Review of Angora Sport Wool Knee Warmers

Why I Wanted Knee Warmers

I recently injured my left knee to the extent that walking and sleeping were extremely painful. I found help during the night with my Cushy Cloud Knee Pillow, but walking during the day was excruciating. At times I thought my knee would collapse on me. This was especially true when it was very cold. Even though I was also wearing silk long underwear beneath my trousers, it really hurt to walk. I needed a solution.

Then I remembered knee warmers. I decided to search Amazon to see what might be right for me. I wanted to keep my knees warm, but I also hoped to support the functioning parts of my knee. I still have to wait for an appointment with an orthopedic specialist to be approved by my insurance, and I can't keep ice on the knee all day. (Yes, I know I want to keep it warm, but the Nurse Practitioner recommended ice packs off and on to help the circulation.)

What I Bought to Solve My Knee Problem

I model my knee warmers. © B. Radisavljevic

I saw a lot of knee warmers, but got sidetracked from Amazon and ordered my Angora knee warmers from a sponsored site, not having seen the link to them on Amazon itself at first. I especially wanted Angora because it is not only warm, but it's soft instead of scratchy on my skin. Now I see I could have ordered them straight from Amazon. Later I discovered some of the other choices might have been cheaper and served as well, and I am also showing you some of the other options I might try when I buy a second set of knee warmers.

I bought a size Medium. Although some reviewers on Amazon thought the sizes ran small, I found the size I ordered was right for me. I did measure before buying because I hate making returns. Some reviewers on the site I bought from mentioned having trouble getting refunds, which is another reason to purchase from Amazon. Those who buy from Amazon have better success with returns because Amazon wants to keep customers happy.

I don't want to return mine. They are helping me. They are just tight enough to lend support so that I can now walk with much less pain. Sometimes there is no pain at all unless I've been sitting for a long time. They do keep my knees nice and warm, and they don't scratch. I take them off at bedtime, since they aren't designed for sleeping. When I'm in bed my blankets and Cushy Cloud Pillow keep my knee warm.

Should You Buy These Knee Warmers?

I would recommend these knee warmers to people who suffer with knee pain when it's cold. Although my left knee pain is caused by more than arthritis, the pain in my right knee, which is the one the surgeon wants to operate on one of these days, is arthritic. It causes me no noticeable pain while I'm wearing my knee warmers. The knee warmers also lessen the pain in my injured left knee. 

I plan to buy another pair of knee warmers, because I'll need to wash these sometime. They are machine washable on delicate cycle at temperatures of 40C or 104 F. One should use a wool detergent and dry them in a hanging position. They  should not be put into the drier.

I will probably try the Florida Othopedics Therall Warming Knee Support next. Those are bought singly rather than in pairs. This brand gets better reviews than the ones I bought, but it really isn't much cheaper than the Medi ones if I buy a pair. They are made of a special elastic with warming ceramic fibers. 

What I discovered in my search was that all sorts of options and brands in a variety of fabrics are available and there is a knee warmer choice to help anyone with an arthritic knee. It's a matter of personal preference. My Medi knee warmers are just right for me, and they help alleviate my arthritic pain. You may prefer one of the other choices below after reading site reviews. If you are suffering, though, these knee warmers can help you.  Order some today while you are thinking about it. You won't be sorry.

 Angora Wool Sport Knee Warmers Florida Orthopedics Therall Joint Warming Knee Support - Medium Eforcase Unisex Cashmere Wool Knee Brace Pads Winter Warm Thermal Knee Warmers Sleeve for Women Men Knee Warmers

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The Best Way to Bring Home a Dog for Christmas!

Every year, hundreds of puppies are bought for children as a Christmas present and every year right after Christmas,  shelters see an increase in the numbers of animals given up.

A new furry friend is NOT a great gift at a time when everyone's attention is more focused on the "big picture".   Little puppies get lost in the confusion and hullabaloo that is happening during the melee of opening presents.

