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Friday, June 15, 2018

Solo: A Star Wars Story Movie Review

Movie Cover & Wikipedia Image combined for Intro Photo
Top Image By Lucasfilm LTD. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Solo: A Star Wars Story Reviewed & Recommended by this Lifelong Star Wars Fan

I had previously heard that the new Star Wars movie, Solo, was not worth seeing, however I emphatically disagree! As a matter of fact, it may well be one of my favorite Star Wars movies ever, and that is saying a lot.

I was in high school when the first Star Wars movie was released in 1977. And, like every other teenager that summer, I saw the movie several times.

My husband and I own every Star Wars movie on either DVD or VHS (some on both formats). Plus, when the theme song starts, we could name that tune in 2 notes. We feel like we grew up with Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia. Yoda and Darth Vader were like our classmates, or perhaps our teachers.

I felt compelled to tell you all of that so you would understand that we consider ourselves huge Star Wars fans with sufficient knowledge and experience to qualify as real judges in the assessment of sequels and prequels.

We both rule, unequivocally, that Solo: A Star Wars Story is an excellent movie! All Star Wars fans should see the movie and decide for themselves. Please don't let negative comments or reviews keep you from seeing a fabulous movie.

Highlights of Solo: A Star Wars Story

Solo: A Star Wars Story is exactly what the name would suggest. It is the background story of Han Solo's life before he met Luke and Leia. Did you know Han had a love interest before Leia? It makes sense that he would, but I found it very interesting nonetheless.

Solo: A Star Wars Story (With Bonus Content)Check PricMy favorite part was seeing how Han met Chewbacca. That was fantastic! I don't believe I ever questioned how they became a team, but it was really fun to watch. After all, everyone loves Chewbacca. Some of us liked him better than Han in that first movie way back when.

I liked the way the writers injected humor in this movie. I found myself laughing several times. Have you ever wondered how Han got his name? Again, not something I questioned previously, but I definitely laughed at that aha moment.

I also enjoyed watching Han win the Millennium Falcon. I appreciated the fact that he did not cheat to win. It was all fair and square.

Admittedly, I thought I would miss Harrison Ford. I was concerned that no one else would be able to play that part, or that I would simply not accept them as Han. As it turns out, I like this new "Han". He did an outstanding job of playing the part of Han Solo.

Those are a few of my favorite highlights of the movie. I would love to hear about your favorite part.

The Plot of Solo: A Star Wars Story

Aside from introducing you to Han earlier in his life, the movie actually had a plot too.

Han and Chewbecca team up with Tobias Beckett (Woody Harrelson) and his gang of thieves who were hired to steal coaxium (hyperspace fuel) for the Crimson Dawn syndicate which is ruled by Maul.

As always, conflict, battles, uncertain alliances, betrayals, and even deaths are a part of the intricate plot of this Star Wars prequel. We even see the Millennium Falcon engage in a fight with TIE fighters.

SOLO: A STAR WARS STORYCheck Price

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Solo: A Star Wars Movie Review Written by:

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Thursday, June 14, 2018

Circling the Sun Paula McLain Book Review

Another trip! This time my armchair travels took me to colonial Kenya, Africa via Paula McLain's historical biography Circling the Sun. Set in the 1920s, it is totally engaging, a fictional account of the real Beryl Markham's life. Beryl lived in what is now known as settler-era Africa. She was definitely a woman before her time and her story is very interesting.

It starts in England but is mostly set in Kenya where Beryl's mother abandons her with her father. Beryl embraces the local African culture and in the long run becomes a record-setting aviator. That is, after a a life spent conquering the male-dominated equestrian world and loving a man she could never have.

Do I Recommend Circling the Sun?

I do. I highly recommend Circling the Sun if you enjoy historical fiction and are intrigued with the idea of visiting Africa. This book sheds light on the life of a woman and a country that we have not heard much about.
I thought it was an enjoyable read but New York Times' writer Alexandra Fuller found it a bit fluffy. However, in her review she agrees that "the settlers who used Kenya as their hapless playground did so at catastrophic expense to those who called Kenya home long before the whites arrived." It is an interesting peek into the history of Africa.

As Julie McDowall said when she reviewed the book for the Independent, it it is filled with "vigorous, swift, and spangled with spectacular imagery." I came away wanting to visit Africa though of course I wanted to visit that country before I read this book. I also agree with McDowall when she said the story quickens near the end and that not enough time is spent on the one thing Beryl is famed for, her flying. If you want to read this book for the aviation, prepare to be disappointed.

