As I reviewed some of my lighthouse photography tips, I found that finding the right place to take the photo is a very important part of my tips. On a recent trip to the Florida panhandle I found some good examples of using this tip.
Our first stop was in Port St. Joe where I photographed the Cape San Blas lighthouse. The first photo I took was the view as I left our car. It is a straight on look at the lighthouse with the keepers house to the side. You can see that photo at the top of this article. I think it is a good photo and many people would stop with that view. I enjoy finding different perspectives so I took a walk around the lighthouse. I found a small lake behind the lighthouse and walked around the lake looking for the best shot. I took a new photo every few feet and got a lot of good views. The one below is one I particularly like. It shows the lighthouse reflected in the lake.
Living in a Lighthouse
While we were in Port St. Joe I went to look for another lighthouse I had read about. This lighthouse is on private property and not open to the public, but I found directions to an area where I could get a photo. This lighthouse is called St. Joseph Point lighthouse and is now a private residence off county road 30a. Here is a photo I took from the street. Wouldn't it be fun to live in a lighthouse? I imagine you might get a better perspective of this lighthouse from the water but I was limited to taking it from my car. This was taken from the street in front of the lighthouse.
So remember next time you go to take a photograph of a lighthouse (or anything for that matter) don't stop at the first view you find. Take the time to look for some different perspectives.
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.”
Patricia Polacco's books aren't just stories. They are connections to the hearts of her readers. You will see why in a moment. Polacco is not just a talented artist with a style that's easy to recognize, but she's a storyteller with heart.
Patricia Polacco is only a year younger than I, but she led a much less sheltered life. Her parents had divorced when she was only three, and she and her mother had been living with her grandmother in many different towns until her grandmother died. In one of those towns, Union City, Michigan, they had lived on a farm. Life on the farm with her Babushka (grandmother) provided Polacco with many of her story ideas when she later began to write.
Most of Polacco's stories relate to problems and fears that children have. In some a child has lost a beloved adult -- a grandparent or neighbor. I have read many other children's books, both fiction and nonfiction, that deal with these issues, but none have made the connection with my heart that Polacco's did. I believe that in almost every one of her books I've read, and I've read lots of them, her own heart and feelings were involved. In others, her love of books and reading connected with me.
Polacco understands the importance of family relationships in both the nuclear and extended family. She understands the value of intergenerational relationships. In many of her books a child and a lonely elderly person make a connection that ends their isolation. Not all children have grandparents and not all widows and widowers have grandchildren. Polacco shows that these intergenerational relationships can be just as vital even when child and elderly person come from different races or cultures.
Gifts of the Heart by Patricia Polacco
In this precious Christmas story, young Patricia and her brother have been living with their mother and her parents on a farm in Michigan. When Patricia's grandmother dies, her grandfather wants to sell the farm and move because the house is so full of memories. Meanwhile, Grandfather has hired a woman who says she is Kay Lamity to look after the children, as their Babushka used to do, while their mother went to work. Patricia's brother, especially, rebels at the thought that anyone can replace their Babushka.
A Gift for a Child with Dyslexia: Thank You, Mr. Falker
My brother had the misfortune to have dyslexia before anyone knew what it was. Born into a family with a mother and sister who loved reading and read to him all the time, everyone assumed he'd also become a reader. Except he didn't. As much help as he had from a mother who was a teacher and a sister who wanted to help, he just became more frustrated when books didn't make sense to him. Like Patricia, he didn't get help until he was in middle school. Like Patricia, he thought he must be dumb. He never told me what he might have suffered from teasing by his classmates. This is a book every teacher and parent should read -- especially if they have a child with a reading problem. Listen to Jane Kaczmarek read it on YouTube and see if you can keep your eyes dry. I couldn't
If you know a child who needs this book, please get Thank You, Mr. Falker for him or her. I recommend a physical book for all the picture books to enhance the reading experience.
My Favorite Polacco Book: Aunt Chip and the Great Triple Creek Dam Affair
This my favorite because I can't imagine a life without reading. I've loved reading since I was three years old, and I loved being read to even before that. I've never been a great fan of TV, either. So I can imagine how it would feel to be Eli's Aunt Chip, the Triple Creek librarian, when people stopped reading to watch TV. Television was the center of their lives and they always had it on. Pretty soon even school teachers were replaced by television.
Although Aunt Chip still faithfully showed up to work every day, no one came. Finally the library was demolished and replaced by a giant TV tower, and Aunt Chip took to her bed. She told told the mayor and the townspeople there would be consequences to replacing books with television.
