Reviewing Spring Flowers on Zazzle

I love to photograph spring flowers, actually flowers anytime of the year, but for this article I will stick to spring flowers.  Spring flowers always bring a smile to my face.  The photo above shows some bright colored tulips and daffodils around my neighbors mailbox.

After I have taken all of these photographs, the big question is what to do with them.  I have found Zazzle to be a wonderful venue to use to display my flower photos on a wide array of products.  This way I can enjoy them all year long.

Zazzle Pillows

Purple Iris Reversible Pillows by mbgphoto
View more Purple iris Pillows at zazzle.com

This beautiful Iris photo is one that I took at the Missouri Botanical Garden.  It is a reversible pillow with a different photo on each side.  I like to put a close up on one side and a zoomed out view on the reverse side.  This photo is a 16x16 size but it can also be made in several other sizes.  The Zazzle pillows have a zipper on the side for easy cleaning and are made in the USA and machine washable.  What a wonderful way to display your flower photos!

Greeting Cards

Zazzle greeting cards are a great way to share your photos with others.  They come in three sizes, the standard 5x7 or 7x5, a smaller notecard, or if you prefer a large 8.5 x 11 card.  The card below shows primroses from my garden.

Birthday Greetings Floral Card by mbgphoto

Check out other Birthday Cards at zazzle.com

Flower Photography Tips

• Photograph from Various Angles
• Get Down at the Same Level as the Flower
• Try a Closeup Shot and then a zoomed out shot of the same flower
• Flowers photograph best in the early morning hours or just before or after sunset
• Cloudy days are also great times to photograph flowers

In addition to the pillows and greeting cards, Zazzle has hundreds of ways to display your flower photos.  Here are a few more that I used on my photographs.

• Magnets 

Purple Pansies Fridge Magnets by mbgphoto

Design custom round magnets on zazzle.

• Tote Bags

Purple Delphinium Bags by mbgphoto

Create custom made bags.

• Prints for your Walls

Lilacs on the Fence Canvas Prints by mbgphoto
View other Lilacs by the fence Canvas Prints at Zazzle.com

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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Reviewing Argan Oil for Healthy and Tangle-Free Hair

Looking for a solution to end dry and frizzy hair? Need to get the tangles out quickly? Let's review tips for using Argan oil to grow healthy hair.

As we get older, our once long locks of lusciously thick hair may start to dry out and get frizzy. Sometimes it seems that the only way to keep our hair healthy-looking is to keep it cut short. If you're like me, you may want to keep your waist-length braids to the end of your days. And, yes, I'm talking to the guys, too!

When my hair started showing signs of middle-age frizz, I went to a high-priced hair stylist for some help. She explained that the aging process causes our skin to sag and wrinkle. It also causes our hair to become dry and brittle.

Argan Oil Rejuvenates Hair to a Healthy Shine

The high-priced hair stylist suggested an expensive conditioning treatment and a high-priced bottle of Argan oil. I paid the price and left the salon a poorer, but happier girl. I never went back for another the expensive conditioning treatment, but I kept massaging the Argan oil on my scalp and long locks.

I have since changed brands of Argan oil. I admit, it was the price that hit my pocketbook a bit too hard. I now apply a small bubble of Renpure Argan Oil on my hair two or three times a week. A little goes a long way.

Aragn oil has been a part of my hair care routine for 6 years and I love the result.

Argan Oil Takes Out Tangles Without the Tears

Monday's post by Dawn Rae about how she uses her BUFF hair stocking to prevent Jeep Hair reminded me of our Harley riding adventures through the back roads and over the city streets of our hometown. By the end of a ride, my hair is always a mess.

It doesn't matter if I braid my waist-length locks or twist them under a skull cap, the result is always the same. Twisted knots of tangled hairs that are impossible to comb.

My solution is to pour a little dab of Argon oil in one palm, rub my palms together and gently massage through the tangles. With some gentle coaxing, a rat's nest of knotted hair turns into long and silky locks once again. No tears and no clumps of pulled out hair.

Reviewing Tips for Long and Healthy Hair

My hair has grown half-way down my back for as long as I can remember and I have always looked for easy ways to keep my hair looking clean and silky. In the 1970s, I watched an interview with a hair stylist that specialized in long hair, extremely long hair. Long hair was the Big Thing back then. All the girls and guys were growing their hair down below their knees and this stylist explained that long hair has special needs.

