Review This Reviews!

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Baseball Season is Back!

My souvenir signed baseball from Joe Torre

Baseball Season begins here on the Review This! blog with a collection of baseball stories, crafts and treats.

It's Springtime, which may bring those April Showers for the May Flowers, but baseball fans believe that the true first sign of Spring is the beginning of baseball season! For all the baseball fans out there, let's check out some fun baseball stories, DIY crafts and tasty treats.

Craft a Fingerprint Baseball

Michelle of Crafty Morning has created an interesting baseball craft that would be perfect for an arts & crafts project to do with your children, or a fun seasonal craft to do with a Scout Troop.

All you need is paper, paint and fingers!

Check out the easy step-by-step directions here.

A Famous Baseball Sportscaster

Vin Scully

Major League Baseball Teams each have an announcer who regularly broadcasts games for their home radio or TV network. There have been many well-known baseball sportscasters over the years, but none who have been with a team as long as Vin Scully. Known as the Bard of Baseball, Vin Scully has been the Voice of the Dodgers through six decades. At the end of the 2016 baseball season, at age 88, Vin retired after 67 years as the broadcaster for the Dodgers, first in Brooklyn and then in Los Angeles.

Here is his story written by HubPages author Ellen Brundige, which she calls the Vin Scully Fanpage.

Baseball Cupcakes

Yummy Baseball Cupcakes

Randi of Duke & Duchesses created a fun dessert that would make a great 'treat time' for after a Little League game or for a baseball-themed birthday party.

Randi's Baseball Cupcakes were done by baking a pan of cupcakes, frosting them in white frosting, then using Skittles to form the laces, placing them side by side on the frosting.

Baseball Flip Flops Flower Tutorial

Baseball Flower Flip Flops

For the baseball mom or any fan, create a cute pair of flip flops with a flower design made from baseballs.

All you need is a pair of flip flops (new or old), 2 baseballs (anyone with kids seems to have a bunch of old ones around, or you can buy some new ones), an X-Acto knife and glue. The 'how-to' instructions are in a YouTube video on the crafty post by KidPep, a website for Crafts, DIY and More.

The technique used for the baseball flip flops can also be used for a Baseball Hair Bow with the video on the KidPep website.

I'm 'Crazy About Baseball'

Your writer, Wednesday Elf, has been a baseball fan since childhood and has shared many favorite baseball memories in “Crazy About Baseball”.

Opening Day of Baseball

Opening Day of the 2025 Major League Baseball Season begins on March 27th. Us baseball fans now get to enjoy 26 weeks of baseball with the 30 teams in the MLB.

Friday, April 3, 2015

Reviewing the Author, Favored1

I have followed the articles and online career of Favored1 for several years. Our paths first crossed when we both started writing for the same company. We initially clicked with each other simply because we have so much in common. We both love cooking, crafts, collectibles, books, and we both have a deep personal faith.

Favored1 enjoys writing about her Christian beliefs and I admire anyone who stands before the world with deep conviction and faithfulness, especially in the face of adversity. It comes as no surprise that her faith is reflected in almost everything she writes.

Collectibles Shared by Favored1

Many of us are already familiar with Thomas Kinkade's artwork, but Favored1 focuses on more than just his paintings. She features his figurines, jewelry and other collectibles in her Thomas Kinkade Online Catalog.

Her appreciation for his work is expressed in each and every one of her articles. She doesn't just give a list of his items, she actually selects individual pieces to feature and tells the stories behind them. Reading her articles on the Thomas Kinkade selections is like reading poetry because she paints such a lovely picture with words in our minds even though we can see a photo of the item right in front of us.

Favored1 Reviews

Fay, aka Favored1, also writes and publishes her own reviews on her site Favored Reviews. She most often reviews inspirational books. I always smile when she throws in a inspiration bookmark or book cover as gift suggestions. I, myself, have made gift selections for my own mother from Fay's inspirational reviews.

