Reviewing Benefits And Uses Of Neem Oil For The Garden

 

I love gardening and like pretty much all aspects of it. However what I do not like is when various pests and diseases attack my plants. It is a conflicted point for me however as I do like to garden organically with nature and not generally use pesticides. Many of them will hurt beneficial insects as well somewhere down the line and as I am allergic to many things I have to be careful too.

Nature usually has a way of balancing things out and every pest has a predator and they need the other insects so I prefer to leave the garden to sort itself out and use nothing. 

However, I see my beautiful plants this year in our very hot,  humid summer with little rain really stressing the plants and leaving them vulnerable to disease. Some have suffered and are covered in fungal diseases and attacked by aphids and red spider mite and other creatures that I know will eventually kill the plants. 

Then I know that I have a choice...

Either allow nature to fully take its course and risk the loss of plants that are dear to me, some given by my late parents, or take some action that has the least environmental effect.

So I researched that Neem oil can be a good solution if used safely and with some caveats.

It is antibacterial and antifungal so that will help with the fungal diseases. It also has insecticidal properties which disrupt the feeding and breeding cycles of some insects. I tried it this year for both issues and I have had some very good success!

How To use Neem Oil In The Garden 

If it is used specifically and correctly Neem oil is not toxic to wildlife and pets, but you need to use it properly and carefully.

There are two ways to use Neem oil and I would suggest that you use them both if facing a fungal or insect attack that nature is not solving by herself. 

Never use it in the daytime or in sunlight, this is bad for the plant and bad for the beneficial insects and predators in the garden. 

1. For Drenching The Soil.

First of all give the plant a good soaking of water until it runs out of the base.  The reason you water before hand is so that the soil gets wet, if you pour it on very dry soil it will just run straight through and you will waste the mixture. Then mix about two tablespoons of Neem oil with about a gallon of water and a small amount of mild liquid soap or washing up liquid. Shake it all up, then pour it around the base of the soil. If you don't need that much just adjust the ratios accordingly, it does not have to be too precise. 

2. Spray Leaves

Then next you need to spray the leaves with the same mixture but in a spray bottle. Any spray bottle will do but it must be clean and not contaminated with any other chemicals. It is best to buy a new clear spray bottle and clearly label it. Spray the neem mix on the stems of the plant and both the top side and underside of the leaves. You can spray any left over on the soil around  the plant.  

The mixture needs to be applied about once a week. However if it rains then you need to reapply as soon is convenient once it has stopped raining. Watch for any signs for the disease or attack returning. When you think it is all clear then stop the applications. I have found I need to do it about three times before I can be fairly certain of success. 

You can use pure Neem oil and do the mix yourself, which is what I usually do, or for convenience you can buy a ready made Spray. I have listed both options in this article. 

Neem Oil as Organic Insecticide

Neem oil disrupts the feeding and breeding cycles of many insects. I am always a bit conflicted as I dislike interfering with natures processes, but there are times when I do take the decision to use this more organic method.  I only use it against those that are overwhelming the plant and causing significant damage or will kill the plant.

If they are just a nuisance but do not cause any real damage I leave it. If it is just the temporary look of the plant that is affected I leave it to nature to sort it out.  I prefer to leave natures predators to it. 

If I have to intervene to save the plant, it is said to be effective against many insects considered pests. My main experience with neem oil is with aphids. Neem oil is in my experience most effective against Aphids which this year attacked my Lupins while I was away and came back to an almost decimated plant.

It is best if you first cut away the affected leaves and stems and dispose of them.

 I sprayed with the neem mix three times over 3 weeks and while the older leaves and stems died,  the younger and new growth came through healthy. 

It is also in my experience effective against Whiteflies and spider mites. It acts on their hormones preventing them from laying eggs. I found for me the magic number is to apply neem oil mix three times about a week apart,     both to the leaves and the soil.

Neem Oil As A Fungicide

Neem oil helps with fungal diseases including powdery mildew, rust and black spot.

It assists to prevent fungal spores from germinating and spreading which is especially helpful if you grow plants closer together to help prevent widespread infections. It also usefully provides a protective layer or barrier on the sprayed leaves.

