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Monday, October 17, 2016

Best Emergency Survival Kits

Reviewing Survival Emergency Kits for Earthquakes,
Hurricanes,Tornadoes and Other Disasters

Emergency Earthquake Kit

Earthquake Survival Kits are essential for any family households living in earthquake areas. These Emergency Earthquake Kits keep your family safe in a time of emergency. You know the old saying, "It's better to be safe than sorry." Be prepared in case disaster strikes with an earthquake emergency kit.

I lived in Southern California almost on top of the San Andreas Fault line for many years so I know! California rocks, and it rolls too! We had more than a few major earthquakes when I lived there, and you never know when it might happen again. Be prepared!

And anything you need for earthquake emergencies holds true for all the other natural disasters that can occur. Right now it's hurricane season and the East coast has been battered with a huge one and there is lots of flooding. You never know when Mother Nature is going to decide to let loose!

Here you will find wilderness survival kits and some of the supplies that are in them in case you already have a kit and are just adding more supplies.

In a hurry? Click here for Earthquake Survival Kits!

"By failing to prepare, you are
preparing to fail."
~Benjamin Franklin

Short List of Supplies You Should Have in An Emergency Survival Kit

Survival Kit List

For most people who prepare for Emergencies, it means having a Bug Out Bag. A short list of supplies follows:

Food and water

Clothing, things that mix and match

Toiletries

Cash and Credit Cards

Vital Documents (Identification, Medical Records, Prescriptions, Family Photographs)

Shelter (at minimum a large poncho which could be tied down but a tent is better)

Useful Tools (such as flashlights, matches and other fire starting tools)

First Aid Kit

Small Knife

Solar Lights

Radio

Your Bug Out Bag should be packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice; food and water should be checked regularly and replaced when necessary.

Set up a schedule to rotate your older items to your home pantry and add new ones to the Bug Out Bag.

So besides your Prepared Emergency Survival Kits with all the tools, add your personal items from this list , and you are prepared to survive if the worst happens and you need to get by without all the modern technology we are used to.

Emergency Humor Postage
Earthquake Survival Kits

In Case Of Emergency ... Run Like Hell postcard

In Case Of Emergency … Run Like Hell by GrungeFactory

Deluxe Emergency Survival Kits

Emergency Earthquake Survival Kits~for 4 People

One has a backpack, one has a bag, so choose what works best for you. Many people think these are the best survival kits overall.

Water and Food lasts 5 Years

Radio, Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger

First Aid Kit

Be Prepared!

4 Person Perfect Survival Kit Deluxe for Earthquake, Evacuation, Emergency Disaster Preparedness 72 Hour Kit

Ready America 70385 Deluxe Emergency Kit 4 Person Backpack

2 Person Emergency Earthquake Survival Kit

Best Emergency Survival Kit for 2 people.
Great wilderness survival kit which includes a backpack! If you need an Emergency Survival Kit for 2 People, this has everything you need.

Emergency Zone 840-2 Urban Survival Bug Out Bag Emergency Disaster Kit, 2 Person, Black

Emergency Survival Kit for 1 Person
Best Earthquake Emergency Kit for One Person

Ready America Grab-n-Go Emergency Kits, 1-Person 3-Day Emergency. They are the same except one has a backpack and one has a bag. Sustains one person for three days. Food, water, emergency poncho, First Aid kit (33 piece), Safety light stick (1) You might want to add in some of the tools down below.

Ready America 70180 Emergency Kit 1 Person Backpack

Ready America 70080 Emergency Kit, 1-Person 3-Day Bag

Emergency Supplies for Earthquakes and Disasters

Water Filter

The most important thing you need to survive in the event of an emergency is clean water! If you do nothing else, prepare to be able to filter your water so it's safe to drink. Humans cannot survive more than about 3 days without water. We can survive without food for much longer. But water is essential to life. In case you run out of water, a water filter will allow you to have clean water from whatever water source you encounter. This would also work if you are traveling and are not sure the water is safe.

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

Water for Emergencies

In case you want to take water with you, these packets have pure water and will be safe to drink for at least 5 years.

