Review This Reviews!

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Review of National Fried Rice Day

A delicious food holiday celebrated on September 20th each year.

National Fried Rice Day Origins

In 2018, the renowned Japanese restaurant chain Benihana partnered with the National Day Calendar to create the National Fried Rice Day holiday. This flavorful holiday was founded to spotlight the culinary importance of high-quality rice and encourage people to enjoy their favorite versions of fried rice.

I have seen many versions of recipes for fried rice. It is a popular and tasty way to use up leftovers, especially turkey, chicken and pork. Most of these recipes appear to include peas & carrots, but my preferred version instead includes onions and/or scallions and mushrooms. The scrambled eggs are one of my favorite ingredients. Therefore, I usually add an extra egg for LOTS of egg in every bite. I’ve often made fried rice with leftover roast turkey or rotisserie chicken, but my most favorite is Shrimp Fried Rice.

Personal Fried Rice Story

As a newlywed, I was not a very good cook, as you can see by some of my earliest cooking disasters in my story ‘Potholder Soup’. Actually, if truth be told, I couldn’t cook at all.

It took a long time, but I finally learned to cook. Luckily, my hubby was a good cook, so he didn't starve while I learned. (LOL)

During those first couple of years, my parents used to come visit about twice a year (especially after their very first grandchild was born). Each visit, my dad (the cook in our family during my growing up years) would give me a cooking lesson of one of my favorite childhood dishes. One trip, the lesson was how to prepare ‘fried rice’ since we had leftover turkey from a roast turkey meal.

First, you have to understand that my dad had a fantastic sense of humor, so you never knew what he was going to come up with. On this particular evening, as we began to gather the ingredients for our fried rice dish, dad announced that the time it takes for food preparation of any recipe can be measured by beer! It is either a 1-beer, 2-beer, or 3-beer job. I like beer, just like my dad, but my limit is usually one; maybe sometimes two. We enjoyed cooking the meal together, completed the recipe, and the family enjoyed a delicious fried rice meal.

Now it’s about five years later. My parents were coming for a visit, and I wanted to make something comforting yet practical—chicken fried rice. It’s one of those dishes that can be made ahead of time and still taste great no matter when they arrive.

At dinnertime, I served the chicken fried rice. As we were eating, my mom asked “how much soy sauce did you use in this dish of fried rice?”

Me: “Soy Sauce?” “Soy Sauce?”

Do you believe that my original cooking lesson of fried rice became a 3-beer job? And that the soy sauce was the last ingredient to be added? Well ~ I admit I have absolutely no memory of the soy sauce ingredient! For five years I made meals of fried rice - with NO soy sauce. Hubby used to add it to his portion, but never once asked me why I didn’t use it in the recipe. I think he thought I didn’t like soy sauce, so never mentioned it.

Needless to say, I now know ALL the ingredients for my fried rice recipes. :)

So, for National Fried Rice Day, or any day you are in the mood for fried rice, pick your favorite recipe (or look online for a new one), and enjoy this tasty Asian dish. Don’t forget the soy sauce!

Friday, September 19, 2025

Faraday Bags for Personal Protection Against Theft & Tracking Reviewed

Faraday Bags Allow You to Block Tracking, Prevent Credit Card Data Theft & Key Fob Signal Theft

Electronics are great! Many of us enjoy the convenience of email, online banking & shopping, reading books on electronic devices and even starting our cars with remote control. However, with these fabulous conveniences come opportunities for theft.

Thieves can use other electronic devices (rfid readers) to steal our credit card information without ever touching our wallets, or even the physical credit card. There are other devices to transfer your car key fob's signal so they can unlock and start your car in order to steal it. And, of course, we can all be tracked by our phones.

Let's face it. If we can electronically do anything, there is also a way for a thief to hack our devices and get entry to our information and property. In order to protect our assets, we need Faraday bags to block their intrusion.

