Thursday, October 13, 2016
Photographing Boothbay Harbor Maine
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Review this: Take a Teddy Bear to Work Day!
Mark this date on your calendar, it happens every year on the 12th of October! It's take your Teddy Bear to Work Day.
Teddy Bears Make the Perfect Gift!
When you need some stress relief, grab your Teddy Bear and have a good talk, he won't tell anyone your secrets.
Adult Fun in the form of taking your Teddy Bear to Work Day!
Take your Teddy Bear to work day, I'm sure was born of the need to relax a little bit in the workplace. I know from my own experience, that our jobs have become much more stressful in the last 10 years. Everyone expects more work with the same hours to accomplish the days events. You just can't do that without adding stress. Put a teddy bear into the mix and maybe while you are working away, you can take a moment to smile and laugh about the bears who are gracing everyone's desks that day. I am sure you will find bears that look like they have never been held and others that have bald spots on them (much like their owners). Teddy bears that have been "loved to death" have that special look to them, they are flat where they used to be pudgy, their fur has become a matted mess and the arms and legs are probably resewn a few times over the years. There is no doubt at all when you see them, that these bears have been through as much as their owners have over their life time.
My uncle has a bear, that is only about 6 inches high, that he thoroughly loved. While he was fleeing his country during the War, this was the only toy he was allowed to bring. I think his bear became his confident, best friend and his reassurance, while they walked at night making their way out of Germany and into Switzerland. He has his own "Sound of Music" story and the bear had a starring role in his life. Today, he owns over 50 little bears and they are his pride and joy. He doesn't worry about anything else he owns, but always reminds me that when he is gone, the bears are all mine and he knows that I will take care of them.
It always amazes me that this one toy, that really doesn't do anything at all, like some of the fancy things available today, has lasted and won the test of time.
Did you know?
Teddy Bears got their name from President Theodore Roosevelt. He was invited in the early 1900's(1902 to be exact) on a bear hunt in Louisiana. Being a naturalist and a sportsman, he eagerly went on this trip. When they found the bear, it had been tied to a tree in order to make the kill easier. Totally in disgust at how this bear came to be trapped, Roosevelt refused to kill it. Many a political cartoon came out of that encounter, but the Teddy Bear was the most important.
Since 1902, the Teddy Bear has been a favored toy of generations of children and continues to be one of the first gifts that a new baby receives.
Teddy Bears are quite collectible. Many companies made bears that were numbered and tracked. There is a whole lot of people who can tell you where a certain bear was made, what year it was made and how long production of a certain bear lasted. People dress their bears and many a stories have been written all about bears.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Paddington Bear Tales, Teddy Ruxpin, Winnie the Pooh, and the more modern of the bunch the Care Bears, are all examples of how the much loved Teddy bears have been used in children's lives. There are TV shows, Movies, Operas, and lots and lots of books all featuring Teddy Bears.
So just for fun this year, will you take your Teddy Bear to Work? I know that I will!
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Reviewing Ponchos For Women
Ponchos: A Practical Choice In Fashion
Public Domain Image |
There are many styles of ponchos for women. Some follow the traditional style of being a garment which almost looks like a blanket with a hole for the head. Historically the poncho was made of a wool fabric and was meant to keep the body warm. It is still meant to keep the body warm but is not necessarily made from wool anymore.
Many ponchos of today are found in a less than traditional style with an open front which wraps around the shoulders more like a cape or shawl. It just boils down to a matter of preference as to whether you want your poncho to go over your head or just wrap around your shoulders.
Ponchos are a really practical choice for the fall season when the temperatures have started to dip but it isn't cold enough for a winter coat. They are comfortable and fun to wear. They team up well with jeans but also look nice with slacks and skirts.
This very practical garment has been in use since before the Spanish came to the Americas. Originally found predominately in the Andes region of South America now known as Peru the poncho is considered a South American garment. No matter its origin, it has proven to be quite the versatile piece of clothing for our wardrobes.
You can also opt for a poncho for your rain gear. Of course a rain poncho will be made of a water-proof fabric. I have a rain poncho in my closet that is older than my grandchildren but I still pull it out on those rainy days when I have to venture outdoors.
