Friday, December 11, 2015

O Holy Night

My Favorite Christmas Song ~ O Holy Night

the nativity
I love the song "O Holy Night."  It is truly my favorite Christmas song, and it may well be my all time favorite song because of the beautiful message.   The easy words and beautiful melody draw me in, sooth my soul and remind me of the real reason I celebrate Christmas. 

As we move through the holidays at a breakneck pace, it is so easy to forget where our focus should be.  Singing this song always brings me right back to the reason why I sing, the reason why I love Christmas, and the One whose birth I celebrate above all others.

The History of "O Holy Night"


Would you believe the original poem used to write the lyrics for this song was written in 1847 by a wine merchant who wrote poetry as a hobby?

That alone reminds me that God can use anyone to do the most exceptional things.  150 years later we are still singing "O Holy Night" and being touched by the message of the words of a recreational poet.


O Holy Night Sung by Faith Hill



"O Holy Night" Lyrics as sung by Faith Hill 

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
The thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine, O night, O night divine!




The Original Poem written by PLACIDE CAPPEAU


O Holy Night Poem
Minuit, chrétiens, c'est l'heure solennelle,
Où l'Homme-Dieu descendit jusqu'à nous
Pour effacer la tache originelle
Et de Son Père arrêter le courroux.
Le monde entier tressaille d'espérance
En cette nuit qui lui donne un Sauveur.

Peuple à genoux, attends ta délivrance.
Noël, Noël, voici le Rédempteur,
Noël, Noël, voici le Rédempteur !

De notre foi que la lumière ardente
Nous guide tous au berceau de l'Enfant,
Comme autrefois une étoile brillante
Y conduisit les chefs de l'Orient.
Le Roi des rois naît dans une humble crèche :
Puissants du jour, fiers de votre grandeur,

A votre orgueil, c'est de là que Dieu prêche.
Courbez vos fronts devant le Rédempteur.
Courbez vos fronts devant le Rédempteur.

Le Rédempteur a brisé toute entrave :
La terre est libre, et le ciel est ouvert.
Il voit un frère où n'était qu'un esclave,
L'amour unit ceux qu'enchaînait le fer.
Qui lui dira notre reconnaissance,
C'est pour nous tous qu'il naît, qu'il souffre et meurt.

Peuple debout ! Chante ta délivrance,
Noël, Noël, chantons le Rédempteur,
Noël, Noël, chantons le Rédempteur !
Midnight, Christians, it's the solemn hour, When God-man descended to us
To erase the stain of original sin
And to end the wrath of His Father.
The entire world thrills with hope
On this night that gives it a Savior.

People kneel down, wait for your deliverance.
Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer,
Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer!

The ardent light of our Faith,
Guides us all to the cradle of the infant,
As in ancient times a brilliant star
Conducted the Magi there from the orient.
The King of kings was born in a humble manger;
O mighty ones of today, proud of your grandeur,

It is to your pride that God preaches.
Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
Bow your heads before the Redeemer!

The Redeemer has overcome every obstacle:
The Earth is free, and Heaven is open.
He sees a brother where there was only a slave,
Love unites those that iron had chained.
Who will tell Him of our gratitude,
For all of us He is born, He suffers and dies.


People stand up! Sing of your deliverance,
Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer,
Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer!






Adolphe Charles Adam portrait (9607018730)
Adams via Wikamedia Commons




The Music of "O Holy Night"


The music for "O Holy Night" was composed by Adolphe Charles Adam, a prolific writer and composer.

Adolphe Charles Adam was the son of a concert pianist and was trained from a very early age in music and piano.  He wrote his first opera in his mid-twenties and two operas per year thereafter.

After failed investments in a new Opera House in France, Adam was rescued from certain poverty by the Paris Conservatory who appointed him as a professor of music where he taught until the time of his death.





O Holy Night Sung by Josh Groban



"O Holy Night" Lyrics as sung by Josh Groban 

O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining.
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh hear the angel voices!
Oh night divine! Oh night when Christ was born!
Oh night divine! Oh night! Oh night divine!
Chains shall he break for the slave is our brother,
and in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise his holy name.
Christ is the lord, that ever, ever praise we.
Noel! Noel! Oh night;oh night divine!
Noel! Noel! Oh night; oh night divine!
Noel! Noel! Oh night; oh night divine!




