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Saturday, November 23, 2019

Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day – Holiday Review

Definition of UNIQUE: being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else.

While this definition of Unique does not totally agree with the following, I thought it would be fun to celebrate the 'individual', if not totally unique, talents of my fellow Contributors here on Review This Reviews. And while some of us have similar talents, our special styles make us each 'unique' in our field.

November 24th is known as “Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day”. Therefore, we are going to point out some of the 'unique' and special talents of the RTR Contributors to show what they are best at. Some of the fine writers here have more than one special talent, as you shall see.

Yarn Talents

Several of those in our group are good at yarn crafts.

Dawn Rae's specialty is crochet. She features handmade hats and neck warmers and warm slippers in her Etsy Shop DawnRaeCrochet.

Her shop also carries a line of what she calls “Jenny Hats” which came to be after making a custom hat for a friend (Jenny). These soft, slightly slouchy, chemo hats are made from a cotton blend yarn.

Wednesday Elf also crochets. Her Etsy shop – Coastal Crochet Crafts – specializes in plush animals for children, plus a few assorted other items.

Baking/Cooking Talent

For very unique cakes and cupcakes in particular, you will find some fascinating recipes and how-to instructions from Sylvestermouse on Cooking for the Holidays. She also includes other recipes from appetizers to main dishes to desserts, but I LOVE her special cupcakes and cake creations.

Other RTR writers also have culinary creations to share. In particular, we have Sam Monaco who shares many favorite family recipes on his blog Sam's Place.

Check out ReviewThisReview:Recipes for everything from the proverbial soup.... to nuts, for your cooking enjoyment.

Gardening

A hand holding a tiny seedling in dirt ready to plant

We have several gardeners in our group, our most prolific being Olivia Morris and Raintree Annie.

Come see the many helpful gardening tips offered on Review this Reviews:Gardening

Also:

Check out Olivia's website Grammie Knows How in her Gardening and Backyard section.

And our newly added English gardener, Raintree Annie for her gardening tips here on Review This Reviews and on her own Gardening Blog Diary of a Wild Country Gardener.

Writing Talent

A laptop computer, a pad and pen and a cup of coffee

In addition to writing for Review This Reviews, Beverly Owens is establishing herself as a writer of Cozy Mysteries. She currently has 7 published books in 2 series (4 in the Roni Ranier series and 3 in the Cabin 9 series, with more to come. Read about how she began as a published author and her upcoming literary achievements at Beverly Owens, Author.

Find her current books on Amazon, both on Kindle and in paperback.

Photography Talent

A camera hanging around the neck of a photographer

One of our favorite photography experts here, Mary Beth Granger (MbgPhoto), has studied photography for years and often shares expert advice on cameras and photo angles to help us all get the best photographs we can. Mary Beth's favorite thing to photograph is lighthouses and she is constantly searching out new ones to feature.

Check out her Lighthouse Enthusiast Zazzle Shop to see some of her beautiful images.

For lovely photos on her love of photography, traveling, and nature , see Mary Beth's Beauty in Nature Zazzle Shop.

Sylvestermouse Cynthia is also a fine photographer who loves to photograph zoo animals in particular and many other fun activities. You can see her lovely images at Photography by Sylvestermouse.

Diana Wenzel is also a wonderful photographer on our staff, as is BarbRad.

DIY Talent

Diana Wenzel (Renaissance Woman here on Review This Reviews) is our 'Go-To' expert on do-it-yourself projects.

Check out her many DIY articles here on everything from turning a simple rural mailbox into a bird house (Mailboxology) to creating a beautiful Fall Pumpkin Succulent Centerpiece.

Diana also has become an expert on rescue animals, most particularly one darling disabled dog who has won her heart. She chronicles his life & times in Mr. Muffins Journey, and relates his adventures and accomplishments in many articles on Review This Reviews (including becoming a therapy dog).

Tracey A. Breen (The Savvy Age) is very creative in coming up with inexpensive projects using supplies from dollar stores. These holiday-related and home décor and just-for-fun projects are perfect for parents, teachers and scout leaders.