Here are a few things I learned from that TV interview:

• Long hair should not be washed every day. Wash long hair every 3 to 4 days to prevent dryness and split ends.
• Wash long hair with a mild shampoo. Concentrate the shampoo on the scalp and give the ends a quick wash.
• Put conditioner on the hair when it is wet. Concentrate the conditioner on the ends, leave in for a couple of minutes and rinse out.
• Trim the ends regularly. Hair grows faster and thicker when the split ends are cut.
• Avoid hair dryers, hot curlers and curling irons. These hot items dry out the hair and cause it to break off or fall out. Instead, wrap or twist hair up into a turban while it is wet and let it dry that way.

Help Your Hair With Argan Oil

I love the way Renpure Argan oil makes my hair feel and makes it easy to run my fingers all the way through my mop of hair. I gave my mom some Argan oil and she loved the way it made her gray hair shine. She also loved the way it turned her dingy gray hair to a bright shade of gray and took out that yellow tint that gray hair sometimes gets.

If you have suffer with dry hair, I think you'll really like Argan oil.

Posted by Coletta Teske

About This Contributor

Coletta Teske writes reviews on books, business management, writing, crafting, cooking, and gardening. She is also an avid recycler and shares her tips on recycling. She delights in upcycling an old object, recycling or transforming discarded items into a new treasure.

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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Magic in the Air from Spring to Fall

Photo from Pixabay

While most birds do not have any difficulty finding food for themselves in the spring, summer and fall, there is one exception to that rule.  Our everyday (I won’t ever call them ordinary) birds, the ones that frequent our gardens throughout the year, know very well how to forage for seeds, nuts and bugs.  However there is a bird that frequents us in the nicer months and I’m sure that everyone would love to have them in their gardens especially through the summer months.  Right now they are on their way to us, migrating thousands of miles in order to make it to our backyards.  They are so little and so pretty, about the size of a mouse, only much more colourful and faster than a speeding bullet.

If you look at the migratory maps, you can see where these lovelies have been spotted already and watch their quickening arrivals on our shores.  Every year there is a Hummingbird Migration Map put out, so that you can record the first sightings of these migratory birds.  This image is the map for 2015.  http://www.hummingbirds.net/map.html

As you can see, they travel a long distance to make it to us and so when they arrive and all along their journey northwards, they love to stop at red feeders that are filled with sugar water, so that they can have the energy to continue on their way. 

Scientists believe that the Ruby Throated Hummingbirds can spot the red colored feeders from miles away and will make a bee line for those feeders.  Being such tiny creatures, they need lots of energy in a food source that is easy for them to metabolize.   Sugar water is just the thing for them.  Put the feeders out in the spring time and watch what happens. 

You have choices when it comes to feeders, the one I have  showcased for you here, is probably the top  model of feeders that catch the eyes of the “Hummers”.  

Perky-Pet 221 Hummingbird Oasis Feeder, 16-Ounce

You also want a feeder that is easy to clean.  Sugar water needs to be replaced and replenished daily.  Start with a feeder with only a little bit of sugar water in it.  Once you know that you have Hummers coming to visit the feeder, increase the amount of sugar water in the reservoir.  Put the feeder somewhere where the red is visible from the skies, but also close to some bushes so that the little Hummers can rest in safety.  If you are really lucky, they may even choose to nest in the available shrubbery and you will be witness to the birth of the next generation of these beauties.

If you have time to watch, and see what all the excitement is about these birds, then check out this YouTube overview and you will begin to understand why people are so fascinated with these little critters.The Wonderful World of Hummers.

Once you fall in love with these little Mini-Mites, you will understand why so many people put out these hummingbird feeders.  Just to have a chance to see them up close and personal, is a treasure of nature that is unparalleled.

Keep those feeders full of nectar and the hummers will visit you until they start their trek back to the warmer climates....they need that energy.

They will also come back next year and delight you all over again.

Nectar recipe:  1 cup of sugar (granulated)
                         3 cups of water.
Boil water and add sugar, stirring mixture until the sugar is liquid.  That's all there's to it and you don't need to add any red fool coloring.....it's better for them without it.

