Department Store Puzzle 
by Guest Writer Roberta Shore

We invite you to read Roberta Shore's review on the following jigsaw puzzle. Since she has discovered the advantages of jigsaw puzzling, she has reviewed/journaled several that will be available on this website. 

Department Store: Lifting the Lid Amazon link

Department Store: Lifting the Lid Gibsons Ribbon Cut 1000 pieces Finished dimensions: 19” x 26.75”

Department Store Puzzle - Roberta's Review

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Department Store: Lifting the Lid Gibsons Ribbon Cut 1000 pieces Finished dimensions: 19” x 26.75”

Department Store: Lifting the Lid

Gibsons jigsaw puzzles

Ribbon Cut

1000 pieces

Finished dimensions: 19” x 26.75”

My (advancing) Newbie difficulty rating: hard

This was my first Gibsons puzzle, and my first “busy” puzzle. Since I actually completed it, I gave it a rating of hard, as opposed to advanced. I’m pretty new at this puzzling thing, after all. As I prepared for the build, I actually wasn’t sure how enjoyable this experience was going to turn out. I wasn’t giving up, but it seemed like work more than fun, and felt as if it would take weeks to put it together. I was wrong on both counts!

Getting started - sorting out the edge pieces including sorting by color. Usually I build the frame and then do a sub sort to isolate portions of the puzzle by color areas and items, but I realized early on there would be a lot left over despite my best efforts. So, I just found the edge pieces, built the frame, and then did the sort. I managed to sort out the sky, the signage, the roof, the big bear, the big balloons, the greens, the reds, the blues, and anything that said even a part of “SALE”, in trays on my puzzle table. Each of the remaking pieces shared multiple colors. I had to lay them out on a foam core board by color value and shape. In my puzzle workspace, that arrangement is not optimal — I did a lot of walking to and from that board until the number of pieces was manageable enough to move to trays I could keep on my puzzle table.

Construction - I started from the top, and the “work” continued until the first five trays were mostly empty. I was never actually discouraged, but it still looked like it might take forever. Then, for reasons I can’t really explain, I suddenly said to myself “I’m having fun!”.  And in the end, I spent no more time doing this puzzle than most of the other 1000 piece puzzles I’ve done since beginning this hobby toward the end of 2021.  I certainly was challenged, and yes, I felt accomplished putting in the last piece. Admittedly, I referenced the box top / poster . . . umm, a lot. Puzzling — it is the most calming activity I have ever done. No matter how complicated a puzzle looks, the process stays the same. Getting lost in it, not thinking about anything else, taking a break and realizing how much I feel at peace - it’s amazing!

Fun and peace aside, I’m not sure a busy puzzle like this would be my first choice. My last choice would be a solid color puzzle. I want to watch an illustration I find interesting, or attractive, or evokes a fond memory, come together. Who can resist a SALE? Even this puzzle was on sale! I have done puzzles with large areas of solid color. Although tedious, I think I prefer piecing those together. Puzzle choice is personal, yours might be different of course. But if you can relate to any part of my experience, my advice is stay positive and enjoy the process!

Puzzle quality - since this is my first Gibsons puzzle, I can’t make comparisons, but this one, dare I say, was perfect! Box pic and enclosed poster had excellent piece color match, The finish is matte. No puzzle dust, sealed plastic bag of sturdy pieces that were thicker than other brands, good variety of traditional shapes, none were stuck together or damaged in any way, none were missing. Piece fit was tight enough to pick up or move sections around. Okay, nothing’s perfect - the well made box, secured with 2 clear stickers, is overly big and did not show puzzle measurements.

My ratings: Quality A+, fun factor (grew to) A+

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About: Safe Online Shopping, Protecting Yourself from Scams

Online shopping has become increasingly popular, offering convenience and a vast array of products at your fingertips. However, it's important to stay vigilant and protect yourself from potential scams and fraudulent activities. In this article, we'll provide you with essential tips and insights on how to shop safely online and spot potential scams.

1. Shop from Reputable Websites

Stick to well-known and trusted online retailers. Look for websites with secure connections (https://) and familiar payment gateways. Be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar websites or sellers, especially if their prices seem too good to be true.

2. Protect Your Personal Information

Never share sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number or full address, unless it's necessary for a legitimate purchase. Legitimate online retailers will only require essential details like your name, shipping address, and payment information.

3. Secure Payment Methods

Opt for secure payment methods, such as credit cards or trusted payment platforms like PayPal. These methods offer additional protection and can help you dispute charges if necessary. Avoid using direct bank transfers or wiring money to unknown sellers.

4. Read Customer Reviews

Before making a purchase, take the time to read customer reviews and ratings. Genuine feedback from other shoppers can provide insights into the product's quality, customer service, and the reliability of the seller.

5. Verify Seller Authenticity

If you're purchasing from a third-party seller on a marketplace, verify their authenticity. Look for seller ratings, reviews, and their track record on the platform. Be cautious of sellers with limited information or negative feedback.

6. Be Wary of Suspicious Emails and Links

Beware of phishing attempts through emails or messages that appear to be from trusted retailers. Scammers often try to trick users into clicking on malicious links or providing personal information. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.

7. Look for Secure Checkout Processes

Ensure that the checkout process is secure and encrypted. Look for security seals or logos indicating the website's commitment to protecting your information. A lock symbol in the address bar is also an indication of a secure connection.

8. Use Strong and Unique Passwords

Create strong and unique passwords for your online accounts. Avoid using easily guessable information and consider using a password manager to securely store your login credentials.

9. Keep Your Devices and Software Updated

Regularly update your devices, operating systems, and antivirus software to protect against the latest security threats. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure you have the latest security patches.

10. Trust Your Instincts

If a deal seems too good to be true or if something feels off, trust your instincts. Exercise caution and refrain from proceeding with the purchase if you have doubts about the seller or the website's authenticity.

Recognizing Potential Scams: Warning Signs

While shopping online, it's crucial to be aware of common signs of scams:

  • Unusually low prices: Be skeptical of deals that are significantly cheaper than the market average.
  • Poor website design: Scammers may create poorly designed websites with grammatical errors and low-quality images.
  • Unsolicited communications: Beware of unsolicited emails, calls, or messages asking for personal information or payment details.
  • Limited payment options: Scammers often prefer less secure payment methods or ask for wire transfers.
  • Lack of contact information: Legitimate sellers provide clear contact information, including customer support channels.
  • No return policy or warranty: Reputable sellers usually offer return policies and warranties for their products.

Stay Safe and Shop with Confidence

By following these tips and remaining vigilant, you can shop online with confidence. Remember to research the seller, read reviews, protect your personal information, and use secure payment methods. By prioritizing your online safety, you can enjoy the convenience and wide selection offered by online shopping while minimizing the risks of falling victim to scams. Happy and secure online shopping!

(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)