Category Archives: Blog/Movie/Product/Book Reviews

Holiday Greetings and Leaving BC

Hope that you have had a wonderful year in 22; in spite of the craziness going on in the world around us.

I’m convinced now that the best path to real peace and happiness going forward is to “carve out” a good personal space to dwell in and dwell on; not just in the physical sense, but mentally too.

When I get too fixated on “the news” and in particular, some of the very bad decisions being made worldwide by so-called “leaders”, it’s easy to get discouraged and depressed. That will continue to be one of my biggest goals, heading into 23. To dwell on “what I can change” and not nearly so much on “what I can’t”.

There is still joy, goodness, beauty, kindness, integrity….all the good things, in abundance, in this world. And all that still gives me reason to have hope and to feel cautiously optimistic.

Right now, the packing goes ON and ON and on…..as we are preparing to leave BC, after living in this province for about 15 years. It’s time for a big change and BC is not the province that it was, even 10 years ago. Very expensive to live here now and climate change that continues to “rear it’s ugly head” each summer with the wildfires raging for weeks at a time. Also, no incentives or perks from the government to stay here, just more ways to gouge us it seems. I have some fond memories of BC but not enough to want to stay; that’s been the case for too many years now.

We are deciding between Northern Alberta and Mexico to move to. How is that for a range of options? They both have their pluses and minuses. Time will tell. We plan to check them both out thoroughly and take some time to get a “feel” for what seems like a good place to really settle down and be “at home” in the best sense of that term.

I wish all my blog readers, past, present and future a VERY Merry Christmas and much happiness in the New Year. Here’s hoping it’s a memorable one for all of us, for all the right reasons!

Happy Holidays and Blessings in 2022!

It’s hard to believe that another year has flown by.

It’s been such a difficult one for so many people, around the world. We are living in such strange times right now. It’s hard to hold onto hope that things WILL get better but when there is no hope, all is lost.

I’ve been trying to stay as upbeat and hopeful as possible and has been the case during so many difficult times through the years, writing and the creative process have made a big difference for the better.

After a long hiatus from writing for a variety of reasons, I am finally back to the “work” that I enjoy most of all.

I have a new Kindle eBook being released in January:

A book project that I had “percolating” in my mind for many years.

After that, I hope to complete two more Kindle eBooks before the end of 2022.

Got to make up for that long hiatus, right?? 🙂

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I hope that my readers/followers here at Veggies (past and present) are staying well, and that the New Year is a much better one for all of us.

I’m trying not to dwell on all the doom and gloom news, it can be SO depressing and serves little purpose. Especially watching some of the misguided and life-changing decisions that so many of the “leaders” continue to make, in response to this pandemic.

We can’t give up now and there is light at the end of this tunnel if we hold on to what really matters, even now. Family, friends, real values, integrity, kindness, health and wellbeing….those things that never change, even when we are stressed to our personal limits.

I will leave you with a couple of holiday “goodies” that I hope will bring a smile to your day.

One of my favorite Christmas CDs continues to be:

Christmas With Boney M.

Christmas with Boney M

I noted that it is once again at the top of the charts over at Amazon Canada again this year. Talk about staying power! Guaranteed to lift your spirits, especially when you sing along. I’m guessing a lot of you already have this one in your collection.

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CRANBERRY MANDARIN CHRISTMAS LOAF

Enjoy the recipe and perhaps learn a thing or two about cranberries in my post:

Crazy About Cranberries.

IF I can find some organic fresh cranberries here in BC (supplies have been rather limited with the flooding, weather…) I hope to make a couple of these “beauties” this holiday season.

They make a wonderful hostess guest too. Great for fruitcake haters too!

Have some other news pending but I’ll wait til it’s a “done deal” before I share it here and at my other sites. I read a quote recently that I thought was very wise: “tell me what you have done, not what you are going to do“. That I thought was very good advice. Suffice to say for now, it is a BIG move in the works already and hopefully will be a “done deal” and a “have done” before my birthday in April. It won’t be easy with all the restrictions in place right now, but where there is a will, there IS a way.

Wishing you peace, love, prosperity and all the good things in 2022.

Hugs and All the Best!

PS: My apologies for the less than stellar formatting, I didn’t have time to “fight” with WP any longer today. Blogger is SO much easier to navigate, at least it is for me.

Blogging Update 2020 :-)

I hope your New Year is off to a great start!

I’ve decided to take a hiatus from all blogging, for the foreseeable future.

May be back, may not. I’ve learned from past experience, never say never, especially when it comes to blogging.

Just too much to do and every day seems to go faster than the one before it.

Trips to plan, including another big move, still working on unpacking and sorting here, numerous projects, writing, crafting….the list goes on and on.

My contact information at all my blogs, remains active, including at My Real Life Reviews, re: review requests.

I wish all of my blog friends, past and present, the best year ever!

Six Stocking Stuffer Suggestions!😊

Well, Black Friday has arrived once again.

I thought it was rather low key (based on the Amazon  Canada site) after all the sales offered earlier this week. I did place an order this morning though.😉

How is your shopping going? Are you planning to spend more or less, this year?

I’m sharing a few of my favorite items (with reviews) ideal as stocking stuffers or other small gifts.

Hope you enjoy them and find these suggestions helpful.

Andalou Circle of Light Hand Cream, Lavender Scent.

My absolute favorite hand cream!

Rich and creamy, but not greasy.