Datrex Emergency Survival Water Pouch (Pack of 64), 125ml

Radio for Emergencies and Earthquakes

If all Hell breaks loose, you will need a radio to keep up with announcements. This is great in any emergency situation!

Sangean LB-100 Compact AM/FM Ultra Rugged Radio Receiver

Emergency Tools

Everything you need to go camping or have in an emergency situation until life gets back to normal.

Tent Tools Micro SAS Military Survival Kit

Emergency Survival Mylar Sleeping Blanket

Very lightweight but strong and warm, for those cold nights! Great for camping too. You would be amazed how warm mylar is to sleep under!

Primacare HB-10 Emergency Foil Mylar Thermal Blanket, 52

Magnesium Fire Starter

A fire starter is very handy to have because who wants to rub sticks together to start a fire? Not me! This little tool makes it very easy. Hmm, maybe it would help in the fireplace too!

Emergency Shelter Tent

If you are in an emergency situation and need shelter, a mylar tent will keep you cozy and warm and it is lightweight so easy to carry in a backpack or a bag. Then when you are ready to pitch your tent, it is very easy to do!

Chocolate Emergency!

I think this qualifies as a chocolate emergency card
by disgruntled_genius

You Will Also Want to Be Prepared With Survival Food Kits

"Be Prepared... the meaning of the motto is that a Scout must prepare himself by previous thinking out and practicing how to act on any accident or emergency so that he is never taken by surprise."
~Robert Baden-Powell,
Founder, Boy Scouts of America

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Sunday, October 16, 2016

Decorating Your Bedroom for Fall

Temporarily Change Your Bedroom's Decor to a Fall Theme

Reviewing Ways to Satisfy Your Urge for a Seasonal Change Without Spending a Fortune

We rarely think about making a seasonal change with a bedroom, mainly because we believe it would be time-consuming and pricey.

However, if Fall is your favorite season and you'd like to bring fall colors into your bedroom without doing a major overhaul, here are three ways you can accomplish that without breaking the bank:

1. Cover Your Existing Comforter and Pillows with an Autumn Duvet Bedding Set

If your bedroom's existing color scheme is fairly neutral or decorated with a few fall color tones already, then go ahead and bring fall into your bedroom by putting a calming fall duvet cover over your existing comforter. By doing this, you keep your existing comforter; you're temporarily covering it up. Remember to change those pillowcases as well.

You don't have to spend a fortune either. You can find Duvet sets for under $100, and the best part is that when you're ready to go back to your standard decor, just remove it. Or better yet, replace it with a
Christmas Duvet Set.

2. Switch Your Standard Drapes Out for those that Feature a Fall Scene

This temporary change is more challenging than the bedding change; however, if you choose drapes that go up the same way as your existing drapes, it's a breeze.

We rarely think to inter-change our draperies, yet window coverings can change a room's entire feel and look. In the case of fall colors, they add warmth and coziness.

Again, when you're ready to go back to your standard decor, remove them until the next time.

3. Add a Double Sided Fall Room Divider - Surprisingly, They Don't Cost a Fortune

Granted, this is a more difficult addition to a bedroom (unless your bedroom is pretty large).

It's also valid for large dual-purpose rooms, such as bedroom/office combinations.

Because this piece is prominent, it isn't something you can easily store away, but why would you want to - just move it to another room.

You can place this gorgeous artistic piece in the family room, an office, a study area, a foyer, or any place where there's a need to create a division in an open area.

Changing Your Decor for the Season is the Best Way to Get Over the Craving to Buy a New Home

My days as a Realtor allowed me to understand why people decide to move.

People often expressed this common sentiment ... 'we need a change.'

You may, in fact, need that change. However, before you decide whether moving is right, go ahead and redecorate a little. Sometimes, the changes we need are minor.

After all, decorating changes are a lot less expensive than moving.

