National Lego Day Review

 

What: National Lego Day

When: January 28

Attention all Lego fans!  And I think anyone born after 1962 ARE fans! 

As we celebrate the yearly holiday of National Lego Day, the year 2022 was extra-special as we celebrated the 90th birthday of LEGO. Lego was invented in Denmark in 1932 and this fascinating building toy as we know it today was introduced to the United States in 1962. Most of you enjoyed playing and building with Legos as children. Many of you have continued your interest into adulthood. Or, if you won't admit to your grown-up self that you still love playing with Legos, you can easily hide your 'fandom' by 'helping' your children and/or grandchildren build their latest set. 

The writers on Review This! have written reviews of many Lego sets, from small ones to very large ones.  In case you have missed any, I give you this compilation to check out many of the favorites which are on the market today. 

Reviews of Lego Sets in Themes

CITIES

Lego Creator Holiday Bakery Set
The Lego Creator Holiday Bakery is a fun accessory set to Lego City. Reviewed by Louanne Cox.

Lego City Fire Station
Every city needs a fire station and Lego City is no exception. Louanne Cox reviews the Lego Set #7208 fire station.

Reviewing Lego City Airport |Set #3182
The Lego City needs an airport. This Lego Set #3182, with 703 pieces, comes with everything you need, including mini figures of a pilot, flight attendants, a service man and a passenger. Review written by Louanne Cox.

Lego City Construction Site
Help build your Lego City with this construction site set #7633. The set comes with 3 vehicles and 5 minifigures and has 898 pieces. Review written by Louanne Cox.

Reviewing Lego City People Pack
When building your Lego City, you sometimes need more people. Lego has People Packs to add to your city's population. The Lego People Pack #60202 has 14 minifigures (Lego People). Review written by Louanne Cox.

SUPERHERO

Spiderman Far From Home Lego Set
The Spider-Man Far From Home Stark Jet and the Drone Attack Lego Set #76130 has 504 pieces. Review written by Sylvestermouse.

TV SIT-COMS AND CARTOON CHARACTERS

Lego Big Bang Theory Reviewed
The Lego Big Bang Theory set for grown-ups and kids. Review written by Louanne Cox.

Scooby-Doo Mystery Mansion Lego Kit
A fun holiday set perfect for Halloween. The Scooby-Doo Mystery Mansion Lego Kit is retired, but still available on Amazon and on eBay. A delightful cartoon character in a Lego Set. Review written by Sylvestermouse.

CREATOR SERIES

 

Reviewing 2004 Lego X-Pods
The creator sets for the Lego X-Pods first came out in 2004. They were essentially 'Legos-on-the-Go', with everything you needed to start building all in a pod you could carry around. Reviewed by Louanne Cox.

Lego Off-Road Power Set
The Lego 5893 set comes with instructions for three different Lego builds, a Lego Truck with Digger, the Off-Roader, and a Dune Buggy. The set is part of the Creator Series. Review written by Louanne Cox.

Lego Gingerbread House Set
The Lego Gingerbread House Set is a fun set to create for Christmas. It also makes a pretty holiday table centerpiece. With 1477 pieces, this set will keep the kids busy while they wait for Christmas to arrive. Review written by Sylvestermouse.

OCCASION THEME

 

Lego Easter Egg Hunt Set Reviewed
The Easter Egg Hunt Lego Set has 126 pieces and is perfect for Easter. Review written by Beverly Owens

DISNEY

Lego Disney Castle Set – Cinderella's Castle
The Fabulous Lego Disney Castle Set #71040 has 4080 pieces – a fun challenge for older Lego fans. It comes with favorite Disney characters of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Tinker Bell. Review written by Sylvestermouse.

Disney Winnie-the-Pooh Lego Set
Everyone loves Winnie-the-Pooh. With this Lego Set #21326 with 1265 pieces, Winnie and his friends can enjoy the Tree House and all the 'Pooh' adventures. Review written by Sylvestermouse.

BASIC

Reviewing a Set of Basic Classic Legos
The LEGO Classic Creative Supplement Set is a set of basic Legos to create whatever you can imagine. Review written by Wednesday Elf.