Tracey is also very 'savvy' about recipes, holiday ideas and Lifestyle tips & hacks to manage an active home and life at all ages. Read all about it on her website The Savvy Age.

More Unique Talents

Barbara Tremblay Cipak (Brite Ideas here) is our country music expert. She explains the meanings and stories behind many well known country songs and singers on her website (Drageda) The Heart of Country Music.

Barbara is also a professional in the field of home décor and has many unique and unusual Decor ideas to offer both here on Review This Reviews and on her own website Funky Home Decor.

Another Barbara (Barbara Radisavljevic known to us as BarbRad) has many talents. She is a writer, a photographer specializing in her native California landscape, and our book expert.

Check out her uniqueness below at:

Paso Robles in Photographs
Bookworm Buffet
The Writing Life of Barb Radisavljevic

Brenda Little (Treasures By Brenda) is a collector, particularly of coffee cups/mugs and movie merchandise, especially vintage pieces.

Brenda frequently shares her collections through her eBay store Treasures by Brenda for fellow collectors.

In addition, Brenda gives us fascinating facts behind her collections in her two websites:

Treasures by Brenda
Movie Treasures by Brenda

Heather Burns is an artist and colorist. She creates fantastic coloring pages and illustrations for you to color.

Check out her Etsy Store at HeatherBurnsArt

Heather is also a talented graphic designer and features her designs on many products in her Etsy Store HBStudioDesigns.

Louanne Cox (Lou16) has a wide variety of interests and talents. My favorites are her artistic designs she features on a wide variety of items in her Zazzle stores.

I also enjoy the stories behind her designs found on her website Lou's Designs.

Margaret Schindel is another multi-talented lady. When not writing professionally, she is a jewelry designer.

She has created and sold one-of-a-kind and custom handcrafted jewelry for many years. She shares her jewelry making techniques in many articles on HubPages.

Summary

As you can see, many of the multiple talents of the Contributors to ReviewThisReviews overlap. Many of us are into some form of arts & crafts, there are several wonderful photographers and quite a few good cooks. And I would say that all of us love to read and enjoy movies and music.

We are a varied bunch. While perhaps not individually unique, we all have our special talents.

So…. Find your unique talent, and share it with the world on Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day November 24.

A red bird on a tree branch and a poem about talents

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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Friday, November 22, 2019

Scotch Brite Lint Rollers Reviewed

I Wish I Had Thought of That!

How many times have you come across something that makes everyday life a lot easier and wondered, "why didn't I think of that". You know, the things that are so simple and obvious, yet somehow you didn't consider it until someone else develops and markets them.

That is exactly how I felt when I was first introduced to the Scotch Brite Lint Rollers.

I can't begin to count how many times I have tried to pick lint off of my dark clothes before I leave the house. I certainly remember times when I have hung something back in my closet because I didn't have time to use the old fashioned lint brush on them and I would not be seen in public covered in lint, threads, fuzz, and dog hair.

Since I discovered the Scotch Brite Lint Rollers, that is no longer a serious concern. I have even been known to roll the black slacks I was currently wearing, in the car. You may wonder, why would I wait until I am in the car? That answer is obvious when I tell you we have pets. Between by grandkitties and my own furbabies at home, there have been times when I felt like they had gifted me with a new full-length fur coat.

Lint or pet hair sticking to my clothes seems to multiply exponentially during the winter thanks to static cling. I can pull a garment out of the dryer only to find it covered in lint. I can't help but think to myself, "seriously! I just washed this shirt!" That is exactly how I felt when I removed the shirt shown in the photo from the dryer and saw all of the lint.

I grabbed my Lint Roller and went to work, right there on the top of the dryer. In a few short minutes, the job was completely done and the shirt was lint free.

Scotch Brite Lint Rollers

Scotch-Brite Lint Roller, 2 RollersCheck PriceIt is likely that you have already discovered the value of having these inexpensive, disposable lint rollers on hand.
If not, please allow me to tell you all about them.