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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Review - I Love My BUFF

Buff - Hunter Orange

Just this last week I received my solution for my "Jeep hair" in the mail.  I already love my BUFF so much that I plan to order more. If you are in the market for awesome headwear that doubles as a neck gaiter and so much more, I hope you take a peek at this review.

Jeep Hair Do Care

I drive a Jeep - with the top down in the summertime. I also like to hike, camp, and go fishing.  I always have the problem of what to do with my hair. Cut it off? Learn to braid? Wear a ponytail constantly?  Over the years I have approached the problem with a variety of solutions, but none really worked well.  

Buff - Lotus

It's not that I care if my hair is messy.  The "Jeep Hair Don't Care" philosophy is my way of life. I don't mind the messy hair at all (probably to the dismay of friends, family, and co-workers). What I do mind is the hair whipping my eyeballs and the impossible tangles that I have to comb out at some point. There are years I do wear a short hair style in the summer because I can't find a solution for my hair. But I think I now have the solution - even if I keep my hair long.

Buff Original Headwear

A Buff is a stretchy, "technical fiber" tube that can be used as a head band, neck gaiter, balaclava, cap, and so on. I purchased mine in "hunter orange" due to being in the woods so often but there are hundreds, if not thousands, of colors and prints to choose from.

It is made with a cool and moisture-wicking material that is machine washable and reportedly maintains it's elasticity.  Some of the Buffs are also made with UV protection.  

For more information about the history of the company and the variety of products they offer, be sure to visit the official Buff website. 

My Buff Experience

So far, I've had a good experience with my new Buff.  Historically, I have a lot of problems with headbands. There is something about the shape of the back of my head that allows headbands to almost immediately roll up the back of my head.  But my Buff has been great. If I wear it rolled up as small as it goes, and like a headband, I can feel it starting to slip. But I have worn it in a wider headband shape, so wide that it is a bit like wearing a 'kerchief around my head, and it stays put.  I was concerned that it would blow off in the Jeep, with the top down, at highway speeds, but so far  it has not. And I arrive at my destination with tangle-free hair. 

I love my Buff. The only problem is choosing the color of my next Buff. 

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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How to Remove Scratches from Auto Paint

                           Mequiar's Car Care Kit

The Preferred Scratch Removal Compound and Polisher to Remove Scratches from Auto Paint - A Personal Review

There is no doubt that in our house, my husband is the 'car cleaning go-to-guy'. If there's a car to be cleaned, he's probably outside doing just that! It's no exaggeration to say that he's an expert. He's spent years mastering his craft and is very proficient at auto detailing to the point that the car looks like showroom condition when he's done with it!

One of the areas he's learned a lot about is how to remove scratches from auto-paint. Personally, I had no idea that this was doable right from home, until I actually watched him do it.

Here you'll read about my husbands favorite products for scratch removal and how to properly apply them. These products are not chosen on a whim either, he's extensively researched them and

Ultimate Compound

personally loves the results he gets. Of course, it's certainly up to you what you ultimately decide to use, these are just suggestion based on personal choice and experience.

Meguiar's G17216 Ultimate Compound - 15.2 oz.

He loves working with this compound because he says it gives him great results. It has a diminishing abrasive, so he doesn't have to worry about damaging the paint finish. He'll give the bottle a good shake before he uses it as well.

The video below gives you a good explanation of the product - it's one he's watched a few times.

The Car Polisher That Gives Excellent Results

The Porter Cable 7434XP is his favorite. Tips on how to use it:

First thing is to choose the proper cutting pad; it's usually identified by the manufacturer. If you happen to use the wrong pad, you'll probably notice that it's very porous and that the compound will deeply embed itself and will not remain on the surface to do it's job. The cutting pads are more dense and the cutting compound should stay on the surface to do it's work.

PORTER-CABLE 7424XP 6-Inch Variable-Speed Polisher

Porter-Cable Polisher

This is his first choice for a polisher. It turns out to also be a best seller on Amazon. He says it's a terrific tool that's given him great results.

He's used it all day long to remove swirl marks and scratches and the machine showed no signs of slowing down or heating up. He feels it's good value for the money too.

