Sakura Tree House

Way, way, way back when I was a kid growing up in Michigan one of the most exciting and fun things we did as kids was pick out a big tree that we could easily climb and build a tree house out of wood scraps and anything else we could find.

The tree house was our fort, sanctuary and the place we could be just be...kids.

A lot has changed. No longer are tree houses cobbled together pieces of wood and scraps by a bunch of ragtag group of neighborhood kids.

Makeshift kid clubhouses and hideaways have given way to prefabricated tree house kits ranging from simple kid forts to luxurious full-size homes spanning not just on one tree but many and complete with plumbing, electricity and all the other amenities of modern day life.

Don’t let the thin box the Rolife's Sakura Tree House kit comes in fool you. It’s full-fledged kit that takes patience, time and skill to put together.

The kit comes in a flip-lid box with tabs with a half slip sleeve with full color photos on the back and front.

Designed for kit builders 14 years and up the kit contains 535 pieces and requires no glue. I still like to have liquid glue and a brush handy since I’m such a klutz and may break a piece. Materials used are plywood, MDF board and paper.

Inside the box are seven part flats, two sheets of pop-out paper parts and a small sheet of high grit sand paper. Also included is a pack of dot stickers, a pack of small fasteners, an Icon Illustration sheet, Product Safety Instructions and an instruction pamphlet.

Before you begin to build your kit check to see that all the parts are enclosed, briefly look over the instructions, gather your tools (tweezers, a point tool, a magnifying device, a small Flathead screwdriver, liquid glue, an X-Acto knife and blade and any other tools you may need to handle small pop-out tabbed parts.

It’s a beautiful kit with bright colors, incredible details, parts that assemble snugly and securely, no gaps or rough edges and looks amazing when finished.

Rolife’s 3D Wooden Puzzle Sakura Tree House kit showcases a magnificent dwelling perched on the branches of an ancient and massive cherry tree.

Complete with a winding staircase and rails, balconies, several rooms and levels and even a small supply elevator the Sakura Tree House is a marvel of modern day design, fertile imagination and complete integration with nature.

Awnings, windows, doors, walls, roofs and more are all constructed from wood.

I especially love the trunk of the tree where the separate wooden pieces are convoluted and fit together giving the tree a very organic look.

I also am taken back on how the tree limbs, tree house and its various parts intermingle with the many cherry tree blossoms and leaves.

Starting at the multi-layer foundation platform the tree (and its roots) rise up and larger lower limbs hold the tree house.

A flight of wooden stairs curves up and around the tree to the left side.

At the base of the tree hanging from the balcony, that has an ornate banister of wood, is a circular swing with a wood slat seat. The rope it hangs from is made by a vine with leaves.

On the left side of the trunk is a four-pane window with casing and a five slat bench of wood.

The large first story of the tree house has a wooden door to the right, a large open, pane on hinges window, a small six-pane window, a small room extension to the right with three open windows, a balcony with railing and a winch with a handle holding up a wooden basket used for hoisting up supplies.

A small room is to the left, the main building has a lower roof with a gabled window attached to the second story with a small railing and a wood shingle roof.

As with all of Rolife’s kits the Tree House takes time, patience and skill to construct.

Part are numbered coinciding with the numbers listed in the instruction manual.

Take you time. Imagine yourself leaning over the upper balcony railing and breathing in the cherry blossoms and enjoying the scenery around you.

Read the instructions carefully, make sure all the components are there, remove only the pieces you need to build a section or accessory and be careful with small delicate pieces.

For a full gallery of the Sakura Tree House photos and a video click here and for additional kits by Rolife click here. Also check out Rolife’s sister site Robotime for other products by clicking here.

Proverbs 30:5 - Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Graphic Design For Dummies

I’ve mentioned this many times before in my reviews. Graphic Design was my chosen career. I practiced it close to 25 years and then taught it in high school for 11 years.

As a profession it constantly changed and evolved.