I purchased a set of Faraday bags because I wasn't quite sure what size would be best for my needs or how I would want to use them daily. It turns out, they are all needed. I put the largest bag inside my backpack and use it as if it were a liner to the backpack. I drop my keys & wallet in it and retrieve them (just as I would from the backpack) when I need them. That keeps them from being exposed to thieves when I am simply carrying them while shopping, eating in a restaurant, or walking simply for exercise. I gave the single key fob Faraday bag in the set to my son for his car key. I can tell you from experience that it works! We have since purchased several single key fob Faraday bags.

Keeping our electronic devises in a Faraday bag at home is also wise. I recently read that thieves can stand outside your home windows and use devices to steal your data or signals while your wallets and key fobs are idly laying around your home. I hate to say it, but that could also mean when you have workmen around your home.

When my brother was flying and wanted to protect his laptop, we gave him a Faraday bag that was large enough to enclose his laptop.

Additional benefits of Faraday bags are that they are water and fire resistant. Of course, that is limited protection against water or fire, but electronics could be saved by a Faraday bag if retrieved soon enough.

Set of Faraday Bags

IFENROL Faraday Bags EMP Proof - 4 Pack Faraday Pouch Anti-Tracking Key Fob Protector, Faraday Cage for Phones & Laptops & Tablets & Car Keys for Fireproof & WaterproofCheck Price There are 4 Faraday bags in varying sizes in the set that I initially purchased. I have added to our collection of Faraday bags as needed for specific sized items. I like having one in each of our vehicles to use when needed too.

Rest stops, restaurants, or a friend's driveway are examples of the kinds of places I might stop for a short period of time and not want to carry in my iPad or cellphone.

Hotel rooms are also extremely venerable places. If you usually set your cell phone, keys and/or wallet on the night stand in a hotel room while you sleep, a Faraday bag would be essential.

What's in the Set

Large Faraday Bags (12.2 X 9.2 inch) - for Laptops & tablets
Medium Faraday Pouch (10.63 X 6.8 inch) - for tablets
Small Faraday Phone Pouch (7.87 X 4.72 inch) - for cell phones or passports
Extra Small RFID pouch (5.9 X 3.15 inch) - for a key fob

Each bag has a top velco strip closure. Simply fold the top over to press the velco strips together for closure

These are the Faraday Bags I Purchased Separately for a Laptop and Additional Key Fobs

Faraday Bags 17'' x 15'', Large EMP Proof faradaybag Anti-theft Anti-Tracking for Laptops & Tablets & Phones & Car Keys, Fireproof & Waterproof RFID Signal Blocker Faraday Pouch

Faraday Pouch for Car Keys, Faraday Bag, Car RFID Signal Blocking Holder, Key Fob Protector, Key fob cage Block Signal Anti-Theft Fob Case (2 Pack)

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Greenstalk Vertical Planter Review

I currently have two Greenstalk vertical planters. One is a taller unit with shorter planter tiers in it. My other one is a shorter unit, with deeper planter tiers in it.

I had the taller unit for approximately a year before purchasing the additional shorter unit with the deeper planting wells. The shorter wells are meant for plants that do not require the extra room for deeper roots.

What I have learned, is that based on my attention to watering, is that the deeper planting wells work best for me. They hold more water for longer, making the plants happier overall.

Although the units are made to drain excess water out the bottom, and through a hose attachment, they can be over watered. I did that early on. Then I went the other way and watered too little. When I purchased the shorter unit, I had much better success.

Both the shorter wells and the deeper wells have the same premise for working. They have a predrilled hole in each planting area that lines up with the tier below it, and the water drains down to the next tier and so on.

Each unit also comes with a water collection reservoir at the top, which is detachable, that can more quickly drain excess water down to the bottom and out, like when there is a heavy rain.

The planting tiers come as a set depending on which size planting wells you want and how many tiers you want to have.

I have found that I also prefer the shorter tiers, as the top is easier to reach for planting and watering.

There are accessories that can be ordered to help with the vertical gardening. The main one is the wheel base attachment with a spinner. The wheels can be locked in place to prevent the vertical planter from rolling on its own. The spinner allows you to easily turn the planter unit around without moving the wheels, to allow different plants to get more sun or shade as needed. You may need to go to Greenstalk.com to locate this specific accessory.