Additional Tips Regarding the Porter Polisher

Be sure to prime the pad with a lubricant so it's not dry when you are about to use it. In regards to the polishing pattern to use; first use a small diameter pad for small areas - he says he uses an up and down pattern with a 50% overlap and a side to side motion with a 50% overlap. He only does an 18inch by 18inch section at a time.

As mentioned above, the product has a diminishing abrasive that will break down within minutes of use and you will see the product turn to a shiny finish. After a minute or two you can wipe it off with a micro fiber cloth. Continue to prime the pad before adding more product. Also, clean your pads after each use.

A Helpful Video on Polishing Your Car

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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Review of The Vegimals, Members of the Fisher-Price Octonauts

Fisher-Price Octonauts - The Vegimals Set

My grandson, David, was approaching his sixth birthday.  While checking with his parents as to what toys might be on his birthday wish list, I was told about a recent favorite of the kindergarten set – the Octonauts!

The Octonauts

Being a grandmother with my children all grown and my five grandsons living far away, I'm out of the habit of knowing what toys are popular with today's children. Therefore, I needed to do some research into this latest craze... and thus this review for other grandparents and parents who might not be aware of these adorable toys.

It seems the Octonauts are an underwater exploring crew of eight little anthropomorphic animals who live under the sea in their Octopod and have undersea adventures using a fleet of aquatic vehicles.

Animated Series

Octonauts Wall Hanging available on Amazon

The Octonauts began in 2010 as a British TV series on BBC based on American-Canadian children's books written by Vicki Wong and Michael C. Murphy.  It's an animated series which appeals to children ages 4-12. 

The Octonauts encounter real marine animals in their natural habitats while having adventures. It's rather a bit like a combination of 'Star Trek and the Thunderbirds meet Jacques Cousteau!'

Octonauts Characters

Octo-Crew of 8 Octonauts

The eight main Octonaut characters include the Captain, Barnacles the Polar Bear, along with Kwazii the Cat, Peso the Penguin, Inkling the Octopus, Shellington the Sea Otter, Tweak the Rabbit, Dashi the Dog, and Tunip the Vegimal.

The Vegimals

 

The Vegimals Set I Got David for his Birthday

Which brings us to the set I purchased and mailed to David for his birthday – The Vegimals!  David has already begun collecting all the main Octonauts characters, so I have added to his collection with this set of five characters which are really cute.  They are soft and squishy and measure about 1.5 inches tall.

Vegimals are part animal and part vegetable and are a special breed of underwater critters who love making tasty kelp cakes and helping out around the Octopod! They include Barrot the carrot, Grouber the ginger, Tominnow the tomato, Codish the radish, and Tunip the Turnip. Tunip is also the Ship's Cook and Gardener and a regular member of the regular 8-character team.

Toys by Fisher-Price 

The Octonauts and Vegimals figures, along with their Octopod and vehicle playsets, are products of Fisher-Price, which is a name I've trusted in toys for children for nearly 50 years.

Gup Speeder Gup-O with Kwazii the Cat

By the way, along with the Vegimals set, my birthday package included a Mini Gup (vehicle) with Kwazii the Cat, which I learned is David's favorite Octonaut. There are a whole line of these vehicles and playsets, which make nice additions to your child's collection as time goes on.

This birthday request became my first-ever introduction to the Octonauts and their friendly Vegimals and I find them adorable.  I have to say I am delighted to make their acquaintance and I see a whole bunch of birthday and Christmas Octonauts in my grandsons' future! 

David, Age 6

Happy Octonauts Birthday, David!

*Review written by Wednesday Elf on 5/2/15

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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Gifts for Mother's Day Reviewed

Mother's Day Card

Mother's Day is just around the corner.  Have you already purchased your gift for your mom for Mother's Day?  I will let you in on a little secret.  I have not made my gift selection for my own mother yet.  Perhaps, we can do this together.

I am very close to my mother.  I often know what she wants before she knows what she wants.  You all know how that happens.  I give her a gift and all of the sudden it is what she has always wanted, even though she previously had no idea the item was even in existence.   What is even more amazing is that somehow there is just the spot in her home that it seems has been waiting for that very elusive item to materialize. 

