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Best chocolate chip cookie recipe ever- Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies

2:52 pm By Canadian Puzzler Leave a Comment

chocolate chip cookie recipe
Ad Free and no pop ups recipe.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Makes 6 Large “Bakery” style Cookies

Recipe Ingredients for Chocolate Chip cookies
3/4 C butter
1/2 C white sugar
1 C light brown sugar, tightly packed
2 1/3 C Flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt (Kosher preferred)
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
10 oz. high quality chocolate ( chopped in chucks or small squares)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
1. Melt butter (do not brown)
2. Mix sugars with melted butter by hand or mixer on low
3. Add eggs slowly
4. Whisk together dry ingredients
5. Mix together ingredients, add chocolate last.

Divide and make six large balls, divided equally, on cookie sheet lined with parchment or greased lightly.
Bake at 325 for 14 minutes or until golden brown.

Filed Under: Homemade Gifts, Recipes Tagged With: February, January, recipe

Winter Deer Jigsaw Puzzle by Cobble Hill- Review

12:57 pm By Canadian Puzzler Leave a Comment

Winter Deer Puzzle

Winter Deer Jigsaw Puzzle

Puzzle Company: Cobble Hill
Number of pieces: 500
Completed size: 19.25″ x 26.625″
Puzzle Artist: Persis Clayton Weirs
Overall rating: 6.5/10
Skill level: Difficult

Notes: Posted included. Glare-free puzzle pieces.
The artist, Persis Clayton Weirs is known for her wildlife works and often painted scenes from her native Maine. The images and details are beautiful. Sadly she passed away in 2016.

This is a lovely image however it does not make for an easy puzzle experience. The 500 piece size makes it manageable however the limited colour palate was difficult and at time frustrating for me. I am someone who does puzzles solely on the image. I prefer a colourful image to look at. I also not a puzzler that likes the challenge of difficult puzzles, so keep on mind. This might be the puzzle for you!

Filed Under: Puzzles Tagged With: animals, deer, February, January

Calendula Cream Recipe – Wonderful DIY Salve with Calendula and Beeswax

11:54 am By Canadian Puzzler Leave a Comment

calendula cream flower salve

Best Calendula Cream Recipe EVER

Ingredients:
2 Cups Calendula flower
1 Cup Comfrey leaf
I cup chamomile flower
1 Cup Lavender flower
opt: 1/2 Cup Marshmallow Root
opt: 1/4 Cup Myrrh Gum
opt.: 1 Cup St. John’s wort flower

1 litre ( 4 Cups) Olive Oil
Grated Bee’s wax
opt: Essential oil of Lavender
opt: Vitamin E Oil

Directions for Calendula Cream:
1. Combine the herbs and olive oil in a glass jar ( a large mason jar or pickle jar works well). Cover tightly and let sit in warm sunny spot for at least two weeks.

2. Strain oil mixture through cheese cloth, saving oil. Squeeze tightly to get remaining oil.

3. Put oil in double boil on very low heat. Let warm for warm hour. Strain again.

4. Add approximately 1/4- 1/2 Cup grated beeswax, depending on consistency you would like. You can text by dropping few drops of melted liquid on wax or parchment paper and let cool or put small amount in freezer for 5 minutes. Make sure it is spreadable.

4. Add essential oils, Pour into small jars.

This makes a wonderful cream or slave for diaper rash, people with sensitive skin, or dry itchy skin.
I have been making for over 25 years. I started making my own cream specifically to use a when I was using cloth diapers and used as barrier cream. I used to give as little gifts for baby shower or at Christmas and people would keep coming back for more, saying it really helped them with their skin and I keep in my repertoire to make each year!

Love cleaning? Dawn Power wash DIY Dupe Recipe

Filed Under: Crafts, Homemade Gifts, Mindfulness, Recipes Tagged With: diy, February, January, recipes

Den Dreams by Cobble Hill- a Bear-y cute Jigsaw Puzzle

3:17 pm By Canadian Puzzler Leave a Comment

Bear in den jigsaw puzzle image

Dreams of Spring for both Bear and puzzler alike1 with Den Dreams puzzle

Puzzle Company: Cobble Hill
Number of pieces: 500
Completed size: 19.25″ x 26.625″
Puzzle Artist: Greg Alexander
Overall rating: 7.5/10

Notes: Image is done in watercolours, with rich, intensely pigmented colours.
Cobble Hill puzzle feature glare-reducing linen paper.
The artist, Greg Alexander, from Wisconsin is a well known nature artist. His art is painting is hyper realistic.

Puzzler Notes: Interesting random cut puzzle pieces. Includes a reference poster- the quality is excellent.

The image nice, but lots of similar grasses and fur make it challenging. This is on the difficult side and would not start out with this or give as a gift to beginner puzzler or if you hate fur, like me.
this is good for someone who likes bears.