The Boston Globe said, "McLain will keep you from eating, sleeping, or checking your e-mail — though you might put these pages down just long enough to order airplane tickets to Nairobi." Exactly.

Circling the Sun follows Paula McLain's hugely successful novel The Paris Wife, which I can also highly recommend. That book is set in jazz age Paris and follows the life of Ernest Hemingway and his second wife.

Are you intrigued by the idea of visiting Africa? Will you visit via McLain's book? You can find Circling the Sun on Amazon by following this link.

See you
at the book store!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Buy Circling the Sun on Amazon.

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Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Incredibly Easy Ways to Increase Your Level of Fitness

So we are already heading into the second half of 2018 and if better fitness was one of your goals, Let's Review how to do this easily!

Today many jobs have us sitting on our behinds for long periods of time. Even hobbies that we enjoy can make us less active than we should be. Most health experts agree that this is not the best thing for our bodies. So let's review how to make it easier to remember to get up and move! If we don't use it, we will lose it!

Being sedentary for short periods of time is fine, everyone needs to relax for a little while. What our bodies need more, is to move. There is evidence that if we sit around too much our health declines. Not just our physical health, but our mental health as well.

We need a certain amount of activity in our daily lives, that means moving every day. Whether you take a walk at lunch time or go to a yoga class after work, maybe go for a swim at the recreation center or a bike ride when you get home, these are all ways to become more active and healthier.

All of these activities will help you become more active! Find one that you really like!

I must confess, that I had fallen into the very sedentary group for far too long. It wasn't easy to get motivated to move! Then I was faced with some serious health issues, the choice became one of necessity. I can get very caught up in the internet, browsing websites, reading blogs and writing my own blogs. All of these things are sedentary activities. I used to have a timer that I would set every hour and when the timer went off, it was time to get up and go for a 10 minute walk. Well that worked for a little while, but then I forgot to set the timer and forgot to set it again and again. All my best intentions went out the window and the kitchen timer went back into the kitchen.

I moved to an apartment so that stairs were no longer an issue for me (bad knees, bad ankles and bad hips). One of the most important aspects of moving was to find a place that had a swimming pool that I could use year round. Where I live that means an indoor pool. Well, we found the ideal place and call it home now. The promise was that I would use the pool daily (exercise is easier in water) to help my movements become more routine. To that end, I found my ideal exercise tool and it can be yours too!

It's called a FITBIT! There are several different styles of Fitbits and this one is a great one for just about anyone! The style is very understated and can be worn with just about anything.

Now why in heaven's name would you need a FITBIT?

FitBits or Activity trackers are an amazing tool that everyone can use regardless of age, sex or lifestyle. Whether you are an athlete already or whether you have decided to become more active this tool will help you!.

It is a multi-tool for your wrist. It is a watch that will keep you on time for all your appointments, It is a heart rate monitor that let's you know how hard your heart is working. It can monitor your sleep patterns.

It will track all day activities like walking, stair climbing and a total of all your active minutes. You can receive calls, messages, and other notifications depending on your own personal set up. Many of these digital trackers have these features and more.

I personally like my fitbit very much, it is connected to my computer and I can look over my weekly activities and adjust as need be. It has helped me to keep moving every hour for at least 10 minutes. If I don't walk in a certain period, at 10 minutes before the hour is over, I will get a buzzing vibration on my wrist with the message, You need to walk 110 more steps this hour. Well believe it or not, I don't ignore this alarm. I get up and I do those steps. At the end of the day I know that I have walked a minimum of 5000 steps. That is the minimum amount of daily activity that is recommended by almost all doctors.

Screen Shot of my FitBit activity.

Once you purchase a FitBit (I'm not sure about the other brands) there is even an online group that you can join for added support and friendship.

FitBit would make a great Father's Day gift, or a wonderful birthday gift for anyone you love. If you love them, you want them to stay healthy! This is one tool that will help along the way.

** I am not a doctor. Before embarking on a fitness routine check with your medical practitioner. No advice given here is meant to be medical advice for anyone.

Always check with your own doctor first.**

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Tuesday, June 12, 2018

July 4th Ladies Tank Top Reviewed

Apparel For July 4th Celebration

To Celebrate Our Nation's Birthday

Ladies are you looking for a new tank top to wear for your July 4th celebration this year? I would like to review an option for you today.

