Gobble Up the Fun with Thanksgiving Inflatables

 When the leaves start falling and the weather begins to cool we all know it's time for Halloween. The decorations come out inside and out. Every year we decorate outside for Halloween. After all the kids have had fun and the candy is all gone the decorations are stored away until next year.

Reviewing our Thanksgiving Turkey

Every year when Halloween is over and the decorations are put away Fran would always say we don't have any Thanksgiving decorations for the yard. She solved that problem last year and bought this 6-foot inflatable for the yard. We now have a giant gobble of joy in our front yard to celebrate Thanksgiving.

From the moment we took it out of the box, the inflatable turkey's sheer size was inspiring and comical. He is an undeniable presence in our yard at 6 feet tall and with a goofy smile. All you have to do is secure him with the included strings and stakes.

Setting him up is as easy as pumpkin pie. Plug him in, and in a matter of seconds, you have a full-blown turkey with holiday cheer. The colors are bright and festive, with rich reds, oranges, and yellows that scream "fall". The material is thick and durable, and it is designed to handle some gusty fall winds and unpredictable autumn weather.

One more feature is he has a built-in LED light making it perfect to light up your yard at night. The soft internal glow makes it impossible to miss and ensures your holiday spirit shines even after dark.

So, should you get this inflatable turkey? Absolutely. If you want your home to be the talk of the neighborhood, if you want to make people smile as they walk by, and if you want to tell the world you're 100% ready for Thanksgiving, this is for you. We had so many people stop to admire him after we put him in the yard.

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Amazon has a large selection of Thanksgiving Inflatables

Joiedomi 6 FT Thanksgiving Inflatable Turkey Decorations, LED Light Up Turkey with Pilgrim Hat, Blow Up Turkey for Thanksgiving Outdoor Decorations, Halloween Inflatable Turkey for Yard Garden Decor

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Introducing Shepherd's Wool Yarn by Stonehedge Fiber Mill

My first experience with hanks of Shepherd's Wool is that this yarn is extremely soft, beautifully colored, and easy to work up. I am thrilled about my choice of yarn color and the mill that spun it. I could not have made a better choice of my first handspun wools for my first crochet cardigan project. 

I recently went to my first Fiber Festival and purchased handspun yarns with the plan to crochet a sweater for myself. Previously, I hadn't had the confidence to attempt crocheting a sweater. Especially, with more expensive handspun fiber yarns. I've decided to jump right in. I researched an easy cardigan crochet pattern and the various vendors that were going to be at the Shenandoah Valley Fiber Festival. I had chosen the yarns from two vendors and only  had to choose the yarn colors and weights while at the festival. 

I had recently reviewed the Companion Fiber yarn that I purchased during that adventure. Today, I will tell you about the Shepherd's Wool from Stonehedge Fiber Mill, Michigan. 

I had gone to the festival with a plan of purchasing yarn from two specific shops. I first bought the hand dyed yarns at Companion Fiber then made my way to the Stonehedge Fiber Mill booth to choose the neutral colors that will make up the majority of my cardigan.

The Yarn: Shepherd's Wool

This yarn is so luxurious that I find myself touching the skein just to give it an extra squeeze. 

• Sport weight (2 weight)
• 2.5 ozs - 230 yards 
• Worsted Spun Fine Wool ("merino top")
• Hand Wash - do not agitate
• colors - granite and black

The website speaks more about "merino top" and that the way this yarn has been spun creates a yarn that is smooth, almost shiny in appearance, and creates wonderful stitch definition in your projects. I do not yet understand the different levels of yarn and what type of spinning creates what quality of yarn, but I have experiences that this yarn has a gorgeous look and does great a wonderful stitch definition. The way the yarn is spun, it looks like two different colored strands to me, it gives a depth of color in my project that I don't get with many other yarns. 

I purchased the neutral colors of yarn (black and grey) from Stonehedge Fiber Mill. 

