Wednesday, October 25, 2023

The Most Beautiful Christmas Stockings for Elegant Holiday Decor

The Christmas holidays are a time when many of us enjoy our festive traditions. One of the most cherished of these is decorating our homes for Noȅl.

Some families use the same holiday decorations year after year, while others enjoy changing things up and choosing a different theme each year. Similarly, some prefer traditional country cottage themes, while others like more sophisticated, elegant Christmas decor.

Today, I'll review a curated selection of Christmas stockings in elegant fabrics, such as velvet, satin, and brocade, with beautiful, sparkling, and lavish trims such as sequins, lace, faux jewels, and faux fur.

My picks focus on large stockings (18 to 22 inches in length) that will accommodate a lot of treats or long or unusually shaped stocking stuffers. The length is usually measured from the top corner (where the hanging loop is attached) to the end of the toe.

Also, please note that most of these styles feature embellishments on one side only.

If your stockings or other holiday decorations could use an update, or if someone you know will be celebrating the holidays in their own house or apartment for the first time, read on for some classy Christmas decor ideas.

Elegant Christmas Stockings

Gold and White or Ivory

Gold and off-white or ivory is a popular color scheme for those who love elegant holiday decor.

There's something magical about a gold-and-white or gold-and-ivory room, especially at Christmas. Maybe because it's a bit impractical for every day that makes it so appealing for this special occasion.

But gold and white or ivory Christmas stockings and other decorations are also a wonderful choice for a room with colorful walls or upholstery. The light colors really stand out against the colorful backdrop.

Following are some wonderful options that would be chic individually and also would mix and match beautifully for a lovely display on a fireplace mantle. All of them are generously sized (20- or 21-inch length) to accommodate stocking stuffers of many sizes.

This set of 2 Valery Madelyn off-white and gold embroidered Christmas stockings is perfect for someone who loves elegant Christmas decor with a dash of bling. The off-white, pale ivory stockings are embroidered with metallic gold thread and sequins, are accented with clear faux jewels, and have a lavish gold brocade cuff.

One features ornaments and the other a floral lace design.

These come with Santa-themed tags so you can write the names of your family members to identify which stocking belongs to whom.

The same manufacturer also makes this lovely set of 2 Valery Madelyn gold, ivory, and white patchwork Christmas stockings. While patchwork isn't usually associated with elegance, this style definitely qualifies.

They feature gold sequins embroidered in a patchwork of geometric triangles, stripes, and diamond patterns that remind me a bit of Argyle designs.

One is trimmed with ornate gold cords, while the other has a wide band of white faux fur trim near the top.

I think they would look great with either the embroidered set shown above or the gold sequin trimmed set with LED lights shown below.

Like the previous style, these come with Santa-themed tags so you can personalize each stocking with the family member's name.

For those who love to go all-out with holiday bling, this set of 5 white and gold sequin Christmas stockings with twinkling LED lights is sure to please! There are five different sequined designs in the assortment, which may include a Merry Christmas greeting, a snowflake, a pair of reindeer, a Christmas tree, a pine bough with a pinecone, a wreath, or other holiday decor themes.

Each stocking is cuffed with white plush faux fur. The white LED lights are battery-operated. Just put the battery into the compartment, turn on the switch, and watch the stockings sparkle!

Note: Some customer reviews complain about the included batteries. I would suggest buying fresh, good-quality batteries separately if the ones that come with them aren't up to snuff.

Although these don't come with tags to personalize them, each design is different so it's easy to assign a specific design to each family member.

Silver and White

While not quite as popular as gold and ivory or white, pairing silver with white also makes a beautiful and festive color scheme for your holiday decor. As with gold and white or ivory, silver and white Christmas stockings and decorations also create a great contrast in a colorful room.

The following selections in this frosty and elegant palette include luxe, silky, or plush fabrics, and sparkling, luxurious trimming materials.

This set of 2 White Faux Fur Christmas Stockings With Silver Sequin Snowflakes would help make even a warm-weather family or living room look like a winter wonderland.

The plush fabric is velvety soft and begs to be patted, while the silver sequin snowflakes add sparkle and shine to this pristine white set.

These stockings are also a generous 22 inches long, so there's plenty of room to stuff them with holiday goodies.