When I started everything was done on a drawing board, with hand specs, illustrations, type-setting and a long, slow production period with blue-lines, color comps, client and printer approval and so forth.

As an example: a printed brochure may have taken up to a month from the time it was designed to when it was printed.

With today’s modern technology it goes immediately from computer to printer and it is not uncommon for a printed brochure, newsletter, etc. to be designed and printed in less than one week-including corrections and modifications.

Everything was done on computers. Illustrations, photos, type-all of it is completed on computer-times certainly have changed.

When I started as a graphic designer there was no such things as computer classes, Photoshop, social media and all the other programs and platforms we take for granted nowadays.

Teaching graphic design kept me on my toes-constantly learning, applying and updating. It was difficult to find literature for my students to use as reference.

Wiley Brand’s and author Ben Hannam’s Graphic Design For Dummies book makes learning easy.

Everything a graphic designer needs is covered in the book. How to set up a work station, how to analyze your audience, concept to completion designs, the principles of design, how to layout pages (digital and print), how to create a portfolio, color theory, sketching and conceptualizing, using graphic tools, type, graphics, product design and much, much more.

I wish I had this book was available when I taught my students. It would have solved a lot of problems, avoided headaches and given students an excellent reference to fall back on.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Elsa's Tailoring

The was a time when people took their cloths to a tailor to have them repaired or have new cloths made. You don’t see that much anymore.

Sure, tailor shops still exist but most tend to be high-end and high-cost establishments. I remember when tailor shops were a common sight.

I used to go with my mom when I was young to a neighborhood tailor shop. Entering the shop a small bell would sound notifying the owner that someone had arrived.

The store smelled like fabric, clothing dust filled the air and everywhere I looked there were racks of cloth, rollers of fabric, sewing spools of thread, needles and other cloths making paraphernalia. The light was low and dark and shadowy corners melded into the dark. It was kind of spooky and yet comforting.

The shop owner would listen to our needs-either for new clothing or repairs to much loved and worn clothing and would quote mom a price, when the cloths would be done and issue a cloths’ claim ticket.

In a day or two we would go back and pick up our cloths. That was part of life in a small home town.

Rolife presents Elsa’s Tailoring all packaged up in a flip-lid box and partially wrapped with a slip-on sleeve. A full-color photo of Elsa’s Tailoring Shop decorates the front of the slip cover along with a couple of close-up photos. Also listed are the recommended age level to complete the kit (14+), the number of pieces (266), a DIY symbol and a LED light symbol (battery pack included).

On the back of the slip cover are other stats including material used (plywood, paper, plastic), battery instructions and assembly recommendations.

Ten part slats, three part bags (shop miniatures, furniture parts, electrical components and tweezers and a Phillips head screwdriver), an instruction booklet (parts are numbered coinciding with slats, bags and other components) Icon Illustration, stickers, paper assembly sheet, safety instructions, and material list.

Take a moment to look over the bags' components that include various 3D printed objects such as a sewing machine, a dress mannequin, beads, material and more-all of which are perfect miniatures of real objects.

The Elsa’s Tailoring Shop is open on three sides and looks just as cluttered as the tailor shop my mom and I often visited.

The back wall slightly curves and wraps around the contents of the shop. It is decorated in floral wallpaper, a large purple accented Elsa’s Tailoring sign, a full-length gold-trim mirror, oval framed photos of a woman's face, a curved/pointed door with a debossed Art Nouveau decor and a small wooden document holder all sitting on a wooden parquet floor with an Eternal Grace sign on its front.

The shop is lit by a decorative wall sconce of gold and molded/frosted glass shade.

Against the back wall is a large multi-alcove and drawer cabinet filled with fabrics, ribbon, a fancy hat with flowers and bric-a-brac.

To its right is a lace on spools display, an upright open top cabinet with ribbons, buttons and tape measures. 

On its right is a sewing table with an antique red sewing machine, a flower in a clear vase, fabric, scissors, more ribbon and contents, and a small white chair with a pink stripped seat sitting in front of the sewing table’s iron works legs and support. On the floor is a beige and white basket with folded and rolled fabric.

