Reviews of California Jigsaw Puzzles

Working a California Jigsaw Puzzle Together is a Great Family Activity

California jigsaw puzzles are beautiful. Working them together as a family can help children and adults develop or refine many important skills. These include management skills as the family plans who will work on which part of the puzzle; organizational skills as one sorts pieces; and spatial relations and analytical skills as one begins to learn and predict which pieces will fit together and why. Learn more about the benefits of working jigsaw puzzles.

Adults will find that working puzzles may help ward off senility, since both sides of the brain need to work together while completing a jigsaw puzzle. Working puzzles exercises the short-term memory as you try to remember just where that piece you saw that will fit in the hole is, or where the hole is that a piece you have in your hand will fit. It's a more complex version of the card game Concentration.

As families sit around a table and put puzzles together, they not only develop brain skills, but they also have plenty of opportunities to talk to each other. We often don't spend much time getting to know our other family members because we hardly ever make time to sit down with each other in a relaxed setting. Working puzzles together is an informal way for children to spend quality time with parents and siblings or wives with husbands. If the conversational well needs priming, one can always talk about the puzzle working process.

 Why California Puzzles?

So why work jigsaw puzzles with scenes of California on them? Why not? California is the third largest state in America. It has some of the most famous amusement parks. It is a large producer of wine. It has scenery that encompasses mountains, deserts, volcanoes, beaches, rugged coasts, large cities, growing fields, orchards, and a variety of fauna and flora. As a family works California puzzles, children can learn a bit of geography, no matter what state or country they live in. Adults can see places they've never been, or families can remember and reminisce about places they have visited as they work puzzles with the photos of those places on them.

California is home to some of the most beautiful places in America. Of course, I may be a bit biased, since I'm a native Californian. I currently live on the California Central Coast, but I used to live in Southern California and was one of the first visitors to Disneyland when it was built. My dad helped build it.

Now I live among the vineyards in Templeton.  I often walk the downtown area of Paso Robles, as well as its vineyards. I love walking the boardwalk of Cambria and the beaches of the San Luis Obispo County South Coast. I never go anywhere without my camera.

 I enjoy sharing the beauty of my state with others. I share photos of my local area of Templeton and Paso Robles in my blog, Capturing the Paso Robles Area with My Camera, and I love making Zazzle puzzles of some of my favorite local scenes, especially of the coast, the trees, and the missions. You can see all these puzzles together from this Zazzle link. 

Zazzle puzzles come in two sizes. Both come in lovely gift boxes with the image on the top so you can see what the finished product should look like. The 8" x 10" size has 110 pieces. The 11" x 14" size has 252 pieces. Both are suitable only for those over three years of age. Below are some photos I have used on the puzzles you can access from the link above. I took these photos at the Santa Barbara Mission. They are just two views of this mission I put on puzzles.

My Favorite Puzzle of the Santa Barbara Mission, © B. Radisavljevic

This image appears on my most popular Santa Barbara Mission Puzzle from Zazzle

Below is one of the many beach scenes I put on puzzles of the California coast.

This photo of the rocky coast of Cambria also appears on a Zazzle puzzle. © B. Radisavljevic

I have even more puzzles with scenes from the Paso Robles wine country. These are mostly of vineyards, tasting rooms, and even grape processing. In my puzzles grapes are shown on the vine both green and ripe and even withering when left on the vines after harvest. Vineyard jigsaw puzzles show vineyards in summer when  they are green and in autumn when their leaves turn lovely shades of red and gold.  Some of these would be just right to work while you are waiting for a midnight toast on New Year's Eve at home. Here are a couple of favorite photos I used on these puzzles.

Vineyard at Harvest Time, © B. Radisavljevic

Patio of Croad Tasting Room in Paso Robles, © B. Radisavljevic

Although I love making puzzles at Zazzle, they may not be big enough to satisfy some people. Amazon's jigsaw puzzles feature California places I have not visited with a camera.  Some puzzle pictures feature art work rather than photographs. The topics for which you can find 1000-piece puzzles give you many choices. Here are some of my California puzzle favorites.

 California Dreams-Dog Days Of Summer 1000 Piece Puzzle by Lafayette Puzzle Factory EuroGraphics San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge Puzzle (1000-Piece) Buffalo Games Cartoon World: Dave Garbot Hollywood - 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle by Buffalo Games Big Ben - Death Valley National Park Springbok 1000:

& 

Next time you want to spend quality time with your family without leaving home, plan a family puzzle party. Pop corn, make hot chocolate, and work a California  jigsaw puzzle. Pick up one now while you are thinking about it. You won't be sorry, because you never know when  the next rainy day or next power outage will occur. Be prepared.

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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Christmas Cookies Bite-Size Holiday Lessons Children's Book Review

SIMPLE CHRISTMAS LESSONS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

Beautifully put together, Christmas Cookies: Bite-Size Holiday Lessons was written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jane Dyer. It is the perfect addition to your holiday library and will allow you to introduce your young children to vocabulary words like 'tradition' and 'celebrate' and provide a basic guide to good manners in certain social situations. Savor the wisdom along with the illustrations that will have you and your children dreaming of sugarplums!

This book includes twenty-two simple lessons that are appropriate for all ages...

TRADITION means each year at the same time we make the same cookies and wear our special matching aprons. GRACIOUS means putting out a plate for our special guest.

CELEBRATE means time to get out the sprinkles!

While appropriate for all, this book is really aimed at children in preschool up to Grade 2.

Each page or two-page spread is illustrated with children demonstrating the word and/or lesson and each page features added characters for an extra touch of whimsy. I love the mice that the book opens with, the bunnies at the kitchen table, the lion in the dining room and the elves lending a helping hand. I have no doubt that you and your children will also love this book, too.

Amazon reviewer Cherry Ames says:

"If you have ever grappled with explaining an abstract concept to children, like tradition, disappointed or the all-important sharing, then Amy Rosenthal and Jane Dyer's cookie books are for you. Through the simple analogies of baking and eating cookies, which is something children can easily relate to, Rosenthal explains those sometimes difficult-to-understand ideas/values like gratitude, appreciative, gracious, and many more."

"Jane Dyer's soft, expressive child/animal illustrations complement and illustrate the concepts. The 'Christmas Cookies' book includes holiday-related words like joy, believe, celebrate and peace. Both of these titles are excellent choices for a child 3-6 years of age."

WHO IS AMY KROUSE ROSENTHAL?

Amy Krouse Rosenthal is perhaps most well known for her memoir called Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life which was very well received everywhere because of its unusual format and its wit with regard to the ordinary stuff of daily life. It was one of Amazon's top 10 memoirs in 2005. She has also published 11 children's books with plans for many more.

What Christmas lessons will you share with your children this year? Or what were the important lessons you taught your children when they were young? Do you think this book would be helpful?

See you
in the book aisle!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Order your copy of Christmas Cookies from Amazon.
See all of Amy Krouse Rosenthal's books here.

More Christmas Reading:

Rose Levy's Christmas Cookies Cookbook.
The Farm Chicks Book Reviews (in the Kitchen and Christmas).
A Very Brady Christmas Movie Review.

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 Make Changes in Life - A Famous Quote that Gives Us the Answer

Available on Amazon

A Famous and Wise Quote about How to Create Change in Life

“You never change things by fighting the existing reality; to change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete” by R. Buckminster Fuller

Despite the fact that Richard Buckminster Fuller isn't from our time, his wise words still resonate deeply. Also known as 'Bucky' he was born in 1895 and passed away in 1983 at the age of 87. His extensive resume includes American Architect, Systems Theorist, Author, Designer and Inventor.

In Today's World of Challenges, Buckminster's Quote Applies More Than Ever Doesn't It?

In situations that seem hopeless or all consuming, there’s really only one way out:

'to create a new situation that makes the existing situation obsolete'

This logical approach applies to every area of life:

• Relationships - We aren't getting along? Stop fighting the situation and person, and build a new road
• Work - We have problems, have gotten laid off, or the Boss is on our case; instead of going into fight mode, we build a new road
• World Conflicts - Solve the problems by developing new ideas that make the existing problems obsolete

Best of all, while we're creating that new model, we're also creating a new focus and purpose.

Instead of thinking of a way to change the current situation, Fuller's suggestion is to take the focus off the problem. If it's possible to forget it, forget it, and begin anew by building that new plan, that new approach.

Imagine what we could accomplish if we put down those spinning wheels and simply decide to build a new path.

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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I Miss You Most at Christmas Time - Music Review & Personal Narrative

I Miss You!

It is the week before Christmas and I am already surrounded by my family, but there is someone missing.

9 years ago my brother died.  During the holidays, when he should be here with us, the grief washes over me and I, once again, mourn the death of my beloved brother.

The holidays should be joyous and for the most part they really are festive.  There is a lot of family togetherness and laughter. Ironically, it is when we are all laughing that I hear the voice in my mind of one that is no longer laughing with us.  If ever there was anyone who loved to laugh, loved life, loved family, and loved Christmas, it would be my brother.

I wonder if there will ever be a Christmas that I don't remember and grieve his absence.

The photo above is from my own personal photo album.  It was taken on Christmas day, several years ago and is an actual photo of my brother and grandmother together.

I Miss You Most at Christmas Time by Mariah Carey

Several years ago, at Christmas, I heard "Miss You Most (At Christmas Time)" by Mariah Carey. My tenderhearted brother was with me then and we joined together as we cried and grieved the death and separation from our grandmother.

It never occurred to me that his would be the next family death and that when I heard the song again, it would be him that I would be missing.

Separation is for Just for a Season

St Peter's Basilica Dove Stained Glass Window

After my tears are spent, I recall the promise made by our Savior, Jesus Christ, thousands of years ago and I regain the strength to step into the next moment of my life.

John 6:38-40

"For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent me. And this is the will of Him who sent me, that of all that He has given me, I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day."

Comfort

My Brother's Monument

I find great comfort in that scripture passage and in His promise.  I am not wishing my life away, for there is work yet for me to do, but I know that one day I will be reunited with my brother and all who have gone before me.

My Brother's Monument

About the Dove in the Photo & the Monument

The photo of the dove is of a stained glass window in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.  I shall never forget the first time I ever saw that window.  It was brilliant!  I loved that window and took lots of photos before we left.  I can't adequately describe the magnificence and awe of seeing that window in person or the sense of longing and adoration it evokes.   The image of the sun lite stained glass dove stayed in my mind's eye long after we left Rome. 

When we were designing my brother's monument, that was the image that came to mind.  As you can see, the monument artist was able to replicate the image on the monument from the photo.

The inscription is a quote from the sonnet "Death, be Not Proud", written by John Donne.  I truly believe that it is death that dies when we wake eternally.   

I wrote this article about myself and my own personal thoughts, but I also recognize that there are many among us who are grieving during the holidays.  It is my sincere desire that these words may also comfort others who are grieving.

May the One who bottles your tears, comfort you now!

Scripture reference: Psalms 56:8

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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Hollywood Fashion Tape Review

Use Fashion Tape to Prevent Wardrobe Malfunction

Fix wardrobe emergencies before they turn into
serous wardrobe malfunctions!

Had any wardrobe malfunction close calls lately? It happens! I've found the absolute best fashion tape for preventing gaping spaces between blouse buttons, fixing straps that slip, and even repairing hems. Hollywood Fashion Tape is the perfect solution for wardrobe emergencies!

I first found this wonderful product when I put off trying on an evening dress that I had bought for a cruise. I knew it didn't fit quite right, but I didn't realize how much help I was going to need with this dress until it was too late.

The straps were the culprit. One was wide and ruffly, the other narrow and just not placed exactly where it should have been. When I finally tried on the dress then adjusted the wide, ruffled strap to fit properly, the narrow strap on the other side simply would not stay up. And vice versa. No matter how I adjusted the dress, there was obviously a strap problem - and a danger of a serious, embarrassing wardrobe malfunction.

The solution? I googled it, of course. In doing so, I found THE one best solution for all types of potential wardrobe problems and malfunctions, Hollywood Fashion Secrets Double Stick Fashion Tape Strips. Fortunately I'm an Amazon Prime customer, so I had it in my hot little hands in two days, which left me with one day to give it a try and make it work. So try I did and wow, was I impressed! Why hadn't I discovered this great tape years ago? (The answer to that is that my normal wardrobe of t-shirts in the summer and sweatshirts in the winter rarely pose those particular threats.)

Bottom line? The fashion tape worked like magic. I used it on both straps and I was able to breathe easily the entire evening of our event without even the threat of a slip. Since then I've found lots of additional uses for the tape. How did I ever manage before without it?

Better than sliced bread? I'm serious, it is! Hollywood Fashion Tape gets the Sassy Susan Seal of Approval and a spot in my closet, my dresser drawer, and my purse.

Remember the Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction?
If only Janet Jackson had used Hollywood Fashion Tape!

How to use Hollywood Fashion Tape

Peel the backing from one side of the tape strip. Press the tape firmly onto your skin or the fabric. Remove the other backing section and press onto the surface to be secured. Amazingly, the backing is easy to separate from the tape and the tape sticks very firmly. When you're ready to remove it, the tape pulls off easily without damaging the fabric. And it doesn't irritate skin. Truly, this tape is amazing!

Use it to:

• Tame slippery straps
• Close gaping gaps in necklines or between blouse buttons
• Repair hanging hems or snagged leggings or pantyhose
• Flatten flappy belt ends
• Secure scarves
• Keep wrap dresses or skirts from unwrapping

Order the tape in a multi-pack. Carry one in your purse, keep one in your desk, store one with your wardrobe accessories, and keep one in your suitcase if you travel a lot. Put them everywhere. Trust me, you will use them.

Hollywood Fashion Tape is a wardrobe accessory that I had no idea I needed - until I did. Bet you'll think of plenty more uses for yours.

How would you use Hollywood Fashion Tape? Bet you have a wardrobe problem to solve, too. Leave a comment below to let me know how you'd use your fashion tape.

P.S. Fashion Tape is essential to have on hand for proms, weddings, and other special occasions. Makes a great stocking stuffer for a teenage girl, too!

QUICK LINKS: 
Try Hollywood Fashion Tape from Walmart
Order a multi-pack from Amazon.com
Find more fabulous products from Hollywood Fashion Secrets

~ Susan
Meet the Reviewer

Janet Jackson photo from Flickr CC BY 2.0

Posted by 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.”

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Reviewing Bridal Bargains A Wedding Planner

Planning A Wedding On A Budget

My youngest daughter is planning a wedding for this coming fall and so we have been looking at what all needs to be done before she and her happy fella actually walk down the aisle. My goodness the costs can add up very quickly if you are not careful. I read somewhere that the average wedding costs around $25,000 in the US. Well, her wedding has to fall way below the median number! Golly, my first husband and I didn't spend much more than that to buy our first home! 

I am pleased to say that my daughter is quite the little bargain hunter. She has always been that way; so, I know she will want to find ways to cut corners for the wedding, too. Her and her fiance have already said that they want a small ceremony but would like to have a huge reception. Even with a small ceremony the costs can add up rapidly with the gown and flowers for the church. 

I found this book and purchased it for my lovely little bride to be. She laughed and said, "Mom, you know me well!" She couldn't wait to get it home and start going through it from cover to cover. 

Bridal Bargains: Secrets To Planning A Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget is proving to be areal help as she starts to look seriously at planning her special day. Not only are there lists of all things to consider for the wedding but there are some really great questions to ask each of the different vendors that you might have for the different parts of the ceremony. Things like what to ask the photographer and the florist which are ideas you might not think of asking but could make a huge difference in the product you receive.  There are recommendations on how to save up to 40% on nationally advertised wedding gowns and also suggestions for websites where you can find bargains for gowns, flowers and even invitations. There are ideas for bargains for the honeymoon, too. 

Needless to say, my daughter is very happy with this book and is finding all sorts of ways that she can keep the costs at a minimum. I looked at other books for planning a wedding but for goodness sakes even some of those were outrageous in the pricing for just the book. When my eyes fell on this title, I immediately took it from the shelf and thumbed through it. I knew there was no need to look any further, as it was perfect for my daughter. 

I also felt good in knowing that this book is in it's 11th revision so it must be pretty popular with a lot of brides. I noticed in one of the reviews that a gal said she used the book to plan her wedding and now gifts it to her friends when they become engaged. Sounds like she found it just as helpful and my daughter is finding 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 of Angora Sport Wool Knee Warmers

Why I Wanted Knee Warmers

I recently injured my left knee to the extent that walking and sleeping were extremely painful. I found help during the night with my Cushy Cloud Knee Pillow, but walking during the day was excruciating. At times I thought my knee would collapse on me. This was especially true when it was very cold. Even though I was also wearing silk long underwear beneath my trousers, it really hurt to walk. I needed a solution.

Then I remembered knee warmers. I decided to search Amazon to see what might be right for me. I wanted to keep my knees warm, but I also hoped to support the functioning parts of my knee. I still have to wait for an appointment with an orthopedic specialist to be approved by my insurance, and I can't keep ice on the knee all day. (Yes, I know I want to keep it warm, but the Nurse Practitioner recommended ice packs off and on to help the circulation.)

What I Bought to Solve My Knee Problem

I model my knee warmers. © B. Radisavljevic

I saw a lot of knee warmers, but got sidetracked from Amazon and ordered my Angora knee warmers from a sponsored site, not having seen the link to them on Amazon itself at first. I especially wanted Angora because it is not only warm, but it's soft instead of scratchy on my skin. Now I see I could have ordered them straight from Amazon. Later I discovered some of the other choices might have been cheaper and served as well, and I am also showing you some of the other options I might try when I buy a second set of knee warmers.

I bought a size Medium. Although some reviewers on Amazon thought the sizes ran small, I found the size I ordered was right for me. I did measure before buying because I hate making returns. Some reviewers on the site I bought from mentioned having trouble getting refunds, which is another reason to purchase from Amazon. Those who buy from Amazon have better success with returns because Amazon wants to keep customers happy.

I don't want to return mine. They are helping me. They are just tight enough to lend support so that I can now walk with much less pain. Sometimes there is no pain at all unless I've been sitting for a long time. They do keep my knees nice and warm, and they don't scratch. I take them off at bedtime, since they aren't designed for sleeping. When I'm in bed my blankets and Cushy Cloud Pillow keep my knee warm.

Should You Buy These Knee Warmers?

I would recommend these knee warmers to people who suffer with knee pain when it's cold. Although my left knee pain is caused by more than arthritis, the pain in my right knee, which is the one the surgeon wants to operate on one of these days, is arthritic. It causes me no noticeable pain while I'm wearing my knee warmers. The knee warmers also lessen the pain in my injured left knee. 

I plan to buy another pair of knee warmers, because I'll need to wash these sometime. They are machine washable on delicate cycle at temperatures of 40C or 104 F. One should use a wool detergent and dry them in a hanging position. They  should not be put into the drier.

I will probably try the Florida Othopedics Therall Warming Knee Support next. Those are bought singly rather than in pairs. This brand gets better reviews than the ones I bought, but it really isn't much cheaper than the Medi ones if I buy a pair. They are made of a special elastic with warming ceramic fibers. 

What I discovered in my search was that all sorts of options and brands in a variety of fabrics are available and there is a knee warmer choice to help anyone with an arthritic knee. It's a matter of personal preference. My Medi knee warmers are just right for me, and they help alleviate my arthritic pain. You may prefer one of the other choices below after reading site reviews. If you are suffering, though, these knee warmers can help you.  Order some today while you are thinking about it. You won't be sorry.

 Angora Wool Sport Knee Warmers Florida Orthopedics Therall Joint Warming Knee Support - Medium Eforcase Unisex Cashmere Wool Knee Brace Pads Winter Warm Thermal Knee Warmers Sleeve for Women Men Knee Warmers

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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The Best Way to Bring Home a Dog for Christmas!

Every year, hundreds of puppies are bought for children as a Christmas present and every year right after Christmas,  shelters see an increase in the numbers of animals given up.

A new furry friend is NOT a great gift at a time when everyone's attention is more focused on the "big picture".   Little puppies get lost in the confusion and hullabaloo that is happening during the melee of opening presents.

They are new to this whole world of ours and bringing them into the middle of it during the holidays is really unfair to a little bundle of fur that just wants to be loved, cuddled, kept safe and gently explore it's new home and new family.

If, after all the warnings not to, you are determined to bring  a puppy or kitten as a gift, there is a way to do it that will keep everyone happy and excited, without being a major trauma to the animal involved in your choice.

Presumably, the kids have all mentioned that they wanted a pet to begin with.  To that end, if a new puppy or kitten is on the way to your family, start by preparing your family first for the newest member.

Along with some toys for the kids (a stuffed dog or cat), make sure there are books for each one of them, about caring and training a pet.

Buy them dog/cat dishes, dog/cat toys, dog/cat treats, a bag of good quality puppy or kitten food.

Wrap a flattened dog crate, or kitty carrier and address it to one of the kids.  A leash, harness, and tags would be another great gift.

A Puppy Starter Kit would be a nice bundle to give to the whole family!

And then when everyone is wondering what the heck it all means, take the video you made, when you visited the Dog/Cat Breeder and show them the newest member of their family.  Give each of the kids a "ticket" to ride in the car on the day after New Years or later, to go and collect their new furry friend.  Make arrangements with the Breeder ahead of time, to give the children a lesson or two about caring for their new pet.  Most reputable breeders will be more than happy to help along, because they want their puppies to be happy and well adjusted as well.  When I got my dog, the breeder was more than happy to give the puppy a bath, show me how to care for his coat and let me help to dry him and brush him.  She was pleased that I was interested in his well being before I even got him home.  She had valuable experience with puppies and could help me make his transition to my home much smoother.  Having a puppy is like having a baby, there are all kinds of things to learn.

By that time, hopefully most of the Christmas things will have been put away and the new fur baby will have a safe place to call his new home. Tinsel and cookies and candy lying around with a new puppy, could spell disaster.  So it's better to wait.  Not only will those dangers be gone, but, the children, having settled in with their new toys, will find time for the newest member of the family too!

This little video (click on the link) will help you understand  a little more about:

Bringing Home the Puppy!

Remember, that while getting an animal for Christmas (or later) is wonderful, they are a commitment for years to come, not just over the holidays.  This is a living and breathing being that requires love, companionship, exercise and food.  He is like a new member of the family and deserves to be treated with the utmost respect.

Do it right and your family will have Christmas memories to last a lifetime and a dog or cat,  that will fill each year with happiness and joy.......

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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Mini Dresses no Matter Your Age, Just Add Leggings

Add Leggings to Your Mini Dress

There's Only One Golden Rule When it Comes to Leggings .... And No Matter Your Age, You Can Wear Leggings if You Follow this One Golden Rule...

"Be sure the Top you chose to wear with your leggings completely covers your behind"

And guess what?

No matter your age, you can still wear a Mini Dress! 

Yes, that's right, YOU can. Simply wear your mini-dress with leggings or narrow fitted pants, and be sure your Mini Dress follows the same golden rule .... that it covers the behind.

As we get older, we tend to think there's no possible way we could  EVER wear a short dress again. In fact, for some, it's so engraved in the mind that short, cute dresses are completely disregarded as a wardrobe choice. However, a mini-dress is merely a fancier top, isn't it, so why ignore it.

How About You? 

If you're over 50, have you been guilty of passing by cute dresses in the mall or via online shops thinking, "my time has come and gone, and I'll never be able to wear this style again" ??

Well, stop that stinkin' thinkin' today! You CAN wear mini dresses, just add a pair of leggings. 

Here's the Product Page Featuring Mini Dresses and Leggings

If you prefer a more conservative look, try to build an outfit along these lines:

• Choose solid dark-colored leggings (Black, Navy, Dark Brown)
• Choose a mini-dress that has a higher neck
• Choose a mini-dress that has sleeves (long or short)
• Choose a mini-dress that compliments your shape - as an example, if you have an hourglass frame, try an A-lined mini-dress or tapered dress. If you have a full upper frame, try a mini dress that slightly flows away from the body
• Add a nice pair of knee-high boots, and if you have to, get a pair with a sensible heel. There are many pretty knee-high boots with low or flat heels. Keep the color of the boot dark as well, like the leggings: That'll help your look flow in a nice lean way without breaking up the length of the leg. However, if you happen to have very long legs, you may be able to get away with a contrasting colored knee-high boot
• You can also match the legging color with the mini-dress, as an example, red leggings with a red mini-dress
• If you have to have color in your outfit, try to keep the color on the Top and choose black, dark brown, or navy blue leggings
• Stay away from busy patterned leggings
• If the outfit calls for it, accessorize your outfit with scarfs, jackets, belts, and jewelry - Accessories add another level for age appropriateness

There are numerous features to consider when choosing leggings with feet, leggings with stirrups to help keep them in place or traditional designs without feet. Deciding which style works best depends upon the shoe you're planning to match with the outfit as a whole. 

