Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Simply Fun Toys for Your Cat ~ A Product Review

cat toys

Our friends have just adopted a new kitten!  What a great little friend he will be in their household.  Just for fun we had a little visit and decided that the new "baby" in the family deserved some new toys.

Kittens and cats can be so much fun to watch when they have a target for their inquisitive minds.  It also helps to have those toys for those razor sharp little claws they have.  Tiny teeth love gnawing on something and better a toy than your fingers.  These cat toys are the best!

While cats can seem aloof, they still like to be with you and playtime is wonderful for creating connection with your new feline friend.

  
Cats love to move and jump around, it's their way of getting their exercise.  When you have some toys
 that you can share with them, the fun never stops.

Kittens especially are fun to watch as they "attack" their prey.  No they really aren't attacking, it just seems like it.  Pouncing and jumping on top of their ball, spring or mouse will keep them entertained and amused for hours.  And when they are done, a good rest will follow.

I loved the variety of toys in this pack and for less than 10 dollars, it's a whole lot of fun for you and your kitten/cat. Crinkle balls, felted balls, balls with hollows, all of them allow your kitten to play using their mouths, claws and the chase is on.

cat toys


The little mice with feathered tails are a favorite too!  Easy enough and small enough to fit into their mouths, they will hide their toys when they are finished playing.  Bright colors make them easier for you to find them as well.

The springs are great too.  You can play games of fetch with your kitten.   Get that spring and release it into the air or target a corner.  The bright colors will attract them and if you play with them enough, you can even  have them trained to bring the springs back to you.  When they have had enough play time, they will let you know.  Then it's time to crawl into your lap for a nice long nap.  

Cuddle time will be so relaxing for both you and the kitten.

Special times like adopting a kitten can be made even more fun with a thoughtful gift that won't break the bank.  The new family will have endless fun and the kitten will always have something to play with even if you don't have all the time in the world just for them.






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, October 28, 2025

Reviewing The Benefits Of Shoe Protector Bags

 

Decorative shoes stood on cream shoe protective bag

Like many people we have a number of different shoes. Some we use very often, some are more seasonal like boots and sandals and some we rarely use such as occasion or wedding wear.

When we do a deep clean of our home, we also clean and clear out our shoe storage. This is when I realised how many of our shoes, especially the ones we don't use all the time, were looking a bit dusty despite being cleaned before they were put away. Also one or two had slight scuffs where they had been packed too close together.

Altogether it all just looked a bit messy and disorganised. Now messy storage always makes me feel a bit unsettled and shoes are expensive, so worth looking after. So I looked into shoe protective covers.  

Shoe protector covers or bags are specially designed covers used to shield shoes from dust, moisture, scratches, and other damage, basically a protective barrier. 

They can be made of several different materials such as cotton, non-woven fabric, nylon, plastic, silk, flannel, satin or polyester. 


Black shoes stood on plastic shoe protective cover

These Are The Key Benefits Of Shoe Protector Bags

Protection from Dust. Especially for shoes which are stored for a longer term without wearing. This keeps shoes clean and protected for your next wear.

Water resistant. You can buy shoe protector bags that help protect against high humidity and moisture damage. These are also very good for when travelling. 

From a weekend away to a holiday, we usually pack at least a spare pair of shoes or sandals. Packing them in a separate bag keeps the shoes clean. Especially once they have been worn, keeping them separate from your clothes or other luggage.

Protection from Scratches. When you have shoes that may be more delicate, or have cherished memories like your wedding shoes, or for those that have pearls or other adornments it is important to keep them undamaged from being with other shoes or any other items in the same cupboard. 

Cream shoes inside open cream shoe cover


Storage. Protective bags keeps shoes you don't wear very often or special shoes free from dust and dirt in wardrobes, shoe closets or if storing under beds.

Gym goers and sports players can carry sports shoes or swimming pool sandals separate from everything else. 

Commuters who want to wear a comfy pair of shoes on the commute to work maybe on public transport, but a smart pair for the office, can easily carry the spare pair cleanly and safely in these bags. 

Bags that close around the shoes via a drawstring or a zip help prevent spiders and anything else crawling in to less used shoes ! 


Detail of embellished shoes stood on protective cover

Choice of Material For Shoe Protector Bags.

Which fabric you choose may depend on the reason you would like them for your shoes. In most households a combination of different fabrics work well. 

The choices are usually from a non woven fabric lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for most footwear. Plastic, Nylon or polyester are generally more water resistant making them great for travel, sports  and long term storage.