They are new to this whole world of ours and bringing them into the middle of it during the holidays is really unfair to a little bundle of fur that just wants to be loved, cuddled, kept safe and gently explore it's new home and new family.

If, after all the warnings not to, you are determined to bring  a puppy or kitten as a gift, there is a way to do it that will keep everyone happy and excited, without being a major trauma to the animal involved in your choice.

Presumably, the kids have all mentioned that they wanted a pet to begin with.  To that end, if a new puppy or kitten is on the way to your family, start by preparing your family first for the newest member.

Along with some toys for the kids (a stuffed dog or cat), make sure there are books for each one of them, about caring and training a pet.

Buy them dog/cat dishes, dog/cat toys, dog/cat treats, a bag of good quality puppy or kitten food.

Wrap a flattened dog crate, or kitty carrier and address it to one of the kids.  A leash, harness, and tags would be another great gift.

A Puppy Starter Kit would be a nice bundle to give to the whole family!

And then when everyone is wondering what the heck it all means, take the video you made, when you visited the Dog/Cat Breeder and show them the newest member of their family.  Give each of the kids a "ticket" to ride in the car on the day after New Years or later, to go and collect their new furry friend.  Make arrangements with the Breeder ahead of time, to give the children a lesson or two about caring for their new pet.  Most reputable breeders will be more than happy to help along, because they want their puppies to be happy and well adjusted as well.  When I got my dog, the breeder was more than happy to give the puppy a bath, show me how to care for his coat and let me help to dry him and brush him.  She was pleased that I was interested in his well being before I even got him home.  She had valuable experience with puppies and could help me make his transition to my home much smoother.  Having a puppy is like having a baby, there are all kinds of things to learn.

By that time, hopefully most of the Christmas things will have been put away and the new fur baby will have a safe place to call his new home. Tinsel and cookies and candy lying around with a new puppy, could spell disaster.  So it's better to wait.  Not only will those dangers be gone, but, the children, having settled in with their new toys, will find time for the newest member of the family too!

This little video (click on the link) will help you understand  a little more about:

Bringing Home the Puppy!

Remember, that while getting an animal for Christmas (or later) is wonderful, they are a commitment for years to come, not just over the holidays.  This is a living and breathing being that requires love, companionship, exercise and food.  He is like a new member of the family and deserves to be treated with the utmost respect.

Do it right and your family will have Christmas memories to last a lifetime and a dog or cat,  that will fill each year with happiness and joy.......

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Mini Dresses no Matter Your Age, Just Add Leggings

Add Leggings to Your Mini Dress

There's Only One Golden Rule When it Comes to Leggings .... And No Matter Your Age, You Can Wear Leggings if You Follow this One Golden Rule...

"Be sure the Top you chose to wear with your leggings completely covers your behind"

And guess what?

No matter your age, you can still wear a Mini Dress! 

Yes, that's right, YOU can. Simply wear your mini-dress with leggings or narrow fitted pants, and be sure your Mini Dress follows the same golden rule .... that it covers the behind.

As we get older, we tend to think there's no possible way we could  EVER wear a short dress again. In fact, for some, it's so engraved in the mind that short, cute dresses are completely disregarded as a wardrobe choice. However, a mini-dress is merely a fancier top, isn't it, so why ignore it.

How About You? 

If you're over 50, have you been guilty of passing by cute dresses in the mall or via online shops thinking, "my time has come and gone, and I'll never be able to wear this style again" ??

Well, stop that stinkin' thinkin' today! You CAN wear mini dresses, just add a pair of leggings. 