Think about a piece of tape. Most of us know if a piece of tape sticks to your clothing, it will pull off lint and loose threads.

The Scotch Brite lint rollers are like having a large roll of tape on a handle that easily glides across clothing, removing the lint and threads as it rolls. Pretty easy and awesome, right!

Then you simply tear off the top layer, which is perforated for easy tearing, and throw away that piece along with the lint. Tossing it with the lint attached keeps the lint from flying back up and re-adhering to your clothes.

Not only do the lint rollers work well on clothes, I use them on pillows and fabric furniture. That certainly makes my family and our guests a lot happier.

Scotch-Brite Lint Roller, 2 Rollers

Thursday, November 21, 2019

The Art of Racing in the Rain - Movie Review

The Art of Racing in the Rain DVD

According to Enzo, lead philosopher in The Art of Racing in the Rain, some things are meant to be. He just knew he was meant to be Denny's dog. I now know I was meant to fall in love with this movie. It is the best film I have seen in ages.

Just as there is a real art to racing in the rain (we'll get back to that in a moment), it takes a gifted touch to tell a story from a dog's point of view. I have to admit I'd never before gotten into stories told by talking dogs. It just wasn't my thing.

Why, then, was this movie different? What made it so moving and beautiful? Why was I crying from the opening scene on?

When it comes right down to it, I would have to say there was a true Zen quality to Enzo that spoke to my heart. Though the film uses auto racing as a muse to supply life lessons, it is the dog who is in many ways, and at the same time, both the messenger and the message.

As Denny and Enzo experience life's many joys and heartaches together, they are each what the other needs in the process of moving toward what they will become—who they will become. In sharing their bond vicariously, I also found myself reflecting on where I am headed in my own life.

So, let's get back to the art of racing in the rain—the art of dealing with circumstances that others may find daunting. Denny explains to Enzo that his secret to excelling in the racing conditions that cause others to crash is to anticipate and actually choose to force the skid that is necessary while traveling through dangerously wet curves. By driving the skid, instead of letting it force his vehicle out of control, Denny is able to gain the edge he needs to achieve his dreams.

The movie is chock full of insights for living. Somehow, when the wisdom is coming from a dog, it seems easier to receive. Who could resist Enzo (and who would want to even if they could)? You don't have to be a dog-lover to fall for this leading guy. Though I cried plenty of tears for Enzo, I also felt an abundance of all of the good things dogs bring into our lives.

Though movie critics seem to enjoy panning this film, it is clear that audiences love it. I never go by what the critics think. That is their job—to criticize.

The actors, the messages, and especially the dogs... pure gold. I highly recommend this film.

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Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Recipes & Food Reviewed on Review This Reviews!

Treasures from the Archives of Review This Reviews!

The one thing we all have in common is that we all must eat to survive. Beyond that one commonality, our choices greatly vary based on diet restrictions, ingredient availability, or simply on food preferences.

Whether the focus is breakfast, lunch or dinner, we have reviewed food for every mealtime of the day. Some of us prefer to start a meal with dessert, while others will mainly focus on protein, vegetables, fruit or fiber. There is something here for everyone!

Since cookbooks are often a fabulous source of recipes, we frequently review cookbooks as well as individual recipes.

With over a dozen contributors, you are sure to find a new recipe, food, or cookbook recommendation reviewed on Review This Reviews that you will love. We even have drinks! Enjoy our smoothie recipes, plus, our tea and coffee reviews.

Small Appliances & More Reviewed

In addition to food itself, several of our contributors have tested and reviewed small appliances that help any cook prepare a delicious meal. Rice makers, air fryers, Instant Pots, food dehydrators, and more small appliance reviews can be found in our Home Appliances section. Why not make your life a little easier with the right appliance that takes some of the work out of cooking.

Presentation, cooking utensils, serving dishes and food storage are also reviewed here. We even have few hostess gift recommendations for those cooks who treat us with a special meal.