The Mill: Stonehedge Fiber Mill, Michigan USA

This family owned and operated mill provides services such as carding, fiber spinning, and fiber evaluation (Please check their site for updates on the availability of these services. The site currently states that they are not accepting new items for services due to their backlog.)

They also offer handmade yarns, batting, and roving from their own flock. 

The Stonehedge Fiber Mill booth was filled with their yarns in various weights, a gorgeous colorful skein that is called Stonehedge Crazy yarn, T-shirts, and the most gorgeous handmade stuffed sheep, alpaca, and other animals. Deb had made the wonderful stuffed animals. Even though she had many customers, she took the time to help me make decisions about the best color and weight of yarn to work with the yarn I had purchased at Companion Fiber. 

The Stonehedge Fiber Mill is located in the northern portion of lower Michigan (on the Traverse City and Petosky side of the state). If you are not local to that area, and are not able to visit the mill shop in person, they do online orders. 

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A Fabulous Character Driven Movie - Elsewhere, 5 Stars

 

The Storyline – What "Elsewhere" is About 

"Elsewhere" is a touching and thoughtful film about Bruno (Aden Young), a man devastated by the sudden loss of his wife. 

As he struggles to come to terms with her passing, he faces an unexpected dilemma—his late wife's family is trying to force him out of the beautiful home they once shared.

Desperate to hold on to the place that holds so many memories, Bruno concocts a plan to secretly stay in the house. While doing so, he navigates life's hardships, meets new people, and redefines what it means to move forward when it feels like everything is slipping away.

The plot is driven by Bruno's internal battles, and you find yourself rooting for him as he wrestles with grief and the inevitable changes that follow. 

It's heartfelt and emotional and keeps you invested in his journey.

The Excellent Cast  

The performances in "Elsewhere" really make the story shine. 

Aden Young brings a quiet intensity to Bruno, portraying a man who is both deeply wounded by his loss and stubbornly holding on to hope. 

Parker Posey plays Marie, a quirky and energetic woman who befriends Bruno, offering a refreshing contrast to his solemn demeanor. Their chemistry feels natural and believable, adding a layer of warmth to the story. 

Ken Jeong, known for his comedic roles, steps into a more serious character here, and he does it convincingly. His role adds some much-needed lightness without taking away from the movie's emotional depth. 

Beau Bridges and Jacki Weaver play supporting roles that add complexity to the story, each bringing emotional weight to the film. 

Overall, the cast feels like real people, which makes the story even more engaging.

Why I Loved This Movie 

What truly touched me about "Elsewhere" is the depth of its characters and how it deals with real-life issues like loss, letting go, and the need to heal. 

Bruno's journey of grief and self-discovery felt authentic and moving, making you think about how we all cope with life's unexpected turns. 

I'm always drawn to character-driven movies, and "Elsewhere" nailed it with its focus on personal struggles rather than over-the-top drama. Watching Bruno face his challenges and come out stronger in the end was inspiring. 

The beautiful coastal setting also plays a huge role in the film—it almost feels like a character itself. The serene landscapes and calm surroundings create a sense of peace, making it easy to understand Bruno's heartache.

Every time the camera lingers on the countryside, you feel a sense of relaxation that adds to the film's emotional depth.

I give this one a five-star rating. Again, this one is for you if you enjoy character-driven movies featuring challenging life issues mixed with hope and growth.

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National Nut Day Review

We celebrate National Nut Day each year on October 22. This is NOT a story about squirrels, or about your nutty neighbor. It is a food holiday about a healthy and nutritious snack.

How Did This Holiday Begin?

National Nut Day was begun in 2015 by the UK-based Liberation Foods Company, a collective of small nut farmers around the world.  The company started this holiday as a way to encourage a healthy eating lifestyle. 

Benefits of Nuts

Image of Mixed Nuts from Pixabay

Many kinds of nuts have been proven beneficial. Almonds, pecans and walnuts are at the top of the list of healthiest nuts you can eat.  Check out this link for the various benefits of almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, peanuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, and pecans. It is nice to know that something that tastes so good, and comes in so many varieties, is also good FOR you.

