The Magnolia Blossom Review

Time for a Reality Check...

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:44:00 +0000

MARCH 10, 2011

Between maintaining my personal blog (my first blogging love), a group blog (a labor of love started because I wanted a place for real bloggers to be a part of something where they could be exposed to more outlets), editing my book (which takes SO much time and focus), getting my house ready to sell in what is now less than 2 months (cleaning, painting, decorating, gardening...), and making sure my family is taken care of the way they deserve, I have come to a realization---The Magnolia Blossom Review has been suffering!

And though I don’t want to do it, I’m going to have to take a break from the MBR! But not to worry... I WILL get back to doing my reviews---eventually!

Maybe in early August after we’ve moved into our new house and gotten a bit more settled!

So until then, I hope you’ll understand that I have had an epiphany...
I am but one woman and cannot do everything!!

Now, if you’ll excuse me I’ve got to take down a door to paint (I’ve only got something like 20 or so left to do…big sigh!)

Thanks so much for understanding.

Review: The Hot Dog Truck

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 03:59:00 +0000

Greetings! I'm so glad you were able to drop by today because I've got such a wonderful site for you to consider but be warned...you might not want to visit if you're hungry because it's called The Hot Dog Truck: The Life and Times of a Hotdogman (Hot doggin' and bloggin' since 2004) and no matter where your eyes may fall on the page you are sure to see something about those tasty treats that as kids we would gobble up without batting an eye but for some reason, when we became 'grown ups' we decided they were either too childish or too fatting or too sodium laden, etc... But no matter how old we may get it sure is nice to let that little kid out once in a while to enjoy a fresh dog on a soft bun!

But not to worry, I promise this review isn't an homage to hot dogs (thank goodness I ate before I started working on it though!) rather it is an exploration of a wonderfully funny and sometimes sentimental though with a humorous edge blog that I think really deserves a few minutes in the Magnolia Blossom spotlight because it's really a top notch site!

The Hot Dog Truck is maintained by Rob 'The Hotdogman' Merlino who until recently was in the hot dog business though he's on a 'hot dog hiatus' at the moment and has taken up the oldest profession in the world. No not that oldest profession...he's now in education! He's an English teacher. But just because he's parked his cart, at least for the time being, doesn't mean he's out of the game. And thankfully for the blogging world, Rob has kept up his blog site because it's an absolute hoot.

Want to know more about it?

1. Does it have a title with standout appeal?

Without a doubt yes. Honestly it's one of those titles where you simply have to wonder what in the world is that all about? The Hot Dog Truck...is it for dog lovers? Is it for food freaks? Is it something altogether...unmentionable? Yes, that's the sort of title that can get a mind to thinking.

Blossom = 1

2. Is it well written?

Again a resounding yes. It's easy to see why Rob or should I simply refer to him as Hotdogman has decided to take up a career in English or as it's referred to in the education scene...Language Arts because he's got a wonderful knack for writing. No, his writing isn't all about the wiener-world though there are a good number of them and some of them are absolutely outrageous! There are all sorts of posts ranging from short snippits to hilarious video clips to recollections of longer, more involved humorous recollections and every now and again there's even some sentimental bits, too.

Blossom = 1

3. Is it neatly arranged so that it's easy to navigate?

For the most part I say, yes. I'm impressed with the overall layout of Rob's site as it's clear to me that he has maintained the site first as a venue for his entrepreneurial passion, being a good old fashioned hot dog vendor, and second as a place where he can have a venue for his humorous side. And with that in mind he's made terrific use of his Header tabs to help steer visitors, many of whom are surely likely to be small-business owners, too, or perhaps considering it, to information that will be of interest to them. However, I imagine there are loads more people who visit his site (and if there aren't there should be) who are less interested in the business of making money and more interested in 'the funny.'

And it's because of those people that I truly wish Rob had his Archives at the top of his page beside his most current post as opposed to 3/4 down the page (it literally took me 12 clicks in the advance bar to get down to it). Yes, I know he's got a Header tab labeled 'Greatest Hits' only I honestly thought at first that it was a page where he listed his favorite music picks! It would be awesome if those Archives were front and center so visitors could go, 'Hey, I like this guy! I wonder what else he's got here?' and then easily find his 5 years worth of blog posts!

Then there is the fact that I searched all over that site and couldn't find a 'Follow' or 'RSS' button save a Neworked Blogs box even farther down the page than his Archives. And what a shame that is because I know people would want to Follow his site (or get RSS feeds or maybe even receive eMail notifications).

But other than those 2 things...I think it's got a great flow to it.

Blossom = .90

4. Is it easy on the eyes?

Yes. Sure there are lots of advertisements on Rob's site however unlike many blogs I've visited that have ads galore with no real rhyme or reason...they're just there...the ads on Rob's site are specific and remind us that his site is neither just a personal blog nor is it just a business blog rather it's a business oriented personally driven blog.

Oh, and I love the little wiggling hotdog that he's got on it, too. (Too bad it's way down the page! I think that little guy ought to be wiggling his bun up at the top of the page with the Archives) But since it's actually part of that 'business' aspect of Rob's blog, perhaps Sir W. E. Ner Buns (yes, I just named the animated hot dog) will need to stay right where he is!

Blossom = .99 (I'm still holding out hope for Sir W. E. Ner Buns)

Wrapping it all up, I thoroughly enjoy visiting Rob, The Hotdogman, Merlino's site, The Hot Dog Truck: The Life and Times of a Hotdogman (Hot doggin' and bloggin' since 2004), because everytime I drop by I always find something that makes me chuckle. And I'll bet you'll get a kick out of it, too. Of course, I don't recommend going there when you're hungry because there are lots of references to food...

TOTAL BLOSSOMS = 3.89

(Yay, I got this post done before Thursday technically ended for me!)

Tasty Tuesday Review: BBQ and Bourbon

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:42:00 +0000

Greetings! And I’m so glad you stopped by for a visit. As you may have gathered from my previous post I was sick last week and couldn’t really do much of anything that required a modicum of thinking! But I’m feeling much better and am quite happy to present today’s Tasty Tuesday review.

It’s called BBQ and Bourbon: Celebrating Great Kentucky Barbeque and Great Kentucky Bourbon and it’s not the typical site I usually review as the author(s) have chosen to remain anonymous and simply refer to themselves as ‘BBQ and Bourbon’. So perhaps it’s two fine Kentucky gentlemen who are proud of not only their state but also of two of its most famous exports:

          old fashioned pork (about 95% of the time) BBQ done
          ‘Kentucky style’ (bourbon-Kentucky brewed & distilled,
          of course, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, etc…); and,

          the flavorsome elixir called ‘Bourbon Whiskey’
          (but only legally called that if it’s actually manufactured in the USA)
          and it made mostly from corn with various other grains added.

Now I’ll admit when I stumbled on this site a week or so ago while looking for some recipe/cooking sites I was in the mood for something ‘zippy’ to eat…and nothing is zippier to me than a good tangy BBQ sauce. And when I found BBQ and Bourbon and I saw that it had a decidedly Southern air about it, after all this is the Magnolia Blossom Review, I was intrigued. I was also wary because I figured it was a ‘touristy’ site maintained by the Kentucky tourism board or a commercial site touting one particular brand of bourbon.

But I’m glad to say after perusing the site quite thoroughly, it’s neither of those things. It offers fabulous posts that include recipes for all sorts of BBQ (not just Kentucky style) as well as drinks (some of which include non-Kentucky bourbon whisky spirits). You can also find ‘real people’ reviews of BBQ cook books, various elixirs, and regional restaurants on the site.

Taking a deeper look…

1. Does it have a title with stand out appeal?

If you’re a BBQ & bourbon fan you’ll think it’s spot on. And even if you’re not so much into the whole BBQ vibe or perhaps you’re not keen on alcoholic beverages it’s still a rather sort of title as BBQ & bourbon most often evoke a mood of being with friends and enjoying a good meal. What’s more the subtitle ‘Celebrating Great Kentucky Barbeque and Great Kentucky Bourbon’ calls to mind the essence of the Southern part of the United States where people relax beneath broad porches and take their time doing everything especially making their BBQ!

Blossom = 1

2. Is it well written?

Yes. The blogthurs keep the posts fairly brief yet chock full of interesting information about all sorts of things from the history behind particular recipes to iconic events like the Kentucky Derby that helped mold the region into what it is today. But as was mentioned earlier, even though BBQ and Bourbon does have a general theme at its core, this isn’t a site wholly about the BBQ/Bourbon in the Blue Grass State and as such there are all sorts of post dealing with barbeque and spirits from all around the world! (Who’d have thunk it?! BBQ, no matter if it’s Chinese pork ribs, beef brisket from Texas, or lamb cooked on the barbie Down Under can be found everywhere!) I’m especially impressed with the cookbook reviews I’ve read as it’s clear the blogthurs have not just read the books but they’ve also actually tried some of the recipes found within them. But of the things I’ve read on the site I must say the actual review of BBQ establishments throughout Kentucky made me want to fill up my car and head to the land where they run for the roses each spring!

Blossom = 1

3. Is it neatly arranged so that it’s easy to navigate?

Interestingly, for a site with so much happening on it…it’s amazingly easy to jump from here to there! That really impressed me because typically when I come across sites where there’s lots going on, I tend to find that I get bogged down trying to find anything. But that’s not the case with this site. They make impressive use of their Header tabs which neatly categorizes information like ‘Barbeque Festivals’ (sorry…they’re just for Kentucky!), ‘Barbeque Reviews’ (of Kentucky restaurants), and Gift Ideas (nifty BBQ or distilled spirits inspired) just to name a few.

Likewise they make great use of the ‘If you like this, you might like this’ jump feature for finding similar articles within the site. The only things I couldn’t find easily was an ‘Archives’ feature, though they do have a small internal search portal labeled ‘Search’, and a ‘follow/RSS’ feed though they do have a ‘Get updates via Email’ function which I found nestled down the page in the innermost right sidebar .

Blossom = .97

4. Is it easy on the eyes?

Again, I’m impressed by the fact that even though there is a lot happening on the various pages…it’s not overwhelming. The photo inserts are bright and colorful and I also noticed right away that the actual blog page background is a bit like being inside an old fashioned whiskey barrel which I thought was a nifty touch.

Blossom = 1

All in all, BBQ and Bourbon: Celebrating Great Kentucky Barbeque and Great Kentucky Bourbon is a terrific site for foodies who love their barbeque, ‘spirited’ folk who enjoy a smooth elixir, and folks looking to find a site with a strong Southern vibe. I highly recommend if you fall into any of the three aforementioned categories that you check out the site as soon as possible. But don’t blame me if you get a mighty hankerin’ for some tasty Kentucky goodies after exploring the site!

TOTAL BLOSSOMS = 3.97

Sorry no posts...the FLU has hit!!

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:30:00 +0000

Hi all. Sorry this week hasn't had any reviews but my daughter and I were BOTH hit with the flu! She's been out of school 5 days and I came down with it the other day.

Not fun. And we got the stupid flu shot, too. But apparently it only covers 3 strains of the stuff and this year there are several different strains. Geesh!

But I'll be back in full swing next week! I promise.

