Whether you are planning a Halloween party, or simply want to send a
special treat in your child's school
lunchbox
or backpack, Halloween straws and pencils make fun surprises.
When my children were in school, I always sought out fun and unique
surprises to include in their lunchboxes. Halloween straws were an
absolute must and a fun way to celebrate Halloween all month long. I normally sent disposable straws to school so they didn't need to keep up with them, but we also had specialty washable & reusable straws at home for after school. I
still have Halloween straws in my kitchen drawer and pull them out to use
just for fun. Our favorites were always the pumpkins or bats, but I
know my family would love the little ghosts or black cats too.
In addition to straws in their lunchboxes, I loved giving them Halloween
pencils to use during the month of October. Of course, I always made sure to purchase #2 pencils in accordance with classroom requirements. It has been many years
since they were in elementary school, but I still have a few orange pencils
in the school supply drawer in our home. Now they are mementos, but in
years past, they were a fun and unique surprise during school
days.
Halloween Pencils & Straws
Here are a few examples of fun Halloween #2 pencils for school and disposable straws, or reusable straws, for a child's lunchbox or after school.
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.”
I have purchased cards from Zazzle before and have been pleased with my purchases. The colors come out great and card materials are nice quality. There are different materials to choose from for the card stock when you place your order.
A collection of current products is shown below. The link will take you to my CherylsArt store on Zazzle.
I began this painting, using oval shapes, to design three Christmas ornaments. I was inspired to make a similar design that me and my family had created one Christmas. I had purchased clear plastic, see through Christmas balls from a craft store. I already had a variety of acrylic paint that was labeled for all surfaces, on hand. It is the acrylic paint that is made for crafting. I usually buy the Americana brand, but have been known to purchase whatever is available at the time.
We already had a portable clothes drying rack to hang the ornaments from while they dried.
The technique we used was to pour paint over the ornaments, in various colors, and let the paint flow and drip down onto the floor. I had covered the floor with newspaper ahead of time to catch the drippings.
Then you wait and let them dry. You can use regular hooks for hanging ornaments, or you can tie ribbons through the holes for hanging. I would wait until the paint as dried if you want to use ribbons.
I liked that we used a variety of colors that weren't necessarily traditional Christmas colors; which made this activity all the more fun and creative for me and my family.
Will you be making this fun activity part of your holiday activities? If so, do let me know in a comment below.
If you like this pretty paint pour design that I painted, you can check out the items already available in my collection. More items will be added as I design them, and if you have a request for it to be on a particular product that you want to purchase, do let me know that too. I'll be sure to design it and add it to the collection.
May all of your holidays be creative and have happiness in them too.
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.”
Okay, okay, I have more than one favorite item in the kitchen, but for purposes of this review I'm sticking my neck out and picking my go-to item.
Now, just to be certain, coffee makers are not included here because that is my all time favorite kitchen gadget all year around. Without my "rocket fuel" also known as coffee, this person would not be able to function. Maybe that's because of my Brazilian roots, who knows for sure?
So back to the most favorite kitchen gadget for 2025 and beyond! I'll fill you in on all the reasons why this great item made the top of my list.
The WINNER in my books has got to be the INSTAPOT!
Did you guess this or is it a surprise? There could have been many different items here, but this one tops my list. The reasons are simple.
Even when it's hotter than Hades outside, you don't need to spend hours in a hot kitchen preparing something for dinner.
This past summer with temperatures up around 80+ and feeling like 100, you can still make dinner without melting right along with the butter.
It takes up little counter space when in use.
It's easy to clean up, one pot does it all!
It's great for chicken, pork. beef and just about anything else you want to make.
It's not just for dinner (although with us, that is it's major use)
There are recipes galore for you to try out.
The only thing I would not do in the Instapot is a great steak ( T-bone, porterhouse, sirloin, those IMHO should remain a staple for the grill).
This particular Instapot can easily make dinner for one, two or more people. Or you can make enough for two days, especially when the weather is super warm. If you have a small family you could get the 3 quart size and if you have a larger family there is even an 8 quart sized Instapot. We have a 6 quart sized one and find that it is perfect even though there are only two of us in the household. It also seems that this is the favorite size as it is an Amazon Choice product.
So here are some of the features according to the Product Description.
It has 7 different functions, you can pressure cook, slow cook, saute, steam, ,make rice, yogurt or simple keep your meals warm. (all in the same pot, but not all at once)
Customizable programs, you can make everything from soup to desserts.
Safe and easy steam release
Cooks up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
Pro-Grade cooking pot: stainless steel with a tri-ply bottom
Family sized capacity: the 6 quart is perfect for 6 servings and batch cooking
Quick Clean UP. The lid and inner pot are dishwasher safe.
Now the added bonus that you don't hear about too often, is that it uses so much less energy than stove top cooking.
Cleaning the Instapot is easy too, the face of the pot just needs a wipe down after use with warm soapy water. Rinse and it's done!
So there you have it folks. All my reasons why this has become my favorite Kitchen Gadget for 2025 and beyond!
Of course my Coffee Maker will remain in top spot for beverages, but the Instapot is #1 for everything else!