These are available without personalization, or you can choose the personalized faux fur stockings option to have names embroidered on the cuffs.

Another pick featuring white plush fabric with silver sequins is this lovely Set of 2 Valery Madelyn White Faux Fur Christmas Stockings With Silver Sequin Embroidery. Unlike the previous set, this one has two different but coordinating designs.

One design features silver sequin snowflakes in various sizes scattered across the velvety white plush background. The other is embroidered with silver sequins in a scalloped design reminiscent of a snowy, shingled roof.

The reverse side of each stocking is a silky, white panne velvet fabric.

These stockings are 21 inches long to hold a plethora of holiday treats, and they are trimmed with lavish, long-haired, white faux fur cuffs.

As with the other Valery Madelyn styles, these come with Santa tags that you can personalize with the designated family members' names.

One of my favorite selections is this set of 4 Gray and White Velvet Christmas Stockings With Silver Sequins, Rhinestones, and White Faux Fur.

Two of the stockings are fronted with gray velvet and two are white velvet. All four are embroidered silver sequins in different designs that might include a snowman, a reindeer, a Christmas tree, a snowflake, Santa in his sleigh, or a flatbed carrying a pine tree home to its new place of honor.

Each one is trimmed with a white faux fur cuff and is fully lined to prevent the contents from poking through the fabric.

These are 20 inches long and would mix and match well with either of the two previous selections if you have a large family.

Although there is no personalization option for these gorgeous stockings, each has a different design, so it's easy to tell whose is whose.

A similar and equally opulent choice is these stunning personalized silver and gray Christmas stockings with silver sequins and embroidered faux fur cuffs.

The luxurious silk fabric is the perfect foil for the silver sequin embroidery with clear crystal rhinestone accents. There are six different designs including snowflakes, Santa on his sleigh, Christmas trees, a bough with a pinecone, and other holiday themes. 

These hand-sewn styles are 20 inches long. The white faux fur cuffs can be personalized with family members' names in your choice of four fonts.

You can purchase individual stockings or sets of up to six assorted designs, depending on your needs.

Red or Green and Gold

Red and green are traditional colors for Christmas decorations. Either red or green accented with metallic gold can be a simple and elegant color scheme. This palette can create a bright pop of color in a room with a neutral or subdued color scheme. It also works well with traditional or country decorating styles.

Red, green, and gold can also be used in combination to create a more colorful, yet still classy home decor palette for the holidays. Consider mixing and matching the following selections to suit your preference.

Here are some of my favorite picks in this colorway.

I love the red and gold version of the first embroidered set I featured. The set of 2 Valery Madelyn red velveteen Christmas stockings with gold embroidery has the same two designs (ornaments and floral lace) as in the gold and off-white version, but the metallic gold thread and gold brocade cuff really stand out against the red velveteen fabric.

These are 21 inches long to accommodate plenty of treats from Santa.

Like all the Valery Madelyn styles, these come with Santa tags that you can personalize and tie to the hanging loops.

If you prefer more of a wine-red shade and a less ornate style that's still opulent, this set of 3 red velvet Christmas stockings with gold tassels and corded trim might be perfect for your fireplace mantle.

The rich red color of the velvet and tailored style are sophisticated without being fussy, while the metallic gold tassels and twisted two-tone cord trim add gilded touches appropriate to the season.

These are 18 inches long, a bit shorter than most of the others I've chosen but still big enough to hold a nice selection of stocking stuffers.

This style has an almost vintage feel that would work beautifully with more traditional Christmas decor.

These come in several colorways and are available either as shown or personalized with embroidered names in contrasting colors. You can also choose sets with different numbers of stockings to accommodate the size of your family.

This set of 3 green velvet Christmas stockings with gold cord trim would be a great pairing with the red velvet set above.

The velvet is a soft, slightly olive, forest green that would complement the wine-red velvet beautifully. They both have a simple elegance that would work beautifully in a traditional setting. They could also add a lovely, festive, holiday air to country-style decor.

These are 20 inches long to accommodate stuffers of many sizes and shapes.

They are also available in bright red or navy velvet with the same gold cord trim.

Please note that the embellishments spilling out of the tops in the product photo shown are not included!

These do not offer a personalization option, but you could either tie a gift tag to the hanging loop or, if you are handy with a needle, embroider your family members' names on the cuffs or sew a nametag inside.