When Eli arrived on the scene, he loved his Aunt Chip. He did think it strange she'd not left her bed since he'd known her, but she told wonderful stories. Finally he asked her one day where she got her stories. She replied, "Some come out of thin air. Some come out of my dreams. Some come right out of books!"
Eli asked how you would get a story from a book. All he'd seen books used for were patching holes in the street, sitting on, building things, and even shoring up the dam. Never for reading. This is when Aunt Chip discovered that not only Eli, but no one else in the town could still read. So she showed Eli the inside of a book and explained about writing.
'Now look at this. Those are words. They tell about ideas, dreams, and feelings. They take you to places far from here....Books are a treasure. All you need is the key.'
I don't want to give the story away, but Aunt Chip leaves her bed and the town soon learns the consequences of their rashness in closing the library and replacing books with television. I think the ending will make you happy, and you will love what happens to Eli. This book is not a tear-jerker like the others I reviewed. Give it to anyone who thinks reading isn't important.
Here are more of my favorites. There's a story for almost any child in this group of books. You can find more detailed reviews of the books below and many others, as well as more about Patricia Polacco's life and inspiration in "Patricia Polacco and Her Books" at Books to Remember. You will also find study guides and readers' theater scripts for the most popular of her books.
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.”
Do you watch cooking shows? Have you ever wished that you could slice vegetables and other items quickly with a knife like they do? Shoot, I will admit that I can't even cut things evenly with a knife going slow let alone trying to speed it up. So, I have added a tool to my kitchen that will slice quickly without holding a knife in my hand to do it. I finally bought myself a mandoline slicer.
Now, I won't have to worry about cutting myself with a knife and I can have thin slices or waffled (something I can't do with a knife!) veggies anytime I want them. I should also tell you that I have a history (not a pretty one!) with knives that would best be saved for another day. Let's just say, I have a healthy respect for a knife and fingers!
What I love about the Mueller Slicer is its versatility. I have five blades to choose from and the adjustable stand is awesome! There are two different styles of shredding blades which is something that a lot of the other mandolines don't offer. One gives a thicker cut that is good when I want things to be cubed. I can take the vegetable of choice and run it across the shredder and then cut those into cubes. The finer shredder blade works well for when I want carrots in a julienne style or shredded potatoes for hash browns. There is even a blade that cuts vegetables in a waffled or crinkled pattern.
I love being able to have thin slices of potatoes to make chips with or slices of onions for sandwiches! I can even slice up a tomato without getting a mushed up mess. When using the mandoline slicer by Mueller, I can adjust the thickness of the slices which is really handy. Sometimes you want a very thin slice for chips and other times a thicker slice is called for. I have that option with this slicer.
My only regret is not having treated myself to one of these handy tools sooner! Personally, I think every kitchen should have one. If you have someone on your gift list this holiday season who loves to cook or perhaps is just learning to cook, giving them a mandoline slicer would be a most welcome gift.
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.”
This review about the wildly popular Google Play gifts cards may be an odd review. After all, I've never used one and I'm not certain of everything they can purchase. I can, however, swear to their popularity and the high demand for them with the teenagers I'm acquainted with. As a mom and a grandmom, I am very aware that over the years I give two types of gifts: first, the kind of gift I want the recipient to have (such as socks, coats, and gloves) and second, the kind of gift the recipient wants to receive. Google Play gift cards are gifts that are most definitely in that second category. I know this to be true from the students at work. And who better to recommend gifts for youngsters than the youngsters themselves?
Google Play Gift Cards
I watched a young man who was thrilled to have received a Google Play gift card. He said due to their popularity, they were always "sold out" when it was his turn in the school store. But not on this day. On this day he was able to obtain on. It was easy to see how ecstatic he was. It was like Christmas had arrived an entire month early. Which made me decide to check into more about the gift cards. These gift cards can purchase anything in the Google Store. This includes:
games
apps
movies & tv
music
books
Google Play Gift Card Tips
The Google Play gift cards cannot purchase actual items such as electronics and accessories. Think of the Google Play gift cards as money to be spent only in the Google Play Store. An adult friend told me that these cards can also be used to purchase extra levels or currency in certain games. The students who like these cards are using them on their Android phones and on their tablets. Also, Google Play cards bought in the US are to be used in the US only (apologies to our international readers). The card I have shown is an actual gift card that will be mailed to a home address. Perfect for giving a tangible gift at Christmas. If you prefer instant gratification, there are Google Play "cards" available via a code that is purchased then emailed to you or the recipient and redeemed using that code. Google Play cards come in a variety of amounts. Check out Amazon for a variety of these cards.
