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Tuesday, December 20, 2022

WestJet Christmas Miracles

Discover a few of the miracles airline WestJet has performed over the years.

For today’s post, I thought I would rework an old post and offer up a bit of Christmas cheer in the form of a review of an event that a Canadian airline sponsored in 2013. Here's my story.

We were at a Christmas party when someone said, "You have to see this." They turned on the television and pulled up a video on YouTube. We all watched with amazement as the passengers from two planes scanned their boarding passes and visited with Santa Claus. What happened next, was truly unexpected.

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS REAL TIME GIVING (2013)

See for yourself what happened in this video called WestJet Christmas Miracle: Real Time Giving or Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Quite a video, isn't it? It must have been totally unbelievable at first. The passengers on that plane will never forget that flight with WestJet and nor will I. Not that I was there, of course. I was a participant via the video, just like you will be if you watch now.

SANTA'S BLOOPERS (2013)

And don't miss the Santa's Bloopers video. I love a good blooper reel!

FLASH MOB (2012)

But it turns out that the Christmas 2013 was not the first time Westjet 'performed' for Christmas for in 2012, the employees performed as a flash mob at the Calgary airport:

With over 50 million views of that 2013 video, Westjet definitely scored a public relations coup with their Santa Claus project 'Twas A Night Before Christmas and they made a pretty memorable day for all of the passengers involved. According to one newsreel that I read at the time, Westjet was planning for the next year right away.

MIRACLE MILES (2022)

Fast forward now with me to 2022 when I discover that WestJet has another Christmas Miracle video, this one called Christmas: Miracle Miles.

A quick peek on YouTube shows that WestJet may have done a similar video throughout the intervening years. I won't share them all here with you but I will smile at the kindness displayed in these videos.

Merry Christmas!

Brenda

Monday, December 19, 2022

Sunbeam Heated Throw Reviewed

Winter in the northern United States is well, just darn cold. After the favorite electric throw had met it's demise it was time to hunt for a replacement. This heated throw which can double as a blanket was highly rated and deservedly so!

Auto Off Feature

This is an essential feature! Automatic shut off after 3 hours.

Three Levels Of Heat

Also essential is the ability to regulate the temperature. Three level of warmth are available to regulate.

Machine Washable

Absolutely! Especially if you have fur babies (and the war will be on as to who scores the blanket to cuddle). Simply remove the cords and controller and the throw can be washed. The throw also comes in a solid color vs one side solid/serpa.

Micro Fabric

I like the soft, plush and cushy micro fabric for the cold northern months. Flannel is nice and works well also, but there is something about a cuddly plush throw on a cold winter night. The throw is 50 by 60 inches.

Warranty

Five year limited warranty is included. As always, carefully read the directions when using an electric heated throw/blanket for the safety directions.

Reviews

This electric throw/blanket has over 10,000 positive reviews!

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Sunday, December 18, 2022

Two Gift Ideas that Glow in the Dark - Another Way to Give the Gift of Light

In searching for practical, affordable, and creative gifts, I recently decided upon two items I know will be enjoyed: a glow-in-the-dark blanket and a Galaxy Star projector.

Why Choose a Glow in the Dark Blanket

Most likely, the recipient doesn't have one
It's not too expensive
It's a warm and cozy way to add ambiance to a room
It's easy to order online and have it shipped directly to the recipient
It's something that can be used any time of the year
It makes an excellent accessory for any room in the home
It's a great way to add subtle nighttime light

Various designs and styles; some have stars, words, and characters. This particular blanket offers a combination of words and stars; it's very nice, comes in multiple designs, and is available in pink and grey.

Gifting blankets is one of my favorite things; however, it becomes challenging when I've given too many to come up with something different. This year is the first year I have selected a glow-in-the-dark blanket.

What is a Galaxy Star Projector?

There are two of these in our home at the present time. My son uses his nightly, providing his room a lovely, other-worldly feel.

Although a Star Projector is relatively inexpensive (at least not the one my son has), it provides a gorgeous ambient lit-up ceiling filled with stars.

You'll notice there are many to choose from, and they come in various price ranges.

I recently selected this Galaxy Star Projector as a gift. The star projector my son has is very similar to this particular model.

