March 2024

Sunday, March 31, 2024

Moneyball: A Home Run Hit for Movie Buffs

As someone who's watched "Moneyball" several times and again the other night, let me just say that this movie hits it out of the park every single time.

Starring the ever-charismatic Brad Pitt, "Moneyball" tells the gripping true story of Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane and his unconventional approach to building a winning team.

The Storyline: A Winning Formula

Moneyball follows Billy Beane, portrayed by Brad Pitt, as he navigates the rough waters of Major League Baseball management.

With a limited budget and losing key players to wealthier teams, Beane teams up with Yale economics graduate Peter Brand (played by Jonah Hill) to revolutionize the game.

Their strategy? Embrace sabermetrics, a statistical approach to player evaluation, to assemble a team of undervalued talent. The ride is a rollercoaster of triumphs, setbacks, and nail-biting moments that keep you on the edge of your seat.

The True Story Aspect: Fact vs. Fiction

One of Moneyball's most captivating aspects is its basis in reality. Billy Beane's bold experiment with sabermetrics isn't just a Hollywood invention; it's grounded in the true story of the Oakland Athletics' 2002 season.

However, like any good cinematic adaptation, Moneyball takes liberties with certain events and characters for dramatic effect. While the story's core remains faithful to history, some details have been embellished or altered for storytelling purposes.

The Cast: A Dream Team Lineup

Brad Pitt leads the charge as the charismatic Billy Beane, perfectly capturing the blend of determination and vulnerability that defines the character.

Jonah Hill shines as Peter Brand, bringing humor and heart to the role of Beane's unconventional partner in rebuilding the team.

With standout performances from the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright, and Chris Pratt, the cast of "Moneyball" hits it out of the park with every scene. I was personally taken by Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill's performances - amazing!

A Final Score: Must-Watch

Ultimately, Moneyball isn't just a movie about baseball; it's a story about resilience, innovation, and the power of thinking outside the box.

Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or just someone who appreciates a good underdog tale, this film has something for everyone.

For me, the most appealing part of this movie is the innovative thinking and the guts it takes to step outside the box when everyone around you is poo-pooing your new ideas—and then win with it despite the naysayers!

So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare for a movie experience that will leave you cheering for more.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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'Twas The Bite Before Christmas – Book Review

An Andy Carpenter Mystery by David Rosenfelt

Golden Retriever dressed for Christmas with a Christmas Tree in the background

Synopsis of Book #28 of 30 in the Andy Carpenter Mystery Series

'Twas the Bite Before Christmas: An Andy Carpenter Mystery (An Andy Carpenter Novel, 28)

Andy Carpenter is a lawyer who works at his profession reluctantly. His deep passion is the dog rescue organization – Tara Foundation – he and his wife sponsor and run. The organization acquired its name from that of Andy and Laurie's Golden Retriever rescue, Tara.

It is Christmas time and the Tara Foundation is having it's annual Christmas party. All the rescue families ~ and their dogs, of course ~ along with the foster families who volunteer to welcome dogs into their homes while waiting adoption, have been invited to the celebration. Some volunteers are what Andy refers to as a “foster failure” (someone who takes in a dog temporarily, but then cannot give him up and ends up adopting him). His friend, Derek Moore, is currently a double foster failure and their names are Jake (a Golden Retriever) and Sasha (a Dalmatian).

In the middle of the celebration, the police arrive at the door and arrest Derek – for murder.

Andy discovers that Derek's real name is Bobby Klaster and he is in the State of New Jersey's Witness Protection Program. Bobby was once in a gang and gave evidence against his former gang after a robbery where two people were killed. Now, Bobby is being accused of murdering one of the gang members.

Summary

Andy doesn't like much of anything about the case, but he takes it on to clear Bobby's name and catch a murderer, while looking after Jake & Sasha, along with his own three rescue pups. Laurie, a former police officer who now runs her own Private Investigation firm, helps out in the investigation.

The story takes place in and around Patterson, New Jersey and the dogs play a big role. Especially a K-9 dog named Simon Garfunkel, owned by one of Laurie's partners.

As you have probably surmised, this is a lighthearted novel filled with humor and is in the Cozy Animal Mystery genre, as well as Traditional Detective Mysteries and Animal Fiction. 'Twas the Bite Before Christmas is #28 in the Andy Carpenter series, all of which include 'dogs', and is a very enjoyable read.

For More Book Reviews on Review This! featuring Dogs, Click Here.