LOL Thursday Review: Clark Kent's Lunchbox

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 22:36:00 +0000

Greetings and welcome to my little spot in the blogosphere where I get to ramble on about blog sites that I think deserve a few minutes in the spotlight because they’re just so darn good. And today’s review definitely falls into the category of ‘good’. In fact, dare I say it’s actually teetering…great? Sure, I’ll say it. It’s great and I hope that you’ll pop on over to check it out as soon as you can!

Unlike the majority of blogs I typically review which are maintained by blogthurs who are terrifically talented but for the most part are amateur writers, the site I’m reviewing today, Clark Kent’s Lunchbox, is actually maintained by a well-established writer from Houston, Texas named Ron Mattocks. But it would be remiss of me, not to mention narrow minded, to not do a review simply because I thought, ‘Eh, he doesn’t really need the exposure.’ No. That’s not how I operate. Suffice it to say that I think it’s a wonderful site with some terrifically funny pieces that will make you laugh out loud because they’re so real.

That having been said, I think I’ll stop beating that dead horse and tell you exactly why I think it deserves a good once over by you, kind reader…

1. Does it have a title with ‘stand out appeal’?
Absolutely. In fact, when I first read the title, Clark Kent's Lunchbox, I thought it was going to be more of a ‘comic lovers’ blog. But I knew it was supposed to be an observational humor blog. Then an image popped up in my head…Clark Kent, a.k.a Superman, toting a tiny lunchbox into the break room at the Daily Planet and pulling out an itty bitty corned beef sandwich so he’ll blend in. And when a title has a the ability to build a scene in my head (where there’s a lot going on) it’s a pretty good title.

Blossom = 1

2. Is it well written?
Alright, for the first time in a long time, I’m not going to expound on this because I can sum it up in 25 words: Yes. Ron Mattocks has a unique way of finding the funny in everything. Check it out for yourself. You will giggle. You might even snort. (How’s that?)

Blossom = 1

3. Is it neatly arranged so that it’s easy to navigate?
Almost. Let me start by saying that Ron’s site pays homage to ‘old school’ Superman and is designed to look like vintage comic book both of which are very cool. He’s got Header Tabs galore that direct you to things like his bio, media packet page, and contact me pages which are great. And the advertisements on the page don't detract from the feel because of the nifty 'newspaper/comic book' air.

However, there are two things that immediately stuck out to me as being, well, sticking points.

A. Like I said, I loved his Header Tabs, the only thing is, after I’d read through his bio, I wanted to go back to his Home Page to give it a more thorough once over. Unfortunately, for all the HTs he’s got, he doesn’t have one of the most important ones…a Home Page tab. It took me a minute or so to realize that I had to click on the big banner that says ‘Clark Kent’s Lunchbox’ to return to the main page. And unlike lots of people, I am willing to hunt for things on a page if I like the writing. Unfortunately, considering that there are literally thousands upon thousands of blogs out in the blogosphere, most people won’t take those extra moments because they know they can find another site somewhere else.

B. Then there’s the issue of…Archives…~~which I could not find. And believe me, I hunted for them. I can get to older posts but not without having to jump through virtual hoops.~~ (Of course, if they're actually on the page, I'll be more than happy to retract that sticking point!) **February 11...Yes, I take it back...there IS an Archives on Ron's page...(thanks to Nanoinfinity for hunting it down!) unfortunately, it's way, way down at the bottom of the page nestled between several other things and is under the title 'Find Past Issues'. So I think I'll have to essentially stick to my guns on this one.

Aside from those two things, it’s a fairly easy to navigate site.

Blossom = .95

4. Is it easy on the eyes?
Absolutely! Everything from the choice of colors to the playful use of the Superman images is top notch. I also love the photos he puts with his posts, too because they add a great finishing touch to his blog. (I just hope he’s got permission to use those images…but somehow, I’ll bet he does!) Oh, and he's taking a stab at multimedia casts (it's not really a podcast so much though because it's essentially a voiced over video...but kudos for that!)

Blossom = 1

And there you have it. My little review of a site that is great fun to read because the posts are genuinely funny and they’re written terrifically well. I do hope you’ll click your way over to Ron Mattock’s Clark Kent’s Lunchbox so you can have a good laugh!

Total Blossoms = 3.95

LOL Thursday Review: The Dorky Dad

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:17:00 +0000

Greetings! Welcome to another edition of LOL Thursdays where I get to review some of the funniest blogs out there in the blogosphere.

This Thursday I am so pleased to present an absolutely hilarious blog called "Dorky Dad: where hope and testosterone go to die". And its author, who I'm sure has a real name, chooses to go simply by 'Dorky Dad' which, if you're a parent, you'll no doubt understand because once you become a 'Mom' or a 'Dad' it seems like your real name kind of gets lost in the void that is parenthood. So, for the purposes of this particular post, I'll simply refer to him as 'DD'. (Dork: Someone who has odd interests and is somewhat silly at times...thank you Urban Dictionary)

Now before I go any farther let me just say that if I was forced to rank my favorite humor blogs this one would have to go somewhere in the top 5 because every single time I read it...I snort with laughter. No joke. It's really that funny. (Of course, perhaps 14 years ago I wouldn't have gotten the true essence of the humor DD offers up to his readers because I wasn't quite a parent then but I'm sure I'd still have laughed if for no reason other than that I can see a bit of my own father in the things that DD talks about!)

Want to know more? Sure you do...otherwise you wouldn't be reading this blog, now would you?

1. Does it have a title with stand out appeal?
Are you serious? YES!! The minute I read the title (before I'd even read one iota of the actual blog) I was laughing. That alone is quite a feat in and of itself. I'll be honest and say that before I actually clicked on the link to visit Dorky Dad: where hope and testosterone go to die a couple months ago, I thought to myself that it simply could not be as funny as the image I'd conjured up in my head. (But boy was I glad I was wrong!)

Blossom = 1

2. Is it well written?
100% absoposilutely YES. Seriously. If DD isn't a published humorist (and I wouldn't be in the slightest bit shocked if he was) he really ought to be because everything from the unique way he's chosen to identify his children to the picture of life in Minnesota he paints is above board. (For those of you who may not be from the good old USA...Minnesota is sort of in the middle of the country. It touches Lake Superior and butts up next to Canada.) And best of all is how he does it all through the eyes of a self-professed dork.
Blossom = 1

3. Is it neatly arranged so that it's easy to navigate?
Ye...well...okay so there are TWO things that I wish DD would fix. And they are ...I really wish he'd move his Archives up and his 'Subscribe via email' boxes above his rather long 'Look at these dorks!' list (a list of equally 'dorky' blogs to visit) because currently to access his Archives you must scroll all the way down to the 3rd post to get to it. If you've read my previous reviews, you know that I truly feel that the Archives, like the Follow/RSS feed buttons should be directly beside the most current post on the home page if at all possible because lots of readers aren't willing to go hunting to find out where they can access more of a blogthurs work

And as far as DD's single option for following Dorky Dad: where hope and testosterone go to die, I wish he had another Follow option besides just a 'Subscribe via email' link for RSS fees because I do not like getting emails saying 'a new post is online' as I already have enough email going to my box. Are these a bit nit picky...yes, they probably are. But it's truly how I feel about the issue!

(BTW, if you happen to hop on over to this site or to any of the other sites I've reviewed and notice that what I point out as might be needing a change isn't there...please bear in mind that maybe...just maybe...the blogthur took my suggestion. This I say because I've gotten loads of emails from readers essentially telling me I'm crazy because they, the emailers, tell me they don't see what I'm talking about. And I'm not crazy. A bit odd, maybe. But not crazy!)

Blossom = .95

4. Is it easy on the eyes?
Yes. DD hasn't filled his site with lots of do-dads and flash which is nice though I do wish there were a few more photos every so often as they're sort of rare. (But I understand not feeling comfortable with images because even though I have a personal blog it was well over a year before I felt comfortable enough to throw a few pictures in it) What's more, as far as I can tell he's got just one or two adverts and I like!

Blossom = 1

All in all...Dorky Dad: where hope and testosterone go to die is without a doubt hilarious. And if you're a parent you will, I'm almost positive, laugh your way through each of his posts as they're so funny because they're so real!

TOTAL BLOSSOMS = 3.95

Tasty Tuesday Review: Sugar Pies

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 19:14:00 +0000

Greetings! It's Tuesday and that means it's time for another review of a terrific blog site dedicated to food!

This week's Tasty Tuesday is called 'Sugar Pies' and is presented by a good old Southern gentleman named Buck Bannister who originally hails from Newberry, South Carolina but now makes his home in Tucson, Arizona where he and his musician husband, Michael, live and are obviously enjoying some fabulous cooking based on the recipes Buck offers up for guests to his site to enjoy!

Now as you know, I'm about as Southern as they come (doesn't the name of this blog sort of hint to that?) and I'll be honest when I say that I oftentimes will intentionally look for food sites that capture the spirit of the Southern cooking I grew up. Not that I'm averse to other types of food...Heaven's no! I'm a foodie through and through and I'm willing to try just about anything so long as its squishy, mushy, or has eyeballs looking up at me. But when I come across sites like the one Buck offers, I'm often reminded of my childhood and all the tasty aromas that filled our house when my parents would do some good old fashioned cooking. No boxed food was ever allowed!

So when I happened across Sugar Pies I was intrigued because my father used to call me 'Sugar Pie'. And when I read the post called "German Pretzels" I was intrigued because, believe it or not...there is actually a lot of German heritage in the South and pretzels are quite common. (Of course, my heritage is as Welsh/English/Scots Irish as can be...but I don't care because I love a good pretzel!) And Lord have mercy...this was a top notch pretzel recipe!

But let me stop my yammering so I can tell you what I REALLY think of Buck's Sugar Pies blog!

1. Does it have a title with standout appeal?

Absolutely yes! As I mentioned Buck's title brought to mind cherished memories of my childhood. Likewise, it instantly tells the reader that this particular blog site isn't going to be a 'roast & potatoes' sort of place not that Buck hasn't got some terrific 'main course' dishes...he does! Rather it's a site where readers are going to be able to find recipes for loads of sweet goodies and tasty treats.

Blossom = 1

2. Is it well written?

You bet it is. In fact, I think I like the back stories/information Buck tells almost as much as I like the recipes because I like knowing the catalyst that spurs people to create such taste tempting morsels. Sure I could find a German pretzel pretty much anywhere, maybe even with the exact same ingredients, but there's something about that personal connection that makes me want to try his recipe over others. (Of course, being that I'm pretty strapped for time...I usually have to satisfy myself with a toaster-oven baked Super Pretzel as I ogle the scrumptious photos on Buck's blog!) But I can say his Red Velvet cookies are to die for!

Blossom = 1

3. Is it neatly arranged so that it's easy to navigate?

Alright...so this one isn't a resounding yes...it's more like a 'so close to yes, it's almost not worth mentioning'. However, I shall mention it simply because I was a bit overwhelmed by the sheer volume of 'stuff' on Sugar Pies' page. It's a bit of a visual overload which has caused me, on more than one occasion, to inadvertently click on advertisements that redirect me hither and yon which can be a wee bit annoying especially when those redirections sometimes come with pop-up ads. (But let me point out...I have nothing against adverts on blogs as you can see by my own use of them) This can be really annoying when you're trying to read a recipe for something like...red velvet cookies...on your Smartphone because you don't want to lug your laptop down to the kitchen and you keep getting kicked off the page because when you try to enlarge the print you accidentally hit one of those ads. (Yes, I speak from personal experience)

And since Smartphones and tablets are now all the rage, it's important to point out how easily one can access a blog site on devices like those...especially for sites with things like recipes on it!