I am happy to use Neem oil under safe conditions for this purpose. In my experience within two or three weeks the situation is under control. 

 Best Naturals 100% Pure Neem Oil, 100% Cold Pressed and Unrefined - 16 OZ (1 Bottle)Check Price Monterey Neem Oil Spray for Plants Ready to Use - for Use on Roses, Flowers, Houseplants, and Vegetables - 32 ozCheck Price

 

How To Use Neem Oil Safely And What To Avoid.

For Plants

• Some plants are very sensitive to Neem oil. It particularly affects those with delicate leaves and is best to avoid. If you do use it on these plants, use a significantly diluted mixture, do a small patch test and watch for a few days.

• Prevention is always better. Ideally, and this goes for all plants really, before any issues arise,  try companion planting with plants that are highly scented and more resistant to the bugs that like to attack. So try Lavender, Garlic, Onions, perhaps Rosemary as companion plants to those you find are vulnerable to pests.

• Never apply in the daytime as it can and will burn and scorch the plant. Wait until dusk. 

• Check over the plant for any beneficial insects before you spray, particularly ladybirds or lady bugs or hoverflies might be on an infested plant. They are predators and do an excellent job of eating pests, so if there are a lot of ladybirds and hoverflies on the plant they may well do the job for you. In that case I would personally leave them to it.

•  However if there is just one ladybird or the plant is clearly overwhelmed with pests, simply remove the one or few ladybirds first. It is another good reason for not spraying in the daytime, wait until the beneficial predators and bees and butterflies are have left or are much less active. 

For Humans 

While generally not harmful to humans there are some important caveats.

• Store it out of reach of children or pets in a safe place.

• Do not have any contact with Neem oil if pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Always wear gloves and protective glasses when preparing and spraying the mix as it is irritating to skin and eyes. As I have extremely sensitive skin, I cover up all my skin when using it and wear sunglasses or protective glasses that wraparound. 

• Do not use or prepare the neem pure or mixture near young children or pets, as it is possible they may inhale, lick or eat some of it when it is still wet, which is not advised. 

For Nature And Animals 

• While pretty much non toxic to much of nature like birds, bees and mammals once dry, it is somewhat toxic to fish and aquatic life. So we must never spray near a pond, stream, water barrel or other water source. However Neem oil is not known to contaminate ground water or run off and is biodegradable.  

•  Do not use neem oil during the day as this is when pollinators and many predators are around on your plants. Bees and butterflies and other beneficial insects are at danger when it is still wet. Bees can carry it back to a nest and it could cause harm. Once it is dry the risk is no longer present.  Hence the need to use only at dawn or dusk when they are much less likely to be around.

•  Personally I only use at dusk because you must use it so that it dries before any beneficial insects and pollinators are active. Most of my issues happen in the summer and as it is light so early the bees are often up before I am! Once it dries, in about an hour, it is then harmless to bees, butterflies etc.

Storing and Using Neem Oil

It must be stored in a dark, cool and safe place as if it is exposed to sunshine or bright light and heat it will go off. 

If you are mixing it yourself only make the amount you need to use on that day, as the home mix goes off quite quickly once made up.  

So while I do not really like to use anything on my garden I will sometimes use a Neem oil mixture. I have worked hard to get a good balance and usually have plenty of predators to balance out the pests. Most of the time I allow nature to take its course with predators and prey in the garden and using companion planting.

However, if one of my treasured or sentimental plants is suffering an infestation or disease and the natural predators and processes cannot get it under control, I very carefully use Neem oil in moderation and as little as possible. In my experience it is an effective and economical product

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Reviewing Benefits And Uses Of Neem Oil For The Garden by Raintree Annie

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Reviewing My Success with Wooden Knitting Needles

I made a recent purchase that I'm thrilled about. I purchased a set of wooden, circular knitting needles and I couldn't be more thrilled. There are many different brands of this style of needles available and I chose the Knit Picks brand based on reviews from others. I also liked the variety of colors available. I know that it sounds unbelievable but these wooden needles have allowed me to knit successfully after a lifetime of failed attempts to learn this skill even at a beginning level.

My first successful knitting project!