Make this a Dual Gift for Someone Who Loves Ambient Light and a Room with a Magical Touch

These two items, in combination, make a lovely, thoughtful gift. With the blanket, you'll be gifting warmth and light; with the projector, you'll be giving the magic of the universe in the bedroom.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

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Fabian Nicieza and His Novels – Author and Book Reviews

If you are a comic book fan or enjoy Marvel comic books or Marvel's Deadpool, then you probably already know Fabian Nicieza, the Argentine-born comic book writer and editor. He's known for creating such characters as Deadpool, Domino, Shatterstar, and Silhouette. He's also well known for his work on X-Files, X-Force, and other Marvel Titles.

What you may not have known is that he is now also a novel writer. This is a review of Fabian and his first two novels.

Fabian Nicieza has written two mystery novels to date, published in 2021 and 2022. The novels have continuing characters, who are very interesting. The locale for these stories is New Jersey. As Nicieza states in his Author's Note in Book 1:

“West Windsor and Plainsboro are real towns in New Jersey. Unlike the snarky description in the book, it's a pretty good area to live in... I mean, as far as New Jersey goes....”

But, he states, all the characters are pure fiction. Fiction means it is not real!

Nichieza's descriptions of places and people are often 'tongue-in-cheek' or, as he says, “snarky”. This makes for a very enjoyable read. The books are Suburban Dicks and The Self-Made Widow.

The Two Main Characters

Andrea Stern: She solved a missing person murder in high school and helped catch a serial killer while in college. She planned to become an FBI profiler, but an unexpected pregnancy changed her plans. She has always wanted to answer her calling: finding redemption for the dead and justice for the living.

Journalist Kenny Lee, Andrea's childhood friend, broke a story for his college paper that brought down the crooked governor of New Jersey. The story earned him a Pulitzer Prize at the young age of 22. But his journalism career has since stalled and, 10 years down the road, he is now relegated to working for a weekly local paper. Kenny's calling: to become rich and famous!

Synopses

Suburban Dicks

Available on Amazon

When the series begins, Andrea has four children under 10 and a fifth one due soon. When she accidentally stumbles upon a murder scene, Andrea becomes obsessed with the case. She's back on the trail of a killer, this time with kids in tow. Needing help, Andrea enlists the aid of her friend, Kenny Lee, who naturally is interested in writing another award-winning story to redeem himself and his career.

Unusual occurrences – and body parts in for form of old bones – surface around this affluent suburb. As Andrea and Kenny continue investigating, they uncover simmering racial tensions and a decades-old conspiracy. But, as we find out, the crimes of the past are only the beginning.

The Self-Made Widow

Available on Amazon

After solving a murder in Suburban Dicks (Dicks, as in private investigators – LOL), both the police and Andrea's husband hoped she would set aside her 'crime fighter' tendencies and go back to changing diapers, carpools, and lunches with her 'mom' friends. But when the husband of one of her friends, the 'Queen Bee' of the group, dies, supposedly of natural causes, Andrea suspects that there is more. She digs into the case and risks more than she bargained for.

Meanwhile, Kenny Lee, who is enjoying a new surge of popularity with his coverage of the story of the murder and conspiracy in Book 1, is busy with a Netflix series based on that story. Then he receives an anonymous phone call tipping him off that Molly Goode killed her husband.

Once again, Andrea and Kenny team up to solve another 'suburban scandal'.

Summary

Having now read both Suburban Dicks and The Self-Made Widow, I am a big fan of Fabian Nicieza and his outstanding and humorous writing. Two mysteries, two murders, two fantastically interesting main characters make for a very enjoyable new series by a comic book writer turned novelist! I highly recommend these books.

Amazon Links to Books

For more Book Reviews, check out ReviewThisBooks.com

*A new mystery series of novels by Fabian Nicieza. Review written by Wednesday Elf.

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Friday, December 16, 2022

Rustic Wall Mounted Wine Racks

These rustic wall-mounted wine racks make a perfect gift idea for any wine enthusiast on your list, and for any occasion.

Rustic Wall Wine Racks - Reviewed

A wall-mounted wine rack is a nice addition to any kitchen or dining area. They are easy to hang and will display your favorite wines and wine glasses all within reach.

We always have a couple bottles of wine on hand for special occasions and when friends drop by. Our problem was always that we didn't have the cabinet space to store the wine bottles.

It's always a good idea to have a couple of different wines on hand. Fran and my daughter enjoy dry wines, as for me I like a wine that is more on the sweet side. So, this handy wall-mounted wine rack can hold a variety of wines along with your wine glasses.

The wine rack in the photo above was a gift from our son and daughter-in-law. It is handmade from recycled pallet wood. They both had a hand in making this wine rack, my son cut and assembled it, while my daughter-in-law added the inscription, "May Your Glass Always Be Half Full".

