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Thursday, October 24, 2024

Comfort and Joy by Kristin Hannah

A Book Review

If you are looking for a delightful, feel-good book to read around the holiday season, I would like to suggest Comfort and Joy by Kristin Hannah. Kristin Hannah is the award-winning author of more than 20 books, and I feel that you can never go wrong in picking one of her books to read. Comfort and Joy was the hostesses pick for our October book club and everyone in our club loved the book.

Book Summary

Joy Candellaro has had a very rough year with a divorce and finding out her sister is marrying her ex-husband. Christmas has always been her favorite time of year but this year she is feeling rather alone and not in the mood to celebrate. She decides to take off by herself and boards a plane to head into the beautiful Pacific Northwest in Washington state. A plane crash waylays her plans, and she finds herself walking alone into a small town and then out of town into the beautiful Olympic rainforest.

Her walk ends near a hunting lodge where she meets two people who will change her life. First, she meets young Bobby O'Shea who is getting ready to celebrate his first Christmas without his mom. Bobby's dad, Daniel is very protective of his young son and is slow to warm up to Joy, but eventually they become close. As Christmas is approaching Bobby and Joy surprise his dad with a tree and plans for the holidays. They are all looking forward to a magical Christmas till Christmas Eve comes and Joy's world is ripped apart.

This is a book you must read to find out if the magic of Christmas will reunite this delightful cast of characters.

Amazon Link to Book

Here is the link to where you can purchase the book on Amazon.

Comfort and Joy

Review This writers review Kristin Hannah books

Several of the writers for Review This Reviews have picked Kristin Hannah books. Here are a few of the reviews:

These books were reviewed by Dawn Rae.

Book Review - The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah (reviewthisreviews.com)

Summer Island by Kristin Hannah - Book Review (reviewthisreviews.com)

Treasures by Brenda has reviewed these Kristin Hannah books.

Kristin Hannah’s Home Front Book Review (reviewthisreviews.com)

Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale Book Review (reviewthisreviews.com)

Renaissance Woman also reviewed a book by Kristin Hannah

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah - Book Review (reviewthisreviews.com)

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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Wednesday, October 23, 2024

The Best Exfoliating Enzyme Mask for Brighter, Softer, Smoother Skin

I recently started using the DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Mask, a facial treatment designed to tackle multiple skincare concerns. As an experienced and discerning skincare enthusiast, I have been quite impressed by this facial mask and thought it deserved its own product review here on Review This Reviews.

What It Does

This 4-in-1 enzyme mask promises to reduce the appearance of large pores, deeply hydrate the skin, cleanse impurities, and provide gentle exfoliation for a smoother, more radiant complexion. It uses a combination of enzymatic and physical exfoliants to brighten dull skin and leave it feeling soft and silky!

Key Ingredients

This well formulated product is packed with jojoba oil beads, enzymes, minerals, and antioxidants from pumpkin to rejuvenate, brighten and refresh the skin.

Pumpkin

A star ingredient, rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as powerful antioxidants that work to brighten the skin, improve texture, and diminish the appearance of fine lines. Pumpkin enzymes naturally exfoliate dead skin cells, making your skin appear fresher and more even-toned.

Jojoba Oil Beads

Tiny, eco-friendly, time-release exfoliating beads that provide physical exfoliation. They help to gently slough off dead skin cells without damaging or irritating the skin.

Mineral-Rich Kaolin Clay

Kaolin clay helps absorb excess oils and contains important minerals like zinc and copper to help regulate oil production, calm inflammation, and improve the overall balance of the skin.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) can help soften skin and prevent it from losing moisture.

Peptides

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 are anti-aging peptides that can help repair visible skin damage, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve rough texture, minimize irritation and restore a firmer feel.

Ceramides

Ceramides help lock in moisture and keep skin soft and supple.

Enzymes

Natural fruit enzymes help to accelerate cell turnover by breaking down dead skin cells, promoting smoother and healthier-looking skin over time.

Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties that may lower levels of acne-causing bacteria that promote inflammation and blemishes.

Who Is It For?

This mask is suitable for normal, dry, oily, or combination skin types. It may not be suitable for very sensitive skin.

My Experience With the DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

After using this mask once a week for a few months, I’ve noticed significant improvements in both the texture and appearance of my skin.

Here’s what stood out:

Texture & Consistency

The mask has a soft, creamy texture that feels luxurious and comfortable on the skin. Unlike many exfoliating masks that can feel gritty or abrasive, this one is smooth, making the application process enjoyable and relaxing.

Warming Sensation

Upon application, the mask has a self-warming effect, which I found to be incredibly relaxing. The warmth isn’t intense or uncomfortable but provides a soothing sensation that enhances the spa-like experience. This warming effect is said to improve blood flow, which may further enhance the skin’s radiance.

Exfoliation

One of the standout features is how effective the exfoliation is without being too harsh. The pumpkin enzymes and jojoba beads work together to provide both chemical and physical exfoliation, removing dead skin cells and leaving my skin feeling soft and smooth after each use. I noticed that my skin looked visibly brighter, and my makeup application was smoother due to the improved texture.

Hydration

Despite being an exfoliating mask, it didn’t strip my skin of moisture. In fact, it left my face feeling comfortably hydrated afterward. I didn’t experience any tightness or dryness, which is often a concern with masks that contain exfoliating ingredients.

Apparent Pore Size Reduction

Although nothing can actually make your pores smaller, there are ways to make them appear smaller. One of this mask's key claims is its ability to reduce the appearance of large pores. After regular use, I have noticed that my pores appeared smaller, especially around my nose and chin. This has been a pleasant surprise, as I often struggle with congestion in those areas.

Scent

For those who love the warm, comforting smell of pumpkin, this mask will be a treat. The scent is subtle but definitely reminiscent of a cozy fall day. It’s not too overpowering, which is great for sensitive noses.

How to Use This Enzyme Mask

After cleansing, apply a generous, even layer of the mask to clean, dry skin. You can apply it to just your face or to your face, neck, and décolletage.
Massage slowly and gently (don't scrub!), enjoying the warming sensation until it dissipates.
Leave the mask on for about 10 minutes.
Wet your hands and massage again, slowly and gently.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

After rinsing and patting dry with a clean face towel, my skin feels smoother, more refined, and better able to absorb the rest of the products in my skincare routine.

How Often to Use

You can use this exfoliating enzyme mask 1–3x/week. Since I also use other exfoliating products a couple of times a week, I use this mask only once a week.

I recently did an at-home Jessner's chemical peel (the first in what will be a monthly series over 6–8 months. I used this DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Mask a week after I applied the chemical peeling solution to help remove the last small remnants of the flaking and peeling skin after most was gone. Here's how my 70-year-old skin looked immediately after using the DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Mask and applying my routine skincare (except my tinted mineral sunscreen, which I applied after taking the photo) on the seventh day after my Jessner's peel.

Note: The even tone and smooth texture are a function of both the peel and the enzyme mask as well as my consistent commitment to an effective daily skincare routine tailored to my skin goals and concerns.

Close-up of face after using DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

Face bare? Don't care (when my skin looks good!)

Overall Impression

I’m genuinely impressed with the DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Mask. It’s a great multi-functional product that truly delivers on its promises. The combination of pumpkin enzymes, jojoba beads, and nourishing minerals makes it a fantastic option for anyone looking to improve skin texture, reduce pore size, and achieve a brighter, smoother complexion. Additionally, the hydrating properties make it suitable for a wide range of skin types, even those prone to dryness or irritation.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely. Whether you’re someone who’s just getting into skincare or a seasoned enthusiast, this mask can be a valuable addition to your routine. It’s gentle enough to use regularly but effective enough to deliver visible results. If you’re looking for a skincare product that leaves your skin feeling smoother, softer, and visibly clearer, the DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Mask is worth trying.