Blossom = .95

4. Is it easy on the eyes?

Aside from the cornucopia (I've always wanted to throw that food term into a review!) of extraneous doo-dads on Sugar Pies, it's quite a pleasant place to visit. And the photos Buck places within his posts amazingly helpful in showing those of us who love to cook/bake but don't get enough opportunities to do it, just what it is that we should be seeing as we work through his recipes because I've been to so many sites where the only thing I ever see is the end product but there's a lot to baking between reading a recipe and actually cooking the thing!
Blossom = 1

All in all...I'm in love with Sugar Pies. Many of Buck's recipes take me back to when I was young while others are completely new and 'with the times'. They're not so difficult that you feel like you need a degree from le Cordon Bleu to prepare them and the well written ancillary information and stories he tells make it a site worth visiting whether you're a 'serious' cook/baker or if you're someone like me!

TOTAL BLOSSOMS = 3.95!!

Tasty Tuesday Review: 4everMom

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 18:51:00 +0000

Greetings and welcome to the exciting second Tasty Tuesday! And today's nifty site I stumbled on a couple of weeks ago called ‘4everMom’ which is maintained by Stacey, a true Super Mom if ever I met one!

Althought, it’s more than just a 'recipe site'...in fact, 4everMom is almost more of a personal blog that details the daily goings-ons of the blogthur as it is a site for people who enjoy reading and trying out new recipes. But I guarantee it’s definitely got some terrific recipes as well as ‘meal plans’ (which is something I’m sure we can all appreciate considering how busy we are these days!) And don’t worry if you happen to be a male of the species and go by the moniker ‘Dad’, ‘Pop’, ‘Big Guy’ or whatever it is that your family may use to refer to you because this site isn’t just a ‘Mommy’ site. Especially when it comes to the recipes Stacey has put online.

But instead of rambling on as you know I like to do…let me get straight to the review!

1. Does it have a title with standout appeal?

For the most part, yes…I think. And I say ‘I think’ because I’m not really sure if 4everMom is the actual title or if it’s simply the blogsite’s address as the Header (where the title should be) is an adorable picture of her family that she used instead of her title. But I’m thinking it is the title because as a mother myself, I think that anyone who happens to be a parent will quickly identify with 4everMom because ‘once a mom…always a mom (or dad)!

Blossom = .85*

2. Is it well written?

Yes. This I am 100% sure of because I’ve read and can relate to her posts many of which refer what’s going on with her family. But seeing as I’ve chosen to put this review under the Tasty Tuesday label I suppose it’s even more important to point out the quality of her ‘food’ posts which is…excellent. Not all the recipes are ‘hers’ but as for the ones that are, Stacey has done a terrific job in carefully detailing not only the ingredients one needs to prepare particular dishes but she also makes sure to be clear as to actually execute the dishes, too. And that’s a plus in my book because so often I’ll run across a recipe where the writer assumes I know what in the world I’m doing just because I happen to have the ingredients in front of me! What’s more, I honestly think my husband, who is a kitchen-phobe, could probably be successful with her recipes, too!

Blossom = 1

3. Is it neatly arranged so that it’s easy to navigate?

Unfortunately, this is where things get a bit murky for this diamond in the rough! Going back to point #1 and the issue of the title or lack thereof:

I’ll be honest and say that when I first popped over to Stacey’s site, I wasn’t sure exactly what was going on for the sheer fact that I thought the blog was called 'My Family' because of the Home page banner above. Of course, it might be 'My Family' but based on the content, I don't think that's the case. But this is something that can be quickly fixed by going to the Dashboard and typing in the Title; or, if she’s willing to fiddle around with a graphics program, I’ll bet Stacey could create an awesome Title Header.

Following along with the issue of the Title is the fact that Stacey really needs to have either a Header Tab or Sidebar Tab system wherein she can create unique pages within her site where she can have an ‘About Me’ page (instead of having all her nifty 'Confused? The players' family information in the Sidebar) as well as a page devoted to just her recipes which are also all listed in the Sidebar as ‘My Favorite Recipes’. And maybe I’m just a bit nosey but I wish there was a bit more about ‘Stacey’ because it gives a more personal feel to it!

My other concern is the one that I’m always mentioning and it has to do with her Archives because it not only took me a while to figure out that the button labeled ‘In the Past…’ is her Archives but it’s also at the very bottom of her Sidebar. Now if you’ve read my previous reviews, you’ll know it is my firm belief that Archives should be at the top of the page beside the current post because if visitors to a site like what they’ve read, a blogthur wants to make it easy as pie to be able to find and read more! And holy cow…Stacey's got over 3 years worth of posts to peruse, too! I’ll bet visitors would absolutely love to know that she’s not a fly-by-night blogger!

However, I am quite glad to say that Stacey does have a 'Follow' button which comes directly after the ‘Confused? The players' lead information on her Sidebar…and that is a good thing because just as a blogthur wants to make it easy as pie to find the Archives, they also want to make the option to ‘Follow’ if you liked what you read just as straightforward. Likewise her blog isn’t over laden with advertisements and widgets galore. That’s nice. Of course, I’ve nothing against adverts; heck, I have them. But when they look like the ‘focus’ of a blog, it’s never a good thing!

So I have to give Stacey kudos from going ‘Button happy’ over the past 3 years!

Blossom = .75 (*Since I already mentioned the title thing, I didn’t think it would be fair to take those petals away again!)

4. Is it easy on the eyes?

Yes it is! I love the background Stacey has chosen and the photos she uses are always fabulous. (I wish she’d have some pics of her recipes! I’m a ‘needs pictures’ person when I cook!)

Blossom = 1

All in all…I really enjoy Stacey’s blog ‘4everMom’ because it’s well-written, faithfully maintained, and chock-full of all sorts of recipes that range from easy-peasy to ‘requires careful attention’! And that broad range of recipes is bound to appeal to all sorts of different readers. What’s more, the fact that we getting to peek into what is going on with her family is an added plus because it reaffirms the fact that this is a blog written by a real ‘Super Mom’ who can juggle family, food, and fun all at once. Sure, there are a few technical issues but all gems start out needing a bit of polishing!

Total Blossoms = 3.6!

LOL Thursday Review: Smirk...it's kinda funny.

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 04:32:00 +0000

As I said in the quick post below...I had a bit of technical difficulty today (mainly I was on a field trip with my daughter and 200+ 13 year olds! Trying to post via an iPhone sounded a lot easier than it turned out to be... But as I promised I would have it up before 'Thursday' ended (well, at least for me on the east coast of the USA) and according to my clock it's 11:31! Hope you enjoy!

Greetings and welcome to the latest, greatest addition to The Magnolia Blossom Review...Laugh Out Loud Thursday...where I get the wonderful opportunity to tell you, kind reader, about some of the best humor blogs (at least in my opinion!) that are still relatively unknown in the blogoverse. There are literally 1000s of humor blogs out floating around in the internet pool. Some are good. Some are bad. And some are frightfully unfunny. But every now and again, I run across some of the funniest sites and I'm always shocked when I see that the blogthurs don't have oodles of followers.

I want to change that! I want the world of lunch break blog readers to know where to good places to 'get their funny on' can be found! I want the legions of blog hopping moms (and dads) to know where they can find a good hearty laugh written by people who can make the mundane rigors of parenthood hilarious. I know, it's tough job...but somebody's gotta do it. It doesn't pay much...okay, so it pays nothing in terms of monetary rewards but I don't mind cause sharing the funny is reward enough!

So with this first LOL Thursday (and I picked Thurday because, let's face it, Thursdays are sort of boring) I've picked a blog site that always leaves me laughing. It's called 'Smirk...it's kinda funny' and it's written by Wyoming born (for those of you not up on your USA geography...it's the very square state below Montana...the 'face state') Richard Timothy. And I can say, in all honesty, that I have yet to read something that didn't leave me chuckling by the time I was done.

And now, a more in depth look...

1. Does it have a title with stand out appeal?

Yes. Put quite simply, 'Smirk...it's kinda funny' lets the reader know up front that this blog is meant to tickle the funny bone. And the idea that 'it's kinda funny' also suggests that the reader will have to think a little bit if they want to really 'get it'. I like thinking.

Blossom = 1

2. Is it well written?

Absolutely yes. Richard is a wonderful writer who has an ability to slip in hilarious zingers when you least expect it. He has quite a knack for dissecting everyday things that we all do as we go about our lives.
Blossom = 1

3. Is it neatly arranged so that it's easy to navigate?

Yes. I'm really impressed with the setup Richard has chosen to use for his blog site because it's got a crisp, clean feel to it and it reminds me of a well put together newspaper. And considering that actual 'newspapers' written on that stuff called paper are quickly becoming a thing of the past fact Richard maintains a site where the words are what truly drives the thing. (And if you're a bit too pressed for time to actually sit down and read all those words, you don't have to because Richard also offers well produced podcasts which are starting to crop up on more and more sites I run across.)

One of the things I'm also glad to see on Richard's site is the intra-blog Search engine which is terrific for visitors wanting to find out if he's written any other posts that follow a similar theme. I also like the fact that he has his Archives placed so it is at the top of his Home page right beside the main post! What's more, directly above his Archives is a 'Subscribe via email' button which is another plus in my book because it's always a good idea to keep the business of a blog together and easily accessible when people click the Home button.

If I have any advice to offer Richard, it would be for him to consider adding an alternate Follow option (it could be something as simple as a Twitter feed simply to inform followers that a new post is up) because lots of people are adamant about signing up for email updates for any number of reasons which could keep his readership from growing. I suppose you probably think I'm being a bit nit-picky about the alternate Follow option but regardless of what people may say about 'not caring how many loyal followers they have, nothing spurs a blogthur more than knowing they've an audience clamoring for more, more, more! And I've noticed more and more blogs with terrific content but lagging Followers falling to the wayside for the sheer fact that the blogthurs begin to doubt their abilities as writers. Such a shame!

Blossom = .95

4. Is it easy on the eyes?

Yes. Granted it is a site devoid of all the bells and whistles one finds on other sites but in this case it doesn't matter because Richard makes terrific use of colorful post graphics within his hilarious posts. It's a refreshing site to visit especially is you want to get straight to the funny!

Blossom = 1

All in all, I am wholly impressed with 'Smirk...it's kinda funny' but not because it's kinda funny, rather it's because it's really funny!! And personally it reminds me somewhat of when I was a young girl on Sunday mornings and my father would pour through the thick Sunday edition. The only thing that's missing from Richard's blog are the funnies! But that's okay because his words are always spot-on hilarious!

TOTAL BLOSSOMS = 3.95

Geez! Technical Difficulties!!

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 21:40:00 +0000

Having a few technical difficulties today but I'm going to have the post up before Thursday comes to an end.

Tasty Tuesday Review: Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:15:00 +0000

Greetings and welcome to the revamped Magnolia Blossom Review!