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*Book Review of 'Twas The Bite Before Christmas written by Wednesday Elf

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Friday, March 29, 2024

3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost (2023) - Hallmark Movie Review

"3 Bed, 2 Bath and 1 Ghost" was a delightfully entertaining Hallmark movie that I recently watched.

To be completely honest, I didn't expect it to be a very good movie. I had put it on my "saved for later" list months ago. Each time I looked at the list to select a movie, I skipped right over it.

Then it happened!

Nothing was really appealing to me, but I needed a break. I told myself, okay, just start it. After all, it is Hallmark and I like the actors. Plus, I knew I could click it off whenever I wished. Turns out, "3 Bed, 2 Bath and 1 Ghost" easily ranks as one of my top Hallmark movies ever.

Yes, parts of it are as predictable as any Hallmark movie. We expect the primary couple in the movie to live happily ever after, but what about the poor ghost trapped between this world and the eternal world?

The ghost ended up being my favorite character in the movie and that was totally unexpected.

3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost Movie Synopsis

Hallmark 2-Movie Collection: Love in the Great Smoky Mountains: A National Park Romance & 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost

34%

Hallmark 2-Movie Collection: 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost

Anna Vazquez (Julie Gonzalo) is starting over after a failed marriage engagement with her business partner and their failed home restoration business. Her father owns a real estate company and he has always wanted her to work with him and to inherit his business. Now that her own venture has failed, she decides to get her real estate license and work for her father. Mr. Vazquez immediately gives Anna a desirable listing, the historical Baker house. That decision is viewed as unfair by a co-worker who has been a loyal employee for many years. Nothing like starting a new job with an instant adversary!

Anna's ex-fiance, Elliot Barnes, is in town for a hearing with the Historical Preservation Society. After an awkward chance meeting, Anna invites Elliot inside the Baker house under the guise of showing him the woodwork. She really wants to find out if he can see the real "oddity" in the home.

Then, there is Ruby Baker, the delightfully fun ghost who makes this show unique. In life, Ruby was an heiress who was in love with her chauffeur, Charley. Sadly, that match was domed because of the social class differences. Ruby died in an accident on her 25th birthday, which was the very night she had informed Charley their relationship would never be acceptable, leaving unfinished business.

100 years after Ruby's death, Anna walked into the Baker home, desperate to sell the house and make a good impression on her father. She didn't realize how much she needed the friend she found there and resolutions to her own life's unfinished business.

An Interesting Fact about Julie Gonzalo and Chris McNally

If you think these two look good together and make a great couple, you would be exactly right. They have been in an off-screen relationship since 2017 when they met on another Hallmark movie set. In 2022, they welcomed their first born baby to this world.

I watched 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost on FrndlyTV (a subscription streaming service) but it is currently available to watch on several other streaming services as well. Alternatively, it is on the DVD shown above.

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3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost - Hallmark Movie Review by:

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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Book Review of Flawless by Jan Moran

Flawless is an exciting book by Jan Moran. It is part of her Love, California series.

If you like to read books about strong career women with a bit of light romance on the side, this is a book for you.

The Author

Jan Moran is a best-selling author of women's fictions series, beach books, family sagas, and twentieth century historical novels.

Flawless

This book features Verena Valent who is the heiress to her family's skincare empire. When Verena was 18 her parents both die in an automobile accident and her grandmother is undergoing cancer treatments. This leaves Verena to both care for her younger twin sisters and take over leadership of the family business.

The book begins several years later when Verena is leading an expansion of the business into Asia. Everything is set to begin when a banking crisis leaves the company short of the funds needed for the expansion. Along with this, unethical business associates and an ex-fiancé are giving Verena bad advice which could lead her to lose the family business.

Verena is sour on romance after a bad time with the unethical ex-fiancé, and for the time being is content with running the business and leaving romance for when things are more settled. Could this all change when she meets Lance Martel a celebrity chef? Then when Verena is on a business trip to Paris, she runs into Lance again.

I will leave you to discover "the rest of the story" when you read this real page turner of a book.

Other Books in this Series

There are six books in this series. Each book can be read alone, or you may want to read the entire series, as I will. The books each feature a different main character, and all are strong women in the beauty field. Here are the books in order.

Flawless
Beauty Mark
Runway
Essence
Style
Sparkle

The books are available on Amazon in paperback, electronic versions and audible versions. Here is the link to Flawless

HAPPY READING!

