If there is one dish that is always a crowd pleaser with kids and adults
alike, it has to be Mac and Cheese. And thanks to the Instant Pot, this
classic comfort food is fast and easy to make. Did I mention creamy and
delicious?
From start to finish, Instant Pot Mac and Cheese takes about 15 minutes.
Everyone in our family just loves how delicious, rich, and creamy this dish
is.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
1 lb. elbow macaroni
4 cups water (or use half water, half chicken broth for extra
flavor).
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons butter
For the Cheese Sauce:
1 cup whole milk or heavy cream (we use the heavy cream)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Directions:
Add the pasta, water, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and butter into the
Instant Pot.
Set to manual or pressure cook for 4 minutes. When done, quick release
the pressure.
Open the lid and stir the pasta; do not drain any remaining liquid.
Set the Instant Pot to Saute' (Low)
Slowly stir in the milk and cheeses, then continue stirring until
everything melts into a smooth, velvety sauce.
If it's too thick, add a little more milk, and if it's too thin, stir a
little longer.
This is a must-try recipe resulting in maximum flavor with minimal effort.
It's perfect for busy weeknights or anyone craving comfort food. Try this
Instant Pot Mac and cheese, and you may never go back to stovetop or boxed
mac and cheese again.
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 can always rely on author, Sally Britton, to deliver a unique and
entertaining Regency Romance.
I recently started the series,
"Inglewood" and was immediately drawn in by the first book, "Rescuing Lord
Inglewood". It didn't take me very long to read the book from cover to
cover simply because I could not put it down.
This book is categorized as a Christian fiction on Amazon, but in fact, it
is simply clean and wholesome. I don't remember any reference in the
book to Christianity, but I can easily recommend it to anyone who prefers
non-salacious romantic content regardless of religious beliefs.
You may already know that a "Regency romance" is set during the early
1800's British Regency time period and society. It offers readers a
look back in history and societal expectations. It often makes a
reader grateful that they did not live during that time period even though
we admire the higher standards.
Synopsis of the Book, "Rescuing Lord Inglewood"
Rescuing Lord Inglewood: A Regency RomanceCheck PriceWhile out for a leisurely walk, Esther Fox sees that a tragedy is about to
unfold before her eyes. Without even thinking about any consequences
to herself, she runs straight into danger to knock a man out of the way of a
falling statute. Unfortunately, she is the one hurt and knocked
unconscious.
Lord Inglewood, Earl of Inglewood, has no idea what has just hit him and
why. All he knows is that a beautiful woman is laying on top of him on
the sidewalk in front of everyone. He is immediately concerned when he
sees her head is bleeding, especially once he learns that her injury is due
to her rescuing him from sure death.
This most unusual encounter puts both of them in the center of gossip and
even has wagers being written in the book of the exclusive London
gentleman's club, Whites. Fortunately for both of them, they have
known each other all of their lives. That makes the situation a little
bit more tolerable, but not easily laid to rest.
________
Their next course of action may seem obvious to Regency romance readers,
but the story is truly entertaining! But, prepare yourself, there are some parts that are extremely sad. After all, even in a Regency romance, life is not all sunshine and roses.
Books by Sally Britton Previously Reviewed on ReviewThisReviews.com
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Merry Christmas from the members of the Review This team. We thank you for your support and wish you and your family a happy and joyous Christmas season.
One of my favorite holiday activities is to take photos of all the beautiful decorations. Here are some of my favorites from this year.
Main Street St. Charles Photo Walk
One of my favorite things to do each holiday season is to go to Main Street in an area close to me. This town, St. Charles, goes all out in decorating for the holidays. Here are some photos I took last week.
Holiday Lights- Bokeh
I love using a bokeh effect in holiday photos. A bokeh effect gives the background a warm soft glow and turns lights into soft balls of color. You can achieve this by focusing on a nearby subject using a wide aperture and having Christmas lights in the background. The first photo in this post uses bokeh. Here are a few other photos using that technique.
Here are two using the bokeh effect that I created using AI. I enjoy playing with AI to create different effects. The biggest challenge here is describing what you want the photo to look like.
Merry Christmas
and a
Happy New Year
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.”
