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. 

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'Twas The Bite Before Christmas – Book Review

An Andy Carpenter Mystery by David Rosenfelt

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

'Twas the Bite Before Christmas: An Andy Carpenter MysteryCheck Price

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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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

 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost VideoCheck Price 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, by clicking here for the DVD .

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

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

Update (May 2026): The STANLEY Classic Legendary Camp Mug has been discontinued. The most similar Stanley insulated mug is the STANLEY Everyday Camp Mug, which has a different lid that I like even better!

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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

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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 IncludedZinsser 2481 DIF Liquid Ready-to-Use Wallpaper Stripper, 1 GalWP CHOMP! 52016 Wallpaper Scraping Tool Scraper: Sticky Paste, Multi-Purpose Removal

 

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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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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.

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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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: 

• Taming the Paper Tiger
• How to Conquer Clutter

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. 

Related Links:

• Spring Cleaning Review
• NATIONAL CLEANUP DAY | Third Saturday in September
• NATIONAL CLEANING WEEK | Starts the fourth Sunday in March

*A Review of National Cleaning Week written by Wednesday Elf

Orighty Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 24 PackCheck PriceRubber Cleaning Gloves for Dishwashing & Household Cleaning, 4 PairsCheck Price2pcs 2 in 1 Groove Crevice Cleaning Brush Window Track Cleaning ToolsCheck PriceBroom and Dustpan Set w/Long HandleCheck Price

 

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Vegan Chocolate Bunny

Vegan chocolate bunny success!  

I wanted to review the "No Whey! Foods" chocolate bunny for vegans while there is still time for you to place an order and receive it by Easter.

Both my daughter and her husband are vegans.  Finding good chocolate items for them is quite difficult since they don't use any milk or dairy products. 

I wanted to send them a special Easter treat this year, so I went in search of a vegan chocolate bunny, which was my daughter's favorite Easter basket item when she was a child.  After checking several stores, I finally found one that had a lot of positive feedback.  I sent two chocolate bunnies to them.  

My daughter said these chocolate bunnies were fantastic, better than any she had ever had.  She promptly sent her dad a picture of the ears bitten off the bunny.  Biting the ears off their chocolate bunnies together was a father-daughter Easter tradition when she was a child.

I was so glad to find an Easter chocolate bunny made especially for vegans.  The chocolate bunny maker, No Whey Foods, has other vegan products too.  Now that we have discovered them, perhaps we will find more treats in their product line.

No Whey Foods Chocolate Bunny

I was searching for a chocolate bunny for vegans, but this product would appeal to others as well.

 Jake the Milkless Bunny – Solid Milkless Chocolate – Vegan, Allergy-Friendly, Kosher – Dairy Free, Peanut & Tree Nut Free, Egg, Soy, Gluten & Sesame FreeCheck Price
• Vegan Friendly
• Kosher Friendly
• Dairy Free
  
• Tree Nut Free
• Peanut Free
• Gluten Free
• Soy Free

 

Ingredients 

• Vegan Cane Sugar
• Cocoa Butter 
• Cocoa Mass  (the whole cocoa bean ground into a liquid)
  
• Rice Syrup Powder  (sweetener that improves chewiness)
  
• Sunflower Lecithin (an emulsifier - prevents ingredient separation)
  
• Salt
• Vanilla
• Natural Flavor

Based on my daughter's opinion, I would highly recommend the No Whey! Foods chocolate bunny.

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Still Alice Book Review

Written in 2008, Still Alice by Lisa Genova, is an ‘older’ book given that there is ongoing research into Alzheimer’s. However, the book still has merit as a look into the world of an individual who has the disease.

My mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s but is still doing all right, still able to live in her own home with my stepfather. This book is helpful for someone trying to understand how it is live with the disease. 

Quotes inside the book make statements like “dementia is dark and ugly” and I know most of us realize that fact. They tell us accurately that the author “leads us through the process of diagnosis and the impact of the changing needs on family, friends and colleagues.” If you haven’t already been through that process with a loved one, this book will help you see life through the lens of someone with this form of dementia.

