to celebrate baseball and softball catchers of the past and present.

Is Catcher the Hardest Position in Baseball?

In the very early years of baseball, catchers stood 20 feet or more behind the batter and wore no protective gear. Today, the defensive position of the catcher, crouched down between the umpire and the batter, has become the most important position in the game as catchers have more responsibilities than anyone else on the field. It is also the hardest position in baseball to play.

Well-Known Major League Baseball Catchers

Image Source: Pixabay

There are many baseball catchers who have made a name for themselves over the years due to their outstanding achievements in that position. In this article, we will mention just a few of those past and present whose names baseball fans recognize. Every fan will have their favorites, so don’t be surprised if I include MY favorites as we recognize and celebrate baseball catchers on National Catchers Day. :) 

Jorge Posada

One of my most favorite catchers, who played 17 seasons with my favorite baseball team ~ the New York Yankees ~ is Jorge Posada. His MLB debut was in 1995 and he retired after the 2011 season. Posada established himself as a mainstay in the Yankees lineup as  a solid-hitting catcher (one of the Core Four players) who contributed to the Yankees’ winning seasons. 

Posada’s career stats included 275 home runs and 1,065 runs batted in. He played in 4 World Series as the Yankee’s catcher and his #20 has been retired by the NY Yankees. 

"If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be."

Johnny Bench

Ranked #1 in most polls of MLB best catchers ever, Johnny Bench played his entire baseball career as the catcher for the Cincinnati Reds (1967-1983). At the time of his retirement, he held the MLB record for number of home runs hit by a catcher. Bench still holds the Red’s team record of 389 home runs and 1,376 runs batted in.

"You wouldn’t have won if we’d beaten you."

Mike Piazza 

Piazza played 16 years as a catcher in major league baseball; his first seven years for the Dodgers (1992-1998). I remember him most during his six years (1998-2005) with the New York Mets, especially in the 2000 World Series against crosstown rivals, the NY Yankees. Mike became known as the greatest 'hitting' catcher in the history of baseball. 

Piazza is regarded as one of the best offensive catchers in baseball history. His uniform number 31 was retired by the Mets in 2016.

"When you come to a fork in the road.... take it."

Buster Posey

Gerald “Buster” Posey is another MLB catcher who spent his entire career with one team, playing twelve years with the San Francisco Giants from 2009 to 2021. Posey’s career saw him earn many awards, including Golden Glove and Silver Slugger, beginning with being named the 2010 NL Rookie of the Year. His MLB stats included 158 home runs and 729 RBIs and he was a 3x World Series champion.

Buster retired in 2011 and today is President of Baseball Operations for the San Francisco Giants.

“Ninety percent of the game is half mental."

Yadier Molena

“Yadi”, as fans chanted in many games during his career, was one of the most beloved of baseball catchers. Molena played his entire 19-year career for the St. Louis Cardinals. 

Molina ranked first in many categories among catchers.  He also holds the record, along with pitcher Adam Wainwright, for all-time most games started and won as a battery. He holds many awards and distinctions over his long career, including career stats of 2,168 hits, 176 home runs and 1,022 runs batted in. 

Yadier Molina is the product of a baseball family, beginning with his father who played second base as an amateur and was the all-time hits leader in Puerto Rican baseball. Yadi’s two older brothers also had standout major league baseball careers as catchers, Bengie for 4 different teams and Jose for the Cubs and the Angels. 

Molina retired in 2022 and today is the team's Special Assistant to the President of Baseball Operations, as well as the manager of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League. 

“I always thought the record would stand until it was broken."

Yogi Berra

Yogi Berra is a name everyone, fan and non-sports people, most know about, not just for his nearly 20 years as a professional baseball catcher, but also as a manager and a coach. His playing stats and managerial roles aside, what Yogi seems to be most remembered for is his zany use of the English Language. His ‘Yogisms’ have often been quoted and remain so to this day. You will find several of them sprinkled throughout this article. 

"I really didn't say everything I said!"

Summary

There you have a few fan favorites of baseball catchers in honor of National Catchers Day celebrated each year on February 2. 

Let me know which MLB catcher (or even Little League or softball league catchers in your family) are your favorites in the comments below and enjoy remembering them on this holiday. 

"It ain't over till it's over."

Stories of some baseball catchers: 

Catching-101: The Complete Guide For Baseball Catchers

Long Shot

The Journey Home: My Life in Pinstripes

Yogi

*National Catchers Day review written by Wednesday Elf, the Baseball  Contributor on ReviewThisReviews

 

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Stainless Steel Batter Dispenser for Pancakes, Cake Pops & More Reviewed

I recently purchased the Shoxil 20 oz Pancake Batter Dispenser to use with my new Pancake Puff Maker and it works perfectly.  Because it was so easy to handle, I decided to try it when making pancakes on my griddle.  