Fun Facts About Nuts

Image of Walnuts via Pixabay

• The oldest nut is the Walnut
• The rarest nut is the Macademia
• The world’s most favorite nut is the Almond
• The nut which is in danger of becoming extinct is the Brazil Nut (as the Brazil Nut Tree is on the threatened species list due to deforestation)
• The softest nut is the Cashew
• The nut NOT a nut is the Peanut (it is actually a legume)

Other Nut Days We Celebrate

February 26 - National Pistachio Day

April 14 - National Pecan Day

May 17 - National Walnut Day

August 3 - National Grab Some Nuts Day

September 13 - National Peanut Day

November 23 - National Cashew Day

Related Reviews Featuring Nuts

National Pecan Day Review by Wednesday Elf

A Very Nutty Christmas Movie Review by Sylvestermouse

Honey Walnut Drops Cookie Recipe Review by Wednesday Elf

Summary

Peanuts image from Pixabay

So, this is where I ask you ~ what is your favorite NUT? Be sure and stock up on it - or grab a bowl of mixed nuts if you cannot decide on a favorite - and enjoy a healthy snack as you celebrate National Nut Day on October 22. 

*National Nut Day is a Holiday Review written by Wednesday Elf

 

Diamond of California Shelled Walnuts, 32 oz - 1 unit

Blue Diamond Almonds Whole Natural Raw Snack Nuts, 25 Oz Resealable Bag (Pack of 1)

PLANTERS Salted Cocktail Peanuts, Party Snack, Plant-Based Protein, After School Snack, Roasted in Peanut Oil, Salted Nuts, Snack for Adults, Flavored with Sea Salt, Bulk Nuts, Kosher, 2.19lb (2 lb, 30z = 35 oz) Jar

PLANTERS Deluxe Salted Mixed Nuts, Party Snacks, Plant-Based Protein 15.25oz (1 Canister)

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Haunted Wedding (2024) - Hallmark Movie Review

Few couples would want their wedding to be haunted by a real ghost.  Even if the bride and groom didn't mind, I doubt there would be very many people who would want to attend a haunted wedding.  But, leave it to Hallmark to find a way to make a haunted wedding a romantic event.

With Halloween approaching, I wanted to find a movie that fit with the season, but I had no desire to be scared witless.  When I discovered Hallmark had just released "Haunted Wedding", I trusted it would be a pleasant "haunting".  

The ghost was beautiful, yet threatening, but nothing was really scary about this movie.  Howling wind, flickering lights, thunder, and lightening was the extent of what most could see.  However, the bride and groom, who happened to be paranormal enthusiasts, could actually see and hear the ghost.  They were quickly drawn into her story and set out on a quest to help her before their own wedding.

I was not the least bit disappointed in Haunted Wedding!  It was a very enjoyable way to get into the "spirit" of Halloween.  There will be no nightmares as a result of this movie.

 

Synopsis of Haunted Wedding

Currently, only available on channels
that stream the Hallmark Channel
I watched it on Frndly TV

Jana Atwell is a high school teacher and Brian Fuller is an antique dealer in Philadelphia.  Not exactly professions that would instantly make you think of paranormal investigators, but both embraced "spooky" and hoped they would find proof that there are real ghosts.

While ghost hunting in an abandoned sanitarium for the criminally insane, Brian chose to ask Jana to marry him.  This did not seem to be an unusual location for a proposal since the couple had met at PolterCon. 

Of course, Jana accepted the proposal.  It seemed only fitting that she would immediately start planning their wedding to take place at Keystone Manor, a renowned haunted hotel.

The Keystone Manor is haunted by a real ghost, Angelique DeMornay, who died of a broken heart in the 1700's.  She was only 26 years old when she died in her sleep.  One of the bedrooms upstairs was her bedroom in life, and is still maintained for her.  It is off limits to guests and kept as close to the original as possible.  