There are also other attachments to help with plant support. There are also accessories for frost protection and insect protection. I did purchase the accessory for frost protection, and felt more secure with my plants being protected on the predicted frosty mornings.

Pros:

More plants can be planted in a small square foot area, making it a great option for balcony and patio gardening.

The watering area is in a smaller square foot area.

Has optional accessories to make gardening easier.

Has a basic texture design or a weave pattern texture to choose from, and also various colors.

Cons:

Requires more regular watering, more so than raised beds and in ground gardening.

Would I order it again? Yes. Actually I already placed my order for an additional short tiered unit with the deeper planting wells. Whether my plants need the extra room for deeper roots or not, I will give them the extra space, and the shorter unit is easier for me to reach overall. I am 5'4".

Greenstalk Vertical Planter, 3 tiered unit. Check price.

Click here to view more options.

Cheryl Paton

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Wednesday, September 17, 2025

This Week Life is Amazing ~ From the Heart

Life is sometimes a big struggle and we can find ourselves more than a little lost with all that is happening around us. Every once in a while something happens that seems to take us out of the darkness and chaos, to remind us that life is still very, very good. And this week has been amazing!

Let me tell you a little story.

When I was 18 years old, I became a BLOOD DONOR! Oh I didn't do it for the right reasons, I was busy trying to get out of one of my high school classes. At that time, the Canadian Red Cross ( now known as Canadian Blood Services) would come to high schools, set up a clinic, and hopefully recruit new donors for this important life saving venue. That was my door to getting out of that dreaded class!

Anyways, that was many years ago and much has changed in the process of giving blood. Some of the changes are great and some of them are not. but all were necessary to keep the supply of blood safe for those who needed it most.

You see the story changed for me when my father became ill. At that time I was already a regular donor but hadn't really thought about how much my donation would impact others. Oh I knew people needed blood for all kinds of things, but it was never personal to me. Well that changed quickly.

My father had cancer and while he was undergoing treatments, he would receive blood transfusions as part of his care. When he would come home from those transfusions, he looked so much better and had more energy. It seemed transformative to us and to him. I would talk to him and he'd say to me, please keep on being a blood donor, it makes such a difference to me!

Well how can you say no to that? Especially when you find out you and he are the same blood type!

At that point in my life, I no longer looked at giving blood as a chore, rather it became part of my mission to help my father and anyone else who needed that help.

Fast forward to this week. While I was at my regular BLOOD DONOR CLINIC, the people who had just finished their donations, were sitting at the coffee table and tossing their donor cards on the table for the volunteer to record their donation on the back. Jokingly I said. Okay, "Who's got the most donations and do they get a prize?" Everyone at the table had a good laugh until I pulled out my card and they got a look at it. Theirs were emblazoned with 10, 20, 30 donations and then mine hit the pile and it said 100!

I didn't think it was a big deal, but everyone at the table were totally impressed. A discussion ensue and I encouraged all of them, that their day will come when 100 will be on their cards too.

It wasn't until this week when a package arrived that made me stop and think. My other half said, "did you order another book?" I was truly surprised to be getting a package because I did NOT order anything. Opening it I was even more surprised! I guess getting to that 100 was a bigger deal than I had thought. It was a certificate from Canadian Blood Services!

Now I was truly impressed and my other half made me realize that I had dedicated the last 25 years of my life to giving blood 4 times a year. Well when you put it that way, I guess it is impressive.

Now this story is not about bragging rights, because that just isn't me, rather it's a story about encouraging YOU or anyone in your family to become BLOOD DONORS! The need is always there and as the Slogan says, "It's in you to give!" It doesn't cost you anything other than about an hour of your time and it helps people that you may never ever meet! But be certain of one thing, the people that need the blood will be thanking you in their hearts for helping them!

Do you need something to help you through your darker times? Take an hour and become a BLOOD DONOR, you will feel so much better about life when you know you make a difference.

In Canada if you want to know more you can follow this link: https://www.blood.ca/en/ways-donate

In the USA you can follow this link: https://www.redcrossblood.org/

I do hope that this, my story, will encourage you to become part of a lifeline for so many people that are in need!

