I am a big fan of James Patterson novels. I have enjoyed his books for years and follow several of his series of books, always looking forward to the newest book. While looking through his newer books from the library, I came across one that came out earlier this year. It was co-written with J.D. Barker and in reading the description on the cover I was very curious about the book. The cover has the claim "You'll Never Forget the Ending". I decided I needed to read that book and I was not disappointed. The book keeps you guessing on who the killer is the entire book. I thought I had it figured out several times, but boy was I wrong. In the final chapters of the book there is a real twist that I would have never guessed. Wow! What an ending!
Book Summary
The book starts with Declan Shaw, a NYPD detective standing in a subway train station contemplating throwing himself overboard, when he suddenly gets a call sending him to the scene of a murder.
The scene is in the home of a award winning novelist and her doctor husband. The husband has been stabbed, and the wife is standing over him in bloody clothes with the murder weapon. At first glance it is an open and shut case, but then nothing is what it seems in the rest of the book.
We are introduced to Declan's partner, his lieutenant, the wife's attorney and many more possible suspects. There is also another case of a woman in a nearby alley that plays into the picture. In addition, there are some doubts about a prior case that Declan and his partner worked and the suspect was found guilty and is in jail.
There are so many twists and turns that I hate to give anymore away. I will tell you this is a very compelling book and once you get into it, it is hard to put down. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a fascinating murder thriller.
Book on Amazon
The book is available on Amazon in hardcover, kindle and audio books. Here is a link The Writer
Reviews on James Patterson Books
Writers for Review this have written several reviews on various James Patterson books. Here are a few.
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Who in their lifetime has not heard of a Bride that goes completely off the rails during all the preparations for the upcoming nuptials? Bridezilla is the moniker that comes to mind!
Well you might think that A Bridesmaids Guide to Murder should be on the list of books to be read beforehand, by all the bridesmaids, so that you could have all the scenarios covered but you would be wrong!
Emilia Walsh is that aforementioned Bridesmaid. She is a professional Bridesmaid who steps in to take care of all the "little" things that can and do go wrong at weddings. She is skilled at fixing dresses, makeup and hair, so that whatever disaster could happen will have a happier ending when she puts her hands to the problem.
I don't think there is a wedding that has taken place that hasn't had it's share of "drama" sometime before the actual wedding happens. But that is what Emilia is there to handle. She is the Maid of Honor and nothing escapes her steady observations of all the people involved in this affair.
She singlehandedly handles overbearing mothers and friends with firmness and gentleness at the same time. Nothing, but nothing will rattle this Bridesmaid.
We are down to the wire with everything in place for tomorrow's wedding, when the unthinkable happens. One of the groom's men is murdered! Now this is something the Emilia didn't sign up for and has never happened before. What is going to happen now?
Well, let me tell you, there is a lot of things going on that you just never imagined. The detective assigned to the case and Emilia get together to figure out what happened and why. Her notes will be the starting point to figure out WHODUNIT! After all a Professional Bridesmaid has to take lots of notes with all the details recorded.
I'm not going to give away the story line, you will have to read it for yourself! Just let me say that this was a great way to spend a few summer evenings and you will never guess the culprit and the reasons behind all the chaos that was created.
Abigail Scott has done a great job engaging the reader in this cozy mystery and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good story with a lot of twists and turns right to the very end.
Enjoy all your Summer Reading!
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If you wear eyeglasses for reading or driving or long distance or wear
sunglasses we need to clean them effectively and easily. I really dislike when
my glasses are smudged or do not feel clean and it certainly makes it harder
to read or drive or watch Tv when they are not crystal clean!
So it is important to clean eyeglasses often and carefully. Eyeglasses and
sunglasses can be often incredibly expensive and so need to be treated
well.
If we use the wrong type of cleaning cloth it can damage your lenses
including damaging the coatings, scratching the lenses and just cause irritating streaking and
smudging.
Always Avoid Cleaning Eyeglasses With These Items
Any dirty cloth , even a microfibre one. Dirt particles can scratch the coating of the lens and cause damage.
Pieces of your clothing like a T shirt or fleece. Most of us have probably
done this from time to time when we don't have a cloth handy and our glasses
are dirty, but its not a great idea. You can transfer oils, sweat and dirt
onto your glasses and any dust particles can scratch the surface. Also
depending on the fabric it is often not very effective and can make things
worse.
General household cleaners and sprays designed for kitchen or bathroom use.
These are generally too abrasive or contain chemicals that can damage our
glasses coatings.