Well it seems like months that we all have been planning and preparing for that BIG Holiday! We have been filled with turkey, visited family enjoyed our freedoms and so much more. Now the DAY is just about here. It is Christmas Eve and ready or not that holiday that fills all of us with some great memories is upon us again.
For many of us there will be rituals that have been happening in our families for years. Depending on your own heritage, these rituals will be different in small ways, but the major part of the holiday is the same. We are all celebrating the Birth of Christ! Whether you are a "believer" or not, He is the reason for the Season!
All the preparations for this Christmas hopefully have been completed. The baking of special cookies, cakes and pastries. The turkey dinner with all of the fixings is being prepared. The invitations to family and friends have been delivered and the children are full of eager anticipation for the morning to come.
Tonight will be the night where many mom's and dad's will be taking out the Big Book and reading the story that many children will remember for years to come! Of course it's T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHIRSTMAS!
Children around the world all know who this is! Santa Claus! While we are all getting ready for sleep tonight, the dreams of the little ones will be filled with what presents will be under the tree. Hopefully the one wish that they most wanted will be there just for them!
This is the magic of Christmas and I'm sure that it doesn't matter how old we are, we can all remember those feelings of anticipation and excitement. The one day that parent's will never have to force their children out of their beds, is Christmas! They will be up at the crack of dawn! While you might just wish for an hour or so more in bed! After all you have just crawled in there after making sure all the presents and goodies of Christmas are all in full view! Oh well, Christmas day is a great day for a nap!
There is something special about this day for everyone, however humble or extravagant, there is a sense of peace and goodwill that will permeate every home. The love of family and friends, the giving and receiving of gifts and the belief that we can make a difference in each other's lives by our outpouring of love!
May your Christmas Eve be an evening of love, caring, anticipation and excitement. May you rest well and find yourself smiling from ear to ear as morning breaks and Christmas is Here!
May your Christmas be blessed with Peace, Joy and Love!
All pictures courtesy of Pixabay
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Before we review Protein Jelly we need to get our definitions sorted, as
I refer to the picture below as jelly, but I know many of my friends refer to
it as jello!
Whether you call it jelly or jello, there is a delicious recipe sometimes
called protein jelly/jello, occasionally called 2 ingredient panna cotta and
sometimes referred to as Jelly Whip/Jello Whip.
This is a low-calorie, high-protein snack/dessert that is really delicious and
very reminiscent in flavour to what my late grandmother made, which she just
called a quick mousse.
How to Make Protein Jelly
This recipe couldn't be easier. You need just three ingredients -
boiling water, jelly crystals and Greek yogurt.
Take one cup of boiling water and pour it into a jug
Add one cup of Greek yogurt into the same jug
Pour in one box of jelly crystals (85g)
Use a whisk to beat all the ingredients together.
Pour into your container (I use several small containers to make
individual servings) and pop in the fridge to set. I leave mine in there
overnight.
The result is a delicious and protein-packed snack or dessert that is also
low-calorie.
Variations in cooking method
I know it's not really 'cooking', but anyway, when I first made this protein
jelly I just stirred all of the ingredients together with a spoon and the
result was really nice. However, I thoroughly recommend using a hand whisk as
it makes it taste more airy and fluffier.
I have been told that using a hand beater is another way to make the Jelly
Whip even fluffier, but I don't have a hand beater, so I haven't tried that.
Dairy Free Jello Pudding
I have also made this using coconut yogurt (thick set, Greek style) and it
tasted delicious, especially with the lime-flavoured jelly. The only problem
with using coconut yogurt is that the protein content isn't very high, unlike
with Greek yogurt. It's still a nice, low-calorie snack to enjoy.
Which Jelly/Jello to Use?
I use the regular jelly crystals, but many people will choose the sugar-free
option. I guess it depends on whether you prefer what they add in place of the
sugar or not. Apparently, the flavour is the same and, of course, if you're
using the Greek yogurt, you are still getting the protein.
My favourite flavours are raspberry and strawberry.
How to Serve Protein Jelly
I usually make individual servings and have it by itself, but I have also had
it with a little vanilla protein pudding on top in the past which I enjoy as
it evokes the idea of trifle (one of my favourtie desserts).
