Review This Reviews!

Monday, May 2, 2016

Before Green Gables Book Review

Before Green Gables is the highly publicized, much anticipated, authorized prequel to the book, Anne of Green Gables. It was written by Budge Wilson, published in 2008 and read by me right away, that summer.

Anne of Green Gables intrigues me because I grew up with Anne. I read the books, enjoyed the television series and have seen the musical on Prince Edward Island twice. I would love one day to return. When I grew up, Anne's home was only a couple of hours away from mine although when I lived in Nova Scotia, you had to take the ferry to get to the Island.

If you love Anne of Green Gables, you are going to love Before Green Gables.

Before Green Gables was released during the 100th anniversary of Lucy Maud Montgomery's book, Anne of Green Gables. The prequel was somewhat controversial because it was written by a modern day author. However, if you have ever wondered what Anne's life might have been like before she went to Prince Edward Island, you will enjoy this book. The original book only hinted at what Anne's life might have been like and Wilson tells it as she sees it and she does a good job of doing so.

I discovered this short YouTube video, which talks briefly about the book including why and how it was published and author Budge Wilson's initial reluctance to write about such a beloved character, a world renowned Canadian icon. The video also introduces the book Imagining Anne: The Island scrapbooks of L.M. Montgomery by Elizabeth Epperley a book that I have yet to read but which sounds interesting.

Why Should You Read This Book?

Anne of Green Gables and the stories that included her are extremely well loved around the world. Fans have been reading about her adventures in Prince Edward Island for more than a hundred years but until now we've not known how Anne Shirley came to be in Avonlea. For those who have read Anne of Green Gables, it answers questions. For those who have not read the books by L.M. Montgomery, it is a good story and introduction to Canada's most famous redhead. I can guarantee that once you have read this book you will want to read Anne of Green Gables.

Who Is Budge Wilson?

Budge Wilson is the author of Before Green Gables of course but before she wrote this story, she was already a well-known Canadian author. She's a Nova Scotian and she has more than 30 books to her name. For those books, she has received 25 awards that include but are not limited to a number of Canadian Children's Book Centre "Our Choice" awards, a first in a CBC Literary Competition, a City of Dartmouth Book Award, a Canadian Library Association Young Adult Book Award and more.

Would I Recommend This Book?

Yes, YES, yes. I definitely would. It is an easy read that harkens back to a simpler time but more importantly that ties into a very important children's book, Anne of Green Gables. A reviewer at the Washington Post said, "The back story we knew just in passing takes on a rich, real life of its own full of credible period detail. I was rapt." I agree and I was rapt, too. Fans won't want to miss Before Green Gables to find out what Budge Wilson imagined as Anne's life before P.E.I. The estate of L.M. Montgomery, who commissioned this book, approved, too.

Are you a fan of Anne of Green Gables? Have you read this book? If so, what did you think of it? You can learn more about or order your copy of Before Green Gables on Amazon by clicking right here.

Happy Reading!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

Sunday, May 1, 2016

How to Create a Mood Themed Room

Creating a Mood or Feeling Should be the Number One Goal When Deciding Upon the Theme or Design of a Space

When we decorate, we tend to think in terms of colors and furnishings, but the first real place to start is to ask this question:

What do I want myself and others to feel when walking into this space?

Although starting with emotion can seem like an artsy-fartsy place to begin, it's far from it.

A mood consists of many senses. For example, warmer tones, deep, comfy furnishings, and multiple lush textures would be the way to go if you'd like people to feel relaxed.

Use wall art to feature warmer scenes such as rich treed forests, winter coziness, a sunset over the ocean, or an evening photo featuring the warmth of a summer city skyline.

With decorating, it's very easy to get off track. When we decide to start with the mood, we're telling our decorating mind to stay focused on pieces and colors that tie into our initial goal.

Here's an example: You've decided that the mood you wish to create is the feeling you'd get from a happy sunny spring day, so what's next?

What do you want to feature that creates Happiness in Spring? Is it flowers? OK, all flowers, or one? Let's say Sunflowers.

Next, which colors do you want to feature in the room that reflects happiness, spring, and sunflowers? That's easy: sky blue, various shades of yellow, leaf and grass greens, some white, beige, or cream.

You want wall art to enhance the size of the space, so you choose spring-featured 3D wall decal pieces that feature happy, light, and peaceful scenes - The art serves two purposes: to enhance the room's size as well as aid in achieving your first goal, to create a mood of happiness in spring.

Your bedding, rugs, draperies, and accessories are now easier to decide upon as you know you need to stay on track with your initial goal! Now, when you go shopping, you're not distracted by the next new shiny thing; you're focused on choosing pieces that will work for your room and ultimately help you achieve your mood goal.