Here's the Product Page Featuring Mini Dresses and Leggings

If you prefer a more conservative look, try to build an outfit along these lines:

• Choose solid dark-colored leggings (Black, Navy, Dark Brown)
• Choose a mini-dress that has a higher neck
• Choose a mini-dress that has sleeves (long or short)
• Choose a mini-dress that compliments your shape - as an example, if you have an hourglass frame, try an A-lined mini-dress or tapered dress. If you have a full upper frame, try a mini dress that slightly flows away from the body
• Add a nice pair of knee-high boots, and if you have to, get a pair with a sensible heel. There are many pretty knee-high boots with low or flat heels. Keep the color of the boot dark as well, like the leggings: That'll help your look flow in a nice lean way without breaking up the length of the leg. However, if you happen to have very long legs, you may be able to get away with a contrasting colored knee-high boot
• You can also match the legging color with the mini-dress, as an example, red leggings with a red mini-dress
• If you have to have color in your outfit, try to keep the color on the Top and choose black, dark brown, or navy blue leggings
• Stay away from busy patterned leggings
• If the outfit calls for it, accessorize your outfit with scarfs, jackets, belts, and jewelry - Accessories add another level for age appropriateness

There are numerous features to consider when choosing leggings with feet, leggings with stirrups to help keep them in place or traditional designs without feet. Deciding which style works best depends upon the shoe you're planning to match with the outfit as a whole. 

So go ahead, stop limiting your clothing choices and wear something that makes you feel good!

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Monkey See… Monkey Do… It's Monkey Day!

Review of an Unofficial Holiday

 

Plush Toy Monkey in Pink Ombre Yarn on Etsy

Monkey Day is one of those unofficial holidays that is celebrated internationally on December 14.  The day is mainly about monkeys, but also recognizes other [non-human] primates such as apes, tarsiers and lemurs. (Our own Sylvestermouse knows about the Mouse Lemur!)

The holiday was started in 2000 when artist Casey Sorrow was an art student at Michigan State University and one day jokingly scribbled “Monkey Day” on a friend's calendar. 

The holiday grew from there to include many “Monkey business” celebrations which bring about awareness of the animals and to raise money for primate-related issues.  

Some 'monkey lovers' go on shopping sprees for Paul Frank 'Julius the monkey' fashions.

This Paul Frank Julius The Monkey Big Face T-Shirt is available on Amazon right here. 

Monkey Day 'Doings'

• Many zoos have 'Monkey Day' celebrations
• Competitions are held to see who has the best costumes and who can act like a monkey the longest
• Celebrate the day by eating Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey ice cream, which is, of course, Banana Ice Cream with Fudge Chunks & Walnuts. YUM!
• Hallmark cards describes it as “one day when monkey business is actually encouraged.”
• In 2016, the Chinese New Year was the 'Year of the Monkey'. The next time will be in 2028. 

Sock Monkeys

Sock Monkeys have been popular long before “Monkey Day” came about.  The original 'Red Heel' sock monkey design has become an icon.  

The famous red-heel sock monkey was originally made from red-heel socks knitted by the Nelson Knitting Company, which invented the sock-knitting machine in 1880.  This automatic machine invented by John Nelson knitted a sock without seams in the heel.

This hand-crafted sock monkey created from genuine Rockford Red Heel Socks can be found in the Etsy Shop called StarlightSockMonkeys and can be found right here. 

Crochet Monkey

Amigurumi Monkeys on Etsy

These Amigurumi-style Monkeys are handmade in crochet in tan and brown ombre yarns and a pink and pink ombre yarn. They are soft stuffies who are cute & cuddly and fun.

The monkeys measures 12 inches tall (8 inches tall in a sitting position) and about 3 inches across.  Tails are 6 inches long. 

These cute monkeys are available in the Etsy Shop of Coastal Crochet Crafts. 

Childhood Monkey Memory  

Image from PIxabay

My favorite childhood 'monkey' story comes from a zoo field trip I made with my second grade class in school.  This particular 'monkey house' had chimpanzees in a big cage with just a 3 foot tall bar located about 2 feet out from the cage separating the visitors from the monkey cage.  Naturally, curious 7-year-old me went under the bar and right up to the cage, fascinated with the antics of the chimps swinging from trees and bars and scampering about.  I got too close and suddenly a chimp just snatched away my brown paper lunch bag with my jelly sandwich and chocolate chip cookies that was supposed to be my lunch that day!  The 'monkeys' ate my lunch and I cried. (I also got reprimanded by both my teacher and the zoo staff for disobeying the rules, although my teacher later made sure I got something to eat for lunch!) :)

Mark December 14 on your calendar for "Monkey Day"

So, however you choose to celebrate “Monkey Day”, whether you dress up in a costume, take a trip to the zoo to see the monkeys, read a book about monkeys (like the popular childrens' books about “Curious George”), or do your own brand of silly and fun 'monkey business', enjoy celebrating these interesting primates.