You might ask, as I did in the interview, what is Fay's personal favorite book. Her answer is fast and direct. The Bible is her favorite book. Again, that comes as no surprise to those of us who have followed Favored1's online career. She did try to give me a second choice, but there was really no reason to. After all, the Bible pretty much covers every genre, every niche, every feeling, every personal concern. Nothing else is really necessary even if we do enjoy the occasional fiction or inspirational supplement.

Crafting with Favored1

I love it when another writer and crafter can introduce me to a new craft, especially when it is something I have never even considered trying to create. Fay did that very thing with her articles How to Make Hobnob Milkglass and How to Make a Washcloth Travel Tote. I loved both of these ideas! They are simple enough to make, but it is the simplicity that is ingenious when you consider the beauty and practicality of the end result.

Favored1 has lots of really cool craft ideas and tutorials. Many of which you can find on Hubpages where she has published over 150 articles.

Oh! And, be sure to check out her Christmas Cinnamon Pine Cone Wreath. It is totally fabulous!

Favored1 Cooks

I am constantly looking for new recipes! Even though I am the Cooking for the Holidays owner and contributor, I still love discovering new recipes to cook in my own home and try out on my family, which is my personal testing ground.

Fay's husband eats meat, but Fay does not. This is also something we have in common, we both have a combination of meat-eaters and vegetarians in our homes to cook for simultaneously. Finding meals that appeals to both can often be quite challenging. On Favored Cooking, Fay shares her favorite recipes. This is a fairly new site for Favored1 and I look forward to seeing all of her future recipes published there. You can also find some of her recipes currently published on Hubpages.

About Favored1

Available on Thomas Kinkade Online Catalog

You have now had a very comprehensive look at places you can find publications and articles by Favored1, but I would like to take a moment to tell you a little more about Fay personally. She is loyal, optimistic, joyful and a tremendous encourager. She loves dogs, her favorite movie is the 1964 version of Cinderella, and she prefers the Bahamas for a restful vacation. It is easy to see why Fay was selected as one of the top five teachers in her home state. She loves connecting with people from all walks of life, as well as the research required to write and teach effectively. Her desire to serve and help others is truly her most admirable quality.

To close, I am going to quote Fay directly from our interview. When asked her favorite quote, this was her response:

"My favorite quote is by Eleanor Roosevelt: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

Overcoming the feeling of being inferior has taken a lifetime it seems to conquer. I came across this quote in my early years of teaching and realized that I had a choice about how I felt about myself. Giving into the lie of being inferior to others will stop us from achieving our goals and dreams in life. Believing in who God made me to be will allow me to reach anything I set out to accomplish."

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Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Let Your iPad Mini Case Reflect Your Love for the California Central Coast

A Review of Zazzle's iPad Mini Cases

The Savvy Style Case

Let Your iPad Mini Case Reflect Your Love for the California Central Coast

When you have invested in something as important as an iPad Mini, you will want it to be well-protected from the daily wear and tear of use and being transported wherever you go. I know that my electronic items get a lot of wear and tear just from being in my purse or waist pack. It's easy for your iPad Mini to be rubbed or scratched without protection.

You can defend your iPad Mini with a lightweight hard shell made of plastic. You can choose between a matte or a glossy finish for most designs. You can clip the case right to the back of the iPad Mini to protect it. These cases sold on Zazzle were specifically designed just for the iPad Mini, so you can be assured of a proper fit. You will also be able to reach all your ports and controls when your cover is shielding your iPad.

If you have a Smart Cover, this will be compatible with it. If you don't have a smart cover and want even more protection, an automatic sleep and wake-up feature, and a built-in stand to fit any iPad Mini position, you might want to check out one of these Smart Covers from Amazon. The black one is shown below, but it also comes in other colors closer to the Zazzle design you choose. And you might think about a screen protector, too. Although the Smart Covers offer a lot of protection and extra features, the selection of designs pales in comparison with what Zazzle has.