In the font of the shop is a mannequin dressed in a white dress with a floral design, lace and a large pink bow. A table display sits to its right with a glass enclosed front and twin drawers on its lower front.

The display contains gift boxes and its top are a bouquet in a vase, crystal, a necklace display, broaches and a small brown wooden display box of ribbon spools.

Assembling Elsa’s Tailoring kit is very much like sewing together a fine piece of clothing. Each component is carefully selected. Each part has a specific purpose and function. Separate parts combine to make the completed kit.

Words are inadequate to describe how fancy, realistic, colorful and charming Elsa’s Tailoring Shop is.

Like tailoring it takes time, requires patience, methodical planning, sequential assembly, the proper tools, precise instructions and careful assembly to complete the kit.

As always I recommend you take your time, read over the instructions completely (especially the electrical set-up), check to make sure all the parts are there, use a small flathead screwdriver to pop out the tabbed pieces, tweezers are a must along with a sharp pointed tool, an X-Acto blade and handle, liquid glue with a brush, a magnifier, good lighting and patience.

Picture yourself looking through the fabrics, taking in the warm charm of Elsa’s Tailoring Shop and enjoying the building process.

For more photos and a video of Elsa’s Tailoring click here. For more Rolife products visit this link and for even more DIY products check out Robotime’s website.

Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

The DreamKeeper Saga Books 1-5

I’ve been saved since February 1, 1978. During that period I’ve heard lots of opinions about fantasy from many other Christians.

Some believe that fantasy, science fiction and other imaginary fiction have no place in the Christian faith and life.

I disagree. Imagination is a gift from God. But, like all other things in life imagination can be abused and used for the wrong reasons.

Christian fantasy, if applied properly, can be a great witnessing tool. The important thing to remember is that it is fantasy.  If used properly as an analogy or to illustrate a point it can effectively spread the gospel.

In author Kathryn Butler’s The DreamKeeper Saga imagination is at its peak and makes an excellent vehicle to illustrate the love of God and his plan of salvation.

The DreamKeeper Saga Set consists of five books collected by Crossway in a beautiful open-front slipcase holding all five books in the series.

The heroine: twelve-year-old Lily McKinley has suffered the great loss of her father. Her world is in shambles and she is at the lowest point in her young life.

She’s a very imaginative and somewhat dorky and small for her age. She’s often the brunt of jokes at school, especially from a particular bully.

Her mother mourns and practically works herself to death to take care of Lilly and her grandmother who suffers from dementia.

One day while going through her dad’s things, Lilly finds a strange iridescent stone on a single necklace link in one of her dad’s books.

Later at school when confronted by the school bully something miraculous happens.

Rushing home after school she is shocked to see a dog-sized dragon rooting through the food in her kitchen. She panics, but the dragon disappears when Lilly tries to tell her mother.

Later she confronts the dragon once again and what happens next is remarkable.

She is transported to a reality of dreams guided by the dragon: Cedric, who startles her when he talks.

In the first book: The Dragon And The Stone, Lily’s quest begins in a new realm where magical creatures of all sorts exist and she and her unexpected ally from school and other creatures fight to save the world from the evil that rules the realm of nightmares.

In The Prince And The Blight -Book 2, Lily attempts to return to her normal life. Try as she might she struggles to leave the Somnium Realm behind but to her dismay all sorts of creatures from her dreams materialize.

Cedric returns to tell her how a mysterious illness has taken over the Realm. Lilly must face off a new adversary.

In Book 3: Lost In The Caverns, Lily once again returns to the Realm to restore what the Blight destroyed and finds herself on a rescue mission and facing a new foe: the evil King Magnus.

In The Quest For The Guardians, the 4th book in the series, Lily is reunited with her family only to discover the evil nightmares from the Realm have invaded the waking world. She calls upon her family, friends and guardians to time travel (sort of) to save the world from total destruction.