Chances are whether you plan to attend a local parade, a picnic, cookout or the fireworks display the temperature will be warm. A tank top offers a perfect option for the weather and the celebration you plan to attend.

Actually, the option that I am going to show you will work beyond the July 4th holiday. It can be worn any time during the warm months of the year to show your patriotism or just as a really cool top.

4th of July Tank Top
The great thing about this tank top for ladies is that it is quite casual and can be worn with your favorite shorts, pair of jeans or even slacks. I particularly like that it is extra long and could even be worn as a cover-up for the pool or beach. So, there is a lot of versatility for this particular choice for your celebration of our nation's birthday.

I also noticed that if you do not like this particular design you have the option to choose a different pattern. One has mostly stars on a blue background while the other is sort of a reverse of the design above. There is also a great selection of sizes available for this tank top.

So, how about it? Have you thought about what you will be wearing for the July 4th celebration that is just around the corner?

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Monday, June 11, 2018

Reviewing Caroline: Little House, Revisited

Book Review: Caroline: Little House, Revisited.

I just finished reading Caroline: Little House, Revisited. It is beautiful historical fiction by Sarah Miller and written from the perspective of Ma Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie fame. Caroline was written with permission from the Little House Heritage Trust and with a focus on historical accuracy. Little House on the Prairie fans will recognize the Ingalls family and this fan was thrilled to find a book written from the perspective of an adult in the family.

If you have ever tried to imagine what it might have been like to be a parent in the late 1800's, hauling your children and every belonging you own across the states in a covered wagon, you'll want to read this story. I found myself trying to carve more time out of each busy day to read.

Caroline begins as Charles sells their house and land in Wisconsin. In February 1870, the Ingalls family loads the covered wagon (complete with the cover sewn by Ma) and heads toward Kansas - leaving all of their extended family behind.

As the story unfolds, the love Ma has for Charles, Mary, Laura and the child she carries within her is clear. Her thoughts and fears of moving to a new land, transcend the decades and resonated with me. She is pregnant and leaving the family who helped her birth her children. Who, if anyone, will help her when the time comes?

Finally arriving in Kansas, the Ingalls family begins to set up a home. Life totters precariously on the brink at times as they build their home, dig a well, and settle in Indian Territory. The cultures are clearly very different and there are no translation apps at their fingertips to help provide any sort of communication assistance.

Times were different then. Daily chores (cooking, sewing, darning, taking care of the garden and the animals) moved at a slower pace. Sundays were the sabbath and the family strictly observed the sabbath. Parenting was different. Ma worked at protecting her young children from anything that may cause them fear - including any stressful feelings she and Pa had. Adults and children had clear roles - very different than modern parenting.

I found this to be a beautiful book. I could relate to Caroline's inner dialogues and her observations of the world around her. Without the distractions and noise pollution of modern life, it would have been easier to note the sunlight shining through the canopy of the wagon and the prairie grass waving in the wind. Of course our private thoughts will become more clear if the constant assault on our ears by televisions, radios, cell phones and each other is absent.

Some reviewers found Caroline's observations to be distracting. I found them to be beautiful and an integral part of the story. Perhaps that is because I have similar thoughts and observations while alone and off-grid at The Shack. Without the clutter of modern life, the mind drifts to the natural things around us.

There was one piece of the story that I found a bit confusing as a Little House on the Prairie fan (confusing but not distracting from the story at that point). Ms. Miller speaks to that in her Author's Notes in the end:

"Caroline is a marriage of fact and Laura Ingalls Wilder's fiction. I have knowingly departed from Wilder's version of the events only where the historical record stands in contradiction to her stories"

Caroline: Little House, Revisited was a beautiful story and one of those books that I will read again later - just as I read Little House on the Prairie over and over.

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Sunday, June 10, 2018

A Gift You Can Give for Graduation that Doesn't Cost Any Money

Make this Cake?

If that's Too Hard,

More Grad Music Here

Photo Via Pixabay

To the future graduate expecting cash, let me start by saying, I'm sorry.

For the gift giver aiming for 'it's the thought that counts', here's a thoughtful, personal and easy way to express your congratulations to the graduate.

Forward a Song by Email or Share it on Social Media with a Lovely Personal Comment to Honor the Graduate

Although it doesn't sound like much, the secret is in choosing a song with lyrics that suit the person receiving the dedication.