Fessenden
Fessenden via Wikimedia Commons

"O Holy Night" Published, Translated and First Song Broadcast on the Radio


"O Holy Night" was originally published in French and entitled "Christian Midnight."

John Dwight, an ordained Unitarian minister and great promoter of European classical music, translated "Christian Midnight" into the English hymn, "O Holy Night."

"O Holy Night" was the first song broadcast over the radio.  It aired on December 24, 1906 when an Canadian Inventor named Reginald Fessenden, pictured on right, broadcast the first AM radio program in which he played the song on his violin.  Needless to say, I applaud his selection on song to share with the world.



To Purchase Your Own Copy of the Featured Vocalist

Plus, If You Would Like to Learn the History of More Hymns, I Recommend the Featured Book Below


May You All Be Blessed by the One Who Was Born on that Holy Night!

O Holy Night Music Review Written by:
House of Sylvestermouse



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.”


Thursday, December 10, 2015

Relax and Enjoy a Special Event for the Holidays

historic area of St. Charles, Missouri photo by mbgphoto
Sometimes during the holiday season we can get so busy with all of our Christmas planning, decorating, shopping and baking that we forget to take the time to stop and enjoy the season.  I like to do something different each year that helps me to relax and enjoy the season.  On this page I will review the activity for this year, a "Photo Walk" on a popular historic street all decorated for Christmas.  For our walk, I met with four other photographers in the historic area of St. Charles, Missouri.  We met at the old train depot on the riverfront.
old train depot in historic area of St. Charles, Missouri photo by mbgphoto

St.  Charles is located on the Missouri river on the eastern side of the state of Missouri.  It is just west of the St. Louis area.  St. Charles served as the first capitol of the state of Missouri from 1821-1826.  Today the  main street area is a popular tourist attraction with lots of shops and restaurants.  They go all out for Christmas with lots of decoration throughout the historic area.

Our group spent a couple of hours wandering through the area with our cameras and stopping to take photos of anything we found interesting.  We then stopped at a restaurant to enjoy some time together reviewing our morning and discussing photography.  It was a great way to relax and meet new friends.

red Christmas bows on wrought iron fence photo by mbgphoto
I was interested in all of the beautiful wreaths hanging on the storefronts.  I photographed many of them and made the collage below of the different wreaths.

Christmas Wreaths Poster
Christmas Wreaths Poster by mbgphoto
Shop for Christmas wreaths Posters online at Zazzle.com
An interesting building we stopped at just off Main street was a reproduction of the first church in St. Charles.  The first church was a Catholic church built in 1791 called San Carlos Borromeo.  The reproduction was done using the same type tools as  the original.  
San Carlos Borromeo in historic area of St. Charles, Missouri photo by mbgphoto
I took nearly 200 photos during the morning.  Here are a few of my favorites.
historic area of St. Charles, Missouri photo by mbgphoto
Shops  along Main Street.  I love the cobblestone streets and walks.
sleigh decorated for Christmas photo by mbgphoto
An old sleigh, decorated and sitting on a door stoop.
Christmas wreath photo by mbgphoto
A wreath on a brick wall.

an old building in historic area of St. Charles, Missouri photo by mbgphoto
An old building along Main Street.

Christmas Wreaths Greeting Card
Christmas Wreaths Greeting Card by mbgphoto
Look at other Christmas wreaths Cards at zazzle.com
May you enjoy your preparations for the Christmas season and take some time to unwind as we prepare to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. 



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.”


Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Reviewing Christmas Wreath Marshmallow Treats Recipe

One of my family's favorite Holiday treats...

christmas wreath marshmallow treats
Around the holidays you will find me happily creating all sorts of treats in my kitchen. I love to make cookies and treats to give away as gifts and to also have on hand when family and friends stop by. I do believe that if I ever decided to skip the Christmas Wreath Marshmallow treats on any given year, I would be disowned by my family. They absolutely love them!

Mine do not really look like a wreath because I've gotten lazy over the years and don't take the time to form them into circles so, really, mine are more like Holly clumps with berries. It doesn't matter really whether they look like a wreath or not, it is that yummy buttery marshmallow taste that grabs them every single time. I also do not use the traditional cinnamon red hots for the berries, either. Instead, I substitute those little red hots with red M&M's. 