The final book in the series;  in The Last Keeper, evil nightmares must be stopped. It’s is up to Lily, her faith and her friends to make things right.  Darkness threatens to envelope the Realm.

What a great series! I’m 73 years old and reading the series made me feel like a kid again discovering an exciting adventure!

My grand-kids and nephews and nieces will love this series. I love how the gospel is intertwined in the story. The series reminds me of The Lion, The Witch and Wardrobe, The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland and other classic tales.

Having read the entire five books in the series I have a few observations.

It was fascinating observing the author's style and story-telling skills mature.

Characters became more grounded and complex.  Despite their appearance or weirdness they all had well-developed personalities, quirks and idiosyncrasies.  They became real.

Storylines built upon past events and moments of fear, happiness and the whole gambit of emotions were well placed, described and felt.

No words were wasted or unnecessary.  Story flow was smooth, precise, to the point and well-defined.

2 Timothy 1:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Sakura Wine Alley

I’m not a wine drinker but I have visited NAPA Valley in California where dozens of wineries, wine cellars and small wine tasting facilities abound.

Wine is a popular beverage and to some an important and almost essential part of life. There are wine tasting clubs, connoisseur wine collectors, wine publications and a whole industry centered around the juice of the grape.

Here’s a clever idea. Rolife’s Book Nook & Wonderland Sakura Wine Valley kit is a small self-contained slice of wine country that can be tucked away between books or even wine bottles.

Everything pertaining to wine country is present including little shops, racks, lighting, plants and more.

It’s so inviting. Just imagine strolling down such a street with all the little nooks and crannies filled with objects.

Once assembled the kit looks like a small rectangular box trimmed in brick, symbol scrawled wood, a section of a tiled roof and decorated with small succulent plants.

The entire kit of parts comes in a heavy-gauge cardboard box with a flip-lid with tabs. Inside is a twin compartment plastic insert that holds small decorative parts, building railings, etc. and plants. A small Phillips head screwdriver is also included. Eight flats hold most of the pieces.

The main cardboard box is wrapped in a partial slip sleeve cover. The front of the slip sleeve has a full-color photo of the Sakura Wine Alley along with two small photos, and age (14+), pieces (249), LED and No Glue icons.

On the back of the slip sleeve are a couple more photos, material used (Plywood, MDF, Paper), electrical components notes and other information.

Inside the Book Nook are several shop fronts with cabinets, shelves, wine containers, bottles of wine, a hanging decorated rice paper lantern, several balconies, a cat, various wine accessories, signs, hangers and other interesting partially hidden corners and spots. So much to see! Every time I look at it I spot more things and details.

Look for the cool stools, hidden logos and icons, bric-a-brac, plants and other goodies that fill the Wine Alley. It is amazing!

Papers include an instruction pamphlet (numbers coincide with the enclosed parts), Product Safety Instructions and Icon Illustration.

Colors pop, details are fantastic, parts pop together easily, stickers and paper cut-outs are a breeze to apply or fold and the entire assembly is lit by a real light. How cool is that!?

It’s an easy kit to assemble if you follow the instructions step-by-step. Carefully pop out parts as you need them and snap them together with the small tabs.

How Rolife is able to design, manufacture, package and distribute their kits for such a reasonable cost is beyond me.

Use tweezers, an X-Actor knife and handle, a Flathead screwdriver, a pointed tool, liquid glue, lights and a magnifying lens if needed.

Visit this link to see other photos and a video of the Sakura Wine Cellar Alley.

For other products by Rolife click here and for a peek at Robotime’s other products click here.

Romans 5:3

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience,

Pearls Get Plastered

If I had to cope with the characters of Pearls Before Swine like writer/artist Stephen Pastis does I’d get wasted too.

Pearls Get Plastered is ‘bar’ none the weirdness collection of Pearls Before Swine strips in the latest Treasury Collection released by Andrews McMeel Publishing.

What can you expect from a crazy cast of animals as they mirror the absurdity of humanity?