Our wine rack measures 18 inches across x 14 inches high x 5 inches deep, and easily accommodates four bottles of wine and four wine glasses hanging underneath. As you can see it's also perfect for our Christmas Snowman.

Although it took me a year to hang it on the wall, the installation was quick and easy. It attaches to the wall with two wall anchors and a couple of 2-inch screws. It is a perfect addition to our kitchen and hangs on a side wall above our sink.

These wine racks are sure to be a perfect gift for wine lovers and can be found on Amazon in a variety of styles.

Find more Decor Ideas here: ReviewThisDecor.com

Find more Product Reviews here: ReviewThisProductReviews.com

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Wednesday, December 14, 2022

All I Want for Christmas is ... - A Product Review

Santa, I've been good, honestly and all I want for Christmas is a little help for my coffee!

Anyone who knows me will agree that they most often will see me with a cup of coffee in my hand! It doesn't matter what time of day or night, that coffee mug is in my hand! If I'm smiling then you know the cup is full, if not, then you better: 1) Put a pot of coffee on or 2) Refill my empty one!

It's just lately that I stop drinking coffee after 8 in the evening. But until that time, I'm a coffee-holic! And I'm not ashamed to admit it!

I have not yet met a cup of coffee that I didn't like! Even a bad cup of coffee is better than none at all.

On the weekend though, my coffee experience just lifted up a notch or two. We were at my son's home for a lovely dinner (Thank You, Jon & Amy), After dinner my lovely daughter in law offered coffee to finish off the meal! (She knows me too well.)

What she didn't tell me is that she was making a special coffee that she was sure I would enjoy! I sat back and just told her to bring it on!

Well let's just say that I was treated to a lovely cappuccino coffee made with a beautifully frothed bed of egg nog on top! The foam was firm and so pretty and tasty too!

We save our cappuccinos for Sunday afternoons as a treat, so this was indeed a nice treat! What I didn't realize is that it was egg nog that was frothed on top until my little taste buds got involved

" Oh my this is so good" I exclaimed and my daughter in law was just beaming!

Needless to say, I needed to know how she got that beautiful froth on top! It looked like a cappuccino that comes from some little Italian Cafe! My froths are never so perfect!

Into the kitchen I go, to find out the secret! And there on the counter was this neat little jug filled with frothy and sweet perfectly frothed egg nog, just waiting to be refilled in my cup!

Santa, I need one of those frothers! I've been a good girl and this would just make my coffee Sundays so much better than they are now! Please, please, please!

This is the one I want! Made by the same people that bring you the Instant Pot, this little milk frother/steamer makes enough foam for several cups of coffee and it's ready in minutes! That's not all this little kitchen helper does either! If you are not a coffee lover like I am, you can also make hot chocolate, cold frothed milk and just warm milk if that's something you like. You don't even need to use milk if you are lactose intolerant, you can use soy milks, oat milk and more.

If you are a coffee lover like me, then one of these neat little Instant Frother/Steamers would be perfect for you too! We will be one of the best Barrista's going!

Now I have to wait patiently and see if I did indeed make it to Sants's "nice" list or not! I hope his list is not this one!

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Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Reviewing Reusable Christmas Gift Bags

How is your Christmas gift wrapping going? Do you find it a chore that has to be done or a happy festive part of the fun? We have just started to wrap all our gifts and these days it is an easy joyful process. A few years ago we bought one pack of reusable Christmas gift bags and now, for many reasons, we love them! Since then we have bought a pack each year and now have plenty to meet all our Christmas wrapping needs for years to come!

Prior to purchasing the Christmas gift bags we had always bought rolls of wrapping paper, tape and needed scissors to hand and a lot of space. I was always Ok at gift wrapping presents so they looked pretty but my husband does not like doing it. My dad had a go but usually needed damage control after he had finished and my Mum struggled the last few years of her life with wrapping presents as she had bad arthritis in her hands. We all got a bit frustrated with all the sticky tape and scissors and endless rolls of paper all around.

We are also concerned about waste and the environment and although we have always tried to save wrapping paper to reuse where possible that was often difficult because it had been ripped or torn during gift opening time! So still a lot of it went into the bin. Although some could be recycled, a lot could not.

So when we saw these types of reusable gift bags we thought they would solve several problems.