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Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Air Fryer French Bread Pizza Review

Sometimes you just need a late-night snack, or you're looking for a quick meal. Whatever the case, try some French bread pizza in your air fryer.

We always keep Red Baron French Bread Pizza in our freezer. From frozen to your plate in 10 minutes or less.

The instructions on the box will say to preheat your oven to 375 degrees and bake for 20 to 23 minutes.

Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees and set the timer for 6 minutes.

What I love most is the crunch. The air fryer gives the bread a golden, toasty base without turning it rock hard. Not only does this turn out to be a delicious snack or meal, but you're also using less energy by using your air fryer.

You can also make these from scratch using fresh French Bread, pizza sauce, and your choice of various toppings.

We use a Ninja Air Fryer, and the 6-minute timer is perfect. You may need to experiment with different times for various air fryers.

Cleaning up is another benefit of using your air fryer. Just wipe out your air fryer basket, and you're ready to make some more.

Overall, Air Fryer French Bread Pizza is one of those effortless comfort foods that delivers big flavor with very little effort.

Ninja Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Reheats, & Dehydrates, 4-in-1, Fries, Frozen Food, Veggies, and Juicy Meat, Less Oil, Easy Meals, Healthy Meals, Compact, 4 QT, Grey, AF101Buy Now Red Baron Singles French Bread Pepperoni Pizza, 5 Ounce -- 24 per case.Buy Now

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Monday, September 15, 2025

Reviewing Mary Maxim: Exclusive Yarn and Crafts

I have recently received my first order from Mary Maxim. I am delighted both about the Bag-O-Day Crochet Tonal Hues yarn and about the variety of craft items offered by Mary Maxim. With more brick and mortar crafting stores closing over the past few years, it has been important to me find the reliable online sources. Mary Maxim quickly jumped to the top of my list of favorite crochet, yarn, and craft suppliers. I was reminded of my good first impression when I received the printed catalog in the mail.

So excited about the projects shown in the catalog

Mary Maxim: Exclusive Yarn and Crafts

I've only learned about MaryMaxim.com in the past year or two. This is a four generation, family owned and operated craft business with a history in the United States and Canada.

They offer:

Yarn (wide range of fiber, weight, and brands)
Knit & crochet (kits, hooks, needles and accessories)
Crafts (plastic canvas, paint-by-number, needlework, beaded kits, and diamond painting)
Jigsaw Puzzles
Patterns (vintage, modern, and patterns by popular individual designers)
Gifts and Home
Gift cards

When I heard talk about Mary Maxim on social media, I hadn't recalled hearing of them previously. Yet, while doing some research, I found that they have been in existence for over 65 years and one of their vintage catalog covers looked so very familiar. We very well may have had Mary Maxim patterns in my childhood home (my mother crocheted and I learned how to crochet at a very young age).

I am over-the-moon excited about the Tonal Hues yarn that I ordered from Mary Maxim. This yarn was designed by Crystal at Bag-O-Day Crochet and is available exclusively from Mary Maxim. The colorways are gorgeous. The yarn is soft and luxurious.

Tonal Hues yarn

Mary Maxim also has craft kits available. For example, I would like to buy a particular crochet afghan pattern. That pattern is an exclusive pattern and includes the amount of yarn required for that pattern. I sometimes have difficulty choosing the yarn that is best suited for a particular pattern and this takes the guess work out of it.

If you enjoy crafting, and aren't familiar with Mary Maxim, I hope you check out their website and/or request a free catalog.

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Sunday, September 14, 2025

Check Out This Medical Grade Manuka Honey for Wound Care

When it comes to wound care, I've always kept it simple. Living in Canada, Polysporin has been my go-to for as long as I can remember—it's the first thing I reach for when there's a cut, scrape, or any other wound that needs healing.

However, I recently discovered something worth considering for wound care: ActiVon Medical Grade Manuka Honey.

I Used to Use Regular Honey… Until I Learned Why I Shouldn't!