We may not eat together, but we can certainly enjoy the same delicious meal.

A Review This Pinterest Board - Recipes Reviewed

There are dozens of Recipes, Food, & Cookbooks

Reviewed by our Contributors!

The board below features 30 of our most recent reviews.

Click through to Pinterest to see all of the Recipes that have been Reviewed by Review This Reviews Contributors!

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Tuesday, November 19, 2019

ZSCM 60 Colors Dual Marker Pens Reviewed

Two Points For Coloring With Marker Pens

I've mentioned before that I like to color as a form of relaxation. Recently, I tried some dual marker pens instead of colored pencils. I would like to review what I used with you today.

A more vibrant result comes from markers
image courtesy of pixabay.com

Often when I color with my grandkids, they opt for a felt tip marker instead of coloring crayons or pencils. Up until recently, I didn't choose to use the markers because the tips were wide and they were kind of on the messy side. I stumbled upon a different option when I was searching for some new markers to have for the kids when they visit. Some of the ones that I have had dried out. It happens!

What I found was a set of dual tip marker pens. Oh my goodness these things are really cool! The name kind of tells it all. There are two tips to the pens. One end has a sort of brush type tip that creates a nice wide line and is great for filling in a large area. The other end offers a fine liner type of tip that is great for outlining and working on small areas. I have found them to be so versatile and I like the vibrant colors I get when I use them.

I chose the set that has 60 colors in it. I must say there is a nice variety of choices with those sixty colors. Some are a little difficult to see much difference in but there must be something subtle that my old eyes aren't picking up on. I do like that the ink is acid-free and non-toxic. The colors dry quickly, too. I didn't have a problem with getting color on my fingers as I moved from space to space in my coloring adventure when I used them.

Whether these marker pens will dry out as quickly as the standard wide tipped markers do is yet to be seen. I haven't had these long enough to tell. The best test will be when one of the little ones uses them on their next visit. I think I might be a little better at making sure the cap is placed back on when the kids aren't always as diligent with that as I am. Anyway, I can hardly wait for them to come and try them out. I think they will like them as much as I do.

This might be something you could put in a stocking at Christmas or just have on hand if you have little ones who like to color or draw pictures when they visit you. I think they would also work well for people who are talented enough to do calligraphy. Having the brush end and the fine liner end would work very well for making pretty letters. Then again, you can take your own coloring up a notch by having some vibrant colors to use.

ZSCM 60 Colors Marker Pens

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Monday, November 18, 2019

4 Ingredient Baby Lima Bean Soup

The best thing about cooler weather is making easy soups that basically cook themselves in a slow cooker. Today I am reviewing a new favorite; a super easy, four ingredient comfort soup.

A friend kept talking to me about one of his favorite comfort foods, lima bean and bacon soup. He told me how to make it. Initially, I didn't think it sounded at all tasty. But I tried it because, honestly, I'm lazy in the kitchen. And I don't have much time to cook. With my schedule the options are either easy recipes or fast food.

I looked up Baby Lima Bean and Bacon recipes on the internet to make sure I hadn't misunderstood my friend. I hadn't. I made the soup and liked it so much that it is becoming a favorite.

4 Ingredient Baby Lima Bean and Bacon recipe

Ingredients:

1 lb of your favorite bacon (I've used both turkey bacon and pork)
1 medium sized onion
2 (16 oz) bags of frozen baby lima beans
1 (32 oz.) carton of chicken broth

Cooking directions:

Brown the bacon
Saute the onions (until they are translucent)
Place the bacon, onions, and frozen lima beans in a large slow cooker
cover with chicken stock
cook on high for 2 1/2 - 3 hours (or until the beans are tender)

Personal Preferences:

I use unsalted chicken broth to reduce sodium and add pepper to taste when I serve it. You can cook your beans at a slower setting and/or for a shorter period of time for al dente beans. As I mentioned previously, this works with a variety of bacon (including turkey bacon to avoid the pork) or the bacon can be substituted with smoked meats such as ham hocks or smoked turkey meats.