Join a mouse, pig, duck, alligators, a goat and other critters along with their clueless human friend as they set about tackling norms, perverting traditions, questioning authority and generally causing a mess.

Stephen Pastic offers a unique look at his creative process by commenting on many of his strips, adding some art and photos and providing an ‘interesting’ Bonus Section.

By the look of some of the photos it’s easy to see why his humor is off-beat, cutting-edge and a little weird.

Get ready for jabs at social media, the purpose of life, superheroes, democracy and other subjects that a crazy bunch of critters manage to obliterate.

I need a drink.

John 13:34-35 - A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

Vario RGB 700 EDC Flashlight

Everybody needs a little light in their life. Even better, everyone needs to carry a light with them wherever they go.

With Scoutlite’s Vario RGB 700 EDC Flashlight you can carry all the light you need in the palm of your hand with13 versatile lighting modes.

Whether it’s taking a stroll at night or early in the morning, a camping trip, bicycling, a little extra light you need when working in a tight spot or dozens of other lighting necessities the Vario RGB 700 EDC Flashlight does it all.

It’s the ultimate small, portable and easy to use flashlight that you can take with you wherever you go.

The light, instructions, USB cable, magnetic stand and EDC Flashlight all come in a small mostly black and green rectangular box with a snap front lid and an interior cavity that the Vario RGB sits in. The box is taped at both ends and the reinforced interior keeps the light and contents secure and damage proof.

With the few clicks of the side button and/or front circular light you can change the light to 13 different modes including long-range white, ambient RGB, and UV.

Other features include:

• 700 Lumens Max Output
• 95 RGB Hours Max Runtime
• 108 minutes white
• 64g Palm-Sized
• IPX6 Waterproof
• Charge in 2 hours USB-C
• UV + RGB Dual LED System
• Lock/unlock
• Hands free/magnetically
• 16mm clamping capacity
• Lightweight 2.26 oz.
• 5 Year Warranty
• Money-Back Guarantee

I am excited! I plan on keeping it with me on walks, while riding a bike or other tasks. Its handy magnetic clip and lanyard make it easy to transport and position. The USB (cord and port) charges the Vario RGB 700 in no time. The instructions are easy to follow to switch light modes and product facts and figures provide valuable and useful information.

Suggestion: Keep the instructions nearby until you learn the button/mode sequences.

2 Corinthians 6:4

But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

Celebrating George

It’s ironic that one the world’s most iconic, talented and celebrated performers in the world didn’t like having his picture taken.

Even at an early George Michael (his stage name) wanted to be a pop star, performer and singer.

Surprisingly he didn’t start out as a solo act. He and his co-performer hit the pop charts as Wham!-a new age singing and performing duo that took the world by storm.

For nearly a decade they turned out hit and after hit, primarily because of George’s incredible range and charisma as a singer.

Before long George struck out on his own and sadly after three decades of a duo and solo career he passed away.

George’s photographer, who became a good friend: Brian Aris (the author), has compiled a huge selection of photographs of George as both as a performer and as a quiet, humble man.

The new book: Celebrating George Three Decades Of George Michael Through The Lens celebrates the life of the singer and performer whose popularity has never wavered or faded.

This beautiful, oversize hardbound book published by Rizzoli Universe is packed with full-color and black and white photos, behind-the-scenes shots, proof sheets, concert photos and quiet moments of George.

Psalms 126:5 - They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

Journey II Suitcase Record Player

Back in the 1950s and 1960s while I was growing up in Michigan there used to be large delivery trucks from different companies that would go from door-to-door bringing product samples to homeowners.

Since my mom couldn’t drive, she would order different household items from one of the companies.

She would select her products, pay the driver, and within a week or two the products would be delivered.

On one occasion mom ordered me a small, pink and white suitcase/portable record player. It was cheap and plastic but I loved it.

I would play my 45 records on it. I was about 13 or 14 years old.