1. Despite the initial issues of production of wrapping bags and materials, because they can be reused many times they are more environmentally friendly than buying paper and throwing it away after just one use. If we are going to use wrapping for our gifts make and buy it once, using it many times is better for the environment.

2. These gift bags make wrapping gifts so much easier and quicker! Even awkward-shaped gifts are so easy to wrap using these bags. I find them very time-saving. It takes me significantly less time now to wrap presents with these bags than it used to with wrapping paper. It is simply a case of opening the bag putting the gift inside and tieing up the top with the drawstring or a ribbon, add a tag and you are done!

3. If you have any issues with your hands such as arthritis or you just find trying to wrap gifts difficult these wrapping bags, especially those with drawstrings, are wonderful and relieve a lot of pressure and stress.

4. Christmas gift bags look beautiful and can be made up with ties, ribbons and bows to look gorgeous and very well presented even if you are not good at wrapping procedures. Some sets have integrated drawstrings which can be very useful or if not you can easily tie them up with a beautiful ribbon. They look wonderful and festive under the tree. The big ones look impressive sat under the Christmas tree. Small or light presents could even be hung on the tree or placed in a Christmas stocking.

5. They come in a wide variety of colours, pretty, festive and fun designs to suit every member of your family and friends. Some even come with tags and ribbons included.

6. The Christmas gift bags come in different sizes to meet your needs. You can get them for really large gifts in jumbo sizes or small and precious gifts and everything in between.

You can either put the gift straight into the bag or if you want to disguise it more put it inside a box or other container first.

7. Once you buy the gift bags you can use them again and again. The initial outlay may be a little more but it means that you do not have to keep remembering to buy more wrapping paper every year and if you are careful to gather them up within your family you can reuse them every year thus saving time and money.

There is such a huge variety of Christmas gift bags you can choose which sets suit your needs.

We have now had our original set for 4 years and it is as good as the first year.

It is important after opening the present to carefully gather up and fold the bags and then put them away safely but it is a small task. The gift bags are very easy to store. They generally lie flat and we store them along with the other Christmas decorations.

They are more environmentally friendly as long as you do reuse them. When you are giving gifts within your family or household it is easy to gather them up to use again.

If giving gifts outside your household you can mention that the bag is reusable and hopefully they will save it and use it again.

Gifts are very easy to wrap using Christmas Gift bags. It makes Christmas gift-wrapping time much easier and quicker. Although I do enjoy the process of wrapping gifts as it is more fun and less work this way, I will not go back to using rolls of wrapping paper again and will simply use our reusable Christmas gift bags.

Wishing everyone who celebrates, a Very Happy and Peaceful Christmas!

Holiday Gift Guide: Thoughtful, Affordable Gift Ideas They Will Love

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Monday, December 12, 2022

Favorite Gadgets of 2022 Reviewed

It's end of the year gadget review time! Yes the end of the year is always a great time for the gadget fans to review the great finds of the year and also a great time to perhaps give a few of those gadget winners as Christmas gifts. I love a good gadget, but I love even more a gadget which has been tested and has made it into the winner category.

Favorite Gadgets And Reviews 2022

5 cup Coffee Mini Brew by Wednesday Elf

Another perfectly sized gadget which is just my size! Actually I am not a fan of coffee, but cannot exclude the coffee drinkers in a home. This mini brew is not only mini sized per cup I love it requires a small footprint for the counter top.

Coleman Camp Oven Review by Renaissance Woman

As gadgets go this may be one of the most flexible and valuable! If you live in an area where the power grid can be sketchy, this is an item of interest. A mini oven whose first intent was a portable oven for camping by as the reviewer discovered became invaluable at home during a power outage. What a fabulous gift for a camping friend!

Portable DVD Player by Sylvestermouse

Yes! What a great idea and stocking stuffer for those with DVD's- yes, raise your hand if your house still owns DVD's but no longer has a DVD player! This portable gadget is great for travel and an easy and convenient way to watch your favorite DVD's.

Flex Seal Reviewed by Sam

Liquid rubber in a can with so many darn uses! Who knew. I used this to repair a pesky little hole in a gutter that was being a problem child. I used the spray version of the flex seal to spray the area I knew the hole existed. Voila! Problem solved.

Badminton Set by Olivia Morris

Whoa! The fun fun memories reading this review brought back of badminton in the yard. The sets have come along way and now portable badminton sets are available. What a great holiday gift this would be (hint hint!)