Using the wrong cleaning method can at best leave annoying and irritating
streaks and smudges and at worse scratch your lenses and damage
coatings which may need to be repaired or replaced.
How Should We Clean Our Eyeglasses?
There are several options for cleaning cloths to clean our eyeglasses,
sunglasses or spectacles. I have listed three below but there are other
options that you may find useful and effective.
Microfibre Cleaning Cloths
These are by far my best option. The ones I use now are Go Optical
Microfibre Glasses Cleaner but I have had many different makes over the
years and all have been very good.
Microfibre is a densely woven cloth that is very soft and non abrasive. It
has excellent cleaning properties and takes off dust and oils easily and
quickly.
They can be washed and used many times so they do work out cost effective
and good for the planet. To keep it clean wash every couple of weeks or
sooner if your glasses get more dirty. It is usually only necessary to use a
mild soap and warm water. I usually handwash as its quicker and easier but
they can be generally machine washed as well. Do not use fabric conditioner
though as it reduces the absorbency and effectiveness of the cloth.
Microfibre cloths can be used anywhere when at home or out and about and
travelling. They have the added advantage of being able to use them on many
other household items such as camera lenses, laptop and tablet screens,
TV's, mirrors, gaming toys, phone screens and glasses.
I just love how so quickly and easily they turn my smudged and
annoying glasses into a lovely clear vision! Its a small thing but one
that makes life a little bit easier and better.
These often come in boxes with many wipes in individually wrapped packaging
or in a larger single tub. The individual wipes can be very useful
especially when at work, school, gym or travelling.
They are usually once only use and being individually wrapped can be useful
as they do not dry out easily while the packet is intact, but also can be
wasteful. They are generally not reuseable.
So if you are not travelling and using at home the tub option dispenser
type may be better.
Once opened they must be used quickly as once exposed to air they can dry
out. It is good to look for ones that are free from parabens, alcohol,
dyes and too many chemicals and made from sustainable plant based
fibres.
These are a combination of a microfibre cloth plus a cleaning solution. It
is good for a really proper clean. Most are best I feel to use at home as
otherwise its quite a lot to carry around just for cleaning glasses, but a
good option especially if you often get oils or dust or other dirt on
eyeglasses or sunglasses.
However the one featured below is listed as compact and easier to
travel with as it is all contained in a convenient tube, so may be a
good on the go option to consider.
The most effective way to clean glasses or spectacles
If glasses are really dirty then rinse them with clear water under the
tap/faucet first, just so that any dirt particles are washed away so as not
to cause any abrasion or marks. If they are not really dirty you can skip
this step.
If very smudged or dirty or have oils on them, its a good idea now and
again to use a specific lens cleaning solution tot he lenses.
Then simply wipe over with clean, dry microfibre cloth. Clean gently
and cover the whole lens area with a slow circular motion. If they are not
really dirty you can just clean with a microfibre cloth.
My overall preference for cleaning my eyeglasses is a microfibre cleaning
cloth. It is safe, effective and easily available. I find mine cleans
without streaks and gets rid of smudges and gives a lovely clear view.
I can wash it and use it for a long time without having to replace. However
I do have several so I always have one in the car, the house, my handbag
etc. I hate having dirty glasses so this way I always have one to hand when
I need it.
It is a good practice to keep the microfibre cloth in a small pouch or
carry bag to protect it and keep it clean too. I do keep some single use
cleaning cloths in the house and my handbag in case of emergencies as well.
Every now and again I will give them a thorough clean with a lens solution
and microfibre cloth combination. However my go to item for cleaning daily
is a microfibre cleaning cloth.
Anyone who wears eyeglasses or sunglasses will know how important they
are to clear and good sight and how expensive they can be to buy. We do
not want to compromise clear vision with dirty, smudged glasses or to
compromise the effectiveness with scratched damaged lenses. So it is a
small but valuable consideration to have a safe, effective cleaning
cloth.
Reviewing Cleaning Cloths for Spectacles Or Glasses 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.”
Who Acquired the Most Success After American Idol? (It's Not Just the Winners!)
Have you ever caught yourself wondering, Whatever happened to all those American Idol contestants? Same here. Some of them disappeared, while others became megastars. Since the show first aired in 2002, American Idol has had 22 seasons (as of 2024), and over the years, it has produced a mix of one-hit wonders, quiet careers, and a few absolute powerhouses.