It can be incredibly time consuming to find the right song. Below you'll find a video playlist to quickly scroll through that features various songs about moving forward or looking back on life.

The songs featured below have been carefully chosen for their range in tempo and mood, so hopefully you're able to find something that suits the personality of your Graduate.

You can arrow through each of the 24 songs featured in the video below relatively quickly or go here to listen to a short preview of each song.

If I had to choose my favorite song for a graduation celebration or to honor someone who wants to make a difference in life, I would pick "I Was Here" by Lady Antebellum.

The lyrics to 'I Was Here' talk about wanting to make a difference in this world and wanting to do something that matters. Both the music and lyrics are inspirational.

Be sure to listen to 'I Was Here', it's a wonderful song:

You could of course send a graduation card with a lovely personal note inside.

If you need help in finding the right words, here are some sayings to help get those neurons moving. Use the sayings as is, or modify them to suit the graduate.

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Saturday, June 9, 2018

A Review of Creativity on Review This!

Painting of a kitchen scene by artist Kimberly Austin Daly

Creativity Lives in Everyone!

My daughter is an artist. She studied art in college, graduating with a degree in Fine Arts. But her creativity in this field has been present since she was old enough to hold a crayon. All her life she has been compelled to draw & paint. I've always admired her artistic ability because I can't draw a straight line with a ruler! :-)

*Artwork is the property of Kimberly Daly, Artist/Illustrator. Copyright: Do not copy. Permission granted for display in this story.

My hubby was a fine musician, having studied the violin for 14 years, then played the guitar for many more years and even had his own 'trio' during the 'folk music' era of our college days.

Today my son plays guitar and several other instruments and has his own local band with a group of fellow musicians. I can't play any instrument and have no musical ability.

My brother sings and plays guitar. My mother and sister could sing up a storm. I can't carry a tune in a bucket!

Coastal Crochet Crafts on Etsy

I used to say to my talented family that I had no 'talent' for anything, until they reminded me that my crochet and needlework crafting was MY creative ability.

Creative Talent is in Everyone

You don't have to be able to sing or dance, play an instrument or draw to be talented. Creativity in ANY area is a talent all its own. It was a nice reminder that we all have some form of creative talent, whether its in the arts & crafts field, music or dance, or simply being a wonderful cook. Being able to express ourselves in writing is also a creative endeavor.

Highlighting a Few Reviews Written by Our Talented Contributors on Review This!

Our team of contributors who write for Review This! review many products and do music, book and movie reviews, in addition to a wide range of other topics. They are also very creative, sharing a variety of crafts, tutorials of DIY projects, cooking and baking recipes, and photography and gardening tips. The following are a few examples of this team's creative talents.

Crafts Reviews

How to Make Easy Christmas Tree Ornaments by Dawn Rae. Dawn gives us easy step-by-step instructions on how to create with your children these simple, yet lovely, ornaments for your holiday tree.

For crochet crafters, Bev Owens tells us about this easy pattern you can use to create your own handmade poncho in her review titled Reviewing A Crochet Poncho Pattern.

Wednesday-Elf loves to crochet, particularly stuffed animals. Handmade crafts are her favorite, as shown in this A Bird in the Hand-i-Craft article. In addition to her own crochet crafting, she enjoys sharing the creative talents of many other fiber art creators on Etsy.

DIY Projects

Clever & creative Diana (RenaissanceWoman2010) gives us a tutorial for a DIY Mason Jar Bird Feeder using a regular canning jar, a pretty plate or bowl, and a few other simple supplies (glue, wire, and a chick feeder base). Then just add bird seed and watch the local feathered friends in your area flock to your new bird feeder.

Photography Tips

Several of the Review This contributors are photographers, but Mary Beth Granger (mbgphoto) goes one step further with sharing her fabulous photography tips for all of us to learn to take even better photographs. She shares the tips she's learned from taking photography classes and doing LOTS of practice. I would imagine Mary Beth seldom goes anywhere without a camera. Her favorite subjects are lighthouses! Check out her Review of Photography Tips for some helpful advice for your own photographs.

Recipe Reviews

Sylvestermouse is our creative baker here on Review This! She loves to put together fancy cakes and cupcakes. A quick look at one of her favorite cookbooks for baking (the Cupcake Cakes Cookbook) will give you an idea of some of the fun and clever ideas she often incorporates into her baking.