Why the substitution, you might ask? Well, truth be told I start making my Christmas cookies and treats in September and October and I found that it is extremely difficult to find the little cinnamon candies at that time of the year. So, I decided to use red M&M's one year and my family actually likes that added bite of chocolate better than the cinnamon. 

The Recipe Is So Easy!

christmas wreath marshmallow treat ingredients

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons cinnamon red hot candies (or red M&M's)

Directions for making:

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a low heat. Add the marshmallows and cook until they are completely melted. Stir this mixture constantly so that the butter does not start to burn. Remove from the heat and stir in the food coloring, vanilla and cornflakes cereal. 

Quickly drop the mixture by heaping tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper. You can form them into wreath shapes with lightly buttered fingers. Decorate with red hot candies (or my substitute). Allow to cool to room temperature before removing from the waxed paper. Store in an airtight container. They can be frozen!

A Few Tips For This Recipe

I do not recommend substituting the butter with margarine or a butter substitute. It will dramatically change the taste of your treats. Real butter works better with the marshmallows and if you are concerned about calories, well the butter is not the biggest culprit in this mixture. Trust me, use butter.

I make mine in my 6 quart dutch oven pan. It is large enough to accommodate the 4 cups of cornflakes and it is much easier to mix the ingredients together in. 

Work quickly when dropping the mixture on the waxed paper from the pan. The marshmallow begins to set-up rather fast as it begins to cool. I do not recommend keeping the pan on the heat because it will begin to burn.

I also do not recommend trying to double this recipe. Although, you certainly have enough marshmallows and cornflakes to do a double batch; it is too difficult to get everything stirred and mixed together and then onto the waxed paper before it cools too much to work with. 

Normally, I fix one batch and do my clean up (the pan gets pretty messy with green marshmallow residue!) and then in a day or two, I make the second batch. It is totally up to you as to how you approach it but one thing I would not attempt is to do a second batch in the pan that still has green melted marshmallow in it. That residue will burn while you are melting your butter and that ruins the second batch. Now, why do you think I know that? Hmmm? I learned the hard way that some shortcuts are just not worth trying when it comes to cooking!

If your family loves Rice Krispies Treats, they will love these Christmas Wreath treats! The cornflakes give it a slightly different taste but they are really good!




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.”


Tuesday, December 8, 2015

The Best Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers: A Review


I'm a Side Sleeper with Bad Knees


I have had neck problems and back problems for years, and thirty years ago a physical therapist told me that when I sleep, I should keep a pillow under my knees if I'm on my back or between my knees if I sleep on my side. I am also supposed to hug a smaller than normal size pillow. It has not been easy to find pillows that will help me sleep without  pain.  I'm sharing the results of my search with you to save you time if you also need a knee pillow.




I've always been a side sleeper. The main reason for that was that I have post-nasal drip that makes me cough during the night, and when I cough lying on my back, it hurts my ribs. (Getting old isn't much fun.) This year my knees have developed problems. I could not seem to find one of any of the numerous pillows around the house that was the right shape or thickness to fit well between my knees to keep my knees and hips properly aligned. I finally decided to get a pillow made for the job.



Finding the Best Knee Pillow


I searched several knee pillows on Amazon and decided on this one – the Cushy Cloud Memory Foam Knee Pillow. It arrived almost instantly – the very next day – although I had ordered only the standard free shipping. I was very happy about this, since my right knee, which had been my good one, had suddenly gotten so bad I could hardly walk.

The inside of my Cushy Cloud is all memory foam. The outside is a soft gray cover that I can machine wash if necessary. It has a zipper closing to keep the pillow snug inside. I love it. Although I can sleep on my back when I want to since I got my new REM adjustable bed, I still often want to sleep on my side. The pillow can be placed between my thighs or below my knees to keep my spine properly aligned and my knees almost pain-free. Heat helps, too. Now I crawl under my electric blanket for the warmth and put the pillow in place. Within minutes the pain in my knee has subsided so I can sleep.