DISPLAY SHELVES

The final touch to your Lego Hobby is to have the perfect place to display your completed creations. Sylvestermouse gives you this lovely home decor piece.

Lego Display Shelves
When you complete your Lego Sets, especially the large ones, you will need a place to display them. The display shelves reviewed here by Sylvestermouse are the perfect solution.

SUMMARY 

This quick resource guide to reviews of Lego Sets will hopefully guide you toward the exact set(s) you are looking for. More reviews will be added as they appear, so come back anytime to see the latest. 

Happy Lego Day! 

Check Out More Toy Reviews at
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Reviews on Lego Sets
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Holiday Reviews on Review This Reviews!

*Lego Day Holiday Review written by Wednesday Elf

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Review of Inspirational Greeting Cards to Encourage a Terminally Ill Friend

Want to send a greeting to encourage a sick friend when an ordinary get well card just won't do?

In this post I will show you some great inspirational cards you can customize to say exactly what you want to convey. Or, if words fail you when you learn of a friend's diagnosis or prognosis, but you want to share your concern and support, you might want to choose one of these notes that says what you don't know how to put into words yourself.

The sun sets for everyone someday.

When you know someone is in constant pain with a chronic or terminal illness for which there is no known cure, a regular get well card just isn't appropriate. In spite of your good intentions, receiving a typical get well message might just remind your friend she probably won't ever get well. What is needed is an inspirational card designed especially for those who probably won't be in good health again, and who, in fact, may be coming to grips with not having much longer to live.

Those chronically or terminally ill need lots of encouragement.

They often live with pain that is excruciating. They may wonder if they will ever feel good again. Often they are almost housebound because of mobility problems or the inability to drive and be independent. They may feel they are losing control not only of their health, but also of their affairs, especially if they are elderly and others have taken over their financial decisions and even their living arrangements. Many people's families have put pressure on them to leave their beloved homes and move into a new community where they don't have any friends. Why? Because it's more convenient for the family member who expects to be assisting in care giving.

I encouraged my own mom to move close to me when I knew she was approaching her last years. She was still healthy for the first few years she was near me, but she did miss her old friends "at home," and found it difficult in my community to make new friends that were as close as the people she had known for over 50 years. As long as she was able to drive, she did pretty well finding some friends at church and clubs. She also did some volunteer work. But in the last three years, she began to have trouble remembering her commitments and appointments, and she had to stop those activities. Her friends and her sister back home preceded her in death, and the notes and letters that kept her "connected" stopped coming. Then her health began to fail until she finally was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 89 and given only two more months to live. You can read about our relationship during those last years here.

Snail Mail Is Encouragement that Lasts a Long Time

Forgotten Mailbox in Oak Tree

In this day of emails and text messaging, many people have forgotten what it's like to receive real snail mail. It's hard for them to relate to people who were born before there was television -- let alone the Internet or cell phones. Many of those under 30 today aren't used to sending handwritten letters and notes through the mail and want all their connections to be instant. They live life at a fast pace and can't imagine not being constantly connected to others.

But the elderly and the lonely who may not understand the new technology or be able to sit for hours at a computer, or maybe sit very long anywhere, can receive a real boost in morale when they get a real written communication from a friend or family member in the mail. These people are often so lonely that even their junk mail gets read.

When I was a used book seller,  the children who cleaned up their parents' estates often used to call me to look over the book collections that were left behind. I remember one house where there were all sorts of books -- even duplicates, still in the shrink wrap they were delivered in. When I asked about that, I was told that the owner had been a shut-in and had ordered all kinds of stuff mail order just to have someone come to the door. These are the kind of people who look forward to the mail as a possibility of being the high point of the day. How disappointing when it's only junk mail and bills.

Older People Especially Appreciate Encouragement Via Snail Mail

Many people think it's silly to send someone snail mail when email is so much faster. But even when a person is young, a real card with a personal message from a close friend or other loved one can be treasured. The elderly and housebound treasure them even more. My mom had stacks of cards in her closet people had sent her. I found them when she died. I know that every now and then she would look through them and remember those who had cared enough to send them. She also sent a lot of them herself to those she loved.