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.”
Can you believe it's time to start thinking about your Christmas decor already? Our local shops already have Christmas decorations out even though we haven't had Halloween yet!
If you are wondering what is happening in the world of Christmas tree ornaments I thought I would share a few of this year's trends with you.
Christmas Color Trends for 2025
First let's look at the colors we'll be seeing more of this year:
Bold Monochrome is set to be big for people looking to make a dramatic themed tree - black and white is the main palette, but you could also do a red and white tree. This look also looks good if you combine another trend for 2025 - oversized ornaments - using a few on your tree will help create even more drama.
Mixed Metallics are also big - metallics have been on trend for a few years now, but in 2025 it's all about mixing them - gold, silver, copper and bronze (even adding in champagne - not a metallic, but a great color to add to them). Add a mix of shiny, matte and glitter finishes to add dimension to your tree. This is a very luxe tree theme.
Pastels & Playful Candy Colors are also back in 2025 for a whimsical Christmas tree. Think blush pink, lavender, mint and pale blue. Balance these ornaments out with white Christmas ornaments. You can add candy ornaments for a playful tree.
Layered Textures - in 2025 it's all about textures so think velvet ornaments, feathers, beaded ornaments and sequins. Layering lots of textures on the tree will add depth and richness which can result in a very glamorous looking tree.
Make sure you alternate textures so no two similar ornaments sit next to each other, adding sprays and feathers as well as your ornaments will really help to bring this tree together beautifully. This works very well with colors like emerald green and burgundy.
Transparent Glass Ornaments - glass ornaments filed with glitter, snow or tiny trinkets are very trendy in 2025 and are perfect for an elegant or minimalist Christmas tree. Buy your own fillable ornaments and add small trinkets that are personal to you or small models of something pertaining to a hobby or a place you've traveled to. This also makes the tree more personal to you and leans into another trend for 2025.
These ornaments are great as they reflect light around the tree so you can combine them with fairy lights and silver ornaments to help add an ethereal glow.
Handmade Touches are huge in Christmas ornaments this year as sustainability continues to influence Christmas decoration. If you're no good at making ornaments yourself you can find rustic wooden stars and felt animals to purchase and still stay on trend when you hang them on the tree!
These handmade or natural ornaments are perfect for a rustic or farmhouse themed tree. You can even get the kids involved and make paper chains or paper snowflakes to adorn your tree.
The set above hits one of the color trends of 2025 - pastels as well as also hitting the layered textures trend as well. A perfect set to add to your tree in order to update your look.
The set above is all you need for the bold monotone themed tree - it even includes a tree topper.
I hope you've enjoyed looking at the top Christmas ornament trends for 2025, let me know if you'll be following any of these trends or not.
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.”
Long, very long overdue was an upgrade to the leaf blower. I was looking for a cordless, lightweight leaf blower that would easily handle small yard projects like blowing leaves, sticks, tree "stuff" off the deck. I believe the EWORK Leaf Blower exceeded my expectations and could actually handle Fall leaf blowing fairly easily!
Specifications
Model 21V 200 MPH Mini Leaf Blower by EWORK
Batteries Blower comes with one, but I chose the option with 2 batteries. The cost was approximately $20 more than the one battery option.
Weight I found the unit lightweight with the battery attached. Very easy to manuever. 2.6 pounds
Colors The leaf blower options are green, black and yellow.
Accessories: The blower comes with a few accessories: 3 different size blow tubes and one extender tube which attaches very easily. The blower is actually powerful enough as is to blow the deck without adding the extender nozzle.
Easy To Use Click in the battery to the unit and ready to go. The one feature I do not love, but is for safety is the button has to be constantly depressed to engage the blower.
Reviews I had not heard of this brand before and took a chance. The reviews were positive with just over 1,000.
Recommendation
I am happy I took a chance on a new brand as this mini leaf blower promises as delivers and more! I do like having a second battery ready to go. I also envision using the blower for light snowfalls for the porch and walkways.
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.”
Nearly 25 years ago, I wrote a poem/song lyrics called Hope is a Place. Back then, my days were filled with the joyful chaos of raising a family—work, school runs, endless to-do lists.
Life was busy, but beneath it all, I remember feeling this steady heartbeat of hope. I wrote that poem as a quiet reminder to myself: to keep giving, to keep believing, and to stay open to both the good and the hard parts of life.
Hope, in that season, was my way of giving back—to my children, my community, and to the woman I was becoming.
Does Hope Change With Age?
At 65, I realize that time hasn't changed the essence of hope —it has simply deepened.
Back then, I saw hope as a light that helped me face each day with purpose. Today, I see it as a gift we give ourselves in the moment we’re living.
Hope doesn’t just look forward—it wraps the present in gentleness, like a beautifully tied bow around the life we already have. It helps us stay here, now, while still allowing room for what might be waiting just beyond our view.
Is Hope About Getting What We Want?
Some people say that hope only leads to disappointment—that to hope is to risk being let down. I understand that view, because I’ve felt it too.
