On occasion I need to change out the shelf paper for a cleaner, smoother base. Recently and by accident I ran across the most wonderful shelf liner. When I bought it, I was in a hurry and could not find shelf liner anywhere in the big box store. As I rounded the corner, I found some on an end-cap so grabbed a couple of rolls, which came in plastic containers, and off I went.
Opening the blister pack I noticed faint grid lines in the black surface. At first, I thought I had picked up a faulty liner. But to my surprise, the quarter-inch grids were designed to make measurements easier. Now let’s be real. It is difficult to cut straight lines that fit just right in any given shelf.
But … drum roll please! I realized I did not have to use scissors! I simply slid the liner into the shelf, folded it along one of the grid lines, and pulled. Yes, indeed! Just pulled along the line and had a perfectly neat edge.
This miracle product is called Zip-N-Fit, and it is made by a company we have all come to trust: Con-Tact. I was so excited I went back for several more rolls!
The shelf liner comes in clear and can be used in the refrigerator. It also comes in gray and tan. I bought black, first. Regardless of the color, the shelf liner can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. So not only does it go on easily, it stays and cleans up easily.
Since I find myself continually organizing and cleaning, I’m excited to find a product that helps me do both in one fell swoop.
At the end of each year, the powers that be make lists of the best – Movies, TV Shows, Books, and the like. I always take screen shots or make list of the books that I would like to read. I am either going to make another pile of yet-to-read books or add them to my Kindle.
At the end of 2023, a book kept appearing on various lists, The Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. The synopsis always proclaimed it was about a fantasyland where humans and magical, immortal fairies live. It was filled with romance and adventure. So as the winter of 2024 was approaching, I thought this was a good time to escape. I loaded up the Kindle and began to read the first story in the series. I was enchanted, reading all 5 books that took me many, many hours and thousands of pages to finish.
The story takes place on the island continent of Prythian where seven kingdoms are ruled by High Fae Lords. The rulers have exceptional magical powers such as transformation from human to animal or winnowing that is like “Beam me up, Scottie “from Star Trek, or flying. The 5 volumes center around three human sisters Feyre, Elain, and Nesta Archeron and a cast of gorgeous, hunky fairies – Rhysand, Cassian, Tamlin, Azriel, and Lucien. The women are all beautiful, brave, and powerful – no shrinking violets here. The men are unearthly handsome and mighty warriors. If you combined Lord of the Rings and Bridgerton, you would have The Court of Thorns and Roses – lots of battles, monsters, male and female heroes, and lots of descriptive, lusty, lovemaking.
If I were reading any of the books in the series, and I were riding the NYC subways, I would have missed my stop repeatedly. The stories are so absorbing and so passionate that I was blushing in my living room as I read along. There is passion in every part of the stories, so it was appropriate that lovemaking would be too. This is why I entitled this blog – I am old but not dead! It got my attention!
I am so happy to have found Sarah J. Maas’s books. She is a masterful storyteller and has help to create the literary genre, Romantasy – a little bit of romance and a little bit of fantasy. Maas describes people and places in incredible detail so you can envision her imaginary world. She has a bit of Harry Potter in her with creative and clever ideas such as Memory Bottles or mental communication. She engages the reader from the first page to the very last word on the last page. Even though it takes a fair of amount of time to read a series, you miss the characters when you finish. Luckily, she has several other series to discover, and a sixth volume forTheCourt of Thorns and Roses is on the horizon. There were questions at the end of book 5 that needed answers, and they are on the way! Thank you, Sarah J. Maas, for sharing your remarkable talent with us.
Notes:
There were a few things that I did notice that really do not affect the stories in any way but are noticeable. I read the books one after another rather than waiting a year between them so that may be why I did notice. My friends who have read the stories a year or so apart did not notice
First, the names and places are exotic, and you don’t know how to pronounce them. How exactly do you pronounce Amarntha or the Prythian? Is the C a hard or soft C? Where is the accent? I give it a shot when I first meet the character and keep calling them whatever I come up with for them.
Second, for fairies who can heal a broken bone in a few hours, they all have calloused hands. I know it is because they are welding swords and such, but you would think their hands would heal quickly and be smooth to the touch.
Third, anytime anyone gets upset, they throw up. Really, this is the go-to! It got a little funny as I read it each time. I would have thought some editor would have noticed.
None of this takes away from the engaging stories. Enjoy!
Rarely does a novel engage me from page one, but such was the case when I picked up The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar. The story parallels the lives of two strong, determined women who seem at first glance to be somewhat reserved.