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Wednesday, March 27, 2024

The Best Easy-to-Clean Insulated Stainless Steel Mug for Hot Drinks

I previously reviewed my favorite Thermos insulated stainless steel travel tumblers, which I use to keep my tea warm all day long. I still use them every day for my tea, but I find that having to disassemble the lids to clean them thoroughly after drinking hot cocoa, coffee with cream, or other hot drinks that leave a residue is cumbersome.

For that reason, I had been drinking my hot cocoa, etc., in ceramic mugs. Unfortunately, since I like to sip rather than gulp my hot beverages, regular mugs don't keep my drinks hot long enough. By the time I was halfway through my drink, it usually had become tepid.

I liked the insulated stainless steel mug that my husband uses to keep his coffee hot, but the slide-open lid needs to be disassembled for cleaning and isn't dishwasher safe.

Finally, I found a good solution: The Stanley Classic Legendary Camp Mug, a dishwasher-safe, insulated, stainless steel mug with a lid that has an opening for sipping.

Easy-to-Clean Stanley Stainless Steel Insulated Mug

While the Stanley Classic Legendary Camp Mug has long been a staple for outdoor enthusiasts, its versatility extends far beyond outdoor use. In this product review, I'll share why the Stanley Classic Legendary Camp Mug is not just for camping but also perfect for home use, keeping your daily coffee, tea, or cocoa hot longer than ceramic or china mugs.

Stanley Classic Legendary Camp Mug Features and Benefits

Design and Durability

True to its name, the Stanley Classic Legendary Camp Mug embodies timeless design and unmatched durability. Crafted from rugged stainless steel and featuring double-wall vacuum insulation, this mug keeps your favorite hot beverages at their optimal temperature for a long time. Whether it's a brisk morning coffee or a relaxing evening tea, the Stanley Classic Legendary Camp Mug ensures that every sip is as enjoyable as the last.

Its durable stainless steel construction makes it a great choice for enjoying a hot beverage on a deck, patio, or outdoor space without fear of breakage.

Although it doesn't keep drinks as hot as mugs that have completely closed lids, this insulated stainless steel keeps beverages hot much longer than a conventional ceramic mug. I also love that it can be used one-handed because the lid doesn't have to be removed or slid open and closed.

Stanley insulated stainless steel mug and lid

I love how the lid has a tab handle that makes it a cinch to press on and lift off.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The Stanley Classic Legendary Camp Mug offers style and comfort in equal measure. Designed with ergonomics in mind, this mug features a sturdy handle that provides a secure grip for effortless sipping. The wide mouth opening in the lid makes it easy to drink from and clean, while the smooth lip ensures a pleasant drinking experience with every sip.

Top view of Stanley insulated stainless steel mug

The opening is wide enough to enable easy sipping but also small enough to prevent hot drinks from cooling prematurely.

Versatility and Adaptability

While the Stanley Classic Legendary Camp Mug is built for the great outdoors, its versatility makes it a perfect fit for any home setting. Its sleek, classic design, rugged construction, and choice of colors make it an attractive and useful accessory for your kitchen, desk, or coffee table. Whether you're starting your day with a caffeine boost, warming up with some hot cocoa, or winding down with a soothing cup of tea, this mug accommodates your preferred hot beverages.

I chose the 12-ounce mug, but it also comes in a tall 24-ounce mug option.

Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning the Stanley Classic Legendary Camp Mug is a breeze, thanks to its durable stainless steel construction and secure press-fit Tritan Drink-Thru Lid.

Stanley Classic Legendary Camp Mug's Tritan Drink-Thru Lid

The press-fit lid is all one piece so there's nothing to disassemble and no tiny crevices, so it's easy to clean. The tab handle makes it easy to lift out for washing. In addition, both the stainless steel mug and the lid are dishwasher safe in case you don't want to hand wash them.

Whether you choose to hand wash or use a dishwasher, keeping this insulated mug clean is quick and hassle-free, ensuring that it remains in pristine condition for years to come. I use our OXO bottle brush for both the lid and the mug since I prefer to hand wash them.

Makes a Great Gift

The Stanley Classic Legendary Camp Mug is more than just a camping essential—it's a versatile and indispensable accessory for any home, thanks to its timeless design, excellent durability, and easy cleaning requirements. It would make a much-appreciated gift for someone who enjoys camping as well as anyone who likes to sip on a hot drink any time of day.

This mug is available in a wide range of colors to suit any taste.

Some colors are available only in the 12-ounce model, others only in the 24-ounce model, and others in both sizes. I chose a metallic rose gold shade called Rose Quartz Glow. Here are just some of the color options.