If I'm not feeling too lazy, I make cornbread to go with the meal. Otherwise, toast with butter is a wonderful and easy side.

Baby Lima Beans are Nutritious:

Apparently lima beans are not only delicious but are good for us. They contain dietary fiber, copper, folate, potassium, iron, magnesium, vitamin B1 and B6 among other nutrients.

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Sunday, November 17, 2019

Six Easy Christmas Tree Alternatives

Alternatives to Standard Christmas Trees

There are alternatives to putting up a fully decorated Christmas Tree. When time, health or motivation gets in the way of decorating the way you used to, check out these options:

1. Christmas Tree Art Drapes

You have to check these out; they're gorgeous. These drapes are full floor to ceiling curtains featuring 3D holiday scenes. The entire drapes are an art canvas, except instead of being on canvas, the art is on cloth. If you have a large window or sliding patio door, remove your existing drapes and put these up for the holidays.

2. A Tabletop Christmas Tree

A tabletop tree is the easiest way to bring a little cheer into your home during the holidays. One of ReviewThisReviews writers, Dawn Rae, provides several creative suggestions here. Of course, tabletop trees can also be used to accessorize a fully decorated home. They also make an excellent hostess gift.

3. Freestanding Cardboard Christmas Trees

When you need a simpler

decorating plan

Of course, this particular choice is better utilized as party decor. However, there are several ways to incorporate cardboard trees into the home. For those who like to feature multiple trees but don't have the energy to go all out, these fun designs are an alternative. Also, you can use them as a way to add a safe festive feel to a child's room or playroom.

4. Christmas Tree Wall Decals

If you have a little more energy and enjoy decorating the walls, then you'll love this idea. Wall decal Christmas Trees are a fun way to add festive art to a room. When the holidays are over, simply remove them. Since they have more of an artsy animated look to them, they're ideal in a room where the kids tend to gather, even their bedroom. How nice would it be to read holiday bedtime stories with a fun Christmas Tree decal front and center in the little one's bedroom?

5. Pull Up Christmas Trees

These are an absolute must for people who don't have time for anything elaborate during the holidays! They fold completely flat into a storage bag. You may have to buy the storage bag separately. When the holiday season rolls around, unzip the bag and pull up the pre-lit, even pre-decorated Christmas Tree. That's right, most of them come fully decorated. A couple of these trees will eliminate a ton of work yet still give your home or office that lovely holiday feel.

6. Christmas Trees or Decor Featured on a Rug

If the wall, a tabletop, or draperies are out of the question, how about a bit of the holiday spirit on the floor? These holiday-themed area rugs feature various scenes that you can easily incorporate into your home. The nice thing about a carpet is the ease of taking it out and putting it away. Feature a festive rug in your foyer, one in the kitchen or living area, and add a small table-top tree or Christmas tree ornament, and your decorating is finished. You've decorated without a lot of effort. With a rug, there are no boxes to unpack or carry; store it in a closet or under a bed until the season is upon us.

As we get older, decorating the way we used to can become challenging. Our hearts may want to go all out, but our bodies won't let us. So don't hesitate to seek out something easier that works for you and your life. These days, there's something beautiful about going 'small.' It's like getting back to the basics and focusing on what Christmas is really about; love.

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Saturday, November 16, 2019

Reviewing The Lego City Construction Site Set

Lego City is a hive of activity as new buildings have been approved by council - have you seen everything that's happening on the Lego City Construction Site? It's lots of fun with Lego Rollers, Lego Cranes, Lego Dozers and more all working hard out.

"Lego City Construction Set" fun with Legos

Buy Lego City Construction Set from Amazon here!

If you don't have any of the myriad of Lego City Construction sets that are available then you'll be missing out on all of the excitement.

If you can only have one Lego City Construction set then you should get the Lego set #7633 pictured above.

This is a big set containing 898 pieces which will give you 3 different vehicles and 5 minifigures.