Johanna Bonger was in love, she thought, with a man who would never be true to her. She was also courted by her brother’s friend Theo Van Gogh. She attempted to deny him her affection by saying “You will grow tired of me,” to which Theo responded: “Sunflowers will tire of the sun before I tire of you, Johanna Bonger.” That encounter turned her heart. Eventually, she married Theo, who was completely and totally dedicated to her, and also to his brother, Vincent.
Skipping to current times, Emsley Wilson enters the scene. She adores her flamboyant grandmother who passes away before Emsley is ready. During this time Emsley was facing the challenge of what to do about her struggling auction business. A friend of her grandmother Violet, gave Emsley sunflower earrings, indicating Violet had ordered them for her. Emsley recalled her grandmother’s words: “Sunflowers are adaptable. You plant them somewhere, and they’ll figure out how to grow. They’ll come up in the rich loam of rivers as easily as in arid, poor dirt. The worse the soil, the bigger they flower. They’re scrappy as hell.”
The chapters alternate between Emsley’s life in current times, and Johanna’s life in the 1800s. Throughout the story, both women are determined to achieve their objectives. Theo quoted Vincent: “If you hear a voice within say you cannot do something, then by all means do that thing, and that voice will be silenced.” Vincent’s words become the underlying theme for both women.
Molnar’s novel is an engaging story from start to finish. Yet something even more important is revealed. At least it was for me. I had no idea that Vincent Van Gogh’s sister-in-law worked intensely to promote him and his work, after his death. Without Johanna, the world may never have known about The Starry Night, The Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers, or any one of the more than 2000 pieces of art by one of the most famous and influential figures in post-impressionist Western art.
The Secret Life of Sunflowers is a must read for those who enjoy historical fiction or for those who appreciate tenacity and resolve in a woman’s journey. Or, if you just want to enjoy a lovely story.
When I bought the book Migration, I thought it was a book about the migration of the Arctic Terns, a nature book. I like nature books, so I thought it would be right up my alley. Well, about three pages into the book, I realized this was a fictional story about Arctic Terns and as it turns out, it was just the best mistake!
Migration by Charlotte McConaghy is an international best-selling book about a young, flawed, and complicated woman named Franny Stone, who follows the migration of the Arctic Tern. It is the longest migration on earth from the Arctic to Antarctica and then back. This may be the last migration on the planet. The Earth is in terrible shape with nearly all animal populations on the verge of extinction. Franny is on her own type of migration, an internal journey. She too is on the verge of extinction, and the terns are her lifeline. Travel with Franny on both of her journeys. This is one of the few books that at the end of it I cried for pure joy! Migration is going to be made into a movie. Claire Foy and Benedict Cumberbatch will play the leads. I am excited to see how the book will be adapted to film.
McConaghy’s second book, Once There Were Wolves, is set in the Scottish Highlands and follows scientist Inti Flynn who is trying to reintroduce wolves to Scotland. Inti loves the wolves and is faced with challenges with the community as she follows her packs making new homes in the wilderness. It is a story of love, sisterhood, mystery, and nature. All elements for another best-selling book for McConaghy! Apple TV+ is doing a limited series on Once ThereWere Wolves with Elizabeth Olsen as the lead.
In March, Charlotte McConaghy’s new book, Wild Dark Shore, debuts. It take place on an island near Antarctica that has the world’s seed bank. I can’t wait to download it on my Kindle. McConaghy’s books are full of complex, damaged characters in engaging stories that incorporates nature, wild places, and redemption and hope. She is an adept storyteller weaving character and place into unique stories that stay with you long after you are done reading, and isn’t that what makes a great book?
Last Thursday, Mary Ann shared some of her favorite products. Today, Cynthia is sharing some of hers.
Gel Pens – Not just any gel pens. My favorites are Jotter gel pens. Usually sold separately, Jotter pens have a rubber-like soft touch barrel that is easy to hold and doesn’t slip. The barrel color matches the fine point ink color so there is never a question when reaching for a writing utensil. These pens are well worth the price as they write smoothly. And let’s face it, colored ink makes us happy!
For an extra fine point writing, I reach for the Le Pen which as with Jotter pens, sports a barrel color that matches the ink color. Le Pens are very thin and “slick” so for me, with mild arthritis, they are a bit hard to hold for long periods of writing.
Chic Wrap – Game changer! If you ever watch cooking shows you will see Chic Wrap in use. These are brilliant little cardboard dispensers designed for plastic wrap, foil, and parchment paper. They come in a couple of sizes. What’s so great, you ask? Using the dispenser and built-in cutter is a no mess, no fuss way to cover dishes, line baking sheets, etc. I buy mine online at chicwrap.com; however, I am beginning to see them in upscale kitchen stores. The high-quality refills are available, but you can use the rolls you have been buying at your local stores.