I have crocheted for decades. I learned how to crochet as a child. I was also taught how to knit at that time. While I love to crochet, I personally think knit stitches are gorgeous, that knitted items are prettier, and I always dreamt of being able to knit. However, I have tried multiple times throughout my life to learn this skill and always gave up very quickly. My left hand would not communicate with my right, the loops of yarn would fall off during the stitch, and sometimes part of an entire project would slide right off the needles. If this sounds like you, I hope you continue reading.

I have finally learned to knit! I have completed several swatches (small sections of a project to test size and to practice a stitch) and I am currently knitting a scarf.  It is hard to believe that I have finally been able to successful knit.  The secret for me seems to be circular, wooden knitting needles.

A friend at work was knitting and listening to my complaints of never having been able to learn to knit, despite all of my attempts over years. She asked what type of needles I had used. I had always used straight, aluminum knitting needles. She suggested that I try wooden needles. Her opinion is that they are not as smooth as aluminum needles and she believed that the stitches don't fall off as easily when using wooden knitting needles.

I ordered the Knit Picks wooden, circular knitting needle set that night. And with her reminders of how to cast on and do the stocking stitch, I was knitting the very day after they were delivered.

Knit Picks Options Circular, Wooden Knitting Needle Set

• Interchangeable needs and cables
• 9 pairs of 4.75" long wood needle tips; US sizes 4-11 (3.5mm - 8mm)
• 4 black cables: 2 each in 24", 1 in 32", and 1 in 40" length (length refers to total length when needles are attached to the cables)
• 8 black end caps
• 1 cable connector and 2 metal tightening keys
• flexible, vinyl 9" x 5.5" case with snap closure and two accessory pockets
• a variety of colors to choose from
• a rating of 4.5 stars in over 2,800 reviews on Amazon, on this date

With crochet hooks, I prefer aluminum hooks by far. I had noticed the "drag" or "friction" that occurs when I have used plastic, acrylic, or wooden crochet hooks. I prefer to fly along when crocheting with a easy-slide metal hook. I had never imagined that the "friction" with wooden knitting needles may prevent the loops from slipping from the needle, and may be the solution for me.  Like magic, I have suddenly learned how to knit with these wooden knitting needles.

I have also found that the circular needles, with the attached cables, help me to manage my project and keep it from slipping from the needles. I highly recommend the Knit Picks Options Wooden Interchangeable Knitting Needle Set that I purchased. But there are many similar sets to choose from; a variety of sizes, accessories, and cases.  If knitting has eluded you due to frequent dropped stitches, and difficulty holding onto the needles, wooden needles may be the solution for you too.

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Still Flipping Your Pillow for the Cool Side? Try Cooling Pillowcases Instead

Cooling Pillowcases: A Thoughtful Gift That Actually Made a Difference

A few years ago, for my friend's birthday, I gave her a cooling blanket. She has trouble with temperature regulation while sleeping, and I thought, maybe this could help. Well—it did more than help. She absolutely loves it. She has mentioned more than once how it has been a game changer for her sleep. 

So when her birthday came around this year, I was back at it, thinking about what else might bring her comfort.

I'm at that age now where I try to give health-related gifts—things people will actually use and benefit from. The novelty stuff doesn't do it for me anymore. So, I decided to go with cooling pillowcases this time. And let me tell you… she was thrilled again.

Here's why cooling pillowcases are a surprisingly awesome gift—and why I think more people should try them.

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1. Hot Sleepers Know the Struggle

If you (or someone you love) wakes up in the middle of the night feeling too hot, drenched in sweat, or constantly flipping the pillow to find the "cool side," cooling pillowcases are made for that. My friend has been dealing with this issue for years, and she told me that these pillowcases are precisely what she needed to help her stay more regulated at night.

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2. They Feel Instantly Cool to the Touch

These aren't just regular pillowcases with fancy packaging. As soon as your skin touches them, you feel the coolness. It's hard to explain, but the sensation is real—and it lasts. The material is designed to pull heat away from the body, making it easier to fall asleep.

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3. It's Better Sleep Without All the Fuss

No extra fans, no awkward cooling pads that slide around—just a regular pillowcase that feels fresh and light. It's such a simple swap to make, but it really makes sleep more restful, especially for those of us dealing with night sweats or heat sensitivity.