As you read all of this, you may think it needs to be more complex. But the thing is, many of us need help getting it right. Even if we don't have the funds to go out and spend on new things to create a mood or emotion, we can still use our existing pieces.

How to Use Existing Pieces in Your Room to Create a Focus Mood/Emotion:

Let's stay with a "Happiness in Spring" theme, using Sunflowers as the focus.

If you can't change your couch, you can buy slipcovers; if you can't afford slipcovers, then simply use throw pillows and a throw blanket featuring sunflowers. If your sofa is already patterned, use bright, solid, colored throw pillows and throw blankets.

Paint your room, choosing from the four colors of sunflower spring: sky blue, deep grass green, sunflower yellow, or beige/white/cream. Try a deep grass green on one wall with a pale yellow or beige on the others.

In regards to window coverings - This one is a little tougher. If you can't spend any money on new drapes, try switching out drapes with another room, or if privacy is OK, remove them altogether. The change will often be enough.

In summary, if you can't spend a lot of money to change a room, then you focus on colors, textures, wall art, pillows, and small accessories, all of it tieing into your initial mood/emotion - 'happiness in spring.'

When you're all done, give your room the name of the mood you created - 'Happiness in Spring.'

Do it for every room in your home.

The Kitchen (Fresh and Healthy) <---that would be fun to create
How about the Bedroom (Nautical Freedom) <--think what you could do to that room
A little girl's room (Confident and Brave) <---a switch from the usual 'be a princess' approach

Some Additional Emotions and Moods You Could Use as Room Themes:

Grateful Contentment
Enthusiastic Learning
Wacky and Wild
Utopian Earth
Faith in People
Lost in Space
Euphoria Lives Here
Barbie Goes Goth
My Spiritual Abyss
Being Down Died
Flighty and Undecided
Snowed In Forever
Flower Fishing
Paradise Sneezed
Incoming!

Well, there you go! Those are 15 ideas to get you started.

Remember, the mood/emotion is just the first step. The best part is getting specific and deciding upon the pieces, colors, fabrics, and textures that will bring your idea to life.

Have a blast!

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Saturday, April 30, 2016

Reviewing the Wireless Computer Mouse

Logitech Wireless Optical Mouse - Silver

No one minds a 'mouse in the house' when it's a Computer Mouse, a necessary accessory to operating your desktop or laptop computer.

I've gone through a few 'computer mice' over the years, but they were always the ones with a cord that plugged into the computer. When my most current 'mouse' wore out (stopped scrolling, which was an annoyance), I needed to purchase a new one. I fully expected to acquire another mouse with a cord, until I got to the store and realized that almost ALL of the ones available today were 'cordless'. Oh no, the mouse lost his tail.

I'm one of those consumers who is slow to move on to 'the latest and greatest' when it comes to technology, mainly because each 'step up' seems to involve a learning curve. At 'grandparent age', the learning curve for me is much longer and slower than it is for todays' younger people who are growing up in a technical world and know no other. My world began before computers and, admittedly even before television!

Shopping for a New Computer Mouse

After looking at all of the computer mice available at the store, and talking to a knowledgeable store employee, I realized that the ones with a cord had a very limited selection (ONE model; black only) and were actually MORE expensive than the wireless mouse that was on sale that day.

My New Computer Mouse

When I ended up purchasing the Logitech wireless optical computer mouse, it came with a tiny little nano receiver that you simply plug into your computer's USB port.

Back Side of Wireless Mouse Showing on/off Switch

It operates on one AA battery (included and pre-installed) which provides two years of cordless life.

You can even turn off the 'mouse' with a little button on the bottom when not in use, extending the life of the battery. The Logitech M320 wireless optical mouse is also backed by a 1-year warranty.

Happiness is a New (Working) Computer Mouse

I LOVE my new computer mouse. It works perfectly through the reliable wireless connectivity with plug-and-forget Nano receiver and there is no cord to get hung up or in the way! And the ergonomic design fits my hand perfectly and comfortably.

My Computer Desk

I chose the silver mouse with a pebbly design shown here, as my computer keyboard is black and my desktop is gray. But wireless mice also come in a variety of colors and styles to suit any décor or mood.

Quick Links:

Logitech and other brands of wireless mice are available in many colors and styles on Amazon.
The story behind the invention of the Computer Mouse and how it got its name can be found on a Review This! post called "A Mouse Review for Race your Mouse Day"

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Friday, April 29, 2016

FurReal Electronic Pets for Kids Review

Electronic pets for kids are the next best thing to having a real pet. They are great fun and they can even encourage a sense of responsibility in your children.

Do you live in an apartment or somewhere pets are unwelcome? If you lack the facilities for a real pet, or if you are wondering if your child is ready for a real pet, getting him an electronic pet that he can love and care for might be excellent preparation for the bigger responsibilities up ahead.

