Ukulele from Scratch

“What every beginner needs to know to get up and playing as soon as possible, plus somewhere to go after that.  Learn how to tune your uke and to strum some simple chords from our favorite Chord Families: C, G, F, D and A. Plenty of familiar song examples, as well as referrals to classic songs on You Tube.  Once you’ve exhausted all the play-along songbooks and web sites that are available, this book will lead you into the realm of Comprehension. There is fingerpicking (including Travis-picking), Twelve Bar blues, cool chords around the neck, some useful scales and an explanation of the Minor Keys. There’s no need to read music, and there is just enough music theory to help make you a better player, including the demystification of the Circle of Fifths.”

spiral bound, 100 pages

Ukulele From Scratch is a handy resource. The information is presented in a conversational style and in user friendly segments. It isn’t a stand alone curriculum but the material is valuable for beginner players. I love clearly explained music theory!

One downside for me is that the book uses only tablature. I like having tabs with standard music notation and wish the author had put that into this book. I think it helps the learning process to see the musical relationship between the notes that make up the music.

This book and others are available at the Skeptical Guitarist website (and Amazon).

Bruce Emery (see above image ) provided this book to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

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Explore! America’s National Parks

“America’s 61 National Parks are a must-see for every nature lover and adventurer around the world, and Explore! America’s National Parks shows the parks region by region, detailing not-to-be missed sights, as well as all the things to see and do. Would you like to kayak down a river? Or follow a trail of badger tracks? Or maybe take a ride on the back of a llama? With consultancy from a real Park Ranger, the book contains a variety of exciting and interactive information, from full-page landscape artwork, to activity spreads featuring flora and fauna to search for in the park, to maps plotting all 61 National Parks in each region. Plus, readers get a history of the parks, what to pack for camping and hiking, and information on environmental issues, endangered animals, and protecting the parks, and more.”

Hard cover, 96 pages

A great resource for ages 7 and up. Explore America’s National Parks offers geography, history, and lots of facts about wildlife and their habitat. The 9×10 size book has full pages of illustrations which are mostly drawings and a few photos. The text is nicely placed throughout. Great for any home or classroom. Highly recommend.

Kane Miller EDC Publishing provided this book to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

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1879 Apparel

1879 Apparel celebrates the history and development of the ‘ukulele. Founded by James Hill, ukulele performer and teacher, this brand new site offers ukulele tees for men and women.

Also available is an organic cotton, made in the USA songbook tote bag!

The songbook bag comes in natural with black letters or black with natural letters. A great gift idea for that great ukulele player you know.

16″ W x 13″ H x 4″ D with 23″ handles

NOTE: Do not wash. Although the tag says it can be machine washed and tumbled dry, it can’t. The letters flaked off.

James Hill/ 1879 Apparel provided songbook bags to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

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Revelation Timeline Decoded

2021

paperback 482 pages

author David Nikao Wilcoxson

Author’s Biography

My ministry focuses on writing Bible prophecy study books which expose the enemy’s prophecy fulfillment deceptions. I’ve written three prophecy books: The 70th Week Of Daniel 9 Decoded; The Olivet Discourse Decoded; and Revelation Timeline Decoded. All three of these prophecies are extremely important, as they validate the authority of Scripture and Messiah’s deity. This is why the enemy has worked so hard to hide the truth.

The Revelation Bible study book guides you through the fulfillment by referencing a Bible prophecy chart, a timeline, and lots of Revelation commentary. My goal is to include enough information to prove out the fulfillment, but to do it in a concise, easy to understand format, Bible prophecy for dummies and experts.

I pray that there will be a great awakening in these end times, that people will see the glorious truth of the fulfillment of these prophecies, to cast down the power of the enemy, to set the captives free and that a great multitude will be redeemed into the kingdom for the glory of our Heavenly Father and beloved Messiah!

I purchased David’s book the day it became available on Amazon. Recommended reading. Hoping this book reaches many.

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Mel Bay

With over 1,000 chord diagrams and 37 full-sized fingerboard charts, Mastering Ukulele Chord Inversions is the most comprehensive and useful ukulele chord book ever published.

Paperback, 60 pages. Author Mark Nelson

This book is a helpful resource for intermediate ukulele players. I recommend checking out the Mel Bay publications website for additional music books.

Mel Bay provided the Mastering Ukulele Chord Inversions book to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

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‘Ukulele Chord Shapes

“Whether you are an intermediate player looking for your first guide to understanding the fretboard or a seasoned pro in need of a complete reference to complex harmonies, there’s no more detailed and comprehensive a book than Brad Bordessa’s Ukulele Chord Shapes ebook.”

The method of this book is what I was excited to review!