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns" by George Eliot

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Saturday, October 15, 2016

Let's Review The 'Happy' Part of Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween Garden Flag

Happiness is a Friendly, Cute, and 'Not-So-Scary' Halloween

The word Halloween was first used in the 16th Century and throughout the ages it became associated with imagery that leans toward Gothic and horror and the supernatural associated with the night. So such things as Dracula and Frankenstein, scary ghosts and haunted houses became symbols of this harvest-time holiday in books & films, costumes, parties and products. It all makes me wonder what happened to the "Happy" in the holiday known as Halloween.

For a 'Not-So-Scary' Halloween, lets look at some friendly, fun and cute items and have a truly "Happy Halloween".

A Happy Halloween...

Can Be Found Everywhere!

On Friendly Ghosts...

Little Ghost Postcard
by artogram

Little ghost is friendly and cute - He might 'scare' himself, but his cuteness just makes you want to smile!

The Best Ghost is a 'Friendly' Ghost

Ghosts and Haunted Houses have long been associated with Halloween and are intended to Scare us. But wait, what about Casper, the Friendly Ghost? Ghosts can be friendly and fun too.

*Casper first appeared as 'The Friendly Ghost' in a 1939 children's book and a 1945 animated cartoon.

A Pair of Plush Ghosts...

Plush Toy Ghosts

Boo & Boo-ette

Boo and Boo-ette are a pair of the friendliest Ghosts you'll find anywhere. They can be friendly plush playmates for a child, or a fun Fall/Holiday decoration

Boo and Boo-ette are handmade in crochet of white acrylic yarn. The heads are lightly stuffed with soft polyfil. Their eyes are plastic 'safety eyes', giving them that Amigurumi personality. They are the creation of a crochet crafter from Kansas. This pair was in her Etsy shop and have since been sold, but contact the Etsy Shop Coastal Crochet Crafts and request your own. Custom orders always welcome.

Spooky Ghost Washcloth

Handmade washcloth in the shape of a ghost

Ghost Novelty Washcloth

A ghost isn't really 'spooky' when it's in the form of a hand-crocheted cotton washcloth!

A fun novelty washcloth in the shape of a ghost. A cute way to entertain children at bath time or to make chore time in the kitchen washing dishes more fun. Or just display it for a Halloween decoration.

Bats Might be Scary...

But Not When They are Colorful and Cute Crocheted Amigurumi Baby Bats

Fritz the Fruit Bat in Crochet

Baby Bats in Plush are Best...

...if you are seeking a non-scary Halloween.

A Baby Bat is absolutely adorable when created in the Amigurumi style of crochet. It is much cuter than those scary black bats in caves! :)

These bats are handmade and are available in the Etsy shop of Millie's Crochet House of Chesapeake, Virginia.

Baby's First Pumpkin Play Set

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 babies who are too young for the 'treat or treat' of Halloween, this First Pumpkin Play Set is perfect.

My First Pumpkin Playset is by Genius Baby Toys. It is interactive with Candy Corn that crinkles, a Ghost that squeaks, a Spider rattle and a Cat that meows.

What's Your Halloween Preference?

Image Source: Wikipedia

Do You Like a Happy Halloween or a Scary One?

Many of the Halloween Happiness Items Shown Here...

Are the crafty and artistic creations found on Etsy & Zazzle!

Friday, October 14, 2016

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children Movie Review

A suburb movie! In true Tim Burton style, there is no crude language, no lewd actions or even innuendoes. Only pure excellence in the making of the movie.

To be completely honest, I did not expect to like the movie, "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children". My husband raved over the book when he read it a few years ago, but it just didn't sound like a story I would enjoy, so I passed on reading it myself. Now, I am very sorry I didn't read the book!

Because my husband loved the book, of course we went to see the Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children movie. Again, I fully expected to simply be tolerating a movie for my husband's sake. However, from the very beginning, I was spellbound.

After seeing the movie, I can hardly wait to read the book.

Yes, this is indeed one of those times when I should have listened to my husband. Can you hear him snickering in the background?