Angelique was engaged to Revolutionary war hero, Lieutenant Malcolm Buchanan, who was killed by British soldiers on his way to get married.  They had planned to elope on Oct 13, which happens to be Jana & Brian's wedding date.  One more thing the two couples have in common, Brian looks exactly like Malcolm.

Jana is the first person who has ever been able to hear or see the ghost of Angelique.  When Brian enters the room, he can see Angelique too, but she believes he is Malcolm.  When she is told of their plans to marry in a few days,  she declares no one is to wed in her home ever.

 

 

My favorite line in the movie was spoken by Brian when he proposed.  He said:  "I've spent my life seeking out lost souls and in the process, I found my soul mate".

In spite of the ghosts, the spooky setting and the sadness associated with lives and love cut short, this was a very romantic movie with a really sweet ending.  Romantics at heart will not want to miss this Hallmark movie!

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My Favorite Gardening Tools, Review

I have been gardening, off and on, for forty plus years. Over the years, I have come to know some gardening tools as my favorite.

The first one is one I happen to find just last year, in 2023. I had been searching the local warehouse stores to replace my trusty forked prong garden tool. No one had any! What happened to them I wondered.

Then low and behold, the last store I checked, I found a different version of my old trusty tool. The blade part wasn't as long or as sturdy as the old version, but it had some new features. Instead of the long round barrel with a forked prong at the end, it had a flattened out and curved blade part, a more pointy prong at the end, and a saw tooth edge along the lower left edge. Hmmm, I thought. I'll give this a try.

I was hoping for a longer barreled tool, but overall it seemed to reach a pretty decent depth. And that little more point forked prong seem to grab hold of the weeds, and more easily pull them up. Whoa! I was impressed.

The saw toothed edge also came in handy in sawing off some thicker roots and thick stems. I was beginning to love its versatility.

Then I moved some of my cement garden edgers and needed to channel out a somewhat narrow channel for there new location. This little trusty pronged tool was the answer. It was just wide enough and it allowed me to saw off hardened dirt along the sides which gave me a straighter channel to fit the cement edger in to. I was doubly impressed.

This is the link for it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3U8Hbg1 I did see other brands on Amazon that had the sawtooth edge on the opposite side, if you prefer those.

I have since found the other prong tool that I had been looking for on Amazon. Some companies call it a dandelion weed puller. Another tool that has become a favorite, is a spade shovel. Since I now have a prong tool that does narrow type digging and prying, I prefer to have a wider type spade shovel. Whether I'm digging up a minor patch of weeds, or having to dig around the roots of larger plants, I really like having a wider spade shovel.

The Fiskars model is pretty heavy duty and has been holding up well. It has an ergonomic type handle, which is much easier to hold than wooden handled spades that I have owned.

The model that I purchased and use is found on Amazon through this link. https://amzn.to/4dQ6JFM

Sometimes my gardening ventures require some more heavy duty digging. Although I like the general rounded type shovel, I use those to dig up large plants, I have really come to appreciate the flat edge shovel.

When I want a larger shovel to help define an edge, or when I want to remove top layers of soil that turn out more even, I reach for the flat edge shovel. It helps to create the desired finish that I want.

The closest one that I could find on Amazon is made by Hantop. The one that I have does not have a brand name on it; other than it says USA tempered 2 on it. Mine has a totally flat straight edge on the shovel part, and this one has a sawtooth edge. The saw tooth edge appears to be on the top part of the blade, as customers have commented about it giving a straight edge. This would be my recommendation; it has a 4.9 star rating with 27 reviews. Here is the link on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3A8E4h9

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Something in the Walls ~ Daisy Pearce ~ A Book Review

Just in time for Halloween, this writer decided to jump on board the "horror" genre of books.  I'll be the first to admit that it is not my favorite genre, but "Something in the Walls"  by Daisy Pearce, grabbed me and didn't let go until the very end.

Netgalley has this book listed as a Mystery & Thriller or General Fiction.  I think I would add Horror to the tags on this book.