Currently, I am in the process of crocheting a fun little poncho for this fall season. At a later date, I'll show you the finished piece with a link to the pattern.
Monday, October 10, 2016
Bubba Tumbler Review: Saves Money and the Environment
The Durability of Bubba Envy Tumblers
As I mentioned, I purchased my Bubba brand tumbler years ago. I've used that one single cup for my iced coffee nearly every day since. I am only just now looking to replace it because I drove off with it on my Jeep bumper a few months ago. As I turned out of my parking lot, I heard a "clunk" and saw iced coffee and ice skittering across the road. With the intent of removing a potential plastic shard road hazard, I stopped and retrieved my Bubba Envy Tumbler. Stunned, I found that my Bubba was intact and was only slightly loose at the top mold seam connecting the double walls. I've used it every day since that mishap and am only now looking to order a replacement.
If that isn't a testimonial for durability, I don't know what is.
Financial Savings of a Bubba Tumbler
When I purchased that first Tumbler, I began making my own iced coffee at home instead of stopping at a local coffee shop each day. I had realized that if I spent a mere $5 at that coffee shop each day, for 365 days a year, I was spending $1,825 a year. I invested less than $20 for the first Bubba. With the exception for travel and when I'm away from home, I have made my own coffee to fill it.
If you saved over a thousand dollars in a year, what could you do with that extra money?
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Bubba Envy Insulated Tumbler |
Travel Mugs: Environmental and Emotional Savings
Commercial iced coffee is served in plastic cups with lids and straws. I cringe when I think about having added one of those cups each day into the landfill before I began using my reusable travel tumbler.
If you are clumsy as I am, you'll understand when I mention the level of stress that those plastic cups caused me. The lids would pop off and the coffee would splash onto my clothes. And wow, have you ever knocked over one of those cups and watched helplessly as the lid pops off and the coffee washes across your desk like a miniature tidal wave? I have. But not since I have begun using this wonderful version of an adult sippie cup.
With a straw inserted, the Bubba Envy Tumbler isn't absolutely leak-proof. But only dribbles escape from the straw and straw opening, which is much better than the alternative mess.
Whether you drink hot coffee, iced coffee, or other drinks you will find a Bubba brand mug to suit your needs. And it is a bonus that in the long run you will save money and help protect the environment.
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Mystery Book Series Review: Jessica James Series by Kelly Oliver
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Coyote by Kelly Oliver |
Fair warning here, the third in the series is not yet released.
Reviewing Wolf and Coyote by Kelly Oliver
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Wolf by Kelly Oliver |
The second in the series is Coyote. Author Oliver sends Jessica back to the mountains of Montana and builds an intriguing load of subplots when Jessica's beloved cousin is killed. Well, murdered is what Jessica believes. So off she goes into a world of Native American troubles, big oil fracking and corruption to solve the murder. You can read my review of Coyote, (www.mysterybookworldlive.com/mystery-series/coyote-kelly-oliver-mystery-fiction-review/) but I promise I never give spoilers.
As of this writing, I am awaiting the publisher giving me the release date of the third in the series. When I know that, I will update this review for you.
Masterful Characters in the Jessica James Mystery Book Series
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Coyote by Kelly Oliver |
I wonder, though, is Oliver playing with us a bit in her choice of names? There is first off, Montana cowgirl Jessica James. Then we have the stunningly beautiful, but lethally dangerous with her black belt in Karate, Russian best friend of Jesse's named Lolita. Hmmm. Kelly Oliver is a talented writer and one that I wouldn't expect to accidentally name her characters so cliched. Me thinks she did this to make us think differently.
Anyway you want to think of her character names, she doesn't skimp on their personalities and dialogue.
To Sum Up the Review of the Jessica James Series
For mystery lovers, and especially those who enjoy reading about women sleuths, the Jessica James series by Kelly Oliver will be good reads. There is certainly plenty going on in both Wolf and Coyote. The publicity refers to "ripped from the headlines" plots and subplots. Certainly drugs, rape culture, corruption and more set the stage for these murder mysteries.