Emails and text messages by their very nature are not permanent. Paper cards can usually last as long as the recipient wants them to. They can be stored and pulled out when loneliness is overwhelming or when one is feeling so sick or depressed one feels like giving up. They can be read again and again -- even after the sender is gone. They can bring back memories of happier times spent with the people who sent them. They are well worth the money. A beautiful blank note with your personal message of encouragement, or an extra sentence or two when you sign your card cannot only make someone's day, but maybe will also give a lift to many other days.

Coral Rose Card, Thinking of you today. Card 

Those who are sick and shut in often wonder if out of sight means they are out of their loved ones' minds. Sometimes a card with beautiful picture and just the message that you are thinking of them will let them know they are not  forgotten and that they still matter to someone. They might keep such a card where they will see it often.

Above is one such card. Be sure and write something personal at the end in your own handwriting. That is often the part that shows you really care. Here are more "thinking of you" card designs.

An Inspirational Greeting Lets People Know You Are Thinking of Them Even if they Feel Alone and Forgotten

Some people are most encouraged by the words of Scripture. The cards in this set or four designs from DaySpring have messages that could encourage a person in a variety of situations. Click the image to see inside messages. If you prefer similar messages on other styles, just click the "related products" link under the title. The menu at the top lets you see cards for many occasions. You can also access free Ecards there.  This is a good  time to stock up on DaySpring Scripture cards for all occasions.  In the sale section I just saw a very appropriate box of cards to send to people who are going through difficult times. Check out the sale section for of great values on cards with Scriptures for all occasions.  There is a varied selection and it might pay to get those sale prices on cards you use a lot of so that you always have an appropriate card to send.    

The winter holidays are an especially tough time for those who may expect the current one to be their last. Send an inspirational greeting to let them know you are thinking of them. Though they may not feel good enough to really enjoy the holidays, they will want to be near loved ones and make the most of what may be a last holiday celebration. You probably won't be wanting to say " Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" because it might not ring true. So what do you say? Maybe something like this:

The message inside this card is very appropriate for those who may be in pain or who have suffered a loss like a death in the family. It sends your love. Just click card for purchase information. 

This is appropriate for someone newly diagnosed before the holidays who may be struggling with that diagnosis.  It is blank inside for your own encouraging message. Click card image to to buy. Check out other Breast Cancer Cards at zazzle.com

I designed this card inspirational holiday encouragement card especially for a friend who was soon to lose  her battle with colon cancer. It would have been equally appropriate for her surviving husband, since she actually died in December of the next year. Just click  the card for purchase information. 

Thanksgiving is another time to remind someone you are thinking of them. The inside of this card says "You have been a blessing to me." Click card image to purchase. 

One thing I've learned from visiting or caring for those who are sick and who rarely see anyone is that they often feel useless -- as though they  no longer matter to anyone. How will the recipient of this card feel if you write a personal note saying how much he or she has meant to you and why. Think far back. I once wrote a letter to the mother of an old high school friend for no reason other than  to thank her for her frequent hospitality when I was younger and how much it meant to many of us in our crowd. By then she was elderly and her nest was empty. I got a wonderful letter back saying how much my letter had meant to her.

The card above is perfect for writing your own thoughtful message for Hanukkah. Just click card image for purchase information.

The Terminally Ill Might Appreciate a Well-Chosen Easter Greeting

What could be more encouraging than the promise of resurrection? I will admit that Easter is my very favorite holiday. If Christmas presents us with a babe in the manger, Easter brings us a victorious Lord who has conquered death. It brings hope to every Christian with its promise of eternal life.

This blank Easter Calla Lily Greeting Card has plenty of space inside for your own personal message of hope and encouragement. See it and  more Christian Easter cards here. 

Here are some other encouraging greeting cards

You should be able to find just the right message among these. For some people, you might want to simply let them know they are in your thoughts. For people of faith, you might get a card with a Bible verse or verse of a hymn you know they love to remind them of God's love and presence in the midst of their pain or their fears.