Nothing, but nothing will have you checking under the beds before you go to sleep than a good book that raises all the hackles.  

Mina is a newly certified child phycologist and she's waiting for her chance to show the world that she's ready to help any youngster make sense of their world.  She is also trying her hardest to be taken seriously even though she hasn't yet had a real "case".  Mina has issues from her own childhood.  She always attends a bereavement group after losing her brother.  At one of these meetings she is introduced to Sam Hunter (a reporter) and he has a proposition for her.

Alice Webber is just thirteen years old and the small community of Banathel where she lives, is convinced that she is being haunted by a witch.  The town has a long history of witchcraft and superstitions run deep.  Everyone believes there is evil in the world.  But in Banathel, there are prescribed ways of dealing with that evil.  

The Webber family and many of the townsfolk are very poor, so is this just a way for them to become the latest "front-page" news?  If they can milk this story maybe they can get out of their poverty and live a little better.  The whole family will benefit or is there something sinister happening?

Mina is convinced that she can help Alice and Sam wouldn't mind getting a good story out of the experience for his newspaper.  

Instead of things getting better with their arrival in town, Alice seems to be getting worse!  She hears voices, sees things coming out of the falling down brickwork, knows something of Mina's and Sam's past.  How do these things happen and does Alice have some answers for Mina and Sam?  

People are dying for reasons unknown and Alice seems to be in the middle of it all.  The townsfolk are ready to deal with the girl who is haunted or maybe is the witch herself.

If you like horror and being kept on the edge of your seat, then this book is for you.  It is available through Amazon , just click on the book cover above!  If you have an Audiobook subscription you can get it for free! 

A little scaring is just what everyone needs to get into the Spooky Side of Halloween!  Enjoy!

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HALLOWEEN-THEMED LEGO GIFT & DECOR IDEAS

A GIFT GUIDE FULL OF FUN 'N FABULOUS LEGO ITEMS FOR HALLOWEEN

My family loved and still love both Lego and Halloween. I am not sure if it was so easy to combine both of those themes when my boys were growing up but it definitely is now. Items from these two themes are great treats for Halloween. They are appropriate for those who are old enough for Lego and for those of us who are young at heart. I have found nine fun-tastic items and they are all available through the links right here on this page.  Come with me then as we review some fantastic Lego-themed Halloween items perfect for your gift giving or home décor. 

1. CAT AND MOUSE SET

If you’d like to have an actual set of Lego for Halloween, here is one to consider. The Cat and Mouse set, set number 40570, has 328 pieces and is recommended for individuals aged 9 and up. After you build it, you will have a nice little display piece for your home’s holiday décor. You can find Lego’s Halloween Cat and Mouse set here on Etsy.

2. OWL SET

Another fun Halloween set is this owl set, number 40497, which includes 228 pieces and is recommended for individuals 8 and up. This guy will be over 4 ½ inches tall when you have finished building him and will be another fun addition to your Halloween décor. You will find Lego’s Halloween Owl set here on Etsy.

3. PUMPKIN, SKELETON OR ZOMBIE STORAGE CONTAINER

I love these containers, which are meant for storage whether that be of Lego, of Halloween candy or of something else. They look like classic Lego mini-figure heads but are bigger. Take your pick of a pumpkin, skeleton or zombie head! Watch for them in two sizes. You can find your Lego Halloween storage containers here on Etsy. Buy more than one and you can even stack them.

4. UNISEX T-SHIRT

Boo! Fans of both the holiday and the toy will love this unisex t-shirt with it is image of Lego-style mini-figure heads and the word Boo! Your builder will have fun wearing this shirt from Brick Road and you might even love wrapping it in the coordinating wrapping paper. Available in sizes from small to 3XL, you can find this Halloween Lego tee right here on Etsy. 

