The furReal Munchin’ Rex by Hasbro is one of the cutest toys I have laid eyes on. But for my 5-year-old son, I want more than just “cute.” I also want toys that are engaging, interactive, and fun. So, I gave the holiday favorite to my son to see if it fit the bill. I specifically looked at its design, value, and entertainment capacity. Here’s what I found out. Design: Fun, cartoon-esque design that draws kids’ attention The furReal Munchin’ Rex is a plush toy, but unlike other (regular) plush toys, it’s designed to be played with—not just to display and cuddle....

Latin Name This is Abelia x grandiflora and it is part of the Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle) family. The x indicates that this is a hybrid. In this case, the parents are Abelia chinensis and Abelia uniflora. Examples of related plants in this family include viburnum shrubs according to some (others now have it in the Adoxaceae family), cape honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis), common elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and seven son flower (Heptacodium miconioides.)...

Latin Name The scientific name for this shrub is Rosa glauca and it is part of the large Rosaceae family, which also includes the red tip photinia. You may also see this listed as Rosa rubrifolia. The species name of glauca refers to the bluish-green coloring found on many of the leaves. Preferred USDA Hardiness Zones The recommended zones for this rose species are 2 through 8. It first grew in central and southern Europe....

Easily identified by the furry acorn cup that it produces, this is a long-lived, easily maintained tree that is useful as a shade tree. Acorns from the Turkey oak are somewhat bitter but are eaten by some species of birds. Seed cups from this tree have been used as buttons, while the leaves, bark, and wood are used as a source of tannin. In some parts of Europe, the seeds are used to make coffee or ground into a powder for making bread or thickening soups....

Each of the following styles has a unique look, as well as distinct advantages and drawbacks. Some styles are better suited to certain types of décor than others, based on their appearance. Here is more detailed information on carpets, including characteristics of each style, durability, and performance expectations. Because Saxony is available in different looks, it can work for almost any type of décor. Straight Saxonies work best for formal settings, because of their high-end velvet finish....

An energy-conserving shade tree, its toughness makes the hackberry an excellent choice for just about any landscape, provided you have ample space for its dense root system. These trees produce small, dark red berry-like fruits (drupes) that will turn dark purple as they mature in the mid-autumn months. The fruit will persist into the late winter months and serve as an important food source for a variety of bird species, including cardinals, flickers, robins, cedar waxwings, and brown thrashers (though that also means they are often damaged by other animals, such as deer)....

Unfortunately, all parts of the heliotrope plant are considered toxic to animals. Despite their intoxicating smell, heliotropes are not particularly palatable plants, which keeps most pets and animals away from them. Regardless, you should ensure that this houseplant is kept out of reach of any curious four-legged family members. Light Heliotropes are full sun plants that require several hours of direct sunlight in order to bloom. This can be tricky to achieve indoors, unless the plant is situated in a west-facing window or provided with a grow light....

Of course you can deck your home out in lights, artificial trees, throw some reindeer on the lawn, and transform your home into a winter wonderland, but there’s nothing like live greenery. The way it smells, feels and looks just can’t be beat. No matter how you got your wreath and live greenery, whether it’s a decorating workshop, as a gift, or because you bought it for yourself, it’s possible to keep it alive for weeks on end....

Research Don’t show up at your first meeting empty-handed. Before you begin contacting decorators, gather colors, measurements, fabrics, carpets, and pictures of things that you like. Doing some initial research will save valuable time (and money) and allow your decorator to concentrate on how to bring your vision to life. Communicate Your Budget It’s important that you’re upfront and realistic about your budget. Decorators understand that not everyone has a lot of money for elaborate redesigns....

“Whether a simple meander, an acanthus leaf, or a Corinthian column, ancient Greek motifs continue to show up in modern day design,” designer Elizabeth Benedict shares. If you love the look and are searching for some simple ways to incorporate ancient Greek decor into your own space, we’ve got you covered. Read on for six designer-approved tips that will help you transform your home in no time. 1. Break Out a Bust Sculpture If you’ve only ever seen a bust sculpture at a museum, you may find this trend a bit perplexing, but displaying Greek busts on bookshelves, console tables, dressers—really anywhere—is ultra popular in the design world....

How to Attract Doves As with attracting any specific bird species, it is necessary to understand the bird’s exact needs and to take steps to meet those needs in the yard or garden. While there are many different doves that will visit yards, their needs are similar and the same steps can result in a diverse dove population in any birder’s yard. Offer the Right Food Doves and pigeons are primarily granivorous, though some species, particularly in tropical regions, will also be somewhat frugivorous....

Why We Should Love Hawks While it can be upsetting to see a raptor make a meal of a goldfinch, cardinal, or other favorite backyard species, the existence of raptors in a neighborhood is a strong indication of a wildlife-friendly area. Furthermore, many raptors eat snakes, large insects, and a variety of rodents, including mice, rats, gophers, and squirrels. Hawk hunting activities help keep the presence of these less welcome residents in check....

Why We Love Parrots Parrots, parakeets, and lovebirds are charismatic birds with colorful plumage, playful personalities, and charming expressions, all of which make them a delight in the yard. Many of these birds, especially those that may be escaped pets, can mimic human speech, and their acrobatic antics are always entertaining to watch. They are often gregarious and may visit a yard or feeding station in flocks with a regular daily routine and feeding times....

Getting the right slow cooker or Crock-Pot that will work best for you and your family can be a challenge due to the many choices available. Consider how you will use it, what size you need, and the features you might want in one. Our comprehensive guide below will help show you the way as you go shopping for one of these small appliances. A slower cooker or Crock-Pot is a small electrical cooking appliance with a stoneware insert that cooks food at a low temperature for a long period of time....

Who Is the Room For? Are you buying new furniture for your own primary bedroom, a child’s room, or a teen’s bedroom? Consider the personality of the room’s primary occupant. Reflect the room’s occupant in the theme, color, scheme, and furniture choices. These are the key components for establishing a decorating style. Have You Determined a Decorating Style? When it comes to decorating style, contemporary and traditional are two of the main categories of design....