Elegant Stocking Holders

Beautiful stockings deserve equally special holders. Here are a couple of suggestions that would look lovely with any of the above styles.

If you're going with gold as your holiday accent color, I think this set of 2 gold-toned stocking holders with removable reindeer embellishments would be a great choice.

I love the versatility of making the reindeer embellishments removable, so you can try these with and without them to see which you prefer. Using just the simple, unadorned base by itself lets your stockings be the star of the show. Even with the reindeer added, they're small enough not to detract from the main attraction they're holding.

Unlike many of the gold-toned stocking holders I looked at, these are a bright, shiny gold color. They're made of a sturdy zinc alloy with a nice weight so they stay put on the fireplace mantle.

These clip over the fireplace mantle and will accommodate a range of widths (check the product description to make sure it will fit yours).

Whether your color scheme features silver accents or you just want a neutral-toned, elegant accent to more colorful holiday decor, this set of 4 silver snowflake, reindeer, tree, and snowman stocking holders would be an excellent choice.

They range in height from 5.5 inches (the snowflake) to 6.9 inches (the Christmas tree), so they are easily enjoyed visually even from across the room.

They are well made from sturdy stainless steel with graceful lines and nice details. They come ready to use with no assembly required, and each holder is lined on the bottom with velour to protect the surface of your mantle from scratches.

If you don't have a fireplace, or if your fireplace doesn't have a mantle, consider this freestanding 8-hook deluxe Christmas stocking holder stand.

This stand measures 41” long x 11” wide x 35.3” tall to accommodate up to eight large stockings, like the ones featured above.

It comes in a choice of black or shiny gold (shown in the product photo). The black would be a great choice for the silver and white stockings, while either the black or the gold would work beautifully with the gold and ivory, red, or green styles.

You can place this stand either on the floor or on a tabletop. I think it would be pretty set on either a small rug or a table runner with a seasonal theme in colors complementing your stockings.


❄❅❆ From our house to yours, whatever you celebrate, may your holidays be peaceful, healthy, merry, and bright! ❆❅❄

The Most Beautiful Christmas Stockings for Elegant Holiday Decor by Margaret Schindel

Read More of my Product Reviews

Read More Christmas Reviews From Our Contributors

Read More Home Decor From Our Contributors




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Tuesday, October 24, 2023

A Review of the Book Chair Exercises for Seniors

 

A Review of Chair Exercises for Seniors


Chair Exercises for Seniors came about after the author, Luke Adams, realized that getting older does not mean that a person's life is over.  The latter part of life can instead be a time for exploring new interests and hobbies......like writing a book, as Luke Adams did!  It was a fortunate thing for all the people that have been helped by his book, including me!

This book is not a long read, only 206 pages, 11 chapters listed below:


Chapters

1. Stay In Sync With Your Body—The Changes

2. Why Chair Exercises? 

3. Get Your Chair 

4. Warming up 

5. Ankle and Leg Exercises 

6. Neck and Shoulder Exercises 

7. Upper and Lower Back Exercises 

8. Arm, Wrist and Hand Exercises 

9. Build Strength From Your Core 

10. Cooldown & Recovery 

11. Building Your 7-Day Routine 


What Does the Book Contain?

The book as a whole is full of useful information, it is far more than just a list of exercises.  It also deals with some of the psychology of aging, and the decisions that are made along the way that impact the life we will experience as we get older.  The presentation of the material is easy to understand and is formatted in a personal, almost cozy, conversational style that is both interesting and appealing.  

The following outlines what I found to be the most pertinent of what this book offers to the reader:

  • An informative discussion of the changes the body goes through with age
  • Concise explanations of what chair exercises are and why they are perfect for seniors; also how they benefit the different part of the body
  • How to exercise if you are recovering from an injury
  • Clear, easy to understand instructions with pictures for everything discussed in this book
  • A 7 day routine designed to help strengthen your most used muscles
  • Modifications for making the exercises easier for beginners or more difficult as you advance your fitness level as well as ways to modify the routine to fit your personal needs
  • Low impact exercises that can help you to relax and reduce stress
  • Exercises for specific parts of your body that you want to work on
  • Warm up and cool down exercises that help you ease in and out of activities
  • Advice on the equipment needed and optional equipment for the routine and the best attire to wear (much of which you already own, no expensive accessories needed!)
  • How to stay safe while exercising, including before and after.
  • Pertinent information of how exercise helps overall health, plus the improvement in balance and mobility which can help prevent falls
  • The book ends with a glossary of terms, in case you are unfamiliar with some of the terms used.

