Charms with Southern Flare: Purple Turtle Porium's Sterling Silver Possum Charm

Adorable and skillfully detailed this unique possum charm adds southern flare to any design. This charm is crafted from genuine sterling silver with oxidized details. Underneath the charm is stamped 925 indicating the charm's content of pure silver. As with genuine Pandora charms, internal threads located inside of the charm allows it to be twisted onto a variety of European charm bracelets. Although Pandora did not craft this charm it fits on my Pandora bracelet perfectly. When twisting this charm onto to the bracelet it fits exactly the same as my Pandora charm (which is very impressive given the difference in price between the charms). It should be noted that both charms feel like they are the same weight when held in one's palm. This is important as charms that weight more than Pandora's charms could possibly damage your Pandora bracelet. Keep this in mind when purchasing charms that are not crafted by Pandora. The larger faceted bead is a free gift that Purple Turtle Porium sent along with my purchase. This bead is lightweight, yet very reflective adding a welcomed touched of sparkle to my bracelet.

What's a Possum?:
Opossums (commonly referred to as possums) are nocturnal omnivores commonly found in the United States (especially here in the south). Their name originates from the Algonquian word aposoum, meaning "white beast". This unique creature is the largest marsupial in the Western Hemisphere and has more teeth than any other land mammal. According to Wikipedia "Adult opossums do not hang from trees by their tails, as sometimes depicted, though babies may dangle temporarily. Instead, the opossum uses its tail as a brace and a fifth limb when climbing. The tail is occasionally used as a grip to carry bunches of leaves or bedding materials to the nest. A mother will sometimes carry her young upon her back, where they will cling tightly even when she is climbing or running. When threatened or harmed, they will "play possum", mimicking the appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal. When playing possum, the lips are drawn back, teeth are bared, saliva foams around the mouth, and a foul-smelling fluid is secreted from the animal. This response is involuntary, rather than a conscious act. Their stiff, curled form can be prodded, turned over, and even carried away. The animal will regain consciousness after a period of minutes or hours and escape. Opossums also have a remarkably robust immune system, and show partial or total immunity to the venom of rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and other pit vipers."

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opossum

About Purple Turtle Porium:
Based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada Ms. Joanne (the artist and mastermind behind Purple Turtle Porium) is committed to providing quality beads that will fit all styles of European charm bracelets. As a Pandora bead collector and a proud mother of two she is particular about the quality and safety of the beads she sells. Ms. Joanne states "I am very particular about the beads that I sell, and they must all pass a rigorous inspection." Purple Turtle Porium's policy is complete customer satisfaction. If for any reason a customer is not satisfied with their purchase a full refund of the purchase price is given. Aside from the cute design of the charm, this policy is what sold me on buying it. There are many online retailers making clams that their beads are compatible with Pandora bracelets, but often times they fail to deliver quality charms. Unlike other shops this one has a policy to keep this from happening.

Personal Opinion:
The quality of this charm is impressive for its price. Unless you are a Pandora Collector it is difficult to tell the difference between the genuine Pandora charm and the charm featured in this review. I am very pleased with my order, and highly recommend Purple Turtle Porium to all my friends. This charm is a wonderful gift for any country girl. For me this charm reminds me that no matter how much I have changed since my childhood, I am still deep down the same country girl that once trapped possums (in non-harmful traps) just for fun.

Where to Buy?:
Purple Turtle Porium's charms can be purchased online from http://www.purpleturtleporium.com/ and http://www.etsy.com/shop/Purrpleturtle

Disclosure of Material Connection:
This review is based upon my purchase from Purple Turtle Porium. Review Time is not in any way affiliated with Purple Turtle Porium, I simply appreciate the craftsmanship and design of this charm. The opinions I have expressed within my review are my own. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Pandora the Modern Charm Bracelet: A Review of Pandora's Sterling Sliver Starter Bracelet