“Ukulele Chord Shapes presents chords in a different light than other books: as movable shapes. In this way you can reduce mental clutter and make learning chords 12 times more efficient. Each shape in the book shows a highlighted root that easily allows you to move a single chord shape into all twelve keys.”

Understandable and comprehensive, this book would be of value to any ukulele player. I would highly recommend for use as part of a self teaching curriculum. It is available as an ebook or as a print copy. Check out Brad Bordessa’s website, Live Ukulele. ‘Ukulele Chord Shapes is one of three ukulele books he has published.

Brad Bordessa provided an ‘Ukulele Chord Shapes ebook to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

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The Ukulele Site

The ukulele is an amazing musical instrument that is affordable and portable. A great option for families who are homeschooling at the current time. It’s also great for people who are just simply spending a lot of time at home. 

Learning the ukulele is a great way to enter into music instruction for the first time. Playing the ukulele will influence your life positively. Discover commitment, patience, and accomplishment.

Not sure how to start? I would recommend The Ukulele Site . Visit them online (unless you are in Hawaii and can visit in person). I noticed that they have many wonderful customer service reviews.

For us here at The Ukulele Site, customer service starts by genuinely caring about people. Our goal is to benefit our customers, local, and across the world. We do this with education, high-value products, and unwavering honesty with our customer advice. Hopefully, we will be able to help you have fun and even find even more soul satisfaction from this amazing little instrument.

A beautiful Kala Concert Ukulele.

This ukulele came as a bundle that includes a bag, strap, extra strings, and tuner. I also received a Ukulele Site T-shirt. So here’s everything a person needs to get started! I recommend the Ukulele Site for the welcome vibe they extend to those interested in the ukulele. It’s about music. And happiness. And honestly, it’s one of the best family-friendly activities.

Fun T-shirt design

♩Ukuleles teach us music. and Ukuleles are fun. Thank you Corey♩

Corey from The Ukulele Site provided a T-shirt and Kala Concert Ukulele bundle to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

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Monos

https://monos.com/

Monos is a Vancouver-based luggage company that has a good reputation for quality and design. Monos is a “mindful” suitcase that has a sleek profile and relaxing color selections.

This review is for a travel accessory, the Monos Compression Packing Cubes. Available in a set of four or a set of six, these are designed to fit perfectly in the Monos carry-on and check-in sizes. I did not review the Monos luggage but can say that it fits terrific in my Travel Pro carry-on. The monos cubes are said to have a compression zipper that compresses the height by up to 60%. When I packed, I could not fill a cube and then get the zipper to close and thereby compress the contents. They are very handy and easy to get the most in your luggage. I’ve used the packing cubes on two trips already. The cubes do not collapse when empty but they can be stored flat. The zippers slide smoothly. These are a great alternative to one time use plastic storage bags and packing cubes that are made from cheap materials . Recommended ッ

Compression packing cubes available in grey, tan, or black.

Available online at Monos

“Less is more. We value simplicity, and we believe that a well-designed, premium suitcase doesn’t need to be loud and flashy – it simply speaks for itself. In today’s throwaway society of passing trends and mass consumption, we design our pieces to be timeless classics, with an understated aesthetic that stands the test of time.”

Monos provided this item to help facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

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Jelt

The Jelt is a comfortable elastic belt with a low profile buckle & internal gel that helps keep your jeans from saggin’.

Jelt is an elastic stretch belt made from recycled plastic bottles. It is available in three styles (Jelt original, Jelt X, and Jelt Venture) There is a Jelt belt for men, women, and kids in several colors.

A made in Montana, USA brand. 100% Cruelty-free, 100% vegan

This had a secure fit around my waist without feeling heavy and looking bulky. The stretch of the belt combined with the grippy Jelt name on the underside of the belt keeps it securely in place. The no show buckle lays flat which allows a shirt to drape with a smooth look. It wears comfortably with a little stretch. A great belt for the entire family. (problem solver for kiddos with a small waist)

Jen Perry, founder of Jelt, provided a Jelt belt to facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

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Follow Hollow

-Alpaca Socks- ‘baby’ (micron 18-21) alpaca fiber-Made in the USA-

These socks were designed for being outdoors focusing on moisture management and staying in place. I found the Follow Hollow performance socks to be a superior choice. They are thinner than a typical wool sock but with the same warmth in cool outdoor wear. I didn’t get sweaty or damp feet. I did get a soft, comfortable fit! Alpaca can be worn in warm conditions, too. Great socks for just about any activity.

The socks have been keeping their shape and produced no fuzzing after a machine wash. Follow Hollow offers two unisex adult sock color choices (black/red and grey/purple) and two styles (performance and ankle). Looking forward to more colors and kid sizes.

Follow Hollow provided a pair of socks to facilitate the writing of an honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

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