I will also add blueberries, raspberries or sliced strawberries on top of the
protein jello sometimes as well.
Whether you say jelly or jello I really hope you try this simple, easy-to-make
recipe.
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.”
Some days you long for the old school way of watching television with one cable provider and the old school clicker to flip through channels and find your favorite programming. Streaming and cutting the cable has changed the scenario and your favorite channel or programs can be a bit more difficult to find and find for a price of course!
As a Hallmark fan the search is on to find the Hallmark channel especially during the holiday season. Finding Hallmark live is no longer a given either! A few options exist: Live Hallmark with on demand library, on demand library
Streaming Hallmark With Live
Live Hallmark
Hulu With Live TV
Frndly TV
Philo
Fubo TV
Sling
On Demand Hallmark
Hallmark Plus offers the entire suite of Hallmark; Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Mystery, Hallmark Family plus rewards program at Hallmark stores.
New series and movies will be available on demand one day after air. Hallmark Plus is offered with an annual or monthly membership. Details here >> membership. A free trial is also available.
Roku and Amazon Prime have movies in their libraries. The selection is not large and subscription fees apply.
Free Hallmark
A few free movies are offered for free on Freevee, Tubi.
The Cost
Costs differ per service and options change quickly. However what is consistent are the top tier subscriptions of streaming services are necessary if you'd like to view Hallmark live. The on demand libraries tend to be less expensive, but do require a subscription.
Monitor Hallmark.com as subscription specials are frequently offered. Currently I see a $3 for 3 months of Hallmark plus which is a tempting trial!
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.”
A few weeks back, I wrote an emotional article about something I didn't expect to stumble into at all—Carl Jung. More specifically, his concept of individuation.
What began as casual curiosity turned into a surprising journey of anger, tears, and reflection. That article, written on December 7th, explored how accidentally "tripping into" Jung's work cracked open feelings I didn't know were still waiting to be acknowledged.
Since writing that article, something shifted.
The intensity of those emotions softened—not because they disappeared, but because I moved forward with them rather than resisting them.
That forward movement led me to write several lyric videos, each touching on personal growth and inner awareness. The one I'm sharing today, Ghost in the Passenger Seat, comes from that next step forward.
Behind My Lyrics To "Ghost In The Passenger Seat"
I wrote these lyrics on December 19th, 2025, and I wasn't planning on writing them at all.
I've been writing since 8 years old (1968), and most of the time words just fall into my head, fully formed, and I have to get them out.
The process takes hours—writing the lyrics, creating the artwork, and putting together the lyric video. Currently, I'm doing it all myself. So it's a huge production for me; however, it's rewarding.
Once I start, I feel a strong need to finish the project entirely, sometimes writing and working for eight to ten hours straight. Thank goodness for my Cubii—my under-desk exercise machine—so I can keep moving while writing.
Even so, I'm often emotionally spent the next day because projects like this pull a lot out of me. But the fun of creating and the need to deliver the message always overrides the drain.
Exploring the Shadow Self
This song explores another well-known Jungian concept: the shadow self. The parts of us shaped by past pain, fear, shame, or survival—the parts we'd rather ignore, bury, or pretend don't exist.
Jung believed we don't heal by rejecting these parts, but by acknowledging and integrating them. The shadow doesn't go away just because we refuse to look at it. It comes along for the ride whether we like it or not.
In Ghost in the Passenger Seat, the shadow self is personified as a ghost—sometimes called the "ghost self." She sits in the passenger seat of a car, traveling everywhere the woman goes. The car becomes a metaphor for life's journey, and the passenger seat becomes the space where unhealed parts demand attention.
The lyrics tell the story of realizing that healing doesn't mean banishing the ghost—it means recognizing her, listening, and eventually allowing her to move out of the front seat, to sit quietly in the back, happy that she's been acknowledged.
I intentionally chose light, bouncy music to carry a serious theme. I like contradictions like that.
When subjects become too heavy, hope can get lost in the weight of the message.
I feel that by pairing a meaningful topic with an upbeat, almost playful tone, the song becomes more approachable—an invitation rather than a lecture. Healing doesn't always have to sound sad to be real.