Snugg iPad Mini & Mini 2 Case - Smart Cover with Flip Stand & Lifetime Guarantee (Black Leather) for Apple iPad Mini & Mini 2 with RetinaCheck Price

Zazzle also has the Powis Hardcover Cases

These cases were designed to fit either the iPad Mini or the iPad Mini with Retina and are made by Powis Park in Berkeley, California. The case's rubberized non-slip edge makes it easy to use in landscape view position. Its hard cover is made with premium book cloth, and the designs you choose are printed on recycled hardboard which is laminated on both front and back. When you are using your iPad Mini, the case is free-standing. When you are not using it, the custom design you have selected or chosen will show. You still can choose a glossary or matte finish.

Your case from Zazzle can be anything you want it to be. You can even design one with your own photo. For best results it should should measure 5.85" x 8.45" and allow for 1/3" bleed space on the edges. That is what would be outside the safe area in design view when you are customizing. Of course, it's easier to just pick one of the already designed cases below to show your love of your Central Coast beach or area.

Let's Begin Our iPad Mini Tour of the Central Coast Beaches

San Simeon and the North Coast Of San Luis Obispo

San Simeon is famous as the location of Hearst Castle, that spectacular retreat build by William Randolph Hearst for his family and friends.

San Simeon also has a fantastic state beach with a long pier and lots of recreation opportunities. I took the photos for these cases there. Both types are displayed here.

San Simeon, CA Coastline Cover For The iPad MiniCheck Price Powis iPad Mini Case: Gull on Pier at San SimeonCheck Price Powis iPad Mini Case in Use, Landscape ViewCheck Price

About 14 miles north of San Simeon State Beach is Piedras Blanco, which is well known for it's lighthouse and as a place to watch the elephant seals who return to its beaches to breed each winter. Here are some of the iPad cases with scenes from these beaches along the north coast. If you love rugged beaches or elephant seals, you might consider using them to decorate and protect your iPad.

Piedras Blancos Coastline, California iPad Mini Covers

Playful Baby Elephant Seals Ipad Mini Case

Case for iPad Mini: Elephant seals at Sunset iPad Mini Cases

In middle scene in first row above, the elephant seals are off in the distance and the emphasis is on the shore. Way in the background you can see the Piedras Blancos lighthouse. I could not get very close to it on the day I was there because it is only accessible to the public on interpretative tours at scheduled times. I hope to go back and take the tour sometime. If you look carefully, you can also see the lighthouse way back in the distance in the last scene above. This was taken earlier in the day than the other picture.

As you can see, this can be a romantic place. I actually took the middle picture above on the evening of Valentine's Day, which I was celebrating here with my husband. This couple is enjoying the sunset together, perhaps after they've spent some time observing the elephant seals which are barely visible in the darkness behind them. This might be a great gift for one lover to give another. It also might work as an engagement present.

Farther south are the beaches on the Cambria coast. Cambria is wonderful walking beach for those who like a bit of rugged coastline with rocks to climb and tide pools. You'll find seaweed and driftwood on the beach, and maybe some shells and interesting small stones. Here are some iPad Mini cases with scenes of the Cambria Coast and Moonstone Beach, one of our favorite getaways.

Rocky Cambria, California, Coastline at Sunset Cover For The iPad Mini
Surfer At Moonstone Beach in Cambria iPad Mini

Climbing the Rocks on a Cambria Beach Cover For The iPad Mini

South San Luis Obispo County Coast: Cayucos

The first beach town south of the North Coast is Cayucos. It's a small town and I've only been to the beach there once, but I explored it for several hours in the late afternoon. The waves there make it popular with surfers.

I loved all the interesting seaweed that came ashore. You can see Cayucos for yourself and enjoy all the sights and sounds in my photo / video tour of it I put together during the day I spent there. See the waves come in and watch the children play on the beach and the sea gulls explore the beach near them. Walk the pier with us, too.