Synopsis of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar ChildrenLet me warn you, the story has a heart-wrenching beginning. Jake's grandfather is murdered and Jake arrives too late to help him. Abe is still alive when Jake finds him, but only long enough to give him a mission. While Jake is holding his dying grandfather, he sees a huge monster in the woods approaching them. In fear, his friend shoots blindly into the woods, not seeing anything. She is simply responding to Jake's warning. Later, we find out the monster is a hallowgast and we learn why only Jake could see the creature.

Jake is clearly traumatized by these events. His parents send him to a psychiatrist who subsequently recommends a trip to Wales and the orphanage where his grandfather was raised. The doctor suggests that Jake can find closure and say goodbye, in a way, to his grandfather there. This is exactly what Jake wants. He needs to visit Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children himself. He has a mission to accomplish. However, until he is there and surrounded by the children his grandfather has always told him about, he has no idea that he, himself, belongs with the peculiar children.

Each peculiar child has an unusual ability or power. One girl can light fires by simply touching something. One boy is invisible. Another girl can float and actually has to wear special weighted shoes to hold her to the ground. Some have unbelievable strength, but they all have a "peculiar" skill.

The most remarkable is truly Miss Peregrine herself. She possesses several special abilities. One, she can turn herself into a beautiful peregrine falcon. A very suitable metamorphosis for a caregiver of "peculiar" children. However, her most valuable talent is her ability to create time loops, which is why neither she nor the children ever age. They are protected by staying in a certain place in time.

But, Miss Peregrine and the children are in danger of being found by the hallowgasts who feed on peculiar children. It is Jake's mission to save them, but he is just a teenager himself and this is all very new to him in reality.

Conclusion and Recommendation

This synopsis really is just touching the surface of the plot. It is a very in depth story which is quite unique. I don't believe I have ever seen a more fantastic fantasy. There are elements of that seem familiar to us all, like unseen monsters, shape-shifting humans, or individuals with supernatural strength. Even time manipulation. However, this plot is so unique and original, I felt like it was all new and unknown. Plus, I adored the quirky personality and fabulous style of Miss Peregrine. She was truly perfect.

I can highly recommend the movie Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children to anyone 13 or older. In true Tim Burton style, there is no crude language, no lewd actions or even innuendoes. Only pure excellence in the making of the movie.

I also highly applaud the writer of the book & story, Ransom Riggs, for his creativity and ability to entertain without disgusting his readers.

Now that I have seen the movie, I will be reading the book!

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (BD) [Blu-ray] Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children)

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Photographing Boothbay Harbor Maine

Review of Harbor Area

Boothbay Harbor is a beautiful and very picturesque little harbor on the coast of Maine. It sits on the edge of Boothbay Peninsula that juts out into the Gulf of Maine. We visited on a clear September monrning when the sky was so blue that it cast a blue tint to everything around it. It was a great area to take photographs and I stood at various spots along the harbor and took in all the sights. The scene below is Boothbay Inn as seen from across the harbor.

If I turned a bit right of the Inn I captured this white church on the edge of the harbor. There were lots of boats big and small

Fishing Boats in Boothbay Harbor Maine photo by mbgphoto

Cuckolds Lighthouse

I love to photograph lighthouses and the Boothbay Harbor area gave me the opportunity to photograph several. They were all offshore on islands so getting good photographs required a longer lens. The closest to shore was Cuckolds lighthouse. We drove past Boothbay Harbor a few miles to South Point Island and I was able to capture this historic lighthouse. This lighthouses started as a signal house in 1892 and then in 1907 a light tower was added atop the signal house. This lighthouse was automated in 1975. This lighthouse and grounds has been recently restored and is now open for overnight stays, weddings, lobster bakes and other events. I took the following photos from a dock off South Point island.

Other Lights Seen from Harbor

The other lighthouses that are offshore of Boothbay Harbor are hard to see with the naked eye. I was told one was 10 miles offshore and the other 15 miles and I could only capture them if I took a boat. None of the boat tours were running at the time we were there so I got some use out of my new 600mm lens. The first photo below is Burnt Island Lighthouse, you see it on the island on the right hand side of the photo. I believe the second photo to be Monhegan Island light. It is the one I was told was 15 miles away so it is very small in my photo. I find it fascinating to read about and photograph all of these lighthouses. The coast of Maine and the island around it are dotted with many lighthouses. Many of the lighthouses are now longer in service, however the Coast Guard still keeps watch over 56 of Maine's historic lighthouses.