Final Thoughts: Healing, Creativity, and the Journey
The shadow self is a complex and timely subject. Carl Jung's work has found renewed attention as more people search for meaning, healing, and self-understanding beyond surface-level positivity.
This song is my way of engaging with that conversation—honestly, thoughtfully, but lightly. It's a reminder that even heavy truths can be approached with creativity, metaphors, and hope.
I hope you enjoyed the lyrics—and the lyric video—as much as I enjoyed bringing this story to life.
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.”
When Hallmark announced a Christmas movie centered around the Buffalo Bills, we were excited. Although we are Steeler fans first, we are also Buffalo Bills fans, having lived in Western New York for more than 30 years.
As always with Hallmark movies, this is a feel-good plot with Buffalo Bills Team spirit.
Pediatric doctor Morgan Quinn (Holland Roden) and the Bills' VP of Stadium Development, Gabe DeLuca (Matthew Daddario), have been close friends since childhood. Still, Gabe has always loved her. A fact obvious to their families and everybody else.
Morgan learns that someone has been sending gifts to her uncle for more than 60 years to help the family. Morgan and Gabe set out to find this anonymous gift-giver.
As expected from Hallmark, you will find plenty of Holiday sparkle. Charming decor, cozy lighting, and a Christmas soundtrack. The best thing about this movie is how it captures the Buffalo culture. From winter weather to the warm communities, to family gatherings that feel like honest Western New York living. Bills fans will love this movie, featuring appearances by current and former Bills players.
If you're looking for a holiday movie that blends sports with a feel-good love story, this one is for you.
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.”
This is my favorite easy strawberry shortcake recipe. To call it a recipe
is a bit of an exaggeration because it is really more of a
compilation of ingredients stacked to create a lovely dessert
presentation.
Strawberry shortcake is a great dessert to enjoy during the holidays. It is festively pretty and requires very little time to prepare.
It is also a fast, no-bake dessert to create on long, hot
summer days. There is no need to hassle with long complicated recipes when all you really want to do is spend your time outside enjoying the weather, family and friends. Plus, you don't have to heat up the kitchen by turning on the oven to bake a tasty dessert. Simply purchase vanilla dessert shells from your grocery store bakery when you purchase your strawberries. I also buy a can of whipped cream topping.
Below are the instructions for compiling individual strawberry shortcakes that takes little
effort to make. Adults and kids alike, love this easy version of strawberry shortcake.
Strawberry Shortcake Ingredients
2 Pints Ripe Strawberries - Sliced
2 Tablespoons Sugar (reduce the sugar if you use less strawberries)
Vanilla Sponge Dessert Shells
Whipped Creme Topping
Directions
Step 1: Place the strawberries into a glass bowl and sprinkle with sugar.
Step 2: Stir together with a fork.
Step 3: Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes to 1 hour allowing the sugar to draw the water from the strawberries and create a watery syrup.
Step 4: Place each dessert shell/cup onto a plate.
Step 5: Evenly divide the strawberries and their juice among the shortcake cups.
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 made this DIY book for my daughter when she was a toddler. I will share with you some basic instructions for each of the pages, should you decide to make one for any young children in your life.
Each page is made with a heavy type weight of tshirt type material. The stitched on designs on each page will be done before sewing the top pages together with their blank back page. The double thickness of the thick tshirt will make the pages more appealing and also more durable. There are seven completed pages in all, including the cover. Therefore, you will need to cut fourteen squares, approximately eight inches square each.
Make the applique designs on each page, before sewing the front part of the page to the back part of the pages.
On the cover page, I stitched the letters, using zigzag stitches to spell out - My first activity book. I chose a different color thread for each word. You could also write the letters with non-toxic fabric paint, which can be found on Amazon.
I will now go in the order of how I arranged the pages in this book. I went from the easiest for my daughter to be able to accomplish, to the next hardest and so on.
For all of the appliqued designs in this book, I made them with two layers of material, making them more sturdy for many multiple times of play and learning, and also many multiple times of machine washing. The pages will be able to be separated from the yarn binding, for easier washing.
For all of the designs, I used leftover material from other projects I had done.
