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Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Lego Easter Egg Hunt Set Reviewed

Fun Idea For Easter Basket Stuffer

Add some Lego Fun to the Basket
(image courtesy of pixabay.com)

It is a good two months before those Easter Egg Hunts take place but I am already looking for some fun ideas to add to the baskets. Of course there will be eggs to be found. I always look for some different sorts of sweets to add but I like to hold that sugary stuff to a minimum. So, I start searching for non-edible ideas rather early. I have found something fun for this year.

Those that know me might remember that I love to play with Legos. My brothers and I built things with those plastic bricks when we were little. Hours of fun were spent with my daughters with them. This grandma still plays with the colorful plastic pieces with her grandchildren. I even have a display of the Big Bang Theory done in Legos in our family room.

Imagine my thrill when I found a set of Legos that creates a scene for an Easter Egg Hunt! It is a small little set with only 145 pieces so the box will fit nicely in the kid's baskets. The set allows you to build three separate locations (to hide the 3 eggs). There is a carrot garden, a flower garden and a hen house. Two figures come with the set; an adult and a child. There is a wheelbarrow, a cute little basket and a magnifying glass. Well, it is just down right adorable!

As with most of the Lego sets once this one is assembled the different locations can be easily added to any other display you might already have on display. We rarely tear our finished sets down in this house. They are fun to pull out and play with when the kids come or Grandma goes to their house.

If you are looking for something to add to an Easter Basket that won't throw your child or grandchild into a raging sugar high, consider a set of Lego fun with the Easter Egg Hunt.

Easter Egg Hunt Building Kit from LEGO

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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Monday, February 18, 2019

The Girl They Left Behind Book Review

The Girl They Left Behind: A Novel by Roxanne Veletzos

I have read a number of books since I last wrote a post here on Review This and I had to do a bit of a debate with myself as to which one I would write about today since they have all been such good stories. Please stay tuned for more reviews of books that you should add to your reading list!

The Girl They Left Behind, by Roxanne Veletzos, is a moving story. The title tells exactly what the book is about. Quite literally, a three-year old girl is left behind in Bucharest, Romania in 1941. Her parents abandon her on the steps of an apartment building in the face of Nazi persecution with the hope that she might somehow survive.

What a brutal decision. At first I struggled with this book because it seemed not just heartbreaking but also outlandish that anyone would abandon such a young child and expect her to survive in a place where people would not be quick to take in an unknown child. I know these things and worse happened, but I still struggled at first with this theme.

The little girl is rescued and then left with an orphanage until eventually a wealthy family adopts her and renames her Natalia. Because of her age, she quickly puts all early memories of her birth parents behind her though of course, the abandonment would haunt both her birth mother and father forever.

The story is slightly unusual because it deals with the persecution of the Jewish people in Romania and of communist life behind the Iron Curtain in the Soviet Union. I have read numerous similar stories set in other countries like France, Germany and Poland but I am not sure if I have read another one set in Romania and I expect I have read few set behind the Iron Curtain.

Anyway, the story is a tangled story of survival that spans decades and eventually sees Natalia give up her adoptive family and her love in order to start a new life in the United States.

The story is one of those impossible-but-true stories. It turns out that the author, Roxanne Veletzos, was born in Bucharest and eventually moved to California and that this this book was inspired by her mother's life though I do not know if in fact she was abandoned by her parents.

Highly Recommended

The Girl They Left Behind is in my opinion very well told. It is engrossing; you will not be able to put it down. It is about family and love and history. It features drama and suspense and even has an ending that will satisfy you. Yes, this book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.

If you enjoy historically based fiction like Sarah's Key, The Nightingale, The Ragged Edge of Night, All The Light We Cannot See, The Piano Maker and The Orphan Train you will enjoy this book. You can buy your copy in the format of your choice on Amazon by clicking right here.