Be sure to browse the Review This!holiday gift guide for a wide variety of gift ideas and recommendations from our writers. How many times have you been on the road during the holidays and have needed to recharge those electronics? Avoid that problem and make the long drives far more pleasant for the children and/or yourself with the DC to AC Power Inverter/Adapter for Cars recommended by Sylvestermouse Cynthia. Photo attribution: CCO Creative Commons
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.”
You're not conventional. Everybody knows that about you. So don't disappoint them, go ahead and add these three odd-ball Christmas décor items this holiday season.
Elf Leg Covers for Your Chairs or End Tables
If your goal is hearing your guests let out a belly laugh when they see what crazy décor idea you've come up with, then Elf Leg Covers should do the trick.
The set comes with four leg covers - enough to do one chair. However, they're not expensive so budget permitting, get enough to do several chairs.
If the budget allows for only one set, then you could plan to use them on a hallway end-table or an end-table that's clearly visible in a room.
When a Full Blown Santa Suit isn't in the Cards, Greet Your
If two of you are hosting a Christmas gathering or party, greet your guests wearing these festive borderline ugly sweaters. They don't qualify as full blown ugly because, after all, they do honor the big guy.
You won't have a problem finding your size, as they range from Small to Triple X.
This sweater is a standard pullover with a round neck and cotton liner. Also, there are two convenient pockets on the side. Double check the size chart because sometimes it's better to order a size up.
A Santa Sweatshirt also makes an excellent hostess gift. It's original, funny and best of all, useful for the season.
Why not? Go ahead. When else do you get to decorate the toilet? Go full-on-tacky with your washroom décor. Forget classy, go for the laugh.
This funny snowman toilet accessory is just what's needed when your guests open the washroom door to do their business - snowman eyes looking right at them. A relaxed bathroom-goer is a happy bathroom-goer.
Less tension, more smiles helps to ensure everything comes out ok.
The set comes as seen in the photo: With the mat, the toilet seat cover and the tank cover. It doesn't list washing instructions, but if it were me, after the party's over, I would wash on delicate and hang to dry.
Have fun, get silly for the season!
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.”
If you know someone who loves Sudoku (and don't we all have at least one person on that list?) then you're probably sick of buying them Sudoku books and no doubt they already have (or don't like) the electronic version of Sudoku.
Let's review other ideas for s Sudoku fan and there are a couple. A gift that I thought looked really neat was one of the Sudoku mugs (mind you I always think a mug is a cool gift idea) that's available, but from experience these really don't seem to be appreciated as much as an actual puzzle book.
What is left? Well there are some Sudoku calendars which look really good. I have debated getting these, but so many people just use their phones instead of a physical calendar these days.
This leads me to another idea - something very unexpected and a very novel gag type of gift.
Now I have to be honest I can't claim credit for this gift idea, it comes with a little story. My boss passed away a couple of months ago and we had to clean out his office and we came across some Sudoku toilet paper.
One of his friends called in as we were still sorting through things and noticed the toilet paper and told us that he'd given it to him as he loved to do Sudoku. I immediately asked where I could get some as I thought it would be a great idea for my mother.
The paper seemed good quality and I personally think it makes a great gag gift, but also if you're going to be in the 'little room' for a while why not exercise your 'little grey cells' at the same time!
I give it a big thumbs up as a novel gift idea for a Sudoku fan and if you're a fan and on my Christmas list - surprise! You're getting toilet paper.
The only question now is - can I find a toilet paper holder that has a pen/pencil holder attached because you just know that you'll forget your pen when you want to solve the puzzle and I don't think it's fair to try and do Sudoku in your head!
If you prefer Suduko books or you want to give one as well then Cynthia reviews one of her favorite (like her I prefer the pen and paper form of Suduko to the electronic ones and this book sounds awesome!)
Brain Games 10 Minute Sudoku Puzzles Book Review
The 10 Minute Sudoku Puzzles Book satisfies my love of Sudoku really well, it's also a ring bound book which I appreciate as it is easier for me to use when traveling or waiting for appointments.
If you're thinking wow that's a great idea, but I don't know anyone who likes Sudoku then you might be pleased to know that you can get all kinds of novelty toilet paper (who knew?) and what better gag gift for a work colleague or your best friend?