If you've visited before you'll no doubt notice a HUGE change with the look of the site. What's more, there has been a major format change too in that there will (hopefully) be more reviews on varied subjects. Tuesdays will, obviously, be devoted to shining the spotlight on outstanding cooking blog sites that are not just 'recipe' driven because I'm not even a mega-cook and I could do that as I've got 100s of recipes stashed here and there. Rather they're sites that have good writing beyond the recipes as well as pictures and whatnot. As for the other themed days, you'll just have to come back to see what's happening on Thursdays!

But enough jibber-jabbering...let's get to the review!

I ran across Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker run by a woman who simply goes by Kristen about a week ago when I was looking for a fairly simple recipe for Italian bread; unfortunately, I did not find one. HOWEVER, I came across a recipe for cinnamon swirl bread and I couldn't believe how UN-difficult it sounded. I decided to check out some of her other recipes and when I came across one for homemade 'Wassail Mix' (made with Tang! Yes, Tang!

The last time I saw a recipe using Tang I was about 12!) I had everything to make it...but the Tang. So I went on a Tang hunt which wasn't so much of a hunt as it was a simple trip to the grocery store but when I set it down at the register the clerk...who was about 17...stared at it as if it was from Mars. Once I got home I made the stuff and sat down to peruse FAofaHH a bit more as I sipped my nifty hot beverage. And by the time my cup was drained I knew that this was a site pretty much anyone could use (not just 'serious cooks' but everyday 'gotta feed my kids' moms and dads) and therefore, it deserves some time in the limelight!

And now for a more thorough look-see…

1. Does it have a title with stand out appeal?

Yes. Kristen has done a terrific job in summarizing the way so many people (not just women) feel when trying to maintain a household and all the crazy things that can happen from sunrise to sunset all while trying to provide tasty meals that stay ‘on-budget’ without feeling like they’re constrained by…a budget.

Blossom = 1

2. Is it well written?

Again, yes. It’s not an ‘all recipe/no commentary’ site. I like the fact that Kristen gives us a little insight into why she has posted a particular recipe. That personal connection makes the reader feel like she or he isn’t just ‘following directions’ rather they have an essence they’re trying to capture whether it be the warm memory of baking bread or the joy at having a recipe turn out even better than she thought it would.

3. Is it neatly arranged so that it’s easy to navigate?

In so far as finding the ‘necessities’ a blog site needs to have like Header tabs, Archives, and a Follow button, FAofaHH has what it should have to be ‘usable’. And considering she’s been maintaining her blog site for about 3 years, I will not deny that what she has does work. However, there are a few things Kristen might want to consider tightening up…

A. The font on the Header tabs, which I am always in favor of, is too big (case in point, the one labeled ‘Frugal Tips’.) Essentially, one tab should not be clipped short because other tabs are too broad as each page is important, otherwise it wouldn’t have been created.

***For those you who might be having a similar issue in Blogger, bear in mind that if you’ve not changed your template over to the new Template Designer in the past 6 months since Google has been using it, you’ll need to consider updating because there are loads more options and it’s WAY easier to use. If you are up to date with the Designer, this is a simple thing to fix by going to Template Designer>Advanced>Tabs Text***

B. Likewise, the Sidebar text (both the is also a bit too large…1 pt smaller would be great and can be done, again, in the Template Designer under Post Text and Gadget Text)

C. Several of the buttons in the Sidebars are too large for the space provided and, as a result, get clipped.

***Kind reader, if you are also having this issue one way to correct this could be to widen the Sidebars (again in Template Designer) and to narrow the ‘body’. It’s something to play around with. And as far as placing 3^rd party grab buttons (buttons with a box of HTML code below them) for other websites in the Sidebars, sometimes all you need to do is ask the person if they have a smaller grab button.***

D. The Home page holds 10 posts which, in my personal opinion, like it or leave it, is entirely too many considering the site has not only an Archiving system that is easy to access as well as a ‘Recipes’ Header Tab. But then again, as I mentioned, Kristen has been maintaining this site for years so if she likes 10 posts then she should keep them!

Blossom = .90

4. Is it easy on the eyes?

Without question…yes! I love the scrolling Butcher Block background (at least I think it’s a butcher’s block.) And the pictures Kristen uses for every posting so we can really see what the recipe is supposed to end up looking like are colorful, bright, and in a word…terrific.

Blossom = 1

Total Blossoms = 3.90!!

Blossom = 1

Yes, I’m so glad I stumbled upon Frugal Antics of a Harried Housewife because I know I’ll be going back again and again. But not just when I need to find a recipe for this or that rather simply to read and enjoy the recipes…many of which I’m positive I’ll never actually make! So make sure you stop by even if you think you're not into cooking! You never know---you might realize you ARE!

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:35:00 +0000

All new to The Magnolia Blossom Review...

Tasty Tuesdays!! A weekly review dedicated to spotlighting fabulous cooking blogs!

Come back tomorrow (January 18) to see what's on the menu for my first 'recipe review'.

It's a New Year---It's a New MBR!

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:47:00 +0000

Greetings kind readers! I'm so glad to see you've dropped by after my brief hiatus and as the title of this post suggests this post doesn't simply user in 2011 but it's also the jump point for some changes here at The Magnolia Blossom Review. After all the New Year is supposed to be a time for making reflections and resolutions to better the uncharted months that lie ahead. I suppose you could call this my MBR resolution because if you've read any of my reviews, I approach each blog review in a 2 pronged way. First, to let YOU, kind reader know about some terrific blogsites that are swimming about in the giant blog pool; and, second, to let the blog's owner to not only find out what it is about their blog that puts it head and shoulders above the rest but also to point out some things they might want to consider to make it even better!

And since it would be rather hypocritical of me to not take some of my own advice (which is utterly nonprofessional) to make this site all that it can be, I thought that this would be the perfect time to step back, take a good look at this site, and make some positive changes. But not to worry, the one thing I refuse to change is my commitment to giving detailed, honest reviews.

Here's what you can look forward to for 2011**

More 'to the point' reviews because I know your time is valuable and that many of you don't have a lot of time to read a blog about other blogs! (Don't hold your breath on this...after all, I've never claimed to be shortwinded!)
At least 3 reviews a week. (Of course, as I, like you, often wish there were more hours in a day, I cannot guarantee this will happen every week...but I am going to try like mad to do it!)
Offer reviews of diverse blogs. (Reviewing 'personal' blogs and specifically humorous personal blogs is great fun; however, the blogosphere is filled with a bounty of blog styles...how-to's, poetry, cooking, writing, gender specific and so on and so forth...and with this in mind I hope to offer a wider variety of blogs for you to peruse. Unfortunately for those of you who may be politically inclined or have strong religious convictions, while I do not deny blogs of that nature are valid and some are beautifully written, I wouldn't want my personal political and religious views to taint what I offer besides Southern ladies do not discuss religion or politics. It simply isn't polite!)

**Of course, I'm sure there will be a little tweeking here and there to get it just right because everyday I learn something new about blogging and myself!

There you have it; a preview of what's (hopefully) to come. I hope you'll drop by next week to see how it all turns out.

Here's wishing you a great New Year! Now if you'll excuse me...I've got some REconstruction to do!

Cordially,
Avery

Taking a little break for the holiday season! YAY!!

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 18:28:00 +0000

Greetings kind readers! As you can probably tell from the title of this particular post...I'm taking a little blogging breather so I can not only enjoy some quality time with my family but also so I can refresh my internal creative batteries.

But I'll be back next week with a new review to start off the New Year! I do hope you'll drop by next week (I'm thinking Wednesday will be great for a new review) so I can introduce you to another great blog that deserves a bit of the spotlight!

Until then, I'd like to say thank you so kindly for dropping by and I'd also like to wish you a terrifically Happy New Year!!

Review: Random Ramblings of a Stay at Home Mum

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:51:00 +0000

Oh, my...it's Monday therefore it's no longer last week which is when I was supposed to write this little review however it is the holiday season and I've been ridiculously busy so I do hope you'll understand. But I suppose there's a bit of a blessing wrapped up in my inability to squeeze a few extra hours of a 24 hour day because over the weekend somewhere in between a chorus of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and trying to wrap oddly shaped presents, I happened upon a terrific site that I might not have found if I'd actually done that review last week.   It's called Random Rambings of a Stay at Home Mum and it's written by a terrifically funny Australian woman named Lori.

I thought it was interesting that her blog has Ramblings in the title as my personal blog has Rambles in it AND her name is Lori...for those of you who might not know it...the 'L' in L. Avery is for Laura which is really close to Lori so I figured there was a higher authority at work guiding my blog search. Yes, I'm being a bit sillier than I typically am here on my review site (I ususally save the silly for my rambling blog) but I simply cannot help myself because after having a bit of fun clicking through Lori's posts as I gathered my thoughts for this review..I'm in a bit of a silly mood. And for me, there is no better mark of a great blog site than when its lightheartedness reaches beyond the screen. (I do hope you'll understand!)

Quick Summation: Random Rambings of a Stay at Home Mum is a blog with a decidedly 'maternal' slant; however, it's not just for the Double X crowd! Men will most assuredly enjoy getting a humorous glimpse into what is really going on inside the minds of all those juice box buzzed, minivan driving mothers who seem to have it all together on the outside but on the inside are one sing-along cartoon away from the looney-bin.

And now for a little deeper look...

1. Does it have a title with stand out appeal?
Yes. Her title is clear and direct and it also has an 'off-the-cuff' sort of flair. When one thinks of random ramblings one can imagine all sorts of things and when you throw in the element of being a stay at home parent (as there are many men who also fill this roll) you never know what might pop out of the blogthur's mind.

Blossom = 1

2. Is it well written?
Yes. It's real. It's funny. It's like reading a letter from a good friend. (And she's even done some video blogging, too...)  Granted the posts are not 'publishing-house-perfect'. There are a few misspelled words here and a couple of erroneously placed points of punctuation there but if you happen to pop over to Lori's 'Wanna Know About Me?' page, you'll see that she says, "I smoke too many cigarettes, avoid alcohol like the plague and am currently chronically sleep and sex deprived. I blame any and all typos (and there's quite a few of them) on that." And knowing that, it's not too difficult to overlook those little whatnots.

Blossom: 1

3. Is it neatly arranged so it's easy to navigate?
For the most part, yes. The redirecting tabs she's placed in the Header are big and easy to see. (A plus) Also, she doesn't have redundant redirecting buttons in either of her Sidebars. (Another plus) And the 'jellybean' banner that rests between each of her posts is an excellent way to let her readers know that they've come to the end of a segment. (Again, that's a good thing)

However, I had an extremely difficult time finding her Archives because the Header tab labeled 'The Best Bits' actually redirects readers to a page with the posts that Lori thinks are some of her best/most interesting work but it is not a full catalog of her work, which is extensive.  So I searched through her Sidebars to find her Archives, only I didn't realize that it was directly below the Google powered search bar she has placed on her site because she had re-labeled her Archives as '...Or Go The Long Way'. As a result, I took a good look at her other button/box labels and realized that the titles, while cute, are very 'generationally specific' meaning her choice of 'Stalk Me' for her Follow button, 'The Yadda Yadda Yadda' for her Labels box, and 'Hit Me Baby One More Time' for what I think may be awards and/or other follow methods are targeted at blog readers who are either in their 30s or early 40s as they're all iconic 1990s references.

