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Monday, December 15, 2014

Bernat Blanket Review

I do not consider myself a crafty person typically. But every winter I do find myself sitting and crocheting. And every year I am able to make at least one item for a gift. This year, I have made a very exciting discovery. There is a fairly new line of yarn that has me head-over-heels with crocheting this year. It is the Bernat Blanket Yarn.

Crocheted Cowl by the author

My first project was a cowl that I made for myself. I very loosely followed a different pattern I had found on the internet. The good thing about just winging it was that I ended up with a cowl that I love. The bad part is that I can't replicate it exactly since I didn't count stitches or pay close attention to how many rows. I can tell you that I started with joining a chain in order to make a loop around my neck at what I thought was a desired length. I completed the second row of single stitch. Then I used rows of double stitch, with one row of decreasing.

My second project was an easy scarf pattern. I am making a gift for a child at the school. He has asked me to teach him to crochet and since that first lesson he has been busy making gifts for his family members. I thought he might like to have a scarf of his own. The scarf is 8 single stitches across each row. Easy peasy.

After I finish his scarf, I think my next project will be a throw or blanket. Perhaps the one featured in the following video.

This video is a bit long, but excellent in showing a step-by-step blanket pattern with this yarn. It shows steps from start to finish. Please note, how soft and lush this yarn appears. It feels even better than it looks.

Bernat Blanket Yarn, Mallard Wood - photo by Amazon

Bernat blanket yarn can be found at craft stores as well as online. It is a Gauge 6 - Super Bulky Chenille yarn. It comes in ball size: 300 g/ 10.5 oz, 201 meters/220 yards. It is machine wash and dry. When I bought my first ball, it seemed a bit pricey. But I have made two scarves so far, and haven't gotten to the end of that first ball.

Crochet Hooks for Bulky Yarn - photo by Amazon

I wasn't prepared to crochet with this yarn since it was an impulse purchase. I saw the yarn, touched the yarn, and had to have a ball of it right then. I didn't have a pattern and I had no plans to crochet that weekend. I knew that I didn't have any hooks that were large enough so I did purchase a set of crochet hooks for bulky yarn. I'm happy using the N hook. The size N hook gives me a really nicely sized stitch.

This Bernat Blanket yarn (and I'm sure I'll try the Bernat Baby Blanket yarn soon) is amazing stuff. You can bet that my crocheting this season will not end with just these two scarves. If you like to knit or crochet, I urge you to check out this luxurious yarn.

Bernat Blanket Yarn,Vintage White - photo by Amazon

Bernat Blanket Yarn, Silver Steel - photo by Amazon

Written by Dawn Rae

Disclosure: In affiliation with Amazon.com, Dawn Rae is a content writer who may earn compensation from the sale of Amazon products.

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, December 14, 2014

The Family Man, A Christmas Movie Tradition

Have you ever wondered how different your life would have been had you made another choice and taken another road at a critical time?

Well, that's the premise of The Family Man, except the successful Wall Street President Jack Campbell, played by Nicolas Cage, seemed perfectly content with his apparent rise to the top until an Angel, played by Don Cheadle, brings upon 'a glimpse' of what Jack's life would have been like had he married his college sweetheart, Kate Reynolds, played by the beautiful Tea Leoni.

Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately (depending on how you view life), unmarried Jack goes to sleep in his very expensive Penthouse condo perfectly content on Christmas Eve and, without notice or warning, wakes up on Christmas morning living in 'the burbs' married to Kate for the past thirteen years. They have two little kids named Josh and Annie. Of course, the look on Jack's face at that moment in the movie draws you entirely into the story.

Jack's mission, although never clearly stated, is to learn about love, and probably the most profound lesson that Jack learns is the love he has for his family, a family he didn't have or think he needed, much less wanted. He also finds that his love for Kate never ended, a testament to the definition of true love.

Jack finds his way and finds happiness in his new family life. However, he knows he'll be taken from it as quickly as it was thrust upon him. The sense of losing the family he now has and loves becomes a much more significant loss than the loss of his money and status.

Once back into his supremely wealthy, successful existence, Jack takes steps to contact Kate and reaches out to her in a way that he never did thirteen years previous.

Have you seen the Family Man?

The Family Man - Available on Amazon Prime

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Saturday, December 13, 2014

Browse Review This for Gift Ideas

The contributing writers for Review This have compiled some wonderful reviews of gift ideas. It's time to feature them for all of us to enjoy again. We never seem to have enough ideas for those on our gift lists, so sit back and browse to your heart's content. Get the ideas that will make your gifts stand out.

The Review This Holiday Gift Guide

Of course all of us on Review This couldn't help but put together a marvelous collection of places online where you can select ideal gifts. Whether it's Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, showers or just because you want to gift something to yourself, the Holiday Gift Guide is the perfect place to start.

From home decor gifts to toys and just about everything in between, a great choice awaits you. Each of the sites featured is chosen by our writers so you know we picked those good ones.

Books and Movies for Fun Gifts

Books and movies are favorites for many of the writers on Review This. So we share our best picks for those. Really, can we ever have too many books to read or too many movies to enjoy?