Happy 'Monkey Day'!

 

Cute Crocheted Monkeys on Etsy

For more fun Holiday Reviews, check out 

ReviewThisReviews - Holidays

(c) Wednesday Elf 12/12/2015.  Updated 12/13/2022

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O Holy Night

My Favorite Christmas Song ~ O Holy Night

I love the song "O Holy Night."  It is truly my favorite Christmas song, and it may well be my all time favorite song because of the beautiful message.   The easy words and beautiful melody draw me in, sooth my soul and remind me of the real reason I celebrate Christmas. 

As we move through the holidays at a breakneck pace, it is so easy to forget where our focus should be.  Singing this song always brings me right back to the reason why I sing, the reason why I love Christmas, and the One whose birth I celebrate above all others.

The History of "O Holy Night"

Would you believe the original poem used to write the lyrics for this song was written in 1847 by a wine merchant who wrote poetry as a hobby?

That alone reminds me that God can use anyone to do the most exceptional things.  150 years later we are still singing "O Holy Night" and being touched by the message of the words of a recreational poet.

O Holy Night Sung by Faith Hill

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"O Holy Night" Lyrics as sung by Faith Hill 

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
The thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine, O night, O night divine!

---

The Original Poem written by PLACIDE CAPPEAU

Minuit, chrétiens, c'est l'heure solennelle,
Où l'Homme-Dieu descendit jusqu'à nous
Pour effacer la tache originelle
Et de Son Père arrêter le courroux.
Le monde entier tressaille d'espérance
En cette nuit qui lui donne un Sauveur.

Peuple à genoux, attends ta délivrance.
Noël, Noël, voici le Rédempteur,
Noël, Noël, voici le Rédempteur !

De notre foi que la lumière ardente
Nous guide tous au berceau de l'Enfant,
Comme autrefois une étoile brillante
Y conduisit les chefs de l'Orient.
Le Roi des rois naît dans une humble crèche :
Puissants du jour, fiers de votre grandeur,

A votre orgueil, c'est de là que Dieu prêche.
Courbez vos fronts devant le Rédempteur.
Courbez vos fronts devant le Rédempteur.

Le Rédempteur a brisé toute entrave :
La terre est libre, et le ciel est ouvert.
Il voit un frère où n'était qu'un esclave,
L'amour unit ceux qu'enchaînait le fer.
Qui lui dira notre reconnaissance,
C'est pour nous tous qu'il naît, qu'il souffre et meurt.

Peuple debout ! Chante ta délivrance,
Noël, Noël, chantons le Rédempteur,
Noël, Noël, chantons le Rédempteur !

Midnight, Christians, it's the solemn hour, When God-man descended to us
To erase the stain of original sin
And to end the wrath of His Father.
The entire world thrills with hope
On this night that gives it a Savior.

People kneel down, wait for your deliverance.
Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer,
Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer!

The ardent light of our Faith,
Guides us all to the cradle of the infant,
As in ancient times a brilliant star
Conducted the Magi there from the orient.
The King of kings was born in a humble manger;
O mighty ones of today, proud of your grandeur,

It is to your pride that God preaches.
Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
Bow your heads before the Redeemer!

The Redeemer has overcome every obstacle:
The Earth is free, and Heaven is open.
He sees a brother where there was only a slave,
Love unites those that iron had chained.
Who will tell Him of our gratitude,
For all of us He is born, He suffers and dies.


People stand up! Sing of your deliverance,
Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer,
Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer!

Adams via Wikamedia Commons

The Music of "O Holy Night"

The music for "O Holy Night" was composed by Adolphe Charles Adam, a prolific writer and composer.