The blogosphere is HUGE! There are scores of people who're older and younger that would really get a great kick out of her witty nature so to pigeon hole a demographic (either advertly or inadvertly) isn't a wise choice. Perhaps Lori could change her labels?

Blossom = .75

4. Is it easy on the eyes?
Yes. I love the jellybean theme. It's fun and whimsical. And the pink titles on a purple background reaffirm the overall jovial theme. Likewise the adorable little cartoon character that adorns her Sidebar boxes is another fun element.

Blossom = 1

All in all, no matter if you're a young parent or an old parent or not yet a parent...you'll no doubt find something to laugh at with Random Ramblings of a Stay at Home Mum. Lori, the blogthur, doesn't take herself too seriously and her lighthearted nature will surely put even the most stressed out person at ease and might even help them to laugh away their tension.

TOTAL BLOSSOMS = 3.75

Review: So, The Thing Is...Blog

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:44:00 +0000

And now...on to this week's review! It's one I'm so pleased to bring you because it always makes me chuckle for the sheer fact that the blog, So, the thing is...Blog, by Barb Cooper offers readers light, refreshing bits about things to which most people can relate whether it's the blogthur's family, her pets, or the general goings ons of her life.

Quick Summation: So, the thing is...Blog is a site maintained by a blogthur who is not only a mother but also a lover of knitting, her pets, and as she says, a 'writer by nature and by training' which is evident in her light hearted, whimsical blog posts. The posts are generally short but well rounded and filled with bright, cheerful photos to add a little extra something to her words.

Now for a deeper look...

1. Does it have a title with 'stand out appeal'?
Yes. The title lends itself to the notion that the blog site is geared toward being on the funny side as the phrase 'so, the thing is...' is often used by stand up comics as a way to tell their audience that something humorous, off-the-wall, or generally silly is about to follow.

Blossom = 1

2. Is it well written?
Absolutely. Barb Cooper has got quite a way with words and makes the reader feel as if she's sitting right there with them. Her 'keeping it light and personal but not intensely personal' style draws the reader in because it offers a cozy ambience. And with this style, Barb is able to offer her readers a different perspective on typically mundane, everyday things. (Take for instance, her 2 year old 'puppy' who likes to sneak onto her couch...a big no-no. We've all had pets before who've done it...but have we ever taken the time to find the humor in what can be a rather frustrating daily battle? In fact, when I read her post about this particular thing, I glanced at my own dog...an 8 year old 'puppy'...as she slept on my husband's pillow...a no-no...and I couldn't help but laugh.)

Blossom = 1

3. Is it neatly arranged so that it's easy to navigate?
Technically, yes because it's minimalistic and clutter free (i.e., no widgets for FB, Twitter, or the like and not a single 'click here to buy this' box). And her Archives are easily accessible which, if you've read my reviews before, I tend to harp on because so many bloggers put their Archives too far away from the current post and as I say...lots of blog readers are lazy and if a new reader likes your current post you need to make sure that your Archives are easy to find in case they want to read more of your work otherwise, they might leave and never come back because they don't feel like hunting when there are literally 1,000s of other blogs to choose from out in the blogosphere! So for that I have to give Barb a big thumbs up.

Unfortunately, aside from having an Archives box, Barb's site is actually a bit too minimalistic because whereas it does have an RSS feed and a 'follow via email subscription' option there are no other types of 'follow' boxes. And there are so many blog readers who will never return to a site they might really like simply because they do not want to sign up for email notifications for all sorts of different reasons. Personally, I'm one of those people because I get SO many emails I really do have to read that 'read my latest post' notifications are instantly trashed. (So I really REALLY have to like a blog to sign up for email notifications...am I signed up for Barb's? Yes.) Likewise, there are some people who just love seeing their face on those little boxes. Perhaps it makes them feel like they belong to something special and they want the world to know it. (I suppose it's sort of like how we all poured through our yearbooks to find all the little pictures of ourselves when we were kids) Wrapping this long-winded bit up...it wouldn't take anything to add some sort of follow box and I think it would be advantageous!

Blossom = .95

4. Is it easy on the eyes?
Again, for the most part, yes. It's clear to see that Barb's focus is on her words and that's what really counts so she's put her words front and center. The photo inserts she has add a lot of character and, I'm glad to say, some much needed color because the stark white background with posts offered in 'Times' font (which is a fairly small sized font even when in 'normal' size) can be taxing on they eyes especially because it's presented in purple (which can appear to 'bleed' together for many readers).

Blossom = .95

All in all, I'm greatly impressed with Barb Cooper's delightfully refreshing humor blog, So, this thing is...Blog. She's an extremely talented blogthur with a special knack for taking everyday events we've all had to deal with and putting a humorous spin on them.

TOTAL BLOSSOMS = 3.90

Sorry no new review this week; life got in the way!

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 18:10:00 +0000

Hi kind readers! I'm so terribly sorry I've not gotten a fresh review online this week but as it is Thanksgiving here (in the good old US of A) I've been so busy preparing for the big feast. And wouldn't you know it---today (T-day) my dear mother took a spill and had to go to the hospital! She'll be 70 on December 1, so I'm sure you can imagine my state of mind today which is why the break I'd intended on taking between popping the turkey in the oven and making the old fashioned homestyle greenbeans to write a review didn't quite happen.

Thankfully, my mother is doing well, the turkey got roasted, and all the tasty trimmings got cooked. I've still got a lot of Thanksgiving Day/weekend left to enjoy with my family and I do hope you'll understand if I don't try to sneak in a review.

By the way, I'd like to let you all know how very thankful I am that you have been taking the time out of your busy days to read this blog and my other one, When a Southern Woman Rambles, too.

Until next week!

Reviewing the Reviews II

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 18:04:00 +0000

Greetings and welcome to The Magnolia Blossom Review. My little blip in the blogoverse where I take a few moments to highlight some of the outstanding blogs and the creative voices behind them that I’ve run across which I think deserve a few minutes in the spotlight…

As I promised last week...I'm back with a quick once-over of some of the blogs I reviewed several weeks ago. I'll tell you I've been so impressed with these sites because the quality of the writing just seems to keep getting better and better with each posting! Likewise the overall look...'the general feel' of the sites, so to say, has really come up a notch, too. But enough of this---let's get to that second look!

August 4, 2010
When I first dropped by Kim B.'s site 'Sandbox Gems' on the one hand I was mighty impressed with the quality of her writing and the beautiful pictures of everyday things as well as the unique artistic jewelry she designs and makes, too. But on the other hand, I felt her page was a bit of a chore to navigate simply because there wasn't a lot of fluidity between the 'need to have' elements (follow/feed widgets/archives/etc.) Likewise I also thought that Kim ought to toot her own horn and put a direct link to her Artfire Studio page at the top of the page, too.

And now...just a little over 3 months since that review...I must say Kim B.'s blog, Sandbox Gems is absolutely FABULOUS! Not only did she streamline her 'need to have' elements but she also moved some of the other widgets and whatnots around so that the page doesn't look lopsided. She also added an easy to find & access tab that'll take visitors to her Artfire Studio! I love what she's done with the text color and that new banner is terrific because it's seasonal (which tells me she's probably going to be keeping it fresh for her visitors) AND...it fits on her page! (The previous one was a bit too wide) But I must say, my favorite new element is such a tiny thing you might overlook it and it is...her 'Kim' signature at the end of each of her posts. What a great way to put a personal touch! WAY TO GO!

Blossoms then = 3.25

Blossoms now = 4.0!!! YAY!

August 11, 2010

When I popped over to Keith Wallis's blog WordSculptures in mid August I was greatly impressed with not only his talented poetry but also with his site as it was (and is still) neat, colorful, and fairly easy to access save the fact that some of his poetry is quite long (line-wise) and since he was allowing up to 7 posts to appear on his site at once one might find themselves scrolling down, down, down to get to the Footer which is where I finally found the Follow Me widget.

In the months since I stopped by and gave it a good, solid look...Keith has made at least one major and terrifically important improvement to WordSculptures- he took his Follow widget out of the Footer and put it in the Right Sidebar so that it's much easier for visitors to access. That gets a huge thumbs up from me! Likewise, it appears that Keith has also limited the amount of posts that appear on his home page so that his Archives which are right below the Follow widget can be accessed as it really ought to be so that the main page is always fresh and filled with something new. (Sadly, he's not posted a new poem since October 12...but it's a busy time of year and I do hope he'll be posting again really soon!)

Blossoms then: 3.95

Blossoms now: 4.0 (WOW!)

August 18, 2010

My visit to the collaborative 'family' blog maintained by Dominic Ward called 'Give My Life Meaning' left me with a feeling of hope...hope that I'd see a few more terrific and thought provoking posts. Unfortunately, as it turns out in the 2 months since my original review was written there have only been 2 postings (one in September and one in November) and while they are both just as insightful as the others I've read on this site, I'm sorry to say that I'm not feeling too optimistic for this site simply because there is a direct correlation between the frequency and regularity of posts (some people post lots of times a week whereas others like myself post one time per week...per blog and almost always on the same day) and the number of hits and followers. So this site which had and still does have great potential but only if it's tended to a bit more frequently has actually lost a bit of it's previous ranking. Sorry! (BUT...please keep checking in with them from time to time to see if they've upped their post ante!

Blossoms then = 2.95

Blossoms now = 2.5

September 1, 2010

There are just some blog sites that make a person giggle from the get go...and Anything at Anytime is one of those sites. I am so happy to see that in the 2 months since I reviewed Dan Winfield's always entertaining and colorful site, he's gained more followers, become an even more active blogger, and has posted some fabulous work...that doesn't always rely on 'the funny' to be enjoyed. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that Dan's writing has matured and broadened as his comfort with blogging and the solid follower base he has gathered has grown. And that in and of itself is impressive.

But add to that the 'technical changes' he's made to his site and it has jumped by leaps and bounds to become one of the best put together sites I've visited. Aside from rearranging/rewording his Header tabs, he's also rearranged his Sidebar so that it's easier for visitors to actually Follow him! What's more, he's got those Archives right where they ought to be...near the Followers and up, up, up on the page so they are easily accessible. The adverts in his Sidebar (which are still quite numerous) don't look nearly as cluttered as they did which tells me that when Dan moved his Follow/Archives widgets he also did a little 'cleaning house', too! Great job!

Blossoms then = 3.7

Blossoms now = 4.0!! TERRIFIC!

September 8

The site 'The Boomer Muse' was and still is one of the most colorful sites I've ever visited because it's blogthur, Layla Morgan Wilde, is such an amazing photographer. And just as I mentioned in my previous review of her site I'm greatly impressed also with the quality of not only her writing and photo essays but with the neatness and 'put togetherness' of her site. Quite frankly I'm impressed that she has enough time to take so many photos, maintain her blog AND do her 'real' job! Over all, there's not been a lot of changes to the site aside from the main banner having been updated. In this particular case...it's a-ok that Layla's has maintained her site as is!

Blossoms then = 3.95

Blossoms now = 3.95

September 22, 2010

When I first visited Margarte Duarte's site 'Enter the Between' I was excited because it was a site by a writer at pretty much the stage I'm at right now...publisher hunting. But more importantly it was a site I expected to be filled with her motivations, frustrations, and personal triumphs as she worked towards publication. However, if you read my review you'll probably note that I didn't exactly find those things because I felt like her site was filled with a hodge podge of writings about writing by other writers. Which wouldn't be so bad (after all the information is quite good) but it's not what I was expecting from the overview.