5. PUMPKIN COACH OR HORSE AND CARRIAGE INSTRUCTIONS

For someone who has plenty of Lego pieces but is looking for a creative way to come up with a Halloween-themed decoration, I found these Halloween-themed patterns. The first is an elaborate pumpkin coach or horse drawn carriage. It reminds me somehow of Cinderella’s carriage but is definitely meant for Halloween. The second pattern is a skeleton-themed truck carrying a large jack-o-lantern. It is ready to haul that jack-o-lantern wherever it is needed. Bricks Boys Studio on Etsy has the instructions for downloading of both pieces so once you buy them you can download the pattern(s) and start building. Find your Halloween pumpkin coach or skeleton truck Lego instructions here on Etsy.

6. BUILDING BRICKS LOT 

It can be hard finding a bunch of colored building bricks in a certain color. Bricks from Colorado has created a selection of Halloween-colored Lego bricks for your building projects. You will receive half a pound of genuine Lego pieces that have been hand sorted and that include random Lego pieces in appropriate colors like dark purple, lime green, orange and gray. Bonus, they include a few spiderwebs and spiders. Your selection will not be exactly as shown here in this picture but will be similar in nature. I think that this would be a totally unique gift idea for any Lego builder. Find your bundle of Halloween-colored Lego pieces here on Etsy. You will also find a selection of already built pieces and seasonal mini-figures.

7. DISNEY’S JACK SKELLINGTON MINI-FIGURE

If you love Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas movie franchise, you will love this Jack Skellington mini-figure. It is from the Disney Series 2 Collectible Mini-Figure pouches, set number 71024. Each set contained one Disney minifigure. Whether you were collecting all of the pieces from that series or you just love this character in particular, you will find the Jack Skellington mini-figure here on Etsy.

8. PUMPKIN CARVING PARTY INVITATION

This card makes me wish I was having a pumpkin carving party. It’s a personalized digital download and, as such, is animated. It reveals three costumed characters carving their jack-o-lanterns. You add your party details including the date, time, location, R.S.V.P. and any extra details you want (within a st number of characters). Create your Halloween party invitations here on Etsy and note that Etsy seller Brick Greetings has two other types of Halloween party cards available.

9. AUTUMN SCARECROW PUMPKIN PATCH BOX

I will close with this phenomenal custom-built autumn-themed trinket box. Handcrafted from genuine Lego parts by Etsy seller Lego Box, it features a lid that comes off to remove a small storage area. On top of this one you find a scene straight from the pumpkin patch! Find more custom-built Lego boxes for Halloween and other seasons by Liz here on Etsy. 

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There you have it, a page full of interesting Halloween Lego items. Which ones were your favorites? Don’t forget that simply adding accessories like napkins, plates, candles and mugs in a related color like orange will help create your Halloween mood.

Looking for more Halloween ideas? Check out Etsy’s Halloween shop, packed with “spooky-season picks at scary good prices” by clicking right here. 

See you
at the Lego store!
Brenda

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2024 Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviewed

Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas begins Friday, October 18th with a new Hallmark film  Twas The Date Before Christmas. This year Hallmark brings over 35 new Christmas movies on the Hallmark and Hallmark Mystery channel.

 

A few of the most anticipated 2024 Hallmark Christmas movies are:

Three Wiser Men And A Boy

They are back! One of the best Hallmark Christmas movies is back with a sequel featuring the original cast:  Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes and Paul Campbell. Reunited this trio takes on parenting with a now growing up baby (Boy) and all the antics and love that resonates.

Holiday Touchdown A Chief's Love Story

The title tells all in this highly anticipated Hallmark Christmas movie which premieres November 30th. Tyler Hynes, Hunter King and Ed Begley Jr. star with Donna Kelce, Jenna Bush Hagar as supporting cast adding a touch of realism to the movie.

Vying for fan of the year is King with Hynes the marketing brains and fan evaluator as the finalists weave their way to the goal of Fan Of The Year. Filmed in Missouri, speculation is high trying to predict who from the Chiefs may pop up in the movie...

Unwrapping Christmas

New four part Christmas series which airs November 7, 14, 21, 28. 