And there is a healthy dose of gritty realism in both novels. I could have done without all of the realism without hurting the story. But overall, the mysteries are good.
That leaves me anxiously awaiting Novel 3 in the Jessica James mystery series. And hoping Kelly Oliver won't stop at just three.
If you like book reviews, we have plenty more at ReviewThisBookReviews.
Posted by: BuckHawk

About This Contributor
BuckHawk decribes herself as "Basically a lazy person who prefers the easy things in life." So that's what she writes about. Easy home decorating, easy recipes, easy entertaining. But, she is also a lover of animals, gardening and crafting. You'll find her writing all over the Web, but with Review This Reviews! she has the opportunity to write about all of her loves.
Friday, October 7, 2016
Lumpkin the Pumpkin Video Movie Review
Halloween Video for Kids
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Scan of Our Lumpkin the Pumpkin Video Box |
"Lumpkin the Pumpkin" is an entertaining Halloween musical for children of all ages. My own children loved this video when they were little. As a matter of fact, we have had to keep an old vhs player just so they could continue to watch their favorite old videos.
Kids love movies that include music and the songs in this show are fun and entertaining.
This is a cute story about Lumpkin, an adorable pumpkin, who teams with Tara, a young and sweet witch. They want to make Halloween more enjoyable for the children.
Tara and her mother are both members of a witch community. Unfortunately, the older members of their society are committed to scaring the children on Halloween, but Tara is not interested in frightening anyone.
Lumpkin the Pumpkin Video
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Scanned From the Cover of our Video |
For those of us who are older, we easily recognize the mellow voice of Bobby Goldsboro. He narrates and sings this happy tale of Halloween fun.
The show may be a bit hokey for older kids, but most little children really enjoy it.
Where to Buy Lumpkin the Pumpkin
Lumpkin the Pumpkin on AmazonThe video was released in 1991 and is only available on VHS. They are not always easy to find at a reasonable price. Most likely any you find that are affordable will be used. However, currently there a few that are still new and factory sealed on Amazon.com. (shown on the right) Be prepared for the cost to reflect the age and difficultly to purchase the video factory sealed.
Ebay is an excellent resource if you are willing to purchase the video in used condition. Since they are all auctions, the availability varies.
Read More Movie Reviews On ReviewThisMovies.com
More Recommended Movies for Children
Pooh's Heffalump Halloween Movie Review
It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
The Tale of the Bunny Picnic Video Review
The Jungle Book (2016) Movie Review
A Charlie Brown Christmas Movie Review
All Photos of Lumpkin the Pumpkin used in this article are Scanned and Copied from Video Box Cover
Movie Review of "Lumpkin the Pumpkin" Written by:
Thursday, October 6, 2016
October is Pizza Month: Reviewing Our Favorite Pizza Recipes
These days, ordering a pizza is as easy as pulling out your phone and opening an app. But, let's face it, it's hard to beat homemade. Besides, preparing a pizza at home doesn't require waiting for (and paying for) delivery or going out again if you're already at home.
Making homemade pizza actually is pretty easy, especially if you follow one of the favorite pizza recipes that we're going to tell you about, all tried and true. It's a fun activity, too, one that's perfect for involving the kiddos.
Kid-Friendly Pizza Recipes
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Photo from Ladymermaid |
Pizza sauce from a bottle or jar should be a staple in your house, along with plenty of mozzarella cheese. A toaster oven is perfect for making these individual pizzas using bread or hamburger or hot dog buns. Kids, especially, love adding the cheese and toppings to the buns and popping them into the toaster oven for a few minutes. Adults enjoy these, too, perhaps with more sophisticated toppings. For a family or a crowd, use a baking sheet and the regular oven to turn out enough pizzas for everyone.
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Photo from Cooking for the Holidays |
Since it's October, I absolutely had to include the recipe for this fun Spider Web pizza from Review This Reviews' own Sylvestermouse. She's absolutely right about families' needing a quick but filling meal before trick-or-treating on Halloween evening. And, as her family has done, making this Spider Web Pizza a tradition for October 31st is a great idea.