Have you given the DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Mask a go yet? Let me know your thoughts or share any tips you have for maximizing its benefits!

DRMTLGY Pumpkin Enzyme Face Mask with Jojoba Beads. Gentle Exfoliating Pumpkin Facial Mask for Dullness, Uneven Skin Tone, Fine Lines and Wrinkles. 5.5 oz

The DRMTLOGY Pumpkin Enzyme mask is not only an effective skincare treatment, for me it's also a lovely, relaxing, weekly self-care ritual. It also would make a terrific gift for someone who loves skincare or whose skin is looking a bit dull and could benefit from a bit of a boost.

The Best Exfoliating Enzyme Mask for Brighter, Softer, Smoother Skin by Margaret Schindel

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Gobble Up the Fun with Thanksgiving Inflatables

When the leaves start falling and the weather begins to cool we all know it's time for Halloween. The decorations come out inside and out. Every year we decorate outside for Halloween. After all the kids have had fun and the candy is all gone the decorations are stored away until next year.

Reviewing our Thanksgiving Turkey

Every year when Halloween is over and the decorations are put away Fran would always say we don't have any Thanksgiving decorations for the yard. She solved that problem last year and bought this 6-foot inflatable for the yard. We now have a giant gobble of joy in our front yard to celebrate Thanksgiving.

From the moment we took it out of the box, the inflatable turkey's sheer size was inspiring and comical. He is an undeniable presence in our yard at 6 feet tall and with a goofy smile. All you have to do is secure him with the included strings and stakes.

Setting him up is as easy as pumpkin pie. Plug him in, and in a matter of seconds, you have a full-blown turkey with holiday cheer. The colors are bright and festive, with rich reds, oranges, and yellows that scream "fall". The material is thick and durable, and it is designed to handle some gusty fall winds and unpredictable autumn weather.

One more feature is he has a built-in LED light making it perfect to light up your yard at night. The soft internal glow makes it impossible to miss and ensures your holiday spirit shines even after dark.

So, should you get this inflatable turkey? Absolutely. If you want your home to be the talk of the neighborhood, if you want to make people smile as they walk by, and if you want to tell the world you're 100% ready for Thanksgiving, this is for you. We had so many people stop to admire him after we put him in the yard.

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ReviewThisProductReviews.com

Amazon has a large selection of Thanksgiving Inflatables

Joiedomi 6 FT Thanksgiving Inflatable Turkey Decorations, LED Light Up Turkey with Pilgrim Hat, Blow Up Turkey for Thanksgiving Outdoor Decorations, Halloween Inflatable Turkey for Yard Garden Decor

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Monday, October 21, 2024

Introducing Shepherd's Wool Yarn by Stonehedge Fiber Mill

My first experience with hanks of Shepherd's Wool is that this yarn is extremely soft, beautifully colored, and easy to work up. I am thrilled about my choice of yarn color and the mill that spun it. I could not have made a better choice of my first handspun wools for my first crochet cardigan project.

I recently went to my first Fiber Festival and purchased handspun yarns with the plan to crochet a sweater for myself. Previously, I hadn't had the confidence to attempt crocheting a sweater. Especially, with more expensive handspun fiber yarns. I've decided to jump right in. I researched an easy cardigan crochet pattern and the various vendors that were going to be at the Shenandoah Valley Fiber Festival. I had chosen the yarns from two vendors and only had to choose the yarn colors and weights while at the festival.

I had recently reviewed the Companion Fiber yarn that I purchased during that adventure. Today, I will tell you about the Shepherd's Wool from Stonehedge Fiber Mill, Michigan.

I had gone to the festival with a plan of purchasing yarn from two specific shops. I first bought the hand dyed yarns at Companion Fiber then made my way to the Stonehedge Fiber Mill booth to choose the neutral colors that will make up the majority of my cardigan.

The Yarn: Shepherd's Wool

This yarn is so luxurious that I find myself touching the skein just to give it an extra squeeze.