But I don’t believe hope’s purpose is to deliver a specific outcome. Hope, to me, isn’t a wish list or a guarantee—it’s the quiet belief that possibilities exist, even when we can’t see them yet.
When something we’ve hoped for doesn’t happen, it doesn’t mean hope has failed us. Sometimes it’s simply leading us somewhere new—to a fresh start, a different direction, or a door we didn’t even know was waiting.
What Does Hope Really Give Us?
Hope gives me energy.
It’s a current that runs through me and out into the world, hopefully touching others without my even realizing it.
I like to believe that when we hold onto hope, we emit something good—something bright. It doesn’t mean we’re always cheerful or unshaken; it just means that somewhere inside, we’re open. We’re willing to believe that light still exists, even when the day feels dark.
Hope, in that way, becomes both a gift to ourselves and to others—a reminder that unseen things can be the most powerful.
Hope and Love Coexist as Life’s Anchors
If love is the force that connects us, hope is the force that steadies us.
It’s the quiet anchor that keeps us grounded in the present while still allowing us to drift toward tomorrow.
Hope doesn’t erase the hard moments, but it helps us move through them. And when life feels joyful, it reminds us to savor those moments too—to recognize that hope isn’t only for when we’re lost. It’s also for when we’ve found something worth holding.
What Is Your Word? Mine is Hope.
There’s a belief that everyone should have a word—a word that somehow captures who they are at their core, or what they stand for.
A dear friend and I once talked about this, and ever since, my word has been hope. That same friend gave me a necklace engraved with the word, and I wear it every day as a gentle reminder.
Along with love, hope is the anchor that keeps me present, connected, and moving forward. It’s invisible, yet tangible. Elusive, yet powerful. And to me, hope truly is a place.
This article was inspired by my poem “Hope is a Place,” written nearly 25 years ago and included in my poetry book, where available, 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.”
For Seafood Lovers everywhere, join me in a review of several seafood products and recipes by the contributing writers here on ReviewThisReviews.
Celebrating National Seafood Month
People everywhere love seafood. And what’s not to love with so many choices. The variety, from shrimp cocktails to fish, from smoked salmon to yummy, dripping in butter, lobster tails, makes choosing a favorite nearly impossible. And when you consider the wide variety of ‘ways’ to prepare various seafood delicacies, the list is just about endless. Plus, for quick meals, there are some delicious, pre-packaged, seafood dishes available at your favorite markets.
A few fish recipes and restaurants are included in this review, as fish (such as salmon, tuna and trout) are considered seafood, along with those in the shellfish category.
So, read through the following list of seafood reviews from the helpful review site of ReviewThisReviews.com, and find a few you would like to try. After all, as a seafood lover, you want to help celebrate the delicious Seafood Month of October!
So, throughout this National Seafood Month of October, indulge in some tasty fish and shellfish recipes and restaurants. Fish and shellfish are considered a healthier meal alternative, plus have the added advantage of being delicious.
Happy National Seafood Month
An October Holiday
*National Seafood Month is a fun food holiday review written by Wednesday Elf
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
As spooky season approaches, this year is shaping up to be one of the most creative, expressive years yet for Halloween decor. As I walk or drive around the neighborhoods this year, I see some very creative decorations, from tech-enhanced animatronics to vintage charm and classics.
I'm most impressed with the large 12-foot skeletons and animatronics. Our neighbor, who lives around the corner from us, has a 12-foot animatronic witch. When you walk by, it lights up and screams at you.
These large decorations have instant curb appeal, and the kids love them. Keep in mind that if you purchase something this large, you will need a place to store it.
I also see a lot of the classics, such as inflatables in all shapes and sizes, ghosts, and pumpkins.
We decorate our yard with two inflatables, one 7-foot Grim Reaper and a 4-foot pumpkin. We line the walkway to the front porch with six lighted carved pumpkins, three per side. For a lighted ambiance, we wrap lights around both railings on the porch.
This is our front yard for Halloween. The witch in the cauldron has since been replaced with the Grim Reaper and Pumpkin inflatables.
Find all of your Halloween needs in my Amazon Storefront
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.”
Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres to read and Tracy Chevalier is among my favorite authors. A Single Thread, did not disappoint. Chevalier draws you right into the story from the very beginning and you not only read a moving story but learn a bit of history along the way.
Book Review
I found this to be a fascinating story of how one woman created a good life for herself despite the constraints of her time. It takes place in England in the 1930's. The country is just getting past World War I and the beginning of the next war is on the horizon.
She secures a job and makes friends. Through a friend she decides to join a group of women who embroider kneelers for the local Cathedral. Violet has never done this type of embroidery before, but she becomes quite dedicated to learning this skill and finds support and fellowship with the group.
When forces threaten to hurt her new independence, Violet must find a way to put down roots in a place and time where women are not expected to grow and thrive on their own.
Through this book, I learned a lot about the challenges woman faced in that era and admired the way the main character overcame the challenges of the age. I also learned a lot about the craft of the brodiers.
Book on Amazon
A Single Thread can be purchased on Amazon in hardback, paperback, audio and kindle versions. Here is a link to get you to the book A Single Thread
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.”