These are some of the iPad Mini cases that capture the flavor of Cayucos.

iPad Mini Case: Seagull Waiting for Wave, Cayucos
iPad Mini Case: Seaweed on the Sand in Cayucos

iPad Mini Case: Cayucos Pier in California

South County Beach Cities: Morro Bay

Each part of the coastline has is own unique character. Morro Bay is easy to recognize by its identifying landmarks -- Morro Rock and the smokestacks from a now inactive power plant. Its Embarcadero is lined with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. You will also see the fishing boats docked and moving around in the bay. Here are some iPad Mini scenes from Morro Bay.

Morro Bay Fishing Boats and Smokestacks Case For The iPad Mini

iPad Mini Case: Morro Rock at Morro Bay, CA Case For The iPad Mini
iPad Mini Case: Morro Bay Boats and Embarcadero iPad Mini Case
Morro Rock at Morro Bay, CA iPad Mini Covers
Cute California Sea Otter iPad Mini Case; Wildlife iPad Mini Covers

Moving South, We Next Reach Avila Beach, Including Port San Luis

At first I reached the smaller, more intimate part of Avila Beach that is loved by students at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Rather than being one big beach, it's a series of smaller coves. There is also an RV campground between the road and the beach, and I believe I also saw some tents there.

Farther along on San Luis Bay Drive you will find Harford Pier -- a long pier with restaurants and a fish market at the end and an observation deck for looking out at the ocean below. The sea gulls are everywhere to entertain you, and occasionally you will even get to see a seal fishing or begging. You will also see people boating, fishing, and kayaking in the bay. It's a great place for nature photography. Here are some of the iPad skins I designed from my Avila Beach photos.

iPad Mini Case: Gull Flies Over Avila Beach Pier
iPad Mini Case: Boats in Port San Luis, Avila

iPad Mini Case: Overview Harford Pier Avila Beach

Pismo Beach

Here are the iPad mini cases designed from the photos I took at Pismo Beach. This was my first visit to Pismo Beach, and I wasn't able to spend as much time there on this visit as I wanted to. First we parked where there was beach access at the end of a residential block. I took a very long stairway down to the beach. There were cliffs filled with colorful ice plant as I walked down, and I took a few pictures from that part of the beach.

We moved on to a parking lot where there appeared to also be RV parking. I strolled along the boardwalk parallel to the beach as far as the pier. Since I've not been able to get to Pismo Beach during the migration of the Monarch butterflies, I have used a case designed by someone else who did get there.

Pier at Pismo Beach, California iPad Mini Case
iPad Mini Case: Typical Coastal Scene, Pismo Beach

Migrating monarch butterflies cling to leaves iPad mini case

I hope you've enjoyed our trip down the San Luis Obispo County coast as we stopped at each beach. I hope that you also found just the right iPad Mini Case to help you stay close to your favorite beach as you work. Please share this post if you think someone else might be interested these Central Coast photo iPad Mini Cases.

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Monday, March 30, 2015

Otter Box - Protection for Your Electronics

Otter Box for the Moto X

After recently dropping my phone in a parking lot, for the umpteenth time, and finding it to be undamaged, I realized I should write a review on the protective phone case I am fortunate to own - the Otter Box Defender Series. The Otter Box is a rugged, shock-absorbing, attractive case for your android phone, iphone, tablet, or e-reader.

Why I love my Otter Box

I don't like to update my phone with each new model. There are several reasons that I'm so slow at trading in phones. I worry about phones finding their way into land fills, I don't like to learn new gadgets, and I don't like to spend extra money. In fact, I like to hang onto each phone until my plan allows for a free phone. Because I am frugal when it comes to electronics and because I am a very clumsy person in general, I need heavy-duty protection for my cell phones.

I have seen students, friends, and family members who have broken their phones from seemingly minor accidents. My phone accidents tend to include incidents such as dropping my phone from my pocket as I'm exiting my Jeep. I watch in horror as my phone bounces on the pavement. But so far, knock wood, my phones have been undamaged.