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4. Gentle on Hair and Skin

One unexpected perk? The fabric is smooth and silky, so your hair and skin glide over it instead of rubbing against it. That means fewer tangles in the morning and less chance of waking up with those creased sleep lines on your face. A small thing, but a nice bonus.

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5. Low Maintenance—Just Toss in the Wash

I like practical gifts, and this one's as low-fuss as they come. You don't need any special washing instructions. Just toss them in the machine, hang to dry or tumble low, and they're good to go. No fading, no pilling—just easy comfort.

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The Pillowcases I Chose

The ones I picked have a lovely gradient design—very soft and modern. They use special cooling fibers (made with Japanese Arc-Chill technology, if you're into the details), which help draw heat away from the skin. 

They're OEKO-TEX certified too, so no worrying about weird chemicals. There's a hidden zipper, which I appreciate because it keeps the pillow secure without anything poking out. All in all, they look good, feel cool, and are easy to care for.

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Final Thought

If you're looking for a gift that's both unique and useful—especially for someone who struggles with sleep temperature issues—don't hesitate to try cooling pillowcases. My friend really appreciated hers, and I feel good knowing it's something she'll use every night.

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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Invisible and Unsolved ~ the Invisible Series by James Patterson

Book Reviews of the Two-Book ‘Invisible’ series of novels by James Patterson and David Ellis

Synopses of the Invisible Series

Invisible

Emmy Dockery is an FBI researcher in Washington, DC who often finds patterns to crimes that seem to point her toward cases she believes the FBI needs to investigate.  She comes across a great many unsolved cases all across the country which Emmy is convinced are connected. She becomes obsessed with finding a link between these cases, to the point where she even takes a leave from her job to continue gathering information on hundreds of kidnappings, rapes, and murders. 

Everyone, including her ex-boyfriend, field agent Harrison “Books” Bookman, think she is crazy. No one believes her until Emmy finds a piece of evidence which cannot be ignored. 

Could one person be responsible for all these crimes, even though no motives or murder weapons or suspects have ever been proved? 

James Patterson takes you on a chilling and scary thriller in Invisible!

Unsolved

In this follow-up to Invisible, we find a series of perfect murders, each of which look like an accident. But as the bodies begin to pile up, Emmy Dockery realizes that something horrible is happening. She also begins to believe that her twin sister’s death in a house fire several months ago, believed to be accidental, is anything but! 

Emmy has a unique skill at seeing connections others miss. As a result this has brought her an impressive string of arrests. But these cases where the victims all appear to have died by accident, seemingly with nothing in common, have not only baffled Emmy, but have left her findings so unbelievable that she cannot get anyone to investigate. 

The FBI Director talks to former special agent Harrison (Books) Bookman, now running a book store called “The Book Man”, into returning to look into these cases because one of the suspects is Books’ ex-fiancee Emmy Dockery. Books accepts because he wants to prove the agency is wrong about Emmy.

But, someone else is also watching Emmy and waiting until the perfect time to strike! 

Summary

In each book in this series, the villain is someone you would never suspect. I was fooled right to the end. Surprising endings indeed, typical of James Patterson. This was definitely a series well worth reading. 

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*Book Reviews of James Patterson's The Invisible Series was written by Wednesday Elf

The Invisible Series by James Patterson and David Ellis:

Invisible

Unsolved (Invisible Book 2)

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The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker Reviewed

I recently watched and reviewed Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker without realizing I had started watching the series out of order.  I will note that it didn't detract from my enjoyment of "A Case for the Yarn Maker" since I didn't know what I didn't know.  However, if you haven't started watching the series, you will wish to start with "A Case for the Winemaker", because it gives more background and initially introduces the characters. 

For instance, in the winemaker episode, we see the opening of Ainsley's craft market and get a better feel for how it works.  I loved the concept of the market, which is reminiscent of a crafts fair with individual booths.  While the market was the site of the murder in the second movie, A Case for the Yarn Maker, the market was not really the focus. 