Then there are Cotton or Flannel even Silk and Satin choices which are softer and gentler for delicate shoes or those with fabrics or embellishments. 

Prices vary from very inexpensive to a higher cost mainly dependant on the materials and size required. 

It is important to make sure that any fabric bags are washable.


Shoes inside cream shoe protector bag


Many come with drawstrings and some come with zippers or fold over style. There is a decent choice of colours and some have beautiful patterns. This makes it easier to choose say a different colour shoe bag for each family member or choose colour or pattern dependant on type of shoe. 

Overall I feel there is a good choice for our needs. Here is a small selection to give you an idea. 

 Bee Green Shoe Organizer With ZipsCheck Price Waterproof Drawstring Shoe Bags For Packing, Storage And TravelCheck Price Cotton Rich Shoe Storage BagCheck Price Plus sized Shoe Bag For Gym, travel, odour resistantCheck Price

Linked Text
Bee Green Shoe Organizer With Zips


Waterproof Drawstring Shoe Bags For Packing, Storage And Travel 


Cotton Rich Shoe Storage Bag 


Plus sized Shoe Bag For Gym, travel, odour resistant. 


I love now how our shoes all look protected and more organised in their respective shoe protector bags. It makes the shoe cupboard look more together somehow and that feels good.

For most shoes I can fit both pairs into one shoe bag. However if the shoes are larger or a chunky boot for example I simply use one shoe bag per boot. 

Also the shoes that I wear more often and keep at the bottom of my wardrobe are much more protected from dust and any damage. 

As long as shoes, sandals and boots are put away clean, I can just get them out and wear without having to think about cleaning them first or wondering what condition they are in. I now have a selection I can use for travelling and storage.


Cream cotton and plastic shoe protector covers with drawstrings


For footwear we don't wear often, I am secure in the knowledge that they are protected from dust, damage and moisture.

In addition I am finding a wide variety of other items that  will fit into these shoe bags and I can use them to keep other things dust free!

So for a small cost outlay for the shoe protector bags, there are so many long term benefits for your footwear and other items and the joy of a clean, protected, more organised shoe cupboard!


Read More Reviews By Raintree Annie

Read More Product Reviews on ReviewThisProducts.com


Reviewing The Benefits Of Shoe Protector Bags 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, October 27, 2025

Cook With Color Nesting Bowls Review

Cook With Color Nesting Bowls have been one of my favorite purchases this year. The bowls were used moments after they were unboxed and are used daily. The convenience of the matching lids has made kitchen prep and storage so much easier and quicker. 



Sizes

Bowl capacity 

0.32 QT, 0.74 QT, 1.37 QT, 3.69 QT and 5.8 QT.

Colors 

Over 30 color choices !

Lightweight

I love classic glass mixing bowls, but they are heavy! Great to mix but a little heavy to store food. These nesting bowls are light weight and work so well to store fruit, veggies, leftovers in the refrigerator with the matching lid.

Storage

The bowls and lids nest within the largest bowl; love this and necessary for small or downsized kitchens.

Dishwasher Safe

Top rack dishwasher safe

Microwave safe 

Freezer safe

Options

This brand has every type and color of lightweight bowls to make prepping, cooking and storing so easy ! These bowls make a great compliment to your kitchen tool set. Browse the collection here.







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, October 26, 2025

Challenging Witchy Halloween Word Scrambles for You to Solve! Take a Break!

Challenging Witchy Halloween Word Scrambles for You to Solve! Take a Break!

Every so often, we all need something simple and a little spellbinding to give our minds a break from the everyday. So today, I've brewed up something different — a Witchy Word Scramble! 

Instead of searching for words, you'll be untangling them. Each one is mixed up like a cauldron full of curious letters, waiting for you to set them straight. It's not an easy one — more of a "hard level" kind of challenge — but that's half the fun. 

Think of it as a mini brain workout wrapped in a whimsical Halloween twist.

Try This Difficult Witchy Word Scramble Challenge - This List Isn't Easy!

If you're ready to give your mind a playful stretch, scroll down and take on this tricky little spell of letters. See how many witchy words you can unscramble without peeking at the answers (you know you'll be tempted). 

Whether you're relaxing with your favorite drink, winding down after a long day, or just craving a few moments of light distraction, this word scramble is designed to lift your spirits — without any actual magic required.