Sample Illustration 

Hip and Knee Extension Illustration
Seated Knee and Hip Extension Illustration from
Chair Exercises for Seniors

My Thoughts

Reading this book gave me hope about the future for the first time in a long time.  It is easy to become down in the dumps when you get older, but as was said in the book's introduction, it is more important to focus on what we can do than what we can no longer do.  Getting older does not mean losing the life you love, it only means that you have to work a bit harder to keep it.  You can even go on to make it even more fulfilling with the right tools and determination. Keeping upbeat and active helps you to maintain an independent lifestyle, which is what every senior wants.  All this can be achieved in just a few minutes a day, starting at any fitness level.
 
One of the most important things this book taught me is you can control how you age.  You can be the older person who spends all their time in a easy chair watching TV, or you can be the one outside planting flowers in the garden or going shopping and out to lunch with family and friends.  Which you want to be is up to you.  If you want to be the second type, this book can be the start of getting there.  Why wait?

Chair Exercises for Seniors






Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Monday, October 23, 2023

2023 Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviewed

If it is pumpkin season then Hallmark Christmas is soon to follow!  Hallmark Christmas 2023 Movies are arriving at the end of October.

Hallmark Christmas movie season includes all the movies we have loved from the past plus new Christmas movies premiering on both the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel. Hallmark Christmas Movies began Friday, October 20, 2023.

Mother, father, child smile among the Christmas lights and tree.
The 2023 Hallmark Christmas Movie Schedule has 42 new holiday movies being released from October 20 to December 21st: 31 on the Hallmark Channel, 2 early release on Hallmark's streamng channel and 9 on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Channel. A few notables of the 42 featuring the A list stars to watch for:

Never Been Chris'd

Tyler Hynes, A team Hallmark actor leads the hometown friends reuniting for a Christmas Hallmark holiday love triangle - whew! Hynes as always brings a sense of humor, wit and a wink to this holiday movie.

Christmas Island

Andrew Walker, always a Hallmark favorite and Rachel Skarsten star. Islands, Christmas, air traffic controller, pilot, snowstorm and did I mention Christmas. Have fun as the stars head for romance and holidays on a island named Christmas of course.

A Merry Scottish Christmas


Party of Five fans line up for this premiere! Lacey Chabert and Scott Wolf star as siblings on a family trip to Scotland with the holidays and family mysteries in the air. Party of Five fans have been waiting for a reunion ... this may not be five, but its' two! Enjoy.

Haul Out The Holly: Lit Up  ** Sequel to 2022 

It's a sequel, it is cute, it is Christmas, it is Hallmark and we love it. Lacey Chabert in her second Hallmark Christmas movie this year and Wes Brown reprise their roles. Nuff said... light entertainment from a cast which proved its' chemistry already in the first movie.

Best of 2022

A few favorites from the 2022 season to look for in the 2023 season.

Three Wise Men And A Baby

By far, the best Hallmark Christmas movie of 2022 was Three Wise Men and A Baby with Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes and Paul Campbell (who also co wrote the movie.) Sure, the storyline may sound a bit familiar from the original movie, but this movie will bring smiles for the second time with a cast of Hallmark A team actors and their chemistry. 

A Cozy Christmas Inn

Jodie Sweetin (Full House) and David O'Donnell take on Alaska, Christmas, old loves reuniting and B and B's all in one charming Hallmark movie. If you love Hallmark then you can surnise the storyline and great to see O'Donnell back. He was in Christmas Under Wraps with Candace Cameron Bure, also in Alaska! 

Haul Out The Holly

It wouldn't be a Hallmark Christmas movie season without Lacey Chabert. Teaming with Hallmark favorite Wes Brown he and Lacey take on the relucatance of one to enjoy Christmas.

A Holiday Spectacular 

The Radio City Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall are featured in this journey through New York and Christmas with the Rockettes.

More Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviewed

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2022 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2021 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

You, Me & The Christmas Trees by The Savvy Age

A New Year's Resolution by Cynthia 

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2020 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Finding Father Christmas by Cynthia

Christmas Tree Lane by The Savvy Age

Broadcasting Christmas by Cynthia

Top Ten Hallmark Christmas Movies by The Savvy Age

Debbie Macomber's Mr. Miracle Hallmark Movie Review by Cynthia


Where To Find Hallmark Christmas Movies?


If your cable subscription includes Hallmark channels then Hallmark Channel is available with the Hallmark Everywhere App. Your cable subscription username and password will be needed to log in.

 Hallmark Movies Now  is a streaming service for a monthly fee. A seven day free trial is available to give the channel a no obligation spin.



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Sunday, October 22, 2023

2023 Halloween Riddles: Unveiling the Spooktacular Update!

Halloween Riddles Book - Updated

Hey there, Halloween enthusiasts! Are you ready for some spooky, fun, and brain-teasing riddles that'll have you scratching your head in delight? 🕷️

Updated in 2023: Halloween Riddles - The Original Book with a Fresh, Spooky and Fun Interior

This is the very Halloween Riddle Book you're familiar with! But, I've given it a thrilling makeover – now, every page features spooky black and white background art inspired by Halloween. This means that as you tackle each riddle, you'll also get to enjoy the cool visuals!"🎃📖🖌️

As a reminder, this book is Volume 5 of 7 of my personally written riddle book series.

Here is a Sample of the New Interior Look for Halloween Riddles:

The New Interior Look for Halloween Riddles - Available via StumpedRiddles or Amazon

Here's Another Page to Preview! Each Chapter Features a Different Photo Background:

Interior of Halloween Riddles Book
New Look Interior for Halloween Riddles - Available Via StumpedRiddles or Amazon

Were you able to solve the riddles featured above?

🎮 This isn't just a book; it's a game, an adventure, your own personal Halloween-themed mind exercise book. 

📜 Here's What You Get with Halloween Riddles:

🎃 Only original, uniquely crafted riddles – no cobwebs here! 

📚 Eight spine-chilling chapter topics to sink your teeth into. 

📷 Riddles served in photo format for an eerie visual twist – no boring text for you! 

🕸️ Use these riddles for games, as teacher aids, party starters, creepy stocking stuffers, or your personal challenge if you're up for it. 

🧟 All riddles follow the thrilling "What Am I" format. 

👪 Family-friendly and fang-tastically fun! 

🔑 Answers are neatly tucked away at the back of the book.

🕯️ Why should you pick up this book? Well, here's the lowdown: These riddles are one-of-a-kind, each designed to make you smile and scratch your head simultaneously.

They're easy to read; you won't need a cauldron full of magic to understand them. This book is the perfect addition to your Halloween celebrations and family gatherings. 

Imagine the laughter and friendly competition around the table as you try to outsmart your friends and family with these bewitching brain teasers!

🎃 So, what are you waiting for? Grab your copy of Halloween Riddles and prepare for a spine-tingling, brain-teasing adventure that'll delightfully leave you howling! 🦇🌙

Halloween Riddle Book
Halloween Riddles, Available on Amazon - Also in eBook Format





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.”


Most Recent Reviews on Review This Reviews






Search for Reviews by Subject, Author or Title

The Review This Reviews Contributors



SylvestermouseSylvestermouseDawn Rae BDawn Rae BMbgPhotoMbgPhotoBrite-IdeasBrite-IdeasWednesday ElfWednesday ElfOlivia MorrisOlivia MorrisTreasures by BrendaTreasures by BrendaThe Savvy AgeThe Savvy AgeMargaret SchindelMargaret SchindelRaintree AnnieRaintree AnnieLou16Lou16Sam MonacoSam MonacoTracey BoyerTracey BoyerRenaissance WomanRenaissance WomanBarbRadBarbRadBev OwensBev OwensBuckHawkBuckHawkDecorating for EventsDecorating for EventsHeather426Heather426Coletta TeskeColetta TeskeMissMerFaeryMissMerFaeryMickie_GMickie_G

 


Review This Reviews is Dedicated to the Memory of Our Beloved Friend and Fellow Contributor

Susan DeppnerSusan Deppner

We may be apart, but
You Are Not Forgotten





“As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and or Etsy (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from purchases.” Disclosure Statement

X