We also see how a simple book club becomes a group of self-appointed "investigators" in a murder case.  In a small town, everyone knows everything about everyone, except outsiders.  In Sweet River, Texas, the book club simply can't resist a murder mystery in their own town!   

It is obvious that the movies do not have to be watched in order, but I would recommend it so you have all of the background knowledge and information. 

 

Synopsis of A Case for the Winemaker

 Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case For The WinemakerWatch on Amazon
Subscription May Be RequiredWhen Ainsley McGregor discovers a murder victim in the winery, she knows it is impossible to immediately identity the murderer.  No one is in the vicinity of the body and there is no apparent reason why anyone would kill someone in a winery.  

With her criminology background, Ainsley can't just sit back and watch when her best friend's husband (owner of the winery) is the number one murder suspect.  She, herself, questioned why he had changed clothes since she saw him earlier in the day.

It isn't hard for Ainsley to insert herself into the investigation since her brother, Ryan, is the town sheriff.  He tolerates her interference because of her criminologist background and uncanny intuition.  Together, the siblings really do make a fun team to watch.  They actually talk to each other like siblings instead of colleagues.  

Aside from the murder investigation, it is rather funny to watch the interactions between Ryan and his best friend, who seeks his advice on dating Ainsley.  

________ 

Ainsley McGregor (Candace Cameron Bure) is the main character, but the series would not be complete without her brother, Ryan McGregor (Robin Dunne) and his best friend, Jake Trenton (Aaron Ashmore).  Together, they make a wonderful trio of crime solvers who look out for each other.  

 

More Cozy Mystery Movie Reviews

• Gourmet Detective
-- A Healthy Place to Die (Gourmet Detective: Episode 2)
-- Death Al Dente (Gourmet Detective: Episode 3)
-- Eat, Drink and Be Buried (Gourmet Detective: Episode 4)
-- Roux The Day (Gourmet Detective: Episode 5)


• Jazz Ramsey: A K-9 Hallmark Mystery Movie
• The Dancing Detective: A Deadly Tango (2023)
• The Hallmark Aurora Teagarden Mystery Series Reviewed
• Darrow & Darrow Hallmark Movie Series Reviewed
• Picture Perfect Mysteries: Newlywed and Dead Hallmark Movie Reviewed
• Signed, Sealed, Delivered Hallmark Series Reviewed
• Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker - Movie Review (2025)

 

More Great Movies Reviewed

Check Out More Movie Reviews at
ReviewThisMovies.com

  The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker Reviewed by:

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Peasants to Patriots - A Book Review

 

This carefully researched book of historical fiction takes place in the early days of the United States.  It covers the time period just prior to the revolutionary war and continuing until the colonies become a country.  It is particularly interesting that the author researched when his ancestors entered the colonies and their struggles through the early years of the new country.

This is the fourth in a series of books the author has written, tracing back his ancestors to Scotland, Ireland, Prussia and finally to the new world.  

Book Summary

Peasants to Patriots: Book 4 by Dewayne Landwehr is a masterful blend of historical research and family legacy, brought to life through the lens of historical fiction. By tracing his own ancestors' journeys from Scotland and Ireland to the American colonies, Landwehr crafts a compelling narrative that immerses readers in the epic story of the Revolutionary War.

The strength of this book lies in its unique perspective. Rather than relying on broad historical accounts, Landwehr dives deep into the lives of his ancestors, recreating their experiences with vivid detail and imaginative storytelling. We see them face countless challenges, from the harsh realities of frontier life to the brutal battles of the war.

What sets this book apart is the way Landwehr weaves his ancestors' stories together with those of well-known historical figures. The encounters between his family members and legends like Daniel Boone feel particularly compelling, offering a glimpse into the interconnectedness of history. While rooted in meticulous research, the dialogue and personal moments are skillfully fictionalized, bringing the characters to life in a way that feels both authentic and engaging. For me, this brings history to life in a way that textbooks never could.

Landwehr's dedication to uncovering the past is inspiring, and his writing brings the struggles and triumphs of his ancestors to life. This book isn't just a historical account – it's a tribute to the people who shaped America, told through the lens of one family's journey.