Adolphe Charles Adam was the son of a concert pianist and was trained from a very early age in music and piano.  He wrote his first opera in his mid-twenties and two operas per year thereafter.

After failed investments in a new Opera House in France, Adam was rescued from certain poverty by the Paris Conservatory who appointed him as a professor of music where he taught until the time of his death.

O Holy Night Sung by Josh Groban

---

"O Holy Night" Lyrics as sung by Josh Groban 

O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining.
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh hear the angel voices!
Oh night divine! Oh night when Christ was born!
Oh night divine! Oh night! Oh night divine!
Chains shall he break for the slave is our brother,
and in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise his holy name.
Christ is the lord, that ever, ever praise we.
Noel! Noel! Oh night;oh night divine!
Noel! Noel! Oh night; oh night divine!
Noel! Noel! Oh night; oh night divine!

---

Fessenden via Wikimedia Commons

"O Holy Night" Published, Translated and First Song Broadcast on the Radio

"O Holy Night" was originally published in French and entitled "Christian Midnight."

John Dwight, an ordained Unitarian minister and great promoter of European classical music, translated "Christian Midnight" into the English hymn, "O Holy Night."

"O Holy Night" was the first song broadcast over the radio.  It aired on December 24, 1906 when an Canadian Inventor named Reginald Fessenden, pictured on right, broadcast the first AM radio program in which he played the song on his violin.  Needless to say, I applaud his selection on song to share with the world.

To Purchase Your Own Copy of the Featured Vocalist

Plus, If You Would Like to Learn the History of More Hymns, I Recommend the Featured Book Below

 Josh Groban in Concert - O Holy Night is on this CD Then Sings My Soul, Book 2: 150 of the World's Greatest Hymn Stories (BK 2) Joy To The World - O Holy Night is on this CD

May You All Be Blessed by the One Who Was Born on that Holy Night!

O Holy Night Music Review Written by:

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Relax and Enjoy a Special Event for the Holidays

Sometimes during the holiday season we can get so busy with all of our Christmas planning, decorating, shopping and baking that we forget to take the time to stop and enjoy the season.  I like to do something different each year that helps me to relax and enjoy the season.  On this page I will review the activity for this year, a "Photo Walk" on a popular historic street all decorated for Christmas.  For our walk, I met with four other photographers in the historic area of St. Charles, Missouri.  We met at the old train depot on the riverfront.

St.  Charles is located on the Missouri river on the eastern side of the state of Missouri.  It is just west of the St. Louis area.  St. Charles served as the first capitol of the state of Missouri from 1821-1826.  Today the  main street area is a popular tourist attraction with lots of shops and restaurants.  They go all out for Christmas with lots of decoration throughout the historic area.

Our group spent a couple of hours wandering through the area with our cameras and stopping to take photos of anything we found interesting.  We then stopped at a restaurant to enjoy some time together reviewing our morning and discussing photography.  It was a great way to relax and meet new friends.

I was interested in all of the beautiful wreaths hanging on the storefronts.  I photographed many of them and made the collage below of the different wreaths.

Christmas Wreaths Poster by mbgphoto
Shop for Christmas wreaths Posters online at Zazzle.com

An interesting building we stopped at just off Main street was a reproduction of the first church in St. Charles.  The first church was a Catholic church built in 1791 called San Carlos Borromeo.  The reproduction was done using the same type tools as  the original.  

I took nearly 200 photos during the morning.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Shops  along Main Street.  I love the cobblestone streets and walks.

An old sleigh, decorated and sitting on a door stoop.

A wreath on a brick wall.

An old building along Main Street.

Christmas Wreaths Greeting Card by mbgphoto
Look at other Christmas wreaths Cards at zazzle.com

May you enjoy your preparations for the Christmas season and take some time to unwind as we prepare to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. 

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Reviewing Christmas Wreath Marshmallow Treats Recipe

One of my family's favorite Holiday treats...

