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Found this Gingerbread House Puzzle at the Thrift Store for $1.00. There actually were a couple different Christmas Dowdle's there so I grabbed both of them. So there is a LOT of people in this image. Some are famous and some can be found in the most strange places. Like there's a person who is climbing up a roof top. There's a few people embedded in the trees. There are many people sitting on the roof tops in the snow! The Gingerbread House in the center areas is decorated quite prettily. You will need to look VERY carefully but how many famous characters can you spot?
Brand: Dowdle
Title: Gingerbread House Puzzle
Artist: Eric Dowdle
Pieces: 500
Size: 16" x 20"
Overall Experience: Good Cut Quality: Loose Board Quality: Snappy-good Shape Cut: Random Image Quality: good Hardest Area: The dark trees Puzzle Dust? minimal |
Finish Quality: Smooth Box Quality: Good and solid Sealed Pieces Inside Box: yes Was this purchased new? no Price: $1.00 Recommend Level: High Time: 9 hours |
I did my usual sorting routine.
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The border was tricky to complete due to the dark colors. A good portion of this image is dark due to the scene being a night time theme again.
I had yellows and blues to start assembling the snow-ice and lines on buildings to complete the main portion of the top first Gingerbread house with the orange-like colors.
The buildings behind the trees were tricky as were the homes in front of the skating rink. There were many skater and people figures. Some I recognized as being 'famous' like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis.
The finish is always nice on these Dowdle jigsaw puzzles. The image on the full size puzzle looks dark but when assembling the pieces, as you can see below, there is bright outlines on the details that were helpful.
This was a Thrift store purchase for $1.00 with no missing pieces however the cut was really quite loose and the pieces dropped into place and there was no moving sections of attached pieces. They had to be moved and placed one at a time (sadly of course).
The other Dowdle jigsaw puzzle I had purchased at the same time is titled Hometown Christmas and a little on the dark side too.
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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:
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)