The Best Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers: A Review
Cushy Cloud Memory Foam Knee Pillow
Almost by accident I discovered something else. When I was using an ordinary pillow under my knees while on my back, I would just switch its position to between my legs when I turned to my side. Since I got the new bed, though, I didn't need a pillow under my knees because the bed adjusted. If I wanted to turn over, I had to take the pillow off the table next to the bed and maneuver it under the covers to get it between my knees, and I always had to struggle enough to do this to wake myself up thoroughly or to set off a hot flash. I discovered that if I kept the Cushy Cloud standing tall between my knees while on my back, it was already there when I wanted to roll over, and it kept my knees warmer in the meantime. If that left knee is really hurting bad when I go to bed, I put it over the concave top of the Cushy Cloud when I'm sleeping on my back and it gives me extra support and warmth while elevating my knee a bit more. It seems to help relieve the pain.

A Pillow to Hug


In case you're wondering, my favorite pillow to hug is a camping / toddler / travel pillow. I have shown one that's the same size but a better pillow below. I have also included among the suggestions the pillow cases that fit it. I'm going to break down and buy a couple myself. The one that came with my pillow, bought decades ago, finally wore out, and substituting a normal pillow case just doesn't work well. It's easier to pick one up at Amazon than to scour the local stores in search of one, even now that I know what I'm looking for. The ones I recommend below will fit most camping, travel, or toddler pillows. They definitely match the toddler pillow I recommend below.


Sometimes getting a good night's sleep depends on having the right bed and the right pillows on it. We bought out beds after spending a lot of time trying them out in person, and that's the only way I'd buy a bed. The pillows I've recommended can be successfully purchased online. If you aren't satisfied with your Cushy Cloud knee pillow, you can send it back for a refund. I'm keeping mine.


If you found this helpful, please share with someone else. The image below is the right size to share on Pinterest. Sharing buttons are just above the comment box, below.

best knee pillow for side sleepers




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.”


Monday, December 7, 2015

Controversial Anne of Green Gables Book Cover Review

What Did You Think of The Controversial Anne of Green Gables Book Cover?


Controversial Anne of Green Gables Book Cover Review


In 2012 a company self-published a three-in-one Anne of Green Gables boxed book set and radically changed the image on the cover from that of the red headed, freckly 10-year old girl we have come to know and love as Anne Shirley to well, an older blue-eyed blonde, whose pose has been called sexy, sultry, a travesty. You can see the image from that cover here.

Check out the controversial Anne of Green Gables book cover. What were they thinking?

Have a look at the cover artwork that appeared on those books and let us know what you think. Was it appropriate that Anne Shirley was modernized in this way or should the publishers have stayed with a more typical, period-appropriate version of Anne. Does it even matter? What do you think?

Why Were They Allowed To Use Provocative Pictures On The Cover of Anne of Green Gables?


The first question that entered my mind when I heard of these new covers was how was the publisher able to get away with making Anne of Green Gables so provocative? I guessed that the book must have fallen into the public domain and, according to online sources that is, indeed the case. Public domain, by the way, means that the owner's copyright has expired and the work is free for others to use as they wish.


Fans Upset About New Anne of Green Gables Covers

The controversial Anne of Green Gables book cover customer review stats.

Life long fans of Anne of Green Gables were naturally extremely upset about Anne's new look. Reviewers were clearly horrified by the cover as is reflected in the numbers recorded in this screenshot on February 13, 2013 that shows 392 one-star reviews. I believe those reviewers were really rating the cover and not the stories, which most Anne fans love. It is noteworthy that the controversial cover was pulled not long after it was released in response to the uproar.

More Reading About the Controversial Anne of Green Gables Book Cover


Book Lovers Outraged Over Sexy Anne of Green Gables Cover
ABC News Anger Over Sexy version of beloved children's character.

Anne of Green Gables Goes Blonde
The Guardian: New edition of the freckled heroine has bedroom eyes...

Anne of Green Gables Gets Racy Update
The classic 1908 book gets a new cover with an older and sexier Anne on display.


Anne of Green Gables Books complete, unabridged set.


The Anne of Green Gables Three-in-One Boxed Set


The Anne of Green Gables three-in-one boxed set includes three of Lucy Maud Montgomery's books: Anne of Green Gables, Anne of Avonlea and Anne of the Island and was published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. Shown here is the cover that was issued to replace the controversial one.



What Do You Think of the Controversial Cover?