Good ingredients, reasonable price.

Lovely, natural not overpowering scent.

Available wherever Andalou products are sold.

And this line of their products supports charities that empower women and girls, around the world . 👩‍🌾 It’s all good!😊

 

Six In One Metal Tool Pen

Joe and I both ❤  these pens.

So handy and so nicely made too.

Less than $8 as of today, at Amazon.

Click link above to read my full review.

 

Raincoat Peelable Nail Polish

👣 The only nail polish I use! 👣

Definitely NOT just for kids.

Comes in a wide range of colors.

A lot less “scary” ingredients, compared to regular polish.

With the top coat that they provide it stays on until you soak and peel. No remover required!

Click link above to read my full review.

 

Prime of LifeYoga DVDs

I can’t imagine NOT doing yoga!

It’s been such an important part of my life, for so many years.

For anyone just starting out with yoga or perhaps, looking for a new regime, this is an excellent series to check out.

Larry Payne focuses on “the Prime of Life” age group, those 45-75. But it is great for people of all ages.

Click link above to read my complete review.

 

Cat Craves (cat treats)

Not to leave the felines out, this one is Mr. Cheddar approved!😸

His new favorite treat, he just ❤❤s Cat Craves.

I appreciate that they have better than average ingredients and are reasonably priced.

Available at all major pet stores including Pet Smart, Amazon and Chewys.

 

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Jelly Belly Fruit Flavoured Snacks

A  fun snack for kids of all ages.😏

Six snack sized portions in each box.

Much better ingredients than most gummie type candies.

I ❤ the colorful packaging too.

Available at many retail and online stores.

Happy Shopping and Happy Week!😊

🍁My Autumn eBook Promos🍁

My Poetic Path

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I have several FREE promotions and Countdown Deals coming up, for all my Kindle ebooks, starting tomorrow, and continuing throughout October.

Check out all the details and dates at:

Kindle Promotions

🍁Happy Reading and Autumn!🍁

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What’s Going On Amazon?

Has anyone else been experiencing really BAD customer service from Amazon recently?

amazon

I use the Amazon Canada site but I’m beginning to wonder if this is a company wide issue.

Delivery dates are hardly ever accurate and the representatives I’ve been emailing with recently about a variety of issues leave much to be desired. They don’t even answer the actual questions I’m asking, just some ” copy and paste” usually unrelated to the actual problems.

Even their Executive Office is slipping. That used to be a final resort that worked but even they seem to be just going through the motions now, and not serving their customers as they should.

Right now, I’m having an ongoing issue with a reseller order I placed for a laptop. I am not exaggerating, so far I have written at least 15 emails about this, LONG detailed emails, and still not resolved.

I ended up ordering another laptop from HP directly. Got a great bundle deal, including a new printer and no hassle!!

If Amazon doesn’t wise up soon, I am not going to order anything but e-books from them. THAT they can’t screw up (or so I’m hoping).

Please let me know if you are also noting a big slide in Amazon’s customer service. They aren’t the only game in town.

Mr. Bezo….Are YOU LISTENING??😕😔😪

Happy Summer and Blogging Updates!😊

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Hope this yummy photo grabbed your attention!

This one is from my first cookbook, Not Just for Vegetarians. One of my all time favorite food photos.Wish I could take credit for the actual photograph but the recipes ARE all mine!😊

Just a quick update post for today but more recipes crafts, Mr. Cheddar updates… to follow!

I’ve decided to resurrect my two WordPress blogs, this one and also, my poetry blog: My Poetic Path.

I have missed posting here at WordPress and also visiting my favorite WP blogs on a regular basis.

Stop by to read all the details HERE.

I’ll be back soon with a new Veggie…post.

For now, Happy Summer!😁

Merry Christmas 2018!

miracles still come true

And all the best in the New Year!

PS: If you are in need of some holiday gift ideas/inspiration, check out my new gift list, with something affordable for everyone on your list. 

Happy Autumn and New Kindle Promotions!

Hope you’re having a wonderful Autumn so far!

The weather here on Vancouver Island has been just glorious for the past couple of weeks. I’m loving it!

Getting out for lots of walks and sunshine. Hopefully it will last a while.

Here’s hoping the forecast is right for a change!!!

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I have a new fall Kindle promotion, starting today and continuing into November, for all of my current available eBooks.

Some FREE, some deeply discounted (.99 cent countdowns).

You can check out all the details at my Author’s Site:

WHAT’S NEW PAGE

HAPPY READING, COOKING AND AUTUMN TOO!

My New Groovy Flip Flops and…

….a couple of blog address updates.

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First, the fun stuff. 

My new, oh SO comfy flip flops from Dawg’s.

I just LOVE them! 

dawgs flipflogs

You can read my full review  WHY  I love them so much at My Real Life Reviews.

 

The blog address updates are for my two Blogger sites:

My author’s site is now at: 

geraldinehelenhartman.blogspot.com

My review blog is now at:

myreallifereviews.blogspot.com

 

I had so many hassles with my previous domain provider NAMECHEAP, that I finally gave up using the two custom domains I previously had registered with them. 

If you happen to be looking for a domain provider, avoid  NAMECHEAP!

You can read more about all the problems NAMECHEAP caused me (so much time wasted, big loss of readers, $$ lost….) here. 

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I wish you a safe, happy and memorable summer! 

Enjoy all of summer’s beauty, wherever you are.