This card contains a stanza from one of my favorite poems, "God Works in a Mysterious Way." It would be an encouragement to anyone trying to cope with a difficult or painful situation. I keep many of these on hand. Just click card for purchase information. 

This Dickinson quote strikes just the right note for anyone fighting a terminal or chronic disease or mourning a loss. Click card to purchase. See this quote on other designs. 

I created this card because I loved the brightness of the poppies. The Scripture quote from Psalm 103: 17&18 is a reminder that even though the poppy is temporary, as are we, the steadfast love of God will last forever. Click image to check price.

This card based on Psalm 23 mentions 'the valley of the shadow of death" -- a place where many of the terminally ill people find themselves. Sometimes this is the elephant in the room that no one wants to mention in person or in a card. Maybe you think it's easier for all concerned to pretend death may not be approaching and to put a happy  face on the situation to "cheer someone up." Sometimes this has the opposite effect. 

The terminally ill aren't fooled by cards encouraging them to get well soon. They know what's ahead, and sometimes they wish others would acknowledge the battle they are fighting -- wanting to live, but facing the fact they may not live much longer. When others seem to expect them to not mention this or to act as though they are going to get better, they feel they don't have "permission" to talk about the fears they may be facing. It's a gift to let them know you are aware of the emotions they may be feeling and you're not afraid to listen if they speak their hearts. 

I have done this with my mom and two special friends who were getting close to the end of their battles with cancer. None were offended by this. To my best friend, I sent flowers a few weeks before she actually died with a note that I wanted her to be able to enjoy them here. Her husband told me how much that meant to her. Here's a good way to send flowers to those who don't live near you.  Click card image to check price of card or purchase.

Using the Blank Note Card Effectively: What to Say

If writing comes easy for you, but you just don't know what to say to encourage your friend, you might just say that you are sorry he or she is so sick or in so much pain, or that he or she has been diagnosed with the disease. If this is a chronic disease or condition that is not terminal, you might say you hope your friend begins to have more good days soon. (Those with chronic conditions often fluctuate between having good days and bad.)

Let the recipient know you care, that you are there for them, that you are praying, or whatever comes from your heart. If you live close enough to be able to follow up with a visit later, you might want to say something that lets the person know you are willing to listen as he expresses his thoughts about the illness and what changes it might bring.

It doesn't take long to fill a blank note. And your thoughtfulness in taking the time to write will be very much appreciated. Sometimes the pictures on the cards themselves will inspire you and help you find the right words.

A Final Suggestion

I have found that when I shop at Zazzle, it is smart to evaluate my greeting card needs for the next year and order everything I anticipate needing at once. I buy several of my favorite cards or postcards for coming birthdays, holidays, friendship, thinking of you, and other occasions I see ahead, such as graduations. Zazzle has a bulk rate on greeting cards and postcards, so buying more than ten assorted at a time saves money and buying a lot at once also saves on shipping fees. It also means I don't get caught off guard when I need to send a get-well or sympathy card. I always have one that's appropriate.

I have been a fan  of greeting cards all my adult life. I have read them, sent them, bought them for stores and even managed a Hallmark store. Read all about My Life in Greeting Cards.  

How will you encourage terminally ill friends?

I hope I've left you with something useful you can apply as you express your care to friends who deal with lingering illnesses, chronic pain, or getting to the end of life's journey. If you have other ideas, please share them in the comments. Please use the sharing buttons at the end of this post to inspire others to encourage their loved ones with snail mail greeting cards. Why not share this image on Pinterest?

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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What Does Good Friday Mean to You?

Cherry Blossom Postcard by Sylvestermouse

Since today is Good Friday, I thought it would be appropriate to ask "what does Good Friday mean to you?" 

I woke up this morning myself to a gloriously beautiful day.  Spring has truly arrived in my backyard and our region.  After days of heavy rain and flooding, I am grateful to see a lovely blue sky and blooming trees.   As I stood in my window looking out at the beauty of the day, I couldn't help but think it doesn't quite seem right that it would be so magnificent on the day Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Christ.  Frankly, those harsh stormy days we have so recently endured would seem more appropriate.

Many refer to Good Friday as Black Friday.  In my humble opinion, either is apt.  