🧙‍♀️ Witchy Word Scramble Challenge 🧙‍♀️

  1. 😂 CCEALK ___________

  2. ✨ HBTEWIC ___________

  3. 🪄 USOHC ___________

  4. 🧙‍♀️ EXDHE ___________

  5. 🤪 AYNZ ___________

  6. 😏 NKARYS ___________

  7. 🧹 BCRMKSIOTO ___________

  8. 🐸 RWTYA ___________

  9. 🔮 OUDLACRN ___________

  10. 👻 POOYKS ___________

  11. 💖 AHICHRSM ___________

  12. 💀 HSAYGTL ___________

  13. 🌙 MHIWYS ___________

  14. 🕸️ ONECV ___________

  15. 🔮 TCIMSY ___________

  16. 🧪 PNTOEREOI ___________

  17. 🤸‍♀️ YOWBBL ___________

  18. 👸 HEECNSANSTR ___________

  19. 😬 AMRGEIC ___________

  20. 🐺 ERLWOH ___________


Once you've unscrambled all the words, give yourself a little magical cheer — you've exercised your brain, embraced your inner witch, and survived this tricky Witchy Word Scramble. 

The Answers Will Drop Down When You Click The Answer Link Below

Click Here for the Answers

1. Cackle
2. Bewitch
3. Hocus
4. Hexed
5. Zany
6. Snarky
7. Broomstick
8. Warty
9. Cauldron
10. Spooky
11. Charmish
12. Ghastly
13. Whimsy
14. Coven
15. Mystic
16. Potioneer
17. Wobbly
18. Enchantress
19. Grimace
20. Howler


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
More Word Scramble Fun For the Holidays

If you enjoyed this Witchy Word Scramble, you might have fun with my Christmas Word Scramble book

With 500 holiday words to unscramble, large, easy-to-read pages, and a little festive art on each page, it's perfect for teens and adults. Each page features a new Christmas theme with ten words to solve, and the answers are included. 

It's a fun, festive way to exercise your mind — and it makes a great stocking stuffer, small party gift, or thoughtful holiday token.

Happy unscrambling, enjoy a little magical brain exercise, and don't forget to take a moment for yourself — even witches need a playful break now and then!

🍎Keep the magic going with this fun witchy short story!



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, October 25, 2025

National Black Cat Day Review

We celebrate National Black Cat Day each year on October 27th. On this day, leading up to Halloween, feline fans love showing off their love for this often misunderstood animal.


Image of a black cat sitting in a tree


Misconceptions of Black Cats


Black Cat image
Black cats  have been considered both good luck and bad luck, depending upon locale.


In the British Isles, and also in Japan, black cats are considered to be forebringers of good fortune and prosperity.  But in most other places, particularly in much of the Western world, black cats are thought to be the bringers of misfortune and wickedness. This belief appears to have begun in the historical times of witchhunts and the witch trials when people mistakenly believed that black cats served as companions to potion-brewing, spell-casting witches, thus, symbolizing supposed evils.


Enough of this negativity surrounding black cats continues to exist today to the point where they have lower rates of adoption compared to other cat breeds. Thus, National Black Cat Day was begun to bring awareness to the plight of black cats.


Myths and a Holiday Associated with Black Cats


Black Cat in the yard
Halloween has long been associated with black cats. It seems to come from these cats’ stealthy and nocturnal nature, combined with their dark fur. It led to the belief that black cats were either witches in disguise or were witches’ supernatural familiars. It all apparently became  symbols of evil and bad luck and, over the years, contributed to a spooky holiday imagery. 


Personal Black Cat Story


Black Cat sitting on a wall

Our family had a series of black cats over the years. Our very first one was an all-black, half-Siamese cat we got as a tiny kitten. We named her Spooky. The name came from the owner of our kitten’s parent cats.  Catherine was from England and once told us stories of a haunted house she lived in there. She called the stories her ‘Spook Stories’, so “Spooky” seemed the perfect name for our new kitten. She was the ‘best cat ever!’ 🙂


Summary


It is time to discard the old-fashioned notion that crossing the path of a black cat, or just associating with black cats in general, brings bad luck. 

Therefore, National Black Cat Day becomes a terrific opportunity to change these wrong impressions of these beautiful black cats and demonstrates appreciation for these animals who could use a little luck themselves!


National Black Cat Day
October 27


Find more Review This Holiday Reviews here:
ReviewThisReviews: Holidays



*National Black Cat Day review was written by Wednesday Elf

+Black Cat images in this review are compliments of Pixabay


Black Cats Galore! Happy Halloween ~





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


Friday, October 24, 2025

Recipes to Share - From the Heart

Over the years I have come up with a variety of recipes, and some of them I have written down.