So I got curious and decided to dig into it—not just who won, but who actually made it big after the show. And I'm talking real-world success: money, record sales, awards, tours, TV deals, the whole thing. Some names will be prominent (hello, Carrie), and a couple might surprise you. Spoiler alert: you don't have to win to win big.
Here's my rundown of the top 5 highest-earning American Idol contestants of all time.
1. Carrie Underwood (Season 4 – Winner)
Carrie is basically the gold standard of American Idol success. She won Season 4 back in 2005, beating Bo Bice, and then she just took off.
With over 70 million records sold worldwide, she has had hit after hit in country music, as well as numerous crossover successes. She's racked up 8 Grammy Awards, 16 ACM Awards, and more than I can count.
She also has a fitness clothing line, a book, and that epic Sunday Night Football theme song she's been doing for years.
Estimated net worth: $140 million+
Not bad for someone who started out singing in church choirs, right?
Here's my favorite Carrie Underwood song, "See You Again." I dedicate this to my parents, whom I miss beyond this world, as I'm sure some of you understand only too well. Do you have a favorite Carrie Underwood song?
2. Kelly Clarkson (Season 1 – Winner)
Kelly was the original Idol—literally. She won the very first season in 2002, beating Justin Guarini, and has stayed in the spotlight ever since. She has sold over 25 million albums, won three Grammy Awards, and now hosts The Kelly Clarkson Show, which has earned her multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. She has also been a coach on The Voice and has released several hit albums along the way.
Estimated net worth: $50–60 million
She's a powerhouse and honestly feels like a friend you've known for a long time. And she's still going strong.
Here's my favorite Kelly Clarkson performance of all time. She performed this on Idol, and watching it live, I remember the tears pouring down my face. She was expecting at the time. I know her life has taken another direction since then with her spouse. However, there's no denying the power of this performance.
Do you have a favorite Kelly Clarkson song?
3. Jennifer Hudson (Season 3 – 7th Place!)
Jennifer didn't even make the top five in her season—she came in seventh. That was the same year Fantasia won the award. But talk about making a comeback!
Jennifer starred in Dreamgirls and won an Oscar, which is already a considerable achievement, but she didn't stop there.
She has also won a Grammy, a Tony, and an Emmy, making her an EGOT winner (a distinction held by very few people on the planet). She's now hosting The Jennifer Hudson Show and continues to act, sing, and perform.
Estimated net worth: $30–40 million
Proof that you don't have to win the show to win in the end.
This is my favorite, off-the-cuff performance by Jennifer Hudson!
She's often a Judge on The Voice UK, and the Judges are known to spontaneously perform. Ms. Hudson DELIVERS on this one!
Additionally, this song holds a special meaning for me personally. Back in the day, I was a figure skater, and this was one of the songs I skated to for my solo performance in the local ice show. It made my dad cry, in a good way.
4. Adam Lambert (Season 8 – Runner-Up)
Adam was the runner-up in Season 8 (Kris Allen won that year), but he's one of the biggest breakout stars in Idol history.
He launched a solo career right away and then became the lead singer for Queen (yes, that Queen), touring the world with them as "Queen + Adam Lambert."
He has sold over 5 million albums and 45 million singles, and his stage presence is truly next level.
Estimated net worth: $35 million+
He brought glam rock back and gave Queen a whole new chapter.
Adam Lambert is my favorite.
This performance at the Queen's Jubilee Party in 2022 is fun!
5. Chris Daughtry (Season 5 – 4th Place)
Chris came in fourth during Season 5 (Taylor Hicks won, and Katharine McPhee was runner-up), but that didn't slow him down at all. He launched his band Daughtry right after and released a debut album that became one of the fastest-selling rock albums in history, with over 7 million copies sold. His gritty voice and rock style stood out at the time, and they still do.
Estimated net worth: $10 million+
He's stayed true to his sound and continues to tour and release music.
I don't have a favorite Chris Daughtry song, but this one shows his incredible voice.
So—Who's Your Favorite?
That's my roundup! Whether they won, placed, or got eliminated early, these five made the most of their time on Idol. I'm always amazed at how different their paths turned out to be.
Do you have a favorite American Idol contestant or winner from over the years? Did someone surprise you on this list? I'd love to know who you think should've made it—or maybe who you wish had.
I just want to add that, in no way, do I believe that money "defines" a person. I'm very curious to know who benefited the most from their time on Idol, whether they won 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.”
In days gone by, many Southern towns had boarding houses, places where you could find a simple quiet room and enjoy, usually, two meals a day in a communal dining room.