Sport weight (2 weight)
2.5 ozs - 230 yards
Worsted Spun Fine Wool ("merino top")
Hand Wash - do not agitate
colors - granite and black

The website speaks more about "merino top" and that the way this yarn has been spun creates a yarn that is smooth, almost shiny in appearance, and creates wonderful stitch definition in your projects. I do not yet understand the different levels of yarn and what type of spinning creates what quality of yarn, but I have experiences that this yarn has a gorgeous look and does great a wonderful stitch definition. The way the yarn is spun, it looks like two different colored strands to me, it gives a depth of color in my project that I don't get with many other yarns.

I purchased the neutral colors of yarn (black and grey) from Stonehedge Fiber Mill.

The Mill: Stonehedge Fiber Mill, Michigan USA

This family owned and operated mill provides services such as carding, fiber spinning, and fiber evaluation (Please check their site for updates on the availability of these services. The site currently states that they are not accepting new items for services due to their backlog.)

They also offer handmade yarns, batting, and roving from their own flock.

The Stonehedge Fiber Mill booth was filled with their yarns in various weights, a gorgeous colorful skein that is called Stonehedge Crazy yarn, T-shirts, and the most gorgeous handmade stuffed sheep, alpaca, and other animals. Deb had made the wonderful stuffed animals. Even though she had many customers, she took the time to help me make decisions about the best color and weight of yarn to work with the yarn I had purchased at Companion Fiber.

The Stonehedge Fiber Mill is located in the northern portion of lower Michigan (on the Traverse City and Petosky side of the state). If you are not local to that area, and are not able to visit the mill shop in person, they do online orders.

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Sunday, October 20, 2024

A Fabulous Character Driven Movie - Elsewhere, 5 Stars

The Storyline – What "Elsewhere" is About

"Elsewhere" is a touching and thoughtful film about Bruno (Aden Young), a man devastated by the sudden loss of his wife.

As he struggles to come to terms with her passing, he faces an unexpected dilemma—his late wife's family is trying to force him out of the beautiful home they once shared.

Desperate to hold on to the place that holds so many memories, Bruno concocts a plan to secretly stay in the house. While doing so, he navigates life's hardships, meets new people, and redefines what it means to move forward when it feels like everything is slipping away.

The plot is driven by Bruno's internal battles, and you find yourself rooting for him as he wrestles with grief and the inevitable changes that follow.

It's heartfelt and emotional and keeps you invested in his journey.

The Excellent Cast

The performances in "Elsewhere" really make the story shine.

Aden Young brings a quiet intensity to Bruno, portraying a man who is both deeply wounded by his loss and stubbornly holding on to hope.

Parker Posey plays Marie, a quirky and energetic woman who befriends Bruno, offering a refreshing contrast to his solemn demeanor. Their chemistry feels natural and believable, adding a layer of warmth to the story.

Ken Jeong, known for his comedic roles, steps into a more serious character here, and he does it convincingly. His role adds some much-needed lightness without taking away from the movie's emotional depth.

Beau Bridges and Jacki Weaver play supporting roles that add complexity to the story, each bringing emotional weight to the film.

Overall, the cast feels like real people, which makes the story even more engaging.

Why I Loved This Movie

What truly touched me about "Elsewhere" is the depth of its characters and how it deals with real-life issues like loss, letting go, and the need to heal.

Bruno's journey of grief and self-discovery felt authentic and moving, making you think about how we all cope with life's unexpected turns.

I'm always drawn to character-driven movies, and "Elsewhere" nailed it with its focus on personal struggles rather than over-the-top drama. Watching Bruno face his challenges and come out stronger in the end was inspiring.

The beautiful coastal setting also plays a huge role in the film—it almost feels like a character itself. The serene landscapes and calm surroundings create a sense of peace, making it easy to understand Bruno's heartache.

Every time the camera lingers on the countryside, you feel a sense of relaxation that adds to the film's emotional depth.

I give this one a five-star rating. Again, this one is for you if you enjoy character-driven movies featuring challenging life issues mixed with hope and growth.