The first page consists of a watch, bracelet design, attached to the page with elastic. I used one piece of elastic and stitched the folded edges of elastic onto the decorative top. I chose polka dots for the top layer of the bracelet design, and some white fabric for the back of the bracelet design. You can choose any type of design that you want. I did a tight zigzag stitch in a circle shape, and then trimmed the edges off. The doubloe layers of fabric for the designs will also be more durable.
You will want to add each appliqued deisgn to the tshirt fabric, before stitching the front (top) page to the back pages, so that loose threads, etc. are hidden.
On this first page, I stitched on the year, and then added zigzag stitching for, by Mom. You can personalize this page with your own date and or from, if you like.
For the second page, I cut out the basic shape for a pair of pants. Two layers of this fabric are sewn together, and the edges hemmed. I stitched on two belt loops on the pants, and stitched on Velcro pieces on the inner pieces of the belt so that the belt would work. The outer edges of the pants are stitched to the tshirt material, leaving the waist area and the leg bottoms open. It's fun for the kids to stick their fingers in the legs, etc. You could use a snap for the pants, and forego the belt and belt loops.
For the third page, I made a pocket with a snap. Again, the pocket is made with double layers of material. I chose a denim material for the pocket. Since it was a thicker and more sturdy material; I just did a basic straight stitch for secure this item to the page material, instead of the zigzag stitch. You could also use a loop and button to close the pocket flap.
For this next page, I made a shirt that has two buttons. The dinosaurs was a fun fabric that I had on hand. Like, the pants, the shirt is made of two layers of fabric, and I did a zigzag stitch around the outer edges, leaving the neck, sleeve bottoms, and shirt bottom open, so the kids can open it up. I like using somewhat large and colorful buttons. The larger size will be easy for the young child to handle. Here is where you can find colorful buttons on Amazon.
This page features a purse that has a zipper on the inside. The purse itself can be made with one large rectangle that is folded to make a flap over the lower part. You probably won't find a zipper short enough to fit the purse opening; I just extended the rest of the lower part of the zipper beyond the end of the fabric and cut it off. I used zigzag stitches to help secure the zipper in place; I used a nylon zipper. Here is where you can find nylon zippers on Amazon. The back of the purse is open on top, giving the kids an extra place to slide their hands into, but you can stitch that part down if you like.
The last page turned out to be my favorite. It features a fun shoe shape that has a tongue, and has eyelets applied for lace a shoe string through. I stitched the shoe string in place, between the two bottom eyelets, so that it can't be removed. I chose a corduroy material for this for its thickness and softness as well. A canvas material could also work great for the shoe. Here is where you can find eyelets for fabric on Amazon. Be sure to get a kit with a tool, if you don't already have one.
Note:
All of these pages are just what I did. Hope my directions are helpful. However, you can do other ideas if you like. For instance, a hook and loop shirt if you don't want to do buttonholes. You can do a Velcro strap on the shoe. You could do a snap on the pants, do a loop and button on the pocket, etc. So yeah, have fun with it; the choices are yours.
Assembly:
Each page is sewn together, with right sides together, on three sides. I then cut the corners of the two corners that will form the inner edges of the completed pages. That will make turning the pages right side out, easier. After the pages are turned right side out, the open outer edge is stitched together. (This is the back edge of the pages.) I used a zigzag type stitch that was on my sewing machine to finish off the open edge. I used various decorative stitches around the three closed edges, each with a different colored thread. This helps the page edges to lay flatter.
I marked three holes on where I will place the eyelets, on what is the binder side of the pages. The eyelets I used for this, measure 5/8 inch. With leftover yarn I had on hand, I made a braid with three different colors. I used approximately two yards of each color of yarn. I wove the warn through the eyelets, from each end, criss crossing in the middle, and then tied a bow on an end. This way, the yarn can be untied and the book disassembled when the pages need to be washed.
Hope this makes enough sense for you to make your own awesome First Activity Book.
If you are desire to purchase a sewing machine, I recommend Brother. My current machine and previous machine are both by Brother. Here is a link for Brother sewing machines on Amazon, if you are interested.
All the best.
The images used here were used on another blog that I did in 2013, on a site which no longer exists.
Cheryl Paton
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
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