Only a few simple ingredients are required to assemble a delicious pizza that your family will love. Adding a creepy spider to the top is optional, but where's the fun in that? Read all about decorating a pizza for Halloween at the link.
Healthy Pizza Recipes
Photo from Recipes For Real People |
I use packaged crust and jarred Alfredo sauce, along with sliced fresh zucchini, a jar of marinated artichoke hearts, some onion, garlic, and black olives, and top it all off with a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Yes, it tastes as good as it sounds! It's good for you, too, if you go easy on the sauce.
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Photo from Sam's Place |
To turn any of these pizza recipes into true homemade pizza, you'll need a good pizza crust recipe. Get it at Sam's Place! Here's his easy homemade all purpose dough recipe, and he also includes links to his own homemade pizza and pepperoni bread recipes. Prepare to be impressed as Sam is a wonderful cook. (Update: Hot out of the pizza oven is Sam's latest, Fresh Tomato Spinach Pizza. Don't miss this delicious recipe!)
Pizza When It's Too Hot to Cook
Author Photo |
Whether I'm in the mood for a quick pizza from the freezer, if I pick up a fresh pizza from the deli, or even if I make my own pizza from scratch, the Pizzazz allows me to prepare it without heating up the house. This awesome appliance also saves time since there's no preheating required. It works for other foods, too, as you'll learn when you read my full Pizzazz Plus review.
So, are you hungry yet?
These recipes should get you through October's Pizza Month celebration or any month, year, or day of the week that you find yourself in the mood for a slice of one of America's favorite foods. I'd love if you leave a comment to let me know which of these is your favorite pizza recipe.
~Susan
~Susan Deppner
Read more of my reviews.
Posted by Susan Deppner

About the Author
Susan Deppner is a baby boomer, a cancer survivor, and a Southerner who believes in the Golden Rule. She enjoys writing about food, faith, and fitness; health, home, and holidays; people, places, pets, and patriotism, and more. Follow Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Review of the Best Nut Choppers I Have Used
Nut Choppers Are Essential Tools in My Kitchen
I use my nut grinder almost every day. I use it most mornings when I chop the walnuts for Barb's Power Breakfast Cereal. I also put chopped walnuts in my Buckwheat Blueberry Breakfast Pudding for cold mornings. Most of my baked goods contain nuts. All of those nuts need to be chopped into smaller pieces.![]() |
My Progressive Nut Chopper, Divided into its Parts |
Here's Why I Needed to Buy the Progressive Nut Chopper
Norpro Hand Crank Nut Walnut Almond Peanut Chopper Cutter Grinder Time Saver
For most of my over fifty years in the kitchen, I used this manual nut grinder and loved it.
Then one morning I accidentally broke the glass base. I tried the top on every empty jar I had in my cupboard, but not one fit. They were too large or too small or had different size screwing threads to fit a vacuum lid. I tried using one those jars with the same diameter opening, trying to hold the top on while I turned the crank, but it was just too awkward.
I was otherwise perfectly happy with this nut grinder . I would screw the grinder / chopper element onto the glass jar base, put in the nuts I wanted to grind, and crank the handle. I never had a problem. When I finished grinding the nuts I removed the grinder part and dumped any loose nut pieces into the bowl which was ready to receive them. Then I also emptied the jar into the bowl. After the jar was empty, I'd put it in the dishwasher and hand wash the plastic grinder top and lid.
My Review of the Progressive Nut Chopper
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A Close Look at the Progressive Nut Chopper Blades in Action |
More Features of the Progressive Nut Chopper
Which Nut Chopper is Right for You?
- More durable plastic base that is hard to break
- All parts may go into top rack of dishwasher
- Convenient measuring lines on base
- Non-slip base
Which Nut Chopper Will You Choose?
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Reviewing Jiffy Cornbread Mix
Cornbread Made The Easy Way
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Image by Sherurcij |
Just add 1 egg and 1/3 cup of milk and bake. The time for baking will depend on your choice of how you plan to serve your cornbread. If you choose to have muffins the time is only 15 to 20 minutes at 400 degrees. The package will tell you how long to bake if you opt for a more traditional serving such as skillet cornbread like the image at the left. Obviously, in a skillet or square pan the baking time will be a little longer.