You can see the crane in action in this image. The Lego Crane actually measures 17" long and 13" high.

Whether your child (or you, no judgements here, I love Lego!) gets more fun out of building this crane or playing with it is debatable. In my mind it's way better than the old Tonka crane my brother had when we were growing up!!

Another fun inclusion in this set is a moving elevator which you can see in the image below. It's a lot of fun to send your minifigs up and down on that!

As well as the three vehicles (crane, digger and truck), the modular apartments to build and the minifigs themselves that you can see in the images there are also a few other cool accessories in this set. These things include little handheld radios for the minifigures (which will certainly make it easier for them all to communicate should one be up the elevator for example. There are also shovels to help the workers dig on the site and lots of other fun construction related tools.

As I've mentioned that are lots of other Lego City Construction sets available to choose from so if you don't want such a big set then be sure to check out some of the others.

My little cousin loved getting the digger set for Christmas so that comes highly recommended,a although sharing it with his brothers did NOT happen!

It is lucky that I reconsidered getting this set for the three of them to play with. Although they usually share toys happily the digger was such a hit it took about 12 months before the others were allowed to touch it!

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Friday, November 15, 2019

The Pirate Bride Book Review

Daughters of the Mayflower - Book 2 in the Series

I recently discovered this fabulous historical romance series. To say it has kept me up into the wee hours of the morning on several nights, would be an understatement.

I like to read at bedtime. I've found that it normally helps me ease into a restful sleep by taking my mind off real life concerns. However, in the case of the Daughters of the Mayflower series, these books have been so spellbinding that I can't put them down. I get wrapped up in the story and must read just one more chapter. Before I know it, it is 2 am and I am fighting sleep. I need to know what happens next!

I previously reviewed the first book in this series, The Mayflower Bride. An excellent story filled with fascinating history. After I read The Mayflower Bride, I immediately started this book, The Pirate Bride. Sadly, I finished it in two nights and started the third book in the series the following night. I'll tell you in advance, I am suffering from sleep deprivation as I write. At 4 am this morning, I was still reading that 3rd book. This series really is that captivating.

The Pirate Bride Book Synopsis

April 1724

The Pirate Bride: Daughters of the Mayflower - Book 2Check PriceMaribel Cordoba is only 12 years old when her estranged father appears and informs her that her mother and grandfather are dead. Therefore, she will be joining him on a ship bound for Havana, immediately. Antonia Cordoba is a cruel and heartless man. He doesn't even allow Maribel to stay long enough to attend her mother and grandfather's funerals.

As you might expect for someone so evil, Antonia has enemies who are equipped and strong enough to pursue him. While at sea, their ship is overtaken by a privateer's ship that is commanded by Captain Jean Beaumont.

A privateer is different than a pirate. While they both seize cargo and assets, the privateer has a government commission to legally rob a country's enemy ships and divide the proceeds with their government. Therefore, the French Ghost Ship is breaking no law when they attack and board the Spanish Venganza.

On that fateful day, Captain Beaumont is more interested in a passenger then he is in the ship's valuables. Many years before, Cordoba had killed Beaumont's mother and brother. It was time for revenge! After a short struggle onboard between Beaumont and Cordoba, they both fell overboard. Beaumont had the advantage, but was convicted by the voice of God. He took hands off of Cordoba and allowed the sea to take her prey naturally.

Back on his own ship, Captain Beaumont discovers that he is now the reluctant guardian of a very opinionated and independent, Maribel Cordoba who is fascinated by pirates. Her intelligence, mental strength and adventurous spirit endears her to the crew of the Ghost Ship. After a few months together and a life threatening incident, a few of the remaining crew decide it would be best for Maribel if she was raised by nuns in an established orphanage. While she is still unconscious, they deliver her to Mother Superior on Isle de Santa Maria.

Conclusion & Recommendation

There is so much more to this story! The characters easily come to life in the pages of this book. There are quite a few twists & turns that keep you reading. What would normally be a difficult concept to "sell", the author seamlessly leads the reader to the point where we embrace the idea of this Pirate Bride.