For anyone interested in historical fiction, the Revolutionary War, or genealogy, Peasants to Patriots: Book 4 is a captivating read. Landwehr's passion for his ancestors and his craft shines through, making this book an enriching experience that draws readers into the tumultuous world of America's founding.  I highly recommend this book!

Links to books and Reviews

This book is available on Amazon and can be purchased at the following link: Peasants to Patriots

Here are links for reviews I wrote on other books in this series by Dewayne Landwehr.

This is the first in the series.

Smoke on the Whiteadder

This is the third in the series.

Spark of Revolution

The second in the series Inside Odenwald can be purchased on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3Hw9Pod

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The Protein Advantage Cookbook — A Delicious, Healthy New Cookbook

The Protein Advantage Cookbook is a collection of 100 high-protein, low-carb recipes and tips from bestselling author Carolyn Ketchum, the deservedly popular recipe developer and blogger behind All Day I Dream About Food. Ketchum’s newest cookbook blends quick weeknight meals with make-ahead basics and treats, wrapped in her pragmatic, low-carb approach, this time with a focus on high-protein recipes.

Its official launch date was yesterday, August 12, 2025, but I was lucky enough to get an advance review copy courtesy of the author and the publisher, Fair Winds Press (an imprint of Quarto). It’s a terrific cookbook for anyone interested in increasing their protein intake, and I’m delighted to share my review.

Who It's For

This low carb, high protein cookbook is for anyone looking to improve their health through “weight loss, blood sugar management, building lean muscle mass, or simply having more energy for daily life” while eating delicious, easy to prepare, wholesome food.

Ketchum’s stance of prioritizing protein aligns with the current science: increasing protein intake can improve satiety and support lean mass, especially alongside resistance training. And for adults 40+, adequate protein becomes increasingly important.

What's Inside

Ketchum opens with a concise science and strategy overview, including what “protein-forward, low-carb” means, why prioritizing protein matters from a health perspective, and how to stock a high-protein, low-carb pantry with healthy, tasty ingredients.

True to its name, of course, the majority of The Protein Advantage Cookbook is devoted to the recipes. I was delighted to see Ketchum's signature format: clear, easy to follow, step-by-step instructions, lots of full-color photos (although not every recipe has a photo), and practical tips, such as for swapping ingredients or scaling portions.

The 100 recipes are organized into chapters with straightforward labels:

• Breakfast
• Breads and Muffins
• Appetizers and Snacks
• Soups and Salads
• Main Dishes
• Desserts

The Breakfast chapter includes 22 tasty recipes, such as Loaded Breakfast Casserole (29.5g of protein), Chocolate Protein Pancakes (19.7g of protein), Hot Maple Cereal (29.7g of protein), and Everything Bagel Smoked Salmon Toast (26.5g of protein).

The Breads and Muffins chapter has 10 yummy high-protein recipes including Easy Protein Bagels (13.3g of protein), Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread (11g protein), Cheddar Jalapeño Biscuits (12.9g protein), and even Chocolate-Glazed Donuts (10g protein)!

The Appetizers and Snacks chapter caters to both savory and sweet cravings, including 17 recipes such as Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms (12.8g protein), Taco Bites (18.7g protein), Frozen Hot Chocolate (17.6g protein) and Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (9.8g protein).

The Soups and Salads chapter features 13 simple yet satisfying recipes such as Asian Chicken Noodle Soup (31.1g protein), Chicken Chile Verde (35.3g protein), Turkey Club Salad (29.1g protein) and Old Bay Shrimp Salad (23.3g protein).

The Main Dishes chapter contains 22 terrific recipes to suit a wide range of tastes, such as Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs (33.3g protein), Easy Steak Fajitas (25.2g protein), Pork Tenderloin with Dijon Cream Sauce (33.4g protein), and Teriyaki Salmon (30.2g protein).

If you have a sweet tooth, never fear! Carolyn Ketchum is also the author of The Ultimate Guide to Keto Baking, and The Protein Advantage Cookbook includes 16 luscious desserts with a high-protein twist, such as Deep Dish Brownies (16g of protein), Lemon Cheesecake Bars (12.3g of protein), Coconut Candy Bars reminiscent of Mounds bars (10.4g of protein), and Strawberry Lemonade Ice Pops (10.1g of protein).