Do you love the idea of wearing a charm bracelet, but feel that traditional charm bracelets are unpractical, aggravating to wear (lets face it they get snagged on every thing), or just simply not your style? If you answered yes, don't worry you are not alone many women feel this way my self included. This summer I discovered the solution to my charm bracelet issues in Pandora's line of modern charm bracelets. Pandora's charm bracelet redefines the meaning of the term "charm bracelet", by reinventing the traditional concept with practicality in mind. Unlike its traditional counterpart Pandora's charms are detailed beads, and small free-form dangle charms which screw on to the bracelet its self. This allows you to change beads easily by simple unscrewing the charms. Pandora's design is a welcomed improvement which makes the charms very difficult to loose, and less likely to become snagged on your surroundings. Personally I have always had bad experiences with traditional charm bracelets because I seemed to get them caught or snagged on everything around me (which resulted in the bracelet spending a lot of time in my jewelry box for fear of losing more of the charms). With my Pandora bracelet I have no fear of loosing the charms and have yet to snag the bracelet on my surroundings despite wearing it on a daily bases (which for me is something miraculous).

About Pandora's Starter Bracelet:
Starter bracelets are plain bracelets that are sold with out charms. This allows you to choose the charm you like, and build the bracelet over time. Pandora offers a verity of starter bracelets to choose from including; leather, sterling silver, and 14k gold. Each bracelet is available with either sterling silver or 14k gold clasps. Prices rang from $30.00 dollars for leather bracelets with sterling silver clasps, up to 1499 for a sold 14k gold bracelet. The bracelet featured in this review is solid sterling silver, and features Pandora's signature bead clasp. This bracelet ranges between $45.00 to $65.00 dollars depending on the store it is purchased from. One aspect which sets Pandora's line apart from other modern charm bracelets is that there are four threaded sections along the bracelet. The two threaded sections towards the middle of the bracelet allows you to separate your charms into sections through the use of stationary beads that clasp around the threaded sections preventing movement of the other charms. The other two threaded sections are used to give the bracelet a seamless appearance once the bracelet is full.

Sizing is Important:
When purchasing a starter bracelet from a jewelry store, the jeweler (or well informed staff) will measure your wrist to ensure that the bracelet fits perfectly. As you have probable noticed the bracelet featured in this review fits very snugly on my wrist, the reason for this is that the length of the bracelet will expand slightly over time due to the weight of the charms. According to the staff at Artsy Abode in Fleming Island, Florida "There should only be just enough room between the bracelet and your wrist to place your thumb under the bracelet. This ensures that it will fit properly once the bracelet is full".

Pandora's Charms:
Pandora offers a large selection of charms, ranging from whimsical themes to elegant designs. Each charm is hand-crafted from genuine sterling silver, 14k gold or hand-blown glass. Some charms also have high quality cubic zirconias, as well genuine gems inset into their design. The price of each charm varies, from $25.00 dollars for simple sterling silver designs, up to $800 dollars for solid 14k gold charms. Pandora charm bracelets are designed to be built overtime, resulting in sentimental bracelet that reflects the life of the person wearing it. The charm on the starter bracelet featured in this review is Pandora's "Angel of Hope" charm. Pandora designed this charm in response to hurricane Katrina's tragic effects on Louisiana and Mississippi. Aside from making an initial donation of $100,000.00 to help those affected what Katrina, Pandora pledges to provide continuing support to the relief efforts through the purchase of the Angel of Hope charm. Approximately one third of the proceeds from this charm will be sent directly to the Mississippi Disaster Recovery Foundation. Through this effort Pandora aspires to raise $1,000,000.00 to $2,000,000.00 in additional funds for this cause."

My Personal Opinion:
Since I was a young teen the idea of wearing a charm bracelet has fascinated me. This was largely due to the sentimental concept behind charm bracelets -that each charm represents an aspect of your personality and life. Sadly it did not take long for me to realize that traditional charm bracelets and I are not compatible. When my husband mentioned Pandora's charm bracelets as an alternative my first thought was that this bracelet would have the same issues, well that is until I saw one for myself. The bracelet's design is practical, simple to clean, charms are easy to remove (allowing you to personalize the bracelet with out getting a headache) and most importantly the charms can not fall off or the bracelet while you are wearing it. Another aspect which has made this bracelet one of my favorite pieces is its superb craftsmanship, and superior quality. As someone who appreciates fine jewelry I admire Pandora's skill and craftsmanship.

Where to Buy?:
Check out Pandora's official website for more information and to find a dealer near you http://www.pandora.net/en-US

ReviewTime is not in any way affiliated with Pandora, I simply appreciate the craftsmanship and design of this brand.