Burnt Island Lighthouse photo by mbgphoto

Zazzle Products from my Photographs

Boothbay Harbor Maine Poster
by mbgphoto

Here is the guidebook I used to find my way around Maine.

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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.

Now all of you who are in the younger years of their lives will find, taking your teddy bear to work day is really easy. I know my Granddaughter has taken hers to school (her version of work) for the last 4 or 5 years. How does she do this? Very easily, after all the school books are packed into her back pack, Alfie (the wonder bear) gets the best seat on top with his head poking up and out of the top.

If you are too old to do that, maybe a seating arrangement like this one above would be a good choice. (picture from Pixabay)

Teddy Bears Make the Perfect Gift!

Teddy Bears have been a long time favorite gift for children and adults for years. They evoke a return to childhood and all this is good. I can remember getting little bears from my boyfriends and girl friends, as tokens of friendship. Their faces just seemed to say, "you are special to me!"

When you need some stress relief, grab your Teddy Bear and have a good talk, he won't tell anyone your secrets.

Teddy Bears are used to bring smiles to faces of children, when they are sick, tired, stressed (yes kids can stress), or just for no reason at all. Some children will latch onto their teddy bears without any prompting from mom or dad, while others will only grab onto theirs when it's bed time. No one is sure why that happens, but, I can tell you that when it does, it can be the cutest thing ever. My Granddaughter is so attached to her bear, that her parents went out and bought a second one exactly like the first one, just in case she lost hers. The problem here is that my granddaughter is quite aware that there is a second one in the closet, but it's not her Alfie! The closet bear has a name, "Hugo", but he will never be and will never replace Alfie!

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!

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Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Reviewing Ponchos For Women

Ponchos: A Practical Choice In Fashion

Public Domain Image

The Poncho, it is an article of clothing that ebbs and wanes in the fashion industry from season to season. It will be really hot and found in every shopping outlet you can imagine or it may be hard to find depending on where it sits in the popularity of the designers for the year.

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.

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Monday, October 10, 2016

Bubba Tumbler Review: Saves Money and the Environment

In 2014, I purchased a Bubba brand Envy Tumbler in an attempt to save money, avoid coffee spills, and reduce the amount of unnecessary plastic cups being sent to the landfill each day. I had no way of knowing how much money and stress that one rugged, insulated tumbler really would save. If you are looking for a durable travel mug for hot or cold drinks, Bubba brand is for you.

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?

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.

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Saturday, October 8, 2016

Mystery Book Series Review: Jessica James Series by Kelly Oliver

Coyote by Kelly Oliver

Yes, I am a huge fan of mysteries and series are a favorite. When I was asked to review the Jessica James mystery series for my site www.MysteryBookWorldLive, I was sure it would be worth my time. I was proved right. Author Kelly Oliver sends us on the exploits of heroine Jessica James in this 3-part mystery series.

Fair warning here, the third in the series is not yet released.

Reviewing Wolf and Coyote by Kelly Oliver

Wolf by Kelly Oliver

The first novel in the series, Wolf, (www.mysterybookworldlive.com/mystery-series/wolf-kelly-oliver-mystery-book-review) introduces us to Jessica James (yes, truly called Jesse at times), a Montana "cowgirl" who ends up working on her doctorate in Philosophy at prestigious Northwestern University in a Chicago suburb. It may be a far cry from her Montana small town roots, but that doesn't stop Jessica from stumbling on the murdered body of her doctorate advisor. You can read my full review of Wolf and see more for yourself. (www.mysterybookworldlive.com/mystery-series/wolf-kelly-oliver-mystery-book-review/)

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

Coyote by Kelly Oliver

Personally, I have no doubt that author Kelly Oliver is a masterful creator of interesting characters. She offers up characters that I want to follow. I want to see what happens to them next. And I'm rooting for them all along.

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.

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