I have read several books by Kathleen Y'Barbo. She never disappoints. This is yet another book by this author that I would highly recommend.

The First Four Books of the Series - Kindle Prices are Often Less Than the Prices Shown Below - Click through to Check Version Availability & Price

The Mayflower Bride: Daughters of the Mayflower - Book 1 (Volume 1)Check Price The Pirate Bride: Daughters of the Mayflower - Book 2 (Volume 2)Check Price The Captured Bride: Daughters of the Mayflower - book 3 (Volume 3)Check Price The Patriot Bride: Daughters of the Mayflower - book 4 (Volume 4)Check Price

Read More Book Reviews at
ReviewThisBooks.com

The Pirate Bride: Daughters of the Mayflower Book 2 Reviewed by:

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Thursday, November 14, 2019

Visit Missouri-Explore St. Louis Review of Fall Photography in Forest Park

Forest Park Bandstand in St. Louis photo by mbgphoto

Fall is my favorite season of the year. I love to photograph the beautiful colors of the season. On this page I will review Forest Park in St. Louis through my Fall photography.

When will Fall Colors Peak

It is always difficult to predict when colors will be at their peak and this year was no different. All October I waited and watched for the colors to change. Oh there were glimpses of color here and there but not the outstanding colors that you think of when Autumn arrives. I read that you don't get the really good colors until after the first hard freeze. Well last week we got temperatures down in the 20's several nights so I knew it was time. On November 1st I headed to Forest Park with my husband and some friends and was delighted with the amazing display of colors. The day was clear and crisp and great for capturing the beauty of Fall.

A Favorite Venue for Fall Photography

Forest Park in St. Louis is a venue I have written about before, it is one of my favorite places to visit. Here is a link to more information on Forest Park from one of my previous posts. Forest Park and Jewel Box. In this post I will highlight fall colors around the History Museum, the Art Museum and the Bandstand area by the Muny.

Art Hill and the Art Museum

Our first stop in Forest Park was at the base of Art Hill. This hill extends down from the Art Museum and in the winter it is a favorite place for kids of all ages to sleigh ride down the hill. On this beautiful fall day it was the perfect place to capture a photo of the Art Museum and the bright red trees that were on either side.

Art Museum in St. Louis photo by mbgphoto

This photo was taken when the sun was high in the sky so the glare takes out the details of the building. We decided to head to the History Museum and continue my photography later in the day when the sun was lower in the sky. Here are two photos taken a couple of hours later. The first is a statue of St. Louis which overlooks Art Hill and the scene of the 1904 World's Fair.

Statue of St. Louis that Overlooks Art Hill photo by mbgphoto

I took the next photo from the parking lot of the Art Museum, looking down on Art Hill.

Forest Park in St. Louis photo by mbgphoto

Muny Area

The next area that I photographed is the area in front of St. Louis's outdoor theatre, commonly called The Muny. This area has a bandstand on a little island. The bandstand was built in 1924 to replace the original wood bandstand built in 1876. This used to be a popular place for musical entertainment in the summer months. The trees surrounding the water were a brilliant red color and I was able to capture some beautiful photos.

bandstand in forest park photo by mbgphoto

Forest Park in the Fall photo by mbgphoto

History Museum

My original purpose to go to Forest Park was to take in the display of Pulitzer Prize winning photographs that were on display at the History Museum. This was a wonderful display and we spent a couple of hours enjoying the photos. We had planned to go on a Wednesday but had to cancel. I am so glad we changed it to Friday because first of all Wednesday was a very rainy day and secondly Friday was the perfect day to photograph the changing fall landscape. The photos below are of the museum and one of my cousins leaving the History Museum.

The Camera I used for this Outing

One of my favorite camera's is my Sony A6300 mirrorless camera. I wrote about it in the following post. Sony a6300. I used a wide angle zoom lems with 16mm to 50 mm.