Gardening Tips

Olivia Morris is one of our resident gardeners. In her How to Grow Your Way to Happiness and a Great Garden, she shares some tips for your spring planting.

Articles on Creativity

For more articles on these creative reviews, click on each subject below:

What do you consider your 'creative' talent?

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Friday, June 8, 2018

Best Way to Line Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers - Con-Tact Brand Paper

Best Way to Line Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers Reviewed

Cabinet & Drawers I Covered in My Daughters New Home

Con-Tact® Brand Creative Covering Adhesive Shelf Liner in White Marble

When you buy an older home or rent an apartment, the inside of your cabinets can be like new by simply lining them with Adhesive Contact Paper.

Our daughter has moved at least a dozen times since she graduated from high school. First to dorm rooms each year, then to various apartments throughout her grad school years, and most recently due to job changes. I'm not very helpful with moving boxes and furniture, therefore my job on moving day is to line the cabinets throughout the house with Contact Paper. It's a great way to ensure that dishes, towels, and clothes will be placed on a clean surface.

As we all know, apartments and dorm rooms frequently have annual occupant changes. As a result, apartment kitchen and bathroom cabinets, as well as closet shelves, can be in varying states of cleanliness and condition. Shelves can even have cracks or splinters in them that will ruin clothes. Kitchen cabinets can have all kinds of stains or even unidentifiable gunk on them that require gloves and a face mask before you want to get close to them, much less, store your dishes or glassware on. Contact Paper is a lifesaver, literally, in rental dwellings or when you buy a previously owned house.

How to Lay Contact Paper

Like anything we do to improve our homes, there are a few tricks to laying Contact Paper if you want it to look nice in addition to being clean. First and foremost, measure then cut. There are lines on the back of Contact Paper that guide for a pretty straight cut. I intentionally over-cut the sides by 1/4", then trim it.

I always lay the straight edge at the front of the cabinet, which means the cut edges will be on the sides and back. I trim those edges with a boxer cutter.

How to Lay Contact Paper in Cabinets

In cabinets, I start peeling the backing off in the front, pressing down the adhesive side to the shelf, and work from front to back, slowly removing the paper backing a little at a time. After the backing is completely off, I smooth down the entire surface (again from front to back) with my hands. If a small bubble is in the paper, I use a straight pin to pop the bubble, release the air, and smooth it out.

How to Lay Contact Paper in Drawers

Adhesive Contact Paper for lining shelves, drawers, cabinets & More

For drawers, I start at the front and work my way to the back. Even if the drawers are removable, it is easier to get it laid flat and straight by starting at the front. Also, you really want a prettier edge on the front that will show. Some bottoms of cabinets or drawers are warped and it is impossible to get perfection.

How to Lay Contact Paper on Shelves

For long removable shelves, the process is the same except I start on one end and work to the other end. That is easier since the widest area is from side to side.

For a very small shelf, like a linen closet, I remove the backing completely and carefully lay the Contact Paper in place, then smooth it down with my hands.

If you are covering an extremely warped bottom or shelf, it may be necessary to cut the Contact Paper with a box cutter in an area that won't show or get a lot of wear and tear to force it to lay flat.

How to Lay Contact Paper in Deep Cabinets

In all cases, I try to work with one main piece. However, deep bottom kitchen cabinets will require two lengths of the paper in order to cover them. I start with the piece that is cut for the back of the cabinet. Then, lay the front piece with the back edge of the front piece overlapping the front edge of the back piece. That will help prevent the back piece of Contact Paper from coming up when you slide around products later or push them toward the back.

Benefits of Contact Paper

Adheres to a just about Any Surface
Gives a Clean, Non-Toxic Surface to Cabinets & Shelves
Wipes Clean with a Damp Cloth
100% Vinyl
Easily Removable (so you won't lose your rental deposit)
Thick Paper Surface that Won't easily Rip or Tear during normal use
Lasts for Years (even decades, if desired)
Comes in a Variety of Designs & Colors, including clear

How Much Contact Paper is Needed

Probably the hardest thing to determine is how many rolls you will need to cover an area. I recommend buying more than you think you will need and returning unopened rolls.

The last kitchen cabinets I covered for our daughter required 5 rolls of 18" x 20" Con-Tact Paper to cover all of the shelves and cabinet bottoms.