Filed Under: Cobble Hill Puzzles Tagged With: 500 pieces, bears, Cobble Hill, February, Greg Alexander, January, nature, puzzle artist, Spring, winter

Just Like Lush Bath Bombs DIY Recipe ? Make Your Own Bath Bomb Recipe

6:27 pm By Canadian Puzzler

diy lush bath bomb

My Small Thoughts DIY Bath Bomb Recipe- Make your own Lush Bath Bombs.
Recipe makes 6-10 bath bombs

Making your own bath bombs at home is a fun and rewarding DIY project. Not only do you get to customize the ingredients to suit your preferences, but you also get to enjoy luxurious baths without breaking the bank. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Please maintain a ratio of 2:1:1 Baking Soda: Corn Starch: Citric Acid. You need at least a 2:1 ratio of baking soda and citric acid to fizz.

DIY Bath Bomb Recipe

2 cups Baking Soda
1 cup Citric Acid
1 cup Corn Starch
1/4 cup oat flour (optional) you can also try using powdered milk for milk bat effect!
1/2 cup Epsom Salts (optional) This makes for a rougher texture appearance on the bath bomb.

1-3 tsp oil (Sweet Almond Oil, coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, argan oil, cocoa butter). I don’t put in too much!
1-2 tsp skin-safe Essential Oils or fragrance oil. I like lavender, lemongrass, ylang-ylang.
( approx 10=20 drops)
1-2 tsp rubbing alcohol (I put in tiny mister)

Use soap dye, food colouring, or mica powder.
bath bomb supplies photo
Mix dry ingredients. Avoid getting wet with water.
Add oils and coloring to the dry mix and combine until even.
You will have a dry crumbly mixture.

Make Your Own Lush style Bath Bombs

Spray alcohol from a small mister or add a *small* amount of liquid at a time to the bath mob mixture. Pack into your mould (you can buy bath bomb moulds, use muffin tins, silicone mold, etc). And then release when formed. I put on parchment paper and cookie tin to dry/harden- wait at least 24+ hours to use, it may take a while for the bath bomb to dry.

  • Once dry, you can seal the finished bath bombs with shrink wrap or package them in clear glass jars or paper gift bags.
  • For added visual appeal, consider decorating the tops of your bath bombs with dried lavender or rose petals. However, keep in mind that this may create a mess in the bathtub, so you may prefer to keep them plain.

With a little creativity and experimentation with colors and scents, you can create beautiful homemade bath bombs that rival those from luxury brands like LUSH. Enjoy your relaxing baths!

Filed Under: Homemade Gifts, Puzzles, Recipes Tagged With: bath, diy, February, gifts, no ad, recipe

Linda Nelson Stocks| Puzzle Artist Profile

5:12 pm By Canadian Puzzler

Peddlers Cove Puzzle
“Peddlar’s Cove” by Linda Nelson Stocks
Linda Nelson Stocks grew up on her family’s farm in Illinois, USA. Linda painted in oils in a folk-art style. She especially loved portraying children and dogs in scenic settings. . Her own dogs, Mary Rose and Lily, are often found in her delightful paintings.  Linda Nelson Stocks’ artwork and talent were discovered by  Bob Lang, founder of LANG Graphics, back in 1982. Her stunning illustrations can be found on calendars, cards, puzzles and other fine art gifts.

What do you think of puzzle artist Linda Nelson Stocks?

Are you familiar with her artwork? Have you ever done a puzzle featuring this artist’s illustrations?
I would love to hear your ideas and thoughts!

Upon her death in 2011, Linda Nelson Stocks left her art estate to Connecticut Community Foundation as a means of establishing a charitable fund. Linda believed in their mission of fostering creative partnerships to build rewarding lives.

Puzzles that feature the artwork of Linda Nelson Stocks:

“Best Snowman Ever” Puzzle from Bits and Pieces


“Cutters Covered Bridge” by Bits and Pieces


“Christmas Memories” Puzzle by LANG


“Sweet Meadowland” by Ceaco

 

Linda Nelson Stocks is known for her charming and intricate illustrations that often depict rural life and nostalgic scenes. Here are 20 puzzles featuring her artwork:

  1. “Country Kitchen” Puzzle
  2. “Main Street Memories” Puzzle
  3. “Farmhouse Porch” Puzzle
  4. “Harvest Time” Puzzle
  5. “Village Square” Puzzle
  6. “Family Reunion” Puzzle
  7. “Homestead Haven” Puzzle
  8. “Summer Festival” Puzzle
  9. “County Fair” Puzzle
  10. “Autumn Harvest” Puzzle
  11. “Winter Wonderland” Puzzle
  12. “Springtime Serenity” Puzzle
  13. “Old Mill Stream” Puzzle
  14. “Garden Party” Puzzle
  15. “Barnyard Buddies” Puzzle
  16. “Sunday Stroll” Puzzle
  17. “Picnic in the Park” Puzzle
  18. “Schoolhouse Memories” Puzzle
  19. “The Quilting Bee” Puzzle
  20. “Sunday Drive” Puzzle

These puzzles often capture the warmth and simplicity of rural life, making them both visually appealing and enjoyable to solve.