If you have been wanting to have your say about the controversial Anne of Green Gables book cover, here's your chance. Let us all know what you think by leaving a comment in the comments box.

See you
in the book aisle!
Brenda




More Anne of Green Gables Reading:


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

Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning 
In the book Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning, the war in Europe is winding down and Anne Shirley was a middle-aged writer returning to the island for a visit.

Anne of Green Gables on Pinterest



Author's Note: Previously published elsewhere in 2012.







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.”


Sunday, December 6, 2015

Begin Again - A Movie Worth Watching

Have You Seen the Movie Begin Again?

It's all about FEELING. You'll Feel from the beginning to the end, And When it Ends, you'll Want More.

Begin Again, starring Keira Knightley and, Mark Ruffalo, and Adam Levine, transports you to a place where the ugliness of personal mistakes takes a back seat. At the same time, you become a participant in the artist's musical life. The music is the focus; the characters follow, and everything works. 
If along with realism, music and art, you intimately understand the hidden mystique of a city, you'll feel even more from this movie
The story centers around the once Grammy Award-winning success of Dan Mulligan. Still, currently, down-on-his-luck character Dan Mulligan, played by Ruffalo, meets a recently heartbroken yet fiercely independent singer-songwriter, Gretta James, played by Knightley. They decided to make an outdoor album with each song performed in different locations of New York City, making this the energy that fuels the music. The city's heart automatically beats with the music, and although the city isn't directly a dramatized focal point, its pulsating imperfections connect every aspect to the characters.

If you're drawn to movies that depict the intimate flaws of people but can still manage to ooze beauty via the complex backdrop of urban life and the souls within, this one wins.

Some Movie Facts:
  • Begin Again premiered in September 2013 at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
  • Keira Knightley learned to sing and play guitar for the movie
  • The song 'Lost Stars' was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song
  • Fans of The Voice will remember Adam Levine performing Lost Stars with Season 7 finale contestant Matt McAndrew
  • The soundtrack for the movie was released in June 2014, with most of the songs performed by Knightley and Levine.
Lost Stars, a magnificent song, is now part of my playlist. Here's the video of Adam Levine performing Lost Stars, from the scene in the movie:

Personally Speaking, Begin Again is among my top ten all-time favorite movies. Mark Ruffalo's character is powerful; he is also one of my famous actors... and I also appreciate what he stands for off-screen.

by Barbara Tremblay Cipak
Drageda.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.”


Friday, December 4, 2015

A Charlie Brown Christmas Movie Review

A Charlie Brown Christmas movieThe Christmas Classic Movie

I feel as if I have always known Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the entire Peanuts gang.  They were not only a part of my own childhood years, but they were a part of my husband's childhood.  Of course,  we introduced them to our children when they were little too.  Therefore, our household has literally had decades of being entertained, and multiple generations taught, by the magnificent Charles Schulz characters.

In 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" made it's debut on television.   It is one of the Christmas classics that I must watch every year.  I even find myself singing or humming "Christmastime is Here" while I am cooking or decorating our tree.

The Peanuts gang is an entertaining group for every age and every member of the family.  Watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas" together is a wonderful family tradition.

Each year, my heart is touched by the message shared in this Christmas classic to such a degree that anyone watching me would think I had never seen the show before.



A Charlie Brown Christmas Ice Skating Party

The opening scenes of everyone ice skating are beautiful with the snow falling and the loving sense of happiness.  The theme song softly plays in the background.  As I mentioned earlier, it is such a simple melody, that it often plays in my mind throughout the Christmas holiday.

While they are walking to the ice, Charlie Brown is telling Linus about his general depression surrounding the holidays and his own lack of understanding for his absence of excitement and enthusiasm.    
(You can view that in the video scene below)



Did You Know? 

When A Charlie Brown Christmas was made, the producers broke a lot of unwritten rules. 

* No canned laughter was inserted 
* References to the Bible were used to reinforce the true meaning of the season 
* Real children did the voices of the gang instead of adults talking like children 




Setting the Stage for "A Charlie Brown Christmas"


Moving past the tranquil opening scenes, we find Charlie Brown seeking advice from Lucy about his holiday depression.  Lucy takes her station in the lemonade stand as a Psychiatrist to help Charlie Brown determine why he is depressed.  In an effort to help, she appoints him as the Christmas play director.