One of these electronic toys or virtual pets might be just the right thing for your little one. Let them have fun while they find out what it takes to look after a live pet.

Don't be misled though, the FurReal pets are first and foremost fun toys that any kid will love.

FurReal Pets - A Puppy Dog

FurReal Friends Get Up & GoGo My Walkin' Pup PetOne of the first lessons we must teach new puppy owners is to never let their dogs out for neighborhood walks without a leash. This cute little electronic dog is one your child can literally take for walks. The FurReal puppy is controlled by her leash, so she will never go out without it. As adults, we all know leashes can save a dogs life, but children need to be taught and this gives us a risk free way to teach them.

This adorable little puppy is soft and cuddly as well as clever! She responds to a child's touch, just like a real dog. The puppy also sits, barks and wags it's tail.

If the idea behind getting your child an electronic pet is in part to teach her how to care for a dog, this is as real as it gets without being live. The FurReal puppy is a delightful little companion for children over four years old.

FurReal Bunny

FurReal Friends Hop `N Cuddle Tan BunnyChildren enjoy visiting pet stores. Well, in truth, we all enjoy visiting and admiring the precious little creatures. The animals often tug at our hearts to take them home, but it is nearly impossible to ignore a child and the pretty pet when they are begging to go home together. But, in the real world pets require more than simple adoration.

Bunnies are so soft and they look so very cuddly. Rabbits are also very quiet pets. Children aren't frightened by bunnies the way they are by some loud or rambunctious dogs. But we should all keep in mind, live bunnies require a lot of care. In some ways, they can be more work than a dog. After all, you can't just let the bunny out into the back yard to take care of his business. We had a few bunnies when I was a child and I can assure you, they require large cages that need to be cleaned frequently.
It really is easier to give a child an electronic bunny to play with. To be honest, real bunnies don't "play" well. They are adorable to look at, but they are not playtime pets.

FurReal Kitties

FurReal Friends Daisy Plays-With-Me Kitty ToyKitties are another pet that looks perfect for children, but in reality might not be the best companion. Many cats are loners and they choose when they will grace you with their presence. I can't even begin to guess the number of times I have seen a child chase a cat around a room, or house, just to touch them. And, Lord have mercy! They better not try to pick that kitty up! Cats have claws, unless the claws have been surgically removed, and trust me when I say, cats know how to use their claws. It is often the first very real lesson a child learns about live cats.

FurReal kitties are the type of cats suitable for children. They won't claw them, they won't run and hide from them, they won't bring the child dead animals, and the best part, they won't stink up the house. Don't get me wrong, I love cats! I have 3 grandkitties myself and I wouldn't trade them for anything, but my daughter didn't have cats until she was an adult and started adopting cats all on her own.

A FurReal kitty will play with your child. They will let them pet them and they will purr in delight over your child's presence. Yes, this truly is the best cat pet for a child.

FurReal Friends Daisy Plays-With-Me Kitty Toy

FurReal Electronic Pets for Kids Review Written by:

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Thursday, April 28, 2016

Review of Nature Photo Tips

Indian Paintbrush

On a beautiful April day, I visited Shaw Nature Reserve, which is located about an hour west of St. Louis, Missouri. I took the trip with two of my photographer friends and we set out on the trails to try to capture the beauty that surrounded us. The Indian Paintbrush were in full bloom so we had lots of opportunities for colorful photos. In this article, I will share some of my tips on photographing wildflowers and highlights from my day.

Capture the Overall Feel of the Area

Although I love to take close up photos of the flowers, I like to have some of my photos showing the overall feel of the area. This photo shows a field of the beautiful orange Indian Paintbrush. There is also a touch of a purple wildflower in the photo.

field of Indian Paintbrush wildflowers photo by mbgphoto

Lines can Draw Interest to Your Photos

Lines in a photo can draw interest to the area. In the first photo I used an old rail fence and in the second photo the branches of the tree on the right-hand side of the photo lead you into the wildflowers.

old rail fence and wildflowers photo by mbgphoto

Close Up Photos are a Great Way to Hone in on a Specific Flower

Wide Angle Lenses can Give a Different Perspective

I had read a tip recently to use a wide angle lens when taking flower photos and get in very close to the flower (just a few inches away). This will make the flower look much bigger in relation to the background. I tried this and here is the result. A tip for you who only have a camera phone with you. This shot can work great with most camera phones that have good wide angle lenses.

wildflowers in the woods photo by mbgphoto

There is More than Wildflowers

When I photograph a place that has beautiful flowers, I also try to take a few photographs to give a feel for the rest of the area and my day. The photos below show a fallen tree, my photographer buddies, and the path to the trail house.