One of my favorite ones is one I made as I became more health conscious. It is a healthier way to enjoy one of my favorite ice cream flavors, butter pecan. I call my version Cheryl's Butterless Pecan Ice Cream. It only has five ingredients.

Cheryl's Butterless Pecan Ice Cream

3-4 bananas, peeled, sliced, and frozen. (Whenever you make plant based ice cream, at least one of your fruits need to be frozen.)
5 oz. of pecans
1/4 cup brown sugar
1-1/2 cup of nut milk (I used almond milk in my recipe.)
1 tsp vanilla

Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until smooth. This will have a soft serve type consistency. For a milkshake consistency, add more nut milk. For a more ice cream consistency, decrease the amount of milk.

For a pretty print out to share, you can order copies printed on postcards.




One of my all time favorites is my Pesto. I especially love this when I have fresh basil to use from the garden. I have tried to go vegan, but I do have dairy based cheese from time to time.

Pesto

1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder

Place all ingredients in blender or food processor, and blend until smooth. Then stir into one pound of your favorite cooked pasta.

The recipe above is somewhat different than the one printed on the postcard. I have determined over time that I prefer less of the parsley. You too can adjust the amounts to your own taste.




I am also a practitioner of affirmations, and try to add more smiles to my day. One simple way to add smiles is to consciously think about smiling. Here is my recipe for that. It's called Recipe for Joy.

Recipe for Joy

1. Raise your ears by lifting up the corners of your mouth. (Did you know that smiling raises your ears? - Did you try it? Place your fingers on the tops of your ears, and then smile. Did your ears raise?)
2. Foster the thought, appreciate.
3. Be willing to see with new eyes. (You do not have to have a preconceived idea of something to appreciate. Just do the smile part first, and see what comes when you think the words appreciate. Try it. Did you think of something to appreciate that you may not normally think of?)

Here is a fun postcard to share this recipe for Joy.




Do you have a recipe to share that you haven't written down yet? Here is a special way that you can share it or them. House of Sylvestermouse on Zazzle has designed recipe cards for you to write down the recipe(s) that you would like to share.



And may you have a blessed and wonderful day.

Cheryl Paton



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, October 23, 2025

Missing - A Perfect Vacation-A Perfect Nightmare

Cruise  Ship  at Tropical Port photo AI
Missing- a perfect vacation-a perfect nightmare

I have been reading a lot of the same authors lately, so I decided to try reading an author that was new to me.  I found this book on Book Bub and found the book to be very interesting.  In fact from page one till the end of the book, I enjoyed every moment of it. So now, I have another author to read and I will look for more books by Christy Cooper-Burnett.

Synopsis

Megan Hamilton thinks everything is going great with her life, until her fiancé tells her she is boring and he no longer wants to marry her.  She is shocked and hurt when he tells her he has already found someone else that he wants to marry.

In an attempt to get her mind off her breakup, her mother, Michelle, invites Megan to go on a luxury cruise with her and her best friend Rochelle.  At first Megan refuses, but upon further reflection and her mother's insistence she decides to go on the cruise.

While on the cruise Megan meets a charming man, Nate, who is kind and fun and Megan begins to enjoy herself.  Is this a "Perfect Vacation" or a "Perfect Nightmare"? Megan soon finds out everything is not as it appears. 

I will leave the rest of the story for you to discover as you read the book.  I will just say the book is full of twists and turns till the very end of the book.

You can purchase the book on Amazon in paperback, kindle version or audiobook at the following link   Missing


About the Author

Since I had not read this author before, I looked up some information on her.  Christy Cooper-Burnett is a award winning author based in Southern California.  She has a degree in Administration of Justice and lives with her rescue dog, Beau.  She has one grown son who inspired her to write her debut novel "No Way Home".

Christy enjoys writing novels that encourage the reader to put themselves in the place of her strong female characters and think about how they would handle the unique situations in which they find themselves.

Other Books by Christy include the following:
  • No  Way Home
  • Escaping Home
  • Finding Home
  • Run
  • Passport to Terror
 




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, October 22, 2025

Wanda Gág's Millions of Cats Book Reviewed


Wanda Gág's Millions of Cats book reviewed. You can have too much of a good thing, but is it possible to have too many cats?

Hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats.” That is the refrain from the classic children’s story, Millions of Cats by Wanda Gág.