There's also a chapter called "A Day in the Life" which chronicles what Ketchum ate over the course of a few typical days, along with the workouts she did on those days. As a very active, extremely fit woman, her calorie limits are much higher than mine, but it was still helpful to see how she incorporates the cookbook recipes into her daily meal plans.

Why It Deserves a Place in Your Kitchen

The Protein Advantage Cookbook delivers exactly what it promises: approachable, protein-centric low-carb recipes anchored in sensible nutrition guidance. For those of us who want to feel more satiated, lift heavier weights, or simply be stronger as we age, while eating delicious, nutritious food and without spending all day in the kitchen, this book will be an excellent, much-used addition to our cookbook collections.

The Protein Advantage Cookbook: High-Protein, Low-Carb Recipes That Burn Fat, Build Muscle, and Restore Metabolism

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What is Summerween?

 

I have long known that Halloween is the biggest selling holiday in America. With all the costumes, candy and decorations that people buy, that comes as no surprise. But I have just discovered a trend known as Summerween that I will review here.

The stores have long put their Halloween merchandise out during the late summer. However, Good Morning America says that stores launched their Halloween items extra early this year at least in part hoping to catch a piece of this trend. People are not just buying their Halloween supplies early but they are actually celebrating the holiday twice. That is, in October and in June or July and hence the term Summerween.

According to the magazine Real Simple, the holiday may have originated from the Season 1, Episode 12, Disney Channel episode of Gravity Falls, in which the residents celebrated Halloween with jack-o-melons and trick-or-treating in the summer on June 22nd or the second to last Friday of the month. The Pioneer Woman points out that if this is the origin, it took more than a decade for the trend to translate from the screen to reality, which it has done in 2025.

Summerween is enjoying succes at least in part because of the nostalgia surrounding Halloween though  Summerween-themed merchandise tends to include our favorite themes with some brighter, summery colors like those shown in the photo at the top of this page. You will find an endless variety of items like these for your Summerween celebration here on eBay.

The new ‘holiday’ is I suppose whatever you make it but it tends to be a blend of summer and Halloween with both non-traditional Halloween items like the aforementioned melon jack-o-lantern, icy drinks and flamingoes to traditional items like Frankenstein, skeletons and ghosts. You can have a pool party and a BBQ. You can read fireside stories at the campfire. You can watch spooky movies outdoors!

What a great way to get double the value out of your Halloween collection. If once a year is not enough for you and you want to do Halloween twice, you’ll find lots of ideas for celebrating a traditionally non-traditional Summerween in your social media feed but let me take this opportunity to share a few great ideas here:

MORE SUMMERWEEN CELEBRATION IDEAS

Harley Quinn Costume 

A Harley Quinn costume might even be better in the summer than in the winter because you don't have to worry about being warm!

A Barbie-Themed Apron

How about a Barbie-themed apron? I think it would make a perfect part of your costume in the summertime especially if you are serving up some pink cocktails.

Here's How to Celebrate Summerween

A Summerween party with recipes from Delish that seem appropriate to the original holiday hosted in summer. Mummy hot dogs, pumpkin s'mores cookies and a black widow cocktail are just a few.

Creepypasta

Perfect for your Halloween-themed storytelling, fall or summer, creepypasta is definitely not edible.

Wait Until Dark

Audrey Hepburn's Wait Until Dark is a perfect psychological thriller considered "one of the most intensely frightening movies in movie history."

Halloween Treats Jigsaw Puzzle

Puzzles aren't just for wintertime. If you find you have more time on your hands in the summer or you just enjoy puzzling all year long, you will enjoy this Halloween Treats puzzle.

SOUND UNNATURAL?

"Summerween?" says the Gravity Falls character played by Kristen Schall. "Sounds unnatural." What do you say?

Happy Summerween!

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

SUMMERWEEN MERCHANDISE

Find the Summerween-themed pieces shown at the top of the page -- including Frankenstein's bust (and his bride, not shown here), a pumpkin flamingo, assorted skull ice cream cones and the female Scream movie character and so much more -- here, on eBay.