The Wilkes House, built in 1870, began operation as a boardinghouse in 1943, run by Sema Wilkes.
History
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is a lunch only restaurant in Savannah, Georgia located in what was originally the dining hall of the boardinghouse begun by Sema Wilkes in the historic Wilkes House. She owned and managed the restaurant for 59 years, and today her family continues the tradition.
Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room is only open for lunch Monday through Friday, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. It is closed on weekends and holidays. It offers popular Southern US home cooking. There is no menu; instead, there are specific offerings each day. These usually include their famous southern fried chicken, along with a variety of vegetables such as black-eyed peas or okra gumbo, plus bowls of fluffy mashed potatoes and the absolutely delicious Wilkes’ macaroni and cheese* dish, along with corn muffins and biscuits. Other days you might find meatloaf or stew as the main dishes.
Seating is family-style at large tables for ten shared by whoever you were in line with when the doors open. The popularity of this restaurant is such that long lines begin to form long before the 11:00 a.m. opening. In its homestyle tradition, guests are escorted in shifts of ten into the dining room where tables are already set with steaming bowls and platters of yummy Southern food. Guests sit together and pass the food around like family.
Location
Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room is located at 107 West Jones Street in Savannah, Georgia, which is close to Chatham Square, one of the 22 famous squares of Savannah. Jones Street is a cobblestone street in the Historic District that's lined with trees and near the Design District's shops.
*Favorite Food
My favorites served at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room the day I took my mom was the delicious fried chicken and the outstanding macaroni & cheese. I am not much of a cheese fan, and my idea of mac & cheese is with butter and milk (without cheese). So ordering macaroni and cheese in a restaurant is not something I would normally do. The exception is the dish served at Mrs. Wilkes. It has cheese (cheddar), but the cheese takes second place (taste-wise) to the milk & butter ingredients, along with the 4 eggs.
There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of macaroni and cheese recipes out there, but the best by far (in my opinion) is the version served at Mrs. Wilkes.
After a trip south a few years ago, Laurie of Northern Minnesota, posted on her Cookin’ Up North recipe blog her adapted version of the Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room she got from the cookbook she bought at the restaurant.
In addition to running Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room for many years (from 1943 until her death at the age of 95) Sema Wilkes wrote several cookbooks filled with the traditional Southern recipes she served at her restaurant.
Along with the recipes, the cookbooks delightfully include remembrances of Mrs. Wilkes, her family and friends, and include some fascinating tales of her most unusual regular customers over the years. The cookbooks are extremely entertaining and read rather like a memoir. This Boarding House Cookbook is one you will enjoy.
Summary
In a brochure about Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, this line is found:
"Stop by and enjoy the special pleasure of a meal shared with neighbors and strangers."
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 remember the first time our daughter brought home textbooks with an
assignment to have them covered before school the next day. For
parents who are prepared, that is not a big deal. However, since she
was our oldest child and our first experience with having a child in school,
I had no clue such a thing would be required.
I didn't, and still do not, keep paper grocery bags around. I had
always heard they would draw bugs and I had no desire to invite them into
our home. I had to think fast! I grabbed some wrapping paper and
went to work. The books had to be recovered within days because
wrapping paper is not durable enough to be pulled in and out of a backpack
without tearing. By then though, I had gone to the grocery store and
had the desired heavy paper bags.
The heavy paper bags didn't last long, but at least they survived the first
few months. That was long enough for me to find and buy some fabric
covers made specifically for covering textbooks and the daily use
required.
After that first year, I was always prepared with a variety of book covers
for our children.
As our children got older, they had textbooks that we were required to
purchase. I found them much easier to resell if they were in good
condition.
I like the book covers featured on the right because they would be easy to select a different pattern for each subject book. That is much better than having them all covered alike. For instance, I would choose the planet cover for a science book, the Legos for a math book, the map for geography or history, and save the panda for my favorite class. The other two covers are super cool and would be awesome for English or Spanish classroom textbooks.
The covers are stretchable, tear resistant, and washable!
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 ordered address labels from Zazzle, some years ago. It's not something I use a lot of anymore, but I do appreciate them when I need them.
The return address labels come in quantities of five sheets per order, with 30 individual address labels per sheet for the return address label size. The larger address labels also come in quantities of five sheets per order, with 18 individual address labels per sheet. There is also an option of shipping labels, which comes with eight labels per sheet. The size choice is up to the customer.
Sizes:
Address labels: 2.375" L x 1.25" H
Return address labels: 2.25" L x 0.75" H
Shipping labels: 3.75" L x 2" H
The full sheet is 8.5" L x 11" H.