Later when I attended high school (1969 to 1971) my study hall teacher would let me bring the suitcase/portable record player to class and play classic rock and roll LPs popular at the time.

I had that record player until 1973 until I moved from Michigan to Florida. I believe I gave it to one of my nephews or nieces.

Victrola has a new portable suitcase record player that reminds me of my old one. Of course the material is much better, along with the sound quality and there are few extras my old record player didn’t have.

The Victrola Journey II Suitcase Record Player comes in a hard and sturdy cardboard box with an flip-open and tabbed lid. The lid is held in place by a piece of tape.

The box is decorated with photos of the record player on all sides-my version is aqua color. On the back are additional photos with specs and one of the photos is an exploded view of the record players’ speakers.

Inside the box the record player is held in place by two form-fitted cardboard sleeves. The record player is covered and protected by a plastic bag.

Included with the record player are a power cord (also in a bag), an extra needle cartridge (in a bag) and instructions.

Carefully remove the record player and components from the box and follow the instructions as to how to ready the record player for use. Plug in the power source, take the protective slip-on plastic cap of the needle assembly, loosen the needle arm, raise the arm, select the record speed (33, 45 or 78), place your album or 45 on the turntable, put the auto stop switch on, press the power button being sure to select the correct playback mode: BT. Line-In, Phono or BT Out, make sure the power indicator red light is on, lower the arm and get ready to rock!

Small and light enough to carry wherever you want the portable suitcase record player has built-in speakers, Bluetooth streaming and Vinyl Stream technology.

Also included are a 45 RPM Adapter, a headphone jack and RCA Line Out for red and white connectors.

I’ve test all the modes and the sound quality is great. Headphones bring the sound up close and personal, Bluetooth allows me to connect to my remote Bluetooth speakers placed in an area I choose and for a more stationary selection I can hook up standard speakers. I used some small computer speakers.

I love it! It has that vintage look with easy controls. It sits solidly on any flat surface and for such a inexpensive record player it turns out quality sound-much, much better than my player from my younger years.

Listen to music via the built-in speakers, Bluetooth speakers or through a set of headphones. It’s easy to carry using its handle and suitcase design. Take it anywhere.

The case is of heavy (metal?) construction with protective, reinforced metal, wraparound corners, the handle is secure and heavy, the locking mechanism is a simple clip lock that securely keeps the lid shut while transporting and twin speakers in the front turn out some incredible sound.

On the back are two heavy-duty hinges, a power plug-in and red and white outlets plug-ins for external speakers.

Just look at these features:

• 3-speeds (33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM)
• Stream music from your smart device, no messy wires.
• Play your favorite records through any Bluetooth speaker.
• With its he 3.5mm aux-in you can connect any non-Bluetooth enabled device.
• The RCA outlet connects to existing sound systems.
• A headphone jack.
• Measures 14 x 10 x 5.28 inches.

It is has an extremely rugged and well-made suitcase that also includes four rubber legs. It’s an very attractive and looks both vintage and high-tech.

I can hardly wait to use it when I go to a family gathering, on vacation or when or wherever I want to go.

Romans 15:13 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

U.S. Military History For Dummies

Like any typical American young boy growing up in the 1950s and 1960s I loved to play war. I’d grab a stick, a baseball and a pot and viola! I had a makeshift rifle, grenade and helmet.

Most of my friends cobbled together common household items and made their own fantasy weapons. Some were fortunate enough to actually have realistic looking military toy guns, helmets, grenades and other ‘war’ accessories.

Little did we realize that our make believe battles echoed the far too familiar real tragedy of war.

Throughout its history the United States has engaged in war. The Revolutionary, Civil War, WWI and WWII, Korea, Vietnam and so on and so on and so on.

It’s not like we enjoy war. We prefer peace. Killing people and blowing up things are things rationale people do not like to do. Sometimes it’s necessary-unfortunately. We value our freedom of not only ourselves but of other nations.

We fight to protect people and right wrongs. Sure, we’ve been side-tracked sometimes-but our intentions were honorable.