Cornbread is so versatile and can be served with just about any kind of meal. We particularly love it with chili but to be honest, I could eat cornbread in one form or another just about every day.
You can use the Jiffy Cornbread or Corn Muffin mix in other recipes, too. I gave the recipe for my corn spoonbread in an earlier post here on Review This which uses the mix. It is one of my favorites and my family's, also.
When I am in the kitchen, I like to turn the Food Network on. This past weekend I watched Valerie Bertinelli use the Jiffy mix to make cornbread cookies. Oh my goodness they look so very good! I have decided that the next time I make a big batch of chili, I am going to use her recipe for the cornbread part of the meal.
It is my humble opinion that every kitchen should have at least one box of Jiffy Cornbread mix in their pantry at all times. I find that I use at least one box per week, myself.
Monday, October 3, 2016
FotoJet Free Photo Editor Review

Easy Sign up
So far, I've found no gimmicks with the FotoJet photo editor site. My pet peeve is trying to sign up to use a free program only to find that there is some catch. Perhaps you must enter your credit card number in order to register for the "free" site. Or it is free, but you have to download all sorts of things onto your computer and then their tool bar takes over. Sometimes it is easy to sign in, and really is free, but then you learn that you only get to do one sample of something and your free use has ended. An upgrade (that costs) is required to continue. I found NONE of those gimmicks with FotoJet. Registering was just this easy:
- I entered my email address.
- I entered the password I wanted to use.
- I went to my email account and clicked the link for email confirmation
- I returned to the site and began creating
Easy to Use
I clicked the link to confirm and entered the site. Because I'm not tech savvy, I expected to have to spend a day or two trying to figure things out. I looked for FAQs and directions and found none. There are a few hints (such as using the arrow keys...and I wish I had paid attention to that hint!) while the page is loading. Otherwise, I found no instructions.
But within two hours, I have four photo samples edited. And I am very excited about them.
FotoJet Editor for Social Media Posts
Personally, have a really hard time remembering the image size requirements for my social media sites. Sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest have different and ever-changing requirements. My photos files have multiple photos saved in a variety of sizes and labeled with the site they were created for. FotoJet won 't decrease the amount of photo files I have, but it will take away the need to look at my image size cheat sheet each time I am re-sizing.
FotoJet Photo Designs for Instagram
My first attempt was designing an Instagram photo with a personal photo for my personal blog. I chose the design, chose my photo, dragged my photo onto the design and voila, was nearly finished. I clicked on the text boxes to add my wording, dragged it to where it looked best, and resized it easily. I also changed text colors and fonts easily. When finished, I saved it to my computer.
To show the variety of designs, I used a second design with the same photo. I think it gives my photo an entirely different look.
FotoJet Photo Designs for Pinterest
I then did the same for the designs sized for Pinterest. With permission from our photography contributor Mary Beth, I used her amazing beach photos for these designs.
Aren't her photos gorgeous?! Anyway, with the first design, I dragged and dropped two photos, clicked on their existing text boxes, and changed the wording to my own. With the second image, I dragged and dropped the photo, changed the opacity of the existing text box, and left their text as is.
What a happy coincidence to find a design with my name.
FotoJet Social Media Designs in Summary
I had a bit of difficulty finding the trash bin initially. But I am content with clicking around and trying things out. Clearly, the "click and hope" technique worked well for me. Everything else was very easy to navigate. Especially after I started using the directional arrows to move the photos.
I hope that FotoJet adds even more designs for Instagram and Pinterest. And perhaps some for Twitter. Overall, I really like this free photo editor. It seems to be a program free of gimmicks and tricks to purchase upgrades. It is easy. And if your goal is to create attractive images for your social media sites with as little muss and fuss as possible, I think you will be thrilled with FotoJet.
Related Links:
Thank you to Mary Beth for allowing me to use her amazing beach photos for these examples. You can read more about her photography on Review This as well as purchase her items in her Sunrise/Sunset collection.
The first image is a FotoJet design using a photo from Pixabay. In addition to choosing one of your own photos while creating your designs, FotoJet includes a handy link to choose free photos from Pixabay.
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