Silcone Mini Molds by the Savvy Age

Definitely a winner for in the baking category! A very good price point for a large set of molds perfect to make mini desserts, mini appetizers and even mini meatloafs.

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Sunday, December 11, 2022

Why I Feel Bad Today - A Workbook for Teens and Adults

I recently published the opposing workbook, called "Why I Feel Good Today."

This workbook, "Why I Feel Bad Today," is designed to help teens or adults isolate their daily experiences and triggers contributing to a less-than-positive day.

Why Do We Need Workbooks

The stresses of this interconnected world can be overwhelming, and a workbook to write down and track our moods, triggers, and good and bad experiences help us to sort out life's continuing fog.

Now more than ever, people can feel submerged in an endless vortex of one problem after another.

This prompt workbook was written with love and is meant to be a fun self-care tool to aid in sorting out the good, the bad, and the ugly.

With This Workbook, You'll Track What Made You Feel Bad During a Particular Month

The workbook is not meant to be a negative book!

On the contrary, this workbook is designed to help you figure out repeating trends that make you feel bad, so you know more clearly where to make changes.

Even making a small change daily can make a difference in our lives.

However, how can we change toward a happier life unless we actively track our negative triggers.

What This Workbook Includes:

13 Color Coded Months with Four Monthly Prompt Pages:

Each month is color coded
Each month includes a positive quote
You'll have a spot to record daily quick notes
There's a place to track specifics about the month, with prompt questions
Each month has a place to expand on what has affected your life
The monthly summary page includes four prompt questions to help you better analyze your month
Included is a 365-day chart to color in your mood daily. When the year is up, look at which mood color is most prominent to determine, with just a glance, what your overall mood was for that year.

Track your months when you want; you don't have to track the months in order. If you'd rather only track the months you feel are your worst, you can also do that.

Here's the "Why I Feel Bad Today" Workbook

Why I Feel Bad Today - A Workbook for Teens and Adults

Available on Amazon

You can preview the book's interior via StumpedRiddles here or, of course, on Amazon here.

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Saturday, December 10, 2022

ICED by Felix Francis – Book Review

ICED is the latest horseracing mystery by Felix Francis, son of the British crime writer Dick Francis.

Synopsis

Miles Pussett grew up wanting more than anything to be a championship steeplechase jockey like his father. He loved riding horses and dreamed of following in his father's footsteps.

When his dad is killed in an automobile accident when Miles is 12, he devotes himself to learning to ride like his famous father. He is given his first opportunity while still in his teens to compete in a point-to-point event, his first horse race, albeit as an amateur. When his mother dies, he becomes a jockey for a training stable.

Although Miles tries his best, he endures many setbacks as he pursues his dream. He is treated badly by fellow jockeys as they all think he is only given rides in horse races because of who is father was. Therefore he has no friends. He wins a few races, but 'being the best' eludes him as there are more losses than wins and his confidence level gets lower and lower.

Miles ends up drinking as a way to 'forget' his failures and eventually he hits rock-bottom. With the help of the trainer's wife, who sees the problem and wants to help Miles, he ends up seeing a psychiatrist. Turns out that Miles has been suffering from PTSD going back to his childhood. He always thought that PTSD was only a veteran's condition. Not so. Anyone can suffer from it given enough trauma that has gone unrecognized.

Until the psychiatrist explains it to him, Miles had no idea that his dad's death had affected him so strongly (because 12-year-old Miles was in the car with his dad the day of the accident). And his mother's death when he was only 17 was due to suicide and Miles blamed himself. All this trauma before he ever grew up with no one helping him understand it led to his PTSD.

Now it is 7 years later and Miles has left the horse racing world and is doing fine. Instead, he enjoys riding headfirst down the Cresta Run, a three-quarter-mile Swiss ice chute, reaching speeds of up to eighty miles per hour.

Horses racing at Cresta Run in St. Moritz Switzerland

While at St. Moritz for the Cresta Run, Miles discovers it is the same weekend as the White Turf – an event featuring high-class horseracing taking place on a frozen lake. Against his better judgment, he gets talked into helping out with the horses. But then he discovers something suspicious going on at the races.

Miles begins to search for answers, because the 'something suspicious' many have a profound impact on his future. But someone is adamant about stopping him – and they will go to any lengths to do it.

Summary

The horseracing mystery involved in ICED is, as always, an interesting read for fans of the Dick Frances and Felix Francis stories. But it is also a look into how Post-traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) can affect not only those who have fought in wars, but anyone who has had to endure a series of traumas in their life.