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National Nut Day Review

We celebrate National Nut Day each year on October 22. This is NOT a story about squirrels, or about your nutty neighbor. It is a food holiday about a healthy and nutritious snack.

How Did This Holiday Begin?

National Nut Day was begun in 2015 by the UK-based Liberation Foods Company, a collective of small nut farmers around the world. The company started this holiday as a way to encourage a healthy eating lifestyle.

Benefits of Nuts

Image of Mixed Nuts from Pixabay

Many kinds of nuts have been proven beneficial. Almonds, pecans and walnuts are at the top of the list of healthiest nuts you can eat. Check out this link for the various benefits of almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, peanuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, and pecans. It is nice to know that something that tastes so good, and comes in so many varieties, is also good FOR you.

Fun Facts About Nuts

Image of Walnuts via Pixabay

The oldest nut is the Walnut
The rarest nut is the Macademia
The world’s most favorite nut is the Almond
The nut which is in danger of becoming extinct is the Brazil Nut (as the Brazil Nut Tree is on the threatened species list due to deforestation)
The softest nut is the Cashew
The nut NOT a nut is the Peanut (it is actually a legume)

Other Nut Days We Celebrate

February 26 - National Pistachio Day

April 14 - National Pecan Day

May 17 - National Walnut Day

August 3 - National Grab Some Nuts Day

September 13 - National Peanut Day

November 23 - National Cashew Day

Related Reviews Featuring Nuts

National Pecan Day Review by Wednesday Elf

A Very Nutty Christmas Movie Review by Sylvestermouse

Honey Walnut Drops Cookie Recipe Review by Wednesday Elf

Summary

Peanuts image from Pixabay

So, this is where I ask you ~ what is your favorite NUT? Be sure and stock up on it - or grab a bowl of mixed nuts if you cannot decide on a favorite - and enjoy a healthy snack as you celebrate National Nut Day on October 22.

*National Nut Day is a Holiday Review written by Wednesday Elf

Diamond of California Shelled Walnuts, 32 oz - 1 unit

Blue Diamond Almonds Whole Natural Raw Snack Nuts, 25 Oz Resealable Bag (Pack of 1)

PLANTERS Salted Cocktail Peanuts, Party Snack, Plant-Based Protein, After School Snack, Roasted in Peanut Oil, Salted Nuts, Snack for Adults, Flavored with Sea Salt, Bulk Nuts, Kosher, 2.19lb (2 lb, 30z = 35 oz) Jar

PLANTERS Deluxe Salted Mixed Nuts, Party Snacks, Plant-Based Protein 15.25oz (1 Canister)

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Friday, October 18, 2024

Haunted Wedding (2024) - Hallmark Movie Review

Few couples would want their wedding to be haunted by a real ghost. Even if the bride and groom didn't mind, I doubt there would be very many people who would want to attend a haunted wedding. But, leave it to Hallmark to find a way to make a haunted wedding a romantic event.

With Halloween approaching, I wanted to find a movie that fit with the season, but I had no desire to be scared witless. When I discovered Hallmark had just released "Haunted Wedding", I trusted it would be a pleasant "haunting".

The ghost was beautiful, yet threatening, but nothing was really scary about this movie. Howling wind, flickering lights, thunder, and lightening was the extent of what most could see. However, the bride and groom, who happened to be paranormal enthusiasts, could actually see and hear the ghost. They were quickly drawn into her story and set out on a quest to help her before their own wedding.

I was not the least bit disappointed in Haunted Wedding! It was a very enjoyable way to get into the "spirit" of Halloween. There will be no nightmares as a result of this movie.

Synopsis of Haunted Wedding

Haunted Wedding

Jana Atwell is a high school teacher and Brian Fuller is an antique dealer in Philadelphia. Not exactly professions that would instantly make you think of paranormal investigators, but both embraced "spooky" and hoped they would find proof that there are real ghosts.

While ghost hunting in an abandoned sanitarium for the criminally insane, Brian chose to ask Jana to marry him. This did not seem to be an unusual location for a proposal since the couple had met at PolterCon.