See you
at the book store!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Buy The Girl They Left Behind on Amazon.
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Sunday, February 17, 2019

A Country Song About Homelessness - A Moving Reflection in Words

A moving, empathic country song about homeless

Somebody's Daughter Available on iTunes

Somebody's Daughter by Tenille Townes - A Song Review

I love the rasp and uplifting ache in Tenille Townes's voice as she sings this song. The story and lyrics clearly depict a person whose life wasn't easy. It reminds us that, except for our circumstances, we're all the same.

This country song is about homelessness. It's about those moments we pass by someone at an intersection holding up a cardboard sign asking for money for help.

"Oh I don't know the reasons why I'm the one whose driving by and she's the one on the corner of 18th street...bet she was somebody's best friend, back when she was somebody's sister counting change at the lemonade stand"

This mid-tempo song will touch your soul.

I remember first hearing it on the radio in my kitchen, and because I wasn't listening very closely to the lyrics, the song passed me by without notice. For me, ninety-nine percent of the time, it's the story first, the music second.

The next time I heard the song, I happened to be driving. Then I took the time to listen to the story behind the words.

The Inspiration Behind Tenille Townes Writing This Song

The tune was inspired during a drive Tenille Townes took with her mom in Nashville, Tennessee. They saw a homeless person standing with a sign and began wondering about this person's life story. Personally, I've wondered the same myself. I suspect that's the reason this song touched me so deeply.

The song reminds us that "she was somebody's best friend, somebody's first kiss, somebody's daughter".

What do We Do When We See Someone Standing With a Cardboard Sign Asking for Help?

Many times I've handed out a bit of money. People have told me, "oh, that's a con, they're lazy, they're not deserving." I'm sorry, but the onus is not on me to prove their truth. The recipient has to deal with the validity of the situation. I'm not prepared to conclude that everyone who does this isn't being honest. I believe most are genuinely suffering. I would rather be kind than be judgemental about that situation, but that's me. I just give; you never know who you've helped.

Who is Tenille Townes

Tenille Townes is a rising Canadian Country Music Artist from Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada. In 2011 she was nominated at 17 years old for Canadian Country Music Female Artist of the Year. Her career is off and running. In 2018 she opened for Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town on The Bandwagon Tour.

Her Grand Ole Opry Debut

She's also recently enjoyed the honor of performing at the Grand Ole Opry. That was a big deal for her family and friends! Watch and listen to Tenille Townes in her own words, describe her amazing experience. She's a class act.

Big Hearts for Big Kids - Her Cause
In over nine years, she's raised $1.5+ million dollars for Sunrise House, a shelter for homeless youth in Alberta Canada. A cause she generously dedicates her time and name to.

Here's a brief video on her 2018 Fundraiser, Big Hearts for Big Kids:

Homelessness - The Stats and Where to Learn More

It's roughly estimated that between 150,000 and 300,000 people in Canada are homeless at some given time. In 2017 approximately 5 million people in Canada lived in poverty. Canadians can learn more about homelessness and what can be done here at The Homeless Hub.

According to Voa.org, in the United States in 2017, approximately 553,000 Americans were homeless on a given night, 40 million struggled with hunger, and 40.6 million officially lived in poverty. The US population is about 325 million. To learn more about poverty in the USA and how you can help, visit Voa.org/homeless-people.

"I believe those who suffer the most teach us the most" - by me

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Saturday, February 16, 2019

National Gumdrop Day Review

Image Source: Wikipedia (and Fotojet)

There are over 1500 'unofficial' National Holidays throughout the year that enjoy recognition for one reason or another. This one for February 15 ~ National Gumdrop Day ~ was begun to recognize this colorful, chewy, fruity or spicy, gelatin candy coated with sugar we call the Gumdrop.

Who Invented the Gumdrop?

The gumdrop was invented by a chemist and candy maker named Percy S. Truesdell. In 1915 he changed the texture of this sugar concoction. By adding starch in a formula he developed at Ohio State University, he changed a hard candy into a smooth, chewy delight. He later became known as the “Gumdrop King”.