Meanwhile, the beloved beagle, Snoopy, sets out to win a decorating contest by decorating his dog house.  Even though Charlie Brown detests the commercialism of it all, the dog house really is very pretty when it is decorated and later wins 1st place in the competition.


"Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"
~ Charlie Brown from "A Charlie Brown Christmas"

 

The Christmas Play

When it is announced that Charlie Brown will be the Christmas play director several people, including Snoopy, express disappointment.   Lucy takes over and assigns everyone their parts and the practices begin.  Then, Lucy sends Charlie Brown and Linus to bring back a Christmas Tree for the play.


The Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

It's so sad...


Against Linus' objection, Charlie Brown chooses the Christmas tree that needs him.  Of course, he is laughed at and criticized by his peers when he returns with a real tree instead of a modern aluminum tree.

It is at this point that Linus steals the show with his description of what Christmas is really all about.  His eloquent delivery of the true Christmas story is the reason why this show rates as one of my Christmas favorites.



Heeding Linus' words Charlie Brown determines not to let commercialism ruin his Christmas.  He takes his little tree home to decorate it.  After using one ornament from Snoopy's decorated dog house, the little tree bends under the weight of the ornament. Charlie Brown believes he has killed the little tree and walks away even more depressed than before.


Showing Love 


Again at Linus' suggestion, the gang comes together to show a little love and decorates Charlie Brown's tree.  When Charlie Brown sees what his friends have done for him and for his tree of course, he is overjoyed.  The entire group breaks into song:  "Hark the Herald Angel's Sing".

 A Charlie Brown Christmas (Remastered Deluxe Edition)Check Price

Amazing isn't it?  Charles Schulz was actually allowed to make a Christmas story that tells of Christ's birth and it became a classic.


A Charlie Brown Christmas Movie Review
House of Sylvestermouse



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.”


Thursday, December 3, 2015

ID Tags for Dogs and Cats

Reviewing the Importance of ID Tags for Pets


Would you freak out if your pet went missing? Get one of these customizable dog or cat ID tags!
Is your pet missing? Never underestimate the
importance of having an ID tag for each of your dogs and cats.
We've all heard the amazing stories of dogs and cats that travel for miles, sometimes over months, to get back to their old homes.

It happens and the science behind how it happens is fascinating. But if it's your dog or cat that's gone missing, it can be a heartbreaking time of waiting, watching, and hoping that he or she will be returned to the family.

The least we can do as pet owners is to make it as easy as possible on someone who might find our missing pet. That's why I want to talk today about the importance of ID tags for pets, both dogs and cats.

Dogs are slippery and cunning and some are "rovers" by nature. We had a neighbor dog who loved to run away just to see how far he could get, or so it seemed. Fortunately, he was returned several times before he finally disappeared for good. How did the pet lovers who found him get him home? They checked his ID tag and called his owners. Having the phone number right on the tag was the key to reuniting the family with their much-loved pet.

A cat I knew also had an interesting adventure that was rather amazing. When his family moved to a new home several miles away and across a very busy highway, within two days that cat was back at his old house. How he found his way through the countryside, across the highway, then through town to get to his house only his Creator will ever know for sure. In this case the cat didn't have a tag, but a neighbor recognized him and called his owners who happily came back to get him and secure him for good. Fortunately, that story had a happy ending, but many do not.

I've seen plenty of "lost dog" or "lost cat" ads with the statement that the animal "needs his medicine." Knowing that time may be running out quickly for a cat or dog with a medical condition only makes the ordeal worse.

So now you know the background and the reason why you might want to choose one of these ID tags for your pet.

(Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article.)

I love the "freak out" dog tag at the top of the page because I'm a dog mom who certainly would freak out if our Daisy were to go missing. It's a beautiful tag, perfect for anyone with a sense of humor.  Consider ordering one for a friend's dog or cat. It's a great gift idea.

diabetic dog tag
Have a diabetic dog or one who needs medication for seizures or another condition? Customize this tag, currently featuring our grand-pup Adrian (who is not diabetic but is an adorable model), with your own medical and contact information. It's also available in a dog bone shape.

Dog ID tag for a pet with a medical condition. Customizable from Zazzle.
Or choose this tag without a photo but with a brightly colored center that's very visible even at a distance. Very simple to customize with your message and contact information.

Cat ID Tag - Cat on the Moon - Customizable from Etsy
If you're a cat owner, then you know he or she deserves demands pampering. If I were a cat I'd choose this Cat on the Moon ID tag and I think your cat would like it, too. It's beautiful and should suit even the most finicky feline. Customizable with a name and phone number on the back.


I hope you never have a lost pet but, given the odds that any pet can get away at any time, your dogs and cats need to have an ID tag. Please take care of that little detail right away.

Just in case.

Before it's too late.




~ Susan Deppner
Read more of my reviews.



Missing pet? Never underestimate the importance of ID tags for dogs and cats.
This is important information for all pet owners.
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Posted by Susan Deppner

Susan Deppner

About the Author

Susan Deppner is a baby boomer, a cancer survivor, and a Southerner who believes in the Golden Rule. She enjoys writing about food, faith, and fitness; health, home, and holidays; people, places, pets, and patriotism, and more. Follow Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and 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.”


Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Reviewing Trunki A Suitcase For Kids

A Suitcase that does more...

Our four year old grandchild just recently did an overnight with Grandma and Grandpa and we had so much fun! She had borrowed a suitcase from a little friend and I was quite impressed. The one she used was the Harley The Lady-bug Trunki Suitcase and it was adorable and also roomy. It is made of plastic and sturdy enough that a child can actually ride on the suitcase. She didn't need to ride it at our house but it did get me to thinking about the usefulness of something like this for vacations.

A small child will struggle with carrying their own bag through an airport but with a Trunki, they can sit on it while Mom or Dad pulls them along to board the plane. It would also be helpful at the hotel when you have to park quite a way from the door. The kids think it is fun while Mom and Dad get a break from having to carry their own luggage plus a child's. There are only so many hands and it is pert near impossible to carry adult bags, kid's bags plus hold on to your child's hands as you maneuver to the current destination. Am I right?

So, our grandchild expressed the desire to have her own suitcase like the one she had borrowed. She said that maybe Santa Claus could bring her one of her very own. Naturally, Grandma began to look at the options. I know she thought she liked the ladybug one but I doubt that she has seen the other characters available. Grandma plans to get her this one:


The one above looks kind of like a cat but I think more tiger and since she lives in Cincinnati and is a Bengals fan, I know she will love this model better than the ladybug.

Another feature of this suitcase for kids is that there is a strap that they can pull it on their own if they want to. They can also sit on it and push it around with their own feet.

This little suitcase had quite a bit of room for her clothing and there was a little pocket for keeping her little treasures in. There are straps that can hold items into place which comes in handy. The manufacturer calls them seatbelts for Teddy and a child could strap in their favorite stuffed animal to keep it safe in the suitcase during travel. I think that is adorable but also see the functionality of those straps for clothing, as well.

I was impressed with the construction of this small little piece of luggage for a child. It seemed pretty durable and is so darned cute!






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.”


Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Shower Accessories I Depend Upon; A Review

Taking a Shower Is More Complicated Than It Used to Be

Having the right shower accessories makes it easier. I have always been a shower person rather than a bath person. Showering was a pretty simple matter most of my life. I'd get in the shower, soap up and rinse, dry myself, and get out. No big deal. Now that I'm 73 and not quite as limber as I used to be, taking a shower seems like a much bigger deal.

Invacare I-Fit Shower Chair with Back Support for Shower or Bath, Supports Up to 400 lbs.Invacare I-Fit Shower Chair with Back Support for Shower or Bath, Supports Up to 400 lbs.Check Price


To complicate my showers even more, we have to deal with water rationing here in California. We can't just let showers run while the water heats unless we want to pay higher water rates. When I get into the shower, I need to take a large container in with me to collect the cold water. When the water is warm, I can go about the business of getting clean.  

After soaping up and rinsing off, I normally shave my legs. When I do that, I need to put my legs up where I can reach them easily. For that I use my shower chair. At this point in my life I can still get my legs up, one at a time to shave them. 

After my shower, I also use the chair when I dry my legs. It's so much easier to reach my feet and legs when they are resting on the seat of my shower chair. The photo above is of the Invacare Shower Chair with Seat Back. It is very similar to the one I use. Mine is an Invacare, but they may not make the same model anymore. Mine is over twenty years old.