Stanley Stay Hot Camp Mug - Durable 18/8 Stainless Steel Insulated Mug - Splash-Free Tritan™ Drink-Thru Lid - 12 OZ - Charcoal Glow

Stanley Stay Hot Camp Mug - Durable 18/8 Stainless Steel Insulated Mug - Splash-Free Tritan™ Drink-Thru Lid - 12 OZ - Nightfall

Stanley Stay Hot Camp Mug - Durable 18/8 Stainless Steel Insulated Mug - Splash-Free Tritan™ Drink-Thru Lid - 12 OZ - Tigerlily Plum

Stanley Stay Hot Camp Mug - Durable 18/8 Stainless Steel Insulated Mug - Splash-Free Tritan™ Drink-Thru Lid - 24 OZ - Plum

Stanley Stay Hot Camp Mug - Durable 18/8 Stainless Steel Insulated Mug - Splash-Free Tritan™ Drink-Thru Lid - 24 OZ - Lilac Gloss

Stanley Stay Hot Camp Mug - Durable 18/8 Stainless Steel Insulated Mug - Splash-Free Tritan™ Drink-Thru Lid - 24 OZ - Hammertone Green

Savoring a hot beverage is one of life's simple pleasures. Enhance the experience with the Stanley Classic Legendary Camp Mug.

The Best Easy-to-Clean Insulated Stainless Steel Mug for Hot Drinks by Margaret Schindel

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Methods to Remove Wallpaper

Wallpaper can be used to change the look of any room or create a beautiful accent wall. Sometimes people use wallpaper to cover blemishes on a wall. Either way, you may have some wallpaper in your home and want to remove it. Today I will be reviewing, three different methods of removing wallpaper.

I am not an expert or professional by any means. As the saying goes; I'm a jack of all trades but a master of none. Over the years I have used every one of these methods at one time or another.

Method 1: Steam Removal

You can rent or buy a wallpaper steamer.
Fill the steamer reservoir with water to the fill line.
Attach the handle and hose to the steamer plate.
Plug in the machine and turn it on. Wait 5 or 10 minutes for it to build up steam.
Place the steamer plate on the wall, and hold it for 20 to 30 seconds. Remove the plate and scrap the wet wallpaper with a putty knife.
You will want to score the section of wall you are steaming with a scoring tool or razor knife before placing the steamer plate. Do not press hard while scoring the wallpaper as you may damage the wall.

Method 2: Water and Vinegar

Mix equal parts of hot water and vinegar in a spray bottle or a bucket.
Spray to sponge the solution on a four-foot section of the wall.
Wait about five minutes to allow the solution to work.
Scrap the wet section with a putty knife to remove the wallpaper.
Again, score the wall section first with a scoring tool or razor knife.

Method 3: Chemical Liquid Stripper

There are different brands of liquid strippers available. I have always used DIF by Zinsser. It's pre-mixed and ready to use.
Score the wallpaper with a razor knife or scoring tool.
Spray it onto the wallpaper, and wait a few minutes before scraping it with a putty knife.

With any of these three methods, you will want to tape off the baseboard and about 12 inches onto the floor with plastic. This will make clean up easier.

You may have to repeat the method, sometimes on the first try the wallpaper will come off leaving the backer.

Tip: If you're removing wallpaper from Drywall be careful not to use too much water and oversoak the walls. Too much water may damage the drywall.

There is more work to be done after the wallpaper is off:

After the wallpaper is off, remove any remaining glue residue from the walls. For this, use hot water and a sponge and wipe the walls clean.

Before painting, I always use fine-grained sandpaper and lightly sand the walls. Now, patch any cracks or small holes in the walls before painting with a good primer. Then, paint your finish coat in your desired color. Happy wallpaper removal!

Find more DIY Projects and Decor here:

ReviewThisDecor.com

Wagner Spraytech 2439019 725 Wallpaper Steamer, Steam Cleaner for Easy Wallpaper Removal, 2 Steam Plates Included

Zinsser 2481 DIF Wallpaper Stripper Liquid Ready To Use No Drip 1 Gallon with Spray Nozzle

Rust-Oleum Zinsser 2976 PaperTiger Scoring Tool for Wallpaper Removal Triple Head, 1 in L X 3 in W

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Monday, March 25, 2024

Hallmark Countdown To Christmas Friday Night Movies Reviewed

Raise your remote control if you are a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies! Anytime of the year? Hallmark is ready to provide a steady stream of Christmas movies all year long. Hallmark began expanding its' Christmas movie offering first with the October through December Christmas movie programming.