BUT I am glad to say that's changed in the right direction in the past month or so because now Margaret, while still passing along helpful information from other writers has made a specific point to make Monday's her day to blog about what's going on with her. I'm also happy to see that she's moved those Archives up to the top of her page! And it does appear that she's lowered the number of posts that actually appear on her homepage from 10 to 4...kudos for that! It's still got a little way to go because I really want to know more about Margaret's growth and I hope that eventually it'll be more Margaret less 'Others'.

Blossoms then = 2.0

Blossoms now = 3.9 (Great move forward!)

September 23, 2010

Whew! I was afraid that I was going to have to write off 'It's Going to Take More than a Hamburger to Make me Happy' because I'd not read one single post by JB since I did her review. But thankfully, there is a new post up as of November 11. So I'm going to hold off on this re-review until a later date to see if she's really back or if it was a fluke. Let's keep our fingers crossed that it's the former!

September 28, 2010

We're getting closer to this end of re-views; there are only a few more left! And this one is 'A Shimmering of Northern Light' by Antony Waller and it's one of my favorite sites because if he's not written a humorous little thing or a 'deep' poem, Antony offers his readers some fascinating short stories. When I first reviewed his site the only thing that even came close to being an 'issue' for me was the redundancy on his page so far as his Archives/Recent Posts and a Sidebar widget that offered the exact same information as what he had in his Header. But I'm glad to say that both of those nit-picky redundancies have been...FIXED! And Antony's site looks AMAZING. (Though I will point out that there is a Header tab hidden behind the Search box in the far upper right corner...but that's not enough to take away any blossoms!)

Blossoms then = 3.7

Blossoms now = 4.0! YIPPIE!

October 5, 2010

Oh dear it seems that 'Rose Colored Spectacals', the new little blogging nugget I thought was going to turn into a goldmine seems to have fallen short because there have only been 4 posts since I reviewed the site. Of course, that might not seem like a terrible number given it was just at 6 weeks ago...however, when I went back and checked it appears that there is more time lapsing between each post which typically leads to the demise of a good site that could have been great. I'll check back in a few weeks to see if this blogger has picked up the ball or if she's let it slip away!

October 12, 2010

And here we are...the last of the bunch to be revisited and it just happens to be one of my favorite sites, too. It's called 'Single, Infertile Female: Now What?' and it's run by a young woman struggling with infertility and the deep desire to become a mother despite some overwhelming odds. When I first visited this site, I was moved by her courage. When I reviewed it, I was moved by her tenacity. And I'm still moved by the efforts she is taking to become a mother. Talk about absolutely moving! Now as for her site. I had pointed out that I thought it was a bit 'clunky' but now it's absolutely fabulous. The clunky, cluttered feeling is gone. The 'oversized' page is no longer a problem and I can see everything without having to scroll over! And last the 'busy' feel to the page is gone.

I don't know what she told her page designer but whatever it was...it hit the nail right on the head. This site, aside from the continually moving writing, is a textbook example of what a great blog ought to look like! Way to Go! (And here's wishing S.I.F. much good luck as she continues forward!)

Blossoms then = 3.8

Blossoms now = 4.0 (FABULAMARIFIC!!)

*****

And there you have it...the last of the RE-reviews. I hope you're inspired to go and visit some of these sites! Next week, I'll be returning to my standard review format. Until then here's wishing you happy blogging and blog reading!

Reviewing the Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 17:52:00 +0000

My first review was of one of my absolute favorite bloggers, Gloria Kelley, and her site Chew on This! which received the highest possible total of Magnolia Blossoms = 4! And I'm pleased to say the quality of this blog has continued to be A+ and that those 4 blossoms are just as strong today as they were way back on 6-7-2010!

Blossoms then = 4.0
Blossoms now = 4.0!

June 14, 2010

Englishman Mike Perry's 67 Not Out is a terrific site filled with Mike's take on all the quirky 'coincidences' he has noticed in his everyday life as well as in the media, arts, etc... It's truly one of those sites where you visit and go 'Hmm, now that's weird...I want to read more!' He's maintained his site well and continues to update it on a regular basis. The homepage is still is a bit too lengthy and 'clunky' with graphics for me but please bear in mind, that's purely my personal opinion and I respect the right of blogthurs to maintain their sites as they deem fit.

Blossoms then = 3.5
Blossoms now = 3.5

June 16, 2010

Marty Rubin's Aphorism of the Day is a site filled with short, sweet, and to the point maxims he likes to share with his readers. When I first visited Marty's site back in June, he was posting a new aphorism pretty much everyday however as time has progressed, he's narrowed it down in the past month or so to offering one only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. However...the lessening amount of posts doesn't in anyway take away from the outstanding quality of his site.

Blossoms then = 3.5
Blossoms now = 3.5

June 23, 2010

When I reviewed the site 'Nearly Civilized' by Jenny, I had such high hopes for it as the writing was genuine and Jenny, the young blogthur, seemed to have such a passion for offering little glimpses into the world the way she sees it. Unfortunately, since late July, Jenny's posts have dropped to almost nothing which tends to happen with lots of sites that have such potential. Typically it's because the novelty of blogging falls out of fashion for the writer and a once promising site fades away. Sadly, I do not think this is the case with Jenny's blog as it seems she has had to deal with what has apparently been a rather serious medical issue of late. With that in mind, I hope that Jenny recovers in quick time...and if she gets back to blogging that's great but regardless, I want to wish her the best of tidings!

Blossoms then = 3.25
Blossoms now = 3.25

June 30, 2010

One of my absolute favorite blog sites to visit has been and I imagine will continue to be Pierre le Roux's Warfare: The Delightful and Dreary Sides of Gay Life because it is such a well written and hilarous site filled with such honesty it sometimes makes me snort with laughter. Now as for the content (meaning with a 'gay' focus)...I actually had someone question whether or not it was appropriate for me to be suggesting it as a site to visit since I, myself, am not gay. I replied, 'So what?! It's funny!' Then I followed it up with, 'I would much rather spend my time laughing than worrying about what other people think I ought to be thinking!' (By the way, the person who mentioned this unfriended me on Facebook which I didn't mind one iota!) I was pleased to give Pierre 4 blossoms then...and even more pleased to say he's still got those 4 blossoms now!

Blossoms then = 4.0
Blossoms now = 4.0

July 7, 2010

Cheryl Hughes, the overcaffeinated mom, is still busy keeping us up to date with her Musings from the Over-Caffeinated Mom. And I'm glad to say that she was so kind to consider some of the suggestions I offered about her blogsite, too! Honestly, the new look of her site is fabulous. I love what she did in making the overall page look more tightly put together and having the navigation tabs at the top of her page is terrific. Unfortuately, the page font is a bit too small now and a little difficult to read. But overall, it's a huge step towards super-duper-dom!

Blossoms then = 3.5
Blossoms now = 3.9

July 14, 2010

Some blogs just get better and better! And I'm glad to say that 'Living, Loving, Laughing...' the blogsite of Angelia Sims Hardy (as she's very recently married!) is one of those sites. In the months since I reviewed 'Living, Loving, Laughing...', there has been a lot going on with Angelia's site. Aside from kindly accepting some of the suggestions I offered in fact she actually did a massive rehaul of her page that has taken it from 'typical' to 'outstanding', the quality of Angelia's writing has also developed and is terrifically polished. I'm also glad to say that this blogthur has blossomed into quite a gifted photographer, too, which only helps to add to her already warm posts.

Blossoms then = 3.75
Blossoms now = 4.0!!

July 21, 2010

Clarence Coffee, Sr.'s 'Just Love' is still a fabulous little gem of a blog to visit. It's filled with witty, warm posts that Clarence no doubt enjoys writing as it seems his personality flows on the page with his words. And I'm glad to see that he's been working on some of the little layout points I mentioned in my earlier review. It's a fabulous step in the right direction. (One quick note, his 3 column design...a fairly new thing offered by Google's Blogger was a good change for Clarence's blog...unfortunately, he needs to tweek the column width in the template designer as the whole page does not fit on the screen. This is a problem I encountered, too, and just takes a little time and patience to correct!)

Blossoms then = 3.75
Blossoms now = 3.85

July 28, 2010

The laughs over at The Hubby Diaries just keep on coming! And it's such a joy to pop over there when I'm feeling the need for a little chuckle. Of course, there are still a couple of minor things that I, personally, think might want to be addressed like the redundancies with the post titles in the Sidebar being mentioned in both a Recent Posts box (high up on the home page) and in the Archives (in a small, easily overlookable box way down the page). But hey, the meat of the blog is grade A and if the blogthur is happy with the look of her site then I'll just have to leave my nitpicky peeves at the virtual door the next time I visit which isn't a problem at all for me!

Blossoms then = 3.85
Blossoms now = 3.85

Make sure to stop by later to read more NEW reviews and to find out about what's been going on since my initial reviews, too!

Review: Glen's Life

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 19:00:00 +0000

Greetings and welcome to The Magnolia Blossom Review. My little blip in the blogoverse where I take a few moments to highlight some of the outstanding blogs and the creative voices behind them that I’ve run across which I think deserve a few minutes in the spotlight…

Lots of people think they can write ‘funny’. They think that because they have 3 or 4 hilarious stories which always make people laugh they should start a blog and share those stories expecting that they’ll become an instant hit and they’ll be writing ‘funny’ for years. But ask any established comedic writer and they’ll tell you writing ‘funny’ is really difficult. And in the blogging world, where readers will leave a blog site the instant they get bored it’s even more difficult.

Because unlike writing political editorials, health & wellness articles, and other ‘Point A to Point B’ blog posts with the majority of readers fitting a certain demographic, writers of comedic blogs often must write in a way that appeals across the board because they don’t know who might drop by. This means that post after post, humor blogthurs must find ‘fresh’ typically mundane, run of the mill ideas and wrap them around humorous and plausible real life examples which appeal to a variety of readers all within the first paragraph and then they have to build on a theme (sometimes going off on tangents, but always returning to the crux of the post) all the way throughout a post which can be mentally exhausting.

And that can lead to comic burnout and the death of what was once a fabulous blog site because one can only tell those same 3 or 4 hilarious stories so many different ways. So finding a humor blogthur who keeps their posts novel and engaging week after week is actually a rare thing, indeed. And that’s why I’m pleased to say that for nearly a year now I’ve been following a humor blog called Glen’s Life: A Glen’s Eye View of the Funny Side of Life by Glen Staples, who also happens to be part of the behind the scenes action over at Real Bloggers United. But this post isn't about RBU...it’s about Glen and his site which is continually crisp, constantly charming, and consistently brings ‘the funny’ all from a man’s point of view.

Quick Summation: Glen’s Life: A Glen’s Eye View of the Funny Side of Life is a witty blog written by an Englishman who has a real knack for recounting the comedy in his everyday life as a father, husband, and a regular guy. He writes about things like how he deals with crazy school projects he helps his children with and about the romantic moments in his relationship with his wife that don’t always go as planned. Likewise, Glen often writes hilarious posts about how he thinks other people think about things which most people think aren’t worth thinking about. (Say that three times fast!)