I am quite sure that my current smart phone would have been damaged had it not been for the Otter Box protective case. There are many reasons that I love my Otter Box

I love the color - the dark blue matches my light blue phone
The "rubbery" material is easy to stretch over the phone; easy to put on and take off
Unlike hard/"plastic" phone cases, this never breaks or pops off unexpectedly
The port/access areas of my phone are covered by "flaps". The flaps are durable, have not broken off, and continue to protect the ports.
The heavy-duty, removable clip is perfect for keeping my phone from becoming lost in my hiking bag - keeping it accessible and secure.
I have hidden a few dollars for safe keeping between the clip and the case when hiking in clothing without pockets.

Otter Box for Tablets

If you, or your children, carry tablets with them there is probably no better case to use for the protection of that investment. This is the Otter Box for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 10.1. You can see that it also has a durable clip that doubles as a kickstand.

Otter Box for the Samsung Galaxy Tablet

Protect Your Kindle with Otter Box

I will soon upgrade my original Kindle to a newer version. When I do, I will be very tempted to buy an Otter Box case to protect it. I was thrilled to find that Otter Box makes a case for the newer Kindle Paperwhite and the Kindle Fire.

Otter Box for Kindle Fire HD (3rd Gen)

The Otter Box, with a screen film protector, has been great insurance for my cell phone investment and has kept my phone looking like new. While the Otter Box is not advertised to be water resistant or weather resistant, my phone has been protected during bad weather hiking trips as well as during clumsy incidents in parking lots. Whether you are looking for protection in order to increase the longevity of your electronics, out of concern about the environment, or for some other reason, I believe the Otter Box is an excellent way to protect your valuable electronics.

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Sunday, March 29, 2015

A Ring with a Heart and Hands - What is it Called?

In today's world a visually meaningful expression of love doesn't have to be the simple gift of a ring, it can also be a profound denotation. This ring style has a significant, heartfelt meaning; it's known as a Claddagh Ring, a traditional Irish ring.

So What Does a Ring with

Two Hands, A Heart, and a Crown Mean:

Each part of this ring represents a different dedication; the hands represent friendship, the heart is for love, and the crown expresses loyalty. Giving this ring signifies a deep commitment to love. In fact, this ring is part of a group called 'Fede' Rings. Fede comes from an Italian expression meaning hands joined together in faith. A Fede Ring is the promise of love and loyalty. In fact, they were often used as a traditional Engagement and Wedding Ring in medieval times.

Around 18th century England, the Claddagh Ring, a ring with a heart and hands, became a variation of the Fede ring. From that time forward, and especially in the 20th century, there was a burst of popularity for this unique symbol. It's not only a message expressing love and promise; it's also a part of Irish identity.

You'll see the symbol used everywhere, from gravestones to engagement rings. The eternal depth of love, friendship, and loyalty makes this artistic emblem very real and deep.

The Ring with Heart and Hands Comes in Designs for Both Men and Women

Whether it's an Anniversary gift, an Engagement Ring, or a gift of deep loyalty to a friend, this ring comes in many design styles that work for both men and women.

HOW YOU WEAR THIS RING also MATTERS - Different Meanings for Different Hands and Different Directions.

When a person wears it on their right hand with the heart on the ring pointing toward their wrist, it means they're in a relationship and unavailable. It's an excellent idea for a promise ring.
If it's on the left hand with the heart pointing towards the ends of the fingers, the person wearing the ring is married or similarly committed. Of course, if it's given as a wedding ring, it will go on the wedding finger.
Generally, you're engaged on the left hand, pointing towards the fingertips and ring finger.
If the wearer puts this ring on their right hand with the heart pointing towards the ends of the fingers, it can symbolize that the person is looking for love.
If you were going to wear this as a friendship ring, you would typically wear it on the right hand with the heart either pointing toward your fingertips if you're unmarried or toward your wrist if you're married.

You Can Find This Ring on Amazon Here

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Friday, March 27, 2015

Easy Product Displays Reviewed

Easy Product Displays for Amazon and Zazzle Affiliates

A few years ago, I started using Easy Product Displays (EPD) to create my product displays on my websites. I am still using them today!

I would like to take a moment to review the website "Easy Product Displays" and show you exactly why I would recommend them to anyone who desires to sell products online.