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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Jim Henson Muppet Monster Cereal by General Mills

Fans of The Muppets and Jim Henson, of Halloween and of General Mills’ Monster Cereals are going to love this review of this limited-edition, monster-themed cereal. It’s a collaboration between the two companies. That is, The Jim Henson Company and the General Mills Company and it shares new artwork with the popular monster cereal characters of Count Chocula, Boo Berry and Franken Berry as Muppet-style puppets.

General Mills says the boxes are tactile and ‘soft-touch fuzzy’ though I have not had the opportunity to actually touch one and I have seen mixed messages about when it is supposed to be released. One article said October and another said August but I see that some boxes with this artwork are already on store shelves and on eBay as I write this post on August 11, 2025. It does make me wonder if there is a non-fuzzy and a fuzzy version. If you know, be sure to let us know! 

The back of the boxes feature more Muppet pictures and celebrates 70 years of “A Monstrous Legacy.” The box is collector worthy whether you collect Muppet, Halloween or cereal-themed items and is supposed to retail for $7.70 per box at Walmart. Of course, being a limited edition, that price will not last once the supply is sold out. If you don't find the box or boxes on the cereal shelf, you will likely have to pay more to obtain the boxes when they are retired.

General Mills says, “Whether you're reliving fond Halloween memories or making new ones, Monsters Cereal promises a season of frightful fun, fuzzy feels, and puppet-powered nostalgia.” Though not a particular fan of this cereal myself, I agree.

Note that more merchandise and collectibles are available here on Jim Henson’s website featuring the Monster Cereals.  Eventually, I am sure, they will arrive on eBay, too.

Click here to see what Jim Henson Muppet-themed Monster Cereal merchandise is available now on eBay.

Happy Halloween!

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

MORE READING    

Find General Mills and The Muppets in my eBay store.

The Muppets Exclusive Deluxe Plush Toys.

I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story.

Haunt Your House With Lego's Haunted Mansion set.

  

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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The Secret to Uniform Sized Homemade Burgers - Use This Must-Have Gadget!

 

The Handy Little Burger Gadget My Husband Swears By

Let me tell you about a simple kitchen gadget that's made a big difference in our house—especially for my husband, who's the one doing all the burger grilling around here.

Shaping Burgers Has Never Been Easier!

We make a large number of burgers at once, especially during the summer, and we typically freeze a batch for later use. However, shaping them by hand was becoming frustrating—none of the patties came out the same, and they always had a little lump in the middle that made them cook unevenly. Some were too thick, some too thin, and it just became a pain.

One day, after another round of lopsided burgers, my husband went digging through Amazon and found a burger press that looked like it might do the trick. He asked me to place the order—and I'm so glad he did.

A Simple, Affordable Gadget That Does the Work For You

This little gadget has completely changed the way we make burgers. The patties come out perfectly shaped—uniform in thickness and size—and they actually look like something you'd get at a restaurant. Best of all, they cook evenly, which means no more guessing which one needs more time on the grill. And when you place them between the buns? Chef's kiss. They fit just right.

Easy To Use, Clean and Store - It's Not Big!

It's easy to use, easy to clean, and doesn't take up much space. It's a compact little unit. I actually keep ours on top of the bread box—not because it's big, but because our kitchen drawers aren't very deep and I don't want it to get caught when we open and close them. But if you have deeper drawers, it'll fit nicely inside. Either way, it's small and simple to store.

Here Are Some of the Particulars For This Must-Have Burger Press Gadget:

• Made from food-grade aluminum that's BPA-free and SGS certified, so it's safe and built to last.

• Features a premium non-stick coating and comes with 50 pieces of wax paper to keep patties from sticking—plus, it's dishwasher safe.

• The built-in grooves give the burgers that classic, professional look.

• Comes with a detachable non-slip handle, great for taking along to barbecues, picnics, or camping trips.

• Compact size: 4.6 inches wide, 0.7 inches deep, and 3.7 inches tall.

Final Thought

If you're making burgers at home—especially in batches like we do—you really should try this gadget. 

It's affordable, easy to use, and just makes the whole process smoother. My husband's been using it ever since it arrived, and we're both impressed. Sometimes, it's really the little things that make the biggest difference.

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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