Of course, Jana accepted the proposal. It seemed only fitting that she would immediately start planning their wedding to take place at Keystone Manor, a renowned haunted hotel.

The Keystone Manor is haunted by a real ghost, Angelique DeMornay, who died of a broken heart in the 1700's. She was only 26 years old when she died in her sleep. One of the bedrooms upstairs was her bedroom in life, and is still maintained for her. It is off limits to guests and kept as close to the original as possible.

Angelique was engaged to Revolutionary war hero, Lieutenant Malcolm Buchanan, who was killed by British soldiers on his way to get married. They had planned to elope on Oct 13, which happens to be Jana & Brian's wedding date. One more thing the two couples have in common, Brian looks exactly like Malcolm.

Jana is the first person who has ever been able to hear or see the ghost of Angelique. When Brian enters the room, he can see Angelique too, but she believes he is Malcolm. When she is told of their plans to marry in a few days, she declares no one is to wed in her home ever.

My favorite line in the movie was spoken by Brian when he proposed. He said: "I've spent my life seeking out lost souls and in the process, I found my soul mate".

In spite of the ghosts, the spooky setting and the sadness associated with lives and love cut short, this was a very romantic movie with a really sweet ending. Romantics at heart will not want to miss this Hallmark movie!

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Haunted Wedding (2024) - Hallmark Movie Review by:

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Thursday, October 17, 2024

My Favorite Gardening Tools, Review

I have been gardening, off and on, for forty plus years. Over the years, I have come to know some gardening tools as my favorite.

The first one is one I happen to find just last year, in 2023. I had been searching the local warehouse stores to replace my trusty forked prong garden tool. No one had any! What happened to them I wondered.

Then low and behold, the last store I checked, I found a different version of my old trusty tool. The blade part wasn't as long or as sturdy as the old version, but it had some new features. Instead of the long round barrel with a forked prong at the end, it had a flattened out and curved blade part, a more pointy prong at the end, and a saw tooth edge along the lower left edge. Hmmm, I thought. I'll give this a try.

I was hoping for a longer barreled tool, but overall it seemed to reach a pretty decent depth. And that little more point forked prong seem to grab hold of the weeds, and more easily pull them up. Whoa! I was impressed.

The saw toothed edge also came in handy in sawing off some thicker roots and thick stems. I was beginning to love its versatility.

Then I moved some of my cement garden edgers and needed to channel out a somewhat narrow channel for their new location. This little trusty pronged tool was the answer. It was just wide enough and it allowed me to saw off hardened dirt along the sides which gave me a straighter channel to fit the cement edger in to. I was doubly impressed.

This is the link for it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3U8Hbg1 I did see other brands on Amazon that had the sawtooth edge on the opposite side, if you prefer those.

I have since found the other prong tool that I had been looking for on Amazon. Some companies call it a dandelion weed puller.

Another tool that has become a favorite, is a spade shovel. Since I now have a prong tool that does narrow type digging and prying, I prefer to have a wider type spade shovel. Whether I'm digging up a minor patch of weeds, or having to dig around the roots of larger plants, I really like having a wider spade shovel.

The Fiskars model is pretty heavy duty and has been holding up well. It has an ergonomic type handle, which is much easier to hold than wooden handled spades that I have owned.

The model that I purchased and use is found on Amazon through this link. https://amzn.to/4dQ6JFM

Sometimes my gardening ventures require some more heavy duty digging. Although I like the general rounded type shovel, I use those to dig up large plants, I have really come to appreciate the flat edge shovel.

When I want a larger shovel to help define an edge, or when I want to remove top layers of soil that turn out more even, I reach for the flat edge shovel. It helps to create the desired finish that I want.