The book was Genova’s first novel and is a good look into and a compassionate work of fiction about the disease. You will find Still Alice here to Amazon. There is also a movie done with the same name and you will find Dawn Rae’s review of the movie version of this story right here on Review This Reviews.

Genova has also written a novel about a patient with ALS. If you haven’t read it, you might check my review of Every Note Played here. Once again, it is not a pretty story but a real one, well told and an insightful look into the world of people with this disease.

See you
At the bookstore!
Brenda

Quick Link:

Find your copy of STILL ALICE here on Amazon.

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What Happens When Life Isn't a Bowl of Cherries? From the Heart Review

Life with all of its wonders, hopes, dreams and desires is a wonderful thing.  But sometimes, life isn't that bowl of cherries that everyone would have you believe.

What do you do when that time in your life happens?  I promise it will happen to all of us at one time or another.  Are you prepared for those days when you just feel like you are at the end of your rope and the knot you tied in it is unravelling faster than you can hang on?

For years, women especially, have known that there are times when you have to sit back, count to 10 or 1,000, and just do nothing!  It's like taking a little time to push the reset button or restart button on your computer.

You can let everything go and concentrate on nothing else but the numbers.  

Self care is the "big  phrase" these days!  While I'm not an expert in any such field, I do know that many of us need to recognize that Self Care is important, especially during stressful and anxiety filled days.

There are literally millions of ways to take back a little time for some much needed SELF-CARE!

Review This Reviews. com is a great place to start!  

You will find hundreds of book reviews on all kinds of topics.  Pick one and just sit for an hour and read!  It could be a novel, a autobiography of someone you admire, a book of riddles or a book of cartoons, like my favorite Calvin and Hobbs!

Another great way to reset is to watch a movie and again Review This Reviews has a whole lot of very worthwhile movies to watch and you can find a list right here.  Movie Reviews let you know right away whether it is a subject you would enjoy and you won't spend a lot of time flipping through all the channels.

Maybe just maybe you'd like to learn something about what others do when life is overwhelming for them.  I suggest taking a look at From The Heart.

Baking or cooking can sometimes be the way out of a dark little spot in life and we have you covered there too.  Sam Monaco, Sylvestermouse Cynthia, Wednesday Elf and a host of others share some of their most asked for favorites.  Why not whip up some goodness to help you feel better?

Self-Care is not just one way to help you through the trying times in life, because everyone is different and self-care is just that, it is something that resonates with you personally.

I know that I'm going to check out some of those recipes and make myself something delicious and magical that I can share.

Then I'm going to sit back and read another chapter in one of my favorite books!  Who knows, by this evening I just might curl up with a good movie and let life just happen.

Life right now is not the bowl of cherries that I love, but I know that tomorrow or the next day my bowl will be full again.  With Faith in Tomorrow, I will make it through this too!

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Reviewing the Beautiful and Cheerful Daffodil.

Daffodils are abundant in my garden right now and I love to see their beautiful vibrant colours  and gently swaying trumpet shaped heads bringing sunshine to a cold day.

Daffodils are native in Europe and North Africa and although the name Daffodil is most commonly used, the botanical  name is Narcissus and they are part of the Amaryllidaceae family. 

Regarding the name there is also a link with the Greek myth of Narcissus. The story goes that he was renowned to be very beautiful  and he fell in love with his own reflection, so much so that he pined away until he died and turned into the flower narcissi or daffodil. 

 

Daffodils In The Garden 

Even though it has been very cold here ever since they flowered, their appearance symbolising  rebirth and new beginnings gives me hope and joy. Although it has not been a particularly harsh winter this year, it has been very cold, damp, grey and very rainy so it is lovely to see some colour and brightness in the garden which certainly lifts the spirits for warmer weather and Spring. 

Most of mine are golden yellow colours but some are white and some are fragrant which is lovely. There are also orange flowers and combinations of yellow and white or orange and yellow. 

 Daffodils are very versatile in planting schemes for the garden. I like to plant little Tete a Tete daffodil in pots and troughs where their delicate looking blooms can be easily seen. The bigger daffodils are planted in the borders of the garden. Daffodils can also be naturalised in grass. 

 As we have a lot of daffodils, some can be spared to be used as cut flowers and brought inside to place in a vase. This is lovely to bring Spring into the house. They look lovely in a vase by themselves or mix very well with other flowers perhaps white, purple or blues being my preferences. 