I do like the address labels that I purchased from Zazzle, I recommend them, and I will purchase them again. The sheets that I received were sent in a cardboard type envelope that kept the labels flat.
Being an artist and having a store on Zazzle, I have a variety of designs to choose from.
My most popular design is the beach scene with gentle waves.
I also provide a variety of occasion address labels including birthday, graduation, and wedding; and holiday address labels too. You can browse all available address labels in my CherylsArt store on Zazzle here: https://www.zazzle.com/store/CherylsArt/address+labels.
Also, desired are my plain and simple address labels, sans design. The text is all the design there is, which comes in handy for more business type mailings, and or when you just want plain and simple.
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’ve never been a big fan of matcha. The distinctive grassy flavor reminds me
a little too much of freshly mown lawn clippings. So, when I tried Clevr Blends’ Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte after it was highly recommended by a
friend, it was more out of curiosity than optimistic expectation. But this
blend surprised me—in the best way.
Smooth, subtly nutty, and lightly sweet, it’s easily the most enjoyable matcha
I’ve tried. In fact, I liked it so much I’ve started keeping a pouch on hand
for both cozy mornings and refreshing cold pick-me-ups.
Here’s my honest review, including how I like to prepare it as both hot and
iced matcha lattes.
A Delicious, Indulgent-Tasting Treat
The taste of this matcha latte is surprisingly delicious. The matcha is smooth
and mellow, not grassy or bitter. The honey and pistachio notes shine through,
adding warmth and a slightly nutty sweetness. The added honey and milk make it
even more comforting and balanced. It feels like an indulgent treat. The added
superfoods and antioxidants are a bonus!
The iced version is light, smooth, and refreshing, with just the right amount
of sweetness. The pistachio flavor seems to come forward more when iced, which
I love, and the honey note lingers without being too sweet. It’s the kind of
drink I could sip all summer long: satisfying but not heavy.
The bright green color was a bit startling at first, but it's much prettier in
person than on the screen!
The Superfoods Bonus
The Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte from Clevr Blends isn’t your typical
matcha drink. It’s a creamy, plant-based latte mix that blends:
Organic Japanese matcha (ceremonial grade, but without the overpowering
grassy bite)
Oat and pistachio milk powders for creaminess
Real honey for natural sweetness
Ashwagandha, lion’s mane, and reishi for focus and calm
L-theanine to smooth out energy without jitters (this honey pistachio matcha latte with superfoods has 45 mg of caffeine, about half the amount you would find in a cup of coffee)
It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, with functional
ingredients that support focus, mood, and a sense of balance. And while it's
definitely not keto, it's fairly low carb.
But you don't have to drink it for the superfoods benefits. You can just
drink it because it's flat-out delicious!
Making Hot Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte
I add 3 tablespoons of the powder to 6–8 ounces of hot water (not boiling).
Then I stir in a small squirt of honey (I use monk fruit-sweetened sugar-free
honey), add a splash of unsweetened macadamia or almond milk, and froth it all
together until smooth and frothy.
Making Iced Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte
I use an electric frother to dissolve 3 tablespoons of the powder in 4 ounces
of warm water with a squirt of honey (or monk fruit honey) and a splash of
unsweetened macadamia or almond milk until the mixture is very frothy. Then I
pour it over a tall (16-ounce) glass filled with ice cubes.
By the way, the best frother I have ever tried is the one in these photos, the Nahida Coffee Milk Frother Wand, which is powerful, has three speeds, dedicated buttons for each speed, and holds a charge longer than any other frother my husband and I have tried.
Why I Keep Reaching for It
As someone who’s never cared for matcha, Clevr Blends Honey Pistachio Matcha SuperLatte really changed my
mind. It gives me a gentle, steady lift without the crash I sometimes get from
coffee. And I love that it includes adaptogens like ashwagandha and lion’s
mane for added stress support and focus. It feels like a small act of
self-care, easy to make, enjoyable to sip, and supportive from the inside out.
Pros & Considerations
Pros:
Smooth, mellow matcha flavor (even for matcha skeptics!)
Honey and pistachio notes are well-balanced and comforting
Easy to prepare hot or iced
Adaptogens and L-theanine support focus and calm
Dairy-free and refined sugar-free
Considerations:
A bit pricey per serving (but worth it for the quality)
Some may want to add extra sweetener or milk to customize the flavor, as I
do
Final Thoughts
If you’ve avoided matcha because of its grassy flavor, this SuperLatte might
just change your mind. The Honey Pistachio Matcha from Clevr Blends is smooth,
lightly sweet, and surprisingly crave-worthy. With its clean ingredients and
nourishing benefits, it’s become a go-to in my kitchen.