A Christmas Quest

It is not Hallmark Christmas without Lacey Chabert. This year Lacey stars with Kristoffer Polaha in this holiday story featuring mystery, adventure, Iceland and treasure of the Yule Lads, premieres December 1. Filmed in Iceland.. enjoy!

A few favorites from seasons gone by to look for in the 2024 Season.

A Merry Scottish Christmas 2023

The number one movie of 2023 at Hallmark1 Party of Five fans showed up for this movie and the movie/reunion did not disappoint. Lacey Chabert and Scott Wolf play siblings on a family trip to Scotland during the holidays. Family reunions and family mysteries are in the air. Filmed in Ireland and Scotland and the Duns Castle Estate is featured in a movie full of gorgeous landscapes and castles.

Never Been Chris'd 2023

The A team Hallmark actor Tyler Hynes leads reunion as hometown friends reunite for Christmas Hallmark love triangle, the Hallmark way. As always  Hynes brings humor, wit and a few winks to this holiday movie.

Three Wise Men And A Baby 2022

By far, the best Hallmark Christmas movie of 2022 was Three Wise Men and A Baby with Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes and Paul Campbell (who also co wrote the movie.) Sure, the storyline may sound a bit familiar from the original movie, but this movie will bring smiles for the second time with a cast of Hallmark A team actors and their chemistry. 

A Cozy Christmas Inn

Jodie Sweetin (Full House) and David O'Donnell take on Alaska, Christmas, old loves reuniting and B and B's all in one charming Hallmark movie. If you love Hallmark then you can surmise the storyline and great to see O'Donnell back. He was in Christmas Under Wraps with Candace Cameron Bure, also in Alaska! 

Haul Out The Holly And Haul Out The Holly: Lit Up  Sequel 2022

Hallmarkies loved the first Haul Out The Holly and continues the love with the sequel. The characters continue to battle their inner Grinch with the annual HOA decorating competition and all that entails for the winning homeowner to win the coveted award.

It's a sequel, it is cute, it is Christmas, it is Hallmark and we love it. Lacey Chabert  and Wes Brown reprise their roles in this cute sequel which continues the charm of the first move. The  cast which proved its' chemistry already in the first movie also continues which contributes to the comfortable feel of the characters.

More Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviews

Hallmark Christmas Moves 2023 Reviewed by The Savvy Age 

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2022 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2021 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

You, Me & The Christmas Trees by The Savvy Age

A New Year's Resolution by Cynthia 

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2020 Reviewed by The Savvy Age23

Finding Father Christmas by Cynthia

Christmas Tree Lane by The Savvy Age

Broadcasting Christmas by Cynthia

Top Ten Hallmark Christmas Movies by The Savvy Age

Debbie Macomber's Mr. Miracle Hallmark Movie Review by Cynthia

Where To Find Hallmark Christmas Movies?

 The Hallmark Everywhere App offers wide access to the Hallmark Channel content, but a cable subscription is necessary. Your cable subscription username and password wil be needed to log in.

Hallmark + is the rebranded  Hallmark Movies Now  which is a streaming service for a monthly fee. A seven day free trial is available.  Find information on pricing and the free trial here.

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A Man Called Otto: A Heartwarming Movie about Transformation and Connection

The Storyline of A Man Called Otto

A Man Called Otto follows the story of Otto Anderson, a grumpy and bitter man who lives his life through strict routines and a pessimistic outlook. 

After the loss of his wife, Otto seems to have given up on finding joy in anything or anyone. The plot unfolds with him attempting to distance himself from the world around him, but life has other plans. 

New neighbors, especially the spirited Marisol, disrupt his carefully crafted isolation, and slowly, we start to see the layers of Otto's past and the reasons behind his anger.

The unexpected twists and turns make the storyline so engaging. It's not just a straightforward tale of a man rediscovering happiness. There are moments of humor, touching flashbacks that explore Otto's history, and scenes that offer a glimpse into the depth of his emotions. 