Amazon or Zazzle Product Displays in Minutes

If you own a website or blog, you already know product display codes to use on your websites and blogs can be difficult and cumbersome to write.

But, what if you had a tool that did it all for you? If you could just pick what products you want and have them displayed for you, would you go for it?

That was my hope when I discovered Easy Product Display 2 years ago. All my wishes came true! Literally! Well, ok, I didn't win the lottery, but I can now make beautiful product displays with only a few mouse clicks. Stay with me, while I show you how easy this really is to use.

How EPD Works

It Truly Does the Work for You!

Simply input the item you wish to search into the search box on Easy Product Displays and it will automatically populate the results of your search. You select the items you wish to have displayed, select your border & button choices and EPD will instantly give you the html to insert on your page.

Examples of Displays Using EPD

Easy Multi Product Display

For this example, I put in the Search Term "Doll", selected the layout and in a matter of seconds had the entire code, borders, titles, buttons and all ready to copy and paste into my website page.

Note: In order to remain in compliance with the word/product ratio of Review This, this section is a photo of how the features would look, but are not linked to products.

With a Simple Click, I Changed the Format to Look Like This:

Note: In order to remain in compliance with the word/product ratio of Review This, this section is a photo of how the features would look, but are not linked to products.

Another Simple Click and I Have This Format

Melissa & Doug Doll Brianna 12-InchBuy Now Melissa & Doug Doll Jenna 12-InchBuy Now Melissa & Doug Doll Victoria 14-InchBuy Now Melissa & Doug Doll Annie 12-InchBuy Now Corolle Calin Charming Pastel Baby DollBuy Now

A Few More Clicks and You Can Change the Borders, Buttons, Text Style, etc

For a Totally Different Look

Melissa & Doug BriannaBuy Now Melissa & Doug JennaBuy Now Melissa & Doug VictoriaBuy Now Melissa & Doug AnnieBuy Now Corolle Calin Baby DollBuy Now

You Could Even Go Borderless on any Size!

Melissa & Doug Brianna

Easy Options & Features on EPD

Amazon & Zazzle Search Tool
Single or Multiple Item Product Display
Change Image Display Size
Add a Border and/or Button
Select Color of Text, Border, Font and Button
Create Your Own Buttons
Amazon & Zazzle Buttons Available to Select
Set the Image on the Left or Right Side (my examples are all centered

Manually Change the Item Title for Product Display Uniformity

Save Format Settings & Colors for Website Consistency
Save Multiple Amazon Tracking ID's to Auto Load
Make Custom Display for Other Affiliations by Simply Entering the Product Link URL, Image URL and Title
Use the "import code" section to make changes to previous features easy
No Software Download
Can Use Tool from Any Device or Location

Website & Blog Owners

If you own or write on a website or blog that allows html code for products, Easy Products Displays website was created just for you!

You can join today and start your free trial of EPD by simply clicking here.

Testimonials from Current EPD Subscribers

"I don't know how I managed without it before! It's extremely handy! I use it everyday when I'm building pages. The speed and convenience of EPD is worth it!

Barbara Tremblay Cipak

"Easy Product Displays is an affiliate marketers best friend! There is nothing out there that even comes close in ease of use and versatility when it comes to making attractive displays for items you want to feature or sell. In addition, it also has great customer service if you have a problem, the staff usually gets back to you the same day and there is a wonderful community of users that frequent their Facebook page that also offer advice and ideas on how to better use this great tool. Last but certainly not least, the makers of EPD are always updating it and improving its functionality and adding features. You really could not ask for a better product than this, I highly recommend it."

Tracey Jade Boyer

"If you want a professional-looking web site for selling items directly or for marketing items as an affiliate, this is it! Easy Product Displays allows you to add items manually or to interface with sites such as Amazon.com to select the items that you want to add. This economical display solution is packed with features and gives you several choices of layout, and also allows you to easily change the code should you choose to add or delete items, even at a later time."

Rhonda Reid