And now for a deeper look…

1. Does the blog have a title with ‘standout appeal’?

Sort of. By that I mean the main title ‘Glen’s Life’ is somewhat generic sounding and doesn’t pack a one punch, knockout TKO. However, the subtitle ‘A Glen’s Eye View of the Funny Side of Life’ does have that one-two zing a humor blog needs to have. (Honestly, I can just imagine seeing Glen sporting wings and flying high overhead as he looks down at the world below)

Blossom: .95

2. Is it well written?

Absolutely. As I said before, it’s difficult to continually bring the funny to a blog. And Glen does it with great ease and has a gift for spinning words in a way that is quirky yet altogether believable. It’s as if you’re sitting inside his head watching the wheels spin round as he tries to make sense of his children, his wife, and all the weird things we humans must do. What’s more there’s a relatively new addition to his site called ‘Breeze Van Santo’ (click here to visit Breeze's page) where Glen recounts the life of his alter ego, Breeze Van Santo, a suave, sexy (at least that’s what Breeze thinks) Hollywood stunt double who spouts his words of worldly wisdom about the important things in life…himself and women. I always find myself giggling whenever I read one of Breeze’s posts.

Blossom = 1

3. Is it neatly arranged so that it’s easy to navigate?

For the most part, yes.

Glen’s blog site isn’t a big ‘frills’ sort of blog. It’s not over laden with advertisements and widgets. Yes, he does have adverts. (And there’s nothing wrong with that! Heck, I have them.) But Glen has cleverly put them all on a unique page so that readers don’t have to deal with them if they don’t want to. I admire that because it tells me that he’s not blogging ‘for the money’ because if he was, those ads would be all over his site like some blogs I’ve visited.

But beyond ads, Glen does have everything he needs on his page in his Sidebar, which is a plus. Unfortunately his Sidebar is actually a bit heavy. Meaning the widgets/badges/buttons he does have on his site have pushed his Archives, Follow badges/boxes, Labels, and Blogs I Read boxes too far down the page. To get to the Archives…which, if you’ve read my reviews before, you’ll know I feel is second in importance only to the actual posts, I had to scroll way down the page. And I am a die hard believer that if readers like that first post, they’ll want to read more but they’re not going to want to search for the Archives.

As for the Follow/RSS Feed issue, it took me forever to figure out where Glen’s Follow buttons were. I literally had to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page to find the Google Friends Connect box because it’s in the Footer. (Footers really ought to be relegated to housing only technical information because people rarely ever visit the Footer)

My suggestion, take it or leave it…make the site a 3 column site if at all possible. That way the widgets/badges/boxes Glen does have can be spread out a bit more so the page isn’t ‘side-heavy’. But no matter what, 2 or 3 columns, move the Archives up, up, up! And put those Follow/RSS Feeds boxes either right below or above the Archives.

Blossom = .90

4. Is it easy on the eyes?

Again, for the most part, yes. And I say this because I love the clean, simple set up of Glen’s site. But, believe it or not, the one thing that makes his site not 100% easy on my eyes (perhaps I’m just way too picky) is the stark white background. There’s something about all that white that literally hurts my eyes. And it's not just Glen’s site…it’s all sites with stark white backgrounds and dark print because I’m always seeing ‘ghost images’ in the white space. It’s a funky optical illusion, for sure. But it’s a point to consider. So maybe change it to a soft gray or some other pale color. Of course, that is purely a suggestion.

Blossom = .95

In the end, Glen’s Life: A Glen’s Eye View of the Funny Side of Life by Glen Staples is a humor site for just about everyone. It’s one of those ‘man sites’ a woman can visit because he’s always pointing out the fact that he’s still got a lot to learn about the female species. It’s also a place that’s perfect for guys, too, because he has a hilarious testosterone tinged opinion most all guys can relate to. It’s great for married people because he ‘gets it’ (‘it’ being the fact that a successful marriage needs a bit of ‘the funny’ every now and again.) And if you’re single you’ll get a kick out of reading about how married life and fatherhood can be fun.

Total Blossoms = 3.80

Review: eR

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 18:28:00 +0000

However, every now and again, I like to step outside of the 'personal' blox (box, oh, dear how we bloggers will coin words!) and peruse other blogging styles. I like visiting poetry sites, which are actually some of the most personal sites, because they must use a minimum of words to convey an encyclopedia of thoughts. Likewise, sites that offer their readers photographic essays have the ability to take my breath away with how the blog-togphers can capture still moments in our hectic world. But it seems I'm always searching for quality 'story driven' sites because they are actually few and far between.

I'm talking about sites with authors who can take me away on a wordy journey much the way that short stories did when I was younger and would sit out on my porch and just read. Sites where I have to stop and think...really think about what's not written. And as chance would have it, I stumbled upon just a site called 'eR' by Noah Alexander Dorsey about two weeks ago. I know what you're thinking: Two weeks? How could you possibly form a solid opinion in such a short time, Avery? But trust me when I say, this blogthur is a top notch story teller.

Quick Summation: 'eR' is filled with brief, engaging stories which on the surface seem to tell a straight forward story; however, a deeper look at the stories behind the stories will open the reader's eyes to the intent behind the words. It isn't a site geared toward casual, glance-n-go blog readers. Rather it is a site meant to be digested and pondered.

And now for a more in depth look at Noah's site.

1. Does it have a title with 'stand out' appeal?
Yes. 'eR' is brief and subtle. Granted some people might think it's a site devoted to fans of the now defunct NBC medical drama 'ER' but for die hard fans of the show, they'll know right away from Noah's 'misspelling' of the title with it's lowercase 'e' that it's not about a television show. In fact, the brevity and juxtaposition of the lowercase/uppercase letters is what really stands out and makes the first time visitor wonder what's that all about?

*By the way, if you'll notice, the address to Noah's site is http://enigmaremedy.blogspot.com/   And what an ingenious and enigmatic sort of way to make people wonder?

Blossom = 1

2. Is it well written?
Yes.  Noah's posts are no doubt well thought out before he ever starts letting his fingers jump across the keyboard. And if not, if he can just sit down and hammer out these little gems, that is truly impressive. Granted there are a few cases where his stories jump (verb) tense and if you're not paying attention you might find yourself having to reread and then re-reread a sentence to get what it really means. Now perhaps that is because, from what I understand Noah is also a screenwriter, and as screenwriters write screenplays in the present tense it's understandable that the traditional narrative style gets interlaced with the screenwritten style. By the way, I cannot stress to you how difficult it is to write a screenplay, I've been working on one for something like three years and though I can see it in my head, it's difficult to convey the thoughts, intentions, and actions in such a regemented style. With that in mind, it's no wonder Noah can communicate what would typically be long tales in such a clean, crisp, brief style.

Blossom = 1

3. Is it neatly arranged so that it's easy to navigate?
Yes. This is a blog site stripped of all the typical 'eye candy' one finds on most sites. Noah has kept it bare bones and this I imagine was probably a conscious effort so that visitors to his site would have nothing to distract them from the images he paints with his words. But he does have the two most important things a blog site needs: 1) an easy to access Archives; and, 2) easy to access Follow and RSS/Subscribe boxes. The only thing I would suggest is that instead of having 7 posts on his page, Noah could cut it down to show only 3 at a time as his posts are a bit longer than the average blogger's posts. But that's purely a 'tighten up' sort of suggestion that can either be taken or left.

Blossom = 1

4. Is it easy on the eyes?
Yes. Again there is a lot to be said for keeping things clean and simple. And when that is combined with a cleverly chosen background like the one used (this one in particular gives the whole thing a 'sitting in a cozy study' feel) it immediately gets the mind ready to absorb what the author has to offer.

Blossom = 1

Wrapping it all up, 'eR' by Noah Alexander Dorsey is an absolutely fabulous site filled with high quality stories; perfect for enjoying on a chilly winter's night with a hot cup of tea, on a sun baked beach with the waves crashing in the background, or simply while trying to grab a few moments during lunch! If you're a 'book lover' I've no doubt you'll soon grow to love this site!

Total Blossoms = 4.
     (Yes, as a blogger and as an enjoyer of blogs, this site has me quite impressed!)

Review: The Truckers Wife

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 20:38:00 +0000

Blogs like that are like little gems and they're really quite rare. And today I'd like to introduce you to a blog that I started following about three months ago and which keeps me coming back on a regular basis simply to see what's going on with the blogthur. That blog is The Truckers Wife and it's maintained by a woman named Kathy C. who hails from the heart of the American Midwest.

Quick Summation: The Trucker's Wife is filled with light-hearted, genuine posts about life through the eyes of the wife of a hard working, long haul trucker. But don't let the blog's title mislead you. It's not about how she sits around waiting for him to come home. Not in the slightest. It's filled with everyday tidbits and cheery recollections...the sort of thing that old friends like to discuss and more often than not laugh or sigh contentedly about.

And now for a more in depth look...

1. Does it have a title with stand out appeal?

Yes. While it's not a title with great flash and zing it does have a nice ring to it. And it immediately draws to mind the notion that this blog is written by a no nonsense woman who is proud to be who she is. (However, I'm fairly certain there ought to be an apostrophe ( ' ) in the word truckers for grammatical purposes)
Blossom = .95

2. Is it well written?
Yes. Again, the posts are presented in a real 'down home' manner. Kathy is a woman talking to us from her heart about things that are important to her...her family and her community. And it's clear she takes nothing for granted as she goes through her days. Stylistically perhaps she could shorten some of her paragraphs (not cut...simply add in a few breaks) as I've often gotten lost in them. (And since she makes great use of 'exaggerated' first letters of paragraphs {Example}, I think it would serve her well to use that option to its fullest.)
Blossom = .95

3. Is it neatly arranged so that it's easy to navigate?
Somewhat.

There's a lot happening on the page.  However, I will say that earlier visits to her site were a bit over whelming because there was a great smattering of widgets, gadgets, and advertisements on the site.  And while she's toned it down a great deal, it is still a work in progress...but it's progressing in the right direction!

Thankfully it's fairly easy to find her Archives (YAY!) as that's something new visitors will no doubt want to access if they take a shying to her writing.   Unfortunately, her main Follow box is a good deal down the page (but then again part of the problem with having a site with a good deal of widgets in the Sidebar is thatyou run out of space to put the 'need to haves'. Perhasps this could be remedied by turning her site into a 3 column design to help balance out the page so that she can have her widgets, gadgets, and all the other goodies.

Yes, I truly think that by tightening up her page, toning down some of the graphics (or at least spreading them out a bit), and moving her posts and Archives up, up, up...Kathy's blog will be A+.
Blossom = .65

For those of you who are bloggers remember: 1) Most readers are fickle and will not take the time to scroll down your page to get to a post; 2) Visitors want to read your work...always lead with that; and, 3) It's easier to get 'Followers' if you make it easier to find your Follow buttons.

4. Is it easy on the eyes?
For the most part, yes. Again, it's a tad busy with the extra do-dads. But the overall feel of the page is pleasant. The text, the embedded video, and animation add a lot to it.
Blossom = .75

All in all, the 'meat' of The Truckers Wife is fabulous: the posts are genuine, warm, and filled with great attention.  Kathy's site is, as I said earlier, a little gem and it's certainly bright enough without all the colorful extras. In this case...less is more is a good motto to follow. But if you're looking for a gosh honest personal blog...check out The Truckers Wife, you'll be impressed.
Blossom =  .75

Total Blossoms: 3.3

***Please note, this review was amended from its original form which was previously published on October 22, 2010 as several changes were made to the site the same day it was published.***

Review: Single Infertile Female: Now What?