The closest one that I could find on Amazon is made by Hantop. The one that I have does not have a brand name on it; other than it says USA tempered 2 on it. Mine has a totally flat straight edge on the shovel part, and this one has a sawtooth edge. The saw tooth edge appears to be on the top part of the blade, as customers have commented about it giving a straight edge. This would be my recommendation; it has a 4.9 star rating with 27 reviews. Here is the link on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3A8E4h9

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Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Something in the Walls ~ Daisy Pearce ~ A Book Review

Just in time for Halloween, this writer decided to jump on board the "horror" genre of books. I'll be the first to admit that it is not my favorite genre, but "Something in the Walls" by Daisy Pearce, grabbed me and didn't let go until the very end.

Netgalley has this book listed as a Mystery & Thriller or General Fiction. I think I would add Horror to the tags on this book.

Nothing, but nothing will have you checking under the beds before you go to sleep than a good book that raises all the hackles.

Mina is a newly certified child phycologist and she's waiting for her chance to show the world that she's ready to help any youngster make sense of their world. She is also trying her hardest to be taken seriously even though she hasn't yet had a real "case". Mina has issues from her own childhood. She always attends a bereavement group after losing her brother. At one of these meetings she is introduced to Sam Hunter (a reporter) and he has a proposition for her.

Alice Webber is just thirteen years old and the small community of Banathel where she lives, is convinced that she is being haunted by a witch. The town has a long history of witchcraft and superstitions run deep. Everyone believes there is evil in the world. But in Banathel, there are prescribed ways of dealing with that evil.

The Webber family and many of the townsfolk are very poor, so is this just a way for them to become the latest "front-page" news? If they can milk this story maybe they can get out of their poverty and live a little better. The whole family will benefit or is there something sinister happening?

Mina is convinced that she can help Alice and Sam wouldn't mind getting a good story out of the experience for his newspaper.

Instead of things getting better with their arrival in town, Alice seems to be getting worse! She hears voices, sees things coming out of the falling down brickwork, knows something of Mina's and Sam's past. How do these things happen and does Alice have some answers for Mina and Sam?

People are dying for reasons unknown and Alice seems to be in the middle of it all. The townsfolk are ready to deal with the girl who is haunted or maybe is the witch herself.

If you like horror and being kept on the edge of your seat, then this book is for you. It is available through Amazon , just click on the book cover above! If you have an Audiobook subscription you can get it for free!

A little scaring is just what everyone needs to get into the Spooky Side of Halloween! Enjoy!

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Tuesday, October 15, 2024

HALLOWEEN-THEMED LEGO GIFT & DECOR IDEAS

Discover some fun and fabulous Halloween-themed gift and home decor ideas!

A GIFT GUIDE FULL OF FUN 'N FABULOUS LEGO ITEMS FOR HALLOWEEN

My family loved and still love both Lego and Halloween. I am not sure if it was so easy to combine both of those themes when my boys were growing up but it definitely is now. Items from these two themes are great treats for Halloween. They are appropriate for those who are old enough for Lego and for those of us who are young at heart. I have found nine fun-tastic items and they are all available through the links right here on this page. Come with me then as we review some fantastic Lego-themed Halloween items perfect for your gift giving or home décor.

1. CAT AND MOUSE SET

Lego Cat and Mouse Halloween Set (40570)

If you’d like to have an actual set of Lego for Halloween, here is one to consider. The Cat and Mouse set, set number 40570, has 328 pieces and is recommended for individuals aged 9 and up. After you build it, you will have a nice little display piece for your home’s holiday décor. You can find Lego’s Halloween Cat and Mouse set here on Etsy.

2. OWL SET

Another fun Halloween set is this owl set, number 40497, which includes 228 pieces and is recommended for individuals 8 and up. This guy will be over 4 ½ inches tall when you have finished building him and will be another fun addition to your Halloween décor. You will find Lego’s Halloween Owl set here on Etsy.

3. PUMPKIN, SKELETON OR ZOMBIE STORAGE CONTAINER

Lego Jack-O-Lantern, Skeleton and Zombie Storage Containers. Perfect for Halloween.