Take a hilarious tour around Christmas Movies: Comedies for some great ideas. Then enjoy a book review just for the holidays. Noel the Christmas Ornament Book is wonderful for the whole family to enjoy for the holidays. Of course, you don't want to forget a great gift for all readers.

Uniquely Designed Gifts

Something different or unique is always welcome. But that doesn't

Mugs Make Great Gifts

mean expensive. Our writers share some great ideas for those uniquely designed, yet affordable gifts. How about mugs? Mugs really do make great gifts and what a selection to browse around.

Personally, I'm excited about giving calendars as affordable gifts and we have writers that are like me. On Review This, we include those special calendars. Not only beautiful photographic calendars, but easy ideas to make personalized ones as gifts.

Relax and Browse Review This

It doesn't matter what occasion you need a gift for, the writers on Review This have found some great ideas. So relax and browse around. The very best idea may just be sitting right here for you.

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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Friday, December 12, 2014

Christmas Movies Reviewed: Comedies

During the holidays, I frequently need a break from decorating and cooking for guests. It is at those moments that I reach for a Christmas movie that will make me laugh. I always feel rejuvenated after resting and watching a comedy that really makes me laugh till I cry.

There are two Christmas movies that are great comedies that our entire family loves, so no matter who is visiting, I know these movies will be fun to share.

If you haven't seen them before, get ready for some real belly laughs!

A Christmas Story (Rated PG)

A Christmas Story (Full-Screen Edition)Check PriceI will admit, "A Christmas Story" was not a personal favorite until I was married and old enough to identify with the characters. There were highlights in the movie that would make me laugh when I was a child, but now I absolutely roar with laughter over the "relationship" with the leg lamp, and I can certainly imagine big dogs eating our Thanksgiving turkey. Those things were simply too far from my own personal experiences as a child for me to really understand how funny they are to parents.

The "gift" from Aunt Clara has significance to everyone! Don't we all receive gifts we end up wearing just so the giver thinks we like them? While the bunny outfit might be a bit outrageous and exaggerated, I think we can all appreciate Ralphie's plight, but I especially "appreciate" the father's reaction.

As you can well imagine, there are several gifts that are perfect for "A Christmas Story" fans. You can see them here: A Christmas Story Gifts

Christmas Vacation (Rated PG-13)

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Special Edition)Check Price"Christmas Vacation" starring Chevy Chase and a host of other favorite actors, is my all time favorite Christmas comedy. We actually watch it several times each year and still laugh like it was the first viewing.

There are so many wonderful characters that make this movie great. All of the actors do a tremendous job, but the outlandish actions of Cousin Eddie throughout this movie, either remind us all of a relative or make us appreciate our own relatives more.

Randy Quaid very nearly outshines Chevy Chase in this movie. Truly, one without the other would not be as funny. The two together make Christmas Vacation a fabulously hilarious comedy.

This movie has a PG-13 rating for good reason. While we all find it hilarious, it really is not appropriate for children due to profanity and adult situation references.

You can find a selection of gifts for the Christmas Vacation fans here: "Christmas Vacation" Gifts

More Christmas Comedies

I am sure I have left no doubt in our readers minds, that I suggest breaks full of laughter, from the work surrounding the holidays. Finding something that makes us laugh adds to the natural rejuvenation of our body and spirit which will help us to enjoy our holidays more thoroughly.

Here are a few more Christmas Movies: Comedies that will make you laugh out loud.

Planes, Trains & AutomobilesCheck Price Click to See More Christmas MoviesCheck Price Christmas with the KranksCheck Price

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Thursday, December 11, 2014

Mugs make Great Gifts

Mugs for Everyone

Mugs are great gifts for everyone on your gift list. They come in all sizes and shapes and can be customized for your recipient. Take a look at the blue hydrangea mug below. This is one I made on Zazzle with a photograph I took of my daughter's hydrangea bush. Wouldn't it be great for the flower lover on your gift list?

Bright Blue Hydrangea Coffee Mugs by mbgphoto
Design your own coffee mugs personalized at Zazzle

Zazzle has mugs available in a variety of designs or you can design your own mug. The mugs are dishwasher and microwave safe and come in 11 and 15 oz sizes. Just click on the link above to order a pre-made mug, there are hundreds to choose from, or customize one of your own.

Fill Your Mugs with Goodies

Now that you have picked out a mug, how about filling it with goodies to present as a gift. Here are some suggestions for fillings.

Packages of hot chocolate mixes, small bag of marshmellows, and a few cookies.
Specialty coffees and creamers.
Special tea packets and perhaps a nice tea strainer
Christmas candies
Chocolates
An assortment of holiday cookies

Travel Mugs make Great Gifts

Zazzle also has a line of travel mugs that are great. These 15 oz. mugs have a spill proof lid and are great for people on the go who like to take their favorite beverage with them. Design one of these mugs with a photograph of a favorite hobby or perhaps someplace your visited in the past year and you have a real winner. I love to travel and photograph lighthouses so this lighthouse mug of Round Island lighthouse in Michigan is a favorite of mine.