Keurig – Okay. I know you are thinking this is a little old school. Yet, Keurig is the way to go unless you are die-hard coffee drinker. Why? Because everyone wants something a little different. I auto ship from the company to ensure I don’t run out of the flavors I use most often. My beverage bar has a drawer full of various teas and another drawer full of various coffees. As the weather cools, I add three types of hot chocolate K-cups. My pantry has an entire shelf devoted to open boxes of items so refilling the bar drawers is easy. When friends and family show up, they know to help themselves to whatever drink they fancy. Some even go for cold drinks such as Snapple or sweet iced tea. No more pots of regular, decaf, and hot water lined up. Each person simply picks his or her favorite.
Chukar Cherries – Mary Ann actually got me started with Chukar Cherries out of Washington. They are expensive, but the health benefits (so I am told) make the cost worth the expenditure. For fun you can order chocolate covered cherries, but for me I lean towards to cherry and nut combinations. The energy packs are individually wrapped so I can throw one or two in my purse or bag and take them with me. If I need a quick pick-me-up I have a healthy snack at hand. Of course you can purchase tins in a variety of combinations and gift items are always available. Dried cherries seemingly have antioxidant properties and nuts are full of protein, so these no-sugar added bites are a great go to. You can order these at chukar.com .
Ecos Plant Powered Laundry Sheets – No more challenges with lifting heavy containers of laundry soap. No more worries about spilling. Just grab a sheet, throw it in the washing machine, start the load and know your clothes are getting as clean as they can. The cardboard box the sheets come in is recyclable with your paper. My clothes seem brighter with much less effort and I feel good about helping out the planet.
doTerra – For people who enjoy trying alternative methods before popping pills, this essential oil company may have the answer for you. I especially love the Breathe products. I keep the Breathe drops in my car and in a candy dish in the kitchen. At the first sign of a scratchy throat, stuffy nose, or cough, we just pop one of these lozenges in our mouths, knowing that it is soothing without harsh chemicals. And the Breathe roller ball delivers the blend wherever you like to use it will no measuring and no spills. Having arthritis I also use the Deep Blue rub on my wrist, neck, and back when discomfort arises. Finally, I keep a spray bottle on hand (pardon the pun) of OnGuard Sanitizing Mist. The bottles are in most rooms in my home and in my car for a quick pump and a huge peace of mind.
Mary Ann – Okay. Maybe I am cheating a little here. Mary Ann isn’t a product, but she is one of my favorite “things.” Mary Ann inspires me to be a better person. She is my biggest cheerleader. Mary Ann is creative and caring, always thinking of ways to make others’ lives richer. So here’s to our favorite things … and to my co-blogger, Mary Ann!
So there you have it! Twelve products we enjoy using. And who knows? Maybe this blog will become an annual event. It is always fun to discover new and interesting products, and it is fun to share them with you. Give some of them a try!
Every year Oprah Winfrey launches her list of Favorite Things. All wonderful, but they can be a bit pricey. If you are a billionaire, it really doesn’t matter what it costs, does it? My friend, Susie, for many years at Christmas would share a list of her favorite 12 things that she had discovered during the past year. It was fun to see what new salad dressing she had found and on and on. I looked forward to seeing her list each year, and it was disappointing when she stopped. So, this year for the New Year, Cynthia and Mary Ann are going to share some of their favorite things in a joint blog.
Mary Ann’s Favorite Things
Sabon Rich Foot Cream – If you ever get a chance to walk into a Sabon store, you will find their iconic vanilla, patchouli, and lavender signature fragrance surround you. It is unforgettable! Sabon is a French company (originally Israeli} and has four stores in NYC – that is where I discovered their luscious products. All the lotions are divine, and my all-time favorite is their foot cream. It smells wonderful, it is so silky as you apply it, and I haven’t had a callus since I began using it. All their products are online – us.sabon.com. It is a bit pricey, but they run sales all the time. That is when I stock up on the Rich Foot Cream. Their products make great gifts for a special person. I gave my daughter an advent calendar from them that was full of samples to try each day. You can also get the products at Ulta.
Hinza Swedish Totes – I discovered these at a Scandinavian Festival and have been in love with them ever since. They are made of eco-friendly plastic and have a multitude of uses – grocery baskets, craft storage, and you can carry ice and drinks in them – they are that sturdy! I have four large totes in a variety of colors that I use to carry my school materials for the classes I teach, and a small one as my upstairs-downstairs tote to carry around my daily necessities. Large totes run around $60.00, and the small totes are $42.00 – a bit pricey but remember you will only buy them once. You can find them at hinza.com and on Amazon, but there are many vendors listed online.