Around the holidays you will find me happily creating all sorts of treats in my kitchen. I love to make cookies and treats to give away as gifts and to also have on hand when family and friends stop by. I do believe that if I ever decided to skip the Christmas Wreath Marshmallow treats on any given year, I would be disowned by my family. They absolutely love them!

Mine do not really look like a wreath because I've gotten lazy over the years and don't take the time to form them into circles so, really, mine are more like Holly clumps with berries. It doesn't matter really whether they look like a wreath or not, it is that yummy buttery marshmallow taste that grabs them every single time. I also do not use the traditional cinnamon red hots for the berries, either. Instead, I substitute those little red hots with red M&M's. 

Why the substitution, you might ask? Well, truth be told I start making my Christmas cookies and treats in September and October and I found that it is extremely difficult to find the little cinnamon candies at that time of the year. So, I decided to use red M&M's one year and my family actually likes that added bite of chocolate better than the cinnamon. 

The Recipe Is So Easy!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter

30 large marshmallows

1 1/2 tsp. green food coloring

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 cups cornflakes cereal

2 tablespoons cinnamon red hot candies (or red M&M's)

Directions for making:

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a low heat. Add the marshmallows and cook until they are completely melted. Stir this mixture constantly so that the butter does not start to burn. Remove from the heat and stir in the food coloring, vanilla and cornflakes cereal. 

Quickly drop the mixture by heaping tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper. You can form them into wreath shapes with lightly buttered fingers. Decorate with red hot candies (or my substitute). Allow to cool to room temperature before removing from the waxed paper. Store in an airtight container. They can be frozen!

A Few Tips For This Recipe

I do not recommend substituting the butter with margarine or a butter substitute. It will dramatically change the taste of your treats. Real butter works better with the marshmallows and if you are concerned about calories, well the butter is not the biggest culprit in this mixture. Trust me, use butter.

I make mine in my 6 quart dutch oven pan. It is large enough to accommodate the 4 cups of cornflakes and it is much easier to mix the ingredients together in. 

Work quickly when dropping the mixture on the waxed paper from the pan. The marshmallow begins to set-up rather fast as it begins to cool. I do not recommend keeping the pan on the heat because it will begin to burn.

I also do not recommend trying to double this recipe. Although, you certainly have enough marshmallows and cornflakes to do a double batch; it is too difficult to get everything stirred and mixed together and then onto the waxed paper before it cools too much to work with. 

Normally, I fix one batch and do my clean up (the pan gets pretty messy with green marshmallow residue!) and then in a day or two, I make the second batch. It is totally up to you as to how you approach it but one thing I would not attempt is to do a second batch in the pan that still has green melted marshmallow in it. That residue will burn while you are melting your butter and that ruins the second batch. Now, why do you think I know that? Hmmm? I learned the hard way that some shortcuts are just not worth trying when it comes to cooking!

If your family loves Rice Krispies Treats, they will love these Christmas Wreath treats! The cornflakes give it a slightly different taste but they are really good!

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The Best Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers: A Review

I'm a Side Sleeper with Bad Knees

I have had neck problems and back problems for years, and thirty years ago a physical therapist told me that when I sleep, I should keep a pillow under my knees if I'm on my back or between my knees if I sleep on my side. I am also supposed to hug a smaller than normal size pillow. It has not been easy to find pillows that will help me sleep without  pain.  I'm sharing the results of my search with you to save you time if you also need a knee pillow.

Modified image from Pixabay

I've always been a side sleeper. The main reason for that was that I have post-nasal drip that makes me cough during the night, and when I cough lying on my back, it hurts my ribs. (Getting old isn't much fun.) This year my knees have developed problems. I could not seem to find one of any of the numerous pillows around the house that was the right shape or thickness to fit well between my knees to keep my knees and hips properly aligned. I finally decided to get a pillow made for the job.