Filed Under: Puzzle Artists & Illustrators Profile Tagged With: artist, ceaco, February, folk art, January, Linda Nelson Stocks

Review | The Lovers by Mordillo Clementoni Puzzle

9:33 am By Canadian Puzzler

Mordillo The Lovers Clementoni Puzzle Review

“The Lovers” by Mordillo- Clementoni puzzles

In this latest puzzle review video, I share my comments about the jigsaw puzzle “The Lovers“. This is a 500 piece puzzle from Clementoni brand puzzles.  I enjoyed doing it over Valentine’s Day and found it quite cheerful!  I also liked the image of a cute snake and giraffe sweethearts :).  This artwork on this colourful puzzle is done by Spanish artist and cartoonist, Guillermo Mordillo. Clementoni has released a whole series of puzzles that are devoted to this well-known and beloved artist.  It is a grid-cut puzzle that I find easy to do. The pieces had a nice fit and the finished size was 14 x 10- inches.
I found this to be an easy level of puzzle /a>, and found it to be quite relaxing. the colours and inks were really stunning!

Have done any puzzles from Clementoni?

What do you think? Let me know in the comments section!

“The Lovers” Clementino puzzle.
Purchase in
USA
Purchase in Canada

Do you have a question about puzzle brands? Do you have suggestions for a new puzzle review?
Please leave your thoughts and ideas in the comments section or contact me:

Instagram: @smaller_thoughts https://www.instagram.com/smaller_thoughts/
My puzzle website: https://www.smallthoughts.ca

Puzzle Collection Videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOulcPX4WDRSV0wxB3n4FkS1xfN1IOfxC
.
Puzzle Review Videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOulcPX4WDRQbnMDy_hlfsoa9AHo-RyT_

Filed Under: Clementoni Puzzle brand, Puzzles Tagged With: artist, Clementoni, February, January, mordillo

Cobble Hill Four Seasons 2000 piece puzzle | Puzzle Review

2:02 pm By Canadian Puzzler

Four Seasons Puzzle

Welcome new and old puzzle buddies. You can view my full video review of Cobble Hill Four Seasons puzzle on my Small Thoughts channel. Thank you for taking the time to watch!

This jigsaw puzzle, Four Seasons by Cobble Hill is gorgeous! At 2,000 pieces, this puzzle is a lot to tackle and difficulty would be on the challenging side for most puzzlers. This is the kind of puzzle you could leave out on a table for people to do at their leisure or a rainy weekend at the cottage. It features the Fours Seasons and is divided into 4 sections, one for each season. Cobble Hill quality is fantastic. The pigments used for inks images are beautiful and as always, Cobble Hill comes with a high-resolution poster. I highly recommend Cobble Hill Four Seasons! Have you done this puzzle? Have you ever done a larger-sized puzzle like this before?

You can read more about puzzle brands, like Cobble Hill, and what makes a good puzzle, on my recent post, Puzzle Brand Compared: What are the best puzzle brands?

Filed Under: Autumn & Fall Puzzles, Cobble Hill Puzzles, Puzzle Reviews Tagged With: autumn, Cobble Hill, fall, February, January, seasons, Spring, summer, winter

Ravensburger Wooden Puzzle Easel | Best Puzzle Easel?

4:29 pm By Canadian Puzzler Leave a Comment

Review of Ravensburger Wooden Puzzle Easel

by my number #1 Puzzle Buddy!

Thank you PuzzleBuddy1 for your review on Ravensburger’s Puzzle Easel
Features:
-Maximum puzzle size 24″ X 20″
-Fits most 1000 piece puzzles NOTE: Landscape only
If this swivelled or could accol=modate portrait ( vertical) puzzle orientation, this would be one of the best puzzle easels.
-Nice blue felted surface
-Four different adjustable angles
-Puzzle easel made of solid wood

PuzzleBuddy1 Ravensburger Wooden Puzzle Easel Pros:

-Did help my back and shoulder pain
-Easier control of light glare
-An angled puzzle board discourages feline lounging!

Ravensburger Puzzle Easel Pro & Cons:

    -Increases neck and shoulder strain if used on too high a tabletop
    -Can be an expensive initial investment
    -Storage / takes up space even when not in use
    -Doesn’t accommodate most portrait images, depends on the size of the easel and puzzle

What do you think is the best puzzle board or puzzle easel?