This batter dispenser is truly awesome!

The dispenser is available in two sizes, 20 or 40 ounce.  I purchased the smaller 20 ounce size because the other customer reviews indicated that the smaller size was large enough for one recipe of pancake batter.  It is highly unlikely that I would ever need the larger size simply because I could just add more batter to the dispenser as needed.  When filled, the smaller size will be lighter weight too.  

Previously when making pancakes, I used my glass mixing bowl with a spout for pouring the batter, but I found this batter dispenser to be easier to stop the flow of batter.  Plus, I have always been concerned about touching my glass bowl to a hot griddle.  That has never happened, but it is still a concern.  

The stainless steel batter dispenser is lighter than the glass bowl and much easier to balance over the hot griddle.

 

Features of the Stainless Steel Batter Dispenser 

 20oz Batter DispenserCheck PriceIn addition to being lightweight, there are several other attributes of the batter dispenser that I really like. 

• Stainless Steel is anti-rust
  
• 4 Silicone Nozzles in varying sizes to alter flow
• Handle   
  
• Squeeze Trigger to start & stop flow
  
• Resting Stand included
• Durable
  
• Dishwasher Safe

I haven't had the opportunity to try my new batter dispenser on cupcakes, muffins, or my mini cheesecakes yet, but I expect it will make pouring batter evenly into all of the mini cupcake pans much easier.  I am definitely looking forward to using this dispenser on other baked treats.

  

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Stainless Steel Batter Dispenser with Stand for Pancakes, Cake Pops & More by:

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Scrapbook Paper in Paperbacks, Review

I have been designing scrapbook paper and selling it in paperback books. Recently, I purchased two different types of this scrapbook paper; one in black and white book and one in color. This is my review.

The paper weight/thickness:

To the touch, the paper used in the colored paperback book has a smoother texture, and is slightly thicker than the paper in the black and white book. I took a photo of the two books edge to edge, and you can see a difference. The paper used in the book with colored paper is printed with premium color on white paper. The black and white image books did not specify white paper, though the color is white, just a different texture.

Visibility of images through the paper:

With both types of books, I could see some images, or parts of images show through to the other side of the paper. For instance, they were more noticeable if the image on the reverse side was black. But not so much if the image was black and you were looking through say a dark red color. The colors showed up less than the black, and it did make a difference whether the top was printed with color rather than a space of white.

Would either of these be an issue when creating scrapbooks?

For my taste, I would say not much. If the creator was however very detailed oriented, then they might want to consider a different option such as actual cardstock for their backgrounds and embellishments for their scrapbooking creations. Otherwise, I would say to go with one of these books that have more color than white. See the next section below for clarification.

Here are some sample creations:

The creation on the left is the one that my daughter made. She used a black pattern butterfly design printed on white. With the coloring done on top of the image, one does not even notice that black butterflies were printed on the back side of this page.

I made the creation on the right. If you look at the lower left butterfly and the one in the middle of the white area, you may notice some dark lines underneath that weren't colored in in any way. I didn't color over that area, and there is some light shadows of black showing through from the other side.

Below is a section of colored hearts that have different colored hearts on the reverse side of the paper. The hearts on the reverse side of the paper don't show through.

Overall, I would say to consider what it is the creator person will be making. If you like the images in the books, choose one with very little if any white showing throughout the images if you are concerned about anything showing through. Keep in mind that if coloring over the images, that will probably take care of the issue.

What should I color any images with?

Colored pencils work great, and without a lot of pressure, the image on the reverse side still looks great. We used Liquitex Value Series which is also rated to be highly blendable. That brand was not showing on Amazon. Another brand that I recommend is Prismacolor.

The brush pens that I used on my butterflies look very vibrant and I love the look. However, I could tell where it was colored in on the reverse side of the paper. It didn't actually bleed through, color wise, it was just noticeable. But if you are using it as scrapbook paper anyway, that shouldn't be an issue, as the reverse side of where that image will no longer be needed.

For this project, I used Dual brush Pens by Tombow. They are water-based, blendable, and acid free. They have a brush tip on one end, which gets into the tiny areas great. The other end has a fine tip which is great for drawing and writing. There are quite a few sets to choose from for Tombow.

If you are inspired to do some scrapbooking with either of these scrapbook paper options; they are on Amazon.

Hearts Scrapbook Paper

Black and White Butterfly Scrapbook Paper

On a side note, we tried using an old glue stick. It had turned to gel! Yes, it was very old. The double sided tape worked though.

Happy creating. Hope I explained everything clearly. If you have any questions, I will do my best to answer them.

Cheryl Paton

You can find more Scrapbook Paper in paperbacks, by category, on my blog: https://artonproducts.blogspot.com/2024/03/cheryl-paton-scrapbook-paper.html

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

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