THE AUTHOR


Gág was an American author, illustrator, translator and Millions of Cats was her first and is her best-known children’s book. Done in black and white in, according to Elizabeth Haidle in the book Before They Were Artists, her “wiggly dreamscape style.” You can find Before They Were Artists here on Amazon.

Gág used her own cats as models for the “hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats” in the book. Considered groundbreaking; it was the first picture book to feature images flowing across two pages. It also featured text that was handwritten by Gág's brother as Gág preferred this more natural look.

THE REVIEWS


The book was published in 1928 and was very popular in its day with critics and readers alike. It sold well despite the Great Depression, earning a Newbery Honor in 1929. The book is still published, is said to be the oldest picture book still in print and is still popular with readers despite the controversial but happy ending.

SPOILERS  

Please note that this book review contains spoilers. Reading farther will educate you but, at the same time, could compromise your enjoyment of this book.

THE STORY 


The story is that of an old woman and an old man who live happily in a cute little cottage surrounded by flowers. Despite being so lucky, they are lonely and the woman asks for a cat. The man sets out to find a cat, a “sweet little fluffy cat” but is so taken with all of the cats that he finds that he brings home “hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats.” The woman despairs at having to feed them all and in order to pick just one, they ask the cats, “Which one of you is prettiest?” The result? A cat fight of major proportions mentioned but not depicted in the book. After the cat quarrel, there remains a single, solitary “thin and scraggly” kitten who the couple adopts. In a concerning but happy ending, the ugly kitten wins.

THE CONTROVERSY


Is the book disturbing? What happens to the “hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats” after they "bit and scratched and clawed each other" is not explicitly stated when they argue over who is the prettiest. All but one of them are simply gone when the noise subsides and the old woman surmises that they have “eaten each other all up.” 

On Goodreads, one reader and reviewer says that the book has a wicked sense of humor and that the end is a bit of a joke acknowledging that people today don’t like jokes at the expense of animals. Remember that this book was written in 1928, which was a very different time. The roaring 20s was a time of prosperity and excess. 

That same reader also discussed the response of her children saying that they were surprised by the ending. When the cats started to fight, their eyes became really big and her little boy asked, "What's going to happen?" She went on to day that, "her children's heart strings were tugged upon when the answer came and her little guy gave a short 'Ha' at the conclusion.”

Another reader says, “You can have too much of a good thing, but is it possible to have too many cats?” and finishes by saying it is up to you to draw a moral from this story. 

Yet another reader says, it is an “entirely unexpected tale with a dark twist, like traditional fairy tales from the days when children were introduced to terrifying life lessons as well as moral goodness through fantastical animal stories, and social-political messages were hidden in nursery rhymes." She continues by saying, "It is also a charming story, highly original, with a happy ending.” 

Finally, a reader says, that the cats in this book are, as cats can be, “destructive, vain and (possibly) cannibalistic." She continues by saying that she "can see how other people might find that disturbing but that it rings true to her, as a cat-lover.” 

You can take this book as a simple picture book or, as some believe, as a book with a much bigger message driven by Gag’s political leanings. Public Domain Reviews, writes that this book "tells a very disturbing story about the barrenness of bourgeois living, greed, competition, environmental degradation and senseless violence."

BUY MILLIONS OF CATS


You can buy a nice, shiny new version of this book for the children in your life on Amazon by clicking right here. It is available in various formats including hardcover, paperback, Kindle and audiobook but it looks like the later two do not feature Gag's artwork.  If it matters to you as it does to me, make sure you are buying an original version of the book. It entered the public domain in 2024 and therefore, there are now numerous versions of the story available not all of which feature Wanda Gag's illustrations.  

To buy an antique, vintage or even possibly a limited edition or signed version of Wanda Gag's Millions of Cats, I would click here, to eBay.

SUMMARY   


Have you read this story? What do you think of it and, in particular, the ending? Would you read it to your children? Your grandchildren? I would carefully consider doing so, having read it myself and having a good feeling for what disturbs my children and/or grandchildren. As an adult with memories of this book? I would definitely add it to my collection.

Stay tuned for more about Wanda Gag and her books in another post. 

See you
at the book store!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda
 

QUICK LINKS:






Juicy As a Pear: Wanda Gág’s Delectable 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.”


Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Cheddar Cheese and Herb Bread

 There is something comforting about the aroma of freshly-baked bread in the kitchen. Now imagine the same scent, but with melted cheddar cheese and fresh herbs.