 Daffodils come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes from the tiny to the large and different colours from yellow gold, white and orange.  Many have the classic strong trumpet shaped flower head and others have multi petaled varieties.

 

Bee On Daffodil
by RaintreeDesigns

Looking After And Planting Daffodils 

Daffodils are bulbs and hardy perennials. This is lovely as they come back every year once planted. 

While planting bulbs in borders can be a little tedious, once it is done you will have daffodils every year with little effort involved.

Planting Daffodils

We can plant daffodil bulbs in the autumn/fall around September to November time. This gives them time to establish roots before winter cold sets in. Before planting check to make sure that the bulbs are  clean and firm, discard any that are mouldy or very soft as these may be too old or diseased. It is best to buy and plant bulbs in the same season so that they do not get hence to get any mould or go soft. 

Daffodils prefer full sun or partial shade and they do appreciate a well-drained soil so it is ideal to plant in an area that will get a decent amount of sunshine. We have an area of heavy shade and I never plant daffodils there as they will not do well. Other flowers fair better there. All my daffodils planted in the soil are in sunny spots and I move the ones in pots into sunny places as soon as I see shoots coming up.

I put a grit and compost mix in my containers for the bulbs. For planting in the garden we do have heavy clay soil which although I have improved over years is still less than ideal but the bigger ones have managed to thrive in it. So if you have a sunny spot but perhaps less than ideal soil give it a try with a small number of the bigger bulbs to see if they can be successful.  

Bulbs should be planted  approximately 6 inches or 15 centimetres deep below the soil surface. For this you can simple dig a hole with a trowel or use a bulb planter. Having done a lot of this I would advise if you are planting a lot, to invest in a bulb planter to make the job easier and quicker.  

 

When planting in the soil space bulbs about four to six inches apart, it will not be too long before  you will have daffodil clumps.

If planting in a container you can space them much closer together, just ensure that none of the bulbs are touching each other.

It might be a good idea to protect the bulbs from squirrels and rodents who may try to steal them! A wire mesh over the top of containers usually deters most of them.

Water them immediately after planting. Do also water them in dry spells,  but they do not usually require any special feed or much other attention.

Daffodil Field In Springtime
by RaintreeDesigns

 

Care Of Daffodils

All that you need to do is enjoy the blooms then allow them to die down naturally. The flowers will fade and at that point you can cut off the flower and its stem down to the base and then allow the leaves to die down naturally. Some people just cut off the heads of the daffodils and that is fine too, I just prefer to take the whole stem down as I think it looks better. 

 Some people tie up the leaves, I believe so they look neater as the plant fades, but there is no need to do that and I prefer to allow them to die down naturally which is also a lot less work.

If you have naturalised in grass, you must wait to cut the grass until the leaves have completely died down as they are feeding the bulb for flowers next year. Do it too early and you will have no or limited flowering next year. 

I always like to have daffodils in pots and troughs so that when they are blooming I can display them where we can see them and even up on tables. Then as they fade we move the pots to an unnoticed area of the garden. Then I can plant annual seeds in the pots and bring them out again when those flowers bloom, thus not wasting the space in the containers. 

A Word Of Warning About Daffodils.

 While daffodils are beautiful flowers and so cheerful, they do contain toxins and are not edible in any of its parts. I do tend to wear gloves when planting them and handling the bulbs a lot.

 It is important to teach children not to eat them. If you are concerned then it is easy to plant bulbs in a pot and put them high up out of reach of small children. 

My parents always had daffodils in the garden and I was trained to respect the plants in the garden and only to eat what my parents said was safe and never came to any harm.

Daffodils Inspiring Artists

Daffodils have long inspired poets and artists and you can see why.  The most famous example of poetry  is probably the ode to daffodils is William Wordsworth’s poem “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” where he describes the wonder of happening across a field of stunning golden daffodils dancing in the breeze.

In terms of art, the one that springs to mind immediately is Van Gough's  "Daffodils". The painting is in oils with vibrant colours and thick brush strokes and is hanging in the Norton Simons Museum in Pasadena California.

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