Uses for Gumdrops

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Besides being a tasty candy, gumdrops are a popular addition to cookie recipes and as decoration for cakes and cupcakes. No doubt the most well-known way gumdrops are used as decorations is on Gingerbread Houses. Savannah, Georgia holds an annual Gingerbread House Festival each year during the Christmas holiday celebrations where gumdrops on the gingerbread houses are plentiful.

Crafty Gumdrops

Gumdrop Penguins

Gumdrops are also often used in crafts, such as these adorable gumdrop penguins by Linda on her fun and fascinating crafty blog called “Crafts a la mode”. The blog is filled with her sweet and simple delights in both crafts and recipes.

DIY Gumdrops

Image Source: Mkreal on Flickr

You can also make gumdrops yourself. You'll need powdered fruit pectin and fruit juice, along with vegetable oil, sugar, corn syrup and food coloring. Several recipes can be found at a selection of sites throughout the internet. Click here.

Other Gumdrop Tidbits

Hasbro Gaming Candy Land Kingdom Of Sweet Adventures Board Game, Easter Basket Stuffers or Gifts for Kids, Ages 3+ (Amazon Exclusive)

An interesting sidelight is the fact that the classic board game Candy Land features both a Gumdrop Pass and a Gumdrop Mountain.

Then there is the song by Barney called "If All The Raindrops" (The Raindrop Song) with the line:

If all the raindrops were lemon drops and gumdrops, oh what a life I would lead.

The Nutty Fruit House Sugar Free Gummy Bear (1 Pound (Pack of 1))

A more modern offshoot of the original gumdrop are today's popular 'gummies' in the form of gummy bears and gummy worms. Kids seem to love these gelatin-based chewable sweets.

Summary

So, enjoy a gumdrop, or two or three, on National Gumdrop Day, February 15, or any day of the year this chewy treat appeals to you.

Happy Gumdrop Day!

Check out more Holiday Reviews on ReviewThisReviews

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Friday, February 15, 2019

Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa K-Cups Reviewed

When I am chilled to the bone by the winter cold weather, I seek out my Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa k-cups for my Keurig coffee maker. There isn't anything better than a cup of hot chocolate on a cold day, especially when I need it fast!

I was hesitant to try the Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa simply because I don't normally like hot cocoa. In most cases, I much prefer hot chocolate. But, I really wanted a hot chocolate k-cup that I could make quickly when needed to warm up. So, I kept tasting and testing. My search is now finished and I extremely surprised that it has ended with a hot cocoa k-cup instead of hot chocolate. Regardless, I am thrilled the search is over and I have a k-cup that meets, and exceeds, my requirements.

Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa K-Cups

Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa K-Cups, Milk Chocolate, 72 CountCheck PriceI tried several different brands of hot chocolate k-cups, but most of them tasted like nasty hot water. As I said, I was hesitant to venture into the hot cocoa k-cups. I really didn't wish to waste my money, again. However, the Swiss Miss cocoa is a real winner!

The Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa from the k-cup has a nice rich and delicious taste. Plus, it really does have a milk chocolate flavor just like the package states. Since it is made with water, and not milk, it isn't as thick as a homemade cup of hot cocoa, but it doesn't have that cocoa aftertaste.

Now, when I come in from the cold, I have a fast and easy hot drink to warm me up. Oh, and it is extra delicious with those little marshmallows added.

The Snow Leopard Mug

Snow Leopard Coffee MugCheck PriceThe snow leopard mug you see filled with the Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa in the photo, is available on Zazzle. It is one of my own personal photos that I have made available on a variety of Zazzle products. The Snow Leopard mug does seem totally appropriate for warm hot cocoa on a cold day.

Visually, I think the marshmallows bring out the beauty of the Snow Leopard's gorgeous fur.

My mug is a little different from the one that is offered on Zazzle. In my desire to feature the snow leopard face, I didn't realize I had off-centered the image until I got my own mug in the mail. At that time, I went back into the Zazzle mug image set-up and centered the image on each side.