More Gift Ideas
You can find lots of different gift ideas here at Review This from gifts for tea lovers, vegan teens, cat lovers, writers and more. Be sure to check out our Holiday Gift Guide (by clicking the picture below) or just search gifts for lots of great ideas.
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.”
Make Your Own Treasured Keepsake with Beaded Christmas Ornament Kits
Handmade beaded Christmas ornaments are a fabulous gift to give to just about anyone. My own Christmas tree is loaded with Christmas tree ornaments that have been given to me over the years. I have a whole collection of ornaments from my grandmother. Since she is no longer with me, I cherish them more now than I did the day I received them. I have keepsake ornaments that my parents gave to me and beautiful handmade beaded ornaments that my mother made for me when I was still a child. I also have handmade ornaments from my children. Now that they are grown, it is a walk in the past to touch the ornaments those precious little hands made. Giving Christmas ornaments as Christmas gifts has become a family tradition in our home. Why not make your own beaded Christmas ornaments and start a new family tradition today?
Beaded Ornament Handmade by My Mother
This is one of the ornaments that my mother made for me when I was a little girl. It is approximately 45 years old. It is one of my greatest treasures.
In my minds eye, I can still see my mom sitting at the kitchen table, placing each bead, each sequin in just the right place to make this lovely keepsake. Year after year, this ornament finds it's special place on our tree.
An Ornament I Made for Our Son
I made this spider ornament for my son 22 years ago. Each year, regardless of when I decorate our Christmas tree, I hold the little spider aside for my son to add to the tree. To this day, our tree is not completely finished until he comes home and hangs the spider on the tree.
I made the spider long before the internet and computers became a household "utility". I have never gone back to write my own instructions online.
This Was A Gift I Made for Our Daughter
I chose to make this ornament for my daughter because her favorite color is purple.
However, there is another meaning behind the color choice. Purple is a combination of red and blue, the warmest and coolest colors, therefore purple is considered to be the ideal color.
Thus, an ideal beaded ornament for an ideal daughter!
I Made This Ornament for Each of Our Children
In addition to the ornaments I made with the individual child in mind, I have also made matching ornaments over the years for both of our children. The green carousel ornament is one that I made for both children.
Ornament Kits or Instruction Books
I personally prefer the ornament kits because they come prepackaged with everything needed to complete a beaded ornament, except the craft glue.
However, sometimes a kit is not available in a specific color or design. Then I pull out my trusty books and buy the supplies required separately.
Either way, the gift of a handmade ornament is special to the recipient and will be a cherished treasure, just as the ones I have shared above, for decades to come.
Because of my on love for making beaded ornaments, I have several beaded ornament kits available in my own Ebay store. My inventory changes often simply because they sell out and additional kits are not always available from the suppliers. Here are a few that I currently have in stock:
RSS feeds don't always load properly. If the feed is not showing above, you can see the ornament kits available in my Ebay store by clicking here!
See More Craft Reviews at ReviewThisCrafts.com Where you will find some awesome Craft Reviews & Tutorials like these, and more!
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.”
Nothing says Christmas to me like my grandmother’s rosette
cookies. Coming together as a family
during the holidays means making, and then inhaling, these Scandinavian treat
delights (my highest dessert rating).
These lacy snowflake-like cookies are as much eye candy as
they are absolutely the tastiest lighter-than-air, flaky pastry you will ever
eat.I don’t think there is a more
beautiful holiday food than rosettes.Just having a plate of these delicate cookies on your table will instantly
make the season more merry and bright.
If you are looking for a unique gift for friends, family,
neighbors, teachers, or co-workers, this is a delightful way to share the warm spirit of the season.Simply create a gift basket filled with
rosettes, or even better, offer a kit with the recipe, a set of rosette irons, and the mix. You just might help someone start a treasured holiday tradition.
Ingredients:
2 eggs
1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
In a mixing bowl, whisk your eggs, sugar, and salt until blended.
Use a sifter to mix in your flour. Add milk and vanilla.
Add three to four inches of cooking oil to a deep fryer or stove top pan.
Use candy thermometer to heat oil to 365 degrees (Fahrenheit).
Heat rosette iron in the oil for at least two minutes.
Remove heated rosette iron from the oil. Let excess oil drain off the iron.
Carefully dip the hot iron into batter (leaving a 1/4 inch margin at top of iron).
Immerse rosette iron into heated oil. Fry batter until golden.