I love these containers, which are meant for storage whether that be of Lego, of Halloween candy or of something else. They look like classic Lego mini-figure heads but are bigger. Take your pick of a pumpkin, skeleton or zombie head! Watch for them in two sizes. You can find your Lego Halloween storage containers here on Etsy. Buy more than one and you can even stack them.

4. UNISEX T-SHIRT

Lego Mini-Figure Pumpkin Heads BOO! T-Shirt

Boo! Fans of both the holiday and the toy will love this unisex t-shirt with it is image of Lego-style mini-figure heads and the word Boo! Your builder will have fun wearing this shirt from Brick Road and you might even love wrapping it in the coordinating wrapping paper. Available in sizes from small to 3XL, you can find this Halloween Lego tee right here on Etsy.

5. PUMPKIN COACH OR HORSE AND CARRIAGE INSTRUCTIONS

Instructions for a Lego Halloween Pumpkin Coach or Truck.

For someone who has plenty of Lego pieces but is looking for a creative way to come up with a Halloween-themed decoration, I found these Halloween-themed patterns. The first is an elaborate pumpkin coach or horse drawn carriage. It reminds me somehow of Cinderella’s carriage but is definitely meant for Halloween. The second pattern is a skeleton-themed truck carrying a large jack-o-lantern. It is ready to haul that jack-o-lantern wherever it is needed. Bricks Boys Studio on Etsy has the instructions for downloading of both pieces so once you buy them you can download the pattern(s) and start building. Find your Halloween pumpkin coach or skeleton truck Lego instructions here on Etsy.

6. BUILDING BRICKS LOT

Halloween-colored building bricks lot. Great for your Halloween builds!

It can be hard finding a bunch of colored building bricks in a certain color. Bricks from Colorado has created a selection of Halloween-colored Lego bricks for your building projects. You will receive half a pound of genuine Lego pieces that have been hand sorted and that include random Lego pieces in appropriate colors like dark purple, lime green, orange and gray. Bonus, they include a few spiderwebs and spiders. Your selection will not be exactly as shown here in this picture but will be similar in nature. I think that this would be a totally unique gift idea for any Lego builder. Find your bundle of Halloween-colored Lego pieces here on Etsy. You will also find a selection of already built pieces and seasonal mini-figures.

7. DISNEY’S JACK SKELLINGTON MINI-FIGURE

If you love Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas movie franchise, you will love this Jack Skellington mini-figure. It is from the Disney Series 2 Collectible Mini-Figure pouches, set number 71024. Each set contained one Disney minifigure. Whether you were collecting all of the pieces from that series or you just love this character in particular, you will find the Jack Skellington mini-figure here on Etsy.

8. PUMPKIN CARVING PARTY INVITATION

Halloween Pumpkin Carving Party Invite - Digital and Personalized.

This card makes me wish I was having a pumpkin carving party. It’s a personalized digital download and, as such, is animated. It reveals three costumed characters carving their jack-o-lanterns. You add your party details including the date, time, location, R.S.V.P. and any extra details you want (within a st number of characters). Create your Halloween party invitations here on Etsy and note that Etsy seller Brick Greetings has two other types of Halloween party cards available.

9. AUTUMN SCARECROW PUMPKIN PATCH BOX

Gorgeous Genuine-Lego, Custom Built Scarecrow Pumpkin Patch Box. Perfect for Halloween.

I will close with this phenomenal custom-built autumn-themed trinket box. Handcrafted from genuine Lego parts by Etsy seller Lego Box, it features a lid that comes off to remove a small storage area. On top of this one you find a scene straight from the pumpkin patch! Find more custom-built Lego boxes for Halloween and other seasons by Liz here on Etsy.

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There you have it, a page full of interesting Halloween Lego items. Which ones were your favorites? Don’t forget that simply adding accessories like napkins, plates, candles and mugs in a related color like orange will help create your Halloween mood.

Looking for more Halloween ideas? Check out Etsy’s Halloween shop, packed with “spooky-season picks at scary good prices” by clicking right here.

See you
at the Lego store!
Brenda

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