A few years ago, I used to apply regular organic honey to minor wounds, thinking it was a natural and soothing solution. And truthfully, I never had any bad reactions to it. But earlier this year, I happened to do some reading—and wow, I had no idea that using non-medical honey on open wounds wasn't actually recommended.

Apparently, regular honey (even organic) can contain bacteria or spores that haven't been filtered out, which makes it unsafe for wound use.

That discovery led me down a research rabbit hole, and it was there that I first came across medical-grade honey, specifically Manuka Honey from New Zealand.

Discovering ActiVon

That research led me to a product called ActiVon Medical Grade Manuka Honey, and I decided to give it a try.

Right away, I could tell this wasn't anything like using regular honey. ActiVon is sterilized, filtered, and formulated specifically for wound care. It's a 100% medical-grade Manuka honey gel—nothing added, no preservatives—and it's safe to apply directly to open skin.

It's designed to create a moist healing environment, which is actually better for wound recovery. The gel has a thick but smooth consistency, making it easy to apply, and it stays in place nicely.

How I Personally Use It

This year, I had a wound that was healing well, but I still wanted to support the healing process and make sure everything stayed clean and healthy. I used a small amount of ActiVon directly on the area, and in my typical Canadian style, I paired it with a dab of Polysporin—that's just my habit.

Let me be clear: I'm not a doctor, and I don't recommend mixing products like that. I'm sharing what I personally did, and it worked well for me.

What Makes ActiVon Stand Out

Here's what impressed me most about using ActiVon:

It keeps the wound moist, which helps promote faster healing and reduces the likelihood of scarring.
It creates an osmotic effect, which gently pulls out harmful tissue and debris from the wound bed.
It reduces the risk of infection while eliminating odors—without masking anything artificially.
It felt gentle, and even though I was nervous to apply honey to a healing wound, it felt soothing. It's a bit sticky, of course, but that's to be expected.
It's 100% natural, and the fact that it doesn't absorb into the bloodstream makes it a safe option.
It contains no added preservatives, only pure, medical-grade Manuka honey that has been filtered and sterilized.
The packaging makes it easy to use, and I love that the tube size is perfect—not too big, not too small.

A New Favorite in My First Aid Kit

This has now become a product I keep on hand. I've even purchased a second tube—just to have in case I need it again. It gave me peace of mind knowing I was using something natural yet medically designed for healing.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely—but with the usual disclaimer: talk to your doctor first.

I'm someone who tends to dive in and try things on my own (sometimes before asking anyone!), but not everyone should do that.

If you're considering trying ActiVon for wound care, it's best to get professional guidance, especially if you're dealing with chronic or serious wounds.

That said, if your doctor gives you the green light, ActiVon Medical Grade Manuka Honey is 100% worth exploring.

Disclaimer:
I'm not a medical professional. I'm sharing my personal experience using ActiVon. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any new product on wounds, especially if you have existing health conditions, Bee allergies, other allergies, or are treating serious injuries.

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Saturday, September 13, 2025

Raising Cane's - Restaurant Review

A few years ago, I moved to Kansas City to be near my family. One day, my daughter-in-law was at work with the only family car when she contacted my son that the car would not start. He called me and I picked him up so we could go ‘rescue’ her, jumpstart the car with my jumper cables, then get them to an auto supply store for a new battery. On the way, my son suddenly announced that it looked like it was a “raising cain” day!

When I did not respond; only staring at him perplexed, he asked if I heard what he said. I answered, yes, but I didn’t understand what he was talking about.

Turns out, since it was going to be past dinnertime by the time we were done, thus making it too late to begin fixing dinner, they would stop to pick up take-out. Being new to Kansas City, I had never heard of the place he was talking about ~ Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Restaurant! :)

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers Restaurant in Washington DC

History of the Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Restaurants

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers restaurant (also known as Raising Cane’s or, simply, Cane’s) is a fast casual food chain specializing in chicken fingers. It was founded in 1996 by Todd Graves and Craig Silvey. Their first restaurant opened in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Raising Cane's Dog Park in Baton Rouge, LA. Todd Graves with his dog, Raising Cane

The restaurant chain was named after Todd Graves’ yellow labrador retriever, who is the company’s mascot! :)

The Raising Cane’s menu is very simple, consisting of really delicious chicken fingers, french fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, Cane’s Sauce and soft drinks. Today, this restaurant chain is considered to be the third largest chicken restaurant chain and has over 900 locations, both throughout the United States and internationally.