Walker Bags – I found these durable plastic mesh bags and cases at CO Bigelow’s Apothecary in NYC (fun store to visit). The cases come in a rainbow of colors and variety of sizes. I use them everywhere, and they are my go-to bags for travel. With all the colors, I can color code their uses and find them quickly in my suitcase. Blue bags for toiletries, orange case for first aid supplies, and red bags for my upstairs-downstairs tote. The Walker website, walkerbag.com, has everything you could possibly need. I have never had the mesh or a zipper fail. The price is worth it!
Ganz Charms – This company makes tiny treasures that highlight a variety of events and holidays. I have a thing for miniatures, so I buy these to put on my desk and give them as gifts. I often gave them to my teachers for inspiration. Each little treasure comes with a card that explains what the item represents. It could be a little lighthouse, a miniature blue bird for happiness, a prayer box, or a tiny bucket list that can be carried in your pocket or in your purse. All of them are under $10. They are cute and meaningful. Many gift shops or bookstores carry them, or you can go to the website, ganz.com, which has a large selection.
Acropodia Boots – I have been wearing Acropodia shoes from Portugal for years. I found them in a travel products catalog. They are comfortable (soft uppers for your toes), supportive, and last forever. Then I found their boots. L19 is the style I really like. They come in a wide range of colors and textures. They fit like gloves, have excellent arch support, and fit snuggly around the ankles. They are made of vegan leather, so they clean up easily and are waterproof. I always get compliments on them – maybe people are surprised that an old lady can have cool boots! You can get them at their website, acropedicousa.com, on Amazon, or at magellans.com. They are pricey, nearly $150. I look at them as an investment for my feet.
Holiday Jam – This discovery came in a random catalog from American Spoon during the Christmas season a few years ago. I ordered the Holiday Jam for me, and Christmas Cherries filling for my brother as a Christmas present. The website, spoon.com, has all kinds of jellies and jams. They have wonderful recipes to make with their products. The Holiday Jam and Brie Pull-Apart Bread is scrumptious. Holiday Jam is a seasonal product, and I stock up to use throughout the year. Bon Appetite!
These are a few of my favorite things. On the next post, you will read about some of Cynthia’s favorites.
One of the most popular storytellers of current times is James Patterson. My aunt loves to read his novels about the Women’s Murder Club, Alex Cross, Maximum Ride and others. Several people enjoy his biographies – stories about well-known figures in politics, entertainment, and even military, police and medical service heroes. Why would I write about violent mysteries smack dab in the middle of holidays season. [Yes, lots of traditions celebrate various holidays this time of year.]
Mr. Patterson has collaborated with writers such as Michael Crichton, Dolly Parton, and even Bill Clinton. Recently, Mr. Patterson has paired with Tad Safran who writes for TV, film, podcasts, newspapers and books.
This season the gentlemen have produced a timely fantasy centered on the traditional carol of gifts for one’s true love. Many parodies are based on this 1780s song and this story may be considered one such parody, although …. Well, I don’t want to spoil the punch line. Or the story line for that matter. Suffice it to say, the 276-page paperback The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas is a delightful and easy read. It’s just what we need this time of year.
Take a break from decorating, grab a cup of hot tea, cocoa, or coffee with rich cream from the cows in your back yard, put your feet up (if you can find a place to sit) and enjoy the story of Henry, the professorial father who has lost Christmas after the passing of his beloved wife, and Will and Ella, their disappointed children who wish for happiness, good food, and laughter – and Christmas – in their home once again.
Enjoy the antics resulting in gifts from Ms. TrueLove as observed by Dean Grumpf, Dr. Fringe, and Marianna, not to mention the neighbors. If the finale doesn’t delight you, beware. I may just send you gifts for twelve days.
This American classic falls in the Young Adult genre yet is instructive for adults of all ages. The book is an account of the life of Francis, a girl who lives in poverty early in the 1900s. Told through the eyes of Francis in the form of five books, the author shares an almost autobiographical treatise of her experiences and varying relationships. The story highlights the way she interprets each encounter — each observation through the lens of her age and situation.
I found the book to be harsh and, unfortunately, real. While the universal themes of poverty, alcoholism, and education are pervasive, the story highlights the human spirit … or lack thereof. There is, throughout, the failure of women to uplift and support each other – to find fault in others who struggle equally yet differently and separately. At the same time, the theme of tenacity runs consistently through Frances’s life.
Tales of discrimination which reminded me of how cruel people can be even today, after all we have experienced and observed. Discrimination is in the form of race, color, politics, socio-economic status, and gender.