Little Devil Designs: Sterling Silver Phoenix Charm

 An Original Design

Elegant and inspiring this lovely phoenix charm is a wonderful reminder of inner strength, transformation, and rebirth. Each charm is hand-crafted from .925 sterling silver, and hangs on a sturdy silver jump ring. Measuring 1.25" tall by .5" wide this charm can be worn on a necklace or charm bracelet. All of Little Devil Designs are nickel and lead free and are shipped in a velvet bag to protect from scratches during shipment.

What Makes this Piece Unique:
The quality of this charm is impressive for many reasons: 1. The charm features sturdy craftsmanship and has a nice heavy weight for its size. 2. Excellent details and shading on both sides of the charm, set off  the wings and body of the phoenix (this design is double sided with both sides showcasing excellent details) 3. The charm hangs from a surprisingly thick jump ring. (Which is something that I always appreciate.) 4. Most importantly this charm was hand-crafted by someone who cares about their craft, and uses the medium of silver to release their imagination and creativity.

Meaning of the Phoenix:
Mythical and sacred the phoenix is found in the mythologies of the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese. The phoenix symbolizes inner strength, courage, transformation,  rebirth, and immortality. To learn more about the mythology and symbolism of the phoenix check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_(mythology)

My Personal Opinion:
Hand-crafted jewelry has always fascinated me, but until recently I never thought of reviewing a piece of jewelry. After some thought I feel that there is a true need for reviews of hand-crafted jewelry in order to help others choose quality pieces wisely, and know which craftsmen live up to their claims. That said I feel that Little Devil Designs is not only worthy of your time, but worthy of recognition among the blogging community. Such quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail is rare. I recommend this shop to anyone searching for quality hand-crafted jewelry.

Where to Buy?:
Little Devil Designs offers a wide variety of hand-crafted charms and pendents to choose from. Check out their shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleDevilDesigns

ReviewTime is not in any way affiliated with Little Devil Designs, I just appreciate their craftsmanship and lovely phoenix design.

Jack Daniel's Spirit of Tennessee Cookbook, Volume 1 By Lynne Tolley and Pat Mitchamore

 The rich tradition of southern cooking combined with the distinctive taste of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey gives an interesting view into the heritage of rural American cuisine.  This cuisine is elegantly captured in Jack Daniel's The Spirit of Tennessee Cookbook, which contains more than 350 recipes, stunning full-color photographs, and stories of the people, places, and traditions of Middle Tennessee.

Table of Contents:
   1. Drinks: pages 11-26
   2. Appetizers: pages 27-36
   3. Soups & Salads: pages 37-56
   4. Vegetables: pages 57-78
   5. Breads: pages 79-94
   6. Entrees: pages 95-118
   7. Outdoor Cooking: pages 119-130
   8. Desserts: pages 131-154
   9. Cakes and Pies: pages 155-174
  10. Accompaniments: pages 175-182
  11. Index 183

My Personal Opinion:
As someone is who is severely allergic to gluten, wheat, eggs, chicken, beef, soy, and certain types of fish I am forced to change many of the ingredients to fit my diet. I do enjoy these recipes but I can not say how they taste using the ingredients called for in the book as it has been years since I have tasted many of the ingredients. For example I always substitute flaxseed when eggs are called for in a recipe. A change such as this alters the flavor and texture of the recipe a great deal.  That said I enjoy this cookbook and recommend it to those who love good southern cooking.

Substitutes for allergy suffers:

Below are some ideas for those who have allergies to common ingredients. These are some of the ways I found to make the dishes in this cookbook eatable. 

1. Flaxseed can in be used in most recipes to replace whole eggs, and the use of egg whites. (as long as the dish is not something mainly composed of eggs)
2. Turkey can be used instead of chicken.
3. Pork or deer meat can be used to replace beef.
4. Ground turkey works very well in place of ground beef when making hamburgers.
5. Gluten/wheat free corn flour can replace other types of floor though this takes a lot of trail and error.
6. Premixed pancake or bread mixes can replace the use of normal flour. I always use one of the allergy free mixes found at Winn-Dixie as I find it hard to get the substituted ingredients to turn out right on my own. 

Where to buy?: