Reviewing Maids of Misfortune

A Victorian Mystery Taking Place In San Francisco

Victorian Houses In San Francisco Pixabay.com

As I have started to read the book Maids of Misfortune, I thought it might be fun to review the book here on Review This. M. Louisa Locke wrote this book as the first in a mystery series that seems pretty promising for those of us who like a good mystery and enjoy historical fiction. 

In this first book of the series, we find ourselves in San Francisco, California during the Victorian Era. Our main protagonist is Annie Fuller who isn't exactly like most ladies of her time. She isn't amoral or anything but not quite up to those strict standards of social behavior of her time. Instead of doing needlework and delicate hobbies, Annie has to make a living on her own. Having been raised by her father she has skills in business and finance that just isn't deemed proper for females in the 1870's. 

Annie inherited a house in San Francisco from her aunt and has made it into a boarding house. Her husband left her penniless after having committed suicide and so the house was really a godsend. In order to make ends meet and to keep the boarding house in business Annie has a side job. Because she is a woman she can not open a business as a financial adviser, men just would not support her business. So, to get past that she disguises herself as a gypsy and pretends to be a clairvoyant. She calls herself Madame Sibyl and wears a dark wig and pale makeup to hide her true identity. Oddly, men and woman take her business advice (especially for the stock market) as a psychic but wouldn't consider taking the same advice if she offered it as a business woman. Oh the Victorians!

Annie has built up a pretty steady clientele as a psychic and has become fond of several of her regular patrons. Matthew Voss has been a weekly client for quite a long time and has done well with the advice that Annie/Madame Sybil has given him. Annie feels that he has also become a friend. So, when Mr. Voss is found dead in his home from poisoning something doesn't seem right. The police have deemed it a suicide but Annie just knows that can not be right. When Annie as Madame Sybil is questioned by Matthew's attorney she finds out that it seems that Matthew was pretty close to insolvent. 

Annie knows that the information about Mr. Voss is incorrect and that something is very wrong. She knows that he owned several successful stocks and had just sold quite a few of them in order to buy his partner's share of the furniture business that they owned together. Where are the stocks? Why is there no money in the bank or cash to be found? Annie and Nate the attorney begin to try to figure out who killed dear Mr. Voss.

Maids of Misfortune

This has been a delightful book to read. Annie is a woman before her time and I love how she and Nate work together under the Victorian social restrictions. I definitely will read more books in the series.

You can purchase this book in paperback form but you can also order it in digital form. Currently, the digital version is free for the reading. That may change in the near future but right now you can download it at no expense. Fun, huh?

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Best Emergency Survival Kits

Reviewing Survival Emergency Kits for Earthquakes,
Hurricanes,Tornadoes and Other Disasters

Emergency Earthquake Kit

Earthquake Survival Kits are essential for any family households living in earthquake areas. These Emergency Earthquake Kits keep your family safe in a time of emergency. You know the old saying, "It's better to be safe than sorry." Be prepared in case disaster strikes with an earthquake emergency kit.

I lived in Southern California almost on top of the San Andreas Fault line for many years so I know! California rocks, and it rolls too! We had more than a few major earthquakes when I lived there, and you never know when it might happen again. Be prepared!

And anything you need for earthquake emergencies holds true for all the other natural disasters that can occur. Right now it's hurricane season and the East coast has been battered with a huge one and there is lots of flooding. You never know when Mother Nature is going to decide to let loose! 

Here you will find wilderness survival kits and some of the supplies that are in them in case you already have a kit and are just adding more supplies.

In a hurry? Click here for Earthquake Survival Kits!

"By failing to prepare, you are
preparing to fail."
~Benjamin Franklin

Short List of Supplies You Should Have in An Emergency Survival Kit

Survival Kit List

For most people who prepare for Emergencies, it means having a Bug Out Bag. A short list of supplies follows:

Food and water

Clothing, things that mix and match

Toiletries

Cash and Credit Cards

Vital Documents (Identification, Medical Records, Prescriptions, Family Photographs)

Shelter (at minimum a large poncho which could be tied down but a tent is better)

Useful Tools (such as flashlights, matches and other fire starting tools)

First Aid Kit

Small Knife

Solar Lights

Radio

Your Bug Out Bag should be packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice; food and water should be checked regularly and replaced when necessary. 

Set up a schedule to rotate your older items to your home pantry and add new ones to the Bug Out Bag.

So besides your Prepared Emergency Survival Kits with all the tools, add your personal items from this list , and you are prepared to survive if the worst happens and you need to get by without all the modern technology we are used to.

Emergency Humor Postage

Earthquake Survival Kits

In Case Of Emergency … Run Like Hell by GrungeFactory

Deluxe  Emergency Survival Kits

Emergency Earthquake Survival Kits~for 4 People 

One has a backpack, one has a bag, so choose what works best for you. Many people think these are the best survival kits overall.

Water and Food lasts 5 Years

Radio, Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger

First Aid Kit

Be Prepared!

 4 Person Perfect Survival Kit Deluxe for Earthquake, Evacuation, Emergency Disaster Preparedness 72 Hour Kit Ready America 70385 Deluxe Emergency Kit 4 Person Backpack

2 Person Emergency Earthquake Survival Kit

Best Emergency Survival Kit for 2 people.
Great wilderness survival kit which includes a  backpack! If you need an Emergency Survival Kit for 2 People, this has everything you need. 

 Emergency Zone 840-2 Urban Survival Bug Out Bag Emergency Disaster Kit, 2 Person, Black

Emergency Survival Kit for 1 Person
Best Earthquake Emergency Kit for One Person

Ready America  Grab-n-Go Emergency Kits, 1-Person 3-Day Emergency. They are the same except one has a backpack and one has a bag. Sustains one person for three days. Food, water, emergency poncho, First Aid kit (33 piece), Safety light stick (1) You might want to add in some of the tools down below. 

 Ready America 70180 Emergency Kit 1 Person Backpack Ready America 70080 Emergency Kit, 1-Person 3-Day Bag

Emergency Supplies for Earthquakes and Disasters

Water Filter

The most important thing you need to survive in the event of an emergency is clean water! If you do nothing else, prepare to be able to filter your water so it's safe to drink. Humans cannot survive more than about 3 days without water. We can survive without food for much longer. But water is essential to life. In case you run out of water, a water filter will allow you to have clean water from whatever water source you encounter. This would also work if you are traveling and are not sure the water is safe.

 LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

Water for Emergencies

In case you want to take water with you, these packets have pure water and will be safe to drink for at least 5 years.

 Datrex Emergency Survival Water Pouch (Pack of 64), 125ml

Radio for Emergencies and Earthquakes

If all Hell breaks loose, you will need a radio to keep up with announcements. This is great in any emergency situation!

 Sangean LB-100 Compact AM/FM Ultra Rugged Radio Receiver

Emergency Tools

Everything you need to go camping or have in an emergency situation until life gets back to normal.

 Tent Tools Micro SAS Military Survival Kit

Emergency Survival Mylar Sleeping Blanket

 

Very lightweight but strong and warm, for those cold nights! Great for camping too. You would be amazed how warm mylar is to sleep under! 

 Primacare HB-10 Emergency Foil Mylar Thermal Blanket, 52

Magnesium Fire Starter

A fire starter is very handy to have because who wants to rub sticks together to start a fire? Not me! This little tool makes it very easy. Hmm, maybe it would help in the fireplace too! 

Emergency Shelter Tent

If you are in an emergency situation and need shelter, a mylar tent will keep you cozy and warm and it is lightweight so easy to carry in a backpack or a bag. Then when you are ready to pitch your tent, it is very easy to do!

 Survival Shack® Emergency Survival Shelter Tent | 2 Person Mylar Thermal Shelter | 8' X 5' All Weather Tube Tent | Reflective Material Conserves Heat | Lightweight | Waterproof | Best Survival Gear

Chocolate Emergency!

I think this qualifies as a chocolate emergency card
by disgruntled_genius

You Will Also Want to Be Prepared With Survival Food Kits

"Be Prepared... the meaning of the motto is that a Scout must prepare himself by previous thinking out and practicing how to act on any accident or emergency so that he is never taken by surprise."
~Robert Baden-Powell,
Founder, Boy Scouts of America

Decorating Your Bedroom for Fall

Temporarily Change Your Bedroom's Decor to a Fall Theme

Reviewing Ways to Satisfy Your Urge for a Seasonal Change Without Spending a Fortune

We rarely think about making a seasonal change with a bedroom, mainly because we believe it would be time-consuming and pricey.

However, if  Fall is your favorite season and you'd like to bring fall colors into your bedroom without doing a major overhaul, here are three ways you can accomplish that without breaking the bank:

1. Cover Your Existing Comforter and Pillows with an Autumn Duvet Bedding Set

If your bedroom's existing color scheme is fairly neutral or decorated with a few fall color tones already, then go ahead and bring fall into your bedroom by putting a calming fall duvet cover over your existing comforter. By doing this, you keep your existing comforter; you're temporarily covering it up. Remember to change those pillowcases as well.

You don't have to spend a fortune either. You can find Duvet sets for under $100, and the best part is that when you're ready to go back to your standard decor, just remove it. Or better yet, replace it with a
Christmas Duvet Set.

2. Switch Your Standard Drapes Out for those that Feature a Fall Scene

This temporary change is more challenging than the bedding change; however, if you choose drapes that go up the same way as your existing drapes, it's a breeze.

We rarely think to inter-change our draperies, yet window coverings can change a room's entire feel and look. In the case of fall colors, they add warmth and coziness.

Again, when you're ready to go back to your standard decor, remove them until the next time.

3. Add a Double Sided Fall Room Divider - Surprisingly, They Don't Cost a Fortune

Granted, this is a more difficult addition to a bedroom (unless your bedroom is pretty large). 

It's also valid for large dual-purpose rooms, such as bedroom/office combinations. 

Because this piece is prominent, it isn't something you can easily store away, but why would you want to - just move it to another room. 

You can place this gorgeous artistic piece in the family room, an office, a study area, a foyer, or any place where there's a need to create a division in an open area.

Changing Your Decor for the Season is the Best Way to Get Over the Craving to Buy a New Home

My days as a Realtor allowed me to understand why people decide to move. 

People often expressed this common sentiment ... 'we need a change.' 

You may, in fact, need that change. However, before you decide whether moving is right, go ahead and redecorate a little. Sometimes, the changes we need are minor.

After all, decorating changes are a lot less expensive than moving.

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns" by George Eliot

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Let's Review The 'Happy' Part of Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween Garden Flag

Happiness is a Friendly, Cute, and 'Not-So-Scary' Halloween

The word Halloween was first used in the 16th Century and throughout the ages it became associated with imagery that leans toward Gothic and horror and the supernatural associated with the night. So such things as Dracula and Frankenstein, scary ghosts and haunted houses became symbols of this harvest-time holiday in books & films, costumes, parties and products. It all makes me wonder what happened to the "Happy" in the holiday known as Halloween.

For a 'Not-So-Scary' Halloween, lets look at some friendly, fun and cute items and have a truly "Happy Halloween".

 

A Happy Halloween...

Can Be Found Everywhere!

On Friendly Ghosts...

 

Little Ghost Postcard
by artogram

 

Little ghost is friendly and cute - He might 'scare' himself, but his cuteness just makes you want to smile!

The Best Ghost is a 'Friendly' Ghost

Ghosts and Haunted Houses have long been associated with Halloween and are intended to Scare us. But wait, what about Casper, the Friendly Ghost? Ghosts can be friendly and fun too.

*Casper first appeared as 'The Friendly Ghost' in a 1939 children's book and a 1945 animated cartoon.

A Pair of Plush Ghosts...

 

Plush Toy Ghosts

 Boo & Boo-ette

Boo and Boo-ette are a pair of the friendliest Ghosts you'll find anywhere. They can be friendly plush playmates for a child, or a fun Fall/Holiday decoration

Boo and Boo-ette are handmade in crochet of white acrylic yarn. The heads are lightly stuffed with soft polyfil. Their eyes are plastic 'safety eyes', giving them that Amigurumi personality. They are the creation of a crochet crafter from Kansas. This pair was in her Etsy shop and have since been sold, but contact the Etsy Shop Coastal Crochet Crafts and request your own. Custom orders always welcome.

Spooky Ghost Washcloth

Ghost Novelty Washcloth

A ghost isn't really 'spooky' when it's in the form of a hand-crocheted cotton washcloth!

A fun novelty washcloth in the shape of a ghost. A cute way to entertain children at bath time or to make chore time in the kitchen washing dishes more fun. Or just display it for a Halloween decoration.

 

On Halloween Spiders and Bats...

 

Plush Pumpkin and Squiggly Spider

Pumpkins & Spiders Go Together for Halloween!

A little plush pumpkin crocheted in the Amigurumi style and a friendly squiggly yarn spider make fun toys for kids or cute Halloween decorations.

Bats Might be Scary... 

But Not When They are Colorful and Cute Crocheted Amigurumi Baby Bats

Fritz the Fruit Bat in Crochet

Baby Bats in Plush are Best...

...if you are seeking a non-scary Halloween.
 
A Baby Bat is absolutely adorable when created in the Amigurumi style of crochet. It is much cuter than those scary black bats in caves! :)

These bats are handmade and are available in the Etsy shop of Millie's Crochet House of Chesapeake, Virginia.

 

Baby's First Pumpkin Play Set

Baby's First Pumpkin

For babies who are too young for the 'treat or treat' of Halloween, this First Pumpkin Play Set is perfect.  

My First Pumpkin Playset is by Genius Baby Toys. It is interactive with Candy Corn that crinkles, a Ghost that squeaks, a Spider rattle and a Cat that meows.

 What's Your Halloween Preference?

 

Image Source: Wikipedia

 

Do You Like a Happy Halloween or a Scary One?

Many of the Halloween Happiness Items Shown Here...

Are the crafty and artistic creations found on Etsy & Zazzle!

Related Links:

For more Halloween reviews on everything from decorations to costumes to party food, check out these articles on Review This Reviews.



© 2012 Wednesday-Elf - The Happy in Halloween was originally published on another site.

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Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children Movie Review

To be completely honest, I did not expect to like the movie, "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children".  My husband raved over the book when he read it a few years ago, but it just didn't sound like a story I would enjoy, so I passed on reading it myself.  Now, I am very sorry I didn't read the book!

Because my husband loved the book, of course we went to see the Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children movie.  Again, I fully expected to simply be tolerating a movie for my husband's sake.  However, from the very beginning, I was spellbound.  

After seeing the movie, I can hardly wait to read the book.  

Yes, this is indeed one of those times when I should have listened to my husband.  Can you hear him snickering in the background?

Synopsis of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

 Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar ChildrenLet me warn you, the story has a heart-wrenching beginning.  Jake's grandfather is murdered and Jake arrives too late to help him.  Abe is still alive when Jake finds him, but only long enough to give him a mission.   While Jake is holding his dying grandfather, he sees a huge monster in the woods approaching them.  In fear, his friend shoots blindly into the woods, not seeing anything.  She is simply responding to Jake's warning.  Later, we find out the monster is a hallowgast and we learn why only Jake could see the creature.

Jake is clearly traumatized by these events.  His parents send him to a psychiatrist who subsequently recommends a trip to Wales and the orphanage where his grandfather was raised.  The doctor suggests that Jake can find closure and say goodbye, in a way, to his grandfather there.  This is exactly what Jake wants.  He needs to visit Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children himself.  He has a mission to accomplish.  However, until he is there and surrounded by the children his grandfather has always told him about, he has no idea that he, himself, belongs with the peculiar children.  

Each peculiar child has an unusual ability or power.  One girl can light fires by simply touching something.  One boy is invisible.  Another girl can float and actually has to wear special weighted shoes to hold her to the ground.  Some have unbelievable strength, but they all have a "peculiar" skill.  

The most remarkable is truly Miss Peregrine herself.  She possesses several special abilities.  One, she can turn herself into a beautiful peregrine falcon.  A very suitable metamorphosis for a caregiver of "peculiar" children.   However, her most valuable talent is her ability to create time loops, which is why neither she nor the children ever age.  They are protected by staying in a certain place in time. 

But, Miss Peregrine and the children are in danger of being found by the hallowgasts who feed on peculiar children.  It is Jake's mission to save them, but he is just a teenager himself and this is all very new to him in reality.  

Conclusion and Recommendation

This synopsis really is just touching the surface of the plot.  It is a very in depth story which is quite unique.  I don't believe I have ever seen a more fantastic fantasy.  There are elements of that seem familiar to us all, like unseen monsters, shape-shifting humans, or individuals with supernatural strength.  Even time manipulation.  However, this plot is so unique and original, I felt like it was all new and unknown.  Plus, I adored the quirky personality and fabulous style of Miss Peregrine.  She was truly perfect.

I can highly recommend the movie Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children to anyone 13 or older.  In true Tim Burton style, there is no crude language, no lewd actions or even innuendoes.  Only pure excellence in the making of the movie.  

I also highly applaud the writer of the book & story, Ransom Riggs, for his creativity and ability to entertain without disgusting his readers.

Now that I have seen the movie, I will be reading the book! 

 Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (BD) [Blu-ray] Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children)

& 

Read More Movie Reviews On ReviewThisMovies.com

Movie Review of "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" Written by:

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Photographing Boothbay Harbor Maine

Review of Harbor Area

Boothbay Harbor is a beautiful and very picturesque little harbor on the coast of Maine.  It sits on the edge of Boothbay Peninsula that juts out into the Gulf of Maine.  We visited on a clear September monrning when the sky was so blue that it cast a blue tint to everything around it.  It was a great area to take photographs and I stood at various spots along the harbor and took in all the sights.  The scene below is Boothbay Inn as seen from across the harbor.

If I turned a bit right of the Inn I captured this white church on the edge of the harbor.  There were lots of boats big and small

Cuckolds Lighthouse

I love to photograph lighthouses and the Boothbay Harbor area gave me the opportunity to photograph several.  They were all offshore on islands so getting good photographs required a longer lens.  The closest to shore was Cuckolds lighthouse.  We drove past Boothbay Harbor a few miles to South Point Island and I was able to capture this historic lighthouse.  This lighthouses started as a signal house in 1892 and then in 1907 a light tower was added atop the signal house.  This lighthouse was automated in 1975.  This lighthouse and grounds has been recently restored and is now open for overnight stays, weddings, lobster bakes and other events.  I took the following photos from a dock off South Point island.

Other Lights Seen from Harbor

The other lighthouses that are offshore of Boothbay Harbor are hard to see with the naked eye.  I was told one was 10 miles offshore and the other 15 miles and I could only capture them if I took a boat. None of the boat tours were running at the time we were there so I got some use out of my new 600mm lens.  The first photo below is Burnt Island Lighthouse, you see it on the island on the right hand side of the photo.  I believe the second photo to be Monhegan Island light.  It is the one I was told was 15 miles away so it is very small in my photo.  I find it fascinating to read about and photograph all of these lighthouses.  The coast of Maine and the island around it are dotted with many lighthouses.  Many of the lighthouses are now longer in service, however the Coast Guard still keeps watch over 56 of Maine's historic lighthouses.

Zazzle Products from my Photographs

Boothbay Harbor Maine Poster
by mbgphoto

Here is the guidebook I used to find my way around Maine.

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Review this: Take a Teddy Bear to Work Day!

Mark this date on your calendar, it happens every year on the 12th of October!  It's take your Teddy Bear to Work Day.

Now all of you who are in the younger years of their lives will find, taking your teddy bear to work day is really easy.  I know my Granddaughter has taken hers to school (her version of work) for the last 4 or 5 years.  How does she do this?  Very easily, after all the school books are packed into her back pack, Alfie (the wonder bear) gets the best seat on top with his head poking up and out of the top.  

If you are too old to do that, maybe a seating arrangement like this one above would be a good choice.  (picture from Pixabay)

Teddy Bears Make the Perfect Gift!

Teddy Bears have been a long time favorite gift for children and adults for years.  They evoke a return to childhood and all this is good.  I can remember getting little bears from my boyfriends and girl friends,  as tokens of friendship.  Their faces just seemed to say, "you are special to me!"

When you need some stress relief, grab your Teddy Bear and have a good talk, he won't tell anyone your secrets.

Teddy Bears are used to bring smiles to faces of children, when they are sick, tired, stressed (yes kids can stress), or just for no reason at all. Some children will latch onto their teddy bears without any prompting from mom or dad, while others will only grab onto theirs when it's bed time. No one is sure why that happens, but, I can tell you that when it does, it can be the cutest thing ever. My Granddaughter is so attached to her bear, that her parents went out and bought a second one exactly like the first one, just in case she lost hers. The problem here is that my granddaughter is quite aware that there is a second one in the closet, but it's not her Alfie! The closet bear has a name, "Hugo", but he will never be and will never replace Alfie!

Adult Fun in the form of taking your Teddy Bear to Work Day!

Take your Teddy Bear to work day, I'm sure was born of the need to relax  a little bit in the workplace. I know from my own experience, that our jobs have become much more stressful in the last 10 years. Everyone expects more work with the same hours to accomplish the days events. You just can't do that without adding stress. Put a teddy bear into the mix and maybe while you are working away, you can take a moment to smile and laugh about the bears who are gracing everyone's desks that day.  I am sure you will find bears that look like they have never been held and others that have bald spots on them (much like their owners).  Teddy bears that have been "loved to death" have that special look to them, they are flat where they used to be pudgy, their fur has become a matted mess and the arms and legs are probably resewn a few times over the years.  There is no doubt at all when you see them, that these bears have been through as much as their owners have over their life time.

My uncle has a bear, that is only about 6 inches high, that he thoroughly loved. While he was fleeing his country during the War, this was the only toy he was allowed to bring.  I think his bear became his confident, best friend and his reassurance,  while they walked at night making their way out of Germany and into Switzerland.  He has his own "Sound of Music" story and the bear had a starring role in his life.  Today, he owns over 50 little bears and they are his pride and joy.  He doesn't worry about anything else he owns, but always reminds me that when he is gone, the bears are all mine and he knows that I will take care of them.

It always amazes me that this one toy, that really doesn't do anything at all, like some of the fancy things available today, has lasted and won the test of time.

Did you know?

Teddy Bears got their name from President Theodore Roosevelt.  He was invited in the early 1900's(1902 to be exact) on a bear hunt in Louisiana.  Being a naturalist and a sportsman, he eagerly went on this trip. When they found the bear, it had been tied to a tree in order to make the kill easier.  Totally in disgust at how this bear came to be trapped, Roosevelt refused to kill it. Many a political cartoon came out of that encounter, but the Teddy Bear was the most important.

Since 1902, the Teddy Bear has been a favored toy of generations of children and continues to be one of the first gifts that a new baby receives.

Teddy Bears are quite collectible.  Many companies made bears that were numbered and tracked.  There is a whole lot of people who can tell you where a certain bear was made, what year it was made and how long production of a certain bear lasted.  People dress their bears and many a stories have been written all about bears.


Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Paddington Bear Tales, Teddy Ruxpin, Winnie the Pooh, and the more modern of the bunch the Care Bears, are all examples of how the much loved Teddy bears have been used in children's lives. There are TV shows, Movies, Operas, and lots and lots of books all featuring Teddy Bears.

So just for fun this year, will you take your Teddy Bear to Work?  I know that I will!

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Reviewing Ponchos For Women

Ponchos: A Practical Choice In Fashion

Public Domain Image

The Poncho, it is an article of clothing that ebbs and wanes in the fashion industry from season to season. It will be really hot and found in every shopping outlet you can imagine or it may be hard to find depending on where it sits in the popularity of the designers for the year.

There are many styles of ponchos for women. Some follow the traditional style of being a garment which almost looks like a blanket with a hole for the head. Historically the poncho was made of a wool fabric and was meant to keep the body warm. It is still meant to keep the body warm but is not necessarily made from wool anymore.

Many ponchos of today are found in a less than traditional style with an open front which wraps around the shoulders more like a cape or shawl. It just boils down to a matter of preference as to whether you want your poncho to go over your head or just wrap around your shoulders.

Ponchos are a really practical choice for the fall season when the temperatures have started to dip but it isn't cold enough for a winter coat. They are comfortable and fun to wear. They team up well with jeans but also look nice with slacks and skirts.

This very practical garment has been in use since before the Spanish came to the Americas. Originally found predominately in the Andes region of South America now known as Peru the poncho is considered a South American garment. No matter its origin, it has proven to be quite the versatile piece of clothing for our wardrobes.

You can also opt for a poncho for your rain gear. Of course a rain poncho will be made of a water-proof fabric. I have a rain poncho in my closet that is older than my grandchildren but I still pull it out on those rainy days when I have to venture outdoors.

Currently, I am in the process of crocheting a fun little poncho for this fall season. At a later date, I'll show you the finished piece with a link to the pattern.

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Bubba Tumbler Review: Saves Money and the Environment

In 2014, I purchased a Bubba brand Envy Tumbler in an attempt to save money, avoid coffee spills, and reduce the amount of unnecessary plastic cups being sent to the landfill each day.  I had no way of knowing how much money and stress that one rugged, insulated tumbler really would save. If you are looking for a durable travel mug for hot or cold drinks, Bubba brand is for you.

The Durability of Bubba Envy Tumblers

As I mentioned, I purchased my Bubba brand tumbler years ago.  I've used that one single cup for my iced coffee nearly every day since.  I am only just now looking to replace it because I drove off with it on my Jeep bumper a few months ago.  As I turned out of my parking lot, I heard a "clunk" and saw iced coffee and ice skittering across the road.  With the intent of removing a potential plastic shard road hazard, I stopped and retrieved my Bubba Envy Tumbler.  Stunned, I found that my Bubba was intact and was only slightly loose at the top mold seam connecting the double walls. I've used it every day since that mishap and am only now looking to order a replacement.

If that isn't a testimonial for durability, I don't know what is.

Financial Savings of a Bubba Tumbler

When I purchased that first Tumbler, I began making my own iced coffee at home instead of stopping at a local coffee shop each day. I had realized that if I spent a mere $5 at that coffee shop each day, for 365 days a year, I was spending $1,825 a year. I invested less than $20 for the first Bubba. With the exception for travel and when I'm away from home, I have made my own coffee to fill it. 

If you saved over a thousand dollars in a year, what could you do with that extra money? 

Bubba Envy Insulated Tumbler

Travel Mugs: Environmental and Emotional Savings 

Commercial iced coffee is served in plastic cups with lids and straws.  I cringe when I think about having added one of those cups each day into the landfill before I began using my reusable travel tumbler. 

If you are clumsy as I am, you'll understand when I mention the level of stress that those plastic cups caused me.  The lids would pop off and the coffee would splash onto my clothes. And wow, have you ever knocked over one of those cups and watched helplessly as the lid pops off and the coffee washes across your desk like a miniature tidal wave? I have. But not since I have begun using this wonderful version of an adult sippie cup.

With a straw inserted, the Bubba Envy Tumbler isn't absolutely leak-proof. But only dribbles escape from the straw and straw opening, which is much better than the alternative mess.

Whether you drink hot coffee, iced coffee, or other drinks you will find a Bubba brand mug to suit your needs.  And it is a bonus that in the long run you will save money and help protect the environment. 

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