DO you have this one? I would love to hear your ideas and “small thoughts” about puzzle boards and other puzzle accessories!

Buy in Canada
Buy in USA

Filed Under: Puzzle Accessories, Puzzles, Ravensburger Puzzles Tagged With: February, gifts for puzzlers, January, Mothers Day, puzzle storage, puzzlebuddy1, Ravensburger, review

Puzzle Tip: Use a Puzzle Sorter!

6:28 pm By Canadian Puzzler Leave a Comment

Puzzle Sorting for Saner Puzzling

If you want to step up your puzzle game, try a puzzle sorter! Most serious puzzlers use some sort of sorting system for their puzzle pieces, particularly if doing puzzles with 500 pieces or more.
Move beyond using the flimsy, taped-together cardboard bottom of your puzzle box.

You no longer have to use the puzzle lid for your pieces- there are alternatives!

puzzle sorter review

If you have a friend or relative that does puzzles and you have no clue what kind of puzzle to get them, then get them something like this.

Solve your puzzle related aches and pain right now with a puzzle sorter!

It can be anything from cookie sheets, plastic trays, aluminum pie tins, or paper plates. YOU can also buy various puzzle sorting systems. Most of major brands, like Cobble Hill, Ravensburger and Eurographics offer their own version of this puzzle sorting accessory. The “Sort and Go” is made by Ravensburger.

I like anything that is lightweight, holding or moving anything over long stretches will hurt my arm or shoulder. A lot of my puzzle buddies like this one, the Sort and Go, by Ravensburger because it has a lid, which is apparently VITAL if you have a cat, usually an uninvited guest to the puzzle party. It also should stack. This is to make sure you can put away-plus less likely to get tipped or slid off your puzzle table. I was using pie plates and knocked lightly and the whole pile of puzzle pieces filled plates thing went flying across the room.

Unlocking Efficiency and Enjoyment: The Advantages of Using a Puzzle Sorter

Starting onto a new jigsaw puzzle journey can be both exhilarating and daunting. Assembling hundreds or even thousands of tiny pieces to form a coherent image requires patience, focus, and strategic planning. In the your efforts to quest to conquer the puzzle, one invaluable tool stands out: the puzzle sorter.
Whether you buy ready made one or fashion your own, this simple must have puzzle accessory will make your puzzling experience better and more enjoyable.

Organization: One of the primary benefits of using a puzzle sorter is its ability to streamline the sorting process. By categorizing pieces based on color, pattern, or edge type, puzzlers can effectively organize their workspace and easily locate pieces when needed. This systematic approach minimizes clutter and confusion.

Time-saving: With a puzzle sorter at hand, puzzlers can significantly reduce the time spent searching for specific pieces. By pre-sorting pieces into distinct groups puzzlers can quickly identify and retrieve the pieces required for a particular section of the puzzle easily and fast.

Reduced frustration: Sorting through a jumble of puzzle pieces can be a frustrating experience, especially when pieces appear similar or blend into one another. A puzzle sorter helps alleviate this frustration by providing a systematic approach to piece identification. By categorizing pieces based on shared characteristics, such as color or pattern, puzzlers can more easily distinguish between them and avoid confusion.

Tip: You can use pie plates or stacking trays from dollar store

Improved focus: The act of sorting puzzle pieces can also have a calming effect on the mind, helping to enhance focus and concentration. As puzzlers immerse themselves in the task of sorting, they engage in a meditative process that promotes mindfulness and mental clarity. This improved focus not only enhances the puzzling experience but also provides a welcome respite from the stresses of daily life.

Enhanced collaboration: For those who enjoy puzzling as a social activity, a puzzle sorter can facilitate collaboration and teamwork. By sorting pieces into designated categories, multiple puzzlers can work together more efficiently, assigning different sections of the puzzle to each participant based on their sorting preferences. This collaborative approach fosters camaraderie and encourages shared achievement as individuals work towards a common goal.

Versatility: Puzzle sorters come in various shapes and sizes, making them suitable for a wide range of puzzle sizes and complexities. Whether tackling a small, 500-piece puzzle or a large, 3000-piece masterpiece, there is a puzzle sorter available to meet every need. Additionally, puzzle sorters can be easily customized and adapted to accommodate individual sorting preferences, ensuring a personalized and tailored puzzling experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned puzzler or a novice enthusiast, incorporating a puzzle sorter into your toolkit is one thing you can do to instantly help make puzzling more fun!

Filed Under: Puzzle Accessories, Puzzle Reviews, Ravensburger Puzzles Tagged With: accessory, February, January, Mothers Day, Puzzle Accessories, puzzle tip, Ravensburger, review, tip

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