 50 Is The New 30 Cartoon Coffee Mug

& 

Finding the Best Knee Pillow

I searched several knee pillows on Amazon and decided on this one – the Cushy Cloud Memory Foam Knee Pillow. It arrived almost instantly – the very next day – although I had ordered only the standard free shipping. I was very happy about this, since my right knee, which had been my good one, had suddenly gotten so bad I could hardly walk.

The inside of my Cushy Cloud is all memory foam. The outside is a soft gray cover that I can machine wash if necessary. It has a zipper closing to keep the pillow snug inside. I love it. Although I can sleep on my back when I want to since I got my new REM adjustable bed, I still often want to sleep on my side. The pillow can be placed between my thighs or below my knees to keep my spine properly aligned and my knees almost pain-free. Heat helps, too. Now I crawl under my electric blanket for the warmth and put the pillow in place. Within minutes the pain in my knee has subsided so I can sleep.

Cushy Cloud Memory Foam Knee Pillow

Almost by accident I discovered something else. When I was using an ordinary pillow under my knees while on my back, I would just switch its position to between my legs when I turned to my side. Since I got the new bed, though, I didn't need a pillow under my knees because the bed adjusted. If I wanted to turn over, I had to take the pillow off the table next to the bed and maneuver it under the covers to get it between my knees, and I always had to struggle enough to do this to wake myself up thoroughly or to set off a hot flash. I discovered that if I kept the Cushy Cloud standing tall between my knees while on my back, it was already there when I wanted to roll over, and it kept my knees warmer in the meantime. If that left knee is really hurting bad when I go to bed, I put it over the concave top of the Cushy Cloud when I'm sleeping on my back and it gives me extra support and warmth while elevating my knee a bit more. It seems to help relieve the pain.

A Pillow to Hug

In case you're wondering, my favorite pillow to hug is a camping / toddler / travel pillow. I have shown one that's the same size but a better pillow below. I have also included among the suggestions the pillow cases that fit it. I'm going to break down and buy a couple myself. The one that came with my pillow, bought decades ago, finally wore out, and substituting a normal pillow case just doesn't work well. It's easier to pick one up at Amazon than to scour the local stores in search of one, even now that I know what I'm looking for. The ones I recommend below will fit most camping, travel, or toddler pillows. They definitely match the toddler pillow I recommend below.

Sometimes getting a good night's sleep depends on having the right bed and the right pillows on it. We bought out beds after spending a lot of time trying them out in person, and that's the only way I'd buy a bed. The pillows I've recommended can be successfully purchased online. If you aren't satisfied with your Cushy Cloud knee pillow, you can send it back for a refund. I'm keeping mine.

 Cushy Cloud Memory Foam Knee Pillow - Orthopedic Contour Knee Spacer Best Pillows Hypoallergenic TODDLER PILLOW - 13 x 19 - Made in the USA - Most Trusted since 2007 - Pediatrician Recommended - Kids LOVE IT - Allergy Free - 200 Soft Percale - Machine Washable (Ages 2 - 4) TODDLER PILLOWCASE Cover - Fits 13.5 X 19 to 14 X 20 Toddler or Travel Pillow - 100% Luxury Microfiber - Hand Made in the USA - 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE Child/Toddler/Travel size 14x21 Junior Pillowcase 100% cotton Color: WHITE

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Controversial Anne of Green Gables Book Cover Review

What Did You Think of The Controversial Anne of Green Gables Book Cover?

In 2012 a company self-published a three-in-one Anne of Green Gables boxed book set and radically changed the image on the cover from that of the red headed, freckly 10-year old girl we have come to know and love as Anne Shirley to well, an older blue-eyed blonde, whose pose has been called sexy, sultry, a travesty. You can see the image from that cover here.



Have a look at the cover artwork that appeared on those books and let us know what you think. Was it appropriate that Anne Shirley was modernized in this way or should the publishers have stayed with a more typical, period-appropriate version of Anne. Does it even matter? What do you think?

Why Were They Allowed To Use Provocative Pictures On The Cover of Anne of Green Gables?