I found the character development weak, the writing mediocre, and the plot almost non-existent. But what do I know? This book was an immediate success and was in its second printing when it was officially published in 1943. Ms. Smith entered the book as a piece of non-fiction into a Harper and Brothers competition. At the publisher’s recommendation, she changed the title and the classification to fiction. This publication was one of the most widely mailed to service men in World War II.
Obviously, I am far from a literary genius. I wonder how some publications become “classics” while other, more meaningful works fall by the wayside. Yet, this coming of age story truly reflects life as we knew it then and know it now. From my reaction, one might think I didn’t appreciate the read. On the contrary, I recommend it. Sometimes a classic just needs to be read. We need to recognize the themes and the struggles of the characters. Hopefully, the exercise will help us reflect on our own lives – the way we live each day and how we treat others. And maybe, just maybe, the world will become a better place, as we learn from our errors and strive to rise above, lifting others as we go.
The world has had great lovers over the years. There was Romeo and Juliette, Rhett and Scarlett, and Kathy and Heathcliff. Their love stories have captured our imaginations and remain in a corner of our romantic selves. However, there is another set of lovers that you might not know but would enjoy their story – Vampire Mathew Clairmont and Witch Diana Bishop.
Author Deborah Harkness created a world of humans, witches, vampires, and daemons in the All Souls Trilogy that includes A Discovery ofWitches, Shadow of Night and The Book of Life. A romance between Diana and Mathew blooms as their paths cross at Oxford. This is a forbidden love among the creatures. Vampires and Witches do not get involved – no dating app for them! The books captures the beginning of their love, time travel to the past so Diana can hone her weaver spell skills, and the struggles between the creatures as the peace between them is threatened.
My own discovery happened when I read a review about the first book, A Discovery of Witches, bought the book, and fell in love with the characters. I could not wait for the next book to be released. The story unfolds, and you just want to know more about the creatures and their world.
Lucky us, the story does not end with the trilogy. There are two additional volumes, Time’s Convert, and most recent, Black Bird Oracle. Harkness is a very clever writer in the tradition of J.K. Rowling. A Discovery of Witches is Harry Potter for grownups. Just as Rowling created owls delivering mail or a new game like Quidditch on flying brooms. Harkness has memories stored in memory bottles and time travel is called time walking. All fun!
In Harkness’s last book, Black Bird Oracle, the ending left the door open for more books. There are questions that need answers. I can’t wait for the next adventure.
There is a bonus with these books. AMC+ made the books come alive in their three season TV series. The shows follow the books carefully. There is wonderful chemistry between Vampire Mathew (Mathew Goode – you remember him from Downton Abbey) and Witch Diana (Teresa Palmer). Recently, the series have been featured on Netflix. Unfortunately, there are no plans to produce season 4. However, you never know. There is nothing like the love of a good vampire.
At this witchy time of the year, both the books and TV series are a fun way to enjoy the creatures of Halloween. I have loved the books and seeing them come alive on TV has been just a cherry on top! I hope that you will find this as well.
I was excited when my book club decided to read Kristin Hannah’s book The Women. To be honest, I didn’t know what it was about but having read some of Hannah’s books previously, I was certain it would be well-researched historical fiction.
The Women is a well written, compelling story of Frances “Frankie” McGrath who struggled as a young woman to understand hers and other females’ place in society. She starved for positive approval from her father, beyond being a pretty and intelligent socialite. Frankie wanted equal recognition from her ultra-conservative father as her brother who had enlisted to fight for his country in the Vietnam war.
Frankie followed in her brother’s path and enlisted — she in the Army Nurse Corps. She was unprepared for the horrors of war. Men who had returned early on were heroes. Women could be heroes, too. Yet what she encountered, the hardships she endured, and even worse, the treatment she received upon returning were more harrowing than she ever could imagine.
The story takes you through her experiences in Vietnam and continues through years of trauma after she returns home. It chronicles the importance of female friendships. Her courage and idealism eventually defined an era.
The Women, although set in the 1960s and years later, is relevant today. How are women treated? Is equality possible? Can Americans come together in time of trauma? Will we ever understand the reason for engaging in military conflict and the ultimate sacrifice of those who serve? Do we even want to learn?
When I read historical fiction I ponder what I can do as an individual to avoid the same mistakes we made in our past. For those who are moved by historical fiction and who are willing to consider how history repeats itself if we fail to step up, pay attention, and make positive strides towards higher morals and values, this book is one of those must reads.
Or, if you just like a gripping story that highlights past events, you may enjoy reading The Women.
Silver Sage Sisters 