Not a matcha lover? Neither was I. But this superfoods-infused Clevr Blends
matcha latte made me a believer.
Read More
Health Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I cannot recommend these litter boxes highly enough!
I know I usually wait till the end of the post to give my recommendation, be it positive or negative, but I feel so strongly in favor of these litter boxes, that I wanted to put it at the very top! They are the best litter boxes I have ever used in over 30 years of being a cat Mom......but let me start at the beginning of how and why I bought three of them and discovered how awesome they are.
I live in a really small house. 3 bedrooms, 1 and a half baths, kitchen and a tiny family room. There was only one place to put the litter boxes and that was in the closet in the front foyer. An awful place, truly, but their simply was no other place with enough room to put three litter boxes. (yes, I have multiple kitties) I kept the doors cracked so they could easily get in and out and opened them fully to clean them. With new litter boxes, it was fine. We cleaned them daily and swept around them and there was no smell. This was at first.
After about a year I began noticing the smell, light at first, but worse with the passing weeks. I knew I had to do something.
Thus began parade of different types of litter boxes.....
I tried so many styles of litter boxes. First I tried the ones like little houses with doors, thinking that a cover would help keep the smell down. Worked for a while, but the cats didn't like them and the covers didn't keep the smell down. Tossed them and decided to try the stacked three tray boxes that you were supposed to be able to grab the top one, shake it and all the clumps would stay in the top one for you to dump cleanly, and them you put that tray on the bottom. The system looked great in the ads but in reality, the clumps stuck to the tray and I ended up having to wash them every day to keep them clean. They were thrown out in just a few weeks, $100 wasted.
Next we tried the manual rolling kind that supposedly flipped the interior of the covered box and put the clumps in a bagged compartment for "easy disposal." HA! It was a nightmare to roll and all of the clumps never ended up in the compartment, so it was pretty smelly most of the time. Another expensive cat box failure.
By this time I was frustrated beyond measure. I took my old plastic litter boxes and washed them and put them back in the closet. Within a week, they were back to smelling. I just didn't know what to do. Getting rid of the cats was out of the question, they are my babies. The only thing I had left to try was one of those electric self cleaning litter boxes like Litter Robot. They always get great reviews and people seem to love them......but I looked them up on Amazon and they are like $749. I just cannot afford three of them at that price, and what if my cats wouldn't use them?
I was out of ideas. Then one day I was shopping on Amazon for a new litter scoop, as my old plastic one had recently cracked. I decided I wanted to get a stainless steel one so it would last, and there they were, right under the stainless scoops: STAINLESS STEEL CAT LITTER BOXES! I looked a bit closer, chose one and went into the product page. In the narrative it said that most of the time litter odor was exacerbated by older plastic litter boxes. The feline urine soaks into the plastic over time and no matter how many times you wash it, the smell is there for good. That made sense to me. My boxes were always good at first, but after a while.....daily cleaning did not get rid of the smell. Stainless steel boxes could be the answer!
Not only was it impossible for the urine to penetrate the steel, but the clumps shouldn't stick to the stainless, so cleaning would be quick and easy. I was kind of stunned. Could this be the answer? I talked to my husband and he seemed to think it was definitely a possibility and we needed to try it. So we chose this:
We liked it because it came in a single or two pack (two pack was less expensive each) and we would need three. We also liked the fact that it came in so many different sizes. We could order the perfect size to fit in the closet, making sure that our big cat would be happy with his new bathroom.
Medium - 17.7 x 13.8 x 6
Large - 19.7 x 12.8 x 6
X Large - 23.6 x 15.8 x 6
XX Large - 23.6 x 15.8 x 8
These litter boxes also come with sides, if you prefer them, but I didn't want the plastic in case it absorbed the odors.
If you are going to go with Stainless Steel Litter Boxes, you may as well get a stainless scoop as well, I did! I love this one and it comes in 10 different colors!
When the litter boxes arrived, we threw out all the litter and started with fresh. I have not had a smelly litter box in my house since. As long as they are cleaned regularly, these boxes do not retain any smells. We have had them for 7 months and finally no litter box odors AND they are easy to clean! Sweet success! I will end this post the same way it began.......
I cannot recommend these litter boxes highly enough!
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