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 21:00:00 +0000

Greetings and welcome to The Magnolia Blossom Review. My little blip in the blogoverse where I take a few moments to highlight some of the outstanding blogs and the creative voices behind them that I’ve run across which I think deserve a few minutes in the spotlight…

There are all sorts of blogs. Informative, commerical, community, and personal. They all have their value to someone. And while I put no less stock in the first three of the styles I mentioned than I do with personal blogs...I'm sure you've noticed that these reviews tend to lean towards the 'personal' ones and for the most part that's because I, like many blog readers, can feel a deeper connection with personal blogs. And as far as personal blogs go there are different reasons why people maintain them. For some, they're niches for people who simply want to let the world know what's going on in their lives no matter if it's outrageously funny or if it's humdrum. For others, blogging gives them an outlet to let loose their opinions on all sorts of topics ranging from politics, to religion, to the reasons why this car is better than that car and so on. Still others simply love writing and use it as a conduit through which they can share their love of the written word.

But no matter what reason a 'personal' blogger may have for spending hours tapping out their thoughts and then posting them to the world the end result is often something unexpected; they find that blogging is cathartic. Sometimes so cathartic that we, the readers, feel as if we are intruding. And sometimes, something clicks within us so that we find ourselves emotionally invested in the outcome. Such is the case with the blog I'm reviewing today. It's called "Single Infertile Female: Now What?" and is run by a blogger who simply goes by S.I.F.

I started reading S.I.F.'s site a couple of months ago and instantly found myself hoping that she gets the (modern) storybook ending she's been dreaming of: being a mom and maybe a wife, too...but remember it's a modern tale where the heroine determines her own fate...not some fairy godmother or prince. And the dragon in her story is infertility brought on by endometriosis.

Quick Summation: "Single Infertile Female: Now What?" is an extremely personal and well written blog with entries that are made practically everyday and which chronicle the ups and downs that the author, S.I.F, faces as she tackles the 'I' word...infertility. Some of the posts do, indeed, pull at the heartstrings but in most of them S.I.F. tries to weave in threads of humor and sometimes her posts are truly quite jovial.

And now a deeper examination...

1. Does it have a title with 'stand out' appeal?
Yes. Granted the bold starkness of the title could make some people shy away...and by some people I mainly mean men. Not that there aren't some men who might be more than open to reading the blog; I'm sure there are. But lots of men don't know how to deal with problems like the ones S.I.F face because they cannot 'fix it' by using Superglue or a hammer and nails. Such is the nature of (many) men.
Blossom = 1

2. Is it well written?
Again, yes. It's personal...sometimes painfully personal. But the way S.I.F. presents her story is so compelling you simply have to find out how it will all end. Will she finally slay that dragon and find her treasure? Or will she have to overcome the heartache...again? And as an avid reader, I want to know. As a woman, I want to know. As a mother, I want her to know what it feels like to be a mother.
Blossom = 1

3. Is it neatly arranged so that it's easy to navigate?
Unfortunately this one gets a 'not so much'. To begin, the page doesn't 'fit' on any of the computer monitors in my house. (And I'm not sure if it's because the page itself was designed a bit wider than standard computer screens or if there's something funky going on with the coding on S.I.F.'s site or if it's on my end. But either way, I find myself having to tug the lower scroll bar to see the whole page.) Also, the page has a 'busy' feel about it. Perhaps it's the fact that the 3 columns are almost all the same width (which could be why it doesn't 'fit' on the monitor) or maybe it's because the images in the Sidebars are quite large and make the whole page feel clunky. However, I will say I'm happy to see that she does have an Archive towards the top of her page! Kudos for that!
Blossom = .9

4. Is it easy on the eyes?
For the most part, yes. The color scheme is calming, the font is easy to see and read, and the embedded post images add a lot to her story. Unfortunately the 'clunky' feel of the Sidebars detracts from the overal feeling of the site.
Blossom = .9

All in all, "Single Infertile Female: Now What?" is a site I urge everyone read. Women, no matter if you're a mother, trying to become a mother, or haven't really got plans yet...because S.I.F.'s story is bound to touch that spot in you which binds us all in the sisterhood of women. And men, too, because S.I.F.'s story gives a glimpse into some of the hidden emotions the women in your life (you wife, sister, mother...) deal with which just might make you, if not a bit more sympathetic, at least a little more knowledgable about the beautiful creation called woman.

TOTAL BLOSSOMS = 3.8

Review: Rose Colored Spectacles

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 19:10:00 +0000

Today I've decided to go with a fairly new (not quite 2 full months according to her archives) but definitely deserving blogsite called 'Rose Colored Spectacles. Typically I shy away from forming opinions about such new blogs because many blogthurs often give up after a few months because they've not gotten 100s of followers who send them ego-boosting comments. Essentially, they're in it for the glory. But every so often there are those rare little gems that stick out from post #1 and only get better as their archives grows longer. Which is exactly what I think is happening with MeMe's site.

Quick Summation: Rose Colored Spectacles is sure to leave you laughing! It's a richly funny blogsite written by a woman who isn't afraid to speak her mind and apparently doesn't mind letting the world know she's not perfect but she sure has fun being the well-rounded woman (wife, mother, sales/marketing director) she is.

And now for a more thorough review...

1. Does it have a title with 'stand out appeal'?
For the most part, yes. While the phrase 'rose colored glasses' or rather 'spectacles' as MeMe has chosen to use the phrase is a bit cliché, I'm actually quite surprised that it's not been used as a blog title (at least through Google's Blogger) until now...many years after the start of the blogging craze. Perhaps MeMe is one of those lucky people who stumbled upon her title by chance and if so...it could be a sign that her sight is destined for a brighter, rosier horizon!
Blossom = 1

2. Is it well written?
Again, for the most part, yes. While there are some technical difficulties {most posts are presented as one long paragraph, the use of periods of ellipsis (...) is sometimes awkward, and there is the random misspelled/misused word} the overall 'meat' of MeMe's blog posts is undeniably top quality. And I'll be the first one to admit that it's hard to catch all the little 'oops' errors because I still make them and I've been doing the 'blog thing' for nearly a year and a half now. Which is why I think with a bit more blogging experience under her belt, MeMe's site is headed for a huge readership because no matter how technically beautiful a blog may be written, it's nothing without solid stories.
Blossom = .85

3. Is it neatly arranged so that it's easy to navigate?
Yes. I love the fact that MeMe hasn't fallen into the 'overload it with eye candy' trap that many new and some old bloggers fall into. But if I'm being honest...I think MeMe's site could actually do with a bit more in her Sidebar because while she does have a Google Follow box and a Networkedblogs.com Follow box that's about all she has save a Google search box and her Archives. And as you know I'm a stickler for having an easy to see/access Archives so I'm happy to say hers is way up at the top of the Sidebar as it really ought to be. Unfortunately, it's in the left Sidebar and most people do not look left when searching for Archives which is where most English reading viewers tend to look for extraneous information whether it's on a blogsite or if it's in a printed magazine. So maybe she might want to consider popping her Archives to the right Sidebar. And as for more 'pretties' on her page...they'll come with time!
Blossom =.95

4. Is it easy on the eyes?
Yes. The color scheme matches the title to a 'T' and the little pictures she puts into her posts to give them that extra bit of 'oomph' are expertly chosen. The site reflects the whimsy that MeMe no doubt embodies in her non-virtual life and that's such a nice thing to see. **My only hope is that she get the formating down pat so that it's actually easier to read her posts from beginning to end because as it is now it's too easy to get lost in the words because there are no breaks to allow the mind to digest what has just been read.**
Blossom = .90

All in all Rose Colored Spectacles is quite a nifty little blog site that will only get better with the time and attention I hope that MeMe will be able to continue to give to it!

Total Blossoms = 3.70 (Not too shabby for such a new site!)

Review: A Shimmering of Northern Light

noreply@blogger.com (L. Avery Brown) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Today's blog, A Shimmering of Northern Light: Or How I See It...A Voice From The North, is one I've been waiting ever so patiently to pull from my little baseball cap (which is now actually a shoe box because I keep adding blog titles to review) because it's not only one of my favorites to visit but is also maintained by a blogging buddy of mine named Antony Waller. He's a terrific writer of not only straight forward 'recollection-style' posts which are typically quite humorous but Antony also is quite skilled as a narrative story teller and poet.

Quick Summation: A Shimmering of Northern Light: Or How I See It...A Voice From The North, mixes a good deal of prose with a dash of poetry to create a personal blog site that appeals to readers who have an appetite for reading. The posts are typically short and easily digestable and leave behind a wonderfully wordy sense of mental fulfillment.

1. Does the blog have a title with 'stand out' appeal?
Yes. I suppose you could Antony's main title has a 'bling-bling' quality because the words--A Shimmering of Northern Light--draws to mind the image of the way a gemstone or other precious material can catch the even the smallest bit of light and brilliantly magnify it. And his subtitle suggests an air of whimsy coupled with what is no doubt his unique point of view.
Blossom = 1

2. Is it well written?
Again, yes! I am continually surprised with Antony's range as a writer whether it's recounting a terrific, laugh-out-loud tale of the strange things he's seen people do when they think no one is watching or if it's one of his lovely poems which are typically of a romantic nature and are written in a free or blank verse style. His work is, for the most part, error free and has a wonderful flow. (Oh, how I wish I could be error free...it never happens...I always find something I've goofed up even after I've read my work 100s of times!)
Blossom = .85

3. Is it neatly arranged so that it's easy to navigate?
Yes and no. For the most part Antony's site is laid out quite well. However there is a good deal of redundancy on his page. For example: He's got Header Tabs that direct people supplemental pages (good) while he's got a Sidebar box labeled 'Pages' that does the same thing only with more detail (redundant/info overload). And Antony does have an Archives box which makes me happy. In fact, he has 2 of them. One at the very top of his page labeled "Recent Posts" and one more than half way down the page that is a more traditional 'Archives'. Perhaps I'm just a hardcore believer in minimizing redundancies but I think it would streamline the page to get rid of the 'Recent Posts' box altogether and move the Archives box to where it was. But other than those 2 little bumps in the road, Antony's site is great: not overloaded with ads/widgets/Twitter-esque type links, good use of labeling as well as the occassional embedded pop-out photo box here and there (with which many people bog their pages down), and a wonderful Sidebar Comments box.
Blossom = .85

4. Is it easy on the eyes?
Absolutely--yes! Antony's site has a calming quality about it. And I've no doubt that the color sheme/blog theme he has chosen reflects his personality. And when he uses them, Antony has got quite a knack for marrying just the right photos to his posts. All in all, this blog is a place for readers who enjoy the quiet art of reading. It isn't an 'in your face' sort of blog that screams out at its readers and I, for one, like that!
Blossom = 1

All in all, Antony Waller's A Shimmering of Northern Light: Or How I See It...A Voice From The North, is definitely a place you ought to visit if you're the type of person who likes to sit back on a sunny day to read something meant to appeal to your grown up side...especially if you're feeling like having a good kid-like laugh!

Total Blossoms 3.70

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