A Shower Chair is Even More Important After Surgeries Limit Movements

I have had several surgeries this past two years. First I had foot surgery and it was a few weeks before I could stand in the shower. It was really wonderful to have a place to sit. I use a hand-held shower head that can help me get wet where I need to while I'm sitting down. I'm also beginning to have knee problems that sometimes makes sitting to shower easier. One can still shave from the sitting position and wash hair while sitting down.

I could not get along well without a shower seat. But all shower seats are not created equal. The first one I ever got is still at home. It has no back and a plastic seat. It has chrome legs. After several years, the legs are not only rusty, but they are now also wobbly. I don't feel quite safe putting my legs up on it to shave anymore. It moves under me.

Since my last surgery, I live most of the time at a house I inherited from my mother. It has a much better shower chair - one with a back.  Both the seat and legs are much sturdier. It most closely resembles the Invacare Shower Chair with Seat Back above, except that part of the legs on mine are aluminum. When I need to sit, I can lean back and have support. The legs don't rust or wobble. Along the side edges are some slots that can hold hand-held shower fixtures. You can see it in my photo below. 



Things to Consider Before Buying Your Shower Seat

 Drive Medical RTL12505 Handicap Bathroom Bench with Back & ArmsCheck Price Carex Bath Seat And Shower Chair With Back For Seniors, Bath ChairCheck Price Essential Medical Supply Height Adjustable Shower and Bath BenchCheck Price Zadro 12-inch Wide Best Silicone Squeegee with Clear Ergonomic HandleCheck Price

 


Since my house came with this shower seat, I've never had to assemble it. Others have testified it is very easy to assemble. The leg lengths and seat height are easily adjustable. I'm not sure if the back of this one can be removed, but it can be removed from the Carex Universal Bath Bench pictured below, which is very similar in style. Both can hold up to 400 pounds.The size of the chair makes it able to fit into both stall and bathtub showers. I'm going to get one of these for our permanent residence before I fall someday leaning a leg on the backless seat I have there now. I have learned that you get what you pay for.

Before you buy a chair for your shower, decide if you want or need arms on it. I don't have arms on mine and have never missed them, but I do have a grab bar in the shower to assist me in getting up and down. If you are not disabled, you may not need arms or a back. But since the Carex Shower chair has a removable back, it can adjust to meet future needs. Be sure to measure your shower to make sure the chair will fit. I believe the Carex Universal Bath Bench is the most compact and will fit in almost all showers. 

Wiping the Shower Walls Eases Cleaning the Shower Later


When I finish my shower, I like to get the water off the doors and the shower sides, since the water here is very hard. I used to use a towel at the other house, but the shower is much bigger here and the towel is soaked before I finish. I dug out the old simple shower squeegee my mother-in-law used to have, but it was useless and put water back on the door as fast as it removed it. So I went to Amazon looking for a replacement.

My Invacare Shower Chair and Zadro Squeegee, © B. Radisavljevic
My Invacare Shower Chair. My Zadro Squeegee
is on top on the right.
I finally purchased the Zadro Fogless Ergonomic Squeegee and it has been very efficient in removing the water. The blade is a foot long and shaped so it can fit under the other door when the two shower doors that meet are closed. Since each door is two feet wide, I can easily clean half a door with one swipe. The blade meets the door surface snugly enough to remove most of the water. The few drops that drip back can easily be removed with a small rag or towel. The old plastic squeegee you see to the left of the seat in my photo threw almost as much water back on the door as it took off. My Zadro squeegee (right) also does a good job on the tile surfaces on the shower walls.


The only complaint I have is that I can't use the suction holder that is supposed to attach to the shower wall. It does not adhere well to tile. It would also be one more thing the squeegee would have to go around while I'm using it, since I also have the shower fixtures and the grab bar on the walls. That doesn't bother me since I can store the squeegee in one of the holes in the side of the shower seat. I usually use the long one designed as a handle and it works very well.



I am very thankful I have these two wonderful shower accessories to help me keep myself and my shower clean. They have made my life much easier. Maybe they would solve a problem for you or someone you love, too.  Why not get them today and make your life or another's easier?
   


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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