We love freshly-baked bread in the fall, and I like to try different ingredients. I found a recipe for this cheddar cheese bread and decided to make some additions to it with the herbs. 

Cheddar Cheese and Herb Bread
Cheddar Cheese and Herb Bread Reviewed

This Cheddar Cheese and Herb Bread is baked to a golden brown, flavorful loaf that's perfect for soups, sandwiches, or just enjoyed with a pat of butter. I love it best lightly toasted with butter.

Cheddar Cheese and Herb Bread Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups of all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups shredded cheddar 
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or fresh herbs 
1 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, sugar, and Italian seasoning or fresh herbs. 
  2. Stir in the shredded cheddar and set aside. 
  3. In another bowl, mix together milk, egg, and butter.
  4. Combine the liquid ingredients with the dry ingredients and mix. I used my KitchenAid Stand Mixer for this on low speed for about 2 minutes.
  5. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch x 5-inch greased bread pan.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
  7. Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack.

When I make fresh bread, I can't wait to get that first warm slice with butter. So, I only waited about 5 minutes before I sliced into it. 

This cheddar cheese and herb bread is one of those recipes that feels fancy, but this is so easy to make. This makes a perfect homemade gift for friends and family. I will certainly be making this one again.

Find more recipes on ReviewThis Here:






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, October 20, 2025

Reviewing My Turned Wood Crochet Hook by A Couple 2 Tree

My son recently gave to me a handmade, beautiful and thoughtful gift. He had purchased a handmade wood crochet hook with a metal tip. Exactly the type of crochet hook I have grown to love.  This crochet hook was made by A Couple 2 Tree and my son found them at a booth during the Connecticut Renaissance Faire 2025.

photo of text and crochet hook

Turned Wood Crochet Hooks

The crochet hook my son chose for me is a combination wood and epoxy handle with a commercial made metal tip.  The wood is light colored. The epoxy appeared only white to me initially. But I quickly discovered that it has a very subtle glimmer. A glimmer that reminds me of the Aurora Borealis or the Milky Way. All of you who know me, know that I do not gravitate  toward big bling or neon bright colors. But I love a subtle sparkle, like the sheen of a peacock's chest feathers and dragon fly wings. 

With this thicker epoxy and wooden handle, it is easier for me to use for longer periods of time. This would make a great gift for folks with grip difficulties such as arthritis.  The epoxy and wood are smooth and silky, but not slippery. I am currently using this hook for a project and find it to be very comfortable. 

In addition to wood-handled crochet hooks, A Couple 2 Tree also offers other great gift items:

  • Bottle Openers
  • Ice Cream Scoops
  • Coffee Scoops
  • Charcuterie boards
  • Decorative Items and Fidgets: Eggs and Mushrooms
  • Bowls 

The combinations of wood, metal, epoxy, and fractal burning make unique, one-of-a-kind items that are unique gifts.


Supporting Small Businesses

This small business, according to social media and website information, has been a small, part time hobby/passion for years and has just begun to turn toward full time. I celebrate that leap of faith and following a passion. A Couple 2 Tree appears to have offered the majority of their items during fairs and festivals. They do have a website and an Instagram page. If you don't see a large selection, or the item you would like, on the website I encourage you to leave a message.  When I had left a message, I received a response that same day (despite it being during the time they were at the Renaissance Faire)

One Wish - Maybe

There is only one thing that I might (or might not) like added to my next A couple 2 Tree crochet hook. Because of the handmade handle, the spot where the metal crochet hook size is usually displayed is covered. Perhaps, if the size of the hook (for example, a US hook size is "G") could somehow be stamped into the flat end of the handle, it would be useful and wouldn't mar the beautiful aesthetics of the rest of the handle.  But perhaps, it would mar the appearance of the handle.  Or make a roughness that would snag my yarn. I am not familiar with epoxy so I'm not sure if the size could be place there discreetly or not.  However, unlike very experienced crocheters I cannot determine the size of the hook by sight alone. I have to hold it up to other crochet hooks for comparison in order to remember which size this is.

Fortunately, my son reported that he spoke with the helpful folks with A Couple 2 Tree, who helped determine which sizes of yarn I most often use (worsted) and the size hook that I most use. 

For more information:

Check out the A Couple 2 Tree website for https://amzn.to/47wsiepmore information.

I am very hopeful that you will support this small business owner with his wood shop business. However, I realize that some folks prefer using Amazon.  In that case, there are many Wood Crochet Hooks to choose from.




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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