The first question that entered my mind when I heard of these new covers was how was the publisher able to get away with making Anne of Green Gables so provocative? I guessed that the book must have fallen into the public domain and, according to online sources that is, indeed the case. Public domain, by the way, means that the owner's copyright has expired and the work is free for others to use as they wish.

Fans Upset About New Anne of Green Gables Covers

Life long fans of Anne of Green Gables were naturally extremely upset about Anne's new look. Reviewers were clearly horrified by the cover as is reflected in the numbers recorded in this screenshot on February 13, 2013 that shows 392 one-star reviews. I believe those reviewers were really rating the cover and not the stories, which most Anne fans love. It is noteworthy that the controversial cover was pulled not long after it was released in response to the uproar.

More Reading About the Controversial Anne of Green Gables Book Cover

Book Lovers Outraged Over Sexy Anne of Green Gables Cover
ABC News Anger Over Sexy version of beloved children's character.

Anne of Green Gables Goes Blonde
The Guardian: New edition of the freckled heroine has bedroom eyes...

Anne of Green Gables Gets Racy Update
The classic 1908 book gets a new cover with an older and sexier Anne on display.

The Anne of Green Gables Three-in-One Boxed Set

The Anne of Green Gables three-in-one boxed set includes three of Lucy Maud Montgomery's books: Anne of Green Gables, Anne of Avonlea and Anne of the Island and was published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. Shown here is the cover that was issued to replace the controversial one.

Read more about Anne Of Green Gables the Three In One Set on Amazon.

What Do You Think of the Controversial Cover?

If you have been wanting to have your say about the controversial Anne of Green Gables book cover, here's your chance. Let us all know what you think by leaving a comment in the comments box.

See you
in the book aisle!
Brenda

More Anne of Green Gables Reading:

Discover Anne of Green Gables in my eBay store.

Before Green Gables Book Review
Before Green Gables is the highly publicized, much anticipated, authorized prequel to the book, Anne of Green Gables written by Budge Wilson, published in 2008 and read by me right away, that summer.

Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning 
In the book Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning, the war in Europe is winding down and Anne Shirley was a middle-aged writer returning to the island for a visit.

Anne of Green Gables on Pinterest



Author's Note: Previously published elsewhere in 2012.

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Begin Again - A Movie Worth Watching

It's all about FEELING. You'll Feel from the beginning to the end, And When it Ends, you'll Want More.

Begin Again, starring Keira Knightley and, Mark Ruffalo, and Adam Levine, transports you to a place where the ugliness of personal mistakes takes a back seat. At the same time, you become a participant in the artist's musical life. The music is the focus; the characters follow, and everything works. 

If along with realism, music and art, you intimately understand the hidden mystique of a city, you'll feel even more from this movie

The story centers around the once Grammy Award-winning success of Dan Mulligan. Still, currently, down-on-his-luck character Dan Mulligan, played by Ruffalo, meets a recently heartbroken yet fiercely independent singer-songwriter, Gretta James, played by Knightley. They decided to make an outdoor album with each song performed in different locations of New York City, making this the energy that fuels the music. The city's heart automatically beats with the music, and although the city isn't directly a dramatized focal point, its pulsating imperfections connect every aspect to the characters.

If you're drawn to movies that depict the intimate flaws of people but can still manage to ooze beauty via the complex backdrop of urban life and the souls within, this one wins.

Some Movie Facts:

• Begin Again premiered in September 2013 at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
• Keira Knightley learned to sing and play guitar for the movie
• The song 'Lost Stars' was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song
• Fans of The Voice will remember Adam Levine performing Lost Stars with Season 7 finale contestant Matt McAndrew
• The soundtrack for the movie was released in June 2014, with most of the songs performed by Knightley and Levine.

Lost Stars, a magnificent song, is now part of my playlist. Here's the video of Adam Levine performing Lost Stars, from the scene in the movie:

Personally Speaking, Begin Again is among my top ten all-time favorite movies. Mark Ruffalo's character is powerful; he is also one of my famous actors... and I also appreciate what he stands for off-screen.

by Barbara Tremblay Cipak
Drageda.com

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