Use skimmer to remove rosette from oil. Drip off excess oil.
Place rosette on drying rack. Sprinkle with sugar (granulated or powdered) just before serving.
Reheat rosette iron in hot oil for one minute and repeat the process.
Serves: 10 Prep Time: 15 Minutes Total Time: 30 Minutes
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.”
Three Outstanding Picture Books to Win Little Hearts (A Review)
Today we will look at three books written by Pat Furstenberg
Everyone knows that children love Pictures and Picture books with lots of interesting words and sounds. Part of every childs' development comes from those times when they are snuggled up with mom or dad, Grammie or Grandpa listening to the words and looking at the pictures. It's also a wonderful time to bond with our children and grandchildren in a way that will bring fond memories back to them one day.
From my own experience, there is nothing quite like the quiet time spent with my little ones telling a story, listening to them describe how they see the pictures and teaching them some great life lessons all at the same time. Books and the words they contain are stepping stones that children love to learn and hear. So when you come across some books that you know children will love, it's only fair to share what you have found.
Rhyming and word-play are an important part of every child's verbal development. There are word rhymes that are still taught to children today that go back at least 60 to 70 years and we are still teaching these same rhymes with their sing song rythms. The kids just love them all.
These three books by Pat Furstenberg are all written in this way. The pictures are delightful and the stories themselves are ones that will resonate with big and little hearts. Children will enjoy the stories of unlikely friends, while parents and grandparents can tell little side stories too.
The Cheetah and the Dog are an unlikely pair, yet they become and remain good friends even though no on thought this was possible. Too many differences don't matter when your hearts are in the same place. How many times does that happen in real life? Do you have a friendship that is still as strong as the Cheetah's and the Dog's?
The Elephant and the Sheep is an endearing story too! How often we make friends but don't think beyond what we see right in front of us. Each of our lives are different, but, the one thing we all need is a friend. A friend that can see beyond our hardships and differences. Only when we try really hard do we sometimes find out the truth. Little sheep learns a valuable lesson about friendship, love, and family. Elephant learns something too, family can be much more than living with other elephants. Family can be living with those who love us!
The Lion and the Dog is another story about our differences and how they really don't matter. What matters is how we care and treat each other. Lion is so sad, yet the little dog Milo doesn't give up on Leo, even when he is less than friendly. Milo knows what every good dog knows, everyone needs a friend!
If you have children, reading them stories about friendship and caring for others is a great way to encourage empathy at a young age. The world needs more of that! Word play and stories with great illustrations makes it easy for parents and grandparents to instill little life lessons in a very heart-warming way. If you are a member of Amazon Prime, you can get these books and so many more by Patricia and other authors as well, delivered right to your Kindle device and some are free with Prime Membership.
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.”
When I can, I love to give my grandchildren educational toys. Recently I purchased a Science Academy Lip Balm Lab as a Christmas gift for my youngest granddaughter. I thought it was worth a review as a gift idea for the readers of Review This.
I was thrilled when I discovered the Science Academy lab kits for children! Obviously, both boys and girls can have fun with observing first hand the chemical reactions to different materials. Either gender can be a potential scientist in the making. Since I have little girls to buy for, I love the idea of promoting any of the sciences to them. When I was a little girl, my gender did not get much in encouragement when it came to fields of science. Society has changed and I think we are doing a better job of promoting a career in science to girls but we can do better, in my humble opinion.
There are 5 choices when it comes to the options for a gift for the child on your list. I chose the lip balm for a couple of reasons. First of all, my little six year old is obsessed with lip gloss and lip balm. Secondly, she has very sensitive skin so I was leery of the soap and bath bomb choices. The lip balm lab seemed a good option for her to have fun with while learning about chemicals and how to produce a product that she can actually use.
I love that she is going to learn about formulas while working with the kit. She will decide on colors and shimmers and can even add SPF to help protect her little lips from the sun. While experimenting with her own lip protection with her mom's assistance, she will be exposed to the possibilities that a career in science might offer to her. I am a firm believer in presenting the concepts of different professions to children as they play. We never know what might plant a seed in their young minds that later grows into a passion in their adult lives. To me, that is always a good thing!
Will my sweet little grandchild grow up to be a chemist or work in the science field? I don't know nor does she at her young little age. What this educational toy will do is give her some practical experience so that later on she will have more information to base her decision on what she wants to make a living with. Whatever she decides we will applaud her decision.
How about you? Are you planning on giving a child on your list an educational toy this year for the holidays?
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.”