In Wiley Brands’ and author John C. McManus, PhD’s new book: U.S. Military History For Dummies, the long list of wars and skirmishes the United States Military has taken part in are examined.

Readers learn what caused the skirmishes, who the bad guys were, how the military conflicts shaped America’s society and how the Armed Forces operate and are organized.

Learn all about key battles, strategies, weapons and leadership. It’s a complete compendium of the United States military and its action both during peace and at war.

Nothing is candy-coated. It contains cold, hard facts and delves into the politics, conflicts and personalities that escalated military action.

Military history buffs are sure to love this book.

John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Sweet Dream Bedroom

There is nothing like laying down on a soft comfortable bed. Sinking into the fluffy mattress and snug in the warm blankets is the best therapy of all. Now that I’m an old man it feels so good to my back and body overall.

A soft pillow, a dark room filled with familiar objects and the comfortable and warm feel of both the bed and room are divine. It doesn’t take long to fall asleep.

My bedroom is my sanctuary. It is the room that I can get away from the grind of the day. I get to lay there safe and warm and think things over. I ponder and let my mind wander as I soak in the ambiance of the room.

My bedroom is more than a place to sleep. It is where I choose my daily wardrobe, sit back on the bed and read, check myself out in the mirror and primp and at the end of the day get to snuggle with my wife.

Rolife’s Sweet Dream Bedroom kit is what dreams are made of.

The Sweet Dream Bedroom comes in a lidded box with photos of the Sweet Dream Bedroom on all sides. The back also has photos, lighting suggestions, display extras, switch box game play, piece count (95), specifications, materials used, age recommendations (8+) and other helpful hints and suggestions.

Inside the box kit components consist of wall, floor and window, frame and base slats, stickers and paper sheets, electrical components and part bags that include room decor, the bed, small furniture, bric-a-brac and various room decorations. A set of tweezers is also provided.

Look over the instructions (part numbers match the components), gather some tools such as strong lighting, a Flathead screwdriver for poking out tabbed parts, a pointed tool, an X-Acto blade and handle, liquid glue and a brush, a magnifying device and any other tools you may need for small precise work.

The Sweet Dream Bedroom walls are stripped in a soft pastel and the wide wooden slat floor is partially covered by an oval rug of yellow and white.

On one wall is a six-pane window with white lace curtains. Rolife cleverly inserted an screen outside the window showing a small neighborhood. Nice touch!

The metal and wood frame single mattress bed looks so comfy with its fluffy mattress, twin pillows in yellow (one stripped, one not), a large yellow and white checked blanket along with a lower solid white blanket. On the wall at the head of the bed are two wood framed pictures of a cactus and a Teddy Bear..

To the right of the bed is small, single drawer nightstand with books on its open lower shelf and a brass lamp with a translucent blue shade sitting on a large book.

Fluffy white slippers are on the floor to the right of the bed.

On the left of the bed parallel to the wall is a large wooden set of drawers with a small metal basket holding bottles and paperwork. Next to it is a small box of white and blue.

Above the dresser on the walls is a framed piece of art. To the left of the chest of drawers is a small table with two drawers and a chair. Below the table is a large pink box. On the table are night creams, a small swivel silver circular mirror, a mat and several books.

The room is open on two sides and features a clear glass roof consisting of six panels held in place by pink wooden beams. A small gold and white light fixture (it lights up!) hangs from the ceiling.

Such a cozy room-I can practically feel the soft mattress and cozy covers!

Kids and parents are sure to have fun assembling this kit. It teaches patience, cooperation, critical thinking and provides a sense of accomplishment. Take your time, never remove parts until you need them, look over the incredible details and appreciate the skill and expertise it took to create such a charming kit.

Visit this link for photos and a video of the Sweet Dream Bedroom. Check out Rolife’s other products by clicking here and visit Rolife’s sister site Robotime here.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Enchanting Book Nooks

Have you ever had something happen that seems much more than coincidence? I have and it involves author Raphaele Vidaling’s and Rizzoli Universe’s new book Enchanting Book Nooks Miniature Worlds And Setting To Craft and Decorate.