Then Christmas In July made its' now annual apperance to give Hallmarkies a little bit of Christmas mid summer. This is a great time to catch up on any movies missed during the holiday season and rewatch the Hallmark favorites.

Hallmark has brought out Countdown to Christmas on Friday nights. The Friday night programming has been expanded to begin at 6 pm EST and three Christmas movies are aired back to back. Bring on the new, the vintage and the personal favorites for Friday night Christmas with Hallmark.

I always enjoy when the personal favorites pop into the Hallmark programming. A few Christmas movies to bookmark along with their reviews include:

March 29: A Season For Family

April 5: Three Wise Men And A Baby

April 12: Checkin' It Twice

Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviewed

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2023 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2022 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

You, Me & The Christmas Trees by The Savvy Age

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Sunday, March 24, 2024

Spring Sprouts: Hilarious Gardener's Word Search Delight

Hey there! I've created this super cool word search book for teens and adults who love puzzles. It's not your average word hunt, though. Nope, this one, like the many others I've created, has a twist.

Last week, I introduced you to the Bunny Bloopers Word Search Book. To continue the spring theme, here's another funny word-find book for gifts, baskets, or a fun coffee table book to celebrate spring.

Funny Garden Word Search Book For Spring: A Coffee Table Book for Family and Guests

Flip through pages filled with hilarious words and phrases, all cleverly strung together like hashtags. It's like a brain workout with a side of giggles. 🤣

And get this - there are a whopping 1440 words and phrases to find! That's hours of fun and distraction right there.

Now, if you're into gardening (or enjoy a good laugh), you're in luck. I've curated 60 garden-related topics that'll have you either cracking up or rolling your eyes as you hunt for those sneaky hidden words.

A Funny Spring Gardening Word Search Book For the Coffee Table

Available on Amazon

Check out some of the hilarious chapters:

"What Garden Gnomes Really Do When You're Sleeping"
"If Flowers Could Talk - What They Would Say To Us"
"Tiptoeing Through the Tulips: Confessions of a Flowering Bulb"
"What Flowers Would Say If They Had Growing Pains"
"Thyme for Laughter: A Whimsical Exploration of the Herb Kingdom"

StumpedBooks.com

Can Be Played as a Game:

But hey, it's not just a solo mission. Grab your pals or family, and turn it into a friendly competition. Who can conquer the puzzle first? And remember to mark your triumphs - there's a particular spot to jot down your name and time.

Oh, and no worries if you get stuck. All the answers are tucked away at the back of the book.

So, if you're up for some word-hunting fun that'll have you grinning from ear to ear, this is your jam. Dig in, and let the laughter-filled adventure begin! 🌼

You can find more about this humorous spring garden word search book here on StumpedBooks.com.

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Saturday, March 23, 2024

National Cleaning Week Review

The fourth Sunday in March each year marks the beginning of National Cleaning Week.

National Cleaning Week

Spring is the most popular time for giving your home a deep cleaning. It has become a time-honored tradition going back to ancient times and has both religious and practical significance. Thus, having a 'cleaning week' to celebrate in March – the start of Spring, and the times of Passover and Holy Week – makes a lot of sense.

The cleaning (and cleaning products) industries have been celebrating National Cleaning Week for a long time. Over a hundred years ago, Johnson & Johnson once ran an advertising campaign to encourage people to clean their homes. Today this 'Spring cleaning time' is even recognized by several state governments.

Our homes are not the only places that benefit from Spring Cleaning. We are even encouraged to use this time to clean out our computers, weed out our filing cabinets at home and at the office, declutter closets and storage bins, and even the kid's toy boxes. It can be very satisfying to see the end result of a thorough cleaning.

Many books have been written on the subject of cleaning and decluttering, including a couple that have been reviewed here on ReviewThisReviews! such as:

Additionally, there are uncounted number of websites and blogs online which will give you tips and tricks to aid in your cleaning chores. Some nationally known brands include:

Best Cleaning Tips 2024 by Good Housecleaning
How to Declutter Your Home Without the Hassle by Glad
How to Deep Clean Your House by Woman's Day

And, for those who prefer their housecleaning tips in video form, You Tube is invaluable.

Summary

So, begin your Spring Cleaning during National Cleaning Week by gathering those cleaning tips you need, then put on some old clothes, get out those sorting boxes, cleaning products, brooms, mops and rags.... and GO! Your house will love you for it.