As the story progresses, it's hard not to be swept up in the mixture of heartache and healing. The movie balances serious themes like grief and loneliness with moments of lightness, making it captivating and relatable.

The Incredible Cast

Tom Hanks delivers an incredible performance as Otto. 

At first, you see him as just a cranky man who's fed up with the world, but as the movie reveals more about his character, Hanks brings a touching vulnerability that feels so genuine. 

You begin to understand Otto's pain and the heartbreak he's been carrying. Hanks' ability to show both the tough exterior and the soft center of Otto makes his character believable and compelling.

The supporting cast is just as impressive. Mariana Treviño, who plays Marisol (I loved her character!), is a standout. Her energy and warmth perfectly contrast Otto's gruff nature, and the chemistry between the two feels real. 

The way Marisol pushes her way into Otto's life and manages to break down his walls is a huge part of why the film works. 

The other characters, from Otto's neighbors to his old friends, all play an essential role in fleshing out the world around him, making you feel like you're part of their community.

Why I Loved This Movie

At first, I thought A Man Called Otto would be just another movie about a grumpy old man who complains about life. But it's so much more than that. 

While Otto's grumpiness is central to the story, the reasons behind his attitude, such as the deep sense of loss he's been carrying, unfold in a touching and surprising way. 

His character growth throughout the movie kept me completely hooked. Even though you can sense where the story is going regarding Otto's transformation, the film doesn't rush it. The pacing allows you to connect with Otto, and you feel invested in his journey by the end.

What really stood out to me was the ending. It's heartwarming in the best way. 

The movie's last line, delivered by Marisol, who grew to respect Otto, brings everything full circle. It highlights how far Otto has come and how, despite all his grumpiness, he found a way to reconnect with the people around him.

I left the movie feeling uplifted and reminded of how powerful character-driven stories can be. The film shows how even the hardest hearts can soften with time and the right people.

5 STARS From Me!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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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Gift Review for Baby’s First Halloween

When parents, grandparents, aunties and besties need to shop for a baby gift, taking into consideration the time of year and subsequent holidays often sparks helpful ideas for a unique gift.

For October, Halloween is a fun holiday to coordinate into the planning of a baby gift. 

The following are a couple of suggestions for a Halloween-themed gift. 

My First Halloween Pumpkin Toy by Genius Baby

Plush playhouses are popular toys for babies and toddlers as they are handy as a tote to carry around the toys and animals they come with, as well as a place to store them. The cute plush toys in the totes introduce babies to various textures and sounds making them adorably educational. 

Genius Baby - The Original My First Halloween Pumpkin Toys for Babies - Plush Stuffed Pumpkin with 4 Sensory Toys (Cat, Ghost, Spider, Candy Corn) - Fun Keepsake Baby Halloween Toys for Baby

For a fun Halloween gift for a baby in your life, Genius Baby, a mom-owned company in Charlotte, North Carolina, created this My First Halloween plush pumpkin filled with a set of four sensory Halloween themed toys. 

The four plush toys include a black cat that meows, a squeaky ghost, a purple spider that rattles and an orange & yellow crinkle candy corn. These toys are just the right size to fit in small hands and they all fit inside the plush pumpkin basket which features hand embroidery and a gingham handle. 

The plush pumpkin playset measures 7 x 7 inches and unzips to reveal the toys inside. A darling pumpkin toy gift for a baby's first Halloween or first Autumn / Fall. It can also be used as a trick-or-treat basket as they grow up. 

My First Halloween Outfit

My First Halloween Baby Romper on Etsy

No need for a Halloween costume for your baby with this adorable First Halloween Outfit. 

Celebrating Halloween for the first time! How very exciting. Dress baby up in this My 1st Halloween outfit.

Your little pumpkin will look just adorable in this baby romper. You can also choose the personalized pumpkin hat to complete the look and add personalization to the outfit. 

Created by Cindy for her Esty Shop Sassylocks. 

Happy Halloween

October 31st

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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