OK, I’m hooked-what’s the strange coincidence?

If you have been following my reviews the last four to six months you’ll notice that I have been reviewing a lot of pre-made miniature book nooks.

Book nooks originated with the Japanese and now have become a world-wide phenomenon. People cannot get enough of the miniature room and house miniatures that fit on book shelves, between books or on their own. I have one in my man-cave and several more I need to make.

I gave a small bookstore book nook to my niece who is a book nook nut and I gave my daughter a small greenhouse book nook because she loves gardening.

In Enchanting Book Nooks readers are given instructions with step-by-step photographic sequences on how to build book nooks from scratch of all types of rooms of small dwellings.

Household, fantasy, outdoor scenes-you name-this book has it.  There's also a section on what tools to use.

It is fascinating how with a little sweat equity, imagination and determination you can make your own book nook. Look for lots of advice on how to construct 20 small scale projects.

Challenge yourself and make your own original book nook. Make them from everyday objects such as wallpaper, fabrics, cardboard, trinkets, wood, stones, moss to already made object like miniature dollhouse furniture and even model parts you can cobble together for your very own book nook.

Pick up a copy of this delightful and informative small hardbound book, look through its colorful pages, follow the instructions and viola!, you’re a book nook builder!

Romans 15:13 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

King-Size Special Here Comes Daredevil The Man Without Fear! #1

Back when Gene Colan was drawing Marvel Comics Daredevil, The Man Without Fear it was one of my favorite titles.  Gene’s art really captured the acrobatic, devil-may-care attitude of Matt Murdock as a lawyer turned crime fighter.

The comic book under Colan’s pencils oozed action and boasted some pretty impressive bad guys.

What happens when Daredevil’s most dangerous foes band together to take out old Horn Head?  King-Size Special Here Comes Daredevil The Man Without Fear! issue #1 answers that question.

Look for plenty of action, fisticuffs and wisecracks in a story that nearly marks the end of Daredevil.

I remember when I bought this Annual I was blown away.   It was, and still is, my favorite early Daredevil adventure.

The Annual typifies what Daredevil was all about before the grim and gritty Frank Miller dark days.

Gene Colan was at the top of his game as far as his art was concerned.

His swashbuckling, free-for-all, acrobatic and wise-cracking Daredevil was all action and loads of fun to look at and read.

To me, at that time, Daredevil was much more interesting and exciting than Spider-Man and DD’s rogue’s gallery ranked right up there with Batman’s.

There was something light and airy about the Daredevil comic book and his first Annual delivered not only with the art but the story as well.

The Annual nailed the character of Daredevil and is by far one of the best DD stories ever illustrated by Gene Colan.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Here Comes The Cousins

Summertime! What a magical time of the year, especially when you’re a kid.

Swimming, going to the park, hanging out with your friends, fairs, carnivals, exploring or just laying around in the warm weather.

Summertime is also a time when you go on vacation to visit family or when family comes to visit you.

I loved it when my mom and I would travel to Ohio and Kentucky to visit relatives: aunts and uncles and especially my cousins.

It was exciting and I looked forward to it each year.

In Here Come The Cousins by Maggie Hutchings and Sarah Zweck and published by Thames & Hudson, a bunch of cousins come to visit and boy do they have fun.

From going to the beach, visiting grandma and grandpa, swimming, snorkeling, jumping in the ocean from a big rock, relaxing in a hammock, sleep-overs, playing games and sadly-having to say goodbye until next summer.

The author and artist capture perfectly the wild, wonderful and wacky time cousins have when they get together.

The prose is simple, the illustrations childlike and the story goes straight to the heart.

Seeing cousins is fun when you’re young and if you’re lucky-very lucky, even as an adult getting together with family is just as much fun as it was when you were a kid.

1 John 4:7 - Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.