So go ahead, stop limiting your clothing choices and wear something that makes you feel 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.”

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Monkey See… Monkey Do… It's Monkey Day!

Review of an Unofficial Holiday

 

Plush Toy Monkey in Pink Ombre Yarn on Etsy

Monkey Day is one of those unofficial holidays that is celebrated internationally on December 14.  The day is mainly about monkeys, but also recognizes other [non-human] primates such as apes, tarsiers and lemurs. (Our own Sylvestermouse knows about the Mouse Lemur!)

The holiday was started in 2000 when artist Casey Sorrow was an art student at Michigan State University and one day jokingly scribbled “Monkey Day” on a friend's calendar. 

The holiday grew from there to include many “Monkey business” celebrations which bring about awareness of the animals and to raise money for primate-related issues.  

Some 'monkey lovers' go on shopping sprees for Paul Frank 'Julius the monkey' fashions.

This Paul Frank Julius The Monkey Big Face T-Shirt is available on Amazon right here. 

Monkey Day 'Doings'

• Many zoos have 'Monkey Day' celebrations
• Competitions are held to see who has the best costumes and who can act like a monkey the longest
• Celebrate the day by eating Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey ice cream, which is, of course, Banana Ice Cream with Fudge Chunks & Walnuts. YUM!
• Hallmark cards describes it as “one day when monkey business is actually encouraged.”
• In 2016, the Chinese New Year was the 'Year of the Monkey'. The next time will be in 2028. 

Sock Monkeys

Sock Monkeys have been popular long before “Monkey Day” came about.  The original 'Red Heel' sock monkey design has become an icon.  

The famous red-heel sock monkey was originally made from red-heel socks knitted by the Nelson Knitting Company, which invented the sock-knitting machine in 1880.  This automatic machine invented by John Nelson knitted a sock without seams in the heel.

This hand-crafted sock monkey created from genuine Rockford Red Heel Socks can be found in the Etsy Shop called StarlightSockMonkeys and can be found right here. 

Crochet Monkey

Amigurumi Monkeys on Etsy

These Amigurumi-style Monkeys are handmade in crochet in tan and brown ombre yarns and a pink and pink ombre yarn. They are soft stuffies who are cute & cuddly and fun.

The monkeys measures 12 inches tall (8 inches tall in a sitting position) and about 3 inches across.  Tails are 6 inches long. 

These cute monkeys are available in the Etsy Shop of Coastal Crochet Crafts. 

Childhood Monkey Memory  

Image from PIxabay

My favorite childhood 'monkey' story comes from a zoo field trip I made with my second grade class in school.  This particular 'monkey house' had chimpanzees in a big cage with just a 3 foot tall bar located about 2 feet out from the cage separating the visitors from the monkey cage.  Naturally, curious 7-year-old me went under the bar and right up to the cage, fascinated with the antics of the chimps swinging from trees and bars and scampering about.  I got too close and suddenly a chimp just snatched away my brown paper lunch bag with my jelly sandwich and chocolate chip cookies that was supposed to be my lunch that day!  The 'monkeys' ate my lunch and I cried. (I also got reprimanded by both my teacher and the zoo staff for disobeying the rules, although my teacher later made sure I got something to eat for lunch!) :)

Mark December 14 on your calendar for "Monkey Day"

So, however you choose to celebrate “Monkey Day”, whether you dress up in a costume, take a trip to the zoo to see the monkeys, read a book about monkeys (like the popular childrens' books about “Curious George”), or do your own brand of silly and fun 'monkey business', enjoy celebrating these interesting primates.

Happy 'Monkey Day'!

 

Cute Crocheted Monkeys on Etsy

For more fun Holiday Reviews, check out 

ReviewThisReviews - Holidays

(c) Wednesday Elf 12/12/2015.  Updated 12/13/2022

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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