Truthfully, that is part of the magic of mothers.  They know how to make you feel loved and appreciated with a few words, a look, a gentle touch, and certainly the "over the top" exclamations of joy when opening a gift from you.  I think I could wrap up week old bananas and Mom would respond enthusiastically by questioning how in the world I knew she needed those to make the banana bread she had been craving.  I must truly be a mind reader!  Only my mother thinks I have such super powers, I assure you.  Truth be told, I only have them because she bestowed them upon me at that very moment.

Since I don't plan to wrap up week old bananas for Mom this year, I do need to get on with making a nice gift selection for her Mother's Day gift.  I thought we could explore my ideas together today and you could help me choose a gift.  Who knows, Mom may well praise you for your divining powers as well this year!

GIFT SUGGESTIONS FROM MULTIPLE CONTRIBUTORS

Mother's Day Gift One

Rescue Road: One Man,
Thirty Thousand Dogs,
and a Million Miles on the
Last Hope Highway - Book Review
by Renaissance Woman

My mother loves to read!  That is probably exactly why I love to read so much.

Mom has always been a tremendous influence in my life and books were always in our home when I was growing up.  I remember well have our own set of encyclopedias at home.  I didn't know another soul who had their own reference library at home.  It was pretty cool too since it wasn't always easy or convenient to go to the public library.  Of course, we didn't have the internet when I was in school, so having books at home was like having a pot of gold.

Renaissance Woman made a wonderful book recommendations in her article, "Rescue Road: One Man, Thirty Thousand Dogs, and a Million Miles on the Last Hope Highway - Book Review ".  

I know Mom would love this particular book because she is a rescuer herself.  She will take in any stray "whatever".  Be it dogs, cats, bunnies, raccoons, people, etc.  If you are hungry, she will feed you.  Even as I am writing this article, she currently has a kitty that she gave a home because her original owner lost his job and could no longer afford to feed Miss. Kitty.   I assure you, that is one pampered kitty cat. 

But, back to the book, it isn't always easy to judge a book by it's cover, so having reliable reviews is essential to selecting a book that I know my mother will read and enjoy.

Mother's Day Gift Two

Customized Blankets and Throws  

Article written by Mbgphoto

Mom loves throw blankets, especially one that has special significance.  She has throws in various places throughout her home.

There is a throw blanket featured in Mary Beth's article, "Customized Blankets and Throws Make Great Gifts", that I know my mother would love. A few years back, we went to Rome and toured Vatican City.  The Resurrection throw blanket shown in mbgphoto's article is a photo of one of the tapestries displayed in the Vatican Museum.  That photo has special meaning to my mother and me because of it's religious significance, as well as the memory of our vacation in Rome.

There are several throws and blankets featured in "Customized Blankets and Throws Make Great Gifts" including flowers, animals and even the lighthouses that Mary Beth, aka mbgphoto, is renowned for capturing with her camera. 

Mother's Day Gift Three

The Most Comfortable Women's Shoes

by Dawn Rae

For all those many miles in life that Mom walks by my side, she really does need a comfortable pair of Tennis Shoes.  Some that she can slip on and off quickly, because she never knows when I am going to show up on her doorstep to drag her into a new project or take her to see something she absolutely must see now.

Mom is like my own personal #1 scout.  She is always prepared to jump right into whatever I can dream up for us.  Of course, she is quite capable of "dreaming" up things for us to do together too.  Regardless of who is responsible for the idea, comfort is always paramount, so Mom needs this pair of tennis shoes for all of our romping through the muck and mire of not only our own city, but those cities in far away places too.

I was introduced to these wonderful tennis shoes, which I promptly purchased for myself, by Dawn Rae right here on Review This!  I am now headed back over to her article, "The Most Comfortable Women's Shoes" right now to consider these tennis shoes for Mom for Mother's Day.  You are more than welcome to join me there too!

Mother's Day Gift Four

The BirdBath featured by Bev

Mom loves her flowers and flower beds!  I assure you, her backyard could give any contestant in the "Most Beautiful Garden" contest a real run for 1st place.

Not only does she love the bushes and flowers, but she enjoys adding special decorations or interesting elements in her beds.   She even has solar lights in her garden so she can enjoy it at night.

Bev featured a gorgeous birdbath on her article, "Mother's Day Gifts for the Gardening Mom".   It is a smaller birdbath than what I normally see in our area, but look how pretty it is!  It resembles a big blue flower!!!

Mom has more birds than an aviary at the a zoo.   She has the prettiest little yellow finches and I can just imagine them sitting on that birdbath. 

Ok, I confess, I actually love that birdbath myself.

Note to my children:  I wouldn't mind receiving that pretty little birdbath for my Mother's Day gift. 

Mother's Day Gift Five

Handmade Harvest-Time by Wednesday Elf

I have known for many years now, that Wednesday Elf is exceptionally talented in creating beautiful handmade crochet items.  However, I only discovered her  Handmade Potholders & Crocheted Dishcloths right before Christmas last year.

I personally had to have the Acorn Dishcloth in the photo, and I did give several of her potholders for Christmas last year, but I neglected to purchase one for my mother.

The Elf also has coasters and adorable crocheted animals offered in her Etsy store, Coastal Island Crochet and Crafts.  She even has a crocheted Lighthouse afghan!  Now that would be a real treasure to own.

So, I am also considering one or two crocheted items from Wednesday Elf's Etsy Store, starting with another Acorn Dishcloth.

Mother's Day Gift Six

Review of Easy to Use One Cup Coffee Maker

by Brite-Ideas

Mom loves her morning cup of coffee!  She doesn't drink coffee throughout the day like I do, but she does want that one cup of coffee in the morning.  Between the two of them, Mom and Dad don't drink a full pot of coffee each day, which means they end up having to discard delicious coffee that has simply set too long on the coffee maker burner.

It is for that reason that I would consider giving Mom the One Cup Coffee Maker that Barbara, Brite-Ideas, reviewed.  It seems like the perfect solution, plus each cup of coffee would be made at the exact moment that it is desired to ensure every cup would truly be delicious to the last drop.

That also means that when we visit, we can bring our own favorite blend of k-cup and make our own coffee.  No one need worry if the selected coffee will be too strong, too weak, or simply not to our personal liking.  We are all guaranteed an excellent cup of coffee made to our own specifications.

Mother's Day Gift Seven

The Nejiri Kama Japanese Sickle

I mentioned earlier how much my mother loves to garden and how she loves anything for her garden. 

Not only does Mom enjoy working in her garden, but if you are around her for very long, she just might put you to work in her flower beds too.  At the very least, you will find yourself helping my father refill her bird feeders.  But don't think for one second that the bird feeders are my father's only responsibility, because they definitely are not.  I have hundreds of memories of watching my mother supervise and instruct my dad on exactly where and how to plant a rose or azalea bush.

Because Mom loves to work in her flower beds, I am considering giving her new Gardening Tools. While some might think that is a work tool, I assure you, Mom thinks garden tools are work savers.  I am seriously considering the Nejiri Kama Japanese Sickle that Olivia Morris recommended in her article.

Mother's Day Gift Eight

How to Remove Blemishes From Photos Using Photoshop
by Lou16

Considering the purchase of anything technical for my mom for Mother's Day might cause my siblings to question my suggestions.  However, when I read Lou's review of the Photoshop, I immediately thought of my mother.

Mom doesn't like anything technical normally.  She even makes my dad change the TV channels for her because she hates trying to figure out their cable service.  However, when it comes to photos, I don't think there is anything that would hold my mom back from playing.  I can easily imagine her sitting at her computer tweeking photos.  I envision her being perfectly content with her one morning cup of coffee, removing blemishes from photos, and enjoying watching her old photos come back to life before her very eyes.

Because she enjoys scrap-booking, I know she will enjoy enhancing her photos!

Mother's Day Gift Nine

Customized Clocks Make Great Gifts by BarbRad

There are a few other things for the kitchen that I would love to give my mom.  One that is pretty, and one that will be quite useful.

Clocks are really cool gifts, especially when they are personalized for the recipient.   BarbRad gives us excellent  instructions on how to design and customize a clock or we could simply choose one of the clocks already designed.

I was immediately drawn to the clock with the page of music.  Mom plays the piano.  As a matter of fact, she is easily the best accompany pianist I have ever known, but I also enjoy listening to her play solos.  She is an outstanding pianist and this clock would be a perfect choice for her. 

BarbRad also introduced me to another nifty little gadget that I know my mother would love to have.  It is JarKey to help open those tight fitting lids on jars.  Actually, couldn't we all use one of those!

Mother's Day Gift Ten

You Can Own a Rare Richard Burns Print by Heather426

Everyone loves beautiful pictures decorating their homes!  They are often one of the first things we put up when we first move into a new home.

I was recently discussing the contributors here on Review This with my mother and we were talking about how I first met each of the writers.  I shared that one of my first memories of Heather426 was when she wrote about her husbands paintings.  I think that was nearly 6 years ago now, and I still enjoy seeing his artwork featured.

I was thrilled when Heather published her article "You Can Own a Rare Richard Burns Print, Signed by the Artist" right her on Review This!  Not only did her article introduce our readers to Richard Burns, but it gave me a permanent reference point to his work.   I promptly pulled up the article for my mother and she definitely remembered the prints and Heather.  We discussed at length the beauty of his paintings and his fabulous attention to detail.  His work is so lifelike, it almost looks like a photograph instead of a painting.

I know Mom would love one of Richard Burn's signed printed for Mother's Day!

Mother's Day Gift Eleven

Lark Rise To Candleford Review

by The Savvy Age

Like most of us, Mom enjoys a great movie.  A series that she can watch for weeks is even better.  

It isn't always easy to find a movie that Mom can enjoy these days, and even harder to find a wholesome series that will not batter my mom's ears with profanity.   Not to mention the over-the-top bedroom scenes that seem to get worse with each passing day.  Seems like movie makers are not happy unless they can guarantee their movies will be R or X rated.  Mom still has a preference for G rated shows.  If you ask her, she would tell you that truly "mature" audiences prefer a great movie that doesn't need the shocking illicit sex scenes and profanity.

Lark Rise to Candleford, which was reviewed and recommended by The Savvy Age, is the perfect series to give as a gift for Mother's Day.  I, myself, have already watched this series so I know it will be acceptable and enjoyed by Mom.

Mother's Day Gift Twelve

Hallmark's A Century of Caring Book Review
by Treasures by Brenda

I've already told you how much Mom loves to read and how she enjoys a good family movie.  What I haven't told you yet is that Hallmark is her favorite movie channel.  When it became necessary for my parents to switch cable companies Mom was quite distressed when she realized the Hallmark channel was not included in their new service.

I am sure she would enjoy reading Hallmark's A Century of Caring which was reviewed and recommended by Brenda.  The book comes with a DVD, "The Magic of Ordinary Days" which Brenda has also assured us is a wonderful movie.  

It won't be long before the hot days of summer of upon us and Mom won't need to be out working in her garden.  This book and movie would be a fabulous way to spend a day or two indoors in the cool air conditioning relaxing and being entertained by the very best. 

Elevate You Tired Recipes to New Heights 

with Spicing Pecans by Mickie_G

Mother's Day Gift Thirteen

Regardless of which of the other gifts I choose from above, I definitely think my mom will want to try these Spicing Pecans.

Mickie_G sold me on adding these Spicing Pecans to my recipes when she published her article "Elevate Your Tired Recipe to New Heights with Spicing Pecans".

My mother loves pecans and I have no doubt Mom will enjoy adding these pecans to her recipes.  I'm just hoping she will share that Iced Texas Sheet Cake with me as soon as she makes it.

More Mother's Day Gift Ideas

 Hallmark Gifts for Mom Holiday Cookbooks: Perfect for Mother's Day Pride and Peppermint NovelTeaTins on Etsy Reviewed You’ll Love These Insanely Comfortable Memory Foam Slippers

 

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT SELECTIONS

You may also want to check out the entire Review This Holiday Gift Guide for a collection of safe and reliable websites for online shopping.

My Mother's Day Gift for My Mother

So you see, finding a great Mother's Day gift for my mother is not my dilemma.   Choosing which fabulous featured gift to give to my mom is my problem.  Can you help me decide?  Please give you opinions in the guestbook below.

Note to My Mother 

Mom, I know you are reading this.   I know, because I know you read everything I write.  Since you are here, if you have a request or preference in gifts, please feel free to send me an email or call me with your list.  Since I know you will see more than one thing you desire, fear not!  I will gladly share your list of wishes with my siblings.

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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