Good Friday or Black Friday

I have always found it interesting to hear what others think, how they view the religious holiday referred to as Good Friday on calendars.

So, now I ask you: How Do You Refer to Today?

Easter Sunday

Good Friday is always followed by Easter Sunday, the day we celebrate the resurrection of Christ from the grave and His ascension into heaven.  

Regardless of the title you apply to today, I sincerely hope you will all have a wonderful Great Friday and a glorious Easter Sunday!   We can't have one without the other.

Jesus on Resurrection Tapestry in the Vatican Canvas Print by Sylvestermouse

Romans 1:16
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Reviewing Tips for Photographing Beautiful Sunsets

Sunset at August Busch Conservation Area

Most photographers agree that the minutes before and after sunset provide some of the best lighting for taking photographs. Although I have read and heard that theory many times, I often, either for convenience or desire, try to photograph at different times. When I compare my photos that I have taken over the years, I find that the best ones almost always were taken during the pre and post sunset time periods.

On this page, I will share with you some of the photos that I have taken and some of the techniques I use to capture these images.

all photos are by the authorT-mbgphoto

 

Preparing for Your Photo Shoot

On a recent spring evening my friend, Teresa and I set out to capture some sunset photographs.  We wanted to catch the reflection of the sinking sun and the colors of the post sunset sky on water, so we went to a nearby area where there are several different lakes.  August A Busch Conservation Area is just a few miles away from us so we decided drive out and check out the lakes in the area. We made sure we arrived about an hour before sunset so we could check out which lake would be best to capture the types of photos we wanted to take.  After driving around several lakes we decided lake #6 would best fit our needs.  We could park on the east side of the lake and get some nice shots of the sun fading into the western sky and horizon.  The other feature we liked about this lakes were a couple of small boats tied up on the eastern shore that would make a nice foreground feature for our photos.

Tips for Preparation

• Make sure you have batteries charged and room on your memory card
• Search out the best place to get the photo you want
• Set up your tripod and camera ahead of time ( a tripod will result in the clearest photos, especially after sunset)
• Using an off camera remote is helpful (helps to alleviate camera shake)

Take a few shots before sunset

Taking a few shots early will help you to determine the best places to set up your camera.  The light just before sunset can be really nice for capturing flowers and other objects.  The soft light will bring out the details of an object. The first photo shows our set up photo.  The next two show the effects of the soft lighting during the time just before sunset.  Notice the beautiful details in the rose photo.

Camera, Lights, Action

We had our cameras set on tripods, the light came from the setting sun and now we were ready for action.  We took several shots as the sun was setting.  I always like to capture the various stages of a sunset.  For these shots I had moved my tripod away from the boats and to an area where I could capture the sunrise framed by the tree and grasses in the foreground.

The Sun has Set but we are not done Yet

The time right after sunset can produce some wonderful colors in the sky.  It is different each time so you just have to be patient, wait and be surprised.  On this day some beautiful pink colors came out of the clouds after sunset.  The first photo was taken a short time after sunset.  A lot of times new photographers are then ready to pack up and leave thinking they have gotten all the good photos.  But look at the second two photos and note how about 30 minutes after sunset the sky takes on a deep blue color.

 Patience Required

These next two photos show the difference in waiting those extra minutes just after sunset to get the perfect photo.  I was shooting at Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis for a photography workshop. The instructor had told us to set up and wait for the sky to turn a deep blue.  I waited, and waited and took the first photo.  It was ok but I didn't think anything that great.  Then I waited a bit more and the sky turned an even deeper blue and as a bonus a sliver of the moon was in my photo.  I think you will agree the deep blue really made the photo.  Patience paid off.

Products from my Photos

Here are some Zazzle Gifts I have made from photographs that I took in the "golden hour" after sunset.

Fountain at Sunset Poster by mbgphoto
See other Sunset reflections Posters at zazzle

Sunflowers at Dusk Card by mbgphoto
View more Field of sunflowers Cards

He is Risen! Easter Message Card by mbgphoto
Shop for Easter message Cards online at Zazzle.com

Boats at Sunset Coffee Mug by mbgphoto
Design a unique photo mug.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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