Summary

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers has become one of my favorite ‘go-to’ places to eat and I highly recommend it if you are a fan of chicken fingers. The menu may be very limited (by design), but they do it VERY WELL.

It had already been a favorite for my son and his family. Interestingly, this Spring one of my grandsons celebrated his 16th birthday and by June he had begun his very first summer job. Where else would the job be but at ‘Raising Cane’s.’ 🙂

*Raising Cane’s Restaurant Review written by Wednesday Elf

+Image sources: Wikipedia

For more restaurant reviews, click on:

ReviewThisReviews: Restaurant Reviews: U.S.

Chicken Finger Dipping Sauce, Dupe for Famous Canes Sauce, Pack of 2

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Friday, September 12, 2025

Security & Safety Adjustable Convex Garage Mirror Reviewed

In my opinion, a wall mounted mirror is essential in a garage for safety and security.

When we bought our current home, a search priority was an enclosed garage. I was definitely willing to give up interior living area to have the safety provided by a garage. I have never regretted that decision. Actually, I would love to have more garage space.

As the years have passed, our garage has become a work space for my husband when he changes the oil in our cars and a variety of other maintenance jobs. He has his tool chest stored under his work table against the garage wall. There is just enough space there for his supplies.

Our garage has also become an easy access storage area for gardening equipment, painting supplies, and fans. We even have a second refrigerator against the back wall of the garage.

What I didn't consider prior to living in a home with a garage are the safety aspects. There are actually safety issues, both good and bad. The garage protects our cars and everything stored there. We can load and unload a car in enclosed safety. No one can observe when we are preparing for a trip. However, I can't see through the walls. When the garage door is open, people or animals can creep up on me.

Because we use the garage for storage, there is less room for maneuvering vehicles. There are times when I've needed help to make sure I didn't hit something as I pull into the garage.

Thankfully, my husband went in search of a mirror to hang on the back wall of the garage several years ago. It has truly been a life saver as well as a ding deterrent.

Wall Mounted Garage Mirror

24 Inch Convex Mirror with Adjustable Fixing Bracket, Wide Angle Outdoor Indoor Safety MirrorCheck Price

I highly recommend this specific mirror for a garage or carport. The mirror is not made of glass which means that it will not break, plus it does not have issues with the heat or cold of outdoor changing temperatures. It is marine grade waterproof-rated. No fogging over, no shattering & it is lightweight!

The mirror reminds me of the old security mirrors in stores. It allows you to see around obstacles where someone could be hiding. It is like having a huge rear-view mirror on the garage or carport wall.

We selected the 24" mirror, but it is also available in 32". The 32" is shown on the right. Our mirror is orange with the hood on top to block light. However, there is an 18" size available without the hood.

Features of the Garage Mirror:

Shatterproof poly-carbonate mirror
Lightweight
Adjustable
Marine grade water-proof rated
Wide view provided of area
Comes with mounting bracket

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Book Review- Counting Miracles

Book Review

I have always loved Nicholas Sparks books, and his newest one did not disappoint. This intriguing book like many of his others, seems to have two different story lines until they seamlessly merge into one. This is a book I would highly recommend.

Book Summary

Counting Miracles introduces us to three key characters:

Tanner Hughes, a former army ranger. After his grandmother's passing, using some information she has given him, he is on a search for his biological father.
Kaitlyn Cooper, a single mother and a doctor.
Jasper, an elderly man who is haunted by a tragic past.

As the lives of these three people intersect they discover unexpected connections and miracles that change everything. Sparks masterfully weaves together their lives through his wonderful storytelling and great character development. He makes us feel as if we are in their lives just waiting for what will happen next.

Of all of Nicholas Sparks books that I have read, this one inspired me the